Since Concubine Lin had already been defeated and all the young ladies of Sheng family had got married, Wang shi then had nothing to do as she had already handed over the family affairs to Hai shi. Suddenly, Wang shi had found her daughter-in-law lived too cozy. Then this woman had got jealous again.

Since Hai shi had been pregnant, Wang shi then had had an idea of presenting a Tong Fang (maid in name, concubine in reality) to her son. Wang shi had claimed that her son had worked and studied too hard and she had only wanted to find a person to look after him. Changbai then stated that his father who had been supporting the family all along should need the care most. After that, their conversation had been exposed by someone. And Sheng Hong had expressed his favorable impression toward the two maids in his study right away.

Wang shi had been irritated by him so much that she really had kicked a fuss. As a result, Sheng Hong got two new Tong Fang, Wang shi got a few new wrinkles.

Afterwards, Wang shi had wanted to promote Yanghao to be Changbai’s concubine, in order to put pressure on Hai shi. Then Changbai had only inquired about Sheng Hong’s Tong Fang’s condition. Wang shi was livid, thumped on the table and cursed, “How dare you retort your mother!”

Changbai had replied, “You are right. I’m the son, you are my mother. I should never retort you. I’ll just ask father and Old Madam about those women’s condition since I’m so curious.”

Wang hai had almost spitted blood. Even so, after Hai shi had heard of Wang shi’s conversation with Changbai, she still had got depressed for a long while. After that, her pregnancy had been in an unstable state. Then people of the Sheng family had invited an imperial physician and Old Madam He to cope with the emergency. Only after a few days had the tumult subsided.

Sheng Hong valued Hai family very much. Therefore, he always thought highly of Hai shi. Due to that reason, he really despised what Wang shi had done to his eldest daughter-in-law. Seeing that Hai shi didn’t have the effort to take care of her son, he then sent Quan to the Hall of Peaceful Ages and asked the reliable Old Madam Sheng to raise the baby.

Every time Wang shi raised an objection about that or went to bother Hai shi, Sheng Hong would declare right away that he had recently adored a few aspiring, talented and pretty girls who were living miserable lives right now. Wang shi then had to distract her attention to fight other concubines and didn’t have the time to trouble her son and her daughter-in-law.

Hearing that story, Minglan laughed so hard that she fell into Old Madam Sheng’s arms, her whole body trembling. When she raised her head, her face had already reddened all over. Then she wiped out the tears out of her eyes. Changbai was a full-fledged man, Hai shi had a substantial sum of money, not to mention that Wang shi’s family was still influential. Even if Sheng Hong had more illegal sons or daughters, it wouldn’t affect Changbai’s status in the family.

Moreover, as long as the hellcat Wang shi and the beautiful concubine Jufang were still in the family, it was impossible for the new Tong Fang of Sheng Hong to give birth to any children.

Old Madam Sheng also kept chuckling with her arms around Minglan. When Old Madam Sheng spoke of Quan, she praised that the little boy was docile, optimistic and had never brought any trouble to her. Being accompanied by such a lovely baby every day, Old Madam Sheng truly was gratified. As she talked about some happy events about the boy, she wore a kind and joyful expression in her eyes all the time.

Seeing that, Minglan felt sour and sweet inwardly. She was really grateful that Old Madam Sheng could spend her remaining years without loneliness.

“Your Eldest Brother told me that his wife is not in a good health and couldn’t raise two kids, so he had to send one of his children to the Hall of Peaceful Ages. It’s hard to hear someone like him speaking so many words. He also thanked me for taking care of Quan.” Old Madam Sheng said that in a relaxed voice with a smile on the corner of her mouth. With that leisure look on her face, she looked less aloof and softer.

“Grandma, this is so great!” Minglan lay on Old Madam Sheng’s knees and said sincerely. A woman like Old Madam Sheng would never demand something from anyone. Even if she wanted one thing a lot, she still wouldn’t ask for it if the owner didn’t say anything first.

They laughed and chatted for a long time. After Mama Fang had served a plate of snacks and fruits, she took out a box from the inner room and handed it over to Old Madam Sheng. The latter opened the box, inside of which was a thick booklet. Old Madam Sheng passed the booklet to Minglan, saying, “Here, this is from Old Madam He.”

“… What is this?” Minglan said curiously while leafing through the booklet.

“A medical book about gynecology.” Old Madam Sheng smiled and said, “This book mainly talked about how to nurse women’s body before the pregnancy, how to prevent miscarriages, how to feed and raise the child after the pregnancy and how to maintain women’s body. It also gives instructions about the diet. Old Madam He is a master in this. I have already read the book. It is very concise and worth reading. On the last page, she also recommended a few capable doctresses and some madams in the Zhang family whom you could invite if you need to.”

“… I really should thank Old Madam He.” After browsing the book, Minglan knew it was very practical. Then she couldn’t help but feel grateful. Seeing Minglan sighing with emotion, Old Madam Sheng said slowly, “You don’t have to feel sorry for Old Madam He. She is the most sensible woman. To tell the truth, she might have already thought of this right after you have married into the Gu’s family.”

Minglan nodded and said with disappointment, “After she knew that there was no use to insist on the marriage between me and He Hongwen, she then decided to make use of the situation and think of a way to let us feel grateful to her family. She is so sharp-sighted, considerate and provident. I am really impressed.”

Old Madam Sheng smiled and said in a seemingly slightly ironical tone, “Of course she is impressive. His Majesty has already approved Old Master He’s resignation. Although she will leave the capital soon, she still needs to find some helpers for other officials of the He family. Since we all appreciate her help, we would definitely lend a hand to them in the future. That’s what a clever woman would do.”

Minglan, being touched inwardly, nodded heavily. Then she sighed softly, “Old Madam He has done us a favor anyhow. It’s so sad to hear the scandal of her family…”

Old Madam Sheng chuckled gently again while pointing to Minglan, saying, “You really is a foolish girl! What kind of person do you think Old Madam He is? She has married into the He family when she was fifteen years old. Despite of all the love affairs her husband had, she could still gain a strong foothold in He family. Right now, she was surrounded by her illegal children who respect her a lot. You think she wouldn’t be able to deal with that simple affair?”

Hearing that, Mama Fang who stood beside them couldn’t help but get a word in, “That woman really is a tough one. She always put on a kind look on her face but only do things resolutely. Unlike our Old Madam who only pretends to be fierce by always go soft on others.”

Old Madam Sheng rolled her eyes to Mama Fang after hearing those words. Then she turned to Minglan, “I couldn’t bear her way of doing things before. Now I understand that she actually has no other ways! One thing she keeps saying over and over is, ‘If someone want me dead, I’ll let that person die before me. I believe the justice in this world.’ You better remember this!”

“And what about now?” Minglan asked as she nodded blankly.

“Now? Old Master He resigned from office with honor. Hongwen has traveled far away. Hongwen’s mother felt that she was respected. Since that bitch of the Cao family already became a member of the He family, Old Madam He would have many ways to deal with her inside of their family.” Old Madam Sheng ridiculed, “Cao family has wanted to scrounge more money from He family now that two women of their family have married into He family. However, they can only dream about it.”

Members of He family which Minglan and her grandma were talking about were busy packing up now. The packing job was about to be finished after a few days’ work. However, the atmosphere in the inner hall of the main yard was extremely cold.