Time Travel: The Noble Family
Chapter 591 - 236 Release the knot in one’s heart

Chapter 591: 236 Release the knot in one’s heart

Zhuang Ruolan had left her confinement, but even when Madam Tang wanted to hand back the steward authority to her, Zhuang Ruolan declined to take over.

Zhuang Ruolan said, "I’ll have to trouble you, sister-in-law, to handle things a bit longer. I’m not in good health, and the doctor said I need to take time to recuperate."

Seeing the ruddy complexion of Zhuang Ruolan claim to be unwell, Madam Tang was somewhat unable to fathom her intentions but seeing Zhuang Ruolan’s determination, she did not resist further.

Lady Cheng, considering that her daughter would turn thirteen after the New Year—an age when girls are typically matched for marriage—was anxious about Ma Linlin still being unmatched. How could she not worry? However, Lady Cheng’s anxiety was futile; she couldn’t just show up uninvited when no one had sent her an invitation. Therefore, after discussing with Ma Chengteng, they decided to host a banquet at home and invite relatives and friends.

Zhuang Ruolan scoffed in her heart. Lady Cheng truly lacked foresight. If they had allowed Linlin to learn manners diligently for another year, she might have barely been presentable. Presenting her in her current state, which reputable family’s matriarch would give her a second glance? But with her poor relationship with Lady Cheng, she wasn’t about to kindly remind her. If she did, it could backfire on her.

Madam Tang also saw the issues with the plan and offered her advice, suggesting that there was no need to rush since the young sister-in-law was just twelve and turning thirteen after the New Year. Madam Tang’s well-meaning suggestion, however, provoked a barrage of scolding from Lady Cheng.

Madam Tang had offered her advice out of respect for her husband; since it was not appreciated, she did not press the matter further. Nonetheless, the banquet arrangements were still entrusted to Madam Tang.

Yueyao was playing with Keyue in the room. ’Playing’ in this context actually involved Yueyao drawing animals for Keyue to recognize—children at this age are naturally curious about everything. Yueyao was not intent on making Keyue a prodigy; it was merely for fun.

Nanny Xin came over and said, "Madam, there are visitors from the Zhuang Residence."

The old nanny who arrived informed Zhuang Ruolan that her father was ill, and Zhuang Changhe had sent someone to ask her to return home.

Zhuang Ruolan, who had grown up in the Duke Mansion under the Duchess’s influence, believed her mother’s death had been caused by her grandmother and father. Consequently, their father-daughter relationship had always been distant. Even after she moved back to the Zhuang Family, her relationship with Old Master Zhuang was not very close. However, when Zhuang Ruolan heard that Old Master Zhuang was ill and the nanny’s account was vague, she assumed it was serious. Immediately, she asked for medicinal herbs and tonics to be taken out from the storeroom and sent someone to tell Ma Peng. She also instructed people to inform Ma Chengteng that she needed to return home to care for the sick, completely disregarding Lady Cheng.

Zhuang Ruolan thought that the biggest trouble would be her two children. Since she was going to take care of the sick, bringing the children would not allow her to rest, and her younger daughter Yanqi was just over a month old; it was too easy for her to catch a cold in the cold outside.

Seeing Zhuang Ruolan’s anxiety, Yueyao said from the side, "Cousin-in-law, I’ll help look after the children. If there’s anything, I’ll have a maid send you a message."

Yueyao was quite familiar with the two children, and with Yueyao’s offer, Zhuang Ruolan felt somewhat reassured. After changing her clothes, Zhuang Ruolan immediately rushed to the Zhuang Family.

Madam Tang had not anticipated such a coincidence but sent items to the Zhuang Family soon after.

Zhuang Ruolan, with red-rimmed eyes, walked into the bedroom and saw Old Master Zhuang talking with Zhuang Changhe. She stood there stunned for a while—hadn’t they said he was seriously ill? He didn’t seem to be in terrible shape!

Old Master Zhuang, seeing Zhuang Ruolan like this, said in a grave voice, "Has the Ma Family been bullying you?" He had agreed to the Ma Family’s marriage proposal partly because Zhuang Ruolan was willing; he also knew that his daughter did not want to follow her mother’s path and resented being controlled by a mother-in-law. While he was dissatisfied with many aspects of the Ma Family, he had ultimately consented. If the Ma Family dared to mistreat Ruolan, he would certainly not stand for it.

Zhuang Changhe also looked upset, "Sister, what happened? If Ma Peng has bullied you, you must tell me."

Zhuang Ruolan wiped the remaining tears from the corner of her eyes with a handkerchief.

Seeing his daughter crying, a glint of ferocity crossed Old Master Zhuang’s eyes. He knew his eldest daughter well. She was someone who appeared soft externally but was tough inside, and she would never cry without a serious grievance. Old Master Zhuang’s expression darkened as he said, "Don’t worry, if the Ma Family’s people dare to bully you, your father will stand up for you." It was the Ma Family’s good fortune to have married his daughter, whose virtues and appearance were fitting even for a Prince’s Wife. He was not one to seek advancement through his daughter, and since his son-in-law was his daughter’s own choice and he felt guilty, he had indulged her wishes. It was unacceptable to him that the Ma Family would cause his daughter distress.