Fear and Unease
He was older than Zhao Jingtai and had been carefully trained as the heir apparent for many years, making him far more capable than Zhao Jingtai. With him around, what good was Zhao Jingtai's title? Wouldn't he still be at the mercy of his elder brother, Zhao Jingli, and merely a puppet in the Zhao Family?
This was something that Zhao Yuanxun and the Lady Zhu absolutely could not tolerate.
If he tells Zhao Jingli to stay in the main house and not come back, how is that any different from Lady Wei?
Zhao Yuanliang was terrified by his wife's grave mistake. They used to have the Wei Family's backing, but now that the Wei Family was gone, who knew how the old lady and Zhao Yuanxun and his wife would deal with their second wife? For Zhao Jingli to make such a request now was practically asking for his own demise.
"Li, Young Master Li, don't be so insensible. Your second aunt... I mean, Lady Wei, she committed such a terrible mistake, causing Miss Xi to suffer in the countryside for so many years, and also causing Young Master Tai to lose his position as heir. Let's not talk about making amends for our mistakes, why are you making such a request? Don't put your... your uncle and aunt in a difficult position." He said.
At fourteen, one would only be a junior high school student in modern times, but in ancient times, that would be someone close to marriageable age. Not to mention that Zhao Jingli was also the heir apparent, and he had accompanied Zhao Yuanxun to witness the clan disputes, so he was aware of Zhao Yuanliang's considerations.
He was just having an emotional breakdown. After Zhao Yuanliang's words, he regained his senses.
This is not a simple matter that can be resolved simply by him not wanting to leave the main branch and Zhao Yuanxun and Lady Zhu being willing to take him in.
He looked at Zhao Yuanxun, then at Lady Zhu, and cried, "I'm sorry, I... I..." At this point, he prostrated himself on the ground and wailed.
Lady Zhu also stroked his back and wept uncontrollably.
Those present who were easily moved to tears were wiping away their tears.
The old lady naturally doted on Zhao Jingli, her eldest grandson.
But in the days between guessing the truth and the confirmation of the situation, her affection for Zhao Jingli had long since been worn away by her hatred for Lady Wei.
Seeing this, she worried that Zhao Jingli would harbor resentment, and she was also worried that the people in the mansion would gossip. She pounded the ground with her cane, looked up, and cried out loudly, "What a tragedy! What a tragedy! Lady Wei, look at what you've done! How many people have you harmed?"
She was reminding everyone that what made Zhao Jingli's predicament was not the hard-heartedness of Zhao Yuanxun and Lady Zhu, but the ruthlessness of Lady Wei. If Zhao Jingli had any hatred, he should hate his own mother, Lady Wei, instead of blaming Zhao Yuanxun and Lady Zhu.
The old lady's wailing momentarily overshadowed the first lady's grief over the loss of her son with her concern for the elderly woman.
She stood up and quickly helped the old lady up. "Mother, Mother, please don't get agitated, please don't get agitated."
"Yes, Mother, you've just recovered from your illness, you mustn't get agitated again," Zhao Yuanxun said, stepping forward to support his mother and comfort her.
Although the old lady was faking illness this time, the couple were very worried that her health might actually be compromised in such a joyous or sorrowful occasion, so they were being extra careful.
Xu Xi was also worried. But it wouldn't be appropriate for her to run out and show her filial piety at this time. Seeing that Lady Zhu and Zhao Yuanxun went up to comfort her in time, she finally felt relieved.
Upon hearing the old lady's words and seeing Zhao Yuanxun and Lady Zhu's actions, Zhao Jingli felt extremely guilty.
He was so busy complaining about the injustice of the world that he forgot about his grandmother's health.
He quickly stepped forward and said to the old lady, "Grandmother, please don't get agitated. I won't cry anymore, I won't cry. I won't make things difficult for my eldest uncle and aunt either. Although I'm no longer in the main house, they raised me for many years, and I will still treat them as my own parents. I won't hold any grudges against anyone, so please don't worry."
"Good, good, good child. It hasn't been for nothing that your grandmother has loved you all these years." The old lady patted his hand and said with satisfaction, "Don't worry. Although you are no longer registered under the eldest son's name, we are still family. Your uncle, aunt, and I will still love you just as much as we do."
"Yes, grandson understands." Zhao Jingli replied obediently.
At this moment, Physician Shi also arrived carrying his medicine box.
He was merely invited by the Zhao Family, not Zhao Family. Therefore, even though he knew about the imperial decree, he didn't dare to come over.
He examined Zhao Yuanliang's body and said, "He's fine. No bones are broken, just superficial injuries. He'll be fine in ten days to two weeks."
Everyone was relieved.
Watching the servants carefully move Zhao Yuanliang onto the wooden plank under Physician Shi's direction, and then carry him to the second house, the old lady said to Zhao Yuanxun and the first wife, "Alright, you don't need to see me off. I have A-Jin and the others here. There are many things to do in the manor, so you should go about your business."
Upon hearing this, Matron Jin and Daimao quickly stepped forward to take over from Zhao Yuanxun and Zhao Jingli, and helped the old lady up.
Watching the old lady leave, Zhao Yuanxun turned to Zhao Jingli and said, "Go back with Brother An to take care of your father. Don't overthink it. Whether you're with us or not, you've called us 'Father' and 'Mother' for so many years, and our feelings for each other will never change."
Hearing Zhao Yuanxun's words, Zhao Jingli felt a lump in his throat again.
He nodded vigorously. "Okay."
Zhao Jing'an, who had been following the stretcher, ran back and grabbed Zhao Jingli's arm when he heard Zhao Yuanxun's words. "Let's go, elder brother, come back with me to take care of Father."
Zhao Jingli glanced at Zhao Yuanxun, then at Lady Zhu, and seeing that both of them smiled and nodded at him, he followed Zhao Jing'an to catch up with the stretcher bearers and headed towards the second house's courtyard.
Zhao Ruyu and Zhao Rurui quickly followed.
Seeing the pitch-black courtyard of the second branch of the family from afar—when they received the imperial decree earlier, it wasn't dark yet, and the lights weren't even on in the house—the hearts of the members of the second branch were filled with unease.
Zhao Jingli's unease stemmed from his change in status, while Zhao Yuanliang and Zhao Jing'an were preoccupied with the death of Lady Wei.
They wondered where Lady Wei was now, and when she would be beheaded. Should they go see her? And what should they do with the Wei Family?
In the past, no matter what happened in the manor, Zhao Yuanxun and the First Madam would handle it, taking the lead. The Second Branch father and son only needed to stay in the background and didn't have to worry about anything.
But now, Zhao Yuanxun and his wife can no longer handle matters concerning the Wei Family and the Lady Wei. The three of them, father and sons, have to make the arrangements themselves. Zhao Yuanliang and Zhao Jing'an are filled with anxiety and confusion, and are somewhat at a loss.
Zhao Jing'an, in particular, suddenly felt a heavy burden on his shoulders and felt even more fearful and uneasy.
My father has been bedridden for the past ten days to two weeks. He Youyu with the Wei Family's affairs. My eldest brother has not yet accepted his identity.
It seems that the responsibility of visiting his mother in prison and seeing his maternal grandparents off on their final journey has fallen on him.
Thinking of this, he turned to look at Zhao Ruyu.
Compared to his half-sister Zhao Rurui, he was closer to Zhao Ruyu and felt that Zhao Ruyu Zhao Rurui more reliable in her actions and words. Would his sixth sister be there to keep him company in the days to come?