Chapter 59: “No Matter What They’re Up To, Let’s Just Watch the Show”

Inside the room.

“The Old Madam doesn’t agree, she said there’s another arrangement. What should we do now?” Madam Qin was worried and irritated about the matter concerning Cao Ji.

Tang Ying, however, didn’t seem concerned at all. “Why rush? We haven’t even returned yet. Let’s deal with it after we go back. What matters now is Fourth Sister’s situation.”

“You’re right, you’re right, look at my memory!” Qin suddenly remembered Tang Rong and stood up in frustration. “I’ll go see the Old Madam right now.”

Tang Ying stood up as well. “I’ll go with you.”

Ever since Tang Rong’s affair was messed up, the Old Madam had become increasingly cold towards Qin. Now, no matter what she said, she couldn’t gain the Old Madam’s favor.

The two headed to the Old Madam’s room and found Madam Lin, Tang Ning, and Tang Mi already there.

“Mother-in-law,” Qin greeted the Old Madam with a formal bow, then smiled insincerely at Madam Lin. “Third Sister-in-law, enjoying some tea? Seems like I arrived at just the right time.”

“Qinglu from Zhuma Temple is quite nice. Second Sister-in-law should try it too,” Lin said cheerfully as she poured a cup for Qin.

In front of the Old Madam, Lin always behaved respectfully towards Qin. After all, the second branch was of legitimate lineage, while hers was not. But now, things weren’t going well for the second branch either, especially after Cao Xin’s death.

Cao Xin had always been Qin’s trusted aide. Even though Qin managed the household, she sometimes had to yield to Cao Xin. Now, with her gone, Qin had lost a right-hand woman, and Lin had one less opponent.

Seeing Lin’s smug expression, Qin’s face darkened immediately.

What was she so pleased about? Even without Cao Xin, Qin could still promote Cao Ji to a position of power. There was no way she’d let the housekeeper role fall into Lin’s hands.

Not wanting to deal with Lin anymore, Qin turned to the Old Madam with a smile. “Mother-in-law, the weather today is nice, and the heavenly stairs at Zhuma Temple are open. Why don’t we take a walk up there?”

The Old Madam didn’t even glance at Qin, acting as if she hadn’t heard a word.

Qin was a little embarrassed. This old hag was becoming more and more dismissive of her. Clearly, she had to take action soon or else she’d have no standing left in the Tang household.

Tang Ying’s eyes flickered as she smiled and said, “I heard that the heavenly stairs are the place closest to the sky. I want to ask the gods up there about my marriage. Grandmother, why don’t you come along with me?”

Hearing her mention the marriage, the Old Madam’s face grew even colder. She snorted, “What’s there to ask about this marriage? Even people on the ground can see what’s going on, no need to bother the gods in heaven.”

Tang Ying’s smile froze. She looked at the Old Madam helplessly, puzzled.

What was wrong with Grandmother today? She never used to speak to her like that.

While sipping tea, Tang Mi watched Qin and her daughter play their little tricks.

Trying so hard to get the Old Madam to climb the heavenly stairs, surely it wasn’t just to ask about some marriage.

Just as the atmosphere grew tense, Nanny Gui came in to report, “Old Madam, the Young Master is here.”

The moment Tang Song was mentioned, the Old Madam’s expression softened. “Quickly, invite him in.”

Qin and Tang Ying silently let out a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

Tang Mi also put down her teacup, ready to watch Tang Song’s performance.

“Grandmother,” Tang Song greeted the Old Madam first upon entering, then turned to greet Qin and Lin. “Mother, Third Aunt.”

Tang Mi and the others also greeted him. “Big Brother.”

“Little sisters, you’re all here. Are you discussing the heavenly stairs?” Tang Song smiled as he addressed everyone.

“You want to climb the heavenly stairs too?” the Old Madam asked, pouring him a cup of tea. “This Qinglu tea is quite good. Try some.”

Clearly, the Old Madam’s attitude towards Tang Song was much warmer than toward Qin or Tang Ying.

“Thank you, Grandmother.” Tang Song took a sip and smiled. “Very refreshing. If Grandmother likes it, we should donate more incense oil before we leave and ask them to give us more of this tea.”

“You really are thoughtful,” the Old Madam said approvingly.

“The heavenly stairs are open today, and there are many worshipers. Why don’t we go take a look and pray for blessings for Uncle while we’re at it? It’ll come in handy during the ritual.” Tang Song once again brought up the stairs.

“Alright, let’s go take a look then.” The Old Madam agreed immediately, even though Tang Song said almost the same thing Tang Ying had said earlier, which she had flatly refused.

Seeing the Old Madam agree, Tang Mi instinctively glanced at Qin and Tang Ying. Sure enough, both looked delighted.

Tang Mi had a good guess as to what they were up to, but she didn’t object. Let them put on their show, she wanted to see if they could really pull it off.

Everyone left the north wing together and headed toward the heavenly stairs.

The so-called “Heavenly Stairs” were actually the tallest steps at Zhuma Temple, 9,999 steps in total, reaching high into the clouds. It was believed to be the closest place to the heavens, hence the name.

At the top was a small temple. Those who had the perseverance to reach the top could enter and pray. Rumor had it the temple was extremely efficacious, so every time it opened, it attracted countless worshipers.

When the Tang family arrived, many pilgrims were already climbing.

“This temple must really be effective, look at all these people climbing the stairs,” Qin said, glancing at the Old Madam with a smile.

No one responded to her, but she continued cheerfully, “Since the incense is so popular, why don’t they just open the stairs daily instead of once a month?”

This ignorant remark instantly darkened the Old Madam’s face. “Peering into the heavens can shorten your life. Do you think opening the heavenly eye is so simple? Once a month is generous already, and you want it open daily?”

Instead of being angry, Qin quickly smiled and said, “You’re right, Mother. I was being shallow. Let me help you up the stairs.”

She stepped forward to support the Old Madam.

The Old Madam brushed her hand aside. “No need.”

“I’ll help you, Grandmother,” Tang Song said, stepping forward to support her.

This time, the Old Madam didn’t refuse and let Tang Song assist her.

“Mother, be careful,” Qin said, taking the opportunity to support the Old Madam from the other side.

Perhaps because Tang Song was beside her, the Old Madam didn’t refuse Qin this time.

Madam Lin followed behind, eyeing Qin’s fawning behavior suspiciously. She leaned toward Tang Mi and whispered, “Isn’t she usually the one who hates climbing hills the most? What is she up to now?”

Tang Mi calmly glanced at the trio ahead and said, “Doesn’t matter what they’re up to, we’ll just watch the show.”

Seeing Tang Mi so unconcerned, Lin slowly relaxed as well.

The second branch never had a day of peace anyway. She’d just wait and see what they were plotting this time.

The heavenly stairs were tall and step, climbing was truly exhausting. After an hour, they were only halfway up.

Tang Ning, being young, climbed the fastest. She spotted someone familiar and exclaimed, “Look, I think that’s Fourth Sister!”