Amid the incessant chirping of cicadas, the sun gradually set. Having nearly choked during lunch, Sheng Hong sent word that he would immerse himself in official duties and dine in his study, instructing the children to eat separately without gathering again. Hai Shi, as if foreseeing this, had already divided the dishes and soup into several portions, directing the maids to neatly pack them into food containers before carrying them to various quarters.
After completing her tasks, she hurried back to her room and found her husband had finished his meal, sitting by the table blowing on a bowl of warm tea. Hai Shi quietly approached and whispered, "It's still bright outside. Eating so hastily may trouble your digestion."
Changbai set down the tea bowl and stood up. "The sooner it's settled, the better."
Seeing his weary expression, Hai Shi felt a pang of heartache but refrained from pressing further. She stepped forward to adjust his attire and hesitated before asking, "...Grandmother was deeply upset with us today. Will she listen to your advice?"
After a moment of silence, Changbai replied, "Even if she doesn’t, I have other means."
Hai Shi paused her hands, then heard Changbai instruct, "After you’ve eaten, go to the Longevity and Peace Hall to attend to Old Madam and relieve Sixth Sister. She looked unwell, as if exhausted." Hai Shi smiled. "You needn’t remind me—I understand. Later, I’ll bring Quange and his sister along to see Old Madam. Perhaps the sight of them will cheer her up and help her recover."
Changbai nodded. "That’s fine, but Grandmother is still ill. Don’t let the children disturb her."
With that, Changbai strode out of the room. Old Lu was already waiting beyond the second gate with a prepared carriage. Master and servant, accompanied by a few guards, set out together. Heading south, they arrived in less than half an hour before a gate with four date-red doors flanked by black-lacquered wooden pillars. The plaque above the main entrance read "Imperially Commissioned Wang Ministry Manor." The gatekeeper, recognizing Changbai, immediately sent word inside and personally escorted him in.
Wang Old Madam was restless, having barely touched her dinner. She reclined on a luohan bed, sighing repeatedly, while Wang Uncle stood by holding a bowl of bird’s nest soup, awkwardly unsure how to console her. Upon hearing of Changbai’s arrival, mother and son exchanged glances—one hurriedly sat up, face filled with shock and doubt, while the other quickly set down the bowl and dismissed the maids and servants attending them.
Changbai entered the room and bowed deeply.
Wang Old Madam sneered, "You are the righteous official—this old woman dares not accept your courtesy. Was your lecturing this morning not enough? Have you come to scold me further?"
Changbai lowered his head. "This grandson was disrespectful today. Grandmother has every right to scold or strike me. However, the matter regarding Aunt cannot be altered. I have already requested Marquis Gu to submit a petition to the Imperial Household Department to expedite her transfer. I only ask for Grandmother’s consent."
The House of Repentance could not detain anyone arbitrarily; it required joint approval from both the maternal and marital families of the offending woman.
Wang Old Madam’s suppressed anger flared anew. She struck the bed and shouted, "As long as I draw breath, I will not let you mistreat your aunt! To think I would agree—in your dreams!"
Changbai was not surprised by this reaction. Softly, he said, "Aunt is Grandmother’s own child. Though I, as a man, have never endured the hardship of ten months of pregnancy, whenever I see the innocent antics of my own children, I wish to shield them from suffering all their lives. How could I not understand Grandmother’s maternal heart?"
Wang Old Madam’s eyes reddened, but she stubbornly turned her face away from him. "You speak pretty words! Yet you relentlessly bully your aunt!"Changbai stepped forward slowly and stood beside the luohan bed, sighing softly. "That year when Grandfather passed away suddenly, Grandmother and Grandfather were also in the capital, so you must be clear about the past." Wang Old Madam sat sideways, remaining silent. Changbai continued, "When Grandmother was newly widowed, she was just over twenty. The Old Marquis and his wife of Yongyi were still alive then, and the entire Xu family strongly urged Grandmother to remarry."
Wang Old Madam's face was stern, but her eyes showed a flicker of emotion.
"...Some matters, your grandson only learned later," Changbai sighed lightly. "Actually, the Xu family had already found a suitable match—Lord Tang Annian, then Governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, had just been widowed. He was a twice-selected imperial scholar. Though slightly older, he only had two legitimate daughters and one illegitimate son from his previous marriage. Had Grandmother married him, she would surely have had a blissful family life."
Wang Old Madam remained silent, but Wang Uncle sighed with emotion, "The Tang family are an established clan from Songjiang. For Old Mrs. Sheng to remain chaste for her father-in-law and raise her brother-in-law is truly..." He glanced at his mother's expression and trailed off.
"Over these decades, Grandmother not only protected the ancestral property for Father but also used her dowry to make various arrangements for him, hiring renowned tutors for his education. When Father was discussing marriage, the Yongyi Marquisate originally intended to show goodwill, but Grandmother found that the proposed matches were either daughters of distant clans or illegitimate daughters, none satisfactory in character, appearance, or family background. For Father's future, she would rather completely sever ties with the Xu family to secure a good marriage. And as for Eldest Sister, your grandson, and several younger sisters—which of them has Grandmother not treated as her own flesh and blood?... These countless deeds represent kindness as vast as mountains and deep as the sea from Grandmother to the Sheng family. If Father and I do not seek justice for Grandmother, then what kind of men are we?!"
Changbai struck his palm heavily with his fist.
Wang Old Madam couldn't help but let out a long sigh. Her mother-in-law was indeed upright and noble in character, not concerned with other matters. For a legal mother to arrange a marriage with a maternal family girl for an illegitimate son could both maintain maternal family ties and win over the illegitimate son—it seemed perfectly natural. In other words, if Sheng Hong had married a Xu family girl back then, Old Mrs. Sheng wouldn't be suffering these hardships today.
"Your grandson knows what angers Grandmother in your heart. Your grandson, for the sake of someone unrelated by blood, severely punished Aunt, defied Grandmother, and showed no regard for true blood relatives." Changbai looked steadily at her. Wang Old Madam snorted heavily, but her expression was no longer as furious as before.
"At that time, how many people advised Grandmother that 'raising another's child won't yield loyalty'? Not only did the world think this way, but even Aunt believed it in her heart. That's why she harmed Grandmother without hesitation, assuming that Father and I would make a show of severity but ultimately be lenient!"
Changbai suddenly raised his voice sharply, "The blue sky is three feet above our heads! Must we wait until Grandmother regrets her choices from beyond the grave before the heavens and earth spirits learn that all people in this world are ungrateful and treacherous?!"
Wang Uncle nodded repeatedly in silent agreement. Wang Old Madam finally sighed sorrowfully and slowly turned to Changbai, saying, "How could I not know your aunt was terribly wrong! But... but... she is still my flesh and blood after all!"
"Is Aunt Grandmother's only flesh and blood?" Changbai asked with utmost calmness.
Wang Old Madam was stunned.
Changbai looked directly into her eyes: "When Mother was young, she often said that although Granduncle Wang treated her extremely well, her greatest regret was still not being able to enjoy the affection of her biological parents. When playing with neighborhood children, she would inevitably be bullied as 'unwanted and abandoned by her parents.'"
Wang Old Madam's heart ached with sorrow, tears falling as she said, "I've wronged your mother, always thinking about making proper amends..."Changbai said, "My mother was raised outside for over a decade, never receiving parental affection, yet my aunt showed not an ounce of compassion for her."
Wang Old Madam opened her mouth but could not refute him.
"In this incident, my aunt completely disregarded her own younger sister's safety and even deliberately framed her." Changbai's face showed indignation. "Grandmother keeps speaking of blood ties and kinship, but did my aunt ever consider that my mother is also her own flesh and blood?!"
Wang Uncle shook his head and said, "Eldest Sister has indeed gone too far. This time even I feel disheartened."
Wang Old Madam looked at her son, then at her grandson, and weakly said, "But there's no need for such severe punishment! That House of Repentance... she truly cannot go there."
Changbai said, "When I was young and came to my maternal grandparents' home to play, there was one time when Cousin You and I climbed a tree to pick hawthorns. We worked hard for half a day and only managed to gather half a small basket. Grandfather then asked us to pick out half of them and throw them away. I couldn't bear to part with them, but Grandfather taught us both: 'If you don't discard the rotten fruits, the remaining good ones won't be preserved either—this principle applies to how one conducts themselves in life.' I have remembered these words to this day."
Mentioning her deceased husband, Wang Old Madam straightened her expression and said with difficulty, "You mean..."
Changbai said, "Aunt has long been a rotten fruit, only dragging down her family."
Wang Old Madam angrily said, "How can you speak of an elder like that?!"
"Over the years, Uncle has continuously cleaned up Aunt's messes. No matter how earnestly Grandmother tried to instruct her, Aunt still did as she pleased—mistreating children born of concubines, abusing concubines and bedroom servants, frequently resorting to beatings and punishments in the inner household, treating human life as worthless... This isn't the first time Aunt has poisoned someone, is it!" Changbai looked at Wang Uncle. "To cover for Aunt, how many times has Uncle sacrificed his dignity to beg favors, pull strings, spend money, and do things he shouldn't have? With Uncle's qualifications, he should have been transferred to the capital long ago, yet for over a decade he has remained stuck in provincial posts."
Even at the same rank, capital officials are considered half a grade higher than provincial officials. Initially, Wang Uncle held a higher official rank than Sheng Hong. When Sheng Hong entered the capital, they were equal in rank, but now Sheng Hong already outranks Wang Uncle by half a grade, and being a capital official makes him even more senior.
Thinking of his official career, Wang Uncle couldn't help but feel dejected. Wang Old Madam glanced at her son and bowed her head with a sigh of remorse.
"It's not just Uncle—there's also Cousin You. I've heard about Cousin Yuan'er's situation as well." Changbai pressed further. "Although my elder cousin's wife, Wen Shi, also took several years to conceive, it was because there were other children. Yet Grandfather's line has only one heir. Delaying until now, Grandmother has already been more than fair to Aunt."
Being fair to her daughter meant being unfair to the Wang family. Wang Old Madam thought of her deceased husband and felt waves of guilt in her heart.
"Cousin You is growing older. Grandmother should also make more plans for the Wang family." Changbai gently advised. "But as long as Aunt is around, the Wang family will continue to face difficulties because of her. Killing today, poisoning tomorrow—when will it end? Does Grandmother, to protect her wicked daughter, no longer care about Uncle, Cousin You, and her other granddaughters? Aren't they also Grandmother's flesh and blood?"
The more Wang Old Madam thought, the more guilty she felt.
Her deceased husband had been exceptionally talented, with outstanding achievements; his memorial tablet had been placed in the Hall of Famous Ministers, renowned throughout the land. Her son had average abilities—though he couldn't surpass his father, he could still maintain what had been built. These ancestral merits could still protect her grandson Wang You, but what about after her grandson?As the Sheng family's rising prosperity became increasingly evident—with flourishing descendants, each pursuing scholarly and imperial examinations, and forming prestigious and influential marital alliances—the Kang family, in contrast, seemed to be falling further behind. Moreover, her grandson still had no heirs.
"Could it be... that sending her to the House of Repentance is unavoidable...?" Wang Old Madam wavered, thinking of her honest and filial son and grandson.
"It is unavoidable!" Changbai declared resolutely. "Aunt has repeatedly refused to mend her ways. In the past, she only caused trouble behind closed doors within the inner household. Now, her audacity has grown. Even disregarding our marital ties, the Sheng family is a respected official household, yet she dared to strike. She even dragged her own sister to take the blame, acting without fear! Aunt is certain that Grandmother will save her. If we don’t take severe measures this time, the next disaster she causes may be beyond remedy."
"But... she would never be able to leave..." Wang Old Madam wept, her resolve gradually shifting.
"The legacy of a noble family lasts but five generations. Many prestigious families enforce strict discipline on their members, fearing internal strife." Changbai gently supported Wang Old Madam’s shoulder and advised, "Grandmother can focus on caring for the Kang family cousins from now on." After a moment’s thought, he added, "If we don’t send her away, Uncle Kang will undoubtedly divorce her. What will become of the cousins then?"
Wang Old Madam wept silently, her heart torn and conflicted.
Changbai leaned closer to his grandmother and said, word by word, "Even if it costs me twenty years of my official career, I will not allow Aunt to remain outside."
Wang Old Madam slowly dried her tears, recognizing her grandson’s unwavering resolve. Hesitantly, she asked, "But will your uncle agree to send her to the House of Repentance?" Her eldest son-in-law had long despised his wife and would surely seize this chance to write a letter of divorce without delay.
"No, Uncle will agree." For the first time, Changbai smiled.
...
"How could he possibly agree?"
In the study, father and son sat facing each other across a table. A pot of clear wine, two cold dishes, and a plate of richly seasoned duck tongues in soy sauce lay between them.
Sheng Hong looked astonished. "Although your aunt and uncle are husband and wife, they’ve long been like fire and water. With such a perfect excuse, he’d be eager to divorce her. Why would he obediently comply?"
Changbai brushed back his sleeve and poured wine for his father, speaking slowly. "Uncle has a concubine surnamed Jin in his household. She is quite shrewd—not only does she have sons and daughters, but she has also enjoyed his favor for over a decade without decline."
Sheng Hong was taken aback and immediately asked, "Could it be that the daughter recently sent to become the old prince’s concubine was this Jin Concubine’s daughter?"
Changbai nodded, set down the wine pot, and said softly, "The Marquis has connections who can reach Jin Concubine’s trusted aides. Whether Aunt is divorced or dead, Uncle’s main wife position will be vacant, and he will surely remarry. If he brings in a young and beautiful new wife, what will become of Jin Concubine?"
Sheng Hong continued slowly, "So, what Jin Concubine most desires is for your aunt, the main wife, to exist in name only. This would prevent a new wife from entering, allow her to manage the inner household, and benefit her children."
Changbai said, "Sending Aunt to the House of Repentance can be explained publicly as her going to a manor to recuperate, preserving the dignity of all three families."
Sheng Hong smiled briefly but then frowned. "Yet your uncle has wanted to divorce her for a long time. Will he listen to a concubine’s persuasion?""He will agree. First, Jin Yiniang's daughter is highly favored in the Prince's household, and Uncle relies heavily on the old prince for many matters. Second, Uncle will be told this—over Aunt's poisoning incident, the Wang and Sheng families have been fiercely arguing. The Wang family is determined to protect Aunt, while the Sheng family..." Changbai smiled faintly, "is nearly persuaded."
Sheng Hong understood and laughed, "If your uncle refuses to send her to the House of Repentance, this matter will be downplayed."
Changbai said, "And Father will say that since Old Madam has awakened after all, divorcing Aunt would harm her nephews, and we cannot bear that."
"Since we cannot divorce her, by then, your uncle might even urge me not to relent and insist on sending her in!"
Without any witnesses or evidence, Kang Yima would be eager to rid himself of Kang Wangshi and would have no choice but to fall into the trap. Sheng Hong clapped his hands and laughed, praising, "I never knew my son had the talent of Chen Ping!" Then he teased, "How do you know so much about the Kang family's inner household?"
Changbai said solemnly, "The Kang family is a disaster waiting to happen. Uncle and Father have repeatedly helped them, which I've always found inappropriate, so I've been paying attention."
Delighted that such a troublesome matter was resolved, Sheng Hong happily drank two cups of wine in a row, then sighed with reluctance, "After all, she is your own aunt. If your sister hadn't stirred up such a fuss, I wouldn't have been so harsh."
Unexpectedly, Changbai said gravely, "Father, you are mistaken. Even if my sister hadn't exposed it, I would have pursued it."
Sheng Hong was taken aback and forced a smile, "...Why is that?"
"Does Father wish to be threatened for a lifetime?" Changbai poured another cup of wine for Sheng Hong. "This matter, if dealt with now, justice is on our side. If brought up later, Father would still be accused of 'neglecting his mother and being ungrateful.' It's fortunate it came to light now. Otherwise, after Grandmother passes away, someone might use this against us. Even if we don't perish, we'd be tainted."
"But this matter has been suppressed. Who would bring it up again?" Sheng Hong was puzzled—Kang Yima and the Wang family would surely want to bury this affair.
"The Xu family has plenty of people."
Sheng Hong laughed dismissively, "Old Madam severed ties with her maternal family long ago. Why would the Xu family seek justice?"
"What if someone is behind it?" Changbai said calmly. "When all is well, no one will mention it. But what if the Sheng family faces a crisis? If it were me, I'd keep this leverage to strike at a critical moment."
Sheng Hong's laughter ceased abruptly. Thinking it over, he broke out in a cold sweat—recalling an incident from the past. The year he took the imperial examination, Minister Yuan and Minister Song were competing for the position of Chief Minister. They were evenly matched, and even the Late Emperor found it difficult to decide. Suddenly, a censor submitted a memorial accusing Minister Yuan of embezzling his deceased brother's estate and causing his widowed sister-in-law's death from grief.
In truth, Minister Yuan's sister-in-law had always been frail and ill, with no children, and her death from excessive sorrow was plausible. But her maternal family came forward crying injustice, presenting many dubious witnesses. A single bite from a villain can cut to the bone—Minister Yuan was defeated because of this.
"This matter cannot be suppressed," Changbai said gravely. "Not to mention Kang Yima, many around her know about it. Those stewards and matrons—Sixth Sister could extract confessions from them in a single day. And if someone with ill intentions schemes against us..."
Sheng Hong had vowed in his youth to bring glory to his family. If his descendants were to achieve greatness and rise to high positions, how could they be dragged down by this? The more he thought about his son's words, the more fearful he became."Not only that. What if Kang Yima uses this to blackmail Father in the future? By then, material evidence and witnesses will no longer be traceable. If Aunt insists it was Mother who poisoned her, Father might disregard the truth and cover it up for the sake of his official reputation."
Sheng Hong slammed the table in fury. "How dare that shrew?"
"She even dared to poison someone in a relative's household—what wouldn't she do?"
In Changbai's view, Kang Yima had long lost her sanity, becoming vicious and insane beyond belief. According to her arrogant logic, anyone who offended her must suffer, and anyone blocking her path must be eliminated. She should have been imprisoned years ago.
"For long-term considerations, we must cut the Gordian knot swiftly. Once this goes through the Imperial Household Department, if anyone brings it up in the future, Father can confidently state—the chief culprit has been punished, and Madam has repented for years at the family temple, with all the elders in our hometown as witnesses. Then Grandmother can take the contracts and clean up the servants around Aunt. This matter will be settled properly."
Sheng Hong stared blankly at his son, feeling both gratified and proud. The more he looked at him, the more he resembled his late maternal grandfather. Usually silent as a clam, but once he spoke, his reasoning was thorough and compelling, leaving one utterly convinced.
Although he got along better with his second son Changfeng, it was his eldest son he relied on and trusted most. In both character and official duties, regarding maturity and competence, the younger ones were far inferior to the eldest. In the future, when he retired, the family would depend on the eldest son to sustain it. No matter how many flaws Madam Wang had, having such a capable son was always a great gain.
"Therefore, Father must not yield. You must stand firm these next few days." Changbai repeatedly urged.
Sheng Hong hardened his resolve, slapped the table heavily, and gritted his teeth. "We must lock up Kang Wangshi without fail!"
Changbai slowly breathed a sigh of relief. He understood his father far better than his father understood himself. Sheng Hong was always emotionally indecisive; only practical interests could truly solidify his determination.
Leaving the study, Changbai walked slowly in the cool night breeze and unconsciously found himself outside his mother's courtyard. After a moment's thought, he gestured for the maids and matrons along the way to keep silent, then quietly approached his mother's window. Just as he was about to call out, he heard soft weeping inside.
"...My dear Madam, please don't cry." Liu Kun's wife consoled.
Madam Wang wept, "I won't go, I won't, I just won't!... Ten years! I'd rather you give me scissors to end it all! That wretched child—I carried him for ten months and gave birth to him, and he has the heart to do this!"
Liu Kun's wife sighed softly. "Madam, you should go. The Eldest Young Master is doing this for your sake."
"...What do you mean?... I see his heart is entirely at Longevity and Peace Hall, completely forgetting his own mother! That ungrateful brat!"
Liu Kun's wife said, "Think about it, Madam. You're not like Aunt, who can just walk away. When Old Madam recovers, you'll still have to serve her. Whatever Old Madam says or does afterward, you'll have to accept it with endless gratitude. So, it's better to endure a severe punishment now. After a few years, when you return, the matter will have faded, and since you've admitted your mistake and been punished, it can eventually be smoothed over."
Madam Wang sobbed for a long time, then hesitantly said, "...To be honest, I also find it very awkward to face Old Madam. But... what if she still gives me a hard time after I return?"Liu Kun's wife smiled and said, "I don't think Old Madam is that hard-hearted. Besides, once you've accepted the punishment, the master and the eldest young master will understand. Moreover..." she gave a bitter smile, "if you don't go, the eldest young master might resign from his official post."
Madam Wang fumed angrily, "Let him resign if he wants! How dare he use that to threaten me!"
Liu Kun's wife quickly tried to soothe her, "Madam, you mustn't say that. You've seen for yourself that whether it's the Wang family or the master, your dignity in your later years still depends on the eldest young master. Now Feng Ge'er is studying day and night. If the eldest young master really becomes stubborn, then in the future, won't the Sheng family have to rely entirely on Feng Ge'er? Perhaps Consort Lin might even return."
Hearing the name Consort Lin, Madam Wang immediately stopped crying and cursed, "That wretched concubine is dreaming!"
"Madam understands perfectly. When we go to the countryside of Youyang, we shall treat it as a retreat to nourish our health. To be honest, as long as the young master's official career prospers and his future is bright, who in the hometown would dare treat Madam with disrespect? Even the elder lady of the main branch would have to show you respect, wouldn't she?"
Madam Wang's resolve wavered, and after much deliberation, she slumped over the table and wept, "I truly don't want to go... It's an unfamiliar place, and I'll be all alone..."
"I will accompany Madam."
Madam Wang was both surprised and delighted: "You..."
A respectable stewardess like her was actually willing to leave the bustling capital and follow her to a quiet rural temple?
"My children are all married and can manage without me. My husband manages the estate for Madam, so I'll accompany Madam to chant scriptures and observe a vegetarian diet," Liu Kun's wife said with a smile. "Besides, how could Madam do without a loyal follower like me?"
Madam Wang burst into laughter, her tears smearing the powder on her face. She sobbed with emotion, "Dear sister, not only was my heart clouded by foolishness, but my eyes were blind too. The wise advice you gave me earlier, every word of it was sound, and I actually failed to heed it!"
Changbai stood beneath the window, listening to the murmurs between his mother and Liu Kun's wife—sometimes weeping, sometimes laughing. After a while, he silently left. Walking to the courtyard gate, he took a deep breath of the cool air.
By nature taciturn, he felt utterly exhausted after speaking so much today. He trudged along with slow steps, head bowed. The gentle moonlight cast a faint silver glow over the garden. Halfway along the path, he saw his servant Hanniu waiting there, looking anxious.
"Young master, you've finally returned. The young mistress has been waiting for you for a long time. I went to the gatehouse and was told you had gone to find the master. When I went to the study, the servants said you had gone to see the madam," Hanniu said, hurrying to Changbai's side.
Changbai nodded, his eyes glancing ahead. Hanniu understood this meant "return to the room" and immediately held up the lantern to lead the way. After walking for a while, they reached the pond and suddenly noticed a pair of figures strolling slowly on the opposite shore.
One tall and one short, seemingly a man and a woman.
Changbai halted. The dim night made it hard to see clearly. He shook his head and gestured with his chin toward the opposite side. Hanniu understood and said, "That's the sixth young lady and her husband. I ran into them earlier while searching for you all over the courtyard. The night is cool, and the moonlight is lovely. The marquis and the young lady are taking a stroll to aid digestion."
From the situation and the fragments of conversation, it seemed the sixth young lady was rather lazy and just wanted to return to her room to sleep, but Marquis Gu thought it unwise to sleep right after eating and had dragged her out.
Changbai glanced at the couple across the pond, so carefree and at ease. He remained silent for a long moment, then bent down and sat on a large stone by the pond.
Hanniu was taken aback. "You're not returning to the room first?"
Changbai nodded.
Hanniu asked hesitantly, "Then what should I tell the young mistress?"
Changbai patted the large stone beside him and looked up at the bright moon in the sky.
Drawing on years of experience, Hanniu ventured a guess: "Does the master mean... to invite the young mistress to come as well, um... to admire the moon?"
Changbai then stretched out his left foot and tapped the stone on the ground.
Hanniu racked his brains, striving to comprehend further: "...Um, and to take a stroll? With an extra layer of clothing?"
Changbai finally nodded and waved his hand to dismiss him.
Hanniu ran off, sweating profusely—this was trouble. His master had spoken too much today, and it might take days for him to recover.
Young mistress, you truly are a prophet.
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