Early in the morning, the third son of the Bao Family was stationed at the door of the old lady’s bedroom. Housekeeper Liu observed his anxious demeanor and spoke, "Third Master, the old lady hasn’t been sleeping well lately, and she can only catch some sleep in the early morning. If I inform her now, wouldn’t I be disturbing her rest?" "Ah..." Bao Cheng paced back and forth at the doorway, "There’s an urgent matter at hand." Housekeeper Liu knew a bit about the personalities of the Bao Family’s three brothers. If there wasn’t a problem, the third son wouldn’t be here, and so he couldn’t help but ask, "Third Master, might I inquire as to what the matter is?" Housekeeper Liu, being by the old lady’s side, knew that even if Bao Cheng was reluctant to tell him, he wouldn’t refuse out of respect for the old lady. "It’s about my rebellious son." Bao Cheng spoke in fury. Housekeeper Liu wasn’t surprised at all when he heard it was about Bao Cheng; everyone knew about Bao Cheng’s trouble-making abilities. "Third Master, please rest assured; the old lady should be awake in a little while." Housekeeper Liu urged kindly. After hearing his words, a trace of malice flashed in Bao Cheng’s eyes, but he quickly suppressed it. Being particularly perceptive, Housekeeper Liu could hardly have missed noticing this. In the antique corridor, the two stood at the door. In contrast to Housekeeper Liu’s calmness, Bao Cheng appeared a bit restless. Time passed by the minute. Bao Cheng wiped the sweat from his forehead and felt a sinking in his heart as he thought of what he had to say next. Rebellious son, oh rebellious son, always causing trouble! Standing at the door, Bao Cheng couldn’t help but curse his own unruly son. The Bao Family’s traditional architectural style, infused with the essence of traditional culture and nature, evoked a sense of tranquility. Pavilions, terraces, and winding corridors were all meticulously designed, complementing the garden’s flowers, plants, and trees, looking from afar like an elegant ink painting. A faint cough came from inside, and Housekeeper Liu glanced towards the hallway, and the waiting servants immediately knocked and entered the room. Seeing the servant open the door, Bao Cheng was about to speak when he saw Housekeeper Liu make a gesture for silence, and he suppressed his displeasure. After a long wait, the servant came out and spoke softly to the two standing outside, "The old lady says you may both go in." As soon as the words were said, Bao Cheng rushed inside as if something were chasing him. Housekeeper Liu noticed his disorderly behavior and frowned lightly. "Mom..." Bao Cheng’s voice boomed through the bedroom even before he entered. The old lady, leaning against the headboard, heard the familiar voice, and her expression immediately darkened. The next second, she saw Bao Cheng trembling slightly as he arrived at her bedside, followed closely by Housekeeper Liu. "Shouting early in the morning, where are your manners!" the old lady scolded. The old lady sat upright at the head of the bed, glaring harshly at her son with her sharp eyes. Although elderly, the aura she emitted was more than sufficient to intimidate Bao Cheng. Bao Cheng steadied his nervous emotions and spoke, "Mom, I have something urgent to discuss with you." "Speak," the old lady replied, pursing her lips. Housekeeper Liu, seeing the old lady’s expression, quietly moved to her side, picked up the tea cup from the bedside table, and handed it to her. The old lady took a small sip, and Housekeeper Liu then took the cup back and retreated to the side. Bao Cheng observed the scene in front of him and only dared to speak after the old lady had finished her tea. "Mom, A-Cheng has caused trouble again." The old lady sneered at her son’s words, "Humph, when doesn’t he cause trouble?" Bao Cheng was momentarily speechless, overwhelmed with shame, wishing he could dig a hole to hide in. At his age, still being mocked by his own mother, how it hurt his dignity! Bao Cheng could only suppress his resentment. He pleaded earnestly, "Mom, you have to save him this time." Looking at her timid son, the old lady felt utterly frustrated. The weakest son stayed by her side, while the one she devoted her efforts to, Bao Er, had... Thinking of this, a trace of sadness swept across the old lady’s face. Seeing that the old lady was silent, Bao Cheng stealthily raised his head only to see her looking vacantly behind him, as if she hadn’t heard anything he said. Thinking of his son’s predicament, Bao Cheng called again, "Mom." ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩⁂𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾⁂𝔫𝔢𝔱 The old lady snapped out of her past thoughts, then snorted coldly, "Even if he committed a grave offense, who would dare touch him?" The Bao Family’s status ensured that none dared to. "This time..." Bao Cheng struggled to say, "it’s different." Seeing his son stammering, the old lady grew impatient, her cold eyes sweeping over him, "Speak straight, don’t keep me guessing." "A-Cheng, this time he’s crossed paths with A-Jin." Bao Cheng lowered his head, saying this as sweat dripped from his forehead. With the heater already on in the room, he fully experienced the feeling of being drenched in sweat. All thanks to his unruly son! As Bao Cheng finished speaking, the old lady recalled something else. She was momentarily breathless, "Does it involve that young girl by A-Jin’s side?" Bao Cheng was shocked and looked up at his mother. Seeing her son’s expression confirmed to the old lady that she was right. Since knowing that her eldest grandson had taken a fancy to a woman, and not just any woman but his cousin’s girlfriend, it was as if there was a ticking time bomb in the old lady’s heart, ready to explode at any moment. As expected, what was meant to happen, happened! Bao Cheng saw the old lady’s icy expression and, risking being scolded, laid everything out, "Mom, A-Cheng teamed up with someone to send a girl into A-Jin’s room. Afterwards, there was no response from A-Jin, so A-Cheng thought the matter was over..." Bao Cheng turned his head to gauge the old lady’s reaction and continued, "Who knew A-Jin would settle the score later and suddenly sought A-Cheng again. Early today, Assistant Lin took A-Cheng away. Mom, I only have A-Cheng, who, although sometimes willful, hasn’t done anything truly evil. Please save him; A-Jin doesn’t hold back." Bao Cheng became increasingly agitated, moving to the edge of the bed, reaching out to grasp the old lady’s arms, exerting a slight force. The memory of his son being beaten and hospitalized by his own nephew was still vivid for Bao Cheng. His nephew, ruthless and unyielding, showed no mercy. That incident remained deeply etched in Bao Cheng’s mind.
