The Duchess instinctively favored Wang Si.
However, she had not forgotten the identities of Wang Si and Zhao Yuan.
No matter how close Si’er was to her, she was still an external granddaughter.
No matter how low Zhao Yuan’s birth, she was still a legitimate young lady of the Duke’s household.
If Wang Si were not involved, the Duchess could act entirely according to her own wishes.
If she didn’t want to give Zhao Yuan face, she could simply show her displeasure.
But—
Fine. She would do it for Si’er’s sake.
Giving her that shop on East Street had already drawn too much attention. She could not openly favor Si’er again.
The Duchess truly cared for her granddaughter and did not want to push her into the spotlight.
“Good! Good! Grandmother believes Xiao Jiu!”
The Duchess chuckled, smoothing things over. “My Xiao Jiu and Si’er are both filial, good children!”
“I like both of your egg custards!”
On the surface, she appeared to be a fair and impartial elder.
But if one listened closely, there were layers to her words.
Zhao Yuan heard the first layer: “My Xiao Jiu”! —See? Grandmother still favors me more!
She even said “my” in front of Wang Qi!
Clearly, Zhao Yuan believed this meant she was the true Zhao family daughter, belonging to the same family as her grandmother.
Wang Si, however—and the maids and servants present—heard the second layer: “just like Si’er.”
In other words, in the Duchess’s heart, Wang Si was the standard.
The measure by which others’ filial piety was judged.
Indeed, a beloved daughter’s child—a direct blood-related granddaughter—was simply different.
The attendants around the Duchess, those with sharp minds, all understood who their mistress truly favored.
They revealed nothing outwardly, but quietly took note of this Seventh Miss of the Wang family.
“As long as you like it, Grandmother.”
Wang Si smiled sweetly, her youthful face full of innocence and sincerity.
She did not say, “Since you like it, please try it.”
Two bowls of custard—both supposedly liked—so which one should the Duchess eat?
If she chose Wang Si’s and ignored Zhao Yuan’s, it would only create more trouble.
So the topic of egg custard ended there.
“Sigh! What a pity about today’s custard—I even added milk, perfect for elders.”
Wang Si showed a trace of regret.
She gave a slight bow and took the initiative to excuse herself. “Grandmother, my mother is waiting for me to have supper together. I’ll take my leave now.”
“Alright! Go ahead!”
These past few days, the Duchess had grown increasingly fond of Wang Si.
At first, it was for her daughter’s sake. But after spending time together, she realized the girl, though young, was perceptive, obedient, and truly filial.
As someone who had managed the household for decades, the Duchess had eyes and ears everywhere.
Including Haitang Courtyard.
Thus, she had already received reports about Wang Si’s activities in the small kitchen—
The girl had truly cooked herself.
With both sincerity and skill, how could the Duchess not like her?
And today, when faced with Zhao Yuan’s provocation, Wang Si had not blindly endured or retreated.
When it was time to be sharp, she did not back down at all.
That was good.
With such a strong and resilient temperament, staying by her daughter’s side, Wang Si gave the Duchess some peace of mind.
At least she wouldn’t have to worry about her daughter being bullied.
“Grandmother, I’ll go too!”
Zhao Yuan, unwilling to lose to Wang Si, left as well.
In truth, she knew that even if she stayed, she would only be unwelcome.
Sigh… that bowl of custard really had turned out badly.
Just looking at it was unpleasant—especially next to Wang Si’s.
Even Zhao Yuan herself couldn’t bear to look at it.
Leave!
Better leave quickly!
Today was truly humiliating!
“Alright! You go as well!”
The Duchess smiled as she watched the two girls leave one after the other.
“Bring me Si’er’s custard. I must not waste the child’s heartfelt effort.”
…
Haitang Courtyard.
Madam Zhao was waiting for Wang Si to return for supper.
On the round table were four dishes—two meat and two vegetable.
There was also a bowl of cold noodles specially prepared for the heat, garnished with shredded cucumber, radish, and egg.
It was nearly June, and the weather was scorching. Such a refreshing dish made eating easier.
“Sigh… I wonder how A Jiao and the others are doing. Are they eating well? Is the journey going smoothly?”
…
Post Station.
After traveling over twenty li, the Wang family finally arrived at the station by evening.
Zhang San and the other officers presented their credentials and secured lodging.
The officers were given guest rooms, hot meals, and warm water.
But the exiled members of the Wang family were not so fortunate.
They were driven into the courtyard. The men remained in cangues, and the women were still tied together in groups.
“Grandmother… are we sleeping here?”
Wang Jiao stared at the dirty, hard ground in disbelief. “Forget bedding—at least give us straw mats!”
After a full day of suffering, her expectations had dropped drastically.
She was exhausted, hungry, and sleepy. Her arms were numb from the coarse ropes binding them.
She longed to eat, to bathe in warm water, and to sleep on a soft bed.
But the officers coldly ordered, “Rest where you are. We leave early tomorrow!”
Wang Jiao felt as if the sky had collapsed. She herself was about to fall apart.
The Grand Madam: …
She was utterly exhausted, with no strength to speak, let alone comfort Wang Jiao.
Nearly sixty, she had lived a life of wealth and honor—never had she suffered like this.
Though supported by daughters-in-law and granddaughters, she still had to walk on her own.
Like the other women, she wore soft embroidered shoes.
Perfect for indoor comfort—but utterly unsuitable for travel.
Thin soles wore down easily, and every stone or uneven patch hurt.
After more than thirty li, her feet were torn and bleeding, her socks sticking to her wounds.
Every step was torture.
Compared to hunger and fatigue, she longed most to soak her feet in warm water and apply medicine.
The officers’ words dealt another blow—
Sleep in the courtyard.
No beds.
No hot water.
No medicine.
Of course, if she insisted on washing her feet, there was a way—
There was a well in the back. She could beg the attendants.
The Grand Madam had someone bribe a guard with a silver bracelet, finally obtaining a basin of hot water.
But there was only one basin.
So she used it herself.
She might favor Wang Jiao over other grandchildren—
But compared to herself, she still loved herself more.