Chapter 2, Decision of Resolution

Feng Liu did not express any particular reaction upon learning this, but the matriarch was deeply suspicious. She knew Feng Jin's temperament better than anyone; her youngest son, whom she had pampered since childhood, was not one to suffer any loss. How could he possibly tolerate such a situation? It would be considered a great restraint on his part if he did not make a fuss and report Qing Xi's actions to the authorities.

The lady naturally felt distressed, as she could no longer protect her only sister's child. Reflecting on her sister's care during their childhood, she recalled her own status as a concubine; had it not been for her sister's thoughtful assistance, she would never have been able to marry into the Duke of Qi's household, nor would she have enjoyed the prosperity she had today. Furthermore, her own unintentional mistake had brought about a catastrophic disaster for her sister. Qingxi had never seen her mother since she was born.

To say that there are rules, elders naturally prefer that; however, when it comes to feelings of tenderness, they are certainly most tender towards those close to them. The matriarch initially did not impose strictness on Qingxi because she feared that raising a girl in such a manner would lead her to become like Fengliu. Deep down, she naturally favored Qingxi being close to her.

After leaving the main room of the matriarch, Qingxi went directly to the Jinxiu Garden of the fourth room. If in the past, bowing her head to plead with Shang Ruowen was something more terrifying than death for Mu Qingxi, it is now nothing significant for her.

Qingxi wiped her tears and headed towards the main house. The surrounding maids were surprised to see her alone, but they did not dare to show any expression. They respectfully inquired about her well-being. As for the matter between Qingxi and Shang Ruowen, it was tightly suppressed by the matriarch and Feng Liu, and those in the know either kept silent or distanced themselves. By the time Qingxi went to Cien Temple, it was also under a different pretext.

Qingxi, who had once experienced this, knew that once she went to Ci'en Temple, she would never return. Her aunt had been heartbroken for her, suffering from illness for a long time, and passed away in just a few years. For this reason, Feng Liu would never forgive herself.

Although the two matrons, Wang and Li, have left, the rules you have learned must not be disregarded. The matriarch still cannot help but worry about Qingxi

"Can you tell me how Lao Si finally relented?" The long-held question of the matriarch could no longer be contained and was finally voiced.

Thinking of this, how could the lady not feel heartbroken and guilty, ultimately she personally made a trip to "Four Combined Residence"

Qingxi hesitated for a moment; what is meant to come will come. Given the significance of this matter, and the fact that the matriarch cares for her so deeply, Qingxi dared not conceal the truth, both emotionally and logically.

The lady seemed to have hardened her heart, allowing Qingxi to pay her respects only on the first and fifteenth of each month, while requiring her to remain in the Lanxun Courtyard to learn the rules in between. She never uttered a word of reproach towards the two matrons, and naturally, Qingxi yielded to this authority.

The two people sat there for a long time, Qingxi's shoulders trembled from silently shedding tears, and after a while, the madam also began to cry.

However, although Feng Liu's last sentence was cold and sarcastic, it seemed to enlighten Mu Qingxi, reminding her of the goodness of Shang Ruowen, who was most compassionate towards the poor and weak, a person so kind-hearted that she would not even step on an ant. In the past, Mu Qingxi did not understand, but now she could discern the goodness in Feng Liu's words; he did not say to let the Fourth Brother forgive, but only mentioned to let the Fourth Sister-in-law forgive

Qingxi nodded slightly

Mu Qingxi, in a daze and unaware of how she had left the "Four Courtyards," originally intended to return to Lanxun Courtyard. However, upon raising her eyes, she noticed that the lights in the Grand Matriarch's courtyard were still on, so she turned east and went to the Grand Matriarch's main residence

The recently appointed Nurse Wang and Nurse Li are extremely strict, and in their words, it seems they have never regarded Qingxi as equal to the Duchess of the State. They have even implied that based on Qingxi's conduct, she is not worthy of marrying even a seventh-rank official, let alone the Duchess. From then on, every aspect of Qingxi's eating, dressing, and behavior was subject to the supervision of these two women. If she disobeyed, the lighter punishment would be a ban on food, while the heavier could involve a formal reprimand.

Although the four families spoke in such a manner, Qingxi escaped the fate of going to Cien Temple, yet she could not avoid another punishment. Seeing her health improve, Fengliu had the matron request two extremely strict governesses for Qingxi, instructing her to properly learn the rules in Lanxun Courtyard, and forbidding her from leaving the courtyard for any trivial matters, naturally also relieving her of her duties as housekeeper

Qingxi remained silent, lowering her head as she approached the matriarch, sitting with her feet on the matriarch's lap, burying her head against the matriarch's legs and rubbing against them. Initially, the matriarch kept trying to evade her, but eventually, unable to resist Qingxi, she allowed it.

This is something that nature cannot dare to forget. Qingxi is acting coyly while holding onto the matriarch.

Regarding the matter of learning proper conduct, the matriarch is also supportive. She has never been able to be harsh with Qingxi, which is why Qingxi's manners have always been lacking. However, she did not expect that Qingxi's temperament would also be spoiled by her indulgence. Therefore, she hopes to take this opportunity to discipline her properly, hoping that while she is still young, she can amend her ways

"You little monkey, you dare to tease me." The matron laughed and playfully tapped Qingxi. In her heart, no matter how great a mistake Qingxi made, she was still the girl she had raised. Since she had already been punished and showed remorse, it was only natural to give her another chance. Therefore, she did not treat Qingxi coldly because of that matter

In this life of grievances, Qingxi is even more willful, often making the matriarch so angry that she falls ill, yet there is nothing she can do about it

Now Qingxi can truly understand the goodness of the matriarch. She always wants to give the best to herself, the illustrious position of the Duchess of Qi, and the abundant resources that can shield you from the wind and rain.

I am only like this in front of my mother; I certainly wouldn't act this way in front of others. The rules do not prohibit a daughter-in-law from being close to her mother-in-law. " Qingxi pouted, " Would my mother really be willing to drive me away? "

Qingxi stood up, adjusted her clothing, and respectfully knelt down to bow three times to the matriarch before finally retreating.

"You still say you are afraid, but you have no sense of propriety now." The matriarch pinched Qingxi's hand.

Before even stepping out of the hospital door, Qingxi heard the sound of the matriarch's crying. This made Qingxi feel even more distressed than if the matriarch had hated her. It was hard to understand what kind of spell had been cast at the beginning, transforming her into someone as ruthless and merciless as a devil.

Madam Tai wished to speak with Qingxi privately, but was unable to do so, as the following day Qingxi fell gravely ill, her complexion pale and yellow, and anyone who saw her could tell that her condition was serious. Therefore, Madam Tai could not inquire about the cause of her concerns at that moment.

The day after Mu Qingxi left the Splendid Garden, Feng Jin personally informed the matriarch that Shang Ruowen's difficult labor was not related to Qingxi. Of course, this did not mean that Mu Qingxi was truly uninvolved in the matter; it was merely an expression of attitude.

By April of the following year, the matriarch noticed that Qingxi's actions and speech had become more regulated, and she was no longer displaying any arrogance or pride, which greatly pleased her. However, she also observed that Qingxi's once rosy and plump cheeks had now turned pale and thin, which naturally caused her heartache, leading her to lift Qingxi's house arrest. With more movement and the addition of Jianjia, who could now speak, it seemed that the hardships Qingxi had endured over the past six months were inadvertently conveyed to the matriarch. Although it was the matriarch herself who had approved of this, how could she feel at ease knowing that her child, whom she had been reluctant to move even a little, had suffered hunger and beatings? Not long after, she kindly recommended the two wet nurses, Wang and Li, to the family.

You child ... ... "The lady can no longer maintain her composure, but in an instant, her expression turns cold again, saying, "With such an incident occurring, I can no longer intervene. You shall have to fend for yourself from now on."

If one were to say who in this household cares for oneself the most, it would undoubtedly be the Grand Lady. She is the kind of person who would find a way to help Qingxi with anything, except for plucking the stars from the sky. However, Qingxi initially resented her for not arranging a marriage with the appropriately aged Fourth Master Fengjin, but instead marrying her off to the much older and more serious Duke of Qi, Fengliu.

As soon as Qingxi entered, she saw the matriarch sitting coldly on the couch, not even sparing her a glance.

In the future, Qingxi will no longer be able to show filial piety in front of Mother. Qingxi whispered while holding onto the leg of the matriarch, "In fact, I was never truly filial before, always making you angry."

As Qingxi entered the eastern side room, the place where the matriarch resided, she immediately sensed a difference from the usual atmosphere. The matriarch, having aged, preferred lively surroundings, and it was rare to encounter such a quietness as today.

The lady took a long time to respond before gasping, "You actually agreed, you really agreed?"