Chapter 13: The Desire to Send Lu Sinian to the Countryside is Reignited!

After Lu Zhao was discharged from the hospital, Wang Xiaoyun and her children helped him out the door, where they coincidentally ran into Niu Ailing, the wife of Commissar Wang, who lived next door.

The two families were neighbors, and Niu Ailing was well aware of the situation at the Lu family.

As she came out, she overheard shouting from the Lu household, and vaguely heard Lu Zhao’s angry roar.

The only person who could provoke Lu Zhao like that was his good-for-nothing, troublemaking eldest son, Lu Sinian.

Feigning ignorance, Niu Ailing walked over with a concerned expression. “Xiaoyun, what’s wrong with your old Lu?”

Upon hearing Niu Ailing’s voice, Wang Xiaoyun felt a rush of joy. She had been wondering how to spread the news about how Lu Sinian had caused his father to fall ill again, and now she had run into the infamous gossipmonger of the courtyard.

It felt like fate was on her side.

She forced a smile. “My old Lu has been feeling some chest pain, so we’re taking him to the hospital.”

Everyone in the courtyard knew that Lu Zhao had a heart condition, and they also knew that the condition was triggered by his troublesome son, Lu Sinian.

Niu Ailing didn’t ask more questions. Her eyes scanned the four of them before she pretended to be confused and asked, “Isn’t Xiao Nian at home?”

Wang Xiaoyun secretly praised Niu Ailing for being clever.

She hesitated for a moment before mumbling, “Xiao Nian… Xiao Nian is at home, but… he has something to do.”

Niu Ailing scoffed inwardly. What could be more important than his own father? Lu Zhao was practically on his deathbed, and Lu Sinian was too busy to be concerned?

Wang Xiaoyun couldn’t even make up a convincing excuse. Had she said Lu Sinian wasn’t at home, Niu Ailing would have believed her lie.

After glancing again at Lu Zhao, whose face was pale and who looked like he could meet death any minute, Niu Ailing understood Wang Xiaoyun’s intentions.

She clicked her tongue in her mind. Wang Xiaoyun was indeed skilled at playing her cards.

What she had just said would sound like she was covering for Lu Sinian in front of Lu Zhao, but if anyone thought critically, they’d see the holes in her words.

But Niu Ailing was enjoying the Lu family’s drama. She wasn’t really concerned about them, so she casually remarked, “What could be more important than one’s own father?”

Lu Zhao, supported by Lu Mingyang and Chen Huiru, suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest, nearly suffocating him.

Wang Xiaoyun awkwardly smiled, giving the impression that she didn’t want to say anything more.

“Sister-in-law, I’m sorry, my old Lu is really feeling bad, so we need to get him to the hospital. We’ll talk later when we have the time.”

Niu Ailing nodded with a smile.

Watching Wang Xiaoyun and her family walk away, Niu Ailing turned and entered the neighboring yard.

She was someone who couldn’t keep things to herself—if she knew something and didn’t tell anyone, she wouldn’t be able to sleep at night.

In less than half an hour, the news about Lu Sinian causing his father to be hospitalized again spread throughout the entire courtyard.

“Xiaoyun, you’ve been wronged,” Lu Zhao murmured, feeling for his wife, who had just covered for their disgraceful son in front of others.

Wang Xiaoyun tugged the corner of her mouth, her tone always understanding. “Though Xiao Nian went a bit too far this time, he is still our son.

If I don’t defend my own child, do you want me to criticize him in front of others? What would that make me?”

Lu Zhao felt a sense of comfort from his wife’s empathy. His chest didn’t hurt as much anymore.

“Xiaoyun, thank you.”

Wang Xiaoyun gave him a playful glance. “We’re family, what’s there to thank?”

Lu Zhao motioned for Lu Mingyang and Chen Huiru to release him, walking up to Wang Xiaoyun’s side. As they walked in sync, his face became resolute, as though he had made a decision.

He said, “Xiaoyun, I know you’re kind-hearted. You’ve always treated that wretched child as if he were your own son.” He looked at Wang Xiaoyun with eyes full of pity. “But I can’t let you keep suffering. You’ve been wronged enough over the years.”

He paused for a moment before saying seriously, “From now on, stop caring about that wretched son. He’s not a child anymore. If he gets into trouble, let him solve it on his own.”

In Lu Zhao’s mind, every time Lu Sinian caused trouble, it was Wang Xiaoyun, his stepmother, who worked tirelessly to handle the situation.

Although the problems were always resolved with the old man’s intervention, Lu Zhao saw how hard his wife worked.

Tonight, he had finally seen Lu Sinian’s true nature—a heartless, ungrateful person.

From now on, he would let Lu Sinian deal with his own mess. Wang Xiaoyun felt a surge of happiness inside but kept her tone neutral. “What are you saying? In my heart, Xiao Nian is just like Mingyang; they are both my sons. Even though he doesn’t acknowledge me and doesn’t treat me like a mother, I, as the elder, can’t hold a grudge against him for that.”

Lu Mingyang, who had been listening quietly, chimed in, “This is the first time I’ve heard of a twenty-year-old child…”

Chen Huiru glanced at Lu Mingyang with approval but then pretended to chide him as she tugged on his sleeve, calling out firmly, “Mingyang.”

But this time, Lu Mingyang didn’t listen to Chen Huiru. He wasn’t having it and shot back, “Isn’t that true, though?”

Chen Huiru, unsure how to respond, looked at Wang Xiaoyun for help.

Before Wang Xiaoyun could say anything, Lu Zhao raised his hand to stop her. “Mingyang is right. That wretched child isn’t a little kid anymore. Listen to me, Xiaoyun. Don’t bother with him anymore. Let him face the consequences of his actions. Only then will he realize his mistakes, see how good you are, and understand all the sacrifices you’ve made.”

Wang Xiaoyun hesitated. “But Xiao Nian has never really faced hardship or been wronged. Isn’t that a bad idea?”

Lu Zhao let out a laugh that was more enraged than amused. “What’s so bad about it? He’s twenty years old, not four or five! Even Mingyang, younger than him, can endure hardships. Why can’t he, as the older brother?”

He paused for a moment and then continued, “I’ve been saying that his bad behavior is all thanks to the old man’s indulgence. Since the old man is away for now, it’s the perfect time to correct his flaws.”

Wang Xiaoyun felt a nearly uncontrollable urge to laugh, but she kept a serious expression, playing the part. “But…”

Before she could continue, Chen Huiru spoke up to cut her off.

“Mom, I think Dad’s right. Xiao Nian isn’t a little kid anymore, and it’s no good for him to keep living like this. You should listen to Dad. Don’t worry about him not being able to handle hardship. Our teacher always said that a person’s adaptability depends on the environment. Xiao Nian was raised by Grandpa, and his ability to adapt is much stronger than mine or Mingyang’s.”

Lu Zhao nodded approvingly. “Huiru’s right. Don’t worry about it.”

Wang Xiaoyun still wasn’t fully convinced.

Lu Zhao felt a headache coming on and glanced at his stepdaughter for support.

Chen Huiru gave him a reassuring look.

“Mom, do you remember my cousin Jiaojiao from Uncle’s family?”

Wang Xiaoyun immediately understood what her daughter was suggesting. She silently praised her cleverness and went along with it. “Of course I remember. Why are you bringing up Jiaojiao now? Has she contacted you recently? How’s she doing in the countryside?”

Chen Huiru smiled. “I received a letter from her a few days ago. Jiaojiao said she’s doing very well in the countryside. She’s kept busy every day. When she went there, Aunt was worried she wouldn’t be able to handle the hardships, but it turns out Aunt was just being overly cautious. Now, Jiaojiao not only endures hardship, but she also finds joy in it and has learned a lot of life lessons. If a girl like Jiaojiao can handle hardship, then Xiao Nian, being a boy, can definitely do it. He’ll be fine.”

She glanced at Lu Zhao and winked.

Lu Zhao was momentarily stunned, then understood her point. He looked at Wang Xiaoyun, who was hesitating but didn’t outright oppose his idea.

He gave Chen Huiru a thumbs-up.

Huiru’s suggestion had worked!

Lu Zhao knew Jiaojiao well—she was Wang Xiaoyun’s niece and had visited the Lu family when she was a child. For some reason, she hadn’t come back in years.

He’d heard from his wife that Jiaojiao had been sent to the countryside two years ago, responding to a call from the government. Back then, he’d even thought about sending Lu Sinian to the countryside, hoping it would cure him of his bad habits.

But the old man had disagreed vehemently.

Hearing Jiaojiao’s name again, and that she was thriving in the countryside, rekindled Lu Zhao’s thoughts of sending Lu Sinian away.

Rather than let that troublesome child continue causing trouble in the capital, sending him to the countryside might be the best way to curb his bad temper.

And with the old man out of the house for now…

Lu Zhao’s plans were starting to take shape.

However, he didn’t mention this to Wang Xiaoyun yet, fearing that she might object later.