Chapter 747: Chapter 746: 746: For the Sake of Dignity

After parting with Li You, Wenren Zong returned to his home located in Flower Lane.

This tripartite estate was personally chosen and purchased by Jiang Ning to accommodate the Wenren family’s womenfolk.

At that time, she wanted to give the title deeds to Wenren Zong’s mother, Wei Zangxiang, but Wei Zangxiang firmly refused to accept them.

The possessions, houses, shops and all belongings of the Wenren family had been seized and confiscated. After their release, the womenfolk of the Wenren family were nearly left destitute on the streets.

Once they moved into Jiang Ning’s house, she gave Wei Zangxiang a sum of silver, and later sent money and food every month.

But after the first two months, Wei Zangxiang and her daughters were unwilling to accept her financial help anymore.

Despite their decline in wealth, life still had to go on.

The strong and sensible Wei Zangxiang understood that they might have to live off others’ charity for the rest of their lives.

She led her daughters in earning money bit by bit, starting with laundry and sewing for others, and later even started a small business.

Gradually, they managed to get by.

Now when Wenren Zong returned and resumed his official duties, outsiders thought the Wenren Family would move back into a large mansion.

But they still lived in the small house purchased by Jiang Ning.

Wenren Zong dismounted his horse, led it to the stable himself, watered it and fed it hay, then stroked the horse for a while in silence.

“Thirteen is back.” Wei Zangxiang came over, looking at her son with affection, “You’re an official of the Imperial Court, you should have your own attendant.”

“I can do these small tasks myself.”

“Mother knows, but it’s also for the dignity of the Imperial Court.”

“The dignity of the Imperial Court is not something I, Wenren Zong, can afford to uphold.” Wenren Zong patted the horse’s head, turned around to see his mother holding a wooden basin, quickly stepped forward to take it from her. “Mother, you shouldn’t be doing such heavy chores anymore. Your son is back, and I will take good care of you.”

Wei Zangxiang looked at her son’s dark and thin face, smiling, “Mother only does some washing and mending work, it’s not much. It’s not as hard as your time in Lingnan. I know that you have suffered a lot.”

Wenren Zong glanced at his mother’s hand.

Dry, swollen, rough.

This hand was far from the one that belonged to the Madam Wenren who had lived such a privileged life.

These hands were once used for writing and playing the zither.

Wenren Zong glanced at the dim night sky, took a slow breath, and smiled, “It’s so late, why hasn’t Mother gone to bed yet?”

“I’m getting on in years, I don’t sleep as much. I had a nap in the afternoon and now can’t fall asleep.” Wei Zangxiang smiled, “Are you hungry? I’ll boil some noodles for you.”

“You don’t have to, Mother.”

“Come sit down, I have something to talk to you about.”

“Yes.”

Eating noodles was secondary, the real thing was the conversation.

Indeed, Wenren Zong didn’t just sit and wait, but went to the kitchen to assist his mother.

Wei Zangxiang skillfully started the fire and boiled water.

While waiting for the water to boil, she washed some greens, cut them, put them in the pot with the noodles to boil, and then cracked an egg into it.

The delicious aroma slowly spread.

Wenren Zong laughed, “Mother now knows how to cook everything.”

“Indeed? I never thought I would step into a kitchen in this lifetime. But it’s fine.” Wei Zangxiang laughed cheerfully, “Ning’er, who’s like a delicate princess, even she often steps into the kitchen to cook herself. Did you know, the last time, when Ning’er was here, right where you’re sitting now.”