The Marquis of Xiangyang had already set out on the way back to the capital, and in the second house of the Sheng family in the capital, Xu Wen was sitting and watching Sheng Qian perform the ceremony.
"My child pays his respects to his mother." Sheng Qian, who is almost four years old, has been well raised by Aunt Lan and can perform greetings in a proper manner.
Xu Wen nodded and said, "Hurry up and get up. The ground is cold."
Hearing this, Sheng Qian was helped up by Aunt Lan. After getting up, she didn't sit down but bowed and said, "How is your health lately, mother?"
Xu Wen raised an eyebrow, glanced at Aunt Lan, and replied, "Very good, please sit down." Turning around, she instructed Xiangyun, "Bring my brother a cup of milk."
Afterwards, Xu Wen asked about Sheng Qian's health and his food, clothing and other expenses. Aunt Lan wanted to speak, but when she saw Xu Wen looking at her, she lowered her head and sat quietly aside.
Sheng Qian replied clearly, "Mother, Aunt Lan takes good care of me, and I'm doing fine."
Looking Sheng Xian up and down, Xu Wen hadn't expected this child to be so intelligent. However, since she already had a son, there was no need to raise another one. Xu Wen smiled and advised, "You're still young, so let's talk about studying next year. I heard you're already learning the Three Character Classic, but that's too early; your body won't be able to handle it."
Seeing Sheng Qian nod, Xu Wen said, "Go ahead, Mama Liu will take you to use the milk."
After Sheng Xian left, Xu Wen looked at Aunt Lan and said, "Shan'er is an heir of the Sheng family. He's not a tool for a concubine like you to curry favor with. Send everyone around Shan'er out for the next two days. I'll send someone to take care of Shan'er. If you behave yourself, there's still room for you in this mansion."
Aunt Lan knelt on the ground, weeping and choking, "Madam, I just saw that the Second Young Master was very intelligent, so I thought he might be a child prodigy. I took it upon myself to let him learn a few words. I really didn't intend to do anything wrong. Madam, please understand!"
Xu Wen felt unhappy watching Aunt Lan crying non-stop, and she shouted sternly, "Shut up!"
Aunt Lan stopped crying all of a sudden, hiccupped loudly, covered her mouth and shrank back.
Xu Wen said slowly, "As the saying goes, a son's failure to teach is the fault of his father. Originally, whether it was the brothers' studies or their manners, it was not for you, a concubine, to interfere. Not to mention that the master was a top scholar in the imperial examination and was more than qualified to teach Shan'er, even the Sheng family's family school is still open."
After a pause, Xu Wen continued, "Your intentions are obvious. If I don't punish you severely this time, you'll do it again next time. This mansion will never be peaceful because of you. Are you willing to accept this?"
After knocking her head three times, Aunt Lan pleaded, "I know I'm wrong. Please have mercy, Madam."
Seeing Aunt Lan's miserable state, Xu Wen didn't want to watch any longer and said directly, "Receive five lashes of the board in your own room, and then copy the household rules thirty times. In addition, you will be fined half a year's salary."
"Thank you, Madam." Aunt Lan thought she would be kicked out, but in the end she was only punished with a stick. She felt relieved and thanked her.
There were fewer and fewer women in the backyard of this mansion, so Xu Wen naturally wouldn't drive them away. With a wave of her hand, Aunt Lan withdrew.
Xu Wen treated Sheng Xian with a nonchalant attitude, neither caring nor hurting him. If he had talent, the government would naturally use public funds to allow him to take the imperial examinations. If he didn't, he would be raised in luxury, and after marrying, he would move out of the family.
I just hope Sheng Qian won't hold a grudge against his biological aunt for her death, otherwise, I'll have no choice but to kill my own relative for the sake of justice.
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