TRBDM -Chapter 24 The Two Families Sever Ties

“A-Rong, you’re here.”

Suppressing the unease in her heart, Lin Juehui smiled and greeted Wei Zhaorong.

Wei Zhaorong set down her teacup, stepped forward, and gently took Lin Juehui’s hand.

There were tears in her eyes, shimmering faintly.

Lin Juehui and Wei Zhaorong had been close friends for most of their lives. The slightest shift in the other’s mood was enough to be sensed.

“What’s wrong? Are you in a bad mood?”

The old marquis had passed away only a year ago. The entire marquis residence now rested on Wei Zhaorong’s shoulders alone—it was no easy task.

Lin Juehui chose her words carefully, afraid of touching upon Wei Zhaorong’s grief.

“No. I’m happy—very happy.”

Having died once and still being able to see her closest friend again—she was truly overjoyed.

She had known Lin Juehui for over forty years, and they had been as intimate as sisters. If not for the disgraceful thing Xie Wanyi had done, the two of them would never have drifted to the point of severing relations.

After the marquis residence declined, and Wei Zhaorong was forgotten in a corner by the capital’s nobility, she often thought of Lin Juehui.

If she had not been blinded by favoritism, making one wrong decision after another, her friendship with Lin Juehui might have endured. They could have grown old together.

Once capable children took over managing their households, the two of them could meet occasionally—chatting about their disappointing sons and daughters, laughing as they comforted one another to take things lightly. At their age, let the younger generation muddle about on their own.

That was the beautiful old age Wei Zhaorong had once imagined.

Filial children by her side, an old friend to gather with now and then—how pleasant it would have been.

“Don’t stand there. Sit,” Lin Juehui said, pulling her down to sit.

Wei Zhaorong had not seen Lin Juehui for more than ten years. Now that she was looking at her, she found it impossible to look away.

Lin Juehui felt increasingly uncomfortable under Wei Zhaorong’s gaze.

Already burdened with guilt, how could she withstand such intense emotion?

Wei Zhaorong knew she was too agitated and struggling to control herself.

She suppressed the feelings surging in her chest, doing her best to appear normal.

Lin Juehui ordered the finest tea to be served and had the kitchen send over delicate and delicious pastries.

They were all Wei Zhaorong’s childhood favorites.

The only person left in the world who still remembered her childhood tastes was Lin Juehui.

As the familiar flavors melted on her tongue, Wei Zhaorong felt a sharp ache in her heart.

They chatted for a long while. Only after Wei Zhaorong’s emotions had fully steadied did she finally speak of the true purpose of her visit.

“Xiaohui, there is something I know is humiliating to say. But today, even if I must thicken my skin, I have to tell you.”

“What is it?” Lin Juehui sensed the seriousness immediately. Anything that made Wei Zhaorong sit so stiffly must be a major matter.

“Ahem. Nanny Qi, bring in the apology gifts first.”

Nanny Qi signaled the servants to carry in the generous gifts Wei Zhaorong had carefully prepared.

Six maids stood in a row, each holding a tray laden with valuable items.

“What is all this?” Lin Juehui asked, utterly perplexed.

“Xiaohui, yesterday you invited me to go to Tianshan Temple. I didn’t go—not because I was unwell, but because I didn’t want to go,” Wei Zhaorong said truthfully.

“Why didn’t you want to go?”

“I know why you asked to see me,” Wei Zhaorong said calmly, “but as for the matter between my Wanyi and your younger son, I think we should put it aside for now. They’re both still young and don’t yet understand what love truly is. If they grow up and meet someone they truly care for, yet we’ve already arranged their marriage for them, they may resent us in the future for meddling.”

Lin Juehui’s eyes widened in disbelief, wondering if she had misheard.

Wei Zhaorong’s words were almost exactly what she herself had been thinking.

Though they were close friends, this kind of perfect mutual understanding was a first.

Lin Juehui’s throat tightened. After a moment’s hesitation, she asked, “Why would you think that?”

Wei Zhaorong did not hide anything and answered frankly, “Naturally because Wanyi is not worthy of the Nanyang General’s Manor. She is spoiled and headstrong—I indulged her too much. At the Marquis Manor she throws tantrums daily, unruly and difficult to discipline. In the future, she would never be able to serve as the mistress of a general’s household.”

Her words were undeniably harsh.

Never before had Lin Juehui heard Wei Zhaorong utter even the slightest criticism of Xie Wanyi. Until just yesterday, she had believed the girl to be refined, gentle, and well-educated—so much so that she had worried her own brash son might not be good enough for such a perfect young lady.

Wei Zhaorong continued, “She dislikes studying. When the nanny assigns her lessons, she either muddles through carelessly or pretends not to understand. As for the four arts—qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting—she excels at none. Xiaohui, you and I are friends. If Wanyi were to marry into your household, it would only bring you harm.”

Wei Zhaorong had thought it through. Xie Wanyi was desperately in love with Nangong Hai, to the point of throwing away her dignity just to become his concubine. If that was her choice, then so be it. Every pot has its lid. She and Nangong Hai were cut from the same cloth—there was no need for anyone to despise the other. Some ill-fated ties could not be severed no matter how hard one tried, and this time, Wei Zhaorong would not stand in the way.

Once Xie Wanyi married out, her ties to the Marquis Manor would naturally fade. She would no longer hinder Wei Zhaorong’s determination to restore its glory.

“A-Rong, don’t speak that way. Wanyi isn’t nearly as terrible as you say,” Lin Juehui hurried to protest.

Yet suddenly, Lin Juehui recalled the little figurine with Dou Shuxin’s name written on it, and she found herself wondering whether Wei Zhaorong was right after all.

“In any case, it is my Marquis Manor that has wronged your General’s Manor. I’ve failed your good intentions. These are my gifts of apology. Xiaohui, please accept them—at least it will ease my conscience.”

Lin Juehui did not wish to accept them, but seeing Wei Zhaorong’s insistence, she said no more.

At worst, she could bring even more valuable gifts the next time she visited the Marquis Manor.

The matter that had troubled Lin Juehui all night had been resolved first by Wei Zhaorong, and her heart felt much lighter. She instructed the kitchen to prepare a grand feast to entertain her friend.

With everything laid bare, the heavy stone weighing on Wei Zhaorong’s heart finally fell away as well.

Her friendship with Lin Juehui could not be ruined because of Xie Wanyi. Moreover, the Nanyang General’s Manor was a crucial connection for her. If that network were broken, the Mingde Marquis Manor would suffer greatly. Better to cut losses before disaster struck.

The lunch was filled with all her favorite dishes. She ate until she was thoroughly stuffed before finally putting down her chopsticks.

In her previous life, she had known true hunger. Now, she was unwilling to waste even a single grain of rice.

The days without food or water were etched deeply in her memory.

Lin Juehui’s hospitality exceeded all limits that day. After lunch came platters of fruit and endless sweets, until Wei Zhaorong’s belly bulged like a small hill.

She quickly rose to bid farewell—any more and her stomach might burst.

Seated in the carriage, she felt uncomfortably full. Unable to bear it, she got down and began walking slowly to aid her digestion.

As she walked, she realized they were not far from the private academy where Xie Lan studied.

“Nanny Qi, let’s go to the academy and see how Lan’er is doing in his studies.”

“Yes, Madam.”

Wei Zhaorong had the carriage stop by the roadside while Nanny Qi helped her into the alley.

The academy was located inside one of Master Shen’s residences, tucked deep within a quiet lane where few people passed.

Wei Zhaorong had never worried about Xie Lan’s studies. Today, she had come in person because she wished to meet Master Shen.

In the capital, people were adept at judging others based on status, and teachers were no exception.

Xie Lan was a concubine-born son; it was inevitable he might not receive favorable treatment.

Before they even reached the gate, a suppressed but threatening voice rang out:

“Hand over the silver quietly, or don’t blame me for being ruthless!”