Chapter 146
The Zheng and Yang families were originally relatives, and later became in-laws through marriage. Yang Mutao had always been polite and respectful whenever he met them, never behaving as he did today.
He had initially believed his own daughter, as if bewitched, had planned to harm Yang Mingyi solely to secure the future of the child she was carrying.
Old Master Zheng thought that since Yang Mingyi was unharmed and his own daughter hadn't made any grave mistakes, if he swallowed his pride and came personally, Yang Mutao would surely give him some face.
But now...
Yang Mutao had refrained from having him physically thrown out solely out of consideration for their past relationship.
Adultery was considered the most disgraceful act.
If the matter remained concealed, it might be manageable. But if it became public knowledge, the Yang family's reputation would be tarnished, and the Zheng family's name would be dragged through the mud even more severely. It could even adversely affect the marriage prospects of his own young granddaughters.
Foolish!!
Truly foolish!!
The Zheng family had no face left. They didn't dare stay for a moment, hurriedly rushing back.
In the carriage, Old Madam Zheng wiped her tears: "Husband, are you really not going to do anything about Xiaoling's situation?"
"Do something? How? You tell me how?" Old Master Zheng was still burning with shame. Remembering the strange looks the Yang household servants gave him earlier, he hadn't understood their meaning then. Now, he realized they were looking at his disgrace, looking at his audacity. "She dared to lay hands on a Juren. She dug her own grave. Why should I do anything? Even if we brought her back, she'd just be an eyesore."
Men always prioritized face above all else. Yet, a child of one's own was always cherished. Old Madam Zheng thus pleaded with him: "Although Xiaoling was utterly wrong, she is pregnant right now. She never suffered any hardship since she was young, she was always waited on by servants. A place like a jail cell is nowhere she can stay. That child... although it's uncertain if it's really the Yang family's seed, if Xiaoling gives birth to it, it will be our grandchild. It will still have half our Zheng family bloodline. Husband, I know you think she's disgraced us, but can we at least get her out first? If you don't want to see her, we can find a house to send her to later, alright?"
"Alright your head!" Old Master Zheng's eyes widened. "You, a woman, speak without thinking! Who do you think I am? That I can just have her released if I wish? Is the Prefect my sworn brother? Do I own the prefectural office? If I had the means, would I have gone to the Yang family to suffer such humiliation? My standing isn't even significant within Fu'an Town. Beyond its borders, my influence is utterly useless. Rescue her? She can rot in there for all I care!"
Old Madam Zheng hadn't expected him to be so heartless. "Husband, how can you say such things? Xiaoling is also your daughter!"
"I've never treated her poorly. A married-off daughter is like spilled water. At this point, she has only herself to blame. She can't resent anyone else." Old Master Zheng said: "I am powerless. If you want to save her, think of a way yourself!"
Old Madam Zheng cried incessantly.
She was just a woman who rarely left the inner quarters. How could she possibly have any means?
While the Zheng family was still worrying, Fang Zichen had once again begun living a young master's life.
Previously, Zhao Ger couldn't bear to kill the chickens in the backyard, thinking to feed them a while longer to let them gain a few more catties. Now, however, he could bear it.
He waited until Fang Zichen was lying in bed, then went into the kitchen, took a knife, and headed to the backyard.
Guaizai sat beside Fang Zichen, diligently tending to him like a little attendant. He used his small fists to knead his father's legs and pound his shoulders. Every so often, he would ask if Fang Zichen was thirsty or hungry.
After the chicken soup was done simmering, Zhao Ger brought it over, blew on it to cool it, and fed it to him spoon by spoon.
Even though he had been walking just fine on the road, Zhao Ger still insisted he lie down after returning.
It was difficult to refuse such earnest affection, so Fang Zichen lay down.
Now, being waited on by his fulang and son, with all sorts of concerned inquiries, the feeling was indescribably pleasant.
In the evening, Aunt Liu and Zhou Ger came with Liuliu. Seeing Fang Zichen lying in bed with a ruddy complexion, they momentarily didn't know what to say.
Guaizai and Liuliu, and Liuliu, the two childhood friends, sat at the foot of the bed, their short legs swinging back and forth.
Since they had come, it would be impolite not to offer some words of concern. Auntie Liu spoke with visible difficulty, "Young Fang, you've truly been through an ordeal these past few days."
Fang Zichen nodded vigorously, agreeing: "Isn't that right? I almost kicked the bucket."
This wasn't an exaggeration. His quick recovery was entirely thanks to his strong constitution. All the supplements he took before weren't wasted, even Physician Xu praised him for being well-nourished before, strong as an ox.
If his foundation had been poor, he'd still be half-dead now.
"...Where did you run off to these past two days?" Aunt Liu asked.
"No idea," Fang Zichen said. "Just the mountain opposite the town entrance."
Aunt Liu was shocked: "What? Hulong Mountain! There are tigers on that mountain! Why did you run up there!"
"I didn't know! And anyway, I'm fine, aren't I?" Fang Zichen said dismissively.
Given the situation at the time, he couldn't afford to overthink. Even if he had known, he would have run up there anyway.
It was a classic dilemma where both advance and retreat were fraught with peril - a hopeless situation where death seemed inevitable either way. In such circumstances, fear was pointless.
Aunt Liu looked at him and sighed: "Just take it as a lesson learned. From now on, when you see her, you must be careful."
As soon as she finished speaking, she heard a sinister laugh.
Guaizai turned his head to look at Fang Zichen, then leaned close to Liuliu's ear and whispered: "Liuliu, my father's laugh is so weird !"
Liuliu agreed, "Mm! It sounds like a ghost. It's really scary!"
Guaizai: "Right!"
Zhou Ger: "..."
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