Chapter 123: Gao Shi

Chapter 123

Gao Shi

Nie Shuang had not yet returned to the house that Da Shi had purchased for her. She instructed the wagons carrying their belongings to store everything at the house first and then had the carriage take her and the children to Nie Ran’s mansion. When word reached them that Young Miss Nie Shuang had returned home, Nie Ran and Xiao Yi Niang quickly came out to greet her. Even her half-siblings, who normally disliked her, came out as well. This time, their father had expanded the tea trade by partnering with the rice trade routes. In every city where Nie Ran had rice shops, tea shops were now opened alongside them, saving on both transportation and management costs. While the rice trade still had competitors, the Lü Cui and Hong Bao teas were monopolized by their family, meaning massive profits. Now, everyone was eager to ingratiate themselves with her.

Nie Shuang greeted everyone warmly and introduced her triplets to their relatives. Today, Bao Bao was fussy from just waking up. When his grandfather took him into his arms, he cried for his mother. Nie Shuang took him back and soothed him for a while. Bei Bei showed little interest in strangers and only allowed his grandparents to hold him, while Xiao Hua Hua was cheerful and happy with anyone who picked her up, smiling brightly.

Gao Shi, the principal wife of Nie Ran, had a round face and a slightly plump figure, the look of someone who lived comfortably. She always wore a smile, appearing kind-hearted. However, despite her outward demeanor, she was displeased to see Nie Shuang, the daughter of Xiao Yi Niang, living so well. Gao Shi was dissatisfied ever since, she couldn’t understand why Nie Ran had been so determined to arrange a marriage between Nie Shuang and General Song. Her own daughter, born of the principal wife, was only married off to another wealthy merchant family, yet Nie Ran had spent a fortune to see Nie Shuang married to General Song. She had kept her dissatisfaction hidden for a long time. When Gao Shi heard that Nie Shuang had disappeared from the General’s manor, she had secretly been pleased. But after over a year, Nie Shuang had returned, not only with a booming tea business but also with rumors that it was highly profitable. The finest aged teas in the Ye Region were in Nie Shuang’s hands, and on top of that, Nie Ran was helping distribute her products and intended to split the profits with her, fifty-fifty. How much was that worth? The more Gao Shi thought about it, the more envy built up inside her.

The triplets were all beautiful, just like their mother, and it was clear how much Nie Ran doted on them. Gao Shi couldn’t help but compare them to her own grandchildren from her son, who had never received such affection from Nie Ran. Her heart turned bitter. As Nie Ran held Xiao Hua Hua and turned to Gao Shi, he said,

"Xiao Hua Hua, greet your Grandmother."

The little girl beamed a wide smile at Gao Shi and clasped her hands together sweetly. Gao Shi was forced to offer praises, even though her heart wasn’t in it. But wanting to stay in Nie Ran’s favor, she feigned affection and asked to hold the child.

Nie Shuang was holding Bao Bao and chatting with Nie Ran and Xiao Yi Niang when suddenly, Xiao Hua Hua began to cry loudly. She quickly handed Bao Bao to her mother and rushed to check on her daughter. As soon as Xiao Hua Hua saw her mother, she immediately reached out. Gao Shi smiled gently and said with a kind demeanor,

"The little one must be tired. You should put her to sleep."

It’s common for young children to cry, so Gao Shi didn’t think much of it. However, Nie Shuang gave her a cold smile. Xiao Hua Hua had never cried like this before, with large tears streaming down her face, her little cheeks flushed, and she sobbed so hard that her lips trembled—she looked utterly pitiful.

"She just woke up well-rested, so how could she be tired? If Elder Furen is upset, don’t take it out on a child."

Gao Shi’s expression faltered. She didn’t expect the concubine’s daughter to speak so bluntly. In the past, both Nie Shuang and her mother had been quiet and reserved. Who would have thought that after marrying out, Nie Shuang would become so bold? However, Gao Shi couldn’t afford to lose face, so she maintained her act of kindness.

"You misunderstand me. Who could harm such an adorable child? Children cry for many reasons. Let’s not waste time blaming each other and focus on comforting her."

Nie Shuang silently noted the insult. She quickly removed Xiao Hua Hua’s clothes to check her body and found pinch marks under her armpit, but she didn’t say anything. With the evidence clearly before the eyes, anyone could guess what had happened. Xiao Hua Hua’s fair skin made the mark stand out even more. After dressing her daughter again, Nie Shuang hugged her tightly and turned to Gao Shi with a cold expression.

"You seem like a kind person, Elder Furen. I wouldn’t have guessed that you enjoy pinching children who can’t even speak yet. How do you plan to make amends to Xiao Hua Hua? She may be a child, but she deserves an apology from you."

Being confronted so directly left Gao Shi humiliated. She had always wielded authority in the household, and even if she overstepped boundaries, no one dared speak against her. Nie Ran stared at his principal wife with a stern expression, while the concubines and lower-ranking children hid their smiles. The Elder Furen was no gentle soul; she was known for bullying concubines and mistreating their children. They were secretly grateful to Nie Shuang for standing up to her.

"Oh, come now. It was just a misunderstanding. My nails must have been too long and accidentally scratched her."

"An accident severe enough to make her scream like that? Hua Hua is General Song’s favorite daughter. If you don’t handle this properly today, don’t blame me if I don’t show you mercy when the General returns from war."

Nie Shuang invoked the name of General Song as a threat. When Gao Shi heard this, her face paled. Who didn’t know General’s infamous reputation? Nie Ran, her husband, didn’t even bother to defend her and instead glared at her angrily. Gao Shi snapped in frustration,

"Fine! I apologize, alright?! Such a trivial matter, and you can’t even respect your elders!"

After Gao Shi finished speaking, she turned to walk back inside, showing no intention of maintaining decorum. However, Nie Shuang stopped her.

"Wait! This is the first time we’ve met. Don’t you think you should offer a gift to welcome your grandchildren? Especially Xiao Hua Hua, whom you made cry. Surely, you must soothe her with something."

In truth, if it weren’t for Nie Ran’s sake, she wouldn’t have let this matter go so easily. Gao Shi was so furious her eyes bulged. When Nie Ran found out that Nie Shuang had moved to Huangjing City and given birth to three grandchildren, he had already sent a great deal of wealth to them. And now, they were asking her to give gifts as well? Despite her anger, she ordered her maid to fetch three high-quality jade longevity locks as a gift. No matter how displeased she was, she couldn’t afford to be dismissive. After Gao Shi had left, Nie Ran turned to his daughter, apologizing with guilt in his voice.

"I’m sorry that you and Xiao Hua Hua had to endure such treatment."

Nie Shuang smiled at her father.

"It is I who should apologize to you, Father. I overstepped and offended your wife."

Her father shook his head and sighed.

"She’s getting more and more irrational by the day. Don’t let it trouble you."Nie Shuang understood her father. Which family didn’t have envy and rivalry? Especially when someone like Nie Ran had amassed so much wealth—it was no surprise there was jealousy within the household. She stayed to have dinner with Nie Ran and Xiao Yi Niang before taking the children back home.