Chapter 025 Hot Old Lady Fang
Xu Zhenying recognized her as Fang Ruyu, the eldest daughter of the Fang family and the second prince's fiancée. She was the woman who had been pinned down and spanked by the eunuchs in prison that day.
Seeing that he was already covered in blood and flesh, he must have been unable to walk for a long time. The two sisters hid in the donkey cart and even had to go to the toilet in the cart.
Xu Zhenying had just experienced Old Lady Fang's fiery temper, and as expected, Old Lady Fang was furious upon hearing this. "How could our Fang family, a family of noblesse oblige, raise someone as old-fashioned as you? Even your grandfather wasn't as pedantic! With her cowardly nature, she can't even protect her own daughter, and how can you expect her to raise a successful scholar? I think her illegitimate son has already been spoiled, so how can you expect him to? And you, after all these years of studying, your teachers have only taught you to be childishly dependent and subservient to men."
Miss Fang behind the curtain seemed stunned for a few seconds, then sobbed softly, truly pitiful. "Grandmother, why do you look down on me so much? It's said that if you don't care about the etiquette of a woman, you will lose face in the family and bring shame to the clan. These are the principles you taught your granddaughter. Why do you always think I'm old-fashioned and pedantic now? If you really think I'm an eyesore, I'll send a letter to Qiongzhou, asking Second Master to come pick me up soon, so that you won't be angry every time you see me."
"Listen, listen, what are you talking about? You are now made of clay, untouchable and unacceptable. Also, you are now the daughter of a guilty minister, so don't even think that the Second Prince will abide by the late emperor's marriage contract and marry you!"
"Grandmother, the Second Prince hasn't written a letter to cancel the engagement, proving he doesn't mind my granddaughter's family background and status. I grew up with the Second Master, and I know his character very well. He certainly won't follow the example of Chen Shimei and betray our family. Besides, before he left Beijing, I said I'd wait for him to return to fulfill the engagement. A gentleman keeps his word, and a good woman won't marry twice. As long as I don't see the letter of cancellation, I'll be his wife from the Zhou family."
Old Lady Fang was clearly furious with her granddaughter, blaming her eldest daughter-in-law for raising such a foolish child. "It's been less than two days since the Fang family was exiled. Second Master is far away in Qiongzhou, so it would have been a month before he even received the news. The Zhou family is all so heartless and suspicious. Do you think you're such a beauty that Second Master is willing to keep a criminal's daughter like you as his legal wife?"
The person behind the curtain paused, their breathing quickening. Although their tone was gentle, one could tell from their words that they were extremely stubborn. "Then I am willing to wait. As long as he doesn't mention breaking off the engagement, I will wait forever. Besides, I believe in Second Master. Once he has established himself in Qiongzhou, he will surely marry me off in a grand ceremony. When the time comes, I will definitely fulfill my filial duty and bring my grandparents, father, and mother to Qiongzhou to enjoy a peaceful and comfortable life."
"Ouch..." Old Madam Fang rubbed her temples, a look of deep helplessness on her face. "He's so stubborn, I can't explain it to him..."
Old Mrs. Fang and her granddaughter were bickering back and forth, and it seemed that only then did she notice Xu Zhenying who had been standing next to them.
A trace of embarrassment flashed across Old Lady Fang's face. She coughed twice and said unnaturally, "I'm making Miss Xu Liu laugh at me."
Xu Zhenying watched the excitement, but he didn't take it seriously. Miss Fang was only sixteen or seventeen, and by modern standards, she should still be in high school. At that age, people are rebellious and stubborn, and no matter how much they try to reason with them, they won't turn back until they hit a wall.
Old Madam Fang's face was pale and she seemed extremely anxious and angry. Xu Zhenying had no choice but to lower his voice and comfort her. "Old Madam, don't worry so much. Miss Fang has been confined to the carriage all day, and this small world has limited her thinking. We must give her some hope and thoughts to live on. As a girl, you should meet more people and see more scenery. The road to Qianzhou is full of difficulties and dangers. Once Miss Fang has seen more of the sufferings of the world, perhaps she will feel that love is nothing more than a trivial matter."
Old Lady Fang knew all this, but she was ultimately overwhelmed by her concern. Hearing Xu Zhenying speak like this, she felt even more helpless and could only nod in agreement. "I hope so. You've seen that my granddaughter is stubborn and inflexible. I'm afraid she's taken a wrong turn."
"Miss Fang is young and has been raised at home. This ordeal will surely broaden her horizons and lead to a new life. Madam Fang, there's no need to be too anxious, lest you become ill from anger."
Old Mrs. Fang listened to all these words and felt that Xu Zhenying was exceptionally sensible and considerate. She finally smiled a little, "You little girl, you're so sweet. Go meet your parents someday. I'd like to ask them how they raised such a sensible and well-behaved girl like you."
Xu Zhenying didn't refuse, but only smiled politely, his tone still neither cold nor indifferent, "It's my parents' turn to come and see you. Now isn't the right time to talk. When I have time, I'll have my parents come and listen to the old lady's teachings."
Xu Zhenying walked away.
Old Mrs. Fang was still watching, with a thoughtful look in her eyes.
A corner of the curtain was lifted, revealing two pretty, delicate faces. Fang Ruyu had just had an argument with her grandmother, and now a look of shame appeared on her face. Fang Ningmo saw that her grandmother was fascinated and couldn't help but ask, "Grandma, are you looking at Sister Xu?"
Old Lady Fang turned her head and saw Fang Ruyu huddled in the corner. She snorted coldly, "I was wondering why such a sensible and well-behaved girl wasn't my granddaughter. Maybe I would have fewer white hairs—"
Fang Ningmo quickly shook Old Lady Fang's arm and said coquettishly, "Grandma, please don't be angry with my sister. She already knows she's wrong. You are a magnanimous person, so please don't bother with her. Besides, even if you want the Xu family sister to be your granddaughter, Old Lady Xu won't agree—"
Fang Ningmo secretly tugged at Fang Ruyu's sleeve again. Fang Ruyu hesitated for a moment, not daring to look into her grandmother's eyes. Then, with her head lowered, she said in a weak voice, "Grandma, I know I was wrong. I shouldn't talk back. Please punish me."
Old Lady Fang looked at the two little girls' heavily wrapped feet, thinking of their injuries, and felt a little more pity. "Forget it, why should I be angry with you? Ruyu, you are simple-minded and don't know the dangers of this world. If you observe and think more during this journey, perhaps you will understand Grandmother's painstaking efforts."
This time Fang Ruyu didn't dare to talk back and quickly nodded in agreement.
As Xu Zhenying walked back, he heard a commotion in the distance. Seeing that all the Xu family members were gathered together and vaguely heard shouting and cursing, Xu Zhenying's heart skipped a beat and he ran over quickly.
It was already evening, dusk was gathering in the west, and the moon was faintly visible.
There were many people in the camp. Many of them had already sat down, took out their dry food and started eating quietly, while many others were collecting firewood to make a fire.
It’s quite lively here with the Xu family.
Xu Zhenying saw a few pieces of steamed buns scattered on the ground, trampled into pieces. A large group of people from the Xu family surrounded the bailiff and seemed to be arguing.
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