Little Zhang told Chunmei to go to the small kitchen to see how Zhang Ruoshu's medicine was going, and then she walked alone towards the backyard room.
As she passed through the Da Zhang family's courtyard, she heard the faint sound of a wooden fish. She stopped and listened for a moment, a hint of a sneer rising in her heart.
After several years of hardship, Xiao Zhang finally realized that in the Liang family, her real enemy was not others, but her aunt Da Zhang.
This is a poisonous snake hiding in the dark, and I almost became her accomplice in the past.
Recalling the past, Xiao Zhang had strongly opposed Liang Fushan marrying Zhang Ruoshu, and she was more interested in the young lady of Xingyuan Marquis Mansion.
If Liang Fushan could marry the daughter of the Marquis's Mansion, the Liang family would not only gain strong support in the court, but also be able to obtain an immeasurable dowry with the strong financial resources of the Xingyuan Marquis' Mansion.
After the new daughter-in-law comes into the house, will she not care about her mother-in-law's life? As long as the family is harmonious, she will always be able to enjoy the blessings.
But Mrs. Zhang insisted on her own way and facilitated the marriage between Liang Fushan and her niece Ruoshu.
At first, Xiao Zhang thought that Da Zhang was just being selfish and wanted to support her mother's family.
However, on the wedding night, in order to add to the festive atmosphere, Xiao Zhang ordered people to set off a string of firecrackers.
Who would have thought that the sound of the cannon would make Zhang Ruoshu sick.
At that moment, Xiao Zhang woke up from her dream and finally saw the true face of Da Zhang's cold and ruthless face.
And she herself had unknowingly become a pawn of Da Zhang, who had made her an accomplice, which shocked her.
Going back even further, when Liang Fushan was still studying, little Zhang vaguely felt that something was wrong.
After her husband Liang Qiyuan passed away, Liang Fushan became the only male in the family. Although he was not her biological son, as long as he was well raised, he would still be the hope of the family.
However, Madam Zhang sent him to Zhuangzi to study, and all the suffering he endured was in vain.
At that time, Xiao Zhang did not have enough dowry, and the family expenses were completely controlled by Da Zhang. She could only watch helplessly but could do nothing.
This time when Liang Fushan returned to Beijing to take up his post, he was not only promoted to a higher position, but also favored by the emperor. All his family members were given imperial decrees.
However, at this joyful moment, Xiao Zhang felt vaguely uneasy. Da Zhang's unusual calmness made her suspicious and even a little flustered.
This calmness gave Xiao Zhang an illusion, as if Da Zhang was a poisonous snake waiting for an opportunity, spitting out red letters, ready to kill someone with one bite. This unknown fear made her feel unprecedented oppression.
Chunmei came over from the small kitchen with a bowl of medicine, and the two of them went to Zhang Ruoshu's residence together - the quietest backyard in the mansion.
However, some time ago, the neighboring Fan Mansion built a stage at the back wall, and the noisy sound of gongs and drums made Zhang Ruoshu sick.
Afterwards, the Fan family sent people to inquire about the situation, which frightened little Zhang. She was deeply afraid that the family scandal would be exposed and damage the official reputation of her stepson Liang Fushan.
"Madam, the residue of this medicine looks very strong, and the boiled medicine smells very bitter!" Chunmei frowned and said worriedly.
"Good medicine tastes bitter, but perhaps it will actually be more effective," Little Zhang said softly. "Well, I'll take it to Shu'er. Go get some honeyed hawthorns. Eat some of them after you finish the medicine to get rid of the bitter taste in your mouth."
Chunmei carefully handed the tray to Xiao Zhang, then turned around and hurried back to the small kitchen.
Little Zhang, carrying the medicine, slowly walked towards the side room. She saw Zhang Ruoshu intently copying calligraphy, and a sense of comfort welled up in her heart. How wonderful it would be if life could always be this peaceful and tranquil.
"Shu'er, it's time to take your medicine." Little Zhang said softly, breaking the silence in the room.
Zhang Ruoshu raised her head, her clear eyes showing a hint of understanding.
She put down the brush in her hand, took the medicine bowl handed to her by Xiao Zhang, and smiled slightly: "Thank you for your help, mother."
Little Zhang gently patted the back of Zhang Ruoshu's hand and said softly, "Good child, your understanding reassures me. Drink it quickly. After drinking it, eat some honeyed hawthorn, and it won't be so bitter."
Zhang Ruoshu nodded, closed her eyes, and drank the medicine in the bowl in one gulp. Her brow furrowed slightly, clearly irritated by the bitterness of the medicine. But soon, Chunmei came in with a plate of honeyed hawthorns and handed it to Zhang Ruoshu.
"Young Madam, please eat some honeyed hawthorn to get rid of the bitterness." Chunmei said with a smile.
Zhang Ruoshu picked up a piece of honey hawthorn and put it in her mouth. The sweetness instantly spread across her tongue, diluting the bitterness of the medicine.
She glanced at Chunmei gratefully, then turned to Xiao Zhang: "Mother, I don't feel bitter anymore. You should also try this honey hawthorn, it's really sweet."
Madam Zhang smiled and shook her head. "As long as Shu'er likes it, I won't eat it. You should rest well and take good care of yourself. That's the most important thing."
At this time, Liang Fushan walked out of the cabinet. As his carriage drove out of the Imperial City Office, it was abruptly stopped by an oncoming carriage.
The person who came to report was Liang Fushan's mother-in-law, Zhang Wangshi. She said anxiously that she had chosen to wait for her son-in-law here only when she had no other choice.
Liang Fushan suggested that if his mother-in-law had important matters, she could go back home to discuss them.
However, Wang Shi hurriedly waved her hands and said, "No, I just don't want to go to Liang Mansion, so I waited for you here."
Liang Fushan looked surprised and asked the reason.
Wang's eyes were slightly red as she explained that since they returned to Beijing, it had become increasingly difficult for her to see her daughter. Especially since Liang Fushan's grandmother, once she knew about it, she would always try to prevent her from seeing Ruoshu.
Tears glistened in her eyes. "No matter what, it was the Zhang family that wronged you back then. I also know how well you took care of Shu'er during those three years in Qingzhou."
She took a deep breath and continued, "Now that you hold a high position in the capital, I'm afraid Shu'er will become a burden to you. I think it would be better for us to sign the divorce agreement and I'll take Shu'er home."
Liang Fushan was stunned when he heard this, but he quickly responded, "I am deeply grateful to my mother-in-law for thinking about my career. But I, Liang Fushan, am definitely not an ungrateful person. Regardless of the reason for our marriage, now that I have married Ruoshu, I will take care of her wholeheartedly."
He paused slightly and continued, "I have been very busy with official duties recently and have not been able to accompany Ruoshu as much. But my mother is a sensible person. She will be there to help take care of Ruoshu. Please rest assured, mother-in-law."
Zhang Wangshi knew that Liang Fushan would not easily agree to a divorce. After all, once the divorce was signed, regardless of the reason, Liang Fushan would be branded as a man who had abandoned his wife. Therefore, she did not dwell on the matter too much, but directly stated her real demands.
"Then, do you agree that I should take Shu'er back to my hometown and let her recuperate there for a while?"
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