Chapter 1083 - 457: Tingzheng’s Wedding
Yueyao followed An Zhichen to Marquis Weiyuan’s Mansion, entering the Upper Chamber for the second time. The atmosphere there was completely different from the day after their wedding. The first time they came, it was bustling with activity, but now it was filled with a somber and desolate ambiance.
Yueyao held Kexin in her arms, entering the room apprehensively. As soon as she stepped inside, she was hit by a strong smell of medicine.
While Yueyao was worried, little Kexin was not afraid at all, her bright black eyes darting around the room, observing the people. Kexin was a very smart child; sensing the tense and desolate atmosphere, she clung tightly to Yueyao’s neck.
In a voice as soft as a mosquito’s, Lady Fang said, "You’re here?"
An Zhichen, noticing Yueyao was hesitant, gently said, "Don’t worry, it’s nothing."
The process was indeed as An Zhichen had anticipated. Lady Fang only glanced twice at Kexin and said in a low voice, "A resemblance in spirit, but not in looks." This meant that while Kexin’s appearance somewhat resembled Maternal Aunt Liu, in other aspects she was nothing alike.
Yueyao was at a loss for words. How old was Maternal Aunt Liu, and how old was her daughter? Even if they were identical twins, their upbringing and education differed, giving off completely different impressions.
After looking at Kexin, Lady Fang said, "All of you leave, I want to say a few words to number three!" Having fought for a lifetime, now facing the coffin, those grudges can’t be carried into the grave, it’s time to let go.
Except for An Zhiren and An Zhichen, even An Zhixiao was asked to leave. Yueyao was puzzled. Why did they leave the eldest but not allow the second to stay?
Lady Fang waited until everyone left before asking, "Do you hate me?"
An Zhichen did not hide anything and said, "When I thought I was your son, and saw that you wouldn’t acknowledge me even in dying, I did resent it. Now, I don’t."
Lady Fang sighed deeply. She hadn’t expected An Zhichen not to hate her. Not hate her? She wondered, "I don’t know who you resemble, An Zhichen not only doesn’t resemble Maternal Aunt Liu or the Marquis in appearance, even his personality is different from theirs.
An Zhichen replied blandly: "They all say I resemble the An Family’s Old Grand Master."
Lady Fang thought otherwise: "You actually resemble the Old Marquis more." His temperament was very similar to the Old Marquis, just that his appearance differed greatly.
An Zhiren, seeing Lady Fang was a bit fatigued, said, "Mother, you’ve spoken a lot, you should rest for a while!"
Lady Fang shook her head and said, "I know my own body, I’m afraid I can’t last much longer. While my mind is still fairly clear, let me divide my savings."
An Zhichen felt it was unnecessary, saying, "Since Auntie wants to divide her savings, I’ll go outside and invite them back in."
Lady Fang and An Zhiren knew An Zhichen’s character well, knowing he wouldn’t want these riches, so they did not stop him.
After An Zhichen went out to relay the Old Madam and An Zhiren’s words to Madam Yin and others, he said to Yueyao, "Let’s go back!"
Yueyao was stunned. She had come with apprehension, not expecting to leave so quickly. The incident she had been worried about didn’t happen at all.
An Zhichen smiled bitterly and said, "I told you long ago, Auntie is not a vicious person." After all, it is to Lady Fang’s fortune. When her grandmother was still around, if Maternal Aunt Liu had held back her ambitions, and acted only after her grandfather passed away, Lady Fang would not have been her match. Unfortunately, Maternal Aunt Liu chose the wrong timing, and even if her father wanted to favor his concubine over his wife, he did not have the power since the household was under her grandfather’s control, not her father’s. After Maternal Aunt Liu’s ambitions were exposed, her grandfather became very wary, and to prevent future family chaos, he transferred the household power to the eldest brother before passing away. It was due to this reason that Maternal Aunt Liu had been suppressed. Had it not been so, Lady Fang would have already been harmed by Maternal Aunt Liu.
Yueyao felt that Marquis Weiyuan’s Mansion had bad feng shui, because Kexin developed a fever that night. Kexin had always been in good health, rarely catching colds or needing medicine.
Yueyao fed Kexin fever-reducing medicine and, with a stern face, said to the man beside her, "It’s all because of you. If it weren’t for you, how would our daughter catch a fever?" Yueyao believed that Kexin got a cold due to being frightened at Marquis Weiyuan’s Mansion.
An Zhichen, seeing their usually lively and adorable daughter lay on the small bed with a somewhat pale face, felt heartache too: "Don’t worry, there won’t be a next time."
Seeing An Zhichen’s weary expression, Yueyao held back further words of blame. After all, with their daughter being sick, he was distressed as well: "Is it very busy at the Yamen? If you’re busy, go attend to your work, I’m here at home!"