Chapter 993 - 995: Unfilial Son (6)
Having made preliminary plans for the future, Cai Wei felt delighted. She buzzed around energetically, arranging for custom counters and shelves, and asking Huo Yuan for assistance. She kept busy until almost nightfall and then, exhausted, she headed home with Huan Qiu.
Today was the Old Madame’s Birthday Feast at Duke Li Guo’s Mansion and the entire family had attended. She was eager to hear about the feast—Who went? What did they eat? Which operas did they watch?
However, upon returning home, she noticed that the atmosphere was clearly amiss. Dad sat silently in his chair, head hung low, Mother’s whereabouts unknown. Moreover, what puzzled her even more was that there were two beautiful young women standing demurely behind Dad, yet casting coquettish glances his way from time to time.
"Who are they? How come they are in our house?"
As soon as Cai Wei entered, she noticed the two frivolously behaving women. Although their clothes were ordinary, their demeanor was not that of servants.
Mu Zhongqing raised his head upon hearing his daughter’s voice. His worn face looked utterly exhausted. He massaged his brow and said hoarsely, "Wei’er, you’re back. Oh! Dad was wrong. I shouldn’t have ignored your advice, shouldn’t have taken them to Duke Li Guo’s Mansion..."
As he spoke, he clutched his head, burying his face in his arms in agony.
Cai Wei said, "Dad, what are you talking about? What exactly happened?"
Mu Zhongqing sighed deeply and said mournfully, "It’s all because Dad was too soft-hearted, didn’t listen to your advice, and took their entire family with us. Then... alas! At Duke Li Guo’s Mansion, we encountered the Empress Dowager. Our Grandmother and Lady Li complained about us in front of her, accusing our family of being unfilial and mistreating them. The Empress Dowager became angry. I’m afraid she might vent her anger on you and Fei’er. Oh, it’s all Dad’s fault. I am so sorry, both of you!"