lcionline Chapter 17 Ancestors
Chapter 17 Ancestors
That morning, Hualan got up very early, intending to go to the ancestral hall to pray, hoping that her ancestors would bless her two children with peace and prosperity.
Hua Lan combed her hair, removed her earrings, dressed simply, and walked along Baishiyong Road to the ancestral hall.
She took three incense sticks from the right side of the ancestral hall, lit them, and gently bowed to her ancestors.
Then he gently placed the incense sticks on the incense burner.
Hua Lan knelt devoutly on the cushion with her hands clasped together and kowtowed three times.
"Dear ancestors of the Jiang family, Hua Lan has never done anything out of line since marrying into the Jiang family more than 30 years ago, nor has she ever asked any of you ancestors for anything. But today, Hua Lan would like to ask you ancestors to bless my children with health and happiness. I beg you."
The flickering candlelight in the ancestral hall illuminated the woman's resolute face. Her straight back remained kneeling without bending. The once skeptical daughter was now kneeling in the ancestral hall for the sake of her child.
In the main hall of the Jiang residence
Grandpa Jiang sat on the sofa reading the newspaper, wearing his reading glasses. No news from the hospital reached the ears of the older generation.
Since retiring, the old man has been keen to follow his wife around, chatting with her about the past. If he has time, he also enjoys fishing, and can sit for a long time at a time.
When Hua Lan returned from the ancestral hall, she saw Old Master Jiang as soon as she entered the main hall.
Good morning, Father.
"Hualan, good morning. You've come back from the ancestral hall?"
Grandpa Jiang looked up from the newspaper and saw his daughter-in-law dressed in plain clothes, wearing Buddhist prayer beads, with the scent of incense wafting on the wind. A look of surprise flashed in his eyes.
"Yes."
Hua Lan also unexpectedly ran into the old man, who usually went fishing at this time.
Grandpa Jiang put down his newspaper, sat up straight, and asked solemnly, "What happened?"
Hua Lan smiled and said, "It's all because of my two children. I haven't been able to sleep these past few days and can only pray to my ancestors for protection."
Hua Lan didn't mention Jiang Ci's hospitalization. The old man and woman were getting on in years and couldn't sleep all night if they got anxious, so they simply kept it from them.
Old Master Jiang, having served as Commander-in-Chief for many years, immediately noticed that his daughter-in-law hadn't finished speaking.
"If anything happens, we old folks are still here and can help you share the burden, so it won't all fall on your shoulders."
Hua Lan always respected her father-in-law: "That's right, I understand."
Just as the old man was about to continue reading the newspaper, the old butler came in.
The old housekeeper turned to Hualan and said, "Hello, Madam."
Hua Lan nodded.
The old butler approached the old man respectfully and said, "Sir, the young master of the Lu family, Lu Chuan, is outside with a young lady. They say they want to visit you."
Old Master Jiang was puzzled. Apart from business dealings, his Jiang family and the Lu family had no private relationship.
Hua Lan was also puzzled.
But since they were already there, Old Master Jiang waved his hand and said, "Let them in."
Outside Jiang Family Manor
Lu Chuan stood outside the manor, holding Bai Linlin's hand with his left and carrying gifts in his right.
Bai Linlin had been looking around the manor since she got out of the car, a look of amazement flashing in her eyes. The last time she attended a banquet there was at night, and she drove straight to the garage without ever really looking at the manor properly.
This manor covers an area more than five times that of an ordinary villa. It is clearly an ancient mansion with pavilions and bridges. The servants inside the gate are all doing their work meticulously, paying no attention to those outside.
As expected of a wealthy and powerful family, even the servants were neither servile nor arrogant.
Bai Linlin's eyes darted around as she mentally calculated: Which of the younger generation in the Jiang family were unmarried? And which were married?
Seeing Bai Linlin lower her head and remain silent, Lu Chuan naively thought she was afraid. "Linlin, don't be afraid. Everyone outside says that Grandpa Jiang is a kind and righteous man who won't find fault. Let's apologize and this matter will be over."
Bai Linlin looked down with disdain. It was no good to be around this kind of man. Even though he was the youngest son of the Lu family, he still had to be humble and yield to the Jiang family. He didn't have the right to do anything wrong without having to apologize.
This reminded her of her short-lived older sister. Why did that poor, short-lived woman get such a fondness for her from the eldest son of the Sheng family? Her sister had the audacity to boss her around, but why?
But it doesn't matter, her stupid sister thought Sheng Shen cheated on her until she died, hahaha, isn't that ridiculous?
“Brother Lu is right. After hearing what you said, I’m not scared anymore.”
It generated a huge wave of emotional value.
Many men seem to enjoy this kind of unfounded praise and the sense of confidence that comes from being relied upon by a woman.
Lu Chuan was no exception; his ears turned bright red, and he turned his face away in embarrassment.
With a creak, the tall gate opened.
The butler came out and led the way for them.
Grandpa Jiang and Hua Lan exchanged a glance. Wasn't this the girl who had covered Jiang Ci in alcohol that day?
The two understood perfectly well that he had come to apologize.
But what does this have to do with Lu Chuan?
Grandpa Jiang chuckled and asked, "Young man from the Lu family, what brings you here with your daughter?"
Hua Lan arranged for the people to sit down, as proper etiquette must not be disregarded.
The servant quickly brought up two cups of tea.
Lu Chuan put down the gift, his face apologetic: "Grandpa Jiang, my girlfriend accidentally spilled a glass of wine on Jiang Ci at the banquet a few days ago, so I've come here today to apologize."
Bai Linlin also said obediently, "Grandpa, Auntie, I'm really sorry."
Hua Lan remained silent. It wasn't a big deal. Didn't Jiang Ci say that paying compensation would be enough?
Now they're coming to apologize as if they're being unreasonable, which is really disgusting.
Old Master Jiang said gently, "There's no need for apologies. I've heard about this matter, but it's nothing serious. It's not worth such a grand apology from you. My Jiang family isn't a lawless family."
Then the tone shifted.
“Since my grandson has agreed to compensation, then we’ll do as he says. Once the compensation is paid, we’ll be even.”
Lu Chuan felt that he had acted impulsively after being told off. He should have called ahead. His face turned red with embarrassment. "Okay, I'm really sorry to have bothered you today. I hope you can accept this apology gift."
Old Master Jiang's expression remained calm, but his tone was heavy: "Young man, the Jiang family does not accept gifts. Take it back."
The Jiang family does not accept gifts, but this apology gift is really unnecessary. Besides, since she came to apologize, this girl's eyes have been wandering around since she entered the door, full of greed. It's really too ugly.
Sensing that Lu Chuan was about to leave, Bai Linlin felt a twisted feeling in her heart. He was utterly useless; Lu Chuan could be dismissed with just a few words.
She released the man's arm, stepped forward, and said in a soft, innocent tone, "This is really my fault, but I couldn't contact Mr. Jiang, so I had no choice but to come here."
This time, Lu Chuan was a little surprised. Didn't they say that coming in person showed more sincerity? Besides, he had Jiang Ci's assistant's contact information while running his company.
He felt uneasy; something just didn't feel right.
Hua Lan lifted her teacup, took a casual sip of tea, and then said, "If this young lady doesn't want to go through any trouble, she might as well just give me the money directly. I'll give it to him when my son comes back."
Bai Linlin really wanted trouble!
But the situation is clear: the Jiang family is truly arrogant.
She thought fiercely to herself: One day I will make you all fall at my feet.