To Hold One’s Joy

hapter 26-2: A Letter

Sheng Laotaitai hesitated briefly, reached out to take the letter, and opened it. As she read its contents, she fell into silence. The letter, written by Commander Luo, conveyed that since his daughter had become well-behaved and sensible, it was time for her to return. He also expressed his gratitude to the Sheng family.

After a long pause, Sheng Laotaitai let out a sigh. "In that case, you should go back," she finally said. After all, she was only Luo Sheng's Waizumu, and such a significant decision had to be based on her father's wishes.

Luo Sheng stood up and respectfully bowed to Sheng Laotaitai. "Thank you, Waizumu, for granting my wish," she said politely.

Sheng Laotaitai's lips quivered. Deep down, she had no desire to grant her request. Apart from anything else, what would become of her beloved braised pork once Luo Sheng left? The thought weighed heavily on the old lady's heart. After gathering herself for a few moments, Sheng Laotaitai smiled at her two daughters-in-law.

Sheng Dataitai and Sheng Ertaitai were still in shock and relief. They were shocked by how quickly the decision to send Luo Sheng back to the Capital had been made, and they were relieved because her departure would finally bring peace to the Sheng family. However, as they observed Sheng Laotaitai's smile, they couldn't help but feel uneasy and had a bad premonition.

"Luo Sheng's Dajiu is in charge of the household, and her Erjiu is currently away. I can't rest assured about Sheng'er going to the Capital alone. Between Dalang and the others, who do the two of you think is suitable to accompany Sheng'er?"

Sheng Dataitai and Sheng Ertaitai's expressions changed simultaneously, and they turned their gaze toward Sheng Dalang and his brothers.

The sudden question equally took aback Sheng Dalang and the three others. Accompany, accompany Biaomei back to the Capital?

"There's no need to trouble Biaoge. I will accompany my sister..." Luo Chen interjected in the awkward silence.

"No," came the firm response.

Luo Chen frowned and glared at Luo Sheng. "Why not?"

Luo Sheng replied honestly, "Your health is not good. What if you fall ill after such a long journey?" This response only served to ignite Luo Chen's anger. Who said his health was poor? He could now eat two steamed buns in one sitting!

Seeing that Luo Chen was not giving up, Luo Sheng said calmly: "Father sent you here to recuperate. Wouldn't you make things difficult for Waizumu by running back without Father's permission?"

Sheng Laotaitai hurriedly said: "Yes, Chen'er, Waizumu is even more worried if you depart on such a long journey. You should stay here peacefully and let one of your Biaoge accompany your sister on your behalf."

As Sheng Laotaitai spoke, she cast a stern look at her grandsons. Sheng Dalang and the other three felt a pang of unease as if a small knife was piercing their hearts. They knew they could not evade this errand and that one of them would have to be the unfortunate sacrifice for this errand.

Fearing being assigned, Sheng Erlang smiled and said, "Zumu, we should discuss this significant matter privately to determine who is most suitable to accompany Biaomei."

"Very well," Sheng Laotaitai nodded in agreement. Letting one of her grandsons accompany Luo Sheng back shows that the Sheng family takes this matter seriously. She didn't insist on which grandson would undertake this responsibility.

Touching her stomach, which has expanded over the past few days, Sheng Laotaitai felt a pang of sorrow. Sheng'er's journey to the Capital would surely be filled with delicious food.

She snorted coldly at her grandsons, who wore pained expressions as if burdened with a difficult task. These brats were truly fortunate but failed to appreciate their blessings!

"You are all dismissed." Thinking that she would not be able to eat food made by her granddaughter in the future, Sheng Laotaitai chased people away. Following her words, everyone dispersed, each with their own concerns.

As soon as Luo Sheng arrived at her courtyard, Hongdou asked seriously. "Miss, when did you write the letter to the Commander, and when did you receive the reply?" Could it be that some little hoof[1] bypassed her, Miss' personal maid, and ran errands for Miss? This is bad!

Luo Sheng was taken aback by the little maid's seriousness and said frankly: "I haven't written it nor received it."

Hongdou's eyes widened in shock. "Then this letter—"Then this letter—"

"Uh, I forged it." 

[1] Hongdou was referring to other maids