Night fell like a huge, thick black cloth, slowly enveloping the entire world. As all the noise gradually subsided and all was quiet, Madam Wang of the Sheng family was furious and restless in her room.

Finally, unable to contain her anger any longer, she led her furious daughter, Sheng Rulan, straight to the courtyard where Madam Lin lived. As soon as they entered the courtyard, they witnessed a scene that infuriated them—Lin Qinshuang and Sheng Changfeng were kneeling before Sheng Hong, tears streaming down their faces, desperately begging for his forgiveness.

At this moment, Sheng Hong's face was as gloomy as the sky before a storm, utterly expressionless. After all, Chang Feng's actions today had truly caused the Sheng family to lose face in Yangzhou. Thinking of this, Sheng Hong could no longer suppress his anger and began to curse at Sheng Chang Feng without any mercy.

Seeing this, Wang Ruofu became even more furious. She pointed her finger sternly at Sheng Changfeng and shouted, "You ignorant brat, what exactly do you want to do? How dare you act so recklessly, completely disregarding the reputation of the Sheng family and my sister!" However, faced with his mother's rebuke, Sheng Changfeng simply lowered his head, like a child who had made a mistake and was at a loss, not daring to say a word.

Seeing the situation escalating, Lin Qinshuang, desperate to protect her son, hurriedly crawled to Wang Ruofu's feet, repeatedly kowtowing and begging for mercy: "My lord, my lady, please have mercy and calm down! Feng'er is young and ignorant; it was Bai Ye of the Bai family who deliberately bewitched him, causing him to act this way. Please, for his youth and ignorance, forgive him this time!" But no matter how much Lin Qinshuang pleaded, Wang Ruofu and Sheng Hong remained unmoved. Helpless, Lin Qinshuang gritted her teeth and ordered her servants to severely punish Sheng Changfeng with thirty strokes of the cane, hoping this severe punishment would somewhat quell Wang Ruofu and Sheng Hong's anger.

Seeing this scene, Wang Ruofu was astonished: "The treacherous and cunning Lin Qinshuang has always cherished her own son as a treasure. How could she be so cruel today?"

Originally, Wang Ruofu came here intending to take this opportunity to confront Lin Qinshuang, teach her a lesson, and thank her for her authority over the household. However, she hadn't expected Lin Qinshuang to punish Changfeng so severely, leaving her unsure how to proceed. She was also afraid Sheng Hong would think she was using this as an excuse, but if she missed this opportunity, it might be hard to find another one. For a moment, Wang Ruofu was caught in a dilemma…

Ultimately, the matter was dropped due to Sheng Hong's attempts to smooth things over.

By this time, Jin Shuai had already boarded the ship bound for Tokyo. Standing alone at the bow, he let the sea breeze caress his face, his thoughts surging like a tidal wave. Gazing at the boundless sea, Jin Shuai couldn't help but reflect on his life's journey. Past experiences flashed through his mind like scenes from a movie—laughter, tears, successes, and failures. Gradually, weariness overcame him, and Jin Shuai slowly closed his eyes, drifting off to sleep.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows into Shou'an Hall, bringing warmth and tranquility to the room. At that moment, Sheng Hong walked steadily into Shou'an Hall, preparing to pay his respects to Old Madam Sheng. After bowing, he began to discuss matters with the old lady.

“Mother, it’s a bit lonely for you to be here alone in Shou’an Hall. Why don’t we, your children, come and keep you company?” Sheng Hong said softly.

Grandma Sheng smiled slightly, knowing full well what her son was thinking, but still replied, "I've always preferred peace and quiet, so you can each go about your own business."

However, Old Madam Sheng changed the subject and continued, "But that Lady Wei is now six months pregnant, and she is the one who will continue the Sheng family line. It is only right and proper that you visit her more often."

Sheng Hong nodded hurriedly in agreement, indicating that he would certainly comply. Just then, Sheng Hong stepped out of the Shou'an Hall and immediately spotted Minglan, who had been waiting there for a long time. Upon seeing her father come out, she quickly went to greet him.

"Father!" Minglan called out in a clear voice.

Sheng Hong stopped and looked at his well-behaved and sensible daughter, a loving smile appearing on his face.

"What's wrong, my dear daughter?"

Minglan blinked her big eyes and said expectantly, "Father, my sister hasn't been in a good mood lately. Could you go and see her?"

Sheng Hong frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and then replied, "Yes, Father will go and take a look later."

Hearing that her father had agreed to her request, Minglan was overjoyed. After thanking her father, she skipped and hopped back to the small courtyard where Lady Wei lived.

When Minglan told Wei Niangzi the news, Wei Niangzi's slightly haggard face immediately lit up with joy.

"Really? My husband is coming to visit us?" Madam Wei asked excitedly, holding Minglan's hand.

Minglan nodded vigorously, and Madam Wei immediately instructed, "When your husband comes later, you must not say anything that might upset him, understand?"

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