Ji Youze assured her, "Of course, itâs true. Hurry, itâs almost dark!"
Xie PanâEr went to find Luo Family and asked her for the ledger of the fifth branch of the Xie Family. Luo Family hesitated before telling her where the ledger was. Then, she asked, "PanâEr, have you ever thought about your father and brotherâs opinions on us establishing a new Ancestral Hall after the mourning period ends?"
Hearing this, Xie PanâEr hesitated slightly before asking Luo Family, "Why would you ask that? I think Brother would definitely agree. You should be able to see that too."
Luo Family hesitated, saying, "But your father, he..."
Xie PanâEr looked at Luo Family anxiously. "What about Father?"
After thinking for a while, Luo Family said, "Today, your father actively spoke up for the main branch."
Hearing this, Xie PanâEr thought back to what her father had said and couldnât help but laugh. "Mother, youâre muddled. In that situation, how could Father not speak for the Xie Family? We havenât completely severed ties with the main branch yet. If the matter of the Gu Insect isnât firmly attributed to the Lin Family, then if the Xie Family is ever accused of colluding with the enemy and treason, weâll be among the nine generations of the clan to be exterminated!"
Hearing this, Luo Family gasped. It took her a long moment to recover, and she patted her chest with belated fear. "I was shortsighted. You go ahead! Just handle the matter of the clan expulsion quietly."
Xie PanâEr squatted down, grabbing Luo Familyâs hand, the happiest smile on her face. "Mother! Once we establish our own Ancestral Hall, our family can live happily and freely, just as we wish."
Luo Family caressed her daughterâs face, a happy smile on her own, but her heart ached with sorrow.
She owed her daughter so much; how could she ever make up for it?
Xie PanâEr and Ji Youze went to find Old Lady Ji and Old Lady Xie to handle the clan expulsion.
Xiaosuisui watched Ji Youran remove the Gu Insects from Xie Si and Xie Wulang. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she observed the two small insects, one red and one white, chasing each other and circling within the jade bowl.
"Second Uncle, can I keep these insects?"
Ji Youran was speechless.
Should he give them to her, or not?
Huo XingâEr pulled Xiaosuisui into her embrace. "We should go back. Itâs almost dark."
Xiaosuisui struggled in Huo XingâErâs arms. "I want the little bugs!"
"Do you want the bugs, or your grandmother?"
Xiaosuisui didnât understand. What was the conflict between the bugs and her grandmother?
"What does that matter?"
Huo XingâEr said, "Your grandmother is old; the bugs might frighten her."
Xiaosuisui had a realization. She didnât want the bugs anymore. She wanted her grandmother to be well and never be frightened by bugs.
However...
"Second Uncle, please keep the bugs for me. Give them to me when Grandmother isnât afraid of them anymore!"
Standing rooted to the spot, Ji Youranâs mouth twitched for a good while.
Huo XingâEr, holding Xiaosuisui, waited by Old Lady Jiâs carriage for her.
Actually, her disposition was usually quite indifferent, but this time she inexplicably wanted to know the outcome of Xie PanâErâs clan expulsion and the future of the fifth branch of the Xie Family.
Soon, Old Lady Ji emerged from the Xie Family residence, accompanied by Nanny Zhang, several Guards, and Maids. Huo XingâEr, still holding Xiaosuisui, hurried forward to greet them. Xiaosuisui immediately stretched out her small hands, wanting Old Lady Ji to hold her.
"Grandmother, carry me!"
Nanny Zhang quickly intervened, "Princess, let this old servant hold you! Old Madam is tired and canât carry you!"
Xiaosuisui readily settled into Nanny Zhangâs arms.
With Huo XingâErâs support, Old Lady Ji boarded the carriage. She then invited Nanny Zhang to ride back with her. Nanny Zhang initially tried to decline, but Old Lady Ji insisted.
"The carriage is spacious enough. Come up and rest for a bit. You still have to give Suisui her lessons when we get back!"
Nanny Zhang no longer refused. She got in and sat beside Huo XingâEr. Xiaosuisui snuggled into Old Lady Jiâs embrace and asked, "Grandmother, is the matter concerning the pretty big sisterâs family settled now?"