Chapter 92. Shen Rong is truly more wronged than Dou E. ...

With Lu Xuan and Lu You coming to pick them up, Shen Rong only took Gui Chun back to the Lu family home, and gave Zhang Ma's family a holiday so that they could also go back to the countryside to visit relatives.

Xiao Ming is always very enthusiastic about going out. He stared curiously out the window, noticing how different the scenery was from the north. He kept exclaiming in surprise.

Lu Xuan doted on him, which made him adore his aunt and cuddle up to her.

Before setting off, Lu You had already sent a telegram home, and the Lu family estimated the time and sent someone to pick him up at the station.

Shen Rong brought quite a lot of things. In addition to what she brought back from Bincheng, she also bought some things in Pingcheng. Fortunately, the Lu family sent two cars to help her.

"Young mistress, you must be tired from your journey."

Shen Rong looked up, somewhat surprised: "Why is it you here, Aunt Wu? It's the middle of the night."

Aunt Wu is a close confidante of Madam Lu, and Xiao Ming, as the eldest grandson of the Lu family, has more face.

Lu Xuan smiled and said, "Mom must be eager to see her grandson."

Aunt Wu chuckled, her eyes fixed on the back, as she asked Xiaoming a question.

Gui Chun carried the child forward. It was late at night, and Xiao Ming was half asleep.

Aunt Wu wanted to help but was afraid of startling the child, so she couldn't stop smiling and showered him with compliments: "He's so good-looking, just like the young master."

Why does everyone have to say that? Shen Rong was both amused and exasperated, feeling like she had no sense of participation at all.

Lu Xuan: "His smile looks like my sister-in-law's."

Lu You and the others had already packed their luggage and were calling everyone to get on the bus. Wu Ma asked Gui Chun to hold the baby, saying considerately, "You've been carrying the baby all the way, let me do it, you guys take a rest."

Judging from her expression, she wasn't tired at all, but she still wanted to take it. Shen Rong gently nodded to Gui Chun.

Wu Ma was overjoyed to snag the lap seat. Looking at Xiao Ming, who was fast asleep in her arms, she couldn't get enough of him, her eyes filled with tenderness.

The fog was quite thick in the early morning. As the car entered the town, the eaves of the Lu family's house could be seen in the distance. The car was moving very slowly. Upon seeing the car, the Lu family's servants hurriedly went back to report the news, while others went to light the firecrackers on both sides of the road.

A crackling sound rang out, and Wu's mother covered her ears, afraid of frightening the child. However, Xiaoming stared curiously out of the car, not afraid at all.

The two elders of the Lu family came out, smiling as they approached. As soon as the car stopped, Lu Xuan couldn't wait and jumped out.

Everyone crowded around as if they were watching a spectacle, especially Lu's mother, who couldn't wait to take ownership of holding her grandson from Wu's mother.

"My dear grandson, it's Grandma! Come on, let Grandma hug you!" Mother Lu clapped her hands to attract Xiaoming's attention.

Firecrackers were lit again. Mrs. Lu frowned. Who was making such a loud noise? What if it startled her precious grandson?

"Ah Rong, you must be tired. Let's go inside now," Lu's mother said to Shen Rong with a loving expression.

Shen Rong could tell that Lu's mother was somewhat disappointed. Her grandson's unfamiliar gaze and refusal to let her hold him made Lu's mother feel down.

She took her son and forcefully placed him in Lu's mother's arms: "This is Grandma, let Grandma hold you."

Xiao Ming was an easygoing person. Since his mother had given him to someone else, he figured they weren't strangers anymore. He stretched out his two chubby arms and hugged Lu's mother, leaning against her obediently. He looked around at the people with curiosity, his face showing a shyness he had never seen before.

Neighbors and friends gathered around, showering Xiaoming with compliments. Shen Rong felt a little embarrassed and turned around to see Jiang Yufen, who was also pregnant, coming out. She quickly helped her up, saying, "There are too many people outside, let's go inside."

Fortunately, she had been here once before and knew the Lu family's place well, so she didn't need anyone to guide her.

People outside were flattering Mr. and Mrs. Lu, saying that the main character today was Young Master Lu, and that Shen Rong was just a deliveryman who would go unnoticed if he disappeared.

"He's got some guts," said Mr. Lu, stroking his grandson's chubby little hand, his eyes crinkling into a smile.

"Tell someone to bring out more firecrackers." Since the grandson isn't afraid, then set off plenty, making sure the whole town knows that the Lu family has gained a big, healthy grandson.

Xiao Ming clung to his grandmother, refusing to let anyone look. Occasionally, when someone tried to touch him inappropriately, he would frown slightly, showing some displeasure, which only excited the adults more.

The Lu family was very generous, distributing red eggs and pastries to the neighbors who came to watch the spectacle.

Looking at the items in their hands, the neighbors' smiles became even more genuine: "The Lu family is truly generous."

"As the eldest son and grandson, the Lu family is not short of money. They keep a low profile to avoid attracting attention."

Someone leaned over and said, "I heard that their second young mistress is pregnant too. Maybe she can have another one this year?"

Shen Rong moved all her luggage into her and Lu Lin's room.

Jiang Yufen said to her, "Sister-in-law, do you want to rest for a while?"

Shen Rong shook her head: "I dozed off in the car for a while, I'm not very tired." Looking at her belly, she said, "You're almost due, aren't you?"

Jiang Yufen touched her belly, a sweet smile on her face: "There's still more than a month to go."

Have you gone to the hospital for a checkup?

Jiang Yufen: "The family has called a doctor and a midwife to check on me, and the pregnancy looks good." She leaned closer to Shen Rong and whispered, "They said that my pregnancy might be a girl."

Her family felt a little disappointed, but she was very happy because she and Shen You both wanted a daughter.

Shen Rong smiled: "Really?"

"But we'll have to wait until the baby is born to know." Jiang Yufen pursed her lips, her eyes full of smiles.

The two talked about their recent situations, as well as Lu You's business and the situation in Bincheng, and both were somewhat worried.

Business is tough for Lu You Trading Company these days, and he'd like to try other ventures, but he hasn't found a good way yet.

"Just tell me if you need any help," Shen Rong said to her.

Jiang Yufen nodded, then spoke of Lu Chang: "My third brother is currently working in Jincheng, I think in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce."

I heard it's a lucrative position, and the third concubine has been very pleased with herself lately. With her son's success, she has something to look forward to.

Lu Chang, a young master, was able to take up an important position in Jincheng after returning from Bincheng. It must not be that simple. Jiang Yufen secretly guessed that perhaps he had a mission when he went to Bincheng.

She wanted to see if Shen Rong knew.

"Really? I haven't heard about that. Going to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce is a good option." Shen Rong was confident, but it was better not to say anything. She smiled and nodded.

Seeing that she wasn't surprised at all that Lu Chang could become an official, Jiang Yufen realized that her elder brother and sister-in-law knew about their third brother's affairs.

"The news only came back a few days ago, and we just found out too." Since her sister-in-law wasn't going to say anything, it couldn't be brought up in the open, so she knew what was going on and didn't ask any more questions.

We're all one family, and I just hope everyone is doing well.

Lu Xuan walked in from outside with a smile: "Great! You guys are having a peaceful time here. So many people have come outside, I'm exhausted."

Her face was stiff from smiling, and Lu Xuan rubbed her cheeks.

Shen Rong smiled at her and said, "We're not the main characters. Your second sister-in-law is unwell, so I asked her to keep me company. Why did you come?"

Lu Xuan remembered something important: "Mom asked me to call you to dinner."

Shen Rong checked the time; it wasn't lunchtime yet.

Jiang Yufen stood up with a smile: "Your parents must have asked us to eat early. If you eat early, you can get some rest."

Mr. and Mrs. Lu invited some close relatives to have dinner together, including the family of their third uncle, who was Mr. Lu's cousin and a close member of the eldest branch of the family.

Third Aunt had a round face, a dignified and proper appearance, and loved to smile. She always praised Shen Rong.

Mother Lu listened with pride, and when the topic of Bincheng came up, Third Aunt said with longing, "I've never even been to Pingcheng, so I'll probably never see anything like what you're talking about in my life."

Looking at her, Lu's mother smiled and said, "Am I the same?"

It's so difficult for these women to go out. They spend their whole lives in their parents' home and their husband's home. Some of them never even leave their town.

Lu Xuan's eyes lit up, and she came up with a good idea: "Mom, why don't you go and stay in Pingcheng for a while? My sister-in-law would definitely welcome you, right?"

How could Shen Rong refuse her mother-in-law? Naturally, she nodded and said, "Pingcheng isn't very far. Mother can stay there for a while, and I'll show you around."

Lu's mother could easily see through her daughter's wicked thoughts; she couldn't stand staying at home any longer. She said to Lu Xuan, "Give up on that idea. Your father won't let you leave home."

She looked at Shen Rong again, and shook her head with a smile: "I'm used to living in the countryside, I can't stand staying in the city. Actually, being a country bumpkin is pretty good."

My third aunt smiled and nodded, agreeing with this statement. They were getting on in years and preferred stability. They were unwilling to leave their hometown: "Young people have their own world, and we have our own world too. You young people can see and explore more, but someone has to take care of the home. It's good for us to take care of the home."

Lu Xuan's plan failed, and she was a little unhappy, pouting as she poked at the rice in her bowl.

"What's wrong with Lu Xuan?" Shen Rong glanced at Jiang Yufen.

Jiang Yufen whispered, "I'll tell you later."

After everyone had finished eating, they went to the side to drink tea and chat. Lu's mother asked someone to bring her grandson from the front yard.

Mr. Lu had been monopolizing his grandson for a long time, and she was getting a little dissatisfied. She thought he had shown off enough and wanted to spend some quality time with her grandson.

A short while later, Aunt Wu returned carrying Xiaoming.

His mouth was greasy; it was obvious he'd been sneaking a bite.

Lu's mother frowned: "What did you feed him?" These men don't know how to take care of children. Don't feed the child anything he shouldn't, or he'll get a stomachache.

Aunt Wu laughed and said, "He only ate a little less than half a bowl of steamed egg custard. Just now, Third Master licked some fatty meat for him, so it must have been greasy."

Auntie San shook her head when she heard this: "Nonsense, how old is he to be eating meat?"

Shen Rong wiped her son's mouth and said with a smile, "It's okay, he's just greedy, I've let him lick it before."

Mother Lu kissed her grandson: "Grandma's dear grandson wants to eat meat. How about I make you some meat soup tomorrow?"

Whether he truly understood or not, he slurped his saliva, stomped his feet, and clapped his hands with delight.

"You little glutton." Shen Rong poked his cheek.

Looking at her chubby grandson, Auntie San was a little envious: "Being able to eat is a blessing."

After saying that, she reached out and pinched Xiaoming's chubby cheeks. Xiaoming grabbed her hand, glared at her, and tried to bite her!

Shen Rong reacted quickly and blocked it, scolding him, "Don't bite people!"

"The little guy is angry!" Auntie San exclaimed excitedly.

Shen Rong nodded with a smile. He didn't like people pinching his cheeks; if they did, he would get angry.

He's really not shy around strangers. In just a short time, he's become incredibly close to his grandma. Even his mom doesn't really want him anymore because she's always scolding him. Grandma is different; as long as he shows even the slightest bit of grievance, she'll pluck the stars from the sky for him.

Despite his young age, he's already quite perceptive and knows who cares for him and who will spoil him unconditionally. When his mother tentatively offered to put him to bed that night, Xiaoming actually agreed without crying or fussing, which delighted his grandparents.

Shen Rong was somewhat heartbroken. What happened to her supposed biological son? But seeing the boxes of good things that the Lu family elders sent, she thought, fine, she'll just consider it as him selling himself to earn the family fortune.

Lying on the canopy bed that night, Shen Rong looked to the outside and missed Lu Lin again.

The next day, even more relatives and friends came to see the little one. Shen Rong made a brief appearance before heading to Jiang Yufen's place. Since everyone was there for the little one, she let the Lu family elders handle the socializing while she took a break.

When the two started talking about Lu Xuan, Jiang Yufen recounted the events that had happened to Lu Xuan recently.

It turns out that Wu Xinbai had confessed his feelings to Lu Xuan at some point, and the two actually started dating secretly. When Lu's father found out, he naturally disagreed and refused outright, also forbidding her from contacting him again.

"I heard that my father is looking for a husband for my younger sister recently, but no one in the family dares to say anything, for fear that she will cause a scene!"

"Has Father met Wu Xinbai? Did he say why he objected?" Shen Rong was somewhat surprised. Actually, Wu Xinbai's conditions weren't that bad, so there was no reason for him to refuse outright.

Jiang Yufen shook her head: "My father said it's not suitable; he's never met him."

Mr. Lu is a typical patriarch; if he says no, then no, and he doesn't need to give anyone an explanation.

Shen Rong sighed, "It's alright, my little sister is still young, she'll get over it eventually."

Jiang Yufen didn't think so. She glanced around. The maid was far away, so she lowered her voice and said, "My little sister has been running around a lot lately. I suspect that Wu classmate might be coming after us."

Shen Rong exclaimed in surprise, "No way!"

If Wu Xinbai comes but doesn't visit, instead hiding and trying to seduce Lu Xuan, then such an irresponsible person is indeed not a good match.

The two talked for a while longer, both thinking that as time went on, Lu Xuan might let it go. She was still young, and Lu Xuan didn't seem sad on the surface.

Shen Rong had an easy time at the Lu family. She didn't need to take care of her son much. That was the good thing about having a large family. Everyone could hold him for a while, and the day would pass quickly.

She spent her days either talking to Lu Xuan and Jiang Yufen or playing cards with everyone, truly living the life of a pampered young mistress who didn't have to worry about anything. But every night, she would still miss that distant city and that person.

They spent ten days at the Lu family's house before the Shen family sent people to fetch them and their son to return home.

Lu's mother prepared large and small bags for Lu and instructed Shen Rong, "Stay at your parents' home for a while longer. Your mother probably misses you all very much."

She kissed her grandson with a hint of reluctance: "My dear grandson, you must miss Grandma."

Xiao Ming is quite clever; he leaned forward and kissed Lu's mother, instantly appeasing the old lady.

Lu's mother's eyes were red, and Lu's father couldn't bear to see it. He urged the driver to hurry up and get on the road, unaware that the clenched fist behind his back betrayed his emotions.

He hadn't had enough of his grandson yet, but no one in the Shen family had seen the child, so he couldn't just hoard him and not let them see him.

Mr. and Mrs. Shen made a special trip back to their hometown to see their daughter and grandson, and like the Lu family, they arranged a grand ceremony.

Shen Jiashi's maternal uncle came to pick him up in person. After getting out of the car, he even played with him by tossing him high in the air. The little guy was very excited, but it scared Shen's mother quite a bit.

"Shen Jiashi, are you asking for a beating? If you scare my grandson, I'll never forgive you."

Shen's father also stared at his son with hostility, as if he were looking at an enemy.

Shen Jiashi weakly spoke up for himself: "I know what I'm doing."

Shen Rong was unfazed: "It's alright, it won't scare him. His dad throws him like this in Bin too, he's used to it!"

Shen Jiashi raised his chin, thankfully his sister spoke up for him.

"That won't do either. Can your brother compare to your son-in-law? He's like a weakling. Don't let him drop my grandson." Mother Shen was not at all at ease with her son.

Shen Jiashi knew that his status in the family had dropped another place.

"Are you hungry? Mom had the kitchen make you lots of delicious food." Mother Shen pulled her daughter close and looked her over carefully. "You've lost weight." She also looked a little haggard.

"Is the child difficult to take care of?" Mrs. Shen asked with concern.

Shen Rong shook her head: "No, I don't have to worry about the child much. Maybe he hasn't had a good appetite lately."

Shen Jia chuckled beside her, a smug look on his face that said he knew what was going on: "Mom, you don't need to ask. She must be missing her brother-in-law."

Shen Rong glared at him. She admitted that she missed him a little, but not to the point of losing her appetite. She was thin because... because she really had a poor appetite lately due to the frequent moving around.

However, Chen's mother agreed with her son's reasoning, sighed, and comforted her daughter: "Don't worry, your father knows some friends, and everyone says that a war won't break out. Jincheng is also asking foreigners to mediate."

Mr. Shen frowned, somewhat disapproving of his daughter's demeanor, feeling that she should be strong: "Since he is a soldier, he will have to go to the battlefield sooner or later. You should be prepared for that, and you should have been mentally prepared long ago."

Mother Shen stared wide-eyed. What was wrong with this old man? He didn't know how to say anything comforting. Instead, it sounded like he was cursing his son-in-law.

Despite her reluctance, Chen Rong nodded in agreement: "Dad is right. I knew this day would come sooner or later. The battlefield is dangerous, and I could lose my life at any time. I'm prepared, but I still can't help thinking about him and worrying about him."

Mother Shen's eyes reddened again. What a mess this was! If only she had known... if only she hadn't let her daughter marry Lu Lin. She would have preferred to choose a rich young man instead. Even if he was good-for-nothing, at least she wouldn't have to worry about him dying on the battlefield.

The father frowned, thinking that his wife had made a mistake again.

Fortunately, Xiaoming was good at livening up the atmosphere. Taking advantage of everyone's inattention, he quickly and accurately grabbed a chicken leg and put it in his mouth!

The crowd gasped and rushed to grab it, instantly dispelling the somber atmosphere.

"All you ever think about is food, you little glutton! You think you can eat a chicken leg with just a few grains of rice? Dream on!" Shen Rong pinched his mouth, deliberately teasing him with the chicken leg, and then took a big bite herself.

Xiao Ming got anxious, felt wronged and unhappy, and stomped his foot hard, almost making Shen Jiashi poop.

The mother couldn't bear to see her grandson being wronged, so she hugged him and coaxed him, "Bad Mommy, let's ignore her. Grandma will give you minced meat, okay?"

She scooped up a spoonful, and Xiaoming eagerly came over, looking like he hadn't eaten for days.

The mother glared at her daughter and said, "Look how hungry he is. You, as his mother, don't even care."

She was just craving food, it had nothing to do with being hungry. Shen Rong was even more wronged than Dou E.