When Liang Yunshan was three years old, Nanny Luo became pregnant again. Old Madam Liang, showing consideration, again let her go home to rest.
When she gave birth and finished her confinement, and wanted to return to serve Old Madam Liang, Old Madam Liang said to let her rest at home and only return to the marquis residence after giving birth to a son.
Nanny Luo was extremely moved at the time, because her first two children were daughters, and she naturally wanted to have a son.
Then, Nanny Luo peacefully stayed home to care for her two children. Soon she became pregnant and gave birth to her third child, who was indeed a son.
Thus, when Liang Yunshan was over five years old, Nanny Luo returned to Old Madam Liang’s side again.
This time, she again discovered that the second batch of Chuxia, Jianqiu, and Nongdong were all gone. Now there was a third batch of Chuxia, Jianqiu, and Nongdong.
Among them was Nanny Liao.
Nanny Luo was terrified beyond measure—the second batch of Chuxia, Jianqiu, and Nongdong had been dealt with by Old Madam Liang again!
What exactly had happened?
From then on, Nanny Luo became even more careful and cautious.
After so many years, the third batch of Jianqiu and Nongdong had been released, and now only she, the first Xinchun, and the third Chuxia remained by Old Madam Liang’s side.
However, the third batch of Jianqiu and Nongdong were indeed alive, which put Nanny Luo’s heart at ease.
After so many years had passed without incident, Nanny Luo had lived peacefully.
…
Nanny Luo didn’t know why Old Madam Liang was saying these things. Setting aside her own concerns, she perked up and followed Old Madam Liang’s words: “This servant witnessed with her own eyes Miss marry the old marquis and become the most noble marquis madam, and now become the old dowager. Old Madam, thanks to your blessings, in this servant’s lifetime, I’ve seen what others have seen, and also what others haven’t seen—all thanks to Old Madam’s good fortune.”
These words weren’t flattery, but fact.
Nanny Luo was Old Madam Liang’s trusted confidant, which was an incomparably prestigious thing.
Even a seventh-rank official at the prime minister’s gate—as Old Madam Liang’s confidant, Nanny Luo’s reputation was more useful than a seventh-rank official’s.
Old Madam Liang remained as indifferent as always, yet enjoyed these words, saying: “As long as I, Luo Yanyan, want to accomplish something, no one can stop me.”
Having blurted out these words, Old Madam Liang slightly frowned, that person’s mocking gaze surfacing in her mind, and anger surged in her chest.
Could she really succeed in whatever she wanted to do?
Back then, what had that person said…
Nanny Luo had now recovered her spirits, thinking Old Madam Liang was referring to Liang Zhe and his wife going to the Mighty General’s mansion. She picked up the conversation: “Old Madam, that’s certainly true. You can rest assured—let them jump around as they will, they can’t escape your grasp.”
Old Madam Liang was startled, her eyes darkening, and nodded: “Those born of lowly people are lowly themselves, they can never contend with me. Let’s see how they struggle!”
Nanny Luo breathed a sigh of relief and quickly said: “Old Madam speaks truly.”
Though she was Old Madam Liang’s confidant, she deeply knew Old Madam Liang’s methods and temperament, so Nanny Luo always believed that her wealth and status came like serving a tiger—extremely dangerous.
When Old Madam Liang was displeased, she would also turn cold toward Nanny Luo and scold her angrily.
Old Madam Liang’s earlier melancholy brought on by the autumn scenery completely disappeared. Somewhat impatiently, she waved her hand: “Enough, go rest.”
Nanny Luo checked various matters again, ensuring that even if no one served her, Old Madam Liang sitting here alone would be very comfortable, then quietly walked out.
Old Madam Liang sat alone by the window, looking at the garden full of fiery red leaves and brilliant autumn chrysanthemums, and sighed softly.
She wasn’t really thinking much about Liang Zhe and Qin Shuying’s affairs—they truly weren’t worthy of her attention yet.
She was just looking at the autumn scenery throughout the garden, remembering some past events.
Past events from truly long, long ago.
So long ago that she had almost forgotten their faces, those smiles, that mockery, anger, and fear…
At this moment, Liang Zhe and Qin Shuying, ignored by Old Madam Liang, were already standing inside the Mighty General’s mansion.
They were received by Zhao Zhengyuan and Madam Mu.
Zhao Zhengyuan was forty-two years old this year, with only Madam Mu as his legitimate wife—no concubines or bedmaids.
Zhao Zhengyuan and Madam Mu had one son and two daughters.
Their eldest daughter Qingniang had long since married.
Their legitimate son Anping was three years younger than Liang Zhe, had not yet been betrothed, and was currently at the frontier.
Their youngest daughter Yuanniang was two months younger than Qin Shuying.
Therefore, the Mighty General’s mansion currently had a very simple population—just Zhao Zhengyuan, his wife, and Yuanniang.
Yuanniang was a very shy girl. Upon seeing Liang Zhe and Qin Shuying, she was quite happy, but only blinked her big eyes while observing Qin Shuying. After greeting them, she continued smiling softly without saying much.
Zhao Zhengyuan and Madam Mu were also very happy, but they weren’t the smooth-talking type. After expressing their joy, they turned to asking whether Qin Shuying was adjusting well at the Marquis Pingxi’s residence.
Qin Shuying answered each question, then expressed her gratitude: “Uncle, Aunt, Shuying is very grateful to you. If not for Uncle and Aunt, our marriage wouldn’t have gone so smoothly.”
Madam Mu said: “Good child, we’re all family—what’s this talk of thanks? From now on, treat Uncle as your own uncle and me as your aunt. If Ziyu does anything wrong, just tell us and we’ll discipline him.”
Liang Zhe smiled: “Uncle, Aunt, rest assured—Shuying will never need you to support her in such matters.”
Qin Shuying, seeing how his smile reached his eyes and how relaxed he had been since entering the Zhao residence, couldn’t help but nod.
Zhao Zhengyuan personally brewed tea. In the “gurgling” sound of boiling water, he said: “That’s good. Ziyu has always been a child who keeps his word—you must always remember today’s words.”
Having been idle at home for many years, he had learned the art of tea brewing.
After everyone exchanged pleasantries, Liang Zhe said: “Uncle, I came today because there’s something I want to verify.”
Seeing Liang Zhe’s grave expression, the smile on Zhao Zhengyuan’s face stiffened. He put down his teacup: “Ziyu, whatever it is, just ask directly.”
“Uncle, how exactly did Mother die back then?”
Seeing her cousin ask about their aunt’s affairs from years past, and noticing both her father’s and mother’s expressions change, Yuanniang realized the matter wasn’t something she should hear and withdrew.
After Yuanniang left, Zhao Zhengyuan looked toward Qin Shuying.
Qin Shuying stood up: “Uncle, Aunt, Shuying will go chat with Sister Yuanniang. You talk first.”
Madam Mu nodded: “Good child, go ahead. Yuanniang probably hasn’t gone far.”
After Qin Shuying left, Madam Mu explained: “Ziyu, this matter isn’t convenient for your uncle to speak of in front of Shuying. Shuying is also very perceptive. Wanniang would be comforted to see you marry such a wife.”
Liang Zhe said: “Aunt needn’t worry about what Shuying might think. Shuying is an intelligent and understanding woman. I’ll explain to her afterward, and she’ll surely understand.”