Chapter 1556
"That’s more like it!"
"Master, you need to harden your heart. It’s not like how it used to be years ago!"
Hong Rui, who had married and became a matron, advised her from the side.
Lady Wen stroked her gray hair and then massaged her aching back, waving her hand dismissively.
"I’m getting old! I don’t want to fuss over many things, and my heart has softened!"
"If things don’t concern me directly, I don’t want to get involved!"
"It’s fine even if you don’t want to get involved; there’s still me. Even if I risk my life, I won’t let them bully you, Master!"
Lady Wen was a bit amused and exasperated.
"You, oh you! You’ve been with me all your life!"
"You used to be gentle and kind, but now you’ve become so feisty!"
Hong Rui smiled awkwardly.
"Master!"
"Where we come from, unlike the big places like the Capital City, there are fewer rules. In dealing with the mundane and many trivial family matters, one’s voice naturally becomes loud, and the methods become adept. And the temper..."
"You truly are blessed!"
Lady Wen smiled silently, got up, took a sip of tea, and went to lie down and rest.
She was old, her legs and feet were not good, and many of her old ailments had reemerged.
Many things she used to argue about, now she just can’t!
...
Time rewinds to the fifth of December, Xia Family Old Residence.
Having previously received news of the Empress Dowager’s passing.
Old Master Xia was heartbroken and fell gravely ill.
Lady Wen was also so saddened she lay on the bed, unable to get up.
As for Lady Yao, she was already confused and couldn’t recognize anyone, naturally not expected to be very upset.
On the contrary, Xia Weifeng and his wife were carefree, still spending Silver on wine and meat, enjoying themselves at home.
Upon hearing that Xia Jingfeng was coming home for a visit.
Old Master Xia was so happy he managed to get out of bed.
Lady Wen hurriedly instructed Hong Rui.
"Quick! Get some Silver, find some craftsmen to repair and refurbish the house thoroughly, especially the place I live. Be sure to decorate it well!"
Hong Rui was a bit puzzled but complied.
That day, she found a team of craftsmen who busily started working.
She was still perplexed.
"Why repair these? Let the Governor General see it, wouldn’t that be better?"
"Let him see what kind of life you’ve been living all these years!"
In Hong Rui’s view, her Madam had endured a lifetime of grievances with Master.
Having suffered the grievances, why fear others seeing it?
Lady Wen gently smiled.
"Don’t overthink. It’s not for the Master!"
"I’m just worried that the mess would soil Jingfeng’s sight!"
Hong Rui realized.
"Master truly adores the young master!"
"He was a child I loved dearly, how could I let him be troubled?" Lady Wen said.
She had given up on Old Master Xia.
But she was never disappointed in the brothers, Jingfeng and Tingfeng.
Although Xia Jingfeng wasn’t as close as her own Tingfeng, that child was sensible and always treated her with respect, never looking down on her because she was a concubine.
Moreover, all these years while in Jiangnan, he lost contact with his father but never failed in paying respects to her during festivals.
In terms of etiquette, it was no less than a biological mother-son relationship.
She was very content.
Though once a small favor, now he reciprocates generously.
Such a good child, if he doesn’t mind her, she would treat him like her own child and love him.
"I heard that Jingfeng is also bringing Tang Xun and Runrun, Yuyu along!"
"This old residence is finally going to be lively again!"
After speaking, Lady Wen remembered something else and instructed further.
"Have people decorate Jingfeng’s yard meticulously, then send someone to the street to buy things the children love, decorate well, and make sure the kids like it!"
"Yes!"
Hong Rui agreed with a smile.
"No matter how much grievance, the young master and little miss must not be wronged!"
Lady Wen thought of the children, and her heart melted.
When they were just born, she had taken care of them for some time, and seeing them so small had warmed her heart.
These past few years, she had also sent clothes over from time to time, hoping the children find them fit to wear.
...
On the fifth, after lunch.
Lady Wen usually needed a good nap, but this day was so excited she couldn’t sleep well.
Uneasy, she sat on her chair frequently asking Hong Rui.
"Why don’t you go to the street corner to see if they’ve arrived yet? Didn’t they set out on the first? It’s been several days now; how come there’s no news?"
"Have they arrived? I’m truly anxious inside!"
Before her voice fell, Uncle Zhong at the door came in to report.
"Reporting to the Second Lady, Second Young Master and the Madam and Miss have arrived, they’re waiting outside now!"
Upon hearing, Lady Wen immediately stood up, trembling slightly.
"Waiting outside for what? Invite them in quickly!"
Saying this, she also got up and started walking outside.
Since the Xia residence wasn’t large, the front and back yards were just separated by a wall and a row of old elm trees.
Lady Wen reached outside in less than the time it took to burn a stick of incense.
At this moment, Xia Jingfeng was also just preparing to enter the gate with Tang Xun.
Seeing Lady Wen come out, they quickly stepped up to greet her.
"Second Mother!"
"Second Mother, why did you come outside? It’s so cold!"
Lady Wen smiled gently.
"You know it’s cold yet waited outside, quickly! Come in with me!"
"Although this residence isn’t big, your yard remains and has been decorated. Though it’s modest, everything is new and shouldn’t be scorned!"
Tang Xun affectionately supported her, smiling softly.
"Second Mother is too kind, you’ve thoughtfully prepared the yard. My husband and I are grateful, how could we disdain anything?"
"Zerun, Zeyu, come quickly, and pay respects to Second Grandmother!"
The title of Second Grandmother was not very pleasant, but Lady Wen was after all just Second Lady, so the legitimate children could only call her that.
Lady Wen wasn’t bothered at all, only smiling.
"Children, rise up, the outside is cold. Let me take you inside to sit!"
"That’s wonderful!"
Tang Xun held Lady Wen’s arm as they walked ahead, Xia Jingfeng alone with the children followed behind.
No way around it, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were whispering private words, and he couldn’t join in!
...
The yard was still in its old location, but it had completely changed.
Previously, when his sister came for a visit, it was repaired then.
Now that he was coming, Second Mother had it repaired again, so it looked entirely different from before.
But the memories here hadn’t changed a bit.
At that time, truly everyone at He Residence had given him disdainful looks!
Besides Second Mother and his sister, no one offered him any help.
If his mother knew, how heartbroken and sorrowful would she be?
The more he thought about these things, the more he missed his mother.
Now his eldest sister is gone too, his only remaining blood relative is only his father?
Haha, how ironic.
"Why are you dazing around? It’s cold outside, don’t freeze the children!"
Lady Wen prompted again.
Tang Xun, however, laughed, took the children over, and persuaded.
"Husband might be feeling nostalgic! Second Mother, why not let’s go inside first!"
"Sounds good!"