Chapter 70 : Old Mrs. Gu could no longer cry.

Cui Yunzhao didn’t bother to wait and see when Gu Yinhong would leave. She stood up and said to Lin Xiu Gu and Old Madam Gu, “Grandmother, Mother, I have a bit of a headache, so I’ll head back to rest.”

Huo Tan also got up. He glanced at his mother reassuringly and said, “The back room has been empty and in disrepair. I’ve arranged for the servants to clean up the Buddha hall for Grandmother, so there will be someone to take care of her daily needs.”

Though he called it care, it was more like surveillance. The back room was small and dilapidated; to get there, one had to go through the side of the main house, which was a bit of a detour. The front yard had been sufficient for the family initially, so it hadn’t been repaired. Over the years, it had only been cleaned up during festivals, making it even more run-down.

Old Madam Gu thought she would be able to worship in her bedroom, but Huo Tan showed no mercy, directly sending her to the back room. She immediately wanted to cry and fuss. “Huo Tan, I’m old, I…”

Huo Tan shot her a cold glance, and Old Madam Gu found herself unable to cry. “Grandmother, if you go, I will ensure you’re well taken care of. If you don’t, then we’ll take this to the authorities.”

Old Madam Gu, still favoring the Gu family, quickly wiped away her tears and gritted her teeth. “I’ll go.”

Huo Tan turned to Huo Xinzhi and said, “Sister, help Grandmother pack her things, and have Fu Pozi take care of her.”

After giving his instructions, Huo Tan and Cui Yunzhao left without looking back.

Back in the west courtyard, Cui Yunzhao drank a bowl of hot tea, feeling a bit more at ease. “What a mess this is.”

Huo Tan sat beside her, noticing her pale face. “You should take a nap, it’s still early.”

Cui Yunzhao nodded but looked at Huo Tan with concern. “Husband, do you need to see a doctor? I don’t know what kind of medicine they gave you, what if it hurts you?”

Huo Tan was initially pleased by her concern, but then he recalled last night’s events, causing him to blush fiercely.

Cui Yunzhao, sipping her tea, didn’t hear him respond for a while. When she looked up, she saw him blushing and felt a little embarrassed herself.

Unable to help herself, Cui Yunzhao let out a laugh. “Husband, you’re a man, why so flustered?”

Huo Tan cleared his throat, trying to appear serious. “Even men have their first times.”

At this, Huo Tan couldn’t help but laugh too. “It’s nothing serious. Qiao Pozi has already confessed, it’s not a strong medicine. Once the effect wears off, it’ll be fine.”

He paused and added, “Don’t worry, I’ll see the military doctor this afternoon. It should be fine.”

With that, the matter was settled. Although it had been somewhat dangerous and frustrating at first, the final outcome was good. At least, the troublesome Old Madam Gu was temporarily under control and wouldn’t cause any more disturbances.

Cui Yunzhao and Huo Tan relaxed and went to sleep.

When they awoke around noon, they had a light lunch together, and then Huo Tan had to head to the military camp. Cui Yunzhao reminded him, “Husband, remember to see the military doctor.”

Huo Tan nodded. “I know.”

Cui Yunzhao helped him tie his medicine pouch onto his belt and said, “I’ll handle things at home this afternoon, you don’t need to worry.”

Huo Tan nodded again, looking deeply at Cui Yunzhao before lowering his head to gently bump his forehead against hers. “Thank you for your hard work, my lady. You’re wonderful.”

Cui Yunzhao pushed him away playfully, urging him to leave quickly. Huo Tan, however, wouldn’t budge until Cui Yunzhao kissed him.

After a moment of sweet affection, Huo Tan finally left.

Once he was gone, Cui Yunzhao put on her cloak and headed to the front yard.

Huo Xinzhi and Huo Xinliu were not in the house, so Cui Yunzhao thought for a moment and decided to go to the small kitchen.

The small kitchen wasn’t large, with only two stoves. Fu Pozi was discussing dinner plans with Huo Xinzhi, while Huo Xinliu was kneading dough.

Huo Xinliu’s technique was skilled, and she looked serious, her eyes brighter than usual. When she saw Cui Yunzhao, Huo Xinzhi nodded at her, and Huo Xinliu quietly said, “Sister-in-law.”

Cui Yunzhao patted her shoulder, encouraging her. “You’re doing great, Liu’er.”

Huo Xinliu smiled shyly and pointed to the dough in the bowl, saying, “Kneading dough, I like it.”

Cui Yunzhao had never cooked and didn’t understand the joy of kneading dough, but seeing Huo Xinliu happy made her quite pleased. She exchanged a glance with Huo Xinzhi, and both felt comforted.

Cui Yunzhao told Fu Pozi, “I’ve hired a cook, but she won’t be able to come until around the middle of the month. I’ll have Mother Xia and Tao Fei help out in the meantime, please bear with it.”

Fu Pozi quickly replied, “It’s what I should do, but my cooking skills are lacking, so I can only manage some odd jobs.”

Cui Yunzhao nodded and looked at Huo Xinzhi. “Tonight, both my husband and I will come for dinner, so it won’t be too much pressure on the kitchen.”

With Old Madam Gu and Gu Yinhong gone, the family atmosphere was much better.

Huo Xinzhi was pleased as well. “That’s great! It’ll be lively to eat together as a family.”

She then added, “But about Grandmother, we should hire a servant to look after her. I’m not very reassured.”

Though Fu Pozi was an elder in the household, she was gentle and soft-spoken and couldn’t manage Old Madam Gu.

Earlier, Huo Tan had also discussed with Cui Yunzhao that they wanted to hire two more servants, one to look after Old Madam Gu and another for miscellaneous tasks.

Seeing that Huo Xinzhi had the same idea, Cui Yunzhao said, “Let’s go together later.”

Huo Xinzhi’s expression brightened at this.

She glanced at Cui Yunzhao, hesitating to say something.

Cui Yunzhao smiled at her, their eyes meeting, and she squeezed Huo Xinzhi’s hand. “I’m fine, and my husband is too.”

Huo Xinzhi finally relaxed.

After finishing the arrangements for the small kitchen, Cui Yunzhao and Huo Xinzhi went to see Lin Xiu Gu. They briefly explained the situation to her, reassuring her in the end.

Although the issue had been resolved, and the necessary people had been sent away, Lin Xiu Gu’s expression remained troubled.

She clearly hadn’t slept at noon and was still worried about the whole affair.

Noticing this, Cui Yunzhao gently asked, “What’s worrying you, Mother?”

“What’s worrying me?” Lin Xiu Gu repeated, somewhat absentmindedly.

When she came to her senses, she forced a smile. “I’m worried about the old lady, if she’s locked away for too long, she might cause trouble again.”

Cui Yunzhao smiled and comforted her, “It’s fine. Without the Gu family hanging around, the old lady probably won’t cause too much of a ruckus.”

With her not around, everyone was reluctant to call her grandmother.

Cui Yunzhao still said, “The old lady really doesn’t like Huo Tan. She’s stubborn and set in her ways, which makes things quite difficult.”

Hearing this, Lin Xiu Gu’s expression grew even darker. She blinked, staring straight ahead, as if she recalled some unpleasant past, her demeanor becoming despondent.

Huo Xinzhi couldn’t help but touch her hand. “Mother, it’s okay. It’s all in the past.”

Lin Xiu Gu came back to her senses and smiled, but didn’t say much more. She only told the two of them, “You can take charge of the household matters from now on. I’m getting old and can’t be of much help.”

The window in the room was half open, allowing sunlight to stream in through the gap. The room was not dim rather, it was warm and comfortable. Especially since Lin Xiu Gu loved cleanliness, the room was spotless, which made one feel at ease.

It felt like home. Yet, seeing Lin Xiu Gu’s somber expression and recalling her early death in a previous life, Cui Yunzhao couldn’t help but furrow her brows.

“Mother, why don’t you come with us this afternoon?”

Lin Xiu Gu was taken aback, and even Huo Xinzhi was momentarily stunned.

Cui Yunzhao smiled and added, “Sister and I are still young and haven’t seen much of the world, so we can’t tell good from bad. You have more experience, Mother, it’s best if you choose for us.”

As she spoke, she gently tugged at Huo Xinzhi’s arm.

Huo Xinzhi quickly responded, “Yes, Mother, you’re familiar with the West Market.”

Since Huo Zhan passed away, Lin Xiu Gu had hardly gone out. When they first moved to Boling, she had helped with grocery shopping since the household servants were overwhelmed. Now, she would only go out early to buy groceries and then return home, rarely stepping outside for the rest of the day.

In Boling, where she was unfamiliar with her surroundings and had no relatives, she felt increasingly lonely. Cui Yunzhao thought that perhaps it was this long-standing loneliness that had caused the otherwise healthy Lin Xiu Gu to become melancholic and pass away early.

With the household needing assistance both inside and out, it would be better to keep Lin Xiu Gu occupied so she wouldn’t dwell on the past.

Lin Xiu Gu was always swayed by her children’s suggestions, and seeing the two of them speak so earnestly, she nodded obediently. “Alright.”

After arranging matters at home, Cui Yunzhao asked Wang Huzi to call for a carriage so he could accompany the three of them outside.

Exiting from Ouhua Lane, the carriage turned onto Linquan Street. At this time, the street vendors outside had already packed up, and the carriage moved smoothly, reaching the end of Linquan Street in no time.

There lay Boling’s largest human resource market, West Market.

Generally, if one wanted to select a servant or find various laborers, they would come here.

The West Market was not too crowded at this hour. The carriage stopped at the entrance, and after Wang Huzi reminded the driver, he assisted the three women down.

Lin Xiu Gu had been here a couple of times and felt familiar, so she looked at the children. “You’ve never been here before, have you?”

Cui Yunzhao nodded, and Huo Xinzhi said, “Then please lead the way, Mother.”

So, Lin Xiu Gu guided them into the West Market.

Before long, they stopped in front of the largest shop.

There were many storefronts in the West Market, but this one was the biggest and brightest.

“If you’re looking for work, you’d usually come to Jubaozhai to inquire. The people here are quite capable and often find good jobs, so over time, it has become the largest business in the West Market.”

As Lin Xiu Gu explained, she stepped forward to enter Jubaozhai.

Just then, a hesitant voice called out, “Madam Lin?”

Lin Xiu Gu paused, turning her head to see a middle-aged woman in her forties standing by the roadside.

The woman was dressed neatly and cleanly, though her fabric looked ordinary, indicating she wasn’t from a wealthy family.

At first, Lin Xiu Gu didn’t recognize her.

But the woman smiled and stepped closer, giving her a once-over. “Don’t you remember me? We used to live on Wutong Lane. Later, when your family’s Huo Junye got promoted and moved away, we lost touch.”

“I’m Qian Taohua, your neighbor.”

Hearing the name Wutong Lane, Lin Xiu Gu’s expression darkened slightly.

Qian Taohua, seemingly oblivious to her mood, continued to look around with her wrinkled eyes, first stopping on Huo Xinzhi’s face before finally looking at Cui Yunzhao.

“And who is this? Your daughter-in-law?”

Qian Taohua’s question wasn’t surprising, but Lin Xiu Gu, who was usually cheerful and friendly, remained silent with a serious face.

Though Huo Zhan had passed, their family had once been a military officer’s household. Even Huo Zhan’s subordinates had addressed Lin Xiu Gu as “Madam Lin.”

Thus, both mother and daughter were dressed quite presentably. Not to mention Cui Yunzhao, whose clothing was exquisite.

Standing there, the three of them looked like a wealthy family, making it difficult for others to approach them easily.

Yet, Qian Taohua was quite familiar and, even when Lin Xiu Gu didn’t respond, she kept talking.

Seeing Lin Xiu Gu’s displeasure, Cui Yunzhao took a step forward and smiled. “Aunt Qian, I’m Huo Tan’s wife.”

Qian Taohua blinked. “Huo Tan?”

As she repeated the name, she suddenly exclaimed, “Oh right, it’s Huo Tan.”

“The one who passed away young, the one left is still Huo Tan, isn’t it?”

As soon as she said this, even Huo Xinzhi’s face darkened.

Lin Xiu Gu was evidently angered, and she instinctively responded, “Why bring that up?”

Cui Yunzhao, however, remained polite. She gently patted Lin Xiu Gu’s arm and said softly, “Yes, I am Huo Tan’s wife. Aunt Qian, do you have something to discuss with my mother? If not, we’re quite busy and should be on our way.”

Clearly, Qian Taohua didn’t have a good relationship with Lin Xiu Gu, and running into her unexpectedly in a strange place certainly didn’t make Lin Xiu Gu happy.

Qian Taohua scrutinized Cui Yunzhao, recognizing immediately that she was not from an ordinary background, and couldn’t help but exclaim, “Huo Tan really is fortunate, born into such a family and marrying such a wonderful wife.”

After saying this, she turned her attention back to Cui Yunzhao. “Are you really going to Jubaozhai? Are you looking to hire someone? Why not hire me? I know my way around, and I work efficiently. Your mother-in-law knows this too.”

Qian Taohua exuded the shrewdness typical of market women. She was thick-skinned and didn’t care about others’ opinions, she just wanted to live well.

Cui Yunzhao had often heard palace servants talk about such people and didn’t look down on them. She understood that life could be tough, and there was no need to judge others harshly, but she wouldn’t engage with them too closely.

Keeping her tone polite, she smiled and said, “Aunt Qian, you are an old friend of my mother-in-law and our elder. How could we dare to hire you for work? That would be disrespectful.”

After saying this, she took Lin Xiu Gu’s and Huo Xinzhi’s hands and led them into Jubaozhai.

“Aunt Qian, we’re quite busy today. Let’s catch up another time over tea.”

With that, the three women entered Jubaozhai, leaving Qian Taohua standing alone outside.

Surprisingly, Qian Taohua didn’t follow them.

She stood at the entrance, quietly glancing at the three of them before turning to leave. Once she was gone, Lin Xiu Gu’s tense expression eased slightly.

Cui Yunzhao gently patted Lin Xiu Gu on the back and softly said, “Mother, you don’t need to be upset over someone unworthy.”

Lin Xiu Gu took a breath, gradually calming down. She didn’t explain why she had lost her composure but gave Cui Yunzhao’s hand a light pat, looking at her with some gratitude. “Yunzhao, I owe you one.”

Cui Yunzhao felt a bit shy at the sudden endearment. It was the first time Lin Xiu Gu had called her by her childhood name, and it filled Cui Yunzhao with warmth from her mother’s concern.

Seeing her daughter embarrassed over a childhood name made Lin Xiu Gu smile, and her mood lightened considerably. “You’re such a lovable child.”

Unable to help herself, Lin Xiu Gu praised her again.

However, Huo Xinzhi couldn’t hold back her annoyance. “How did we run into her again? Even here in Boling, we still see her.”

At this moment, Huo Xinzhi kept her comments brief.

Cui Yunzhao suggested, “Let’s go find some servants.”

The server at Jubaozhai was quite articulate. Understanding the Huo family’s requirements, she immediately went off to select candidates.

Once she left, Cui Yunzhao turned to Lin Xiu Gu. “Mother, how’s your cooking?”

She realized Lin Xiu Gu couldn’t go out every day, and such errands weren’t always available, so it would be good to find her something to do.

Before Lin Xiu Gu could answer, Huo Xinzhi chimed in with a smile, “Mother’s cooking is excellent, especially her pastry skills, she’s quite famous in Qiyang.”

“You silly child, don’t say such things,” Lin Xiu Gu interrupted her daughter’s flattery.

Cui Yunzhao pondered for a moment and then smiled as she said to Lin Xiu Gu, “Mother, I have a small request. If it’s presumptuous, please forgive me.”

Seeing her daughter so formal, Lin Xiu Gu replied, “Go ahead. When have I ever been angry?”

Indeed, Lin Xiu Gu was mostly a loving mother to her children, which included Cui Yunzhao.

Cui Yunzhao continued, “Currently, the cook I hired for our home can’t come right away as she’s recuperating. For the next ten days or so, we can’t rely solely on Sister Liu.”

“While Mother Xia can cook, she only knows a few dishes, and Taohua can only assist.”

“The kitchen needs someone in charge.”

Cui Yunzhao was aware that this was unconventional, as Lin Xiu Gu was now the head of the household, and it wasn’t appropriate to burden her with these responsibilities.

But Cui Yunzhao had never been one to adhere to conventions. In her previous life, she had followed the rules meticulously and ended up in a bad situation, so upon her rebirth, she viewed rules with disdain.

Life was for living, and she understood the good and bad of it herself. One day at a time, enjoying each moment as it came.

Cui Yunzhao sincerely said to Lin Xiu Gu, “Mother, how about you take charge of the kitchen for these ten days?”

Lin Xiu Gu was taken aback, and even Huo Xinzhi straightened up.

Ever since the issues with the Wanyan family were resolved, Huo Xinzhi seemed like a different person, full of energy and more cheerful than before.

Most importantly, her spirit had returned.

When it came to speaking and handling matters, she was methodical. For instance, upon hearing Cui Yunzhao’s suggestion, her first instinct was to be angry, but she began to think seriously.

Perhaps she also realized that Lin Xiu Gu couldn’t continue in her current state.

Huo Xinzhi then said, “Mother, I think that’s a good idea. Especially since you do the grocery shopping, it makes sense for you to plan the meals. This way, Liu’er will also know how to cook.”

“And you can teach Liu’er your cooking skills.”

That was exactly right.

Previously, when Qiao Pozizi was around, because Old Old Madam Gu insisted on keeping her, the daily meals were hardly edible.

Now that Qiao Pozizi had been sent away and the old lady could no longer interfere, the atmosphere at home felt instantly lighter, allowing them to do as they pleased without anyone criticizing them.

Lin Xiu Gu felt tempted by the idea.

She was not someone who could sit idly. For the past few years in Boling, unable to do anything, she often found herself thinking about Huo Zhan.

Over time, she found life dull and tasteless.

Now, seeing her daughter and daughter-in-law speak so positively, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. “Really, can I do it?”

Cui Yunzhao smiled.

She thought her family was genuinely wonderful.

Especially this mother-in-law, who had always treated her warmly, exuding a motherly affection.

Even when encouraged to work, she didn’t get upset; rather, she seemed eager to try, showing no airs at all.

With the decision made, the server returned.

She brought several women with her for them to assess.

Lin Xiu Gu was indeed well-informed and had a keen eye for people. After selecting and conversing with several candidates, she ultimately chose two women and signed contracts with them.

One of them, a tall and strong woman named Liu Sanniang, would assist with various chores alongside Fupozi, handling tasks like laundry and cleaning the courtyard.

The other woman, surnamed Mu, would be referred to as Mupozi and was tasked with looking after Old Old Madam Gu. Although Mupozi didn’t appear particularly robust, she seemed somewhat frail—she had previously cared for an elderly man with mental illness and had a serious demeanor, making her well-suited for the responsibility of looking after Old Old Madam Gu.

Most importantly, Mupozi was very perceptive, understanding the household hierarchy well. When Lin Xiu Gu assigned her tasks, she would promptly respond, “I will respect the head of the household.”

This made things much easier.

With the candidates chosen, Cui Yunzhao felt much more at ease.

It seemed that the Huo family’s affairs had finally been settled today.

Once the three women finished their business, Cui Yunzhao suggested they take a stroll down Lingquan Street.

So, they didn’t call for a carriage and instead walked home along the street.

Along the way, they stopped into various shops to browse, and Cui Yunzhao was generous with her spending, leading to Wang Huzi carrying a number of items shortly after.

Before long, they found themselves in front of a gold shop.

Cui Yunzhao wanted to go inside, but Lin Xiu Gu and Huo Xinzhi refused, not wanting her to spend money on them. The three women playfully tugged at each other, creating a lively atmosphere.

Just then, Wang Huzi, standing nearby, shouted, “Stop, thief!”

Cui Yunzhao turned around in surprise to see Wang Huzi drop what he was holding and chase after a small figure darting away.

Without having time to think, she urged Lin Xiu Gu to keep an eye on their things and hurried after Wang Huzi.

Huo Xinzhi quickly followed suit.

The Huo family pursued and soon caught up with a breathless Wang Huzi in a secluded alley.

In front of him was a low shed, inside which several trembling children huddled among some baskets.

The child who had stolen from Wang Huzi stood defiantly in front of the others, glaring at him.

Wang Huzi was only about thirteen or fourteen years old, and the thief was of similar age, which made the confrontation more aggressive.

However, when Cui Yunzhao and Huo Xinzhi arrived, the thief’s expression changed slightly.

He took a half step back but still tried to appear threatening. “What do you want?”

Wang Huzi, initially confused at the sight of the children, now felt even more lost and turned to Cui Yunzhao for guidance.

Cui Yunzhao nodded at him and turned her attention to the thief.

He was holding a box of pastries.

On this outing, they had bought various items, but this box of pastries was the cheapest.

The boy had not stolen any other valuable items, just this one.

Cui Yunzhao’s gaze moved over the ragged, emaciated children behind him, and she softened her voice. “Are you all hungry?”

The oldest boy, despite her gentle tone, remained tense and replied, “It wasn’t me!”

As he spoke, he hid the box of pastries behind him.

In these times, there were many orphans.

Even though Boling hadn’t been ravaged by war, many children had become homeless.

Seeing the dirty little faces and frightened eyes of these children, Cui Yunzhao felt a pang of sorrow.

After a moment’s thought, she said, “Don’t be afraid, that box of pastries is a gift from me.”

The boy was clearly taken aback.

Cui Yunzhao took a half step back to show her sincerity.

She then asked, “Why don’t you go to the nurturing hall?”

At the mention of the nurturing hall, the boy’s previously relaxed expression tightened with anxiety.

“Why are you mentioning the nurturing hall?”

He questioned her, almost defensively.