Chapter 724: Chapter 686: The Commotion Has Begun (15 Updates)
After Sanyang returned to the Li family, Second Langâs wife visited twice, but Sanyang refused to see her, while Mrs. Yao entertained her.
Considering that the Song family raised a girl was not easy, and since the young girl had already made her choice, Mrs. Yaoâs attitude towards Second Langâs wife was kind and amiable, telling her to be open-minded and suggesting that it makes no difference where she is raised, as long as she is remembered in the heart, she can visit whenever time permits.
These words left Second Langâs wife feeling blocked inside, and each time she left, she was crying.
When Song Erlang found out, he wasnât overly angry, but knowing their daughter wouldnât come back, he couldnât help but express some resentment in his words.
Second Langâs wife was angered on the spot; she could tolerate others criticizing her as cruel and incompetent, but Song Erlang alone was the least qualified to condemn her.
After hearing those words, Second Langâs wife made a big scene, causing so much commotion that Old Song and Granny Song were alarmed.
The two elders summoned the couple.
Old Song, who usually spoke the least, began rebuking Song Erlang, saying he wasnât manly at all. Since it was the couple who originally decided to abandon their daughter to save their son, it doesnât matter whose family she is with now. As long as you understand in your heart, donât push all responsibility onto the woman; only a coward is tough at home.
Song Erlang, having grown so tall, was scared stiff for the first time when he saw his father angry. Under Granny Songâs cold gaze, he publicly apologized to his wife and vowed never to say such reckless words again, then only managed to bring his wife back to the West Courtyard.
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Lin Xiaoyue was always upset about that incident. Seeing Amuerâs injuries were almost healed, she personally took him to the Song family and asked about Li Huairuâs situation. Wen Wan truthfully told her: "Already sent back to the Li family."
"Did she remember anything?" Lin Xiaoyue asked.
"She remembered, but it would have been better if she hadnât," Wen Wan recalled the young girlâs painful expression at the time and sighed, "The incident when her biological parents abandoned her during the earthquake left a great shadow on her. If not for Madam being there to comfort her, she might have collapsed long ago."
Lin Xiaoyue sighed upon hearing this, "I always knew Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law lost a child, but I didnât realize it was lost like this. In this way, the child really is too pitiable."
Wen Wanâs gaze fell on Amuer, asking if he was better.
Having learned Da Chu language for so long, the little guy couldnât speak it but could occasionally understand a few words. Seeing Wen Wan with no malice, he nodded, pointed to the nearly invisible scar on the back of his hand, then looked at Wen Wan and made sounds akin to Qi Baoâs baby talk in the west wing.
Wen Wan carefully inspected him. When the little guy first arrived, his hair hadnât been shaved. Now not only did his eyes resemble those of Da Chu people, but Lin Xiaoyue had also tidied his hair, leaving it in a peach shape like Jinbaoâs. Even with the medicine concealing it, it couldnât hide the beauty of his eyes, clear like the stars reflected in the sea.
Wen Wan couldnât help but praise, "What a beautiful little guy."
Lin Xiaoyue smiled upon hearing this, "When he first arrived, I felt some discomfort, but over time, Iâve gotten used to him, now just like my own."
Wen Wan grew more fond of him, beckoning, "Come over for Aunt Wan to hold?"
Amuer stood still.
Lin Xiaoyue gently said, "Donât be afraid, thatâs Aunt Wan, you just met her days ago, did you forget? Go let her hold you, and sheâll let you play with Jinbao later."
"Jinbao..." Amuer repeated the name.
Lin Xiaoyue said, "The older brother who flew kites with you that day."
After standing for a while, Amuer suddenly looked at Wen Wan and voluntarily spoke, "Hold..."
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After April passed, Jinbao turned five years old.
Because they had just organized a birthday banquet for the elderly patriarch earlier, Jinbao didnât celebrate his birthday this year. He simply received a new outfit and was taken out by Song Yuanbao for a stroll.
Seven-month-old Qi Bao learned to sit, and Wen Wan began instructing the kitchen to prepare semi-solid foods. Qi Baoâs daily milk intake gradually decreased, so one nanny could manage, leaving Nanny Qian and Nanny Zhou to face the choice.
Only one of these two could stay at the Song Mansion as a nanny, and the remaining one had to be sent away.
Among them, the situation of Nanny Zhou was relatively better; her parents-in-law were alive, and her husband was currently working as a clerk at a restaurant with stable income. Although she wouldnât be extremely wealthy upon returning, her family at least had no worries about food and clothing.
Nanny Qianâs situation was slightly worse; if she left the Song Mansion, it would mean using her hard-earned savings from the past six months to help her husband pay off gambling debts.
Wen Wan hadnât decided who to keep yet, and first sent Kankan to investigate their backgrounds, then began to ponder.
Wen Wan actually favored Nanny Zhou.
Although this person was straightforward and particularly talkative, occasionally reporting things, such people usually lacked scheming minds. They spoke openly and frankly, as long as no major mistakes were made, Wen Wan could turn a blind eye.
But if Nanny Zhou stays, Nanny Qian might be driven into a corner.
"Should we keep Nanny Qin instead?" Yun Cai said, "That old hag, Nanny Zhou, does nothing but curse others. Her words are nasty, and if she becomes the nanny, sheâll definitely corrupt the girl."
"Actually, although Nanny Zhou has a bit of a fiery temper, her heart isnât bad. I think it might be more fitting to keep her. However, this would put Nanny Qian in a tough spot," Linglong said worriedly.
The two maids discussed for a while, then both looked at Wen Wan. Wen Wan said, "Keep them both. They donât necessarily have to be nannies. Let one of them manage things."
Within half a day, the two nannies were assigned tasks: Nanny Qian stayed on as the nanny, while Nanny Zhou was assigned to management.
When Nanny Qian received the news, she was overjoyed and gave the messenger girl half a string of coins for the news. Although Nanny Zhou was disappointed at not continuing as the nanny, she was happy to get a managerial position and also rewarded the girl with half a string of coins.
Early next morning, Nanny Zhou packed her things and moved out from her old room to join the supervisorâs wives in the communal quarters, and Qingteng Residence quieted down completely.
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As the weather grew hotter, ice buckets were placed in Wen Wanâs room.
The Dragon Boat Festival was just around the corner, and some second and third tier maids were outside washing zongzi leaves. Seeing the scorching sun, Wen Wan called them inside to enjoy the cool air from the ice bucket. Finding the process interesting, Wen Wan joined them on a small stool to wrap the rice dumplings, while Linglong fanned her.
"We didnât get to watch the dragon boat races last year. We must go this year," Wen Wan remarked and then asked Yun Cai, "Did you manage to book the private room for us the other day?"
"I did," Yun Cai replied with a smile. "Madam, rest assured, itâs a great location right by the moat. You can see all the scenes below from the window. The shopkeeper himself said itâs the best room for watching the dragon boat race. By the way, Madam, will our old lady be coming?"
"Of course," Linglong answered for Wen Wan, "Thatâs why I asked you to book a large room. I heard that the old lady from the Duke Mansion will also join us for the festival. Itâs going to be lively."
"Really?" Yun Cai, who loved lively occasions, said excitedly, "Then we should wrap more zongzi and bring them along. The ones outside arenât as tasty as the ones we make ourselves, not to mention cleanliness."
Wen Wan chuckled, wrapped a few dumplings with the servants, then washed her hands and went to the inner room to nap on the beauty couch.
The heat prompted her to wear a silk summer blouse, light and breathable. In the southeastern corner of the room, the ice bucket emitted cold air. The windows were wide open, offering a view of the verdant willow branches hanging down like a painting, providing a refreshingly cool atmosphere.
Wen Wan slept very comfortably. Upon waking, Linglong informed her that a lady from the Lu Family had been waiting outside for quite some time.
Wen Wan asked, "Why didnât you wake me?"
Linglong replied, "I saw you were sleeping deeply and didnât dare disturb you. The lady is still in the side hall; should I let her in?"
"Let her in," Wen Wan said.
She straightened up from the beauty couch and casually gathered her hair.
After a short while, an elderly woman dressed in a dark green jacket entered with Linglong. Wen Wan vaguely remembered her as someone from Mrs. Xiao Liuâs quarters.
"How should I address you?" Wen Wan asked.
The elderly woman replied, "Iâm someone from the Young Madamâs quarters. The Commandery Princess can call me Mrs. Lin."
Wen Wan responded with an "Oh," and continued, "Did you have some urgent matter that brought you here unexpectedly, Mrs. Lin?"
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Lin knelt before Wen Wan, "I didnât want to come either, but... thereâs chaos over there. Seeing the disorder, I had no choice but to come to the Song Mansion. Commandery Princess, you must go over there."
"What happened?" Wen Wan frowned. The Dragon Boat Festival was soon; could anything untoward really be happening? "Explain clearly," she demanded.
Mrs. Lin looked troubled, "The one from Feixue Courtyard passed away last night. The young master insists the Young Madam orchestrated it behind the scenes. Now theyâve brought the matter before the old lady. No matter how she tries to mediate, the young master refuses to listen and keeps targeting the Young Madam."
Wen Wan was shocked, "Passed away?"
"Yes, last night in the wee hours," Mrs. Lin nodded.
Wen Wan, now fully alert, instructed Linglong to find a lightweight blouse and quickly changed into it. She then followed Mrs. Lin outside the Hanging Flower Gate.
The carriage was ready; after they boarded, Kankan whipped the horses, quickly leaving Song Mansion, heading straight for the Duke Mansion.
Given the urgency, Wen Wan didnât bother asking for someone to announce their arrival. Instead, she asked Mrs. Lin to lead the way directly to the inner courtyard.
Just as they reached the outer corridor, sounds of arguing could be heard from the old ladyâs rooms.