Blossom in Adversity

C122. Returning Home.

Chapter 122: Returning Home

Hua Bailin, with his exceptional memory, could easily recall the location of his second aunt's courtyard, which shared a similar layout with the other courtyards of the grand mansion.

As he stepped over the moon gate, Guizi, Yang Sui'an's personal attendant, was already waiting. The injuries on Guizi's face, clearly inflicted while protecting his master, mirrored the loyalty of Liu Huai, who had served Bai Lin since childhood. Guizi had been with Sui'an for just as long, forging a deep bond.

Bai Lin acknowledged Guizi with a nod. "Is my cousin with Second Aunt?"

"Yes, the young master asked me to bring you here as soon as you arrived."

Upon entering the courtyard, Bai Lin understood why his cousin had sent someone to fetch him. This was not the courtyard he had visited before; his second aunt had moved out of the main residence.

Bai Lin's face darkened. The Yang family had gone too far! Forcing the eldest daughter-in-law to move out of the main residence was a blatant act of disrespect, and he couldn't believe that neither Yang Qi nor Yang Zheng understood the implications.

The courtyard was not dilapidated, but it was smaller, and there were far fewer servants.

Rather than barging in, Bai Lin called out, "Second Aunt, it's Bai Lin. I've come to see you."

There was a commotion inside, and after a while, Yang Sui'an's voice replied, "Come in, Bai Lin."

The room was dimly lit, and Hua Xi'an averted her gaze, but Bai Lin still noticed the bruises on her cheeks and neck.

Suppressing his anger, Bai Lin bowed. "Second Aunt, I've come to take you home."

Hua Xi'an's shoulders trembled. Home. She longed to go home. But returning would only bring shame to the Hua family and her son. She had endured insults and ridicule, but she couldn't bear the thought of dragging her family and son into this. Sometimes, she wished she could end it all.

Yang Sui'an knelt beside her and whispered, "Mother, you promised me."

"But An'er, if I return to my family's home, not only will the Yang family bully you, but your classmates will also make fun of you. How can I... how can I..."

"Your presence in the Yang family only makes it difficult for your son to maneuver freely. Without you in the Yang household, he would be able to handle everything just fine. Those narrow-minded individuals are of no concern to him. He has never paid any attention to them."

Hua Xi'an's expression turned blank.

Had she been a burden to her son after all?

Yes, her son was so proud and intelligent. How could he not handle those mediocre individuals who only pretended to be knowledgeable or capable?

Her son was nothing like her, weak and helpless, unable to do anything other than weep. She was utterly useless!

"If I were not around, would things be better for you?"

Yang Su'an's heart skipped a beat, feigning composure as he replied, "As long as I know you are well in one place, not being mistreated, and living happily every day, then everything will be fine for your son. Mother, all I ask for is just that - as long as you are well, as long as you are well..."

Yang Sui'an knelt at his mother's knees, tears welling up in his eyes as he buried his face in Hua Xi'an's clothing, his tears seeping into her heart.

Hua Xi'an gently stroked her son's head. He was so clever that he could understand her even when she only hinted at something.