Because of Xiao Yeyangâs sudden departure, the atmosphere at Old Master Zhouâs birthday banquet became somewhat strange.
After learning that his eldest daughter had offended the Little Prince, Yan Zhigao personally apologized to Old Master Zhou and Master Zhou, and without even eating, he quickly left the Zhou Residence with the entire Yan Family.
âSmack!â
In the old madamâs courtyard, Yan Zhigao forcefully slapped the table, angrily looking at Daohua: âYou unfilial girl, wonât you quickly explain clearly, how exactly did you offend the Little Prince?â
Seeing everyone looking at her with accusing eyes, Daohua felt both wronged and uncomfortable.
Xiao Yeyangâs sudden anger and the taunting words of the guests who did not know the truth had already filled her with frustration, but these things could not compare to the warmth-less blaming voice of her stepfather.
Madam Yan cast a glance at her eldest son and scolded, âCanât you speak nicely? Whatâs the need for raising your voice like that? Youâll scare the child!â
With that, she stood up, pulled Daohua to her side to sit down, held her in her arms, and whispered comfortingly, âDonât be afraid, itâs okay. So what if that Yang boy has been offended? If worst comes to worst, weâll just stop associating with him.â
Hearing these words, Daohua could no longer hold back, and her tears silently began to flow.
After Xiao Yeyang left, all she was surrounded by was verbal abuse; not a single person came to comfort her.
She was frightened by Xiao Yeyangâs angry glares, but no one cared about that, only blaming and gloating.
Upon seeing Daohuaâs tears, the old madam immediately became heartbroken and took out a handkerchief to wipe them away, while wiping she said, âRegarding todayâs matter, no one is allowed to mention it again, everyone get out.â
âMother!â
Yan Zhigao looked helplessly at the old madam and said, âMother, itâs not right to indulge Daohua like this.â
âExactly!â chimed in Yan Zhiyuan, âMother, Daohua offended the Little Prince today, and that has brought trouble to the whole Yan Family. She must be punished. Spank her a few times with a plank, otherwise, she wonât learn her lesson.â
As soon as these words were said, the room fell silent.
Madam Li twisted her handkerchief and stared at Yan Zhiyuan intently.
Daohua, with tears still in her eyes, also looked incredulously at her second uncle.
To bring trouble to the whole Yan Familyâher second uncle sure knew how to exaggerate the situation!
And to be spanked with a plankâwas she being treated as a criminal?
Yan Zhiyuan felt a bit uncomfortable under Daohuaâs tearful gaze, but he continued, âThink about it, Daohua offended the Little Prince, which caused the Zhou Family to lose face. We must give an explanation.â
âNot to mention anything else, just consider Yan Wenxiu, Wentao, and Wenkaiâhow will they hold themselves in the Academy? And furthermore, will your eldest brother be suppressed in his official careerâ¦â
âSmack!â
The old madam didnât wait for Yan Zhiyuan to finish before she threw a teacup from the table at him.
âMother, what are you doing?â
Yan Zhiyuan dodged quickly and wasnât hit, but the tea that splashed out stained his clothes.
He had deliberately worn a light blue robe to look good at Old Master Zhouâs birthday feast, but now the robe was no longer wearable.
Madam Yan pointed at Yan Zhiyuan and fiercely said, âYour brotherâs official position was earned through ten years of hard study, and Wenxiu and the others are in the Academy based on their diligence and effort. Yan Zhiyuan, Iâm telling you, donât you start trouble at this time.â
âMother, I havenâtâ¦â
Madam Yan cut him off: âDo you think I donât know about the convoluted thoughts in your heart? Iâve explained to you why Wenjie and Wenbin couldnât attend the Academy. As an elder, why are you being so petty?â
âEver since then, youâve been finding excuses to mention Daohua, thinking others are unaware of what youâre thinking?â
As these words came out, everyone in the room turned to look at Yan Zhiyuan.
Madam Li was even more incensed. Madam Yan had not mentioned it, and she would have really overlooked it, thinking that her younger brother merely wanted to show his seniority in front of his daughter, but there was actually such deep calculation involved.
Yan Zhiyuan felt embarrassed under their gazes and retorted in annoyance, âMother, what nonsense are you talking about? Am I that kind of person?â
Madam Yan responded, âDo you really not know in your heart?â Having said that, she turned away from him and looked at Yan Wenxiu, Wentao, and Wenkai.
âYou three know how you got into the Academy. You are the least qualified to blame Daohua.â
Yan Wenkai immediately said, âGrandmother, I had no intention of blaming my elder sister.â