Reborn: The First Rank "Madam"

C12 – Intentionally Shield

Hearing that his son, born of a concubine, had been stabbed by his other son, the shock nearly brought him to the brink of despair.

“Hey, didn’t you see it? That long knife plunged into his chest, and blood was pouring out. His clothes were soaked in red. I fear he may not recover.”

“My niece from our household works at the Zuo Mansion. I heard that when Third Master Zuo was brought back home, Madame Zuo didn’t even glance at him, let alone acknowledge the Second Master who harmed him.”

“Well, aren’t you defending me intentionally?”

“What’s the point?” She was the senior wife, and now that San Ye’s mother had passed away, wasn’t she expected to speak up? “Who would want to make things difficult for such a little rascal?”

“Don’t put it like that. Regardless, we’re bound by blood. This is just too cruel. Whenever I think about the wretched state of Third Master Zuo, it keeps me up at night.”

“Indeed, this aristocratic family doesn’t owe many favors. Even after causing such a commotion, they haven’t provided any fairness.”

“Who told Master San to make such a mistake? Sigh.”

By the time Mrs. Xue learned the truth, rumors had already spread like wildfire.

She vented her anger by smashing antique vases in the room. “Why did you all wait until now to report such a grave matter to me?” Mrs. Xue couldn’t help but feel incensed, considering how people outside were already labeling her a wicked mother.

Mrs. Zhu, who was in the room with her, kept her head lowered. “We thought Second Master had already informed you, and that person is still alive.”

Mrs. Xue slammed her hand on the table. “Do we have to wait for him to die before he realizes he’s the last to know?” Mrs. Ruan had just passed away. If that scoundrel dies in the next few days, what will people think? Isn’t my stepmother already petty enough to harm my concubine and her son?”

Mrs. Xue felt a pang in her heart as she considered the effort she had put into looking after her family, raising a concubine for her husband, and providing for her daughter.

Madam Zhu rushed to support Mrs. Xue. “Madam, please don’t be upset. Those outsiders don’t have much understanding. How could they grasp the difficulties you’ve faced in these past years?”

“Humph! I still don’t know what will happen when the master returns. Go tell the Second Master to lay low in the courtyard for a few days and return once things have calmed down.” Although Mrs. Xue didn’t believe her son was at fault, she didn’t want him to face any consequences. “Also, send some medicinal herbs over. Regardless of whether he survives or not, we need to put on a convincing act.”

In the small courtyard of Zuo’s Mansion, Nanny Liu had also heard the news from Luo Xiaoliu. Her eyes were swollen from crying, and when the doctor emerged, she seized him and asked, “Doctor, how is my young master?”

The elderly doctor’s mouth twitched, and his gaze seemed uneasy, but he still responded calmly, “His injuries are quite severe. Any further movement might be life-threatening. Take good care of him for now, and we’ll reassess in three to five days.”

“That’s right, that’s right. Just let us know what medicines you need. Young Master’s health is of utmost importance.”

The elderly doctor thought to himself, “What’s wrong with that young man?” As he glanced at the simple courtyard, a glint of cunning crossed his eyes. “Very well, fetch me some paper and a brush. I’ll write down the prescription.”

Consequently, when Zuo Shaoqing received the prescription from Ye Zichen, his brows furrowed deeply.

Ginseng and deer antler? How could he afford these? There was even a tael of gold listed. Was the doctor trying to make him suffer?

The moment Zuo Shaoqing saw the prescription, he realized the elderly doctor was holding a grudge. With a brush in his left hand, he noted down several rare herbs and bitter remedies that seemed designed to torment him.

Nanny Liu, quivering with fear, stood on the sidelines. “Master, this prescription was crafted by a physician. How can you modify it at will?”

Zuo Shaoqing handed the prescription to her. “Just follow this one to prepare the medicine.”

He had previously studied medical texts, so it was unlikely that he wouldn’t be able to prescribe the standard blood and Qi replenishing remedies.

Once Nanny Liu had left, Zuo Shaoqing summoned Luo Xiaoliu and instructed him to go out and gauge the Zuo Family’s response.

As he had anticipated, even with his severe injuries, Zuo Shaoling had merely ordered him to be confined for half a month.

It was beyond expectation that his legitimate son wouldn’t face dire consequences, let alone the notion of sacrificing his own life for a concubine. Zuo Shaoqing didn’t even receive the most basic care. Only Zuo Shaoyan had come once to apologize for Wu Tie, provided him with some medicinal ingredients, and advised him to rest.

Zuo Shaoqing sneered. This was the true nature of the Zuo Family. It was no wonder he planned to cut ties with them in the future.

Had it not been for his recollection of Zuo Shaoling assaulting him in his past life, he might not have contemplated taking initiative.

He still remembered the altercation he had with Zuo Shaoling outside the academy gate back then. After Zuo Shaoling initiated the confrontation, a simple push from Zuo Shaoqing had caused him to kneel, resulting in the entire Zuo Family considering it his fault. He could still vividly recall the furious and malevolent gaze Mrs. Xue cast upon him.

Subsequently, when Zuo Yunwen returned home, he imposed family discipline, ignoring the fact that Zuo Yunwen had been beaten black and blue.

Armed with the lessons learned from the past, how could Zuo Shaoqing not look out for his own interests? Furthermore, this vengeance was only the commencement; he planned to gradually settle the score for the debt the Zuo Family owed him.