After breakfast, Lan Yuxi summoned the housekeeper to bring in the Nan Qi couple.
Lan Yuxi, her face solemn, appraised the couple before lowering her gaze and picking up her teacup.
Nan Qi, with a look of apology, said, "Patriarch, Madam, this was all our fault. If Linglong hadn't let slip and Xiao Fengru had overheard, such a big issue wouldn't have arisen."
Wang Linglong, clutching her swollen cheek, her voice thick with a nasal tone, said, "Patriarch, Madam, I truly didn't know Xiao Fengru could be so wicked. I only said something unintentionally, and she used it against me. This time, it was her and her daughter who accidentally consumed that medicine. If Mr. Guo had mistakenly taken it and they succeeded, then Qiyue would have suffered again."
Lan Yuxi looked up at her. "Did Nan Qi hit your face?"
Wang Linglong's eyes welled up, and she shook her head vehemently. "No, I hit myself. I hate how my mouth is so quick. Last night, I didn't sleep at all. As soon as it was dawn today, I brought Nan Qi. I was afraid of disturbing you, so I only had someone announce my arrival at seven o'clock. I have no other intention than to atone. Patriarch, Madam, Mr. Guo, Qiyue, because of me this time, a grave mistake was almost made. Please punish me!"
As Wang Linglong spoke, she was about to kneel. Lan Yuxi glanced at Nan Qiyue, who understood and quickly reached out to support her.
"Auntie, none of us blame you. Just be mindful of who you speak to in the future."
"This time I've learned my lesson. I will definitely keep my mouth shut and not say an extra word when I'm out!" Wang Linglong said, tightly gripping Nan Qiyue's hand. "Qiyue, you are also a pitiable child. Your parents don't care for you, but your aunt will. Your uncle and I have already discussed it. I will give you half of my shares in Qiji Seafood as your dowry."
Nan Qiyue quickly refused her offer. "Thank you for your kindness, Uncle and Auntie, but I won't take the shares."
Nan Qi coughed lightly. "Qiyue, listen to your aunt. The shares are given willingly. From now on, your aunt and I will treat you as our own daughter. No matter what difficulties you face today, just tell us, and we will be there immediately."
Seeing that the couple were honest people, Lan Yuxi didn't press them further. Although the shares weren't accepted, she agreed to Nan Qi and Wang Linglong's proposal.
She also wanted Qiyue to have a family she could rely on, giving her a sense of security.
With no objections, the matter was settled and awaited announcement during the ancestral hall ceremony.
Because Bai Zhirou was returning that evening, Nan Xiao changed the time for the ancestral hall ceremony to the next morning. In the evening, everyone went to Huo's Hospital and escorted Bai Zhirou onto the plane.
This was the most complete gathering of Hongmen disciples, with even Ming Zicheng in attendance.
At nine o'clock in the evening, Lan Yuxi and her eleven junior disciples knelt in a neat row. They weren't kneeling for any other reason than Bai Zhirou wanting to send Elder Hong away as soon as she entered the ward.
Seeing Lan Yuxi and Ming Zicheng kneeling, Hong Yinan pulled his wife and two children and also knelt before his mother's sickbed.
"Mom, I know why you want to send Dad away, but if my dad cared about those things, would he have stayed by your bedside day and night? You've longed for so many years, and Dad has searched for you for so many years. Our family should be reunited!"
Tears streamed down Bai Zhirou's cheeks. The better Hong Yuanze treated her, the more her children respected her, and the more guilt she felt.
Lan Yuxi and Ming Zicheng were such prominent figures. If people knew she had a master's wife like her, how would they bear it?
Lan Yuxi understood her concerns, and even saw an unprecedented determination in her eyes. Her heart leaped, and she quickly withdrew two golden needles from her sleeve.
She thought her master's deep affection could win over his wife, but she had forgotten the importance of chastity to a woman, especially women of her master's wife's generation.
With this thought, Lan Yuxi raised her hand, and two golden needles flew out.
Elder Hong instinctively reached out to catch the needles, but realizing they were Lan Yuxi's, he quickly retracted his hand.
As the golden needles accurately pierced Bai Zhirou's acupoints, Bai Zhirou slowly closed her eyes.
After Lan Yuxi helped everyone up, she said to Elder Hong and Hong Yinan, "Madam's heart is too heavy with regret. If this continues, it will be of no benefit to her. I fear that after seeing the person she wishes to see, she might take her own life."
Elder Hong became anxious upon hearing this. "Then what should we do?"
Lan Yuxi pursed her lips. "I want to erase some of her memories. Although her life will be incomplete, at least she can live well, and your family can live happily together... This is just a suggestion. Discuss it with my senior brother, and let me know your decision."
The Hong father and son exchanged glances. Hong Yinan spoke, "Junior Sister, let's do as you suggested!"
Lan Yuxi looked at Elder Hong.
Elder Hong nodded, took his grandson and granddaughter's hands, and walked away with faltering steps.
Lan Yuxi watched her master's slightly hunched back, her nose stinging slightly. "You all go and accompany Master. Leave this to me and my sixth brother."
Ming Zicheng nodded and led everyone out of the ward quickly.
As Nan Xiao left, he gave Lan Yuxi a deep look. He truly hated to see her so tired, but there were many things he couldn't do for her.
Outside the door, Elder Hong, fearing he would disturb Lan Yuxi's treatment, led everyone away from the ward.
Shi Kuo and Shi Han tightly held their grandfather's hand, quietly accompanying him.
Ming Zicheng sighed. Master had endured so many years alone and had finally found his lost family, yet good things were always difficult.
He glanced towards the ward, silently praying that his senior sister would succeed so that his master could have a happy old age.
Seeing their grandfather in tears, Shi Han reached out and wiped the tears from his face.
Nan Xiao looked at the sensible Shi Han and thought of his own little darling.
It was as if he and his daughter had a telepathic connection. Just as he was thinking of her, Mu Mu's call came in.
Fearing he would disturb everyone, Nan Xiao quickly stepped into the stairwell with his phone.
"My darling, why aren't you asleep yet?"
"I can't sleep. Daddy, when can you and Mommy come back?"
Nan Xiao listened to his daughter's sweet, childish voice and smiled. "Mommy is treating your Auntie. You and your brother should sleep early. We don't know when we can return. Are you missing Mommy and Daddy that's why you can't sleep? Then, shall Daddy tell you a story?"
"No... it's Qiyue sister. Her phone has been ringing, but she isn't answering; she's just crying. I don't know how to comfort her. I suggested asking Uncle Four to come back, but she refused."
Nan Xiao frowned slightly. "Daddy knows. I'll handle it."