Chapter 16: He’s Still Alive, Nothing Could Be Better

The matter of the Third Household exchanging the dresses quickly reached the ears of the Tang Matriarch.

“I heard the Third Madam swapped the dresses of the First and Second Miss. She’s clearly trying to show her stance to you,” said Gui Nanny respectfully.

The Old Madam snorted, “She’s not showing her stance to me, she’s showing it to Mi’er.”

Both girls were her granddaughters. What kind of stance did she need to show?

Gui Nanny chuckled, “Isn’t it the same? She knows you favor the First Miss most. Showing her allegiance to the First Miss is the same as showing it to you.”

The Old Madam’s face remained stern, another snort escaping her. “Mi’er gave up the household authority to her, she should be doing this.”

“The First Miss didn’t take the household seal. She must have her own reasons. Don’t be angry with her,” Gui Nanny tried to speak up for Tang Mi, sensing the Matriarch’s displeasure.

“Angry? How can I stay mad at her? She’s got a strong will.” The Old Madam’s voice rose at the reminder, clearly agitated.

Just then, Yun Xiang came in carrying a food box. “Old Madam, the First Miss sent some crystal cakes for you. Would you like some?”

Hearing this, Gui Nanny quickly signaled Yun Xiang.

Yun Xiang understood and took a plate of crystal cakes from the box, placing them in front of the Old Madam.

Seeing the Matriarch’s expression soften, Gui Nanny quickly smiled and said, “The First Miss is so thoughtful. She knows you like to have snacks at this time of day, so she sent these right on time.”

Yun Xiang added, “Ban Xia said the First Miss made them herself in the small kitchen, and she made two portions.”

The Old Madam raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Why two portions?”

Yun Xiang smiled, “Because the Third Young Master will be back from school soon. She made one for him as well.”

At this, the Old Madam’s expression completely softened.

“It’s rare for her to be so considerate.”

Knowing the Matriarch was most worried about this pair of siblings, Gui Nanny continued to coax her, “The First Miss seems to have matured a lot after everything that happened. She even thought to take care of the Third Young Master. If he knows she made these herself, he’ll be very happy.”

The Old Madam nodded quietly. “If she truly has changed, that wouldn’t be a bad thing.”

She had been too harsh on Feng’er before, despite Gui Nanny’s many attempts to advise her. The relationship between the siblings had only grown colder, causing her constant anxiety. If the two of them could support each other again, she could rest in peace knowing they’d be fine and face her beloved eldest son with no regrets.

…

Hearing that Tang Feng was back from school, Tang Mi immediately picked up the crystal cakes and headed to Chifeng Courtyard with Ban Xia.

“Higher, a little higher!”

Just as they reached the courtyard gate, they heard Tang Feng’s excited voice.

Upon hearing that vibrant, energetic voice again, Tang Mi’s eyes suddenly turned red.

He was still alive, there was no better news in the world.

She could never forget the scene in her past life when Tang Song threw her brother’s severed head at her feet.

Tang Mi clenched her fists. In this life, she would never let them hurt him again.

Taking a deep breath to calm her emotions, she entered the courtyard and saw Tang Feng sitting on Fang Yan’s shoulders, kicking his legs, trying to reach a bird’s nest in a tree.

At eleven or twelve, he was full of mischief, his delicate features lit with excitement like a treasure boy on a mission.

“Young Master, please be careful! Don’t” Fang Yan’s voice cut off as he caught sight of Tang Mi at the gate.

“Young Master…” he said with a trembling voice, tapping Tang Feng’s leg.

“I know, stop nagging!” Tang Feng had no time to listen, fully focused on climbing the tree to get the eggs.

“No, it’s” Fang Yan swallowed hard, nervously tapped again, and whispered, “It’s the First Miss!”

The moment Tang Feng heard her name, his foot slipped, and he toppled off Fang Yan’s shoulders.

“Young Master!” Fang Yan was terrified. He lunged forward to catch him with his body.

“Cough, cough…” Feeling like his insides had been crushed, Fang Yan coughed hard but still asked, “Young Master, are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” Tang Feng lay sprawled on Fang Yan, glaring at Tang Mi by the gate, looking like he wanted to die of embarrassment.

He had only just gotten home and spotted a bird’s nest in the tree, just wanted to take a peek. How had he gotten caught so quickly?

He was doomed!

“Young Master, if you’re okay, please get off me. I’m in pain,” Fang Yan groaned.

Pfft! Tang Mi couldn’t help but laugh at their antics.

Everyone froze. Especially Tang Feng, who looked stunned, forgetting to get up until Fang Yan nudged him. He quickly climbed off.

Fang Yan stood up with a grimace, rubbing his sore waist.

Tang Mi pressed her lips together to hide her smile as she walked over.

“First Miss, it was all my fault for encouraging the Young Master. Please don’t blame him punish me instead,” Fang Yan dropped to his knees before she could even speak.

Tang Mi glanced coolly at him. Fang Yan trembled with fear but stood firm, prepared to face the consequences.

Tang Feng stepped up, clearly unwilling to let his servant take the fall. “It was my idea to climb the tree. It’s not his fault, don’t punish him.”

Tang Mi snorted, “A gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall. He knew it was risky and still let you climb. He deserves to be punished.”

Fang Yan shivered in despair and lowered his head.

Tang Feng was about to plead for mercy again when she added, “But since he used his body to save you, I’ll let him off this time.”

Tang Feng looked at her in shock, clearly not expecting her to forgive Fang Yan so easily.

“Thank you, First Miss,” Fang Yan finally remembered to thank her, stunned by her mercy.

Under Tang Feng’s surprised gaze, Tang Mi gently took his hand. “Are you hurt from the fall?”

Tang Feng blushed furiously. “No… I’m fine.”

Afraid she wouldn’t believe him, he scratched his head and added, “Fang Yan broke my fall! I’m perfectly fine!”

Tang Mi rolled her eyes at him. “You! Next time you want to climb a tree, use a ladder. Why risk Fang Yan’s life like that?”

Everyone was stunned again by her unusually gentle tone.

“You, you’re not mad at me for climbing the tree?” Tang Feng stammered.

Tang Mi raised her brows with a soft smile. “If you like climbing, go ahead. Just don’t take bird eggs, okay? Even the smallest life matters.”

In her previous life, she had focused too much on the fact that their parents died early. She had pressured him to shoulder the Tang family’s responsibilities too soon and too harshly. That only pushed him away and made it easier for Tang Song to divide them.

In this new life, she no longer wanted him to bear any burdens. She only wished for his safety and happiness.