Song Anxin sighed inwardly and said, "Madam, you don't need to be so polite. I only found out by chance while investigating Aunt Lin's affairs. The old lady has passed away, so I hope you will take care of yourself and not be too heartbroken."
Grandma Su nodded and looked at Aunt Lin, saying, "Aunt Lin, you are a good person, and I thank you for taking care of Mingzhu all these years. I never knew that my most beloved granddaughter was being treated like this in the mansion. That little slut Su Jinmei really put on a good show!"
“Grandmother, don’t be sad and blame yourself. Mingzhu didn’t tell you because she was afraid you would worry. With Aunt Lin protecting me, I’m doing very well.”
Liu Mingzhu held Old Madam Su's hand affectionately.
"Oh, good, Mingzhu is such a sensible and good child, just like your mother." Grandma Su said, patting her head affectionately.
“Mother-in-law, it is my fault. I have neglected to discipline my children at home, which has allowed the treacherous servant to take advantage of the situation and deceive me, and Mingzhu has also suffered injustice.”
After learning the cause of his deceased wife's death last night, Master Liu was utterly ashamed. He realized that the murderer had been by his side for so many years, and that even the virtuous and kind woman in his household was just an act.
Madam Su sighed: "It's not your fault. I was also deceived by that little slut for so many years. You are a grown man who has to take care of the family's businesses, so naturally there are many things at home that you can't attend to."
Master Liu was filled with grief and self-reproach. He said, "Mother-in-law, rest assured, there will be no more wives in the Liu family from now on, and Mingzhu will not suffer any grievances under any woman."
Although what Master Liu said was sincere, Old Madam Su, having lived for so many years, knew that a man's words could not be trusted forever, so she said...
“A mistress of the household is necessary. I have seen that Aunt Lin has been honest, kind and simple in the household for so many years. She treats Mingzhu like her own daughter. I am very at ease with Mingzhu under her care.”
“What does Mother-in-law mean…” Master Liu inquired.
Madam Su glanced at Song Anxin and Lin Taohua, who were talking to each other, and said, "Jinxiu's kindness has been rewarded. There are some things in the mansion that you can't learn. Think about it yourself." She looked down at Liu Mingzhu with a loving expression and said, "Mingzhu, your grandmother is gone. If you need anything, remember to send someone to find your grandmother. Also, remember to come and visit your grandmother often."
Liu Mingzhu returned a sweet smile to Madam Su and replied, "Yes, Grandmother, take care. Mingzhu will miss you."
After bidding farewell to Liu Mingzhu, Madam Su turned and got into her carriage. Once Madam Su's carriage had left, Liu Mingzhu stared wide-eyed at Master Liu and said:
"Father, I want Aunt Lin to be my mother."
Children are the best at knowing who truly cares for them.
Looking at the sincerity and longing in Liu Mingzhu's eyes, Master Liu nodded emphatically and said, "Alright, let Aunt Lin be your mother."
Lin Taohua was utterly stunned upon hearing this news; disbelief was written all over her face.
"Master, but I am just a woman from the countryside. I don't know how to manage the household, and I can't even read many characters."
Liu Mingzhu quickly said, "Aunt Lin, Mingzhu can teach you to read. Mingzhu doesn't want anyone else to be my mother. I only want you to be my mother. In Mingzhu's heart, I have long regarded you as my mother."
Lin Taohua covered her mouth and tears welled up in her eyes. In fact, she had long regarded Mingzhu as her own daughter.
Master Liu said, “Aunt Lin, you have been honest and kind in the manor for so many years. You have borne me a son and a daughter and have also taken good care of Mingzhu as if she were your own. I believe you will not mistreat Mingjie. Only with you as the Madam of the Liu family can I feel at ease.”
As for cooking, I will find someone to teach you in the manor. You can also learn to read gradually, so don't worry. I will treat you with respect and kindness from now on, and I will definitely treat you well.
Lin Taohua was deeply moved. She knew that the master's heart belonged only to the first wife, but she was still satisfied that the master had spoken to her like this.
She said, "Thank you for your kindness, sir. I will do my best to manage everything at home, treat our children well, and help them grow into successful adults."
Song Anxin was somewhat surprised that Master Liu actually wanted to make Tao Hua his official wife, and it was even proposed by Old Madam Su. However, she could understand it; although Master Liu said there would be no more Madam Liu, who could say for sure?
Peach Blossom may not be the most suitable candidate to manage the household as the mistress of the house, but she is the one that Old Madam Su and Master Liu can trust the most. Most importantly, Peach Blossom's family has produced such a virtuous and intelligent lady of the seventh rank. Even though Peach Blossom comes from a farming family, the Liu family clan will definitely not say anything.
Just then, several yamen runners rushed towards Song Anxin.
"Greetings, Madam Hui. Madam Hui, the magistrate would like to invite you to the yamen."
Song Anxin guessed that Lord Yan had asked him about her encounter with bandits last night, since she had not lost any money or suffered any casualties.
"Peach Blossom, congratulations on becoming the Lady of the Liu Family. Mingzhu and Mingyue's second aunts have left. Master Liu, farewell!"
Liu Mingzhu hugged Song Anxin and whispered in her ear, "Second Aunt, thank you."
Song Anxin gently patted Mingzhu's head. Mingzhu was so young but already knew so much. Fortunately, everything would be alright in the future.
Seeing this, Liu Mingyue went up and hugged Song Anxin. She said in a clear voice, "Goodbye, Second Aunt. I will miss you. You must come often in the future."
Master Liu cupped his hands and said, "Please take your time, Madam Hui. I thank you again."
Liu Taohua held her second sister-in-law's hand, her heart filled with gratitude. She knew that all of this was because of her second sister-in-law. Without her second sister-in-law, she would not have been alive until now, and she had even become the lady of the Liu family. She would remember this kindness for the rest of her life.
"Second sister-in-law, be careful on the road."
Song Anxin patted her hand, turned around, and got into the carriage.
Upon arriving at the county government office, they met Magistrate Yan, who indeed asked her about her encounter with the bandits the previous day. Song Anxin recounted everything in detail, and the four from Qingshan added a great deal of information.
Of course, they didn't mention that the bandit leader seemed to know her, and she herself wasn't even sure, so mentioning it would only cause more trouble.
Yan Shuling looked somewhat tired from being busy with the bandits lately, and he frowned as he pondered the matter.
"Recently, some merchant caravans that encountered bandits from the Lianshan Mountains were either killed or injured, while others only lost money and goods. You, Madam Hui, are the first to escape without losing any money or suffering any injuries. Madam Hui, do you have any insights on this?"
Song Anxin pondered for a moment and said, "The bandit leader I encountered seemed to only want to rob money and not kill people. When her accomplices left, they mentioned that they had to explain to the leader. I think the bandits in Lianshan may have different ways of doing things than the bandit leader, and there may be some internal conflicts."
Yan Shuping nodded: "I think so too."
At this moment, someone came to report.
"Your Excellency, Lin Tongsheng from Renshan Academy has arrived."
"Let him in directly," Yan Shuling said.
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