"Why should I care about my wife and son? If only you, Mom, could calm down a bit, Xiao Qian wouldnāt have fallen ill. As a soldier, I ought to know right from wrong, know whatās proper and what isnāt." Mei Shuqing had a big issue with the Old Mrs. Mei these past few days. He was sick of hearing the same words from her over and over again.
Old Mrs. Mei looked at her second sonās gloomy face and, feeling aggrieved, pointed at Mei Shuqing and said to her eldest son, "Look, look at your brother. I fed him, clothed him, and paid for his college education from childhood to adulthood. Now that heās capable and hardened, Iām old and useless, and he starts disregarding me, his own mother, aiming to criticize me. His subordinates are even more respectful. Old Mei, things are like this now, we canāt fight him, and he starts settling scores. Just because his wife took care of us for a few days, he becomes furious with us. You, as the eldest, should help us manage your brother."
Mei Shuping also felt that the Old Mrs. Mei had said too much this time, causing unnecessary trouble. He frowned helplessly, "Mom, youāve been talking for a while; you must be thirsty. Have some water to soothe your throat." After saying this, he looked at Mei Shuqing, pretending to scold him with a line, clearly perfunctory.
The Old Mrs. Mei could see clearly and was about to criticize Old Mei. But Mei Shuqing interrupted again and said,
"Mom, itās not me saying this, just look at how youāve treated Old Mei all these years compared to us. You know it well in your heart. During these sick days, when you asked us to stay overnight, we had no objection. We should as children. However, while we wholeheartedly care for you, you havenāt shown any understanding of us. Youāve been making noise these past few days, talking non-stop at night, pulling Xiao Qian into endless conversations. Even when asked to rest, you refuse. We put up with it, accompany you, but the issue is, it affects Dadās sleep. I think Dadās infection might very well be due to a prolonged lack of rest, leading to low immunity.
Otherwise, I see youāre not in much trouble, why donāt we discharge you today and go home? Home is warmer and more convenient than here."
The Old Mrs. Mei, upon hearing she was to be sent back, panicked. More anxious than her was Ye Qing, who had planned to act tonight. Since Liang Qian was ill today, Xie Lingzhiās family would surely come to care for the old couple at night; none would be at ease given Mr. Meiās severe illness. Holistic filial piety required, so theyād likely stay tonight.
This meant only Aunt Wu and Hua Hua were left at home. For safety, sheād give them a bit of sleeping medication in the afternoon, so they sleep deeply, thatās enough.
"I canāt, I have to stay with Dad; heās so serious this time, how can I be at ease?"
Old Mrs. Mei refused and jumped out of bed, quarreling with Mei Shuqing.
"Mom, I think the second child is right; Iāll ask the doctor shortly about your current condition. If possible, Iāll have Langchi take you home." This time, Old Mei also agreed. Xie Lingzhi stayed silent, knowing Old Mrs. Mei not being here would ease Mr. Meiās burdens.
Old Mrs. Mei didnāt want to go back; she truly didnāt want to leave Mr. Meiās sight. The couple had lived together for a lifetime, seldom separated. Mr. Mei took a hard fall this time, and she feared that a slight neglect might lead to losing him, leaving her alone at home.
She just wanted to watch over him from here, waiting until he gets slightly better before returning home.
Moreover, she indeed caused some fuss during sickness these days because she held resentment toward Han Yiās couple, toward Chen Haichang. Embarrassed before the younger generation, she hoped to make a comeback.
Certainly, she felt pampered by her sons and daughters-in-law these days, so she didnāt want to return quickly.
Seeing her eldest son inclined in this direction, she anxiously watched Ye Qing sneakily pinch her, unnoticed.
The pain made her exclaim, "Ah," turning around to see it was Ye Qingās hand. She was about to angrily scold, but saw Ye Qing wink at her, gently pulling the Old Mrs. Mei, letting her fall onto her.
Ye Qing anxiously, yet forcefully, stroked the Old Mrs. Mei, "Grandma, whatās wrong?"
Seeing Ye Qing signaling her, Old Mrs. Mei instantly understood. She quickly uttered a sound and fell back onto the bed.
"Grandma, are you alright?"
"Mom, whatās happening?"
"Mom..."
"Oh, oh, donāt move me; I suddenly found myself hurting all over. Quick, call the doctor over."
Mei Shuqingās brothers saw through her act directly, glancing coldly at her without intending to call the doctor. Yet Mei Langchi took the lead instead. "Alright, alright, Iām going." Mei Langchi hurried out. As he opened the door, he saw Han Yiās family standing outside, having no idea how long they had been there. He cast them a quick sharp glance.
Han Yi and Lin Wan, hearing the commotion, decided not to enter and become targets for Old Mrs. Mei. Only when Mei Langchi called the doctor did the couple follow them in.
Lin Wan glanced at Mr. Mei i on the bed, eyes closed, uncertain whether things were better or worse now.
Meanwhile, Mei Shuping and Mei Shuqing saw them enter, noting her prominent belly and Little Star, hastily offered them the empty bed to sit on. These two said nothing about Old Mrs. Mei making a fuss, gently asking if she and Little Star were cold.
"Howās Grandpa really doing?"
Ignoring the fussing Old Mrs. Mei on the other side, Han Yi asked softly.