The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 122 - Dealing with the Son-in-law

But it was this deceptive appearance of his that made everyone outside think he was brainless. In reality, he was quite gifted when it came to his studies.

Unfortunately, due to Dong family's business background, he was not qualified to take the imperial examinations.

Dong Ke Li wore a serious expression, and surprisingly, he was even more earnest than the adults beside him.

"Mother, don't worry. I'll take Grandmother back to her courtyard to rest right away."

Besides him, Dong Qiuyue was almost of age to be introduced into society, and her personality was not as detached as her mother, Yun's.

Instead, having been raised mostly by Old Madam Dong, she resembled her temperament more.

She was gentle and polite, sweet and lovable.

A cheerful optimist.

"Aunt, don't worry. Qiuyue will stay by Grandmother's side and won't go anywhere!"

Madam Wang glanced at Dong Qiuyue and was quite fond of this niece.

She smiled and replied, "With you here, Aunt is indeed at ease."

Old Madam Dong understood that this was her eldest son trying to send everyone away.

She had intended to say a few words but ended up keeping her mouth shut.

"If there's any news about Muzhi, remember to send someone to call for me."

"Mother, don't worry. I'll remember," she replied, then nodded before leading her grandchildren and the maids away.

In Lin Muzhi's courtyard, most people had already dispersed.

Wu Momo took Zhang Qing and Xin Fei with her as they left.

Only Eldest Master Dong and Master Dong from the second house stayed with Madam Dong, quietly watching Lin Muzhi.

The concern in their eyes was thick enough to be felt.

Meanwhile, in the courtyard next door, as soon as they entered the room and closed the door, Old Master Dong kicked Master Lin right in the chest.

The pain made Master Lin grit his teeth, but he dared not make a sound.

"I truly was blind! How could I choose you to marry my daughter? Look at the life she's had in the Prime Minister's residence all these years!"

Old Master Dong was so enraged that his old face turned red, his eyes wide with fury.

He would have liked to kill Master Lin on the spot to vent his anger.

"Our Dong family may be merchants, but ever since Qinzhen was born, she's never suffered even a bit of hardship. I thought marrying into the Prime Minister's family was a high climb, so I gave her a dowry worth half my family's fortune, hoping that the people in the Prime Minister's residence would treat her well for the sake of the money."

"But what has it come to in the end?"

"Every few days, she's being made to stick this and patch that, pouring heaps of silver into your Prime Minister's residence's pit, and it's truly a bottomless hole!"

"What have those few children been reduced to? They're not even as comfortable and happy as my Dong family's grandchildren!"

"If I had known that she and her children would end up in such a state, I should have forced her to divorce back then and brought her back!"

Old Master Dong's words were urgent and dense, each one striking Master Lin's heart like a hammer.

His weakness, his foolish filial piety, his inaction.