What is taking care of her, anyway?

Pei Yezhu’s mother, having lived under someone else’s roof for many years, knew very well whom she could rely on. Only by holding out until her daughter secured her footing in the Zhao family and bore a son for them could she and her daughter truly see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The Xie family, carrying all their belongings and family members, arrived in Hangzhou by boat and inquired about the location of the Du residence.

Many people in Hangzhou still knew of the Du family’s affairs and helped guide them to the hillside village below Fanjing Temple, which was the current farmhouse courtyard of Xie Wenjing’s maternal grandfather.

Upon learning that the Xie family from Yangzhou had sought them out, Xie Wenjing’s grandfather was sorely tempted to shut the door in their faces. However, many villagers already knew they were in-laws, and some had even gathered outside the courtyard to peer in.

Left with no choice, the Du family had to grit their teeth and receive them.

What? These shameless people actually wanted to send a paralyzed, malicious woman to be supported by their daughter and son-in-law?

Such care would not only drain their energy and money, but more importantly, this old woman was the culprit who had harmed their son-in-law. Taking care of her? Was this repaying evil with kindness?

The expressions of Xie Wenjing’s maternal grandfather, grandmother, and the others shifted dramatically.

"In-law, as a junior, let me speak my mind. This Old Madam Xie is actually my brother-in-law’s stepmother. Taking care of such a stepmother—if you are the slightest bit remiss, you will be accused by a sick stepmother of being unfilial. How can she be cared for after that? Furthermore, this old lady would probably only find peace and recovery under the care of her own biological son. How could she endure the bitter pain of being separated from him by such a distance? Besides, as far as I know, the Xie family had long since divided their household. At the time, you elders drove my brother-in-law out as a commoner, without allotting him even a single room, forcing him to live in this country courtyard. Not just anyone could pull off something like that. Partiality shouldn't be practiced to such an extreme! Moreover, my brother-in-law’s health has always been poor. Old Madam Xie knows best how his health came to be so frail, doesn't she? Can she even muster the energy to take care of you? Aren't you afraid that if my brother-in-law suffers the slightest mishap, you will die of illness here in Hangzhou? By then, you wouldn't even get to see your own biological son and grandsons for the last time. Wouldn't you find that deeply regrettable?"

The eldest maternal aunt could no longer hold back. This shameless old woman and this shameless old man had treated her brother-in-law like this—pah!

She purposely locked her gaze on Old Madam Xie’s crooked-mouthed face, declaring that she knew best about her brother-in-law's illness. Wasn't that so? How dared she come courting her own death?

Of course, the eldest maternal aunt did not want her brother-in-law's family to be tainted by such bad luck. This old woman was already in this state—half-dead and breathing—which was the ultimate punishment for her malice. But if she really was going to die, it was better she died as far away as possible so as not to dirty her brother-in-law's home, and potentially incur the undeserved reputation of unfilial behavior through malicious speculation.

Old Madam Xie understood everything better than anyone else. Her own son was afraid that she would be a burden, which was why he didn't want to take her along to his official post.

The most ruthless of all was her own husband. Seeing her in this state, he didn't show a shred of worry—no, that wasn't true; he did have worries, and that was whether their son would be able to serve smoothly as an official.

Closing her eyes, Old Madam Xie shed a tear of despair. Was this the final outcome of all her schemes?

No, she couldn't! She couldn't just admit defeat like this! She couldn't let that smug elder sister of hers below laugh at her!

She had to keep living. To live and watch her descendants rise to greatness and power, and to live and watch her rival's descendants have their reputations ruined one by one and die violent deaths—that would be the ultimate happy ending.

She could still speak and teach her daughter and granddaughter how to guard against them and how to take care of themselves. Even if she lived in Hangzhou, she would never let them take her life!

So what if they had found out that Xie Chengyu’s illness was caused by the wrong medicine? They didn't even dare to let out a fart, which proved they didn't dare bear the charge of unfilial piety!

For this very reason, they wouldn't dare do anything to her! What was more, they still had to take the imperial examinations; if she died, none of them would be able to take the exams—they would all have to sit out for two years!

Right, she didn't need to be afraid of them. To maintain a filial reputation and to be able to take the exams year after year, they would have to obediently wait upon her!

In the depths of her despair, Old Madam Xie had to muster her spirits like Ah Q.

If she had a choice, Old Madam Xie would certainly not want to live with her eldest son; she would feel completely insecure!

"What kind of thing are you? How dare you speak to me like that? Go call Xie Chengyu to come and see his parents!"

Provoked by the eldest maternal aunt's sharp retorts, Master Xie grew angry out of shame, flicked his sleeves, and rebuked her.

The eldest maternal aunt turned pale with rage. Could there really be people this shameless? Today she had truly witnessed it!

"I'm sorry, in-law, if you want to find someone, go find them yourself! Our Du family is not your family's indentured maid! Show them out!"

Xie Wenjing’s maternal grandmother could no longer tolerate it either. Seized with fury, she slammed her teacup down heavily—a clear order for them to scram!

"I'm sorry, Old Madam Du, my father is just anxious about my mother. Our whole family is heading north to take up our official posts, the journey is long, and since my mother has fallen gravely ill at this time, she is truly unsuited for long-distance travel. We can only temporarily trouble my eldest brother and third brother to take care of our mother for a period of time. Once I am settled elsewhere, I will definitely send someone to fetch my mother. As for my mother's health, I have also had her examined by a renowned physician in Yangzhou, who said it is a stroke and she may not be able to stand for a few years, but as long as she is well cared for, her life is guaranteed. My eldest brother need not worry about this. However, the boat we hired is still waiting, so we can only thank Master Du and Old Madam Du. We are pressed for time, so please ask Master Du to send someone to escort my mother and the others to my eldest brother's place! My eldest brother will also be extremely grateful to you! Father, we are running out of time, we must leave!"

Xie Chengju rambled on by himself, making it clear that as long as his mother was well cared for, though she wouldn't be able to stand for a few years, she definitely wouldn't die—and if she did die, it would be his eldest brother's unfilial fault.

Furthermore, he had decided not to entangle himself with the Du family any further. Once he dumped people at the Du family's doorstep, were they really afraid the Dus wouldn't look after his mother and the others?

Besides, Xie Chengju didn't actually want to see those two brothers either, feeling somewhat ashamed to face them. But his mother truly could not be brought along. This was the only way.

The Du family's expressions were livid. How could there be such a shameless family, dumping their seriously ill relative at someone else's house and running away before anyone could react? What kind of behavior was this?

When the fuming eldest maternal aunt rushed to the Li family ancestral hall, Xie Wenjing was startled. Had her eldest maternal aunt gotten into a fight with someone? Her face was so red and her neck so thick, and stars were practically flashing in her eyes!

"Third Brother, Third Sister-in-law, I didn't dare speak directly to my brother-in-law and his wife for fear of shocking him, so I'll tell you two first. Just a moment ago, your parents, along with your second brother, fourth sister, and a little girl, came to our house looking for you. Your stepmother's retribution has arrived; she spent her days harming others, and now it's her turn to be half-dead and paralyzed. Your second brother said he was taking his whole family north to take up his post and couldn't bring his biological mother on a long journey, so he wants to dump his gravely ill mother on you to support. He even left word that they had consulted a doctor who said that although she won't stand for the next few years, she won't die either. Before we could even react, they actually had the nerve to dump your stepmother and run off in such a rush! It infuriates me to death! I've never seen such people! How could they do such a thing? Your eldest brother was poisoned by your stepmother and left on the brink of death for two years. Fortunately, Wenjing was alert and smart enough to bring her father to Hangzhou, where he slowly recovered quite a bit. Now, if Wenjing's father is made to dutifully wait upon the stepmother who poisoned him, I don't even know if Wenjing's father would be angered into a collapse! And remember when you divided the family property before? Your stepmother instigated things to have you driven out of the Xie family like stray dogs. When you returned, you didn't receive a single copper coin, while their second son got the ancestral residence in Yangzhou and everything inside it. Yet when it actually comes time to support the elderly, how could your shameless second brother have the face to dump his own mother at my house and run? What is dumping her at my house supposed to mean? Is my Du family supposed to support his mother, his sister, and his niece? Oh, my liver has been hurting from anger until now! I've never seen such shameless people!"

The eldest maternal aunt ranted angrily to Xie Wenjing's third uncle, third aunt, and Xie Wenjing, pouring her grievances out like beans from a bamboo tube. As she spoke, her face turned pale with fury.

The eldest maternal uncle stood by with a livid face as well, remaining silent in sullen anger.

The reason the eldest maternal aunt and uncle dared not tell Xie Wenjing's parents was precisely for fear that Xie Wenjing's father would be angered to death. Who wouldn't be enraged if such a thing happened to them? Not to mention that Xie Wenjing's father had suffered under that old woman's poison for a full two years and more!

"Eldest Sister-in-law, you mustn't let yourself get angry. We all know what kind of person the stepmother is—she puts on a wonderful facade while doing every wicked thing behind the scenes. Take Wengbao, for instance; he was spoiled into being unreasonable by his stepmother, yet the child still likes her. If he finds out she has come here, he'd probably beam with joy every day. If that happens, my eldest brother and sister-in-law would truly be pitiful. Wenjing, I don't know how we should handle them. You have a lot of ideas, think of a way. We can't let your father suffer your grandmother's poison again!"

The third aunt was also at a loss. To speak the truth, she wished the stepmother were dead, but now the person had been dumped into their hands by that shameless second brother who left word that she wouldn't die for a few years.

The third aunt's teeth were itching with rage as well. Wouldn't die for a few years? Was he an immortal? She had done too many wicked things and retribution had come; it wouldn't be against justice if she died right now! It was enough to infuriate one to death!

The third aunt also felt her heart and lungs burning with fire.

The third uncle's expression was exceptionally unsightly. How did he end up living amongst such family members? Indeed, Wenjing's determination to break away from the Xie family back then had been extremely wise. If they had been driven out of the Xie family then, he and his eldest brother would no longer be considered members of the Xie family, and naturally, they wouldn't be facing today's infuriating mess! And this wasn't something that could be resolved in a day or two! He was only afraid that his eldest brother's newly recovered health would be violently angered into a collapse!

"Eldest Aunt, Third Aunt, neither of you should be angry. My step-grandmother spent her whole life fighting with my biological grandmother. When she was young, even before my grandmother married my grandfather, she was already secretly consorting with my heartless grandfather. After becoming my grandfather's concubine, she was hell-bent on destroying all the bloodline left behind by my grandmother once my grandmother died. That's why she poisoned my father and left him half-dead for two years, turned my younger brother into an unprincipled prodigal, and had both our branches driven out of the Xie family without a single copper coin when the property was divided. Now, although she has fallen ill, she will not stop here. Once given the chance, she will act like a venomous snake, biting you when you're not paying attention. Perhaps a word or two from her could drive someone in our household to despair. Why did this woman treat our two branches like this if not to exact revenge on our biological grandmother? If we want to take revenge on this old woman, we must learn from her—there's no need to take her life; let her live, live to watch our family live in harmony and prosperity, and anger her to death. I am willing to spend silver to rent a room for her at Fanjing Temple, send her there to recuperate, and let her recover her health, open her eyes, and see what kind of ends her sons, grandsons, and granddaughters will meet one by one! I am going to Fanjing Temple right now to make arrangements. Eldest Aunt, you must not tell my father and mother temporarily. Once I've made the arrangements at Fanjing Temple, I will go straight to your house and escort that old woman to Fanjing Temple to recover properly. Along with that pair of mother and daughter, we will send them all away. We all know clearly that that mother and daughter are our enemies just like the rest; since she is born of that old woman, she is naturally our enemy. None of us should soft-heartedly think that the mother and daughter are innocent. Even Pei Yezhu—she's only nine years old, but she shouldn't be underestimated. While I was being despised and ridiculed by the Zhao family, she was already making eyes at Zhao Qusheng and ingratiating herself with Madam Zhao; she harbored the intention of winning Zhao Qusheng's heart long ago. Even though she is only nine, having been brought up by that old woman since childhood, her mind is already deeply malicious. If you're not careful, you could be deceived by her and even think she's pitiful. Especially Wenjing... wait, Wenxiu... no, Wen-ting; Wen-ting will have to marry in the future, and we must never let this Pei Yezhu meddle and ruin Wen-ting. Third Uncle, once I've arranged things at Fanjing Temple, the three of us will go together to send them to Fanjing Temple. No one at home should mention this; let's wait for a period of time. After my father's health improves a bit more, and after we gradually explain these filthy matters of the Xie family to Wenfeng, Wenting, and Wenbao, so that they feel disgust, aversion, and wariness toward these people, only then can we let them see that old woman. Otherwise, I'm afraid that old woman might manipulate them, and that would ruin everything!"

Originally, Xie Wenjing had wanted to wait until her younger brother was a bit older before telling him how their father had been poisoned by their grandmother, how their grandfather was heartless, their second uncle unrighteous, and their cousin hypocritical; but now she had no choice but to tell Wenbao. If she didn't, she feared that an ignorant Wenbao might be instigated by them into doing something foolish! That old woman's malicious intent to harm them would never rest for a single day; she could not afford to lower her guard. She only hoped Wenbao could understand what she was saying.

Xie Wenjing specifically emphasized Pei Yezhu, fearing that even if she guarded against the girl, the latter would find an opportunity to deceive the others at home.

With the bitter experiences of her previous life, Xie Wenjing was resolved never to let her younger cousin Wenting experience the same.

"Wait, Wenjing, I'll accompany you to Fanjing Temple. Husband, you go and deal with Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law with Wenjing's eldest aunt and the others, so they don't suspect anything if they find out they're here and can't find them."

The third aunt stood up, instructed her husband, and grabbed Wenjing, hurrying off to Fanjing Temple to arrange the lodging. Wenjing was right; this malicious old woman could not be housed at home. If her eldest brother and sister-in-law had to look at them every day, wouldn't they be angered to death? Even she herself felt suffocated just looking at them; her family couldn't go on living like this! It was best to send them to Fanjing Temple—out of sight, out of mind!

"Why have Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law come?" Du Juan had been feeling somewhat listless the past two days, feeling physically weak and constantly wanting to sleep. Still, seeing her eldest brother and sister-in-law arrive, she summoned her energy to greet them.

"Nothing much, just wanted to see how the rice Wenting rented to farm is growing! The rice we rented is growing quite well too!"

The eldest maternal aunt made up a lie. It was better if her younger sister didn't know; if she was affected and in a bad mood, it would certainly impact her brother-in-law, and it had been difficult for him to improve so much over this period. He mustn't be angered into poor health again.

"I, as a mother, am not as capable as my own daughter. I don't know how she manages to be so smart, acting just like an adult! I went to look at all those paddy fields she rented, and they really do seem fine. The villagers are so good to us, helping our family farm. Fortunately, Wenjing bought plenty of rice and flour earlier, treating the villagers well for a period. By the way, where is Wenjing? Have you seen her?"

When Du Juan spoke of her daughter, it was with heartfelt pride and a tiny trace of guilt. As the child's mother, she was not as capable as her own daughter, and could even be said to be relying on a child who hadn't yet grown up—she felt thoroughly ashamed!

"Wenjing? I just saw her a moment ago. She said she was going to Fanjing Temple to pray to the Buddha for favorable weather and a good harvest for this season's rice!"

The eldest maternal aunt continued fabricating her story, making it sound entirely plausible.

Hearing this, Xie Wenjing's mother felt an even deeper sense of guilt—her daughter carried much more on her shoulders than she did!

Taking a shortcut, Xie Wenjing and her third aunt climbed the mountain into Fanjing Temple. Neither of them noticed that Xie Wenbao and Xie Wenfeng were following behind them.

"Shh, keep it down, don't let them find out. I'm going to take you to see with your own eyes whether the grandmother they talk about is really a bad person!"

When the eldest maternal aunt had arrived, Xie Wenbao had once again secretly overheard talk about the vicious deeds done by his grandmother. He had also heard the hatred in his sister's, third uncle's, and third aunt's voices, and learned that they were going to house their seriously ill grandmother at Fanjing Temple rather than bring her home.

Therefore, Xie Wenbao had decided to drag his cousin—who studied alongside him—to see with his own eyes whether their grandmother was truly as malicious as his sister claimed.

Taking advantage of his sister and third aunt's departure, he had hurriedly dragged his cousin along, tailing them quietly all the way.

Xie Wenbao had never believed that his grandmother was malicious; hadn't she always been so good to him?

Yet his parents, third uncle, third aunt, and sister all said she was wicked. Since that was the case, he had to see for himself whose words were true and whom he should believe!

"Wenbao, who did you hear saying grandmother is a bad person?"

Wenfeng had never heard his family speak of grandmother either, so he was still in the dark.

"My parents said so, your parents said so, and my sister said so too! That's why we have to see for ourselves to know who is right!"

Xie Wenbao had improved slightly—he knew to sneakily follow and watch rather than run up and ask his grandmother directly.

Hearing this, Xie Wenfeng was somewhat incredulous, his expression turning awkward, but he still silently followed Wenbao into Fanjing Temple without a word.

"This suite is just right. Not only can it accommodate three people, but it's also quiet—an excellent place for convalescence. The patron only needs to pay ten taels of silver a month! Our temple also provides vegetarian meals daily. However, if medicine needs to be brewed, that will be calculated separately."

Master Kudeng was very courteous upon seeing this young patron once again. Although this young patron was small, she handled affairs with exceptional capability.

"That's fine. Once my grandmother moves in, I will have someone deliver medicine to her every day. Here is one hundred and twenty taels for a year's rent—I'll pay it in advance. I must trouble the masters to take good care of her. If anything happens, send word to us and we will come at any time. My grandmother was also seriously ill many years ago, and later recovered after staying at Damingsheng Temple in Yangzhou for a period of time. She has always been a devout Buddhist, and arranging for her to live here under the Buddha's care should bring her great peace of mind."

Xie Wenjing spoke with utmost sincerity. To outsiders, she would not easily speak ill of her grandmother, as it would only invite gossip. Besides, she didn't want her to die a quick death; she needed to keep her alive to watch her own family prosper and thrive!

Originally, Xie Wenjing had planned that after helping her maternal grandfather's family repay their debts to the Qin family, she would quietly live out her days relying on the hundred mu of fields at the Li family ancestral hall. But now, that was no longer possible.

In her previous life, her second uncle hadn't attained an official post by the time she died; after being kicked out by the prefect of Yangzhou, he spent his days chasing courtesans and squandering his wealth.

Now, her second uncle was actually going north to serve as an assistant magistrate! This was entirely outside her calculations. She only feared that once he entered officialdom, he might genuinely strike dog-luck and rise steadily. If he harbored malicious intentions, her family truly wouldn't have the strength to resist him!

Relying on her father and third uncle to pass the imperial examinations for official rank—Xie Wenjing simply didn't have that kind of confidence.

She didn't dare wait until her younger brothers passed the exams either.

So be it. In her past life, she could make money through business; in this life, she could do the same. Moreover, in this life, she would truly be doing business to enrich her own family.

However, in this life, not only would she do business, but she must also find herself a strong backing—this was an absolute necessity!

In her previous life, she had found herself a backer by coincidence: Cheng Yi, the forty-year-old hereditary Protector of the State, the Duke of Cheng in Jinling. His son, Cheng Kun, had placed first in the Jinling imperial examinations that year, just like in her past life.

The Duke of Cheng was practically an emperor in Jinling, commanding ten thousand elite troops and ten thousand naval soldiers stationed around the Jinling canals. The defense of Jinling was entirely up to him.

However, the Duke of Cheng did not participate in the political affairs of Jinling's Six Minor Ministries.

Jinling was considered the secondary capital of the Great Zhou. When the dynasty was founded, its capital had been set in Jinling, but during the previous emperor's reign, to fend off foreign invaders who frequently harassed the borders, the capital was moved to Yanjing.

Thus Jinling became the secondary capital, possessing Six Ministries and holding imperial examinations, yet remaining under the unified control of Yanjing. It only handled minor matters; major issues had to be reported to Yanjing first before being processed.

The administrative personnel of Jinling's secondary capital ministries practically held sinecure posts.

Only the Duke of Cheng in Jinling held genuine, practical power. No official in the secondary capital dared to provoke the straight-laced military general, the Duke of Cheng.

The Duke of Cheng was also the eldest prince's maternal uncle. Although the eldest prince's birth mother had died young, leaving him as her only surviving son, his maternal uncle was fiercely protective and cared immensely for this nephew.

Through a fortuitous encounter in her past life, Xie Wenjing had gotten to know the forty-something Duke of Cheng, who became her major patron.

In this life, she needed to connect with him once again. Otherwise, no matter how much silver she earned, without official backing, she still wouldn't be able to stand firm.

With the experiences of her previous life, Xie Wenjing knew better than ordinary people how official power could create uncrossable chasms in places you couldn't see.

This was a choice she was forced to make. That heartless second uncle could abandon his own biological mother for the sake of his official career; how could she gamble on him still possessing a conscience?

Leaving Fanjing Temple, as Xie Wenjing and her third aunt returned, they once again resolved to plunge into the sea of commerce in this life.

Xu Yin, in this life, if I still bear the reputation of a shrew, will you still like me as much as you did in the past?

Xu Yin, I miss you. I don't know whether you passed the examinations this time, but win or lose, do not despair or become dejected; you will always be Yangzhou's proudest top scholar.

To be honest, a selfish part of me wishes you wouldn't pass as the top scholar, so that I'd have more chances to marry you.

Yet I cannot be so selfish. In my past life, you cut your brilliant life short to save me. In this life, I will never again cause you to perish prematurely.

You should be the pride of the world, a heavyweight minister of the Great Zhou, and a name recorded in history books.

As for me—as for me, I must now stand tall to protect my family!

Xu Yin, no matter when, my heart is yours, and everything I am is yours. I am willing to live and die for you. Yet I feel as though I am drifting further and further away from you!

"Wenjing, why are you crying?"

The third aunt suddenly noticed crystal tears rolling down Wenjing's face, her eyes filled with a heavy, aching sorrow she had never seen before, causing a sympathetic ache to bloom unbidden in her own heart.

"Oh, it's nothing, just got some dust in my eye." Xie Wenjing forced a smile, suppressing the bitter sorrow in her heart.

The third aunt remained half-skeptical. Had she been mistaken about the heavy sorrow in Wenjing's eyes just now?

Was Wenjing grieving and suffering on her father's behalf?

"Wenjing, don't worry about your father. His health has improved a lot now. Even if she comes, she won't be living with us, and we won't need to see her every day. Even if your father finds out, he won't break down—your father is a grown man, he'll come to terms with it. Stop worrying, alright?"

The third aunt comforted Wenjing.

Wenjing smiled again. "Mmm, my father can control his emotions. He's been practicing calligraphy lately, and he's gotten quite good at it! In a few days, after I check on Father's condition, I'll talk it over with him properly; it won't trigger him."

Having spent frequent days accompanying her parents recently, Xie Wenjing felt her father's state of mind had grown much steadier. She believed her father could handle the emotional fluctuations of this matter.

Meanwhile, her mother had been acting somewhat strange these past few days, though when asked, she only claimed to feel constantly sleepy without any other discomfort. It was probably just fatigue from two years of diligently nursing her father.

In her past life, Xie Wenjing had never even had close contact with a man, so how could she know that an older woman constantly wanting to sleep, apart from exhaustion, could also mean she was pregnant?

Just as the two women returned to the Li family ancestral hall, found her third uncle, and set out together with him toward her maternal grandfather's house to escort that woman to Fanjing Temple, Xie Wenbao and Xie Wenfeng had already snuck and hid themselves inside the very same suite Xie Wenjing had rented for her grandmother at Fanjing Temple.

In past years, suites like this would never have been rented out at such a low price, but because Hangzhou had been struck by disaster, few people were spending silver to rent such quarters as they usually did.

Master Kudeng had previously pitched a longevity lamp and a scholastic lamp to Xie Wenjing; seeing that the suite was sitting empty anyway, he rented it out to her at a friendly discount.

Besides, leaving it vacant was pointless, and one hundred and twenty taels for a year's rent was still a tidy sum, especially since no special servants were required—just three daily portions of standard monkish vegetarian meals.

Hiding under the bed with Xie Wenfeng, Xie Wenbao clutched the hanging bed curtain. Without a close look, no one would ever discover them.

When Xie Wenjing once again laid eyes on her step-grandmother, her face immediately assumed an expression of anxious concern. "Grandmother, what happened to you? How did you end up like this? Did someone upset you, Grandmother?"

Xie Wenjing could put on an act too. The time to tear off their masks had not yet arrived; as long as her son remained in officialdom, she could not afford to openly break with her.

"Eldest Niece, don't even mention it! Your grandmother was angered into this state by your second uncle!" It was Pei Yezhu's mother—Xie Wenjing's fourth aunt, Xie Chengyun—who spoke with reddened eyes.

Xie Chengyun did not know that her mother had poisoned Wenjing's father, but she was well aware of her mother's deliberate intentions to groom her daughter to become Zhao Qusheng's concubine.

Originally, Xie Chengyun had harbored a guilty conscience when facing Xie Wenjing, but now that Xie Wenjing's betrothal to Zhao Qusheng had been annulled, that guilt was gone.

Along the way, Xie Chengyun had pondered much. Her second brother and sister-in-law practically ignored her and her daughter, whereas her eldest sister-in-law, third brother, and third aunt still showed a shred of human kindness by frequently asking how their mother-and-daughter pair were getting by.

Seeing how heartlessly her second brother could dump their mother, she knew she couldn't count on his branch in the future. Right now, she needed to curry favor with the eldest and third branches to secure her livelihood, so she began currying favor with them by speaking ill of her second brother to vent the third branch's anger.

When the Xie family split their property, she had seen it all clearly: her third brother had been utterly furious at the parents' partiality in favoring the second brother with all the property while leaving them with nothing.

"Fourth Aunt, how did Second Uncle manage to anger Grandmother to this extent?" The third aunt asked with simulated worry, though in her heart she was thrilled—why hadn't the old hag been angered to death instead?

Xie Chengyun glanced around; the Du family members had gone out and were not present.

"It's all because of Second Brother! When he went to Jinling for the exams this time, he didn't pass as a jinshi; instead, he got entangled with a famous Jinling courtesan. That courtesan was fierce too, forcing Second Brother to redeem her indentured contract, threatening to ruin him completely if he didn't. Second Brother agreed, and on the way back he even brought along a pimp, which angered Mother to the point of collapse on the very day they arrived. All the houses in the estate have been sold, and anything of value at home has been pawned. If not for that, even if he went north to take up his official post, I could have stayed in Yangzhou with Yezhu to take proper care of Mother. But now we have no choice but to throw ourselves on Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law's mercy! Our mother-and-daughter pair have had a hard life; we ask for nothing else, just a bite of rice from Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law to survive, wuwuwu!"

As she spoke, Xie Chengyun actually sank to her knees before the third aunt, weeping and pleading with a pitiable air that would make anyone's heart ache.

If it were the past, the third aunt certainly wouldn't have been able to bear it. But now, keeping Wenjing's words in mind, pitying this pair of mother and daughter meant pitying one's own enemies.

"Fourth Aunt, get up quickly. Although we are poor too, we can still squeeze out a mouthful of rice. You also know that when the family split, our branch didn't receive a single copper coin. Thanks to the fact that I still had a few valuable hairpins on my head when we left Hangzhou, otherwise we would have starved to death long ago. The eldest brother and sister-in-law have it even harder; Eldest Brother's health is poor and he cannot endure such a massive shock. If he found out that Mother was angered into illness by Second Brother, I truly fear Eldest Brother might suffer a relapse. Both our branches live in the countryside now, farming a hundred mu of land; everyone except Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law has to work in the fields, or else we won't even have a bite to eat. For now, we still need to keep this matter hidden from Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law. I've thought it over, and it's best to send Mother to Fanjing Temple to recuperate quietly. In a few days, once Mother's health improves a bit, we can slowly break the news to Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law and bring them to see you. By the way, the rent for the suite at Fanjing Temple was paid by Wenjing selling her gold bracelet and jade hairpin to scrape together a year's rent, and Fanjing Temple covers the vegetarian meals for a year. I wonder if Mother and Fourth Aunt are willing to stay at Fanjing Temple? If you aren't willing, I can still bring you to our home, but our house is damp and plagued by rats—I hope Mother and Fourth Aunt will understand, considering our two branches were driven out of the Xie family without bringing a single copper coin!"

The third aunt’s tone was neither warm nor cold—half enthusiastic, half mocking, taking the opportunity to jab and stimulate this old woman. *Vicious old hag, when you drove our two branches out, you were truly ruthless! Has your retribution finally arrived?*

Furthermore, the third aunt had no desire to let this grandmother and granddaughter pair dream of good food and comfortable lodging; looking at them made her head spin. If they refused to live at Fanjing Temple, she'd find them a few rat-infested rooms instead! After all, this was the countryside—where weren't there rats?

Hearing the third aunt mention rats at home, Pei Yezhu turned pale with fright, clutching her mother's sleeve and trembling all over.

As for Old Madam Xie, who lay on the stretcher, her ears were fine and her speech wasn't completely gone—though speaking made her lisp slightly through her missing teeth, she couldn't worry about that now.

"Go to Fanjing Temple!" The old lady forced the words out despite her lisp. She truly wanted no part of living in her eldest son's farmhouse, fearing they might have already discovered her past poisoning attempts.

Staying at Fanjing Temple was much safer, and she wouldn't need to live in constant, nervous vigilance against them. If she stayed there for a year until her son stabilized at his official post, he would surely come fetch her.

Amitabha, Buddha preserve us! Fortunately, she could still live at Fanjing Temple—there was hope after all!

When her husband and son had abandoned her and dumped her on the eldest son's family, Old Madam Xie had felt despair, but now she was filled with hope.

"Mother, don't be too angry. This illness requires quiet recuperation, and Fanjing Temple is very peaceful—I went to look at it myself. Later on, I will still come to Fanjing Temple to visit you from time to time."

The third uncle forced out words against his conscience, saying things he utterly detested, but as long as this stepmother remained alive, she was still his stepmother on paper, and the appearances had to be maintained or else he would be accused of unfilial piety. Even though he wished she were dead, he had to put on a show of concern.

"Yes, Wenjing will also come visit Grandmother on behalf of my parents every day. Wenjing will invite a physician to check on Grandmother, brew medicine for her daily, and thank Grandmother on my father's behalf for her dedicated care over the past two years."

Xie Wenjing's smiling attempts to pacify Old Madam Xie sent a chill straight through the old woman's heart.

"No! Living in a temple, there is the Buddha's care; I don't want a doctor, the Buddha will be displeased! Didn't your father live at Fanjing Temple and get better without taking medicine? Grandmother wants to get better quickly too, and under the Buddha's care I will surely recover. Don't waste money inviting a doctor for me! No!"

This speech was exceedingly difficult for Old Madam Xie to articulate, but she managed to make her meaning clear: she absolutely refused a doctor. If they invited some malicious physician or slipped something into her medicine, and she was left paralyzed and unable to move, how could she possibly defend herself?

If they ended up poisoning her to death, they might even earn a filial reputation while she died in vain and accomplished nothing for them. Absolutely not!

Looking at the old woman acting like this, Xie Wenjing sneered inwardly.

*She must be afraid we'll hire a malicious doctor just like she did—truly judging the hearts of others by her own standard. Fine, I didn't have silver to waste on pampering you anyway! Sinking a hundred and twenty taels into a year's rent was already spoiling an old hag like you.*

*However, I will make you pay your debts back in the future. Money cannot settle a debt of blood—you'll have to pay with your life!*

Without lingering any longer at the Du residence, the third uncle, third aunt, and Wenjing escorted them to the Fanjing Temple suite right before noon, just in time for the temple's vegetarian mealtime.

"Grandmother, are you finding the vegetarian meals to your liking?"

The third uncle, third aunt, and Wenjing accompanied them to share a meal of Fanjing Temple's vegetarian food. Each person received a bowl of white rice and a small dish of plain vegetables; though light, it was a luxury that ordinary country villagers could only dream of.

"Good, good, this is the best! Green vegetables and tofu bring peace! Nothing could be better!"

Old Madam Xie lisped through her words, nearly causing Xie Wenbao and Xie Wenfeng—hiding beneath the bed—to burst out laughing. The two boys quickly clamped their hands over their mouths; why was grandmother talking like that now?

The two boys had been hiding underneath for quite some time, but to get to the truth, they were determined to endure and stay put.

It wasn't easy to endure, though—their stomachs were rumbling with hunger, and hearing the sounds of others eating made them feel even hungrier, but for the sake of the truth, starve as they might, they had to hold out.

"Now then, Mother Li, how both our branches were driven out of the Xie family, I believe you know better than anyone. We are just like country farmers now—if we don't work the fields, we don't have food to eat. As for the maids and matrons who used to serve us, we no longer pay them monthly wages; those willing to leave have already left, and those willing to stay share the farm work so we can afford them a bowl of rice. You need to think carefully—we no longer have monthly wages to give. We are no longer a wealthy family of Yangzhou, but ordinary peasants—peasants farming the land!"

While eating her vegetarian meal, the third aunt caught sight of Mother Li patiently attending to the stepmother's meal and felt a sudden wave of suffocation.

This old hag had no doubt helped the malicious stepmother commit countless dirty deeds in the past; the third aunt was certain that her eldest brother's poisoning hadn't happened without this old matron running errands and matchmaking behind the scenes.

*Time to rattle this old woman's running dog! Don't dream of getting any monthly wages from our hands—and that goes for Xie Chengyun and her daughter too! You cannot pity your enemies!*

With a thud, Mother Li dropped to her knees. "Third Mistress, this old slave only asks for a bite to eat, I wouldn't dare have such thoughts! This old slave only begs to follow Old Madam and take care of Old Madam! This old slave knows the Xie family is having a hard time now, and I understand. I only beg Third Mistress to take pity on the fact that this old slave has served Old Madam for many years and not drive me away! This old slave has nowhere else to go; if driven out, it's a dead end for me!"

Hearing this, Wenbao felt a surge of injustice. Grandmother was ill, and it was only natural for Mother Li to take care of her; why was the third aunt speaking to her like that?

"No! Don't make her leave—she is my bondservant, and her indenture is still in my hands. If you have any filial piety, for my sake, give her a bite to eat. Naturally, you won't be troubled to provide wages; you won't need to pay. Even Chengyun and her daughter won't expect wages from you. We all understand that the Xie family is no longer what it used to be, so monthly wages are out of the question. Do you all understand now? From now on, there are no more monthly wages?"