Chapter 109 – The Widow’s Adopted Daughter (part 9)

When the old madam heard that Li Su had taken Wang Si Qin up the mountain to dig some traps, she smiled. “You, you are an exceptionally bright kid. When you were young, you wanted to go hunting with your uncles. You were about two or three years old. Your grandfather wasn’t willing to let you go to the hunting ground, so in order to make you happy, he took you up the mountain to dig a hole and set a trap. It is a surprise that you still remember what happened so long ago.”

The old madam touched Li Su’s hands, tears streaming down once again.

Li Su smiled playfully. “Did grandfather manage to catch any prey?”

The old madam was sad. She was also stunned by the question and thought about it. Perhaps it was because she was getting older that she couldn’t remember the answer. Princess Qing Shan knew and said with a smile, “No. Father took Su Su and waited by the trap for most of the day, but nothing was caught. Later, the soldiers beat up two rabbits and threw them into the trap while Su Su wasn’t paying attention. We ate fried rabbit meat that night.”

When Princess Qing Shan said this, the old madam also remembered it. “Yes, yes, that is how it was.”

Li Su smiled and said, “I was able to catch rabbits with the trap I dug.”

“Really?” the old madam asked Wang Si Qin.

Wang Si Qin nodded. “Yes, stupid rabbits fell in every day.”

The old madam held on to Wang Si Qin and smiled. “Okay, we will eat rabbits tonight.”

Princess Qing Shan glanced at Mrs. Yang. Mrs. Yang immediately left.

After they talked and laughed for a while, a maid said that the eldest, second, third, and fifth masters as well as a few older brothers were here. Li Su could see her uncle and cousin, along with the fourth and fifth cousins.

Everyone sat down and talked about the past. They cried and laughed.

Finally, Mrs. Wan reminded them it was time for dinner.

Mrs. Liu said, “Grandmother, it is time to eat dinner. It’s not a matter for us, but sister Qin and a few brothers are still young, so they can’t stand being hungry!”

The old madam smiled. “Yes. When I saw Su Su, I was so happy and forgot about this. Let them prepare a meal!”

Princess Qing Shan and Mrs. Liu sat peacefully. Mrs. Yang, Mrs. Qin, and Mrs. Wan made arrangements immediately.

Li Su paid close attention to the Xiao family. This family really modelled the kindness of the men and the filial and virtuous nature of the women. Perhaps it was because the old madam stabilised the family, or perhaps it was because Princess Qing Shan respected the Buddha, but the atmosphere of the Xiao family was good.

Wang Si Qin had been observing the dining etiquette while she ate. She then tried her best to imitate it. Although it was a bit strange, it wasn’t bad.

The others watched closely and smiled a little.

Mrs. Yang looked at Mrs. Wan slow down her movements and smiled.

After the meal, the old madam let everyone go. “All of you can return. Let us ladies talk freely.”

Princess Qing Shan and Lord Yong An smiled at each other. Xiao hen Ting glanced at Li Su before he left. Li Su nodded slightly.

After washing up, the old madam, Li Su, and Wang Si Qin headed to bed. The old madam’s bed was a traditional Jiangnan bed made of cedarwood. It was spacious and firm. Wang Si Qin lay down and looked at it, curious.

The old madam lay on the soft pillow and smiled. “Does Qin’er like it? When you get married, grandmother will give you one.”

Wang Si Qin’s eyes lit up. She obviously liked it, but she shook her head. “Thank you, grandmother, but I do not want to trouble you.”

“Silly child.” The old madam felt a little distressed at how sensible Wang Si Qin was. She touched Wang Si Qin’s head and looked at Li Su. “Actually, grandmother also prepared one for you back then, but it’s a shame…”

When the old madam started speaking of the past, she felt sad again. Li Su was afraid that it would affect the old madam’s health, so she quickly cast a glance at Wang Si Qin. Quickly, do something!

Wang Si Qin quickly rolled towards the old madam. “Grandmother, don’t be sad. Haven’t we returned? Grandmother, because I am a girl, my paternal grandparents didn’t like me and never smiled at me. Grandmother, you are the first elder to smile at Qin’er. Qin’er likes you! Grandmother, I hope you live a long time and be with Qin’er forever!”

The old madam listened with distress and joy. She put her arms around Wang Si Qin and comforted her. “Good, good. Grandmother loves you!”

Li Su shot an approving look at Wang Si Qin and Wang Si Qin smiled triumphantly.

The next morning, the old madam was still asleep when Princess Qing Shan and the others came over as they talked a lot the previous night. Li Su and Wang Si Qin got up instead.

“Su Su, do you remember me?” Princess Qing Shan asked with a smile.

Li Su shook her head. “I don’t remember anymore. When I was picked up, I had a high fever for several days. When I woke, I didn’t remember anything. I was told that there was a jade pendant on my body with the word Li on it. I didn’t get to see the jade pendant as it was sold. In fact, if it wasn’t for cousin telling me, I wouldn’t know anything either.”

Mrs. Liu smiled and stretched out her hand. The maid behind her handed over something that was covered by a cloth. Mrs. Liu took it and unveiled it. It was a piece of jade, and Mrs. Liu motioned for Li Su to come over.

She then hung the jade pendant around Li Su’s neck. “Your grandfather carved this jade pendant for you when you were born. It has immense significance. You must not lose it. Keep it safe.” This child couldn’t be blamed. At that time, she didn’t know and was at the mercy of fate. It would have been nice to protect her life, not just the jade pendant.

Li Su was a little surprised.

“Your cousin helped you get the jade pendant,” Mrs. Liu said with a smile.

Li Su lowered her head and touched the jade pendant. On the front had the character ‘Li’, and on the back had a blooming peony. The peony symbolised wealth. The old man probably hoped that his granddaughter could be like a peony and be rich and honourable for a lifetime!

When she thought about it, the fate of the original owner was related to this jade pendant. During the time the jade pendant was lost, the original owner had a hard time.

She had no idea if the original owner was found in the end. If she hadn’t worn this pendant, then Wang Si Qin would have been sold. The original owner, who was a coward, had no memory, had no maiden family, and had no opinion would have lived in the hands of the Wang family for goodness knows how long.

When Princess Qing Shan saw Li Su’s silence, she sighed and thought Li Su was thinking about her life. Although her family didn’t care about the missing 6 years, these 6 years still had an effect on Li Su. With Li Su’s circumstances and with the support of the Xiao family, it would not be difficult for her to remarry, even if she did have a daughter. But, if she wanted to marry into a high-ranking family, then it would be difficult. But, if she wanted to marry into an ordinary family, then it would be fine. The Xiao family, however, would be the first to object, saying that it would be wronging this child.

The male family members wouldn’t think about this. Mrs. Yang and the rest of the cousins couldn’t say it. These words could only be said by Princess Qing Shan and Mrs. Liu.

It was not the time to say these things when the mother and daughter were here. They could talk about this later.

“Second aunt, I think that as Auspicious Purple Hall is grandmother’s residence, it isn’t suitable for Si Qin and I to stay there. Although grandmother is reluctant, the rules and etiquette should be observed. I hope that second aunt will help us,” Li Su said deliberately.

“What do you mean?” Princess Qing Shan asked, then looked at Mrs. Liu.

“I heard from my fourth cousin that the place next door had been bought and I was wondering if I could move in there with Si Qin,” Li Su said, embarrassed.

“You want to move out?” Princess Qing Shan frowned. “The old madam won’t agree.”

“Aunt, I have been married once already. Although my husband’s family wasn’t good to me, my late husband was very good to me. If it wasn’t for him, I would be dead. I don’t want to marry again. I still have Si Qin and uncle’s support. In the future, I plan to live with Si Qin. Since that is the case, it is better to move out early.” No matter how good the Xiao family was, Li Su didn’t want to be confined there, not only for her sake but also for her daughter’s sake.

Princess Qing Shan frowned. “I understand what you mean, but the old madam won’t agree, and neither will your two uncles. Stupid child, if you aren’t happy at Auspicious Purple Hall, then we have already cleaned up a yard for you two. It is near Auspicious Purple Hall and it is called Falling Pear Courtyard. Don’t talk about moving out of the house anymore. As for the other things, I will discuss it with you later.”

Li Su wanted to continue to argue, but the door curtain was pushed aside. “The old madam had a nightmare and wants to see cousin and the little miss.”

Princess Qing Shan and Mrs. Liu hurriedly pushed Li Su and Wang Si Qin into the inner room.

When the old madam saw the mother and daughter, she held onto them and refused to let go. Even when she was washing, she didn’t let go.

Princess Qing Shan saw this and looked at Li Su jokingly. Surely if Li Su saw this situation, it would be unlikely that she would want to move out.

Li Su also felt a little helpless, but she still comforted the old madam. On the other side, Wang Si Qin was sensible. Wang Si Qin grabbed the old madam’s hand and helped the old madam out.

As the old madam could not do without Li Su and Wang Si Qin, Li Su hadn’t had the opportunity to talk to Wang Si Qin since they reached Yong An Mansion. She finally had the opportunity when the old madam went to take a nap. Nobody else was around.

Li Su sighed in relief. “Si Qin, do you want to stay here or move out?”

Wang Si Qin didn’t even think about it. She blurted out, “Of course I want to stay here. Why would I want to move out?”

Li Su expected this answer. “You can think about it. Although it is good to be here, you won’t be as free compared to living outside.”

“Mother, what do you mean by freedom? Although I don’t understand, in my heart it is more important to live well!” Wang Si Qin said seriously.

Li Su sighed. “Si Qin, you may not know what kind of business the family has. So, I will tell you. It is enough for us to spend for a lifetime and it will be enough to prepare a generous dowry for you in the future. So, don’t push yourself too much and don’t tire yourself out.”

Wang Si Qin shook her head. “Mother, I don’t feel tired. I like this kind of life. Mother, I have to work hard. I don’t want anyone to control my destiny anymore.”

Li Su looked at her dumbly. This little girl had such ambition. She just wasn’t sure if this was a good or bad thing.