Chapter 126 - The Cold and Bleak New Year’s Eve at the Mo Manor (1/2)

“Bring the dumplings along. I will go and visit father.” It was New Year’s Eve and the whole family should have been gathered together happily. Yet, something like this had happened and Father must be most upset. She looked up at the window. The lights had just been hung up. It did get darker earlier in winter. Regular families would have already eaten dinner by now. But today…

She could not describe how she was feeling. Rationally speaking, the possibility of Auntie Fang rising to a position of importance again was practically impossible. She could also heave a sigh of relief. However, her chest felt stuffy. It was a feeling she could not describe. She felt heavy and stifled and she just could not bring herself to feel happy. Instead, she felt a little depressed. If they were really to discuss this, even though Auntie Fang had been the one to kill the child, she had also played a role in it too.

Her father would probably have another adorable child if not for her!

It was hard for her father to have children…

But, if the situation were to repeat again, she would still do the same thing. She would never stand on the same side as Auntie Fang and her daughter. They wanted her dead at all times and she would not just stand around and not do anything about it. She had been rebirthed for revenge. This unnecessary kindness would bring the greatest damage to herself. In her past life, her flesh and blood had turned into ashes in the fire. She would not go through that pain again!

“Miss, Auntie Mo and Auntie Qing have already sent people over. They were all stopped outside by Old Sir.” Mo Yu explained when she saw the despondence in Mo Xuetong’s eyes.

“It’s alright. Old Sir has always doted on Miss. He would definitely be happy to see you bringing him dumplings personally.” Mo Lan put the dumplings into a food box on the table. Then, she also intentionally put in two side dishes she made into the box as well. She handed it to Mo Ye who was standing by the side after she arranged the food and got her to hold it for Mo Xuetong.

Mo Lan was the most attentive out of all of Mo Xuetong’s maids. That was also why she knew what Mo Xuetong was thinking and understood that she was feeling upset right now. Even though it seemed as if Mo Xuetong had won a beautiful match today, she had hurt Old Sir. Her mistress was a filial child and would naturally feel upset. She was definitely thinking of Old Sir right now and wanted to see him.

As such, she had specially asked Mother Xu for a larger food box to bring to Mo Xuetong.

Mo Yu helped Mo Xuetong put on her soft leather cape. It was snowing again and the northwestern winds howled, making one feel cold. She did not meet many people as she walked down the corridor to the study. It was considered late, but one would usually still be able to see a few people chatting and laughing outside occasionally. Yet, it was very quiet and lonely at this moment.

After what happened in the day, coupled with the death of a servant, who would dare to earn the ire of their masters? As such, the servants were all very careful and rested early if they had nothing on. None of them chatted outside. The Old Sir had ordered that if anyone were to spread the news of what happened today, they would not just be beaten to death.

The doors to the study were tightly shut. Mo Xuetong saw how her father’s personal servant was also left outside. He was curled up outside the room, hugging his knees to himself as he dozed off. He hurried up to greet Mo Xuetong when he saw her.

“Where’s Old Sir?” Mo Xuetong asked as she looked at the dark study. It seemed completely desolated. Her father was really upset!

“Old Sir is alone in the study and would not allow anyone to enter or the light the lamps. He still hasn’t had dinner.” The servant looked at the study doors and answered sadly.

“You all go to the room next door and get out of the wind. I will go and visit Father.” Mo Xuetong took the box of food from Mo Ye and gave her instructions to the servant and Mo Ye.

“Yes!” The servant was s.h.i.+vering from the cold but did not dare to leave. He felt grateful when he heard what Mo Xuetong said and nodded forcefully. Then, he and Mo Ye walked towards the room by the side that was lit.

Mo Xuetong held the box of food and pushed the door open.

“Who is it?” The voice inside did not sound like how her father’s usual high spirited and vigorous voice. Even though it was just as dignified, Mo Xuetong could hear the exhaustion and weakness in it.

Her father’s heart must be tired after all that happened!

“Father, it’s Tong’er.” Mo Xuetong answered softly. She walked forward finding her way based on her memory. Her father’s desk was not far away before her and her father was sitting behind the desk.

Mo Huawen quietly watched in the dark as his slender daughter lifted the box of food with difficulty. Even though it was snowing outside, it was still brighter out than inside. His daughter had just entered and had not yet gotten used to the darkness inside. She lifted her feet and walked forward carefully. She almost tripped on the edge of the bookshelf and he could not help but sigh softly.

His frustrated mind and heart immediately cleared and softened. Even though his son was not up to standards, he had a loveable daughter. And she was a daughter that she had borne him. He had no other desires in this life now that he had Tong’er. There were things that cannot be forced. Back then, if he had not had so many considerations, something like what happened today would not have happened.

He reached out for some paper and lit it, lighting up the candle next to him.

“Father, I brought you some dumplings. Mother used to make dumplings with Mother Xu on New Year’s Eve in the past. Grandaunt’s family did not like making dumplings when I stayed in Cloud City, so they made plenty of noodles. But I didn’t like them and Mother Xu would secretly cook me a bowl of dumplings. Cousin Xuan would sneakily eat half of my bowl of dumplings. What a shame! Mother Xu made plenty of dumplings today and I want to eat them with you. Shall we?” Mo Xuetong blinked when she saw the bright light. Her eyes began to accustom to the brightness again. She put the box of food on the table and took out the dumplings and dishes inside as she spoke delicately.

She looked like a gentle and thoughtful daughter.

Her beautiful eyes shone like the stars in the night sky. There was once a girl who used to look at him with eyes that shone and a gentle smile on her lips. She had set up his food for him then too. That was the happiest period of his life. But after that…Mo Huawen’s eyes darkened and he looked away, avoiding those eyes that looked at him with admiration. The corners of his eyes were moist.

New Year’s Eve, dumplings…Mo Huawen felt that he was a scoundrel as he looked at his daughter’s innocent smile.

He had left his daughter, who had lost her mother at a young age, in Cloud City. He had let her live in someone else’s home without asking or caring about her. A child that young must have been very upset. Even though she smiled and joked now, but how could one put into the words the sadness and suffering she had endured? He had thought Auntie Fang was a good person in the past. But who would have expected that she had not only committed adultery, but also so vicious?