A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1560 - 1558: Jiangnan Side Story 4
Previously on A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace...
Xia Jingfeng had already guessed most of the truth, but he still had no evidence.
Hearing his father’s apology.
Outwardly, he nonchalantly fiddled with the exquisite teacup in his hand, but internally, a storm was raging.
He had hated all his life, waiting a lifetime for this apology.
Finally, just as he was about to give up and let go of his grievances, he received this belated apology.
Yes!
He indeed owed himself an apology.
He gripped the teacup tightly, his gaze firm and sharp.
But...
His hands suddenly relaxed.
Now that he got the apology, what difference does it make?
His father was already in this state, already tormented so.
If only he had let go earlier, given his filial piety and care earlier, might his father have enjoyed his later years without such inhuman torment?
His hands began to tremble slightly.
Was it regret? Or fear?
"Father!"
"It’s okay!"
He finally said the words he most wanted to say.
The shadow over his heart, the scar hidden deep inside, finally dissipated, and his half-lifetime of physical and mental anguish was finally relieved.
But it’s a pity that it’s too late; big sister can’t see or hear anymore!
If big sister knew in the afterlife, who knows how excited she would be.
...
Outside the window in the afternoon, the perpetually overcast sky suddenly cleared up.
A ray of winter sunshine illuminated through the window lattice onto the faces of the father and son, adding a bit of flush and color to their complexions.
Especially Old Master Xia.
Hearing his son call him father again after such a long time, he was overwhelmed with old tears streaming down his face.
"You..."
"You finally..."
"Father, don’t get too excited, this... is also something a son should do!"
"You have apologized, and I have forgiven; let those old past events be scattered by the wind!" Xia Jingfeng said in a solemn tone.
Old Master Xia was so emotional that he didn’t know what to say.
He fumbled nervously through his clothes, guilty and sorrowful, saying.
"But it’s a pity Qingqing can’t hear anymore, the one I feel most sorry for is her!"
"She was your mother’s only daughter, it was I who didn’t take good care of her! I wronged your mother, wronged Qingqing, it was my foolishness!"
He said, crying like a child again.
Xia Jingfeng felt some pity and was about to comfort him when he heard his father continue.
"Back then... I shouldn’t have sent her to the palace!"
"That child must have suffered in the palace, that’s why she died early, she was so young when she went, and here I am, an old father sending off his child!"
"It’s my fault, I shouldn’t have sent her to the palace!"
Xia Jingfeng was a bit surprised, realizing his father felt guilty for this reason.
He thought for a moment and then gently advised.
"Father, you don’t need to dwell on it; sister... she left happily!"
"The Taishang Huang cherished her dearly, loved her all his life, she had sons and daughters, blessed with deep fortune!"
"If you hadn’t sent her to the palace back then, she wouldn’t have lived so well!"
Old Master Xia was half-convinced.
"Are you telling the truth? She wasn’t sacrificed for the Taishang Huang?"
"Impossible!"
Xia Jingfeng was shocked.
"Who told you that?"
"Sister’s son is the current emperor, the Taishang Huang deeply loved her, how could such a sacrificial event happen!"
"Moreover, our dynasty has always ruled the world with benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and filial piety; such a cruel thing would never happen!"
Old Master Xia finally believed.
Under Xia Jingfeng’s repeated questioning, he finally hesitantly spoke up.
"It was your third brother!"
"He’s the one who told me!"
After retiring and returning to his hometown, he didn’t inquire about government affairs anymore, not even knowing who became the emperor.
Trapped in this small courtyard, day and night, he paid the price for the most significant mistake of his life.
It’s all his fault, and he must bear it all!
Understanding the truth, Xia Jingfeng squinted his eyes abruptly.
"Then why was it that when I mentioned our third brother earlier... you were so afraid, father?"
"Also, what about your injuries?"
Old Master Xia regained some clarity, after hesitating for a long time.
He finally sighed, speaking awkwardly and guiltily.
"He hit me!"
Xia Jingfeng’s eyes filled with disbelief, but the evidence was right in front of him, forcing him to believe.
It turns out.
Xia Weifeng was spoiled by Old Master Xia and Lady Yao from a young age, developing a personality addicted to pleasure.
When he had silver, he’d frequent brothels, indulging in wine, women, and play.
In the absence of silver, he’d find ways to get money.
It started with small-time theft, then became sneaky tricks, and later evolved into blatant fraud.
Once his reputation was ruined for miles around.
After being arrested multiple times by the Government Office, and all of Old Master Xia’s contacts from before he retired were exhausted.
He dared not commit evil anymore, as even the Government Office wouldn’t protect him, and once caught, it would only lead to a severe punishment.
So...
After careful consideration, he thought his family was an easier target.
Lady Wen was under the protection of a Capital City honored lady, so he dared not touch her.
Old Master Xia became the best choice.
If he got hurt, Lady Wen wouldn’t be indifferent, providing silver and inviting doctors for treatment.
So he would have silver?
Having made up his mind.
Xia Weifeng planned his attacks at night, striking in the dead of night.
Though his strikes weren’t heavy, each time he felt life was worse than death, often wishing for an end.
If not for thinking about other children and wanting to see them one last time, he would’ve long lost the will to live.
He owed his children an apology, and he’d say it even if it cost him his life.
But alas...
His Qingqing was gone, and upon hearing the news, he felt life was worse than death.
The daughter he owed the most was gone, what meaning did life have for an old lonely man?
His children’s mother must also blame him in the afterlife!
It’s better to go to her sooner and ask for forgiveness.
"Thank goodness you came!"
"If you forgive me, I can die in peace!"
Old Master Xia held his son with satisfaction, his pale eyes filled with misty joy and contentment, like seeing an old friend after a long time.
Xia Jingfeng felt mixed emotions, opening his mouth several times but unable to utter a word.
In the end, he could only look at him with guilt, his eyes red as he said.
"I’m sorry, I came too late!"
...
In the main room.
Lady Wen and Tang Xun had exchanged intimate conversations for quite some time.
It wasn’t until the snacks were finished and the children were asleep that Lady Wen got up to leave.
As she exited, she noticed Xia Jingfeng still standing outside the door, feeling some embarrassment.
"It’s my fault for keeping you waiting outside for so long!"
"It’s alright, I just came from the side room!" Xia Jingfeng said nonchalantly.
Lady Wen chuckled.
"Then I won’t disturb you any further!"
"After all the travel, you should rest well. Tonight, I’ll personally cook some dishes you like!"
"Thank you, second mother!"
Xia Jingfeng thanked her suitably.
Lady Wen nodded and left with a smile.
...
Xia Jingfeng went to the main room.
Tang Xun had already changed clothes and was wearing casual attire.
Seeing him enter, she hurriedly came forward to attend to him.
"Master!"
Intending to chat as usual, she suddenly noticed Xia Jingfeng’s slightly reddened eyes.
"Husband, what’s wrong?"