Upon hearing this, the old lady fumed, "No rules, no order. It seems they've all forgotten themselves and don't even put me, an old hag, in their eyes!"
After saying this, the old lady coughed several times in succession. Seeing this, Nanny Jin quickly took out a silk handkerchief from her waist and handed it over. Then she gently patted the old lady on the back to help her catch her breath.
Cheng Xiran also poured a cup of warm water. "Grandmother, drink some water to calm down. Maybe Father and the others have something important to attend to. It's okay for us to start eating first. Why bother getting upset over such a trivial matter?"
After taking a couple of sips of warm water, the old lady finally managed to catch her breath. Disdainfully, she said, "Do you think I don't know what's on their minds? The more they ignore you, the more I'll make them see you... I'll make them know that as long as I'm still alive, that vixen won't be in charge of this family!"
Then she ordered the butler to invite the three of them over properly.
The butler looked at Cheng Xiran hesitantly for a moment but finally retreated.
It wasn't long before the butler led Father Cheng and Cheng Zhiyue in. Seeing that they looked angry after taking their seats, the old lady thought it was because of this matter. So she said coldly, "What? Can't I even have the whole family eat together? This is just a minimum requirement of an old woman like me. Can't you even satisfy me?"
Father Cheng shook his head repeatedly. "Mother, you're being too serious."
The old lady glanced at the night scenery in the courtyard and couldn't help asking, "Where is she? Do I still have to wait for her?"
Cheng Xiran ate her meal as if nothing had happened, not even looking at Father Cheng and Cheng Zhiyue. She was eagerly anticipating his next reply.
Because this was extremely crucial to her.
"Reporting to Mother, she's not feeling well today. She even fainted this afternoon. I've already called a doctor to come and take a look. The doctor said she should rest quietly for a few days."
Father Cheng said expressionlessly. After hearing this, Nanny Jin and Cheng Xiran both breathed a sigh of relief.
But Cheng Zhiyue pouted, looking extremely dissatisfied. She was about to interrupt but was silenced by a look from Father Cheng.
The old lady didn't notice anything amiss. After hearing his reply, she didn't say anything more and just continued eating.
During the meal, Cheng Zhiyue was so angry that she couldn't bear it. From time to time, she cast fierce glances at Cheng Xiran, who took them all calmly.
Finally, after dinner, just when Cheng Xiran was thinking that she could escape this extremely uncomfortable situation, she heard Father Cheng say, "Xiran, don't leave yet. After dinner, I have an important matter to discuss with you."
Cheng Xiran had already guessed it but still said nothing. After putting down her chopsticks, she just sat aside on her own.
"Zhiyue, you can just go back and take care of your mother. I'll handle things here."
Cheng Zhiyue left haughtily.
The old lady looked puzzled. "What on earth is this important matter that's so mysterious?"
The servants cleared the table gently. Father Cheng's words were also soft, like passing clouds, yet so profound: "Tomorrow the three of us will attend General Cui's birthday banquet. I hope Yue'er can accompany me as my legitimate wife."
The old lady's face instantly changed, but Father Cheng just continued on his own: "Xiran's mother passed away early, over a decade ago. In these past ten-odd years, Yue'er has endured a lot for this family even if she hasn't made great contributions. Now it's time for me to repay her. Whether Mother agrees or not, my mind is made up and won't change. Please, Mother, grant my wish and give Yue'er a chance!"