"My son has rendered such great service, yet he still cannot suppress her? The Zheng family truly are persistent specters. They are all dead, yet they continue to influence our Yang family. To be entangled with them is indeed a misfortune for eight lifetimes," Mother Yang said. Upon hearing her son's words, how could she not understand his decision? She was deeply unhappy at the thought of her grandson leaving with that woman.
Yang Zhongqing was momentarily speechless. Though he was reluctant to admit it, he knew that without the Zheng family, he would not have achieved what he had today. He had practiced martial arts before, but his skills were like a three-legged cat in front of the Zhengs. It was only when Father Zheng personally taught him that he truly grasped the profound depths of martial arts. Without a master to guide him, he would never have comprehended it in his lifetime. Moreover, it was the Zheng family who had provided him with so many opportunities to earn military merit.
Ultimately, things proceeded in a direction Wu Qingzhi desired. The following afternoon, Yang Zhongqing solemnly informed her that he accepted her conditions: they would no longer have any contact or involvement with each other henceforth.
Wu Caiwei readily agreed. Her understanding of "involvement" and his likely differed. It was impossible for them to have no interaction whatsoever, as she still intended to avenge the original owner.
To sever ties more cleanly, they went to the yamen and signed a divorce agreement, with the child's custody clearly stipulated in writing.
As they left, they ignored each other. Yang Zhongqing clenched his fists, vowing to make them regret their decision.
Rui'er had remained silent throughout. How could such a grown boy not admire his father? When he was young, the family of three had lived harmoniously, and his father had doted on him. However, during the three years his mother was away, he had witnessed her hardships and the indifference of human relationships. He was a remarkably sensible child for his age. His time with the Yang family had also taught him that hearts can change. After only three years apart, his father had already transferred his paternal affection to that infant.
He admitted the infant was plump and very cute. But as his mother had said, if that madam gave his father another son, his father would likely pay even less attention to him.
Furthermore, their family was happy together, while his mother had only him. No matter what, he had to stay by his mother's side and not let her be sad.
Wu Caiwei might not care about others' feelings, but she could not disregard Rui'er's. She had been observing his demeanor for days and was very satisfied to see that he was not swayed by wealth and status.
Although Yang Zhongqing had acted very discreetly, she knew he had personally spoken with Rui'er, enumerating the benefits of following him, appealing to his emotions and reason. Unfortunately, Rui'er was unmoved. What a sensible child he was! No wonder the original owner had grieved so deeply after his death, even becoming distraught. With her intelligence, she might not have lost her life even while seeking gradual revenge. Sadly, at that time, her son's death had been too great a blow, causing her to act recklessly, only wanting to vent her sorrow and hatred, thus losing her life in vain and allowing others to take advantage.
Wu Caiwei stroked his head and told him with conviction, "You are the only kin I have in this world. I will never abandon you. I will wholeheartedly cherish you, provided, of course, that you do not betray me. Rest assured, our future days will be prosperous and certainly no worse than your life in the Yang family."
Rui'er did not entirely believe her words, but he still nodded happily, "I believe you, Mother."
The two returned to the Zheng family's mansion in the capital. The butler, upon seeing them, burst into tears and stammered incoherently for a long time.
Wu Caiwei stepped forward, patted his hand, and comforted him, "Uncle Zheng, please don't be sad. Although our Zheng family members are all gone, I have brought Rui'er back. Henceforth, he will bear the Zheng surname, inherit the legacy of the Zheng family, and bring it glory."
The butler was astonished. Seeing that Rui'er did not object, he was overwhelmed with joy and wept. For years, it was only the thought of his young lady, who had lived in hiding, that had given him a sliver of hope. Although ladies living in hiding often met unfortunate ends, his young lady had trained in martial arts since childhood and might return safely. Regardless of what she had encountered, she was still a Zheng. For this reason, he had diligently managed the Zheng household, thinking that when his young lady returned, she would at least live a life free from want.
Unexpectedly, the outcome exceeded his imagination. Not only had his young lady returned, but she had also brought back the young master. It appeared that his young lady had suffered considerable hardship while with the Yang family. Now that she had parted ways with that Yang Zhongqing, it was for the best. He had heard that the Yang family mother and son doted on that wife of his, and they had a daughter. His young lady, being the beloved daughter of a general, should not have to endure such indignities.
Upon returning to the Zheng family's residence, Wu Caiwei felt a sense of comfort everywhere. She couldn't help but sigh that home was indeed the best. Mother and son lived a leisurely life, sleeping until well past breakfast, making up for the years of anxiety and hardship.
Feeling that enough rest had been had, Wu Caiwei instructed the butler to find a tutor for her son. He was already eight years old, and his education had been delayed in previous years. It was imperative to catch up quickly.
Unfortunately, famous tutors often had ulterior motives when accepting students. Some sought to network with high officials and nobles, while others desired a recommendation for official positions.
Families like the Zhengs, though once prominent, had no one currently serving in the court, and it was unlikely they would rise again in the next decade or so. Therefore, even offering substantial sums of money, people still politely refused.
The butler, feeling self-reproach, reported this to his young lady. Wu Caiwei was not surprised. She told the butler that famous tutors did not necessarily produce good students. She instructed him to find individuals with genuine talent but not much fame, offer them generous pay to entice them, and then she would personally select a suitable tutor from among them.
Remarkably, she did find a tutor who, while not as renowned for his learning as others, possessed a very flexible teaching style. Rui'er liked him very much. If her son were to pursue the imperial examinations and pass, this tutor would certainly not be able to guide him. However, for foundational instruction, he was more than capable.
Of course, Wu Caiwei did not want him to be a mere bookworm. She wished for him to become a person proficient in both civil and martial arts, and ideally, possess some knowledge of medicine. Initially, she thought her son would only have time for his studies at night, after his daytime lessons.
To her surprise, the tutor's teaching methods were novel, and Rui'er enjoyed them immensely, learning at a rapid pace that exceeded expectations. As a result, he finished his lessons early every afternoon.
Wu Caiwei used this time to teach him martial arts, and occasionally, medicine.
Time flew by. In the blink of an eye, two years passed. Wu Qingzhi, as she had wished, gave birth to a son. Originally, Wu Caiwei had intended to give Yang Zhongqing some contraceptive medicine, ensuring he would only have Rui'er as his child. However, she then reconsidered, thinking that if she did that, that child would not come into this world. She had not forgotten how that child had bullied her son. Naturally, she wanted revenge.