Chapter 11: Brother Zheng

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Yueyao was preparing to discuss Brother Zheng's matter with her grandmother. The sooner this issue was resolved, the better.

Seeing Yueyao's demeanor, Old Madam knew she had something to say and dismissed the maids: "Third Girl, if you have something to say, speak to your grandmother. Has someone been bullying you?"

Yueyao quickly shook her head: "No, with Grandmother here, no one dares to bully me. It's just that Yueyao had a dream where my mother told me that Brother Zheng is now the only surviving heir of Father's. She asked me to take good care of him." This was the reason Yueyao had thought through carefully, believing it was the best explanation. Having convinced Hua Lei with this, Yueyao believed that her grandmother would certainly be convinced as well.

Old Madam was taken aback, her late daughter-in-law had appeared in Yueyao's dream. Although it was unexpected, she did not doubt Yueyao's word, mainly because Yueyao was simple-minded, her days usually spent buried in copying scriptures. Old Madam didn't realize Yueyao would also be so calculating.

After hearing Yueyao's words, Old Madam thought that surely Third Girl's daily copying of scriptures had moved the heavens, allowing the Second Son's Wife to appear in her dreams.

Seeing the expression on her grandmother's face, Yueyao knew that her grandmother was already wavering. Now she needed to push a little harder. In the Lian Mansion, with Grandmother's approval, nothing else would pose a problem.

Yueyao knelt before Old Madam: "Grandmother, I was ignorant before. No matter what, Brother Zheng is Father's only heir. I must take good care of him. Please grant me this wish."

Old Madam fell silent upon hearing this. Tingzheng, due to his poor origins and having a foolish nature, was not someone she liked even though he was the only heir of her second son. The Lian family was a family of scholars, but with such a disgraceful background, coupled with his stupidity, he would be of no use later on.

Old Madam did not wish to trouble herself with this matter, so she left it to Lady Mo to handle. But she had never imagined that the Second Son's Wife would, from beyond the grave, continue to care for the bloodline of the second branch, even going so far as to entrust the Third Girl with his care in a dream. Sigh, if only the Second Son's Wife hadn't experienced such a misfortune, how good it would be if Second Son was well now!

Lady Mo was chosen by the Old Grand Master. The Old Madam had opposed the marriage between Lady Mo and her eldest son. But in the end, she couldn't overcome the Great Grandfather's wishes. However, because of this, Old Madam had always disliked Lady Mo.

Madam Ma, Yueyao's mother, was someone Old Madam had chosen herself. After marrying into the family, Madam Ma had been very filial to Old Madam, a virtuous and dignified woman, securing Old Madam's favor. The only dissatisfaction for Old Madam was that Madam Ma had not given birth to a direct grandson.

Old Madam didn't place all the blame on Madam Ma; after learning that her health had been compromised after giving birth to Yueyao, Madam Ma had stopped taking the medicines provided by potential concubines, but strangely, no Maternal Auntie became pregnant. Later, when her second son went to his official post, Old Madam had the daughter-in-law accompany him, hoping for a direct grandson. Little did she know that what awaited her were the devastating news of a life lost instead of a birth.

Seeing Yueyao's pleading expression, Old Madam's heart also understood that even if Brother Zheng was unsatisfactory and incapable, he was still the only existing heir left by her only son. Despite being unsuitable, Brother Zheng would be able to continue the family line.

Old Madam thought for a moment; personal tutoring was impossible. Firstly, her health wouldn't allow it, secondly, she genuinely did not like Brother Zheng, and thirdly, the ancients had unwavering belief in spirits and deities, and Yueyao was extremely filial. If Yueyao was willing to take charge, then so be it. After all, this girl's character and abilities made her trustworthy. Old Madam nodded: "Third Girl, do you mean to instruct him yourself?"

The reason why Yueyao borrowed her deceased mother's words was that she was not close with Brother Zheng, and bringing it up abruptly wouldn't have been proper. Invoking her mother's words added credibility. Upon hearing Old Madam's question, tears appearing in her eyes, Yueyao said: "Mother visited me in a dream, I dare not disobey. Please, Grandmother, grant me this wish."

Old Madam didn't think further: "Well, then, Nanny Zheng, accompany Third Young Lady. Third Girl, if there is anything inappropriate, you tell your grandmother."

The reason Old Madam had no desire to be involved with Tingzheng was that she was old and couldn't manage so much anymore. Yueyao didn't like Brother Zheng that much either, leaving the matter for Lady Mo to handle. After all, Lady Mo wouldn't deny Brother Zheng a meal.

Yueyao knew that her grandmother's actions were to show her stance. With Nanny Zheng following her, things would be arranged even more appropriately.

The courtyard where Yueyao lived had a beautiful view and was very peaceful, but it was situated on the southern side of the Lian Mansion, making it quite remote. What Yueyao had not expected was that her brother's residence was directly opposite hers. The two siblings were literally north and south of each other. If they wanted to meet, they nearly had to make a complete round of the entire mansion. With such distance, the chances of bumping into each other were virtually nil.

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