Chapter 60: Never Forgive

Everyone raised their heads at the sound of the voice, it was Tang Rong ahead of them.

Tang Mi wasn’t surprised to see Tang Rong here; she had already guessed that all of this was orchestrated for her.

Madam Lin, upon seeing Tang Rong, immediately understood Qin-shi and the others’ intentions.

The Old Madam of the Tang family wasn’t a fool either. Naturally, she also understood what the three of them were trying to do.

Tang Ning looked excited when she saw Tang Rong and was about to call out to her, but Lin-shi tugged at her sleeve.

Tang Ning’s voice caught in her throat, and she didn’t dare to make a sound.

Up ahead, Tang Rong seemed unaware of their arrival and continued climbing the steps. With every step, she kowtowed in prayer:

“May the Buddha bless this humble nun’s grandmother with good health and a long life. Bless this nun’s eldest sister with a worthy husband and a life of happiness. Bless the Tang household with prosperity. This humble nun has sinned and begs the Bodhisattva for forgiveness.”

Hearing these words, Tang Mi’s pupils narrowed slightly.

This must be another clever plot from Tang Ying, she certainly knew how to tug at the heartstrings.

The Old Madam was also visibly moved. Even knowing it might be a setup, she couldn’t help but feel touched. After all, this was her flesh and blood, her granddaughter. How could she not feel affection?

Qin-shi sneaked a glance at the Old Madam and saw the emotional flicker in her eyes. She knew the plan had hit its mark and quickly added, “Mother, Rong’er truly knows she was wrong. Why not forgive her and let her come home? If you really can’t bring yourself to forgive her, we can set up a Buddhist hall at home so she can quietly cultivate there.”

Qin-shi dabbed at the corners of her reddened eyes with a handkerchief, looking utterly heartbroken.

The Old Madam glanced at her coldly, then suddenly said, “Let’s go. We’re heading back.”

She turned and began descending the steps.

“Mother…” Qin-shi hadn’t expected the Old Madam to be so firm. She started to panic.

Lin-shi gave Qin-shi a mocking look before turning to support the Old Madam.

Tang Mi remained expressionless, stepping forward to assist as well.

They had barely taken a few steps when a sharp scream rang out behind them.

“Rong’er!”

“Song’er, hurry!”

They all turned around immediately and saw Tang Rong tumbling down the steps. Fortunately, Tang Song reacted quickly and caught her just in time.

“Rong’er!” Qin-shi rushed forward, clutching Tang Rong and bursting into tears.

The Old Madam was startled and rushed back up, exclaiming, “What happened? How did she fall?”

Tang Rong’s forehead was bleeding. She weakly looked up at the Old Madam and whispered, “Grandmother, I was wrong…”

With that, she fainted.

“Rong’er!” Qin-shi wailed louder, then turned to beg the Old Madam. “Mother, please, I’m begging you, let Rong’er come home. Please…”

Their commotion attracted the attention of all the temple visitors, many of whom gathered around curiously, including some noble ladies who knew the Tang family.

The Old Madam’s face turned dark with anger as she snapped at Qin-shi, “Why are you saying this now? Hurry up and get her down the mountain!”

She ignored Qin-shi and ordered Tang Song, “Song’er, take your sister down quickly and find a physician.”

“Yes.” Tang Song responded promptly and carried Tang Rong down the mountain toward Longma Temple.

The Old Madam, worried, hurried after them. Tang Mi followed closely, afraid she might fall.

They had taken an hour to climb up the mountain, but it took only the time it takes to drink a cup of tea to descend.

When they returned to the northern wing, Tang Song had already brought Tang Rong to Qin-shi’s room.

The Old Madam followed closely and, seeing that Tang Rong hadn’t woken up yet, anxiously asked, “How is your sister?”

“She seems to have fainted,” Tang Song replied, clearly worried.

“My poor child…” Qin-shi cried again, throwing herself beside the bed in grief.

The Old Madam grew irritated with all the noise, but seeing Tang Rong’s pale face, she quickly said to Tang Song, “Go get a doctor, now!”

“Yes.” Tang Song turned to leave, but just then, a coughing sound came from the bed.

“Cough, cough…”

“Rong’er, you’re awake!” Tang Song rushed forward, delighted.

Tang Rong slowly opened her eyes. First, she looked at Tang Song, then at the Old Madam at her bedside. She tried to sit up.

Tang Song hurriedly pressed her back down. “Don’t move. You’re still very weak.”

“How did I get back? I haven’t finished climbing the stairs. Let me finish.” Tang Rong spoke weakly and tried to get out of bed.

Qin-shi quickly leaned over, her eyes red with concern. “What are you saying? You’re in no condition to climb anything.”

“I made a mistake. This is the punishment I deserve.” Tang Rong said guiltily. She forced herself to get out of bed and threw herself at Tang Mi’s feet.

“Elder Sister, it’s all my fault. I was petty and malicious. I don’t expect your forgiveness, but please… please give me a chance to make things right.” As she spoke, she began kowtowing repeatedly.

Tang Song clenched his fists tightly in anger and pain.

Qin-shi’s heart seemed to break with pity. “Mi’er, forgive Rong’er. She truly knows she was wrong. Please give her a chance. I beg you…”

As she spoke, she even began to kneel before Tang Mi.

This move immediately darkened both the Old Madam and Tang Mi’s expressions.

Fortunately, Lin-shi acted quickly and grabbed Qin-shi before she could kneel. “Second Sister-in-law, don’t do this. You’ll only shame Mi’er. If you have something to say, say it, there’s no need for this display.”

She forcibly helped Qin-shi stand.

Tang Mi shot Qin-shi a cold look. She really dares to kneel, she thought. If Qin-shi actually did, the entire capital would be gossiping by tomorrow that she, Tang Mi, was aggressive and disrespected her elders.

Tang Mi gave Lin-shi a grateful glance, then looked down at Tang Rong’s stomach. “Fourth Sister, please get up. Your body is weak. You should take care of your health.”

That fall, though only a few steps, was still a fall. Fortunately, Tang Rong was in good health. Otherwise…

Tang Rong refused to get up, still looking pitifully at Tang Mi. “Elder Sister, will you give me a chance to make amends?”

Tang Mi stared down at her coldly. “You don’t need me to give you that chance, do you?”

She bent down and forcefully helped her up.

“Elder Sister…” Tang Rong began to cry again, sensing Tang Mi wouldn’t forgive her.

Tang Mi didn’t even look at her and simply bowed to the Old Madam. “Grandmother, since Fourth Sister is fine, I’ll return to my room.”

The Old Madam nodded, and Tang Mi left with Ban Xia.

Tang Mi’s attitude was crystal clear.

The Old Madam frowned at Tang Rong. “Return to Jingyue Nunnery. Have a physician check you there.”

Tang Rong’s face turned pale with despair. “Grandmother…”

Before she could finish, Tang Ying quickly chimed in, “Grandmother, Fourth Sister is still unwell. Why not let her rest at Longma Temple for a few days? That way, we can help take care of her too.”