Golden Branch

The Golden Crow falls in the west and the Jade Rabbit rises in the east.

In the dim night, the slightly shabby post station was already lit with dim lanterns.

Cui asked the housekeeper beside her to secretly give a silver cake to the postmaster, and got a room in the upper room.

In addition, hot water, stoves, etc. also provided Cui with the greatest convenience.

After a simple wash, the housekeeper brought a food box with her maid.

"Madam, please have some food."

This lady in charge is Cui's maid Feicui, who came with the dowry.

A few years ago, she married the steward of the Wang family and became the steward's wife from a personal maid.

After the Wang family got into trouble, all the slaves and servants in the Wang family, including Cui's dowry, were confiscated and sold.

However, the Cui family was still there, and Cui's father, brother, and others came forward to help buy all of Cui's slaves and servants and sent them back to Cui.

Cui Shi did not accept all of them——

Madam Xie no longer had anyone to serve her. As a daughter-in-law, if Cui had too many servants around her, she would easily be "called upon" by Madam Xie.

Cui: ...Humph! I don't want to let that old hag get away with it!

Cui and Mrs. Xie had been mother-in-law and daughter-in-law for several years, and the two women had been fighting openly and secretly for several years.

The two of them can't be said to be at war with each other, but they really can't be a "loving mother-in-law and filial daughter-in-law".

In the past, because of Wang Lin's face and the Wang family's wealth, Cui was constrained by the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law and had to be respectful and obedient to Madam Xie.

Now... humph, the Wang family has fallen on hard times, and the whole family has to rely on her "dowry" to make a living. If Cui still endures it, then she is a masochist.

Cui said that she was a lady from a noble family and was not a slut who would be bullied by someone else.

Of course, Mrs. Xie was even more experienced and shrewd. She knew her family's situation and no longer dared to act like a mother-in-law and find fault with Cui as she did in the past.

Mrs. Xie seemed to have "woken up" and suddenly realized the good qualities of her daughter-in-law Cui. She was very satisfied with her and kept praising her.

Seeing such a wicked mother-in-law who was "arrogant at first but respectful later", even almost humble, Cui felt relieved.

She did not choose to divorce Wang Lin, but continued to stay in the Wang family. In addition to taking care of her son, she also had this reason -

After suffering so much humiliation under Old Lady Xie for so many years, he finally turned things around.

Cui enjoyed the compliments and flattery from old lady Xie immensely.

She just liked to see the frustrated look on Old Lady Xie's face as she clearly hated her but still had to greet her with a smile.

Just looking at the vicious mother-in-law's "bearing humiliation" face, Cui would eat an extra bowl of rice when she ate, oh no, or even half a bowl.

Eating too much will make you fat!

Cui didn't want to become rich before she reached middle age!

She is not a glutton like Wang Jiu, who has eaten so much fat at such a young age that even his own father despises him.

Thinking of the burden left behind, Cui's mood became even better.

Seven years ago, she could only drive Wang Jiu to Zhuangzi.

And now... Prince Qi's Mansion has lost its power, and Concubine Jiang is likely to be doomed as well.

By then, the little bitch Wang Jiu will be completely in her hands.

By then... Humph! Unfortunately, she was too fat and ugly, so it was difficult for her to marry into a good family.

I don't know, after all these years, whether that little bastard Lou Dalang is still willing...

"Huh? What's wrong with me?"

Cui suddenly realized that she was actually starting to recall the past.

I also thought of Wang Heng, Lou Yu and other "old friends" whom I hadn't seen for several years.

"Could this be homesickness?"

"Ah! No! I don't miss those people."

Even if you miss someone who is not your relative, you should think of your nephew who is now the chief clerk in Hedong.

or--

"Where's Goro? Where's Goro?"

Cui quickly collected her thoughts and looked up at the jadeite.

Feicui bowed and replied, "Let my lady know that Wulang is in the East Cross Courtyard."

"..."

Cui pursed her lips in dissatisfaction.

She wasn't disgruntled with her own son, but was secretly cursing Old Lady Xie for her cunning ways: "She's just putting on an act. She's clearly a cold-hearted, selfish, and heartless old woman, yet she keeps pretending to be a doting grandmother all day long!"

What Cui said was a bit conscienceless.

Mrs. Xie's attitude towards Wang Heng could indeed be described as cold and indifferent.

But he still had some kindness towards his grandson Wang Chang.

Perhaps, although she is not as sincere as those grandmothers who treat their grandchildren as their treasures and the apple of their eyes, she also has some sincerity.

Cui: ...a little? Not enough!

Her Wulang is the only legitimate grandson of the Wang family. He has a noble status and is smart and sensible.

No matter how much elders pamper and value us, it is our right.

Madam Xie didn't love her enough, but she pretended to be kind all day long, which made Cui almost sick.

But...

"Wulang is the most innocent and kindhearted person. He takes others' hypocrisy seriously and returns it double."

"Alas...this silly child——"

Although she called her son "stupid", Cui's eyes and eyebrows were full of pride.

Her son was intelligent and kind, and when he was in the capital, he was praised by countless people.

Unfortunately, he was implicated by the useless Wang Lin and had to return to his hometown.

His studies...wait! Returning to his hometown shouldn't put his studies on hold.

Yizhou is indeed not as prosperous as the capital, but Yizhou has the famous scholar Shen Du.

Wang Jiu only knew how to eat and play, and failed to live up to his status as a disciple of a famous scholar.

She is so incompetent and hopeless that she should give the opportunity to Wu Lang.

Wulang is the legitimate son of the Wang family, her younger brother, and the future head of the Wang family.

Wang Jiu has no brothers from the same mother, so the only one he can rely on in the future is Wu Lang.

"If Wang Jiu is more sensible and takes the initiative to give up her place, or asks Mr. Shen to accept Wu Lang, I can give her some respect."

"When she gets married in the future, Wu Lang can help her out!"

Cui thought self-righteously.

In her opinion, as long as Wang Jiu is not extremely stupid, he should understand the importance of his mother's family and brothers.

Just like her, Cui Shi. Her husband is in trouble this time. If it weren't for the help from her natal family, she would not even have food to eat, let alone slaves and "dowry".

Cui judged Wang Jiu by his own experience and thought that he should know how to choose.

After hearing what Cui said, Feicui quickly agreed: "My lady is right. Our Wulang is the most kind and filial."

Feicui deliberately said the word "filial piety". She was reminding Cui: Madam Xie is Wulang's grandmother. No matter whether she is hypocritical to Wulang, if Wulang still wants to have a good reputation, he must be filial to Madam Xie.

Even if I am acting, I have to play the role of a filial son, a good grandson, and a gentle gentleman.

Cui certainly understood the importance of "filial piety". She also knew that Wulang's ability to stay by his side and serve his sick grandmother would help him gain a good reputation.

Cui even hoped that Wulang was indeed a filial and good child.

However, Cui only wanted her son to be filial to her.

Thank you, old lady?

Humph, you old and immortal thief, you are a disaster that has been causing harm for thousands of years!

How could she be worthy of Wulang's filial piety?

"..."

Cui pursed her lips for a moment before reluctantly saying, "Well, let the old woman be proud for a while."

"Fei Cui, keep an eye on the time. After a cup of tea, go call Wu Lang over!"

The food won’t get cold even after a cup of tea.

This is Cui's limit.

"Yes! As you command!"

Jade agreed and began to pay attention to the time.

A moment later, Feicui went to the east wing to call people in person.

Only Cui and a little maid were left in the room.

Whoosh!

A stone flew in from outside and hit the little maid's acupuncture point accurately.

The little maid fell down softly without saying a word.

Cui was startled. "Who is it?"

Could it be an assassin?

It shouldn't be.

The Wang family has fallen into such a state that there is no value in assassinating them.

There is also Wang Lin, who has only been in Beijing for more than two months and has no time to offend the nobles.

Swish!

Just when Cui was shocked and frightened, a figure jumped in from the window.

"Madam Cui, it's been a few years since we last met. Are you doing well?"

The man was wearing black Hu clothing. He was about fourteen or fifteen years old. Although he looked childish, he had a calm and gentle temperament.

"Are you, Lou, Lou Dalang?"

Cui retreated repeatedly, dodging and looking at the person who came.

She found that the young man had an unusually handsome appearance and a distinguished demeanor.

His facial features seemed somewhat familiar.

Perhaps recalling the past, a person suddenly flashed through Cui's mind: "Lou Yu!"

The little rascal of the Lou family, the little beast who once threw a beehive at him, causing him to be chased all over the ground by a swarm of bees!

In the past three or four years, Cui went to Beijing and stayed away from Yizhou, so she no longer had any dealings with Lou Yu.

However, the reputation of the young master of the Lou family still reached her ears.

What a nephew of Anguo Duke Lou Jin, what a most valued disciple of the famous scholar Shen Du.

She is gifted, talented and beautiful.

Even a saint once jokingly said to Lou Jin, "Your young man is as beautiful as an orchid and a jade tree."

After that, Lou Yu was given the nickname "Yu Lang".

Cui: ...Pah! Damn Yulang, he's clearly a wild, unruly, stubborn, and vicious boy.

Cui had never seen Lou Yu grow up to be a young man. In her memory, Lou Dalang was still the despised and hated child he was.

At this moment, seeing a handsome young man who looked familiar, Cui Shi actually hesitated.

Is this really Lou Yu?

They look similar, but their temperaments are very different.

The young man in front of me, even though he was wearing black clothes and his behavior could be described as "sneaky", still had a kind of calmness, gentleness, and nobleness.

He didn't look like a thief who had trespassed, but rather like a fairy boy who had descended from the sky.

"Mrs. Cui has a good memory."

Lou Yu smiled gently and bowed: "Greetings, Madam!"

Cui: ...It really is Lou Dalang!

After not seeing each other for three or four years, he, he really has become a gentle gentleman just like the rumors said?

At least a few years ago, Lou Yu would not greet her, let alone exchange such a peaceful greeting.

"Don't dare!"

Cui Shi had not forgotten the old grudge. She smiled coldly, "Lord Lou is a noble man. How dare I, an old woman, accept your courtesy?"

Lou Yu was not angry at the impolite response. He still smiled elegantly:

"Mrs. Cui is too modest!"

After a token polite remark, Lou Yu went straight to the point: "I came to visit my wife this time for only two things."

"First, Cui Zai, the chief clerk of Hedong, colluded with bandits, extorted local gentry, and intimidated the common people, ultimately causing great disaster. Yu has already reported all of his crimes to the court, and he should be convicted soon."

"Second, Madam Cui, do you know why Yu 'gave' you a beehive seven years ago? Why did it cause you to have a miscarriage?"

Lou Yu dropped two bombs, which shocked Cui so much that her face changed.

"What? Something happened to Azai?"

There are so many charges!

Any one of them seems to be able to end Cui Zai's official career.

Cui dared to follow Wang Lin back to Yizhou because she thought of Cui Zai in Yizhou.

Since her nephew is the local official, she will not be bullied or bullied in Yizhou.

Maybe I can take the opportunity to take revenge on some little bitch.

But now, people haven't returned to Yizhou yet, Cui Zai just...

Cui did not suspect that Lou Yu was lying.

Well, this is probably also the reputation of the Little Overlord: Lou Dalang's badness is exposed in the open, he is bad and open about it, and dares to take responsibility for his actions.

Lou Dalang, I will never lie!

Besides, there is nothing to deceive about Cui Zai's crime.

Whether it is true or not, just go to Hedong and ask and you will know.

It was only a day or two, a matter of going back and forth. There was no need for Lou Yu to lie.

So, Choi Jae is finished too?

What a great word "也" is! It really expresses Cui's sadness and despair.

What made Cui even more desperate was——

"What did you say? You said I had a miscarriage?"

Instead of what does it mean when your period comes?

"Back then, I was young and ignorant, and my scheming was nowhere near as good as your elders."

Lou Yu's face and eyes were filled with a warm smile, but the words he said made Cui feel as if she had fallen into an icy cave:

"For example, Mr. Wang, he deliberately sent someone to tell me that you would take Ajiu to the Lou family that day because he knew that there was a naughty child in the Lou family." You and Cui used Lou Dalang to try to kill someone with a borrowed knife.

At that time, Lou Yu was arrogant, willful, and used to bullying others. How could he tolerate being taken advantage of by others?

He will definitely take revenge on the person who tried to use him, that is, Cui!

"Lord Wang was kind enough to remind me that Madam Cui is pregnant and can't stand being frightened—"

Lou Yu spoke slowly, but Cui's face had completely lost all color and her body was shaky: "Wang Lin! You have such a cruel heart!"

Cui's entire body was filled with a strong hatred.

She really hated her child!