If there was anyone in the Si Family who genuinely cared for Si He, it would only be the elderly Old Madam Si.
Ever since her young granddaughter was stolen away, the old lady missed her every single day. Even with Si Yao by her side, it couldn’t ease her pain of missing her granddaughter.
When Si He suffered grievances at the General’s Residence and moved to the countryside, Old Madam Si dragged her sick body to visit, bringing along many clothes, bedding, and silver.
Si He no longer wanted any connection with the Si Family.
She didn’t accept the old lady’s silver, but to honor her intentions, she only took the bedding and clothes.
Before leaving, the old lady gently touched Qing Bao’s forehead, “You’ve just arrived in this world, while I’m already in my twilight years. My good baby, grow up safely and love your mother on behalf of your great-grandmother.”
At that time, Qing Bao didn’t understand anything.
Now, Qing Bao could already comprehend the ugliness of human nature and see the warmth that exists between family members.
“Mother, let’s go back to see Great-grandmother. I’m afraid she doesn’t have much time left.”
In her previous life, Qing Bao and her mother never got to see this loving old lady one last time before they died.
As soon as these words were spoken.
Lady Si’s face immediately darkened, “What nonsense are you talking? The Old Madam’s health is very strong. If you dare spout such nonsense again, I won’t mind slapping you right here on the street!”
Damn it, how did she know?
“Alright Mother, children raised in the countryside are all like this. She naturally can’t compare to Mengmeng. Let’s not get angry on the street, we should go back first.”
Si Ye came to mediate, continuously advising Lady Si.
Si He protected Qing Bao in her arms and said coldly, “Why must Lady Si argue with a child? Going home is what matters now.”
“You call me Lady Si?”
A flash of disappointment crossed Lady Si’s eyes.
This child whom she carried for ten months and nearly died giving birth to after a night of difficult labor was now so distant with her.
“Someone of my status isn’t worthy to call you Mother, am I? Let’s go.”
Si He carried Qing Bao and walked ahead without waiting for Lady Si and the others.
Si Ye also sighed, “Mother, I told you. This kind of ungrateful person only cares about money. No matter how well you treat her, it’s useless. You need to give her silver.”
“Don’t think I don’t know why you came to the street. I’ll deal with you when we get back too.”
Lady Si glanced at the entertainment house nearby, hating this disappointing son of hers.
He’s been a playboy since childhood, and even grown up he hasn’t changed!
“Mother, this is the last time. I only need ten taels this time. After I return it to Young Prince, I’ll never play with crickets again.” Si Ye had originally come to ask Si He for silver when he saw her.
That’s why he asked about Qing Bao’s food, never expecting the mother and daughter would react so strongly.
Forget it, one tael of silver isn’t worth borrowing anyway.
It’s faster to get money by acting cute with Mother.
“That’s what you said.” Lady Si helplessly took out fifty taels of silver from her sleeve and gave it to Si Ye.
“This includes your monthly allowance. If you come to play with crickets again, don’t blame me for not giving you money.”
“I know, I swear.”
Si Family.
In the Charity Hall, everyone was busy, with hot medicinal decoctions being brought in and out repeatedly.
Several physicians shook their heads as they left.
“Prepare for the funeral arrangements. The old madam has one breath left, but hasn’t let it go yet.”
“What’s going on? She was perfectly fine a few days ago, how did she become like this today?”
Lord Si, who had just returned to the Charity Hall, questioned the attending maids and nurses.
The nanny shook her head and said, “The old madam’s health wasn’t good before. Her sudden improvement recently was likely just a final surge of energy.”
In any case, before fainting, the old madam had pointed south and told Lady Si to find someone in the streets.
As for who she was looking for…
The nanny knew in her heart but couldn’t say.
Upon hearing this, Lord Si’s heart sank.
Twenty years ago, when Si He was first stolen, his mother had also suddenly fallen ill and pointed south.
Later, the servants brought back news that the midwife had last been seen disappearing on South Street.
“Do you want to see He’er?” Lord Si leaned close to his mother and asked.
The unconscious old madam actually moved her fingers slightly and furrowed her brows.
“Someone, go find Si He and bring her back, quickly!” Lord Si shouted excitedly.
Later, he secretly pulled the steward outside and whispered:
“If you can’t find Si He right away, go outside the city gates and bring Yao’er back…”
Since the old madam was unconscious anyway, Yao’er or He’er would serve the same purpose, as long as it could help her pass peacefully.
Living to this age was already a blessed departure.
A servant rushed in anxiously and loudly announced, “My lord, the lady has returned, and she’s brought the fourth young miss and the little miss!”
As soon as the words fell.
Si He was seen rushing in with Qing Bao on her back, nearly tripping over the doorstep in her haste.
“Grandmother.”
She set Qing Bao down and knelt by the old woman’s bedside, her slender yet calloused hands grasping the old woman’s withered ones.
“Grandmother, Si He is unfilial for only coming to see you now.” Tears fell from Si He’s eyes pattering.
The old woman, with only one breath left, tightly grasped Si He’s hand in return.
Trembling, she traced Si He’s palm as if mapping her lifelines.
“Si He, your mother is beyond help. Say something comforting to help her pass peacefully,” Lord Si sighed.
“Who says great-grandmother is beyond help?”
At that moment.
The little milk bun who had been standing to the side lifted her round face and spoke clearly.
In her hand, she already held the Judge’s Brush, nearly as tall as she was.
A glimmer of hope ignited in Si He’s eyes as she grasped Qing Bao’s shoulders like a lifeline.
“Qing Bao, you must have a way to save grandmother, right?”
“Si He, have you lost your mind? How can you expect a three-year-old to save grandmother?” Just then.
Si Ye hurried in, panting heavily.
How was Si He so physically fit, running all the way with Qing Bao on her back without even getting winded?
Lady Si, also catching her breath, came forward and pushed Qing Bao away from the old madam’s bedside:
“Get this little jinx away! The old madam was fine when I went out, but after her curse, the old madam became like this!”
A flicker of disgust passed through Lady Si’s eyes—Old Madam Su was right.
Qing Bao truly was the Star of Calamity!
“What did you say?” Lord Si looked at Lady Si in disbelief.
Lady Si said, “My lord, you don’t know—when I went to find Si He earlier, this Qing Bao cursed the old madam, saying she didn’t have much time left. Who knew when we returned, the old madam would be in this state?”
Lord Si’s face darkened immediately. “Si He, is this how you raise a child?”
He reached out to push Si He’s shoulder.
But a red light rebounded him back, stinging his fingers.
“Qing Bao is not a jinx—everything she says is true!” Si He stood up, shielding the child firmly behind her with unwavering determination.
Before Qing Bao was born, she was gentle and easily bullied in the Si Family.
After giving birth to Qing Bao, her daughter became her everything. Anyone who dared to disrespect Qing Bao would become her enemy!
But Qing Bao was not as emotional as her mother.
Having served as a Judge for ten years, she had witnessed countless deaths and understood human nature deeply.
She would not let others’ emotions sway her state of mind.
Calmly, she said, “Within the time it takes for one incense stick to burn, your great-grandmother can wake up. The question is whether you truly wish for her to awaken.”