Chapter 3, The Difficult-to-Deal-With Old Lady

Gu's initial response was merely to listen quietly, but upon hearing the last sentence, she couldn't help but nod slightly, her face clearing up to reveal a faint smile: "Indeed, you have become more understanding and have grasped the essence of filial piety. If that is the case, do you now realize that what you did before was wrong"

Gu's family was already somewhat annoyed, but upon hearing Zhang Yue's words, she hesitated again. After pondering for a moment, she made up her mind: "I will do as Brother Yue suggested, and go to school in half a month. If my health permits at that time, I will practice martial arts together with Brother Chao. It's settled then. Our Zhang family is a family of martial achievements; as long as there is breath in us, we cannot lie sickly at home!"

Gu's face bore a calm smile: "Seeing you like this, it seems you have indeed recovered. Come here and let me take a good look at you!"

The weather in spring is always somewhat elusive; it may be bright and sunny in the morning, yet by noon, it could be accompanied by thunder and torrential rain. Just like now, where droplets from the recent downpour still cling to the leaves, rays of sunlight are already filtering through the gaps between the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground and revealing a hint of the vibrant spring light

Madam, this child has only just recovered; how can she withstand such fatigue? If it were earlier, it might have been acceptable, but this time she has been frightened and her body is weak. How can she endure the rigors of studying, let alone practicing martial arts

Could it be that those who survive great calamities are destined for future blessings

The door curtain was lifted high by someone, and immediately after, a woman stepped over the threshold. She had a golden lantern hairpin slanted in her hair, a pearl headband around her forehead, and was wearing a honey-colored wide-sleeved round-collared blouse, paired with a skirt adorned with golden lotus patterns. She appeared to be even a few years younger than Sun.

Thank you, grandmother

His parents do not stand firmly in this household, so he, as a grandchild, must be cautious in every aspect. Being reborn into a large family at least means he won't starve or freeze to death, but it does not guarantee he won't meet an untimely end. Acting like a good grandson is the first step. Although this white-haired grandmother does not seem easily deceived, isn't there a saying that with enough effort, an iron pestle can be ground down to a needle

That is indeed a testament to Brother Yue's good fortune and destiny! The Gu family was already pleased, and upon hearing what the Dongfang family said, their smiles grew even wider. She then gently patted Zhang Yue's shoulder and pointed at the Dongfang family, saying, "Quickly go and greet your second aunt."

"Knowing one's mistakes and being able to correct them, you have suffered a loss this time, but at least there is some progress!" At this moment, the remaining displeasure of Gu gradually dissipated. She happened to catch sight of a string of prayer beads in her hand, and after a brief contemplation, she took them off and stuffed them into Zhang Yue's hand, "Once you recover, you will remember both of them, and you will also remember me, your grandmother, which shows your thoughtfulness. This string of prayer beads has been blessed by a high monk from the Daxiangguo Temple, and I have worn it for several decades. Given your frail health and the many misfortunes you have faced, wearing it will surely bring you the Buddha's protection."

Zhang Yue noticed that the maid responded appropriately, and he personally walked to the door to lift the curtain. Thus, he couldn't help but take a closer look, vaguely recalling that she was the chief maid Lingxi who served his grandmother. After entering, he saw his grandmother, Madam Gu, seated comfortably in the central grand chair, with several maids standing beside her, but no one else was in sight. After his mother paid her respects, although he felt some resistance in his heart, he still approached respectfully and bowed, calling out "Grandmother".

Gu's thoughts were occupied with whether to invite the renowned Master Yun Guang from the Daxiangguo Temple to come and take a look. At that moment, a burst of laughter came from outside: "Ah, I heard that Brother Yue has come to see the old lady; I am indeed late!"

Grandmother, although my mother's concerns are reasonable, my second aunt is also thinking of my well-being. I believe that if I rest for another half month, this injury should be completely healed. I do not wish to remain cooped up in the house; I want to go to school to study and also to practice martial arts. I kindly ask for your support, Grandmother.

As soon as she entered, she first greeted the Gu family, then slightly nodded to the Sun family, and her gaze immediately fell upon Zhang Yue. Seeing him being embraced by the Gu family, she was momentarily taken aback, but soon returned to her usual composure

Zhang Yue quickly stood up and approached. Noticing that Gu was constantly sizing him up, he tried his best to meet his grandmother's gaze with a calm expression.

At the entrance of the main house, a maid dressed in a dark green tunic, around fourteen or fifteen years old, was sternly reprimanding two younger maids in a low voice. She only stopped when she noticed someone approaching. While instructing someone to go inside and announce the visitor, she quickly stepped forward to greet them, and after standing up, she smiled and said: "I heard that the Third Young Master has recovered well from his illness, and the old lady has been quite concerned. She was just talking about it, and as a result, Madam San really brought the Third Young Master here."

This statement could be said to hit the nail on the head for Zhang Yue, but unexpectedly, Sun, who had been silent beside him, stepped forward to oppose it without a moment's thought

Noticing that his mother was completely oblivious to Gu Shiqing's changing expression from partly cloudy to overcast, and even more so to Dongfang's self-satisfied demeanor, Zhang Yue quickly devised a plan. He took a few steps back to Gu Shi's side and knelt down on one knee.

Madam San said that the old lady would surely be very pleased to see the young master San

Although she was looking at Zhang Yue, everyone in the room knew that the words were directed at Sun. However, Zhang Yue noticed his mother hesitating to speak and quickly interjected: "Grandmother, it is I who insisted on coming. I heard from Qiu Hen that you specially invited a renowned doctor for my injury, so now that I have recovered, I must come to pay my respects to you, which will also put your mind at ease. Although it is cold and windy outside, I cannot let the weather make me forget my filial piety."

After a lengthy and somewhat rambling conversation, the smile on Gu's face grew increasingly pronounced, eventually drawing Zhang Yue a bit closer. She certainly understood that Sun's daughter-in-law had never been adept at flattering or ingratiating herself, and while it might be possible to teach one thing, teaching so many was utterly impossible. Therefore, it must be the words of her little grandson. Reflecting on the past, he had always been sickly and, even when they met, he was merely compliant, dull, and foolish. Now, however, he suddenly seemed to know how to endear himself to others, which undoubtedly indicated that the fall had opened his mind.

For the first time going out, Zhang Yue ultimately could not resist his mother, Sun, and could only allow her to hold his hand. After leaving the small courtyard where they lived, they passed through a corner gate to the southwest, next to which was a row of servant quarters. Continuing straight along the narrow path, after turning two corners, one could see a small west corner gate at the end of the western flower wall. After entering the gate, passing through a corridor and a moon gate, and rounding a marble screen wall, they finally arrived at the row of five main rooms where the Gu family resided. Continuing straight along the narrow path, after turning two corners, one could see a small west corner gate at the end of the western flower wall. After entering the gate, passing through a corridor and a moon gate, and rounding a marble screen wall, they finally arrived at the row of five main rooms where the Gu family resided

Seeing Gu's smile that seemed neither genuine nor insincere, Zhang Yue quickly turned his eyes and said earnestly: "In response to Grandmother, it is I who should not have forgotten the teachings of my elders and acted mischievously. I acknowledge my mistake. I heard from Mother that Eldest Brother and Second Brother were punished because of me, so I kindly ask Grandmother to inform Second Aunt that this is entirely my fault and has nothing to do with them."

After Brother Yue's injury healed, his complexion truly improved a lot. It is thanks to the old lady's lifelong practice of vegetarianism and reciting Buddhist scriptures, accumulating virtue and doing good deeds, that he was able to recover so quickly

Dongfang held Zhang Yue's hand and examined it carefully for a moment, then smiled and said: "Since Brother Yue has grown up well, Chao'er and Qi'er now have a companion. Tomorrow, it will be good for them to study and practice martial arts together. I think, Brother Yue's physique is too slender; he should strengthen his muscles and bones. In the future, the old lady and the third younger siblings won't have to worry so much all the time."

Upon hearing these words, everyone in the room responded in unison, yet each harbored their own thoughts. Regardless of how others perceived it, Zhang Yue was quite pleased. After all, he had taken the first step in opening the door rather smoothly; everything now depended on what would follow.

Recalling how Zhang Yue fell from a tall tree, sustaining only a few bruises while losing consciousness for quite a while, she, who had always believed in Buddhism, couldn't help but faintly develop a thought.

However, Gu looked around for a while and suddenly asked with a stern face: "You have always been in poor health, and today the wind outside is strong. How come you only wore so few pieces of clothing to come out? If you catch a chill and suffer from the cold, what will happen? Wouldn't that lead to another illness?"

As soon as Dongfang entered, with just a simple sentence, Zhang Yue immediately understood that she was a shrewd and charming person akin to Feng Jie, and he did not dare to underestimate her. He quickly stepped forward to pay his respects and called out "Second Aunt".

Zhang Yue immediately put the Buddhist beads on his wrist, then stepped back and knelt down to bow. Just as his head touched the ground, Gu Shi yanked him up forcefully. Following that, Gu Shi asked a few questions about his illness, to which he wove together a series of words, speaking of his mother's hardships and the dedication of the servants. In summary, he portrayed everyone in a positive light, which caused Sun Shi and several maids to smile.

Sun smiled gently and replied, "Since the old lady is concerned, I naturally must bring Yue'er to pay respects"