Chapter 013: The Sin of Disrespectful

At his sudden burst of anger, Mrs. Liu immediately stopped crying.

Fu Rou quickly stepped forward to support.

Once they were up, Fu Zhen also helped Mrs. Fu to sit down and then coldly looked at Fu Yun: "Father, when Aunt Liu meets the lady of the house, doesn't she have to pay respects? Moreover, as a concubine, how can she sit before the lady of the house has taken her seat? Her arrogance mustn't be something you've indulged, right?"

Fu Yun's face turned red and pale alternately, unable to find words once again.

Mrs. Liu clutched the armrest tightly, her whole body starting to tremble!

Today, beneath this little girl's hand, she hadn't gained the slightest advantage and was repeatedly mocked and humiliated!...

"Qingniang!"

Before Mrs. Liu could speak, she was silenced by the stern gesture from Fu Yun, biting her lower lip hard as she stood up, her chest heaving as she walked in front of the composed Mrs. Fu and bowed.

"Sister, I acted rashly and out of line earlier; please don't blame me for my momentary lapse over concern for my daughter."

After speaking, she picked up the tea she had not drunk earlier and presented it to Mrs. Fu.

The tea shook so much that half the bowl spilled out, soaking the back of her hand!

Mrs. Fu accepted the tea and placed it on the table, not even glancing at her, yet not taking the opportunity to make things difficult.

Mrs. Liu turned her back, nearly grinding her teeth to dust!

Fu Zhen watched her return to her seat and reminded sternly: "Aunt, remember today's rules; behave accordingly in the future. If you forget, don't blame me for being impolite. Even if the Fu Family has no family law, the court has state laws!"

Saying so, she couldn't be bothered to look at her colorful face and turned to Fu Yun: "The other day, Mrs. Cheng told Dr. Xiao Hu that she had coughed up blood twice in the past half month. She hadn't seen a doctor at home to prevent General Cheng from worrying. Dr. Xiao Hu diagnosed her and concluded that Mrs. Cheng's spleen and lungs were congested, but fortunately, it wasn't severe. If she could obtain Salvia Miltiorrhiza over a century old as an antidote, taking it for two or three months would cure her.

"Sadly, due to constant unrest in recent years, Salvia Miltiorrhiza doesn't fetch a good price. Wild Salvia over a hundred years old from Yunnan and other regions is extremely difficult to harvest, and it's almost impossible to find in the market today. For a lady of such status like Mrs. Cheng, fulfilling her wish in a short time is next to impossible."

Indeed, Fu Zhen had seen Mrs. Cheng at Dr. Xiao Hu's clinic last month. At that time, although the other party had makeup on, it couldn't hide her sallow and emaciated face.

Such a noblewoman, even if she comes out for medical consultation, wouldn't let others know the inside story. Fu Zhen naturally didn't know what illness she had or what she said to Dr. Xiao Hu.

But she couldn't withstand that the soul residing in Fu Zhen's body now belonged to Liang Ning!

The Five Generals of the founding had established a deep bond during their campaigns. After the nation was established, they had even decided their ranking order through sworn brotherhood. As the elder generation continued to pass away, Fu Zhen might not be aware of the current status of the families, but six years ago, as she frequently visited, she heard from Mrs. Cheng herself about her persistent cough ailment.

If it hadn't reached a certain stage, how could she become so frail after six years? And still, seek medical treatment outside?

As for the century-old Salvia, she had heard Dr. Xiao Hu explain to the clinic's disciple that it was used as a cure for prolonged cough and tuberculosis, but unfortunately, was now worth its weight in gold, which inspired her thoughts.

"Are you suggesting I need to acquire a sufficiently good century-old Salvia?"

Fu Yun unconsciously straightened up.

"Tu is known to be upright and stern; Father, if you don't exercise some cleverness, it might be difficult to fulfill your wish."

Being well aware of the Cheng family's matters, Fu Zhen was confident that a piece of Yunnan Salvia could open the doors to the Cheng family for Fu Yun.

As long as Mrs. Cheng acknowledges his gesture, and says a word for him at the Tu family, the matter of his promotion would undoubtedly not be a problem.

Such a huge temptation, how could it not move Fu Yun?

Fu Yun's anger disappeared without a trace, replaced with complete ambition.

He had originally thought that Fu Zhen, as a young lady, couldn't possibly provide any significant clues, merely holding a 'hear it out' mentality, never expecting she would genuinely offer something useful!

Not only was this matter she mentioned indeed useful, but even the method she provided was very reasonable...

But if not even the wife of the Great General can obtain this drug, can he manage to get it?

Thinking of this, he cast his gaze toward Mrs. Fu.

Mrs. Fu was looking back at him, yet her eyes bore a hint of disdain.

Fu Yun's irritation arose once again.

The Ning family used to be Imperial Merchants; through Mr. Ning's efforts, many treasures were collected for the former emperor, and their extensive connections in commerce can well be imagined.

A mere century-old Salvia, the Ning family naturally had the means.

Even though Mr. Ning has passed, Fu Yun knows he still left behind reliable people managing the finances for Mrs. Fu at various shops, which is why he and Mrs. Liu can't disregard her, yet must maintain her in the rightful position of Mrs. Fu.

As Mr. Ning's will stipulated, should anything happen to Mrs. Fu, all the Ning family's wealth, including Mrs. Fu's dowry, wouldn't enter Fu Yun's possession.

And with her alive there, they can even squeeze quite a bit out of her.

In short, though they are powerless to alter Mrs. Fu's standing within the Fu family, helping her find things is manageable, Salvia being a commodity, still circulating in the market.

But what did that look in her eyes mean?!

Fu Yun was inwardly furious but restrained himself due to concerns. After deliberating for a while, he spoke: "Today on the mountain, Zhen Er first bullied her younger sister, then acted disobediently and unfilially, and was confrontational towards her father. Her conduct was utterly wanton and unforgivable. However, considering her frail health, I can forgive her for bullying her sister."

"Master!"

Mrs. Liu was waiting for him to act, but who knew this was the result?

All the grievances Rou endured for nothing?

"You two go back to your rooms." Fu Yun glanced at the mother and daughter.

Mrs. Liu was so angry her handkerchief was nearly twisted to shreds!

But years of experience had made her clear-headed enough to realize this was not the time to argue.

She gritted her teeth at Fu Zhen, then withdrew her gaze, dragging Fu Rou out in anger.

Fu Yun continued to look at Fu Zhen: "I may forgive you for bullying your sister. But as you said, the Fu family's reputation is paramount. Your blatant act of beating your father in broad daylight, even if I forgive you, the people outside won't forgive me!"

Fu Zhen sneered, knowing full well what was coming.

"Fu Yun!" Mrs. Fu stood up suddenly, "If you want Zhen Er dead, you should just say so! It's true she hit you, but it was Fu Rou who wronged her first! And you, without distinguishing right from wrong, wanted to beat her! Tell me this, if Fu Rou cannot endure grievances, why should Zhen Er bear them?

"You claim Zhen Er shouldn't have hit you, but you striking your wife is justified? I don't wish to argue with you anymore, I've long known your nature over the years!

"You merely use these words to pressure and exploit me to help you gain promotion and wealth! I can help, on the condition you promise not to use today's matter against me, and do no harm to my daughter!"

"Do you mean what you say?" Fu Yun's eyes held both resentment and a sense of triumph.

Fu Zhen, however, stopped Mrs. Fu: "Mother, there is no need for you to humble yourself. Let him punish!—But I wonder, Father, what do you intend to do about my unfilial conduct?"