Shen Yaoyu had said that he was busy with military affairs and government duties. Matters at home and the affairs of the children were best left to her.
His eldest son, Huo Siyu, had lost his biological mother at an early age and had been sent off to the military for training since childhood, leading to his current ruthless behavior, arrogance, and refusal to submit to discipline. His two younger brothers were already married, but this prodigal son married one woman only for her to die every single time.
Good, decent young women either hanged themselves on their wedding night or suddenly died of heart disease on their wedding night. Though people didn’t say it out loud, everyone knew it must be because Huo Siyu was dissatisfied and had done away with them.
Regarding this third daughter-in-law, Shen Yaoyu had claimed that Siyu would definitely fancy her and wouldn’t bear to kill her. She had also said that this daughter of the Rong family was once of imperial lineage, well-read, gentle, virtuous, and had studied abroad as an intellectual.
Never had anyone imagined that Shen Yaoyu would conceal the fact that Rong Tangtang suffered from a psychiatric illness.
Huo Zhenting suddenly felt a trace of suspicion: could Shen Yaoyu have done it on purpose?
The Old Ancestor looked worried and asked Rong Tangtang, “Child, is this illness of yours congenital?”
Rong Tangtang shook her head. “No. When I was five, my biological mother passed away. After crying for three days and three nights, I fainted from crying, and when I woke up, I had this illness.
My grandfather took me abroad for medical treatment for many years, and I’ve already recovered.
It’s just that I cannot be triggered; once triggered, the illness might flare up, and I have no idea what kind of actions I might take during an episode.
It’s all my fault. Today, Mother-in-law was merely lecturing me with a few words, and I actually had an episode. I deeply regret hurting Mother-in-law!
Those who make mistakes must accept punishment. Please punish me, Father.”
With that, Rong Tangtang lowered her head with a look of utter guilt, the flashes of triumph and shrewd calculation in her eyes hidden from view, leaving everyone else to see only an innocent and pitiful girl.
Who could have guessed that when she chopped off her mother-in-law’s hand, she had been faking her madness?
The Old Ancestor looked at her with a heart full of pity. “Just like our Siyu, she’s also a pitiful child.
From now on, Grandmother will cherish you, and no one will dare to trigger you.
Since your illness was acquired later in life rather than being congenital, it won’t be hereditary, and you can still bear great-grandsons for me!”
Lady Ding, the Old Ancestor, was completely enamored with this plump, lively, and warm little girl. To her, she looked blessed and capable of bringing prosperity to her husband.
Most girls nowadays pursued thinness, which she disliked.
“Old Ancestor!” Huo Zhenting furrowed his brows, giving his mother a solemn reminder to stop smiling, before turning his attention back to Rong Tangtang. “Regardless of the reason, chopping off an elder’s hand is a grave offense.
According to the rules, you must spend three years in prison.”
“No.” Huo Siyu suddenly spoke up, his voice chillingly cold, his attitude arrogant, and his posture entirely protective of his own.
Huo Zhenting grew even more furious. “Huo Siyu! Without my permission, you privately brought her out—both of you deserve to be locked up inside!”
“Hmph!” The Old Ancestor looked displeased, banged her walking stick against the ground, and stood straight up. “If you want to lock someone up, you might as well lock me up with them!
Anyway, this old bag of bones of mine doesn’t have many days left to live anyway, and if I go to prison to suffer, maybe I can go see Siyu’s mother sooner.
I’m going to apologize to her; as a mother-in-law, I failed to keep the promise I made to her and didn’t take good care of her child.
Siyu’s mother has a debt of gratitude toward our Huo family…”
“Old Ancestor!” Huo Zhenting said with a helpless expression. “I am disciplining the younger generation; what kind of scene are you making here?”
“Disciplining the younger generation? What did these two children do wrong? Why aren’t you going to discipline Shen Yaoyu?
She knew full well about Tangtang’s physical condition yet still uttered harsh words in public to trigger Tangtang. I think her intentions are malicious!” The Old Ancestor was trembling with anger.
Rong Tangtang quickly went over to support the Old Ancestor. “Grandmother, please don’t be angry.
This matter really is my fault. Father, please give me a chance to reform myself!
Tomorrow, I will go to the hospital to visit Mother-in-law and apologize to her, and then I can serve as a hired maid in the Grand Marshal’s Mansion to punish myself, alright?
I can do any dirty or exhausting work!”
She had finally stated her true purpose: she wanted to be a maid to make it convenient for her to investigate the case.
At that moment, the Old Ancestor’s body swayed.
Rong Tangtang looked at the Old Ancestor’s face and examined it carefully, only to realize that something terribly wrong was about to happen…