5 Chapter 5 Eat Porridge

Mo Ziwan felt like slapping her forehead in despair as she thought about how wildly others were speculating. When did they ever see her longing for marriage? Their guesses were completely off the mark.

"I'm serious. I'll decide my own marriage. Otherwise, I'd rather die." Mo Ziwan was treated like a princess in the Mo family in her previous life, where her word was law. She had to be resolute about the first good thing she decided on here. Otherwise, future troubles would constantly arise. Her only bargaining chip was to threaten them to the point of no return.

Upon hearing Ziwan mention death, Chancellor Mo and Lady Mo felt as if their hearts were being ripped apart. It was clear that their daughter's ordeal had been too much for her. Those smug young nobles who laughed at Ziwan deserved to be punished. They had caused Ziwan to even consider not marrying at all. But of course, the idea that Ziwan's unexpected request was an expression of fear for men and marriage was purely the Mo family's own imagination.

Ziwan was threatening them with death, which meant she was fully determined. She has had scars since childhood; while the Mo Manor's reputation was daunting, it wasn't a guarantee against a future husband who might despise her in private. Ziwan would hurt herself. Since Ziwan didn't want to get married, then let it be so; it would be as if the Mo Manor had just another mistress to pamper, but they would never allow anyone to hurt Ziwan.

After pondering this from every angle, Chancellor Mo and Lady Mo made a decision. "Ziwan, don't worry, with your brother here, no one in Mo Manor will embarrass you." Mo Qingfeng was the one who would inherit the Manor, and his assurance meant a lot to Ziwan.

Ziwan understood what he was trying to convey and gratefully looked at him. That one glance made Mo Qingfeng feel like everything was worth it.

"Rather than let Ziwan be humiliated, it's better to keep her at home." Mo Qingyun couldn't bear to refuse any of Mo Ziwan's requests. He even thought Ziwan's "speech" made a lot of sense. Unable to speak and somewhat antisocial, Ziwan wouldn't be very likable in another household. Even with the Mo family's support, there would inevitably be oversights. Instead of letting Ziwan be wronged in the future, it's better to take care of her at home. If it comes to that, they'll just find a woman who is kind to Ziwan when they get married.

Ziwan is resolved, and both sons agree. Chancellor Mo has made his decision after much consideration. "Alright, I'll ask for the emperor's permission right away."

"The imperial decree only needs to be clear that I can decide my own marriage." Ziwan, after weighing everything, still firmly focused on Chancellor Mo.

"Don't worry, dear. Have I ever failed to fulfill any of your requests since you were a child?" Chancellor Mo reached out and affectionately stroked her head.

"Cough cough cough." Lady Mo, who was sitting quietly, suddenly began to cough. Everyone turned to look at her with concern. "Lady Mo has been working hard these days. Now that Ziwan is out of danger, you just need to rest well and take care of herself. Since she fell into the water, you have practically stayed by her side. Your health isn't the best either, and it can't stand this kind of strain. Since Ziwan is not in danger, you should go back and rest. We don't want her to recover, only for you to collapse." Chancellor Mo, in his concern for Lady Mo, said a lot.

Ziwan, lying on the side, saw clearly. Chancellor Mo had deep affection for Lady Mo. However, Lady Mo's face was pale and sallow, and her body must be damaged. In Ziwan's heart was an itch: she wanted to take Lady Mo's pulse herself. But considering her special status, she felt cautious about raising suspicions and thus being executed for witchcraft. Hence, she had to give up on that idea.

"Yes, Mother, we are here for my sister, so you can go back and rest without worrying," Mo Qingfeng also persuaded Lady Mo alongside his father.

"Mother, please go back. I'm better now so don't worry," Ziwan, seeing that everyone was urging her, felt it would be rude not to join in.

"Ziwan, are you worried about me?" Lady Mo's eyes filled with tears at this simple "sentence". How many years had it been since Ziwan showed such concern for her? This sweet and comforting "sentence" from her daughter was like eating ice on a scorching summer day. It felt so good, like the thoughtful and affectionate daughter from her childhood had returned.

"Very well." Chancellor Mo was moved almost to the point of tears. The shock has made their child mature so much, how can he, a father, not be consoled by this?

Mo Linglong and Second Aunt, seeing the cosy scene of an affectionate family, felt very uncomfortable. But they found themselves unable to join in and could only stand and watch.

"Lady Mo, judging from my humble position, you should listen to Master Mo, the young master, and miss's words and rest. After all, this backyard depends on you. If you exhaust yourself, who will it break the hearts of, if not Master Mo and the others?" A maidservant wearing a dark green silk jacket who had been standing behind Lady Mo stepped forward to support her, choosing words that Lady Mo liked to hear.

This maidservant was far from ordinary, her face looked kind but her eyes were sharp. When she was advising Lady Mo, her sideways glance at Second Aunt carried a touch of contempt. However, when she looked at Lady Mo, it was filled with respect, and when her gaze rested on Ziwan, there was clear affection. This maidservant was indeed a loyal one.

Ziwan observed the woman without showing any reaction and then lowered her eyes again.

"Here it is, Miss's freshly prepared porridge. You haven't been eating for several days already and must be very hungry. Have some porridge to boost your energy," Another maidservant came in from the outside. This maidservant seemed to be in her thirties and was neatly groomed. She hadn't entered the room yet, but her voice could be heard. "Lady Mo, why don't we let the young lady eat something?" She held the bowl of porridge, gently stirring it with a spoon to dissipate the heat.

Neither Lady Mo nor Chancellor Mo had responded yet, but she had already taken the initiative to prop up Ziwan herself and placed a pillow behind her. Then she picked up a small bowl, scooped a spoonful of porridge, held it to her own mouth to cool it, and then got ready to feed Ziwan.

She was bold, preemptive, and acted as if she was in charge. But Ziwan just didn't appreciate such arrogant, presumptive people.

Neither Lady Mo nor Chancellor Mo reprimanded this maidservant for her audacity. They moved aside instead. "Nanny Xia, Ziwan is in your care. It has been quite a task. Once Ziwan gets better, go to the accounting room to receive a reward of ten taels of silver." Chancellor Mo didn't seem to mind her arrogance in the slightest. After all, wasn't Ziwan particularly fond of this nanny?

Ten taels of silver was enough for ordinary families to eat for several months. Upon hearing the generous reward, Nanny Xia was delighted. "This is part of my duty. Miss is like the sky to me."

Despite the clear flattery in her words, this pleased both Master Mo and Lady Mo. "We are assured to leave Ziwan in your care," Lady Mo looked at Ziwan with warm eyes.

Mo Ziwan's stomach was already growling with hunger, and at the smell of the porridge's aroma, it felt as if she couldn't hold back the saliva in her mouth. But she didn't like self-righteous, arrogant people, and this Nanny Xia had violated her principles. As a servant, she acted as if she was superior, as if she considered herself the mistress.