Chapter 371: Chao Chao Delivers a Message
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation
General Lou personally escorted Lu Chao Chao to the destination.
The gatekeeper opened the door, his face full of worry. “General Lou, please persuade her! The Old Madam has refused to eat or drink. Her body cannot endure this.”
The Sang family had thrived for five generations, and though the Old Madam was elderly, her temper remained fiery. Every year, she and the Old Master quarreled a few times.
The gatekeeper ushered General Lou and Lu Chao Chao inside. Old Master Sang sat in the main hall, looking utterly dejected. Upon seeing General Lou, he began to pour out his grievances.
“Tell me, we have been married for sixty years, yet she still does not trust me?”
“Decades together, and she still refuses to give me even a little faith?”
Old Master Sang sighed deeply, his white hair and wrinkled face carrying the weight of his years. His brows were tightly furrowed.
“Back then, I had no remarkable talents, and my clan arranged a marriage for me with a concubine-born daughter of the Lou family. You are aware of this. At that time, I even wrote poetry for her, and we attended a few temple visits together.”
General Lou looked somewhat guilty.
“Later, the concubine-born daughter eloped with an opera singer. That was a disgrace from the Lou family to you.”
Old Master Sang waved his hand. “After she ran away, I discovered that I had exceptional talent. The Lou family then proposed swapping her with their legitimate daughter—your aunt—to marry me.”
“Your aunt and I have been married for decades. We now have five generations under one roof, with countless descendants. One could say we are a prosperous family.”
“But this matter has always been a thorn in her heart. She will always find a reason to quarrel about it. Decades have passed, yet she cannot let it go. Even in her grave, she will likely still be upset. This knot in her heart… I fear it cannot be untied.”
Seeing Lu Chao Chao’s confused expression, General Lou explained, “After my aunt married, the concubine-born daughter returned to the capital, pregnant and penniless after being deceived by the opera singer.”
“But the Lou family values reputation and had already expelled her.”
“At that time, I was still a child. I secretly gave her a hundred taels of silver to help her settle down.”
“However, she was accustomed to a lavish lifestyle. In just two months, she squandered it all. Seeing her unwillingness to change, the family forbade me from assisting her further.”
“Desperate, she turned to my Uncle Sang for help, pleading with him to aid her for the sake of their past acquaintance. She was heavily pregnant and appeared pitiful, so my uncle, out of compassion for her and the unborn child, bought her a house and left her with some money, severing ties afterward.”
“She occasionally sent handkerchiefs and fruits to the Sang family, which infuriated my aunt every time. Eventually, she was barred from entering the house.”
“She gave birth to a son and, without my uncle’s knowledge, declared him to be my uncle’s godson.”
“In reality, the Sang family never acknowledged it. However, every New Year, she would bring her children to the Sang household to offer greetings. Even if she was not allowed past the door, she would stand outside and wish my uncle well.”
“My aunt could not tolerate it, and they have quarreled over this matter numerous times.” General Lou sighed.
Old Master Sang looked helpless. “Honestly, she never truly pestered me. She probably just found life difficult outside the Lou family and sought some form of security for her children through the Sang family.”
“This time, the argument started because, on my birthday a few days ago, she came with graying hair, her face aged and weary, bringing her grandchildren to ask for a cup of celebratory wine. I pitied her and allowed her inside.”
That was all. Nothing more.
“But your aunt is now refusing to eat, threatening to leave home.”
General Lou turned to Old Master Sang. “Princess Sunshine is skilled in handling such matters. I shall leave her here at the Sang estate.”
He shot the Old Master a meaningful look.
They moved to a quieter corner, where General Lou lowered his voice, barely suppressing his excitement. “Uncle, you must trust Princess Sunshine! This is my great gift to you!!”
“You will surely thank me later—you are in for a surprise!” General Lou whispered.
Old Master Sang sneaked a glance at Lu Chao Chao, who sat obediently in her chair. Could she really resolve this?
But his nephew, who managed the entire Lou family, was not one to make baseless claims.
Seeing Old Master Sang considering it, General Lou smiled and bid farewell.
In truth, every time he was asked to mediate, it was just to provide an excuse for both parties to step down. He was merely a messenger!
His aunt and uncle loved each other. They just needed a reason to make up.
General Lou leaned down to whisper in Chao Chao’s ear, “You don’t need to do much. Just pass messages between them.”
By tomorrow, they would have reconciled for sure!
Their arguments never lasted overnight!
Once General Lou left, Old Master Sang sighed and said, “I am already so old, yet I trouble you with this matter. I am ashamed…”
Lu Chao Chao solemnly assured, “Old Master, do not worry. Chao Chao has experience!”
“Chao Chao will deliver the message—and even say some nice words for you.”
Old Master Sang beamed. That was good, very good.
“You do not have to do much. Just tell her three things…”
“First, tell her to be obedient and eat properly.”
Lu Chao Chao nodded eagerly. “Got it, got it.”
Old Master Sang sighed. “Though I never loved her with fiery passion, a calm and steady life is true happiness. I have long grown used to having her by my side. No one can replace her.”
“We are one, sharing honor and disgrace. In life and death, we will always be together.”
Lu Chao Chao nodded again. “Got it, got it. Leave it to me!”
“That is all for now. Go persuade her.” The Old Master was worried about his wife and urged her to act quickly.
Xie Yu Zhou followed behind her, asking, “Did you remember everything?”
Lu Chao Chao nodded firmly. “I remembered. Leave it to me. I have experience! I’ve done this before!”
The atmosphere in the courtyard was heavy. The maids and attendants stood outside the door.
Seeing a three-year-old child arrive as the mediator, one of the senior maids was surprised. “Why send a child for this?”
“The Old Master specifically requested her. The princess is quick-witted and persuasive. She will resolve this.”
“No need to worry.” A maid knocked on the door.
“Old Madam, the Old Master has sent someone.”
Inside, the room was sealed shut, and the Old Madam lay on the bed with her eyes closed, pretending to nap, saying nothing.
Xie Yu Zhou carefully followed behind. Windchaser stood guard at the door.
“Old Madam, the Old Master has three messages for you.” Lu Chao Chao’s childish voice rang out clearly.
“The Old Master said…”
“If you are disobedient, then don’t eat!” (Eat obediently!)
“He never loved you. Your life is as dull as stagnant water.” (A peaceful life is true happiness.)
“And one more thing—when you die, he will still not let you go!” (We will always be together in life and death.)
Xie Yu Zhou’s entire body shuddered in horror.
Wait a moment—something seemed wrong???
They watched as the Old Madam sat bolt upright, her chest heaving in fury.
“That old fool, did he really say that?!”
Lu Chao Chao patted her tiny chest, her bright eyes full of sincerity.
“Chao Chao always tells the truth!”