Wu Caiwei returned to her courtyard and had the servants summon Zhou Ziyuan and Zhou Xinyu.
They arrived quickly. Having heard their aunt had returned today, they looked at her with worried expressions, fearing their mother might be wronged again.
Seeing their caring gazes, Wu Caiwei felt a sense of comfort. The original owner had always felt grateful to the Hong family. Therefore, even though Hong Lingxiang had stolen her husband and taken her life, she harbored little resentment. After all, if Master Hong hadn't saved her, her fate would have been even more tragic.
However, what she resented was that they should not have touched the two children. The Zhou family was wealthy and influential; they wouldn't have minded raising two more children. Ziyuan, as the eldest son who would eventually vie for the family fortune, was one thing. But Xinyu was a girl; a dowry would have sufficed. Why had they so cruelly murdered them, and why had the Zhou family, knowing this, not intervened?
Knowing that both children were good, she didn't beat around the bush. She told them everything that had happened that day, without omitting any details.
The two were not surprised, only somewhat silent. In fact, they had long suspected these undercurrents. It was just that their mother was so engrossed in her books that she hadn't thought about it deeply.
Now, there was a sense of "it has finally happened." The heavy stone in their hearts was lifted, and they felt relieved. They had discussed how to tell their mother about this matter before, but they had reached no conclusion and decided to keep it hidden for the time being. Now that their mother had discovered it, they believed that with her intelligence and resourcefulness, she would surely find a solution.
"I want to leave with you. I wonder what you both think? But don't worry, I won't let you suffer with me. We will only live better and better." Although Wu Caiwei wanted to take them with her, she had to respect their wishes.
"I want to leave with you, Mother. But I am already betrothed. If I leave the Zhou family, what if the Liu family breaks off the engagement?" Zhou Xinyu did not cling to the luxurious life of the Zhou family. She and the Liu family's young master, Liu Feiyu, had been childhood sweethearts, and she was reluctant to part with him for a moment.
"Although nowadays betrothals emphasize matching social status, you two are different. You have years of affection between you. This is precisely the time for it to be tested. If they are to break off the engagement just because you are no longer the eldest daughter of the Zhou family, it means they value your status, not you as a person. The Zhou family has always been prosperous, but if something were to happen one day, the consequences would be unimaginable." Wu Caiwei actually looked down on the Liu family. She also knew that the Liu family couldn't withstand much testing, but she couldn't say these words outright. Su Dan Novel Network
"Alright, I'll listen to Mother. If he can withstand the test, I will wholeheartedly devote myself to him in the future. If he cannot withstand the test, then we will each go our own way." Between her fiancé and her mother, she still leaned towards her mother. After a moment's hesitation, she made up her mind.
Wu Caiwei secretly vowed that she would never let her regret this decision. After breaking off the engagement, she would definitely help her find someone with good character who would treat her well.
Zhou Ziyuan, however, was hesitant at this moment. He was not as decisive as his sister.
"Does Ziyuan have any concerns?" Wu Caiwei saw his pained expression and asked directly.
"I'm unwilling. I still remember how hard Mother worked to maintain the household when we were young. For so many years, Mother has contributed both financially and effort-wise. How can it be that now that the Zhou family is prosperous, they want to discard you? If we leave, aren't we just handing this home over to others? Why should we?" Zhou Ziyuan's eyes turned red, feeling that it was not worth it for his mother.
"To be honest with you, although I said I wanted half of the Zhou family's property, in reality, I only want to take you two away. The reason I am willing to hand over the Zhou family to others is because I am confident that I can create a commercial empire of my own." Wu Caiwei looked at them and said with full confidence.
After a while, she continued, "Of course, the Hong family is also a factor. Regardless, the Hong family has been immensely kind to me. No matter who is right or wrong, when facing the Hong family, I must always concede a bit. If I slightly go against them, it would be considered ungrateful. This concession of mine is my way of repaying their kindness. In the future, when dealing with them, I can be a little more distant, and people will understand."
Wu Caiwei patiently explained her thoughts to her son and daughter. After all, she was leaving, and she didn't want her son and daughter to stay here; it was too dangerous. If something were to happen, it would be too late.
When Zhou Ziyuan heard his mother say this, the knot in his heart loosened a little. Although he felt that it was unnecessary to sacrifice so much just to repay the Hong family's kindness, he fell silent again when he thought about the attitude of the Zhou family towards her.
After a while, he regained his composure and said worriedly, "Sister is a girl, so let's not mention her. But I am the eldest son of the Zhu family. Will they let me go?"
"Just tell me if you will go with me. As long as you agree, I will find a way. Or do you not believe your mother?"
As soon as Wu Caiwei finished speaking, Zhou Ziyuan quickly shook his head. Although he had some doubts about his mother in his heart, he did not want to voice them, lest he hurt her. Gritting his teeth, he said with a firm gaze, "I am willing to go with Mother. I believe that with my abilities, I can forge a path of my own."
With their assurance, Wu Caiwei felt more confident. She instructed them to go back and start packing their belongings, as they might have to leave soon.
When she was alone in the room, she sat by the table, lost in thought. She had come for revenge, how could she repay kindness? Was the life of the original owner not enough?
The reason she was willing to take a step back was because she knew that Zhou Tianpeng and Hong Lingxiang were birds of a feather. Only when dogs fight among themselves would there be something to watch.
That night, Zhou Tianpeng returned. After hearing about the day's events, he walked into her room with a grim face. "You continue to disappoint me more and more. The Hong family has been immensely kind to you, yet you cannot tolerate another woman. The you I remember was not like this."
Wu Caiwei couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. "Don't put it so nobly. Isn't it just that the adulterous couple wants to be alone together? You know my conditions. Just say whether you agree or not."
Zhou Tianpeng's eyes widened in disbelief, as if he didn't recognize her. "How have you become so vulgar? Where is the demeanor of Madam Zhou?"
"If you agree, we can discuss things properly. If you don't agree, get out now." Wu Caiwei felt disgusted seeing him and didn't want to talk to him further. She directly pointed towards the door with her finger.
"I am the master of this mansion. I can stay wherever I please. Why should I leave just because you tell me to?" In an instant, he felt as if he had returned to the time when people pointed at his nose and called him a kept man. Back then, he would do whatever she said. Now that he had turned the tables, why should he still listen to her?
"Are you sure you want to stay?" Wu Caiwei looked at him with ill intent.
For some reason, Zhou Tianpeng had a bad premonition. But to maintain his masculine pride, he nodded resolutely.