Chapter 135

Zheng Qingyu was already sixteen. Unlike a six-year-old, he could not simply be brought back to his mother's side and raised anew. Madam Li's harsh treatment had also made him quiet and distant. Mother and son could spend half a day together without managing a single sentence, and the one they did manage was painfully awkward.

Xie Heng had discussed it with Madam Xie. The two needed a "go-between" to help them grow closer and get through this adjustment period. Xie Hongwen was the best choice, which meant he would have to divide his time between the two households for at least half of the coming year.

Shen Lantang patiently combed his hair.

"Your grandmother and uncle aren't very close, so our little Hongwen needs to be happy every day. When Hongwen is happy, they'll be happy too. And when they're happy, they'll get along better. Right?"

Xie Hongwen thought it over carefully. Yes, that made perfect sense. People got along better when they were happy!

"Hongwen will be happy every day, as long as Grandmother and Uncle play with Hongwen."

"Exactly. Hongwen's job is to play with Grandmother and Uncle. That's the task your grandmother and father have given you. Hongwen, you're amazing—you understood it right away!"

Xie Hongwen declared proudly, "Of course! Hongwen is very clever!"

"That's my boy. Come here and give me a kiss. Mwah!"

Xie Hongwen solemnly offered up his plump little cheek.

"Ah! Mother, why are you biting me? Don't squeeze my little hands..."

"Sorry, sorry. They're just too nice to squeeze."

"..."

After taking Xie Hongwen to the Zheng Family and witnessing the complicated bond between mother and son, grandmother and grandson, even the thoroughly unsentimental Shen Lantang could not help feeling moved.

Halfway back, she lifted the carriage curtain and called