Neither Purple Jade nor Madam Zhou had expected that Wu Lihong himself would personally escort Madam Lu and her entourage.

"Mei Niang, I’ve been so worried about you." Upon seeing Madam Zhou again, Wu Lihong was extremely emotional, his gaze lingering on her belly, feeling a deep sense of relief.

Madam Zhou furrowed her brows lightly, and Purple Jade said, "Someone, escort Lord Wu out."

Wu Lihong’s expression shifted, and he immediately looked at Mei Niang, speaking urgently, "Mei Niang, don’t worry. I will help take care of your elder brother’s matters. After all, he’s your brother by blood. I would never stand by and do nothing."

"Indeed, Mei Niang, with the lord..." Madam Lu began, addressing him as the lord.

Madam Zhou said coldly, "Sister-in-law, he and I have already parted ways. Even Wufu has severed ties with him. We have no connection whatsoever. You’ve mistaken who you’re calling the lord."

Madam Lu’s mouth stiffened, trying to say something, but her arm was pulled lightly by Zhou Xiuer, and she had to remain silent.

"Mei Niang, do you still resent me?" Wu Lihong frowned, "For the child’s sake, can’t you let it go this time?"

Madam Zhou turned her eyes away.

Purple Jade looked at the stewardess, and said with a stern face, "What are you all standing there for? Why haven’t you escorted Lord Wu out yet?"

The stewardess immediately approached Wu Lihong, "Lord Wu, please."

"You..." Wu Lihong seethed with anger.

Purple Jade said, "Lord Wu, Madam’s health is delicate and she needs quiet to recuperate. Please don’t make it difficult for us servants, otherwise none of us can withstand the County Lord’s wrath."

As soon as Wufu was mentioned, Wu Lihong deflated, awkwardly huffing, and looking at Madam Zhou said, "Mei Niang, I’ll come to see you next time."

Madam Zhou lowered her head and said nothing.

Wu Lihong was escorted out.

Madam Lu and Zhou Xiuer looked astonished, then glanced at Madam Zhou in disbelief. Wasn’t she desperately longing for a reunion with Wu Lihong all these years?

What happened in these six months to make a person’s temperament change so drastically?

"Let’s go inside and talk." Madam Zhou supported her waist, sweeping her gaze over Madam Lu and her companions.

Zhou Xiuer immediately stepped forward, affectionately said, "Aunt, Xiuxiu missed you so much. Every day for the past six months, I’ve longed to see you. Let me help you inside."

As she spoke, she tried to reach out and support Madam Zhou.

But Purple Jade blocked her, saying, "Madam has her own maids. There’s no need for Miss Zhou to worry."

Zhou Xiuer’s expression froze, looking toward Madam Zhou, her face full of grievance, softly calling, "Aunt..."

Madam Zhou showed no sign of sympathy for her grievances, simply extending her hand to Qiu Xiang as she walked into the house.

Seeing this, Zhou Xiuer and Madam Lu exchanged a look, feeling increasingly uncertain.

They were all women, and family too, even if there were no deep emotions, Madam Zhou did not meet Madam Lu and her companions in the Floral Hall, instead, receiving them in the East Side Room of her own courtyard.

The mother and daughter followed along quietly, observing the disciplined servants passing by, walking without curiosity, their hearts involuntarily tightening.

Looking ahead, Madam Zhou was adorned in fine silks and satins, soft-soled embroidered shoes, wearing a delicately embroidered mouse fur cloak, with few but exquisite ornaments on her head, surrounded by several people. Her demeanor made her seem more like the legitimate wife than the main wife of the Wu Family!

How curious, people adapt to their environment, and Madam Zhou was no exception. Whether it was the elevation of her daughter’s status or some atmospheric influence, she appeared more aloof than when she was in Huayang.