Old Madam Deng’s gaze fell on that spot, and she sighed: “Grandmother knows that having your engagement broken off left you feeling unwell, which caused you to think wrongly for a moment. You must never do this again in the future, especially helping outsiders step on sisters from the same household—that’s unacceptable.”

Speaking these words in front of everyone made Li Jiǎo flush red with embarrassment as she mumbled: “Granddaughter will remember.”

Seeing Old Madam Deng’s expression soften, she quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

Old Madam Deng coughed once and said, “From now on, after school each day, earnestly copy Buddhist scriptures. Don’t fall behind others again on Buddha’s Birthday this year.”

In previous years, she hadn’t cared about such things, but that eldest sister-in-law from the East Residence was simply too domineering. If she didn’t fight back and make her teeth ache, she’d think the West Residence was a soft persimmon to squeeze.

Li Jiǎo quickly walked to Qiao Zhao and reached out to grasp her hand: “Third Sister, it’s all my fault. Knowing you suffered so much after being kidnapped, my troubles are nothing compared to yours, yet I still couldn’t help taking my anger out on you. Please forgive your sister for being momentarily possessed.”

“Third Girl—” Old Madam Deng began to speak.

Qiao Zhao withdrew her hand and gently patted the back of Li Jiǎo’s hand: “It’s alright.”

She couldn’t really speak of forgiveness or not forgiving, but the little girl Li Zhao would probably never forgive.

When receiving even a drop of kindness from others, one should repay it like a gushing spring. Well then, there would be plenty of time ahead.

Qiao Zhao raised her eyes: “Did Grandmother call me?”

Old Madam Deng momentarily forgot what to say next.

She had thought this granddaughter would seize this point and be relentless, insisting she punish the eldest girl. Now that this girl spoke this way, it made her feel embarrassed instead.

Why did she have the feeling of being a wicked grandmother?

Old Madam Deng felt inexplicably stifled and cleared her throat: “Zhao Zhao, you were wronged today. Grandmother has an inkstone with carp playing among lotus flowers—it was left by your grandfather. I’ll have it sent to you later so you can practice your calligraphy well.”

Li Jiǎo suddenly looked up at Old Madam Deng, unable to hide her shock.

Among the sisters from both residences, she admitted her riding and archery skills were inferior to Li Jiāo‘s, but in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, no one could surpass her. Normally, she only restrained her brilliance for fear of Li Jiāo’s jealousy.

She had long admired that inkstone in Grandmother’s possession and had even tentatively asked for it once. When Grandmother hadn’t responded then, she thought it was because it was Grandfather’s relic that Grandmother treasured and was unwilling to give away, so she had to let it go. She never expected Grandmother to give it to Li Zhao today!

It seemed Grandmother truly felt Li Zhao had been greatly wronged. This was unfair—she had endured so many grievances over the years that Grandmother had grown accustomed to them, merely offering slight protection. Yet Li Zhao suffered this one grievance and received such comfort.

It was Grandfather’s relic—she didn’t believe Third Miss Li would dare reach out for it!

Li Jiǎo struggled to maintain her composure and smiled as she looked at Qiao Zhao.

Qiao Zhao bowed to Old Madam Deng, showing genuine joy: “Then I must thank Grandmother.”

Li Jiǎo’s eyes widened.

How could she have the nerve to accept it so readily?

At this moment, not only Li Jiǎo, but even He Shi felt somewhat at a loss, while Second Madam Liu Shi twisted and kneaded a handkerchief until it looked like pickled vegetables.

Seeing Qiao Zhao accept it cheerfully, Old Madam Deng was delighted instead, smiling warmly: “Then I’ll have Qing Yun send it to you shortly. Alright, quickly clean up all these porcelain shards on the floor, and let’s all disperse.”

Li Jiǎo returned to the East Side Courtyard and examined the dark bruise on her forehead in the carved dressing mirror, feeling bitter inside. She picked up the rouge box from the table, about to throw it down, but after raising her hand, she put it back down.

There were no walls without cracks in the world—the word of her smashing things would spread and look too unseemly.

Li Jiǎo set down the rouge box and collapsed on the dressing table, crying.

If Mother were still alive, she would never suffer these grievances or live this kind of life…

“My young lady, what’s wrong?”

“Wet nurse—” Li Jiǎo threw herself into the woman’s arms.

Seeing the purple bruise on Li Jiǎo’s forehead, the woman’s heart ached terribly, and she quickly gave Chun Fang a meaningful look.

Understanding, Chun Fang immediately went to find the Third Young Master.

Upon hearing that Li Jiǎo was injured, Li Hui rushed to the East Side Courtyard. Seeing Li Jiǎo’s appearance, he flew into a rage: “Elder Sister, how did your forehead get bruised?”

Li Jiǎo remained silent. He sneered coldly: “I know—it must be Li Zhao’s doing, right?”

He turned to leave but was held back by Li Jiǎo: “No, this time I was in the wrong—”

Li Hui wouldn’t listen at all. He pried off her hand and headed straight for the West Side Courtyard.

A’Zhu was efficient and had already cleaned the room spotlessly, as if nothing had happened.

He Shi still hadn’t left and was holding Qiao Zhao while talking: “Zhao Zhao, why did you just accept that inkstone outright? Mother has money—whatever you want, Mother can buy for you. That inkstone is the old lady’s treasure. You accepting it so readily, Mother is worried—”

Qiao Zhao smiled: “Mother needn’t overthink it. When elders bestow gifts, one dare not refuse. Grandmother isn’t one for empty courtesies—she’s happy to give, I’m happy to receive. Isn’t that wonderful?”

“I see, that’s good then.”

Her daughter’s words always made sense.

“Third Young Master, why are you barging in without waiting for the announcement?” came Binglu’s sharp cry from outside.

Qiao Zhao wanted to cover her ears, thinking this girl’s voice was truly unique.

He Shi was about to stand up to see what was happening when Li Hui had already barged in.

Looking at the furious young man, Qiao Zhao silently thought that the young ladies and masters of the Li household enjoyed barging into people’s chambers.

“Madam is here too?” Li Hui was startled.

He Shi frowned: “Third Son, barging into your sister’s room in such a rush—what do you want?”

Li Hui showed no fear of this stepmother and said coldly, “It’s perfect that Madam is here. I’d like to ask how Elder Sister got injured. Li Zhao, did you bully her again?”

He Shi couldn’t contain her temper and flew into a rage: “Scoundrel! It was clearly that black-hearted one who bullied Zhao Zhao!”

Li Hui stepped back and sneered: “What a reversal of black and white—”

He Shi was about to speak again when Qiao Zhao tugged at her.

“What exactly happened—why doesn’t Third Brother go ask Elder Sister directly?”

Li Hui laughed angrily: “Hmph, Elder Sister is kind-hearted. Even if bullied, she would still cover for you. I’m not blind—I can see clearly!”

Qiao Zhao only felt that these two days at the Li residence had been extremely lively, making her feel weary and annoyed.

She sighed and said directly: “Why Elder Sister was injured, Grandmother knows very clearly. The Third Brother should go ask Grandmother. I’m tired and won’t entertain Third Brother further.”

Without waiting for Li Hui’s reaction, she called out: “Binglu, please escort Third Young Master out.”

“Third Young Master, please.” Having been barged in on repeatedly, Binglu showed no pleasant expression, thinking to herself that if she’d known being a personal maid was such physical work, she should have learned chest-breaking boulder techniques from Third Uncle back then—then let’s see who could still push past her and barge in!

Li Hui was unwilling to tussle with a little maid, and constrained by He Shi’s status as an elder with many words he couldn’t say, he snorted coldly, turned, and walked away, heading straight for Qingsong Hall.

“Grandmother, Elder Sister was wronged, but she only knows how to hide in her room, crying. You must stand up for her.” Entering the room, Li Hui recounted what he’d seen with a somewhat wheedling tone as he made his request.

Old Madam Deng set down her teacup and looked at her handsome, beloved grandson with a rather complex expression.