First World: In-law Wait For Me

As the boys cleared out their misunderstanding, a wounded Zhao Huangzhi walked back home defeated but rather resilient. The ache in her heart hurt more than the pain she felt from her neck bruise. This kind of pain was so unbearable especially when she recalled how Qie Ranzhe held Lin Jingxie's hand ever so affectionately.

This version of Qie Ranzhe could only belong to her, it might not happen now but it was going to happen and she was willing to go through thick and thin for him. She had finally realized the source of her problems and that problem was Lin Jingxie. With Lin Jingxie gone she would be the only one Qie Ranzhe would rely on.

While she was busy devising long term plans to deal with Lin Jingxie, across town someone was acting against her hindering her success. Madam Lin was having tea with the noble ladies from all around town. This tea party was something they had once every two weeks gathering around to talk about what Madam Lin deemed as nonsense. Instead of a tea party, it should have been called a show-off party where they paraded in their new outfits bragging about their families' success.

Though Madam Lin despised this gathering, this tea party was special because she could finally approach Old Lady Zhao concerning her granddaughter. That girl hung around her boys and went as far as getting them mixed up with bandits. Madam Lin wasn't stupid, she and her husband had come to the same conclusion as Zhao Huangzhi grandma which was Zhao Huangzhi had something to do with this.

Nothing like this had ever happened before and Lee Jienjie was a good girl who would never go off on her own without security. All the facts pointed to Zhao Huangzhi and Madam Lin knew the motive as well. Today she chose to take advantage of this tea party to get rid of that girl for good and so waited till the end to approach the old lady.

Considering their relationship, it was actually appropriate for Madam Lin to approach her like this and so she did. "Madam Zhao," said Madam Lin catching up with the elder woman before walking side by side, "may l have a word with you?"

The elder woman could see the stern expression on Madam Lin's face and gestured with her hand for her servants to fall back. The servants deliberately slowed their footsteps giving the two ladies space. "Speak your mind," said Madam Zhao with her hand tightly holding on to her walking cane.

Madam Lin didn't hesitate and spoke directly, "It's about your granddaughter Zhao Huangzhi." Madam Zhao's expression hardened pondering on what that disrespectful brat had done this time.

"What about her?" asked a now impatient Madam Zhao.

"I apologize for being forward but l am fairly certain your granddaughter orchestrated the bandit incident that occurred a couple of days ago. I thought it be best to mention it to you so you can restrain her lest she does this again," said Madam Lin expecting Madam Zhao to be stunned or at least defend her granddaughter but the old lady remained silent with a brooding expression.

She only responded after what seemed like forever saying, "Do you happen to know why she would do such an extreme thing? I know how strong-willed and impulsive she can be. She is usually sensible and wouldn't do something like this without a reason though her reason might not necessarily be reasonable," said Madam Zhao hoping to finally find out why that silly girl caused trouble. The old lady could no longer face the Lee family though they didn't know the truth, she knew it and felt guilty.

"She did it for one of the boys in the shelter, I guess according to her logic it would make the boy love her more. Unfortunately, her plan got my son and Lee Jienjie involved which is why l felt it necessary to let you know," replied Madam Lin hoping to be rid of that troublesome child.

Madam Zhao wore an apologetic look while saying, "l am sorry for all the trouble she caused. I will make sure to have her sent back to the capital as soon as possible," before taking a few steps forward to leave but soon stopped and turned to her asking, "Who is this boy without a status that had little Huang stupid enough to do such a thing?"

Madam Lin didn't think anything of it and replied, "Qie Ranzhe, his name is Qie Ranzhe." Madam Zhao suddenly froze hearing the family name Qie. When the surname Qie was mentioned, all she could think of was the emperor. Her curiosity was peaked, she had to take a look at this child as soon as possible.

Madam Lin was relieved knowing that Zhao Huangzhi would soon be a thing of the past. She was about to go back into the hall and speak to Madam Lee when she noticed a face she had been running away from for the past few months. That person was none other than Madam Sun, Sun Huxian's mother. Ever since Lin Jingxie wore that dress in public Madam Sun's son had become a lovesick fool with no other interests in life except Lin Jingxie.

Master Lin had already refused Master Sun's proposal but Madam Sun was relentless always calling Madam Lin in-law each time she saw her. Madam Lin turned away hoping Madam Sun hadn't seen her but boy was she wrong. Madam Sun caught a glimpse of her and called out, "In-law! In-law wait for me!" attracting everyone's attention.

Embarrassed to the core, Madam Lin took off running but didn't anticipate Madam Sun would actually run after her. Though determined Madam Sun was simply no match to Madam Lin, she was like the wind vanishing without a trace. Madam Sun soon gave up yelling, "l know where you live!" before deciding to pass by the market and buy gifts to bribe Madam Lin.