The snow still lingering on the roof melted into beads of water beneath the warm winter sun, dripping from the eaves onto the bluestone slabs.
Cheng Wenqing reined in her sharp edge and slowly skimmed the foam from her tea with the lid of her cup.
"My dear sister, times have changed. People's thinking ought to move forward too."
She knew she had come to back Cheng Yue up, not to settle a score.
"The children are grown, and we're old enough to know what life has in store for us. Whether things turn out well or badly, let them find their own way."
Anyone who headed a family had to know when to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear.
As for propriety and appearances, people in their position would never hear a word of gossip if they chose not to listen.
Grandmother Ji's face remained dark as she rapidly worked the string of beads in her hand.
Cheng Wenqing smiled, set down her teacup, and looked fondly at Cheng Yue. "Though Yueyue and I only found each other as family later in life, as far as I'm concerned, whatever life he wants to lead, whoever he chooses..."
"As long as he's happy, that's all I could ask for."
Honestly, Cheng Yue was a little moved. He didn't need anyone else's approval of his relationship, but hearing her say that still sent warmth flooding into his heart.
"That's you!"
Father Ji had inherited every bit of his mother's stubbornness. Looked at another way, he simply didn't love this son enough. All he cared about was his precious reputation.
"As long as he's my son, I will never allow-"
"Enough!"
Old Master Ji cut him off sharply, his expression stern, and delivered the final verdict. "That settles it. No