Madam Su was feeling so frustrated that she immediately rushed to follow her children. This couldn’t do! She had to reprimand them to make sure that they behaved themselves well when they met with the other ladies in the future.

Nan Si Qiao sneered then fixed her expression carefully before looking at Old Madam Long, who was standing not far from them. She was already old and right now, a servant was helping Old Madam Long to stand properly.

Just seeing that made many people’s heart turned soft.

“Old Madam Long, I apologize for making you come here because of the children’s quarrel.” Nan Si Qiao’s tone was sincere. She really felt bad because she was in the middle of talking with Old Madam Long when they heard the commotion and the sound of water.

Old Madam Long waved her hand that was not supported. “It’s nothing much. Besides, it seems that the problem stems from my servants too.”

The moment the words were said, many servants felt their knees turned weak.

They slumped on the ground and begged for mercy. If Old Madam Long truly punished them, their lives would be worse than death.

“This…”

“Those who are supposed to guard the river today shall be sent back to the Household Department and the others who are guarding today will receive another 10 strokes in addition to the punishment my grandson give.”

Soon, the servants all began to give thanks.

Nan Si Qiao watched from the sides. She noticed that the other ladies were all very fearful and respectful to Old Madam Long. After all, Old Madam Long was famous for not giving face if others were not giving her face.

She was also one of the few who didn’t care about giving off punishment for her servants in front of outsiders.

It was as if: If you want to know, you can know.

I have no secrets to hide.

Many other households didn’t want to let other people knew about their household condition and naturally felt aversion when talking about it. After all, they didn’t think that it was impolite. Thus, they naturally felt the deterrence that Old Madam Long emitted when she gave her order.

“Old Madam Long, my apologies, my child is a bit naughty and didn’t know that staying near the river is dangerous. She didn’t have time to remind Second Young Miss Su.” A middle aged woman stepped forward to apologize first.

“Me too, Old Madam Long. My child is a bit insensible and only know how to play around. When I get back home, I’ll punish her.”

“Yes, we apologize, Old Madam Long.”

Old Madam Long waved her hand. “You’re all apologizing to the wrong person.”

They quickly turned to look at Nan Si Qiao and repeatedly apologize. Of course, Nan Si Qiao couldn’t hold them accountable. The children were merely trying to stay away from Nan Hua so that they would not get caught. It was not their fault.

Thus, these madams could rest assured that Nan Family would not try to find fault with them.

Old Madam Long nodded when she saw how Nan Si Qiao handled the madams. As expected of someone whom that old man raised. This woman didn’t tarnish both Nan Family name nor Feng Family name.

She glanced to Long Xu Nian. “When the party is over, come to my room, Long Xu Nian.”

The words seemed to be out of the blue.

Long Xu Nian heart seemed to have leapt up to her throat when she heard what her grandmother said. She stammered, “I… I understand, Grandmother.”

“Good.”

After that, Old Madam Long acted as if there was nothing that happened and continued her birthday party. However, some people were secretly discussing with themselves. The fact that Long Xu Nian was called out meant that the incident might have somehow connected to Long Family Young Miss.

How?

Many people have their speculation but no one dared to say it outright. They were not dumb enough to offend the Long Family blatantly.

Not to mention, Long Xu Nian would be married not long from now. They would also offend her husband’s family if they talked badly about her right now.

Long Xu Nian’s face had turned dark, yet she still forced herself to smile. Right now, she wanted nothing but to smash everything on her sight. Why did her grandmother said that in front of so many ladies?

Did she not want her face anymore?

If her reputation turned worse, what benefit would it be for Long Family?

But she couldn’t possibly ask those questions to her grandmother or she would be flogged. Thus, Long Xu Nian could only suffer in silence.

…

Meanwhile, Long Qian Xing brought Nan Hua to the inner residence. There were lesser servants there but Nan Hua noticed several hidden guards.

She felt a bit apprehensive.

It seemed that Long Qian Xing was really quick at gaining control of the household and the forces that was protecting it in the secret. If she was not wrong, Long Qian Xing would only turn 13 years old and yet, he was already the ‘master’ of the house.

Compared to him…

Nan Hua suddenly felt that her progress was extremely slow.