Chapter 48 The Old Madam is in Trouble
Old Madam Qin is dying.
Since getting married, she hadn't had a single day of peace. Her husband's family was a prestigious clan with a long history, but by his generation, the main branch had only one son, pampered and spoiled since childhood. He was naive and ignorant of the world, but of good character. Although he loved to play, he never actively sought trouble, and he would even help those in need. Marrying such a man was already considered lucky, and what's more, they were engaged when they were thirteen or fourteen. From that moment on, she felt she had a partner, and therefore remained very chaste. Her husband had always been devoted to her, never causing her any trouble in matters of the heart. She was truly grateful to him. He was also grateful to her, because she was not only his wife, but also his mother, sister, close friend, and housekeeper.
Her in-laws had passed away long before she married into the family. The day after their wedding, her husband handed her all the household accounts and keys. With the elders gone and him not exactly a good manager, the accounts he gave her were naturally a mess. She struggled to sort them out, as some of the methods were rather underhanded and she was worried that her husband might perceive her as ruthless, potentially causing discord between them. She was genuinely afraid, so she found an opportunity to discuss some matters with him seriously, intending to test him. She assumed he wouldn't care and wouldn't know anything, but to her surprise, he remained calm, simply smiling, quite pleased with himself. He said he was incredibly lucky to have married such a beautiful and capable wife; he now had someone to rely on and could continue to play carefree. She scolded him for being unambitious and irresponsible, but secretly she was happy. He was so good; she was willing to be his support, letting him enjoy his life to the fullest. But he ultimately "played" himself to death.
In the dead of winter, amidst heavy snow, he insisted on boating on the lake, trying to emulate the lone fisherman in the snowy landscape. He was jolted into the water by a fish – and it was the deep winter water! When he was pulled out, he was barely alive. He was brought home, his face pale, his body ice-cold and stiff, impossible to warm or soften. Every renowned doctor in Pingcheng was consulted, but they all shook their heads, saying it was up to fate. She wept bitterly before him, holding her child, but her cries couldn't bring him back. After lying there all night, he suddenly opened his eyes, looked at her, and weakly said he was leaving, and that he was truly sorry to them, mother and child.
Her husband was gone, and she became a widow. Young and fresh-faced, everyone said she was capable, but after all, she had such a large family business. Who wouldn't want to live a luxurious life? A large group of people, all wolves in sheep's clothing, jumped out and bullied her and her children. She couldn't rely on her family; it was good enough if they didn't cause trouble. If she asked others for help, she was afraid they would take advantage of her misfortune. She could only rely on herself. She was exhausted. Fortunately, the outcome was good. She protected her family business and her home, but it was too hard.
She's working so hard all by herself.
She cried her heart out. After she finished crying, she grabbed her son's hands and told him he must make something of himself. This was her fate; a woman who, despite her education, could never become an official or gain power, so she was at the mercy of others. If he didn't amount to anything, they would be finished; those people would boil them alive. Her son, the little boy, nodded at her, saying he understood.
Without her husband, she devoted herself entirely to her son, planning everything for him. He was the continuation of her bloodline, the embodiment of all her best years. She believed that he could pave a bright future for her and for herself.
Since he was her son, he was naturally different. Everyone who had met him had nothing bad to say about him; he was good in every way. He was only ten years old when people congratulated her, saying that she would definitely become a noblewoman in the future and told her to wait patiently. She was modest and said that nothing in this world is certain, but in her heart she was thinking that her son would definitely be successful.
He was indeed a man of great ambition, so great that he caused the death of his wife, implicated her in a murder, and left her with a debt she could never repay in this lifetime.
A child born without a mother, her grandson, because she owes him, and because she should love him, she once again embarks on that path of caring for others, worrying about him, and feeling heartbroken for him.
Marriage was a watershed moment for her; after getting married, she never lived for herself, and now she is utterly exhausted.
She knew her own body well, and she knew her family's situation all too well, so she couldn't keep him any longer. Keeping him would only harm him! Sending him away would give him a chance to strive for a better future. As long as he was sensible, he would definitely have a good life in the future.
He left, and he's doing well, but she isn't.
It's beyond repair.
She couldn't stop thinking about him; she couldn't eat or drink, cried until blood welled up in her eyes, and finally vomited blood. Looking at the blood, she was terrified.
As mother and son, grandparents and grandchildren, she couldn't bear not to see them one last time; she had truly given them her heart!
Knowing the urgency of the situation, the messenger dared not slack off in the slightest. He slept only a short while each day, ate and drank entirely on horseback, and endured the hardships of the journey, rushing as fast as he could until he finally arrived in Hindu.
The music hall is bustling with activity today. From the old master and mistress to the young masters and ladies, everyone is here, as if it were a festival.
Why isn't it a holiday? My great-aunt is taking her son back to her parents' home to reconnect with them.
That's my great-aunt, the only girl in her generation, and the youngest. She's the kind of person who would never give you the moon if you asked for the stars. No matter what it is, if it involves her, it's a big deal in the Le family and must be treated with utmost care.
Therefore, even if they had to ask for leave, the Grand Secretary and the three gentlemen who had official duties would have to stay home today, because they couldn't afford to disrespect their precious daughter.
Amidst the greetings from the maids and servants, Madam Le, with her left arm around her son's shoulder and her right hand in her daughter's, strode confidently across the threshold of Baohua Hall.
Baohua Hall was the residence of Grand Secretary Le and his wife, not a place for entertaining guests. However, although his daughter and grandson were guests, they were still his own flesh and blood, and could not be treated the same as others.
After all, her own home was not another place, and her parents were not strangers. When she got close, Madam Yue simply greeted her with a happy smile without bowing. Liu Qi followed suit, even surpassing her. Without saying a word, she simply threw herself into her maternal grandmother's arms, and then seemed to melt away, making everyone burst into laughter.
Liu Min was different; he was practically an outsider, so he bowed respectfully.
As soon as he came in, Madam Zhang took notice. She thought of standing up to greet him herself, but her granddaughter was too quick and she was entangled and couldn't move. Seeing him bend down, she couldn't help him up. She could only call out, "Get up quickly!" and wave, "Come here quickly, let me see you."
Liu Min was led by Madam Yue and brought to Old Madam Zhang. Madam Yue smiled and pushed Liu Min forward a little, saying, "This is my Lian Si, Mother, what do you think?"
Madam Zhang touched Liu Min's smooth face and said with a smile, "How wonderful! How could it not be wonderful? He is just like Zixiu, and he will surely be a third-place scholar in the imperial examinations in the future."
Upon hearing this, Madam Yue hurriedly went to see Grand Secretary Yue and said, "Father, did you hear that? Mother has given me your permission. From today onwards, the child is in your care. When you return him to me, he will at least be a third-ranked scholar!"
Grand Secretary Yue just smiled and didn't say anything. Madam Yue was not satisfied. She took two steps over, grabbed Grand Secretary Yue's arm and started shaking it. "Why isn't Father saying anything? Hurry up and answer me!" Her tone was just as domineering as when she was a girl at home, as if all she wanted was some clothes and jewelry, and there was no reason not to give her what she wanted.
Liu Min was so ashamed he couldn't lift his head. He felt everyone was watching him, intentionally or unintentionally, their gazes probing, perhaps even mocking him in their hearts, laughing at his insatiable greed for seeking benefits from his stepmother's family—truly shameless. He felt utterly wronged, unable to defend himself, and could only suffer in silence. And who knew how many more such incidents would follow? Just thinking about it made him breathless.
The spoiled voice continued; some chuckled, but most remained silent. They were in high spirits.
"You're being silly again." He walked in, smiling as he spoke. His words were clear, but his tone was soft and gentle, carrying a warm and tender connotation.
Every time he spoke like that, Le Yaxin felt as if she were about to melt away, her mind and soul adrift, unable to control herself. Unable to control herself, she naturally couldn't control anything else, and so she became very obedient.
She stopped speaking, but Liu Shen spoke for her in front of everyone in the room.
"This is Liansi. I brought him here today to pay respects to our elders and make relatives." This sentence was clearly addressed to the Yue family, and the next sentence was directed at Liu Min, "Has he all paid his respects?"
Liu Min was still caught up in his previous predicament and did not hear Liu Shen's words, so he remained silent.
Madam He, as the eldest daughter-in-law, you must step forward at times like this.
She stepped forward, smiling, and said, "I haven't had a chance yet." Then she looked at Grand Secretary Le and Madam Zhang, her smile deepening, "Father, Mother, your daughter-in-law has overstepped her bounds." After saying that, she took Liu Min's hand and began to introduce him to them one by one.
“Grandpa and Grandma already know, so I don’t need to say anything more. Now, come and greet your uncles and aunts. This is my eldest uncle, and I am my eldest aunt. This is my second uncle, my second aunt, my third uncle, and my third aunt…”
Liu Min greeted each of them with a bow, and his uncles and aunts either nodded and smiled or praised him. In short, they were all smiling and chatting, all out of respect for their younger sister. Moreover, this boy seemed to be quite sensible, so there was really no need to make things difficult for him.
I've met my uncles and aunts, and also a bunch of cousins.
Before the introductions, Madam He asked Liu Minle about his zodiac sign. Knowing this, she had a good idea of who he was, and the introductions were handled with ease: "This is the eldest brother, the second brother, the third brother, the fourth brother, and from here on are the younger brothers. This is the fifth brother, the sixth brother... This is the eldest sister, the second sister, the third sister, the fourth sister, the fifth sister..."
The group gathered together, exchanging greetings and well wishes, creating a joyful and harmonious atmosphere.
Madam Le was pleased and found her sister-in-law quite pleasing to the eye. So she took the opportunity to tug at her sleeve and pull her aside to speak: "Sister-in-law, how have you been lately? There is a Doctor Chu at my house right now. Please ask her to come and take a look at you. Although she is young and a girl, her medical skills are excellent. Her grandfather was the renowned Doctor Chu from the Imperial Hospital. With her here, your illness will surely improve."
Madam He was overjoyed upon hearing this. She had suffered from leukorrhea for many years; her own health was one thing, the harmony of her marriage was another, and there were other issues as well. All these things combined made her life unbearable. She had been seeing doctors, but due to the difference between men and women, and being a lady of such high status, she found it difficult to speak her mind. She couldn't simply blame the doctors' incompetence or the inability to cure her illness; it was her fate to suffer. Now that there was a way out, she couldn't wait a moment longer. She gripped her sister-in-law's hand tightly, feeling gratitude for the first time, "Good sister, you are truly my savior!"
The conversation in Baohua Hall never stopped, every word reaching Madam He's ears, yet not a single one touched her heart, for her mind was elsewhere. She was waiting, waiting for someone to come and find her…
She was getting increasingly anxious when finally a maid ran in from outside, but she wasn't coming towards her.
"Someone outside is looking for you, young master. They're from Pingcheng. They say... they say... something bad has happened to your mother, and they want you to go back quickly..."
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