Chapter 439 - 431: Compromise
Mr. Dong Sr.’s words finally silenced Mrs. Dong Sr.
"Although as a son I don’t inquire about matters within the inner residence, how could I possibly be unaware of what’s happening in our mansion? I know you care for her, so decided to remain silent. Now, Sister over there is doing much better, at least she has a legitimate son. Such fortune she has now is bestowed by Mother, yet Mother intends to destroy it all by her own hands. I understand Mother was momentarily provoked into such thoughts; Sister has always been impulsive, and if pushed by Mother, she could do anything. I urge Mother to let this matter go, at least because of this, Sister will always feel remorse. If Mother has other thoughts and ends up tearing faces, it would hurt not just Sister, but us as well."
Mrs. Dong Sr. gazed coldly at her son; she never imagined he would know such matters.
Clearly, she kept it discreet, with only a few maids by her side knowing. Those maids had no family and their contracts were tightly held by her, naturally, they wouldn’t disclose anything.
Mr. Dong Sr. realized his mother silent, knowing her thoughts, and sighed deeply, "Son knows Mother’s thoughts, even with tight defenses, being part of this mansion, how could I not know? If I can’t even handle this, how could I hold my position in the court?"
"Son knows about past events too; Mother must bite her tongue now, never letting this emerge, else the whole Dong Mansion would be finished. With this risk, even towards the Emperor, I wouldn’t approach anymore. The Holy Emperor always values character, and his attitude toward the Dingyuan Marquis seems odd. Even if the cause is unknown, since we’re now tied with the Eldest Prince, if trouble arises? Perhaps relying on the Marquis might preserve a complete corpse."
Mrs. Dong Sr., facing her son’s unexpected words, was taken aback.
"To outsiders, the Eldest Prince appears grand, seemingly favored by the Emperor, but I fear the truth is otherwise. It’s too late to perceive now, we can only watch; pulling out is impossible, so these matters already trouble Son enough. Mother, please spare me from distraction. Son knows Brother De’s passing pains you; it pains me too–my only heir, our only offspring in Dong Mansion, now gone. White-haired elders farewwelling the young, Son’s heart aches." Outwardly composed, Mr. Dong Sr. now showed tears and pounded his chest before his mother.
The son he cherished since childhood, now gone, merely because of a woman, how could he not feel heartbroken?
After the incident, he hadn’t conversed with his son; the son chose to end his own life, such resolute actions even made Mr. Dong Sr. feel it like a dream, unreal.
Seeing her son cry, Mrs. Dong Sr. also shed tears, mother and son facing each other, tears falling. Persuaded by her son’s earnest plea, even amid her heartache for her grandson, she knew it wasn’t the time for further actions.
"Son understands Mother’s grief; although Mrs. Jiang aged, Son considered seeking an Imperial Physician these days for her care. Our Dong Mansion hasn’t committed grave offenses for years; surely heaven won’t watch us extinguish our lineage." Mr. Dong Sr. wiped his tears, regaining the dignity of his office.
Mrs. Dong Sr. wiped her tears too, "You’re right, we can’t let it end this way, alas, my Brother De is gone."
At mention of her grandson, Mrs. Dong Sr. couldn’t help the sorrow; Mr. Dong Sr. knew not how to console. Only by midnight did mother and son part.
Though advised by her son, Mrs. Dong Sr. remained unconsoled whenever recalling the events; her good grandson had vanished so.
But knowing her son’s words left her no room for action, leading Mrs. Dong Sr. to fall ill again over such matters.
Since Mrs. Dong of Dingyuan Marquis Mansion spoke with her mother, she lived each day on edge, fearing her mother might come for retribution. Unable to advise her daughter, she soon fell ill herself.
Sister Hui understood her mother’s sickness was caused by those reasons.
She hesitated long yet didn’t visit, unsure how to face her mother after discovering those deeds.
Dong Mansion chose not to threaten Mrs. Dong further, yet suddenly one day discovered that the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion was inquiring into Dong Mansion’s past.
Mr. Dong Sr., always on the country estate, returned briefly on the day his grandson passed, but left the same day, without lingering at the mansion.
Discovery of inquiries into Dong Mansion’s affairs was by him.
Perpetually indifferent, Mr. Dong Sr. now constantly found people probing about his wine.
His mansion’s wine was taken by Mrs. Dong Sr., causing such upset he moved to the estate, and anyway, he disapproved of mansion affairs, unable to manage his son nor reason with his wife, finally relocating permanently to the estate.
With grandson gone, Mr. Dong Sr. felt hurt yet increasingly blamed wife and son.
Again hearing inquiries about his mansion-brewed wine, Mr. Dong Sr. recalled it taken by his wife, suspecting some deed by her, leading to inquiries.
Despite reluctance, Mr. Dong Sr. addressed mansion affairs, penned a letter sent back to Dong Mansion.
Receiving the father’s letter, Mr. Dong Sr. grew anxious, suspecting Dingyuan Marquis Mansion had doubts, quickly heading to the rear courtyard with it.