Qin Shuying wasn’t at all intimidated by Liang Yunshan’s fury. She smiled gracefully, appearing calm, natural, and composed as she said: “Father, Madam really loves to joke with me. Just during this one meal, Madam has joked with me several times already.”

Liang Yunshan glanced at her. Though his expression still wasn’t particularly pleasant, he had lost the anger and imposing pressure from moments before. Obviously, since Qin Shuying smiled serenely and his wife’s expression was gentle, they must have been joking.

He paid his respects to Old Madam Liang, then walked toward the table where Liang Zhe and the other three sat.

Joking? Who was joking with you?

Luo Meixiang’s eyes darted about as she said: “Marquis, it’s nothing that the first daughter-in-law misspoke – we’re all family, and once things are cleared up, that’s that. Marquis, she’s just a child after all, speaking somewhat rashly. With Old Madam and me here, could we really watch her make mistakes? Please don’t be angry.”

Qin Shuying made no attempt to argue or counterattack, appearing very docile while also smiling at Liang Yunshan: “Yes, Father, with Madam here, you couldn’t be more at ease.”

Seeing his wife willing to teach his daughter-in-law and his daughter-in-law being so humble, Liang Yunshan was pleased. Women’s affairs were naturally best left alone if he could avoid interfering.

Just as he sat down at the table, looking at his eldest son standing like an iron tower, he remembered the incident of deliberately running to the Zhao family the night before the wedding – he hadn’t settled accounts with him yet. He barked: “What are you standing around for during mealtime? Sit down!”

Liang Zhe’s already clenched fists tightened further. He instinctively glanced at Qin Shuying, whose eyes were full of disapproval, so Liang Zhe held back.

Qin Shuying walked behind Liang Yunshan and poured him a cup of tea, saying: “Father, just now your daughter-in-law was serving Old Madam her morning meal and had to stand the whole time. Ziyu felt that husband and wife are one body, so he stood as well. Father, please don’t be angry, considering your daughter-in-law’s and Ziyu’s filial devotion.”

So the couple had been serving Old Madam!

Liang Yunshan’s expression softened.

Seeing that her earlier subtle instigation was about to be wasted, Luo Meixiang smiled and said: “Marquis, the first daughter-in-law is truly a good child. She served Old Madam her morning meal very attentively just now, though perhaps a bit too earnestly. Look, all this soup and fish are still here – Old Madam couldn’t finish it in a whole day, and eating too much could cause indigestion.”

Qin Shuying smiled even more warmly: “Madam, I wouldn’t dare claim credit. It’s all due to your good arrangements – everything Old Madam loves to eat. In the future, I must learn more from you, following your example exactly, not missing a single detail.”

Liang Yunshan couldn’t detect the hidden barbs in their exchange at all, only thinking his daughter-in-law was virtuous and generous, and his wife was speaking well of her. He reached out with his chopsticks to take some food.

Seeing Qin Shuying deflect everything with such skill and confuse Liang Yunshan, Luo Meixiang was about to speak again when Liang Zhe sat down and said: “Father, I recently learned a new fighting technique and can defeat anyone in the army. Even the Fourth Prince couldn’t get the better of me. Father, after breakfast, I’d like to spar with you – do you have time?”

Luo Meixiang’s words were cut off by Liang Zhe.

Liang Yunshan laughed heartily: “You brat, you actually dare challenge me?! Good!”

Liang Yunshan’s laughter didn’t matter to him, but it immediately stirred anger in more than half the people in the room.

Old Madam Liang’s indifferent expression instantly turned black as a pot, Luo Meixiang’s fake smile froze on her face, and brothers Liang Jie and Liang Yuan lowered their heads, looking at each other with barely concealed jealousy.

“Father, you’re truly biased. As soon as you return, you only have eyes for eldest brother and don’t even glance at us three siblings.”

Liang Qiong complained with a coquettish tone.

Liang Yunshan laughed heartily: “Qiong’er, when did you learn to talk nonsense? Jie’er, Yuan’er, Hao’er, all of you come to the martial arts field later – this marquis wants to test your skills!”

A flash of fear crossed Liang Yuan’s eyes, while Liang Jie grinned, and Second Master Liang’s son Liang Hao also looked pleased.

Luo Meixiang smiled: “Marquis, though Yuan’er and Jie’er can’t compare to Ziyu, they’ve never slacked off. They’re especially skilled in Sun Tzu’s Art of War – their teachers all say they’ve learned well.”

Liang Yunshan laughed heartily: “That’s good, that’s good! These are truly my sons, Liang Yunshan’s sons!”

With that, he picked up his bowl and took a sip of the soup a maid had ladled.

Liang Zhe glanced at Qin Shuying, his gaze filled with approval.

Shuying was right – to avenge his mother, it would ultimately depend on Liang Yunshan.

To clear his mother’s and sister’s names, Liang Yunshan must personally acknowledge it and speak it aloud for it to truly count as vindication.

Therefore, from now on, Liang Zhe must win Liang Yunshan over to his side. At the very least, he had to keep Liang Yunshan neutral rather than siding entirely with Old Madam Liang and Luo Meixiang.

Even if it was acting, he had to perform constantly, continuously creating the image of a filial, respectful, and courteous son and daughter-in-law.

Moreover, what Liang Yunshan loved was the battlefield and killing enemies. So he should start with his preferences. By appealing to his interests, he could make him see Liang Zhe’s strengths and irreplaceable qualities.

Throughout all this, Old Madam Liang maintained her indifferent expression.

However, Qin Shuying, who was observing her carefully, noticed that Old Madam’s hands would clench from time to time.

Old Madam Liang didn’t actually like Liang Yunshan. When Liang Yunshan wasn’t home, she would unscrupulously curse at Liang Zhe and Zhao Wanniang.

Now that Liang Yunshan had returned, she had to show some restraint and curb her vicious behavior.

But given her status of always being highly revered, she couldn’t bring herself to act lovingly either, so she simply maintained her indifferent demeanor throughout.

Fortunately, Liang Yunshan only thought his mother had a cold temperament and had never suspected anything.

Qin Shuying sat down, and after Liang Yunshan’s laughter subsided, she said: “Father’s bravery is all due to Old Madam’s excellent child-rearing.”

Liang Yunshan replied without hesitation: “Of course, it’s all due to Mother’s excellent guidance.”

Old Madam Liang’s eyes filled with gloom, yet she had no choice but to force out a slight smile, saying indifferently: “Enough, which mother doesn’t hope for her son’s success? What’s worth discussing about that? Marquis, eat quickly before it gets cold.”

It was September weather, still quite hot. Especially with the autumn heat wave these past days, the food wouldn’t get cold even if left out longer.

Qin Shuying smiled.

It seemed Old Madam didn’t like people bringing this up.

Logically, even if Liang Yunshan wasn’t her biological son, he had been her son for nearly forty years and was very filial to her, lacking nothing that should be provided.

Even raising a cat or dog, after such long companionship, some affection should have developed.

Yet Qin Shuying couldn’t find the slightest trace of joy on her face.

Liang Yunshan had been at the life-and-death border city, returning only once every few years. Even unrelated neighbors would feel some emotion and happiness at such a reunion.

Wouldn’t they?

But what about Old Madam Liang?

This really made one think.

It seemed she should bring up topics about their deep mother-son bond more often in the future.