She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 356 - 355 The Great New Year’s

Chapter 356: Chapter 355 The Great New Year’s

In a forest grown large, all sorts of birds may be found, and Lady Zhang was one such bird. Not content with the good life she had, she had to court disaster—and who could have stopped her?

Upon reflection, she really wasn’t wronged. Qi Jiaer had suffered abuse at the hands of his stepmother from a young age and been neglected by the entire second branch family, the emotional and physical harm he endured was far beyond what her mere twenty slaps could compare to. A child of four or five suffering such harm is truly pitiable. Lady Zhang, a woman with children of her own living under the same roof, not only failed to extend a helping hand but instead salted the wounds of a child whose fate was already unfortunate. She deserved it!

Ye Xinyan’s icy gaze then turned to Madam Pang. This woman was malicious yet cowardly; she had simply not found the opportunity. If there were a chance, Ye Xinyan would certainly ensure that Anshun’s Household would slap her thirty, no, fifty times, best if they slapped her down to brand her with a permanent pig’s face for all to see the evil stepmother she was.

Nanny Liu swept a cold glance over the members of the third branch and turned to ask Ye Xinyan, "Nanny Qiao showed restraint and did not strike with full force. Does Young Lady find this acceptable?"

Ye Xinyan blinked. What did that mean? Did it imply that Lady Zhang could withstand more?

At the time she suggested the slapping, her intention was to provide a substantial form of face-slapping for the third branch and Lady Zhang, to show them that running one’s mouth had consequences. Now, not only was there a form, but there was also a substantive effect from the punishment... Ye Xinyan’s eyes paused on both Lady Zhang and Qi Dong, making the two watching her eagerly in anticipation tremble.

Lady Zhang, having been slapped, was frightened not only by the humiliation and the pain but also by fear that this unreasonable woman would persist in her punishment. Qi Dong’s fear was no less than hers. The mere pinch he received on his shoulder from the guard still left a lingering soreness—he shuddered at the thought of the consequences if there were a real altercation.

Ye Xinyan, as they had hoped, relented, "Let it go, it’s the New Year, let’s leave it at that for now. Everyone, keep an eye out and listen carefully, to see if she’s always this lucky." Saying this, she looked to Qi Younian, "Grandfather, what do you think?"

Qi Dong dared not wait for Qi Younian to speak, knowing that who knew what else might happen in the midst of conversation. Their initial thought, relying on their familial ties, believing the second branch would not openly break decorum, and that they could always prevail upon contact, was now utterly unworkable.

Having struck once, who’s to say there wouldn’t be a second or third time?

Qi Dong quickly picked up Huahua, helped up Lady Zhang, and with his two sons, hurried out to head home.

Seeing the opportunity to leave, Madam Pang didn’t even bother saying goodbye to her elders; she quickly carried her son and followed them out. She had been frightened earlier; now that the second branch family had people and power on their side, who knew if they would bring up past grievances. As a woman, she could understand the sorrow and despair revealed in her sister-in-law’s wailing.

Qi Younian had maintained a stern expression, sitting on the kang bed. As an elder from another branch, it was inappropriate for him to directly confront his nephew’s wife, and Qi Yourong and his spouse were so selfish and shameless that it was impossible to reason with them. But to follow Qi Yougui’s advice to reconcile and calm the situation, he simply could not do so.

Such brothers, such relatives from the same branch, were not worth having. Therefore, he sat on the kang bed, silently observing the events unfold—not saying only twenty slaps, even if there were many more, he was intent on merely watching coldly. Hadn’t they watched indifferently as a child was tormented mercilessly long ago, yet managed to feel completely justified?

Now, seeing so many people standing there, following Ye Zi’s question and turning to look at him, Qi Younian’s heart felt a tinge of desolation. It seemed the days of returning home were not all about harmony and joy.

"Let’s stop here," Qi Younian’s tone was somewhat somber, "It’s Brother Jia’s fate to have fallen into their household, and now that the child has walked out of it, let’s not bring up the past anymore, especially Yourong’s family. It’s a disgrace, not something to be proud of."

As Qi Younian spoke, he put on his shoes and got up, "It’s time we headed back. With things turning out the way they have, no matter who’s right or wrong, it doesn’t look good for anyone." When he stood on the floor, he glanced at Qi Yougui, "As for the worship at Zi Hour... let each act according to their conscience. The harmony and togetherness can’t be forced."

Qi Yougui was also in a bad mood. Indeed, with things having escalated to this point, even if he forced everyone to stay, it wouldn’t create the harmonious atmosphere he wanted. It would actually be more awkward if they were all together.

"This meal... sigh, we could barely have a whole meal without such turmoil breaking out. It’s already this late; you heading back to prepare food again? Ah, if only I had spoken less at the time." Qi Yougui said.

Ye Xinyan rolled her eyes at Qi Yougui. Would speaking less have really made a difference? That would require your third brother to be sensible. If everyone kept quiet, your third brother’s demands and shamelessness would escalate step by step, challenging people’s patience until all his demands were met. If he didn’t get what he wanted, it would eventually lead to this outcome anyway.

But really, who could satisfy him? If he’s appeased this time, what about next time? Everyone knows that the dairy is Sixth Master Rong’s enterprise, and yet he dared to reach out for it. Who knows how much more outrageous he would become after repeated indulgences?

With the slapping incident over, Nanny Ding and the two guards retreated behind Ye Xinyan.

Qi Yourong, deeply shaken, was hesitating and couldn’t make up his mind. There were still three tables full of delicious food in the room, and he was torn between leaving now or lingering until the Second Branch family left, so he could have a good meal.

Qi Yourong’s mind was already on the three tables of delicious food. Hearing Qi Yougui talk, it seemed there might be some other implications. He couldn’t help but turn his head, eagerly looking at Qi Yougui, hoping his older brother would say a little more, preferably the things he had in mind.

Years of brotherhood allowed Qi Yougui to instantly recognize what his no-account brother was thinking. However, the Second Branch and Ye Zi were already incensed to such a degree, and most of the food had been provided by the Second Branch. He did want to let his old brother take some food home – the second brother probably wouldn’t mind much, but it wasn’t the same with Ye Zi.

Qi Yougui’s eyes shifted towards Ye Xinyan, pondering how to broach the subject, so that this grandniece wouldn’t have an overreaction and think him unappreciative.

Meanwhile, just as Qi Yourong’s gaze left the food and turned to Qi Yougui, Ye Xinyan recalled the meal that Qi Younian had organized for Wong Qiao and Cheung Wusi. The atmosphere had already been quite tense, yet Qi Yourong still had the gall to shamelessly pack up a few presentable dishes to take away.

It seemed Qi Yourong was intent on repeating the same trick. After Lady Zhang had uttered such venomous words about her Qi Jia, Qi Yourong still wanted to take her family’s food home for a feast – to relish for a meal or two, and then continue complaining about the Second Branch, grumbling about not receiving the slightest benefit from them.

She was not that generous. Little Qi Jia’s heart had yet to be soothed, the wounds not yet healed, and she could not allow those who caused the wounds to merrily feast on his family’s provisions. That was absolutely unacceptable.