The Marquis Mansion's Elite Class

Chapter 167

Xu Wan gazed deeply at the little troublemaker and said, "Because of you."

"Me..." Zong Jincheng took a step back.

He glanced at his brother, who wore the same look of confusion, and at his aunt, whose expression was complicated.

"Grandfather stayed awake for three days because of me. He..."

Xu Wan explained, "He was afraid Luo Jingfeng might come back to harm you, so he kept watch outside your room for three days and nights, not daring to close his eyes or let his guard down."

Although the Marquis Manor had two formidable experts, Buyan and Cui Liu, the Old Marquis still couldn't rest easy. Having fought on battlefields for many years, even in his old age, his martial skills remained sharp, and his vigilance was unparalleled.

Fearing that Buyan and Cui Liu might make a mistake, he personally stood guard outside.

Watching over the precious grandson he had raised for eight years.

Zong Jincheng felt as if a bell had been struck in his heart, its echoes reverberating loudly.

All the love he had habitually overlooked came flooding back.

Though his grandfather was reserved and rarely spoke to him, his love was no less profound. Many of the decisions his grandmother made for his benefit had been approved by his grandfather.

And yet, he had always been closer to his grandmother, showering her with affection and writing letters that never even mentioned his grandfather, let alone remembered to send him greetings.

The sharp-witted little troublemaker recalled one memory after another, feeling more and more like a scoundrel. His grandfather had been so good to him, yet he had treated his grandfather so poorly.

Deeply shaken, Zong Jincheng hung his head and walked away.

His grandfather was sleeping, and he couldn't disturb his rest; that would only add to his troubles.

He was eight years old now, no longer a child who could act without thinking.

"Jincheng," Zong Wenxiu called out, worried by his sudden departure, and hurried after him.

Baili Weihong watched the two boys' retreating figures and asked with concern, "Aren't you worried that telling him the truth might make him feel guilty?"

Xu Wan turned to her and said, "Wenxiu isn't the one who needs to feel guilty, but Jincheng does. He's been lacking in that regard."

The boy was clever and quick-witted, but in some ways, he was remarkably oblivious. He failed to see many things.

And because he didn't see them, he didn't care; because he didn't care, he habitually overlooked them; and because he overlooked them, he never grew.

Xu Wan couldn't make out what they were saying, but in the next moment, she saw the little troublemaker round the corner. With his small frame, he carried a large wooden bucket, beads of sweat forming on his forehead from the effort. Yet his face was lit with a radiant, lively smile, so dazzling it was impossible to look away.

Finally, she could hear what the maids were saying:

"Heavens! Young Master Jincheng is carrying water for the Old Marquis!"

"That bucket is so heavy, and he wouldn't let us help!"

"Goodness, is this really our Young Master Jincheng?"

"The young master has grown up! It's so touching!"

"Quick, go inform the Old Marquis and Old Marchioness. They'll be overjoyed!"

Zong Jincheng hurried toward the room with the bucket, exchanging a glance with Xu Wan along the way, his smile unwavering.

Moments later, the sound of a porcelain bowl clattering to the floor came from inside.

The Old Marchioness's astonished voice rang out, "Jincheng, you... you... why are you carrying a bucket? Are you... bringing water for your grandfather to wash?"

Xu Wan, Baili Weihong, and Zong Wenxiu entered the room just in time to hear the little troublemaker's clear and decisive reply: "No, this is a foot-washing bucket. I want to wash Grandfather's feet."

Baili Weihong: "!!!"

Was this really the same child who had once been unruly, disrespectful, and utterly lacking in manners?

Zong Wenxiu smiled at his mother and whispered something to her. Baili Weihong first looked surprised, then nodded in understanding.

Xu Wan also smiled with relief.

Jincheng, this little rascal, was becoming more and more endearing. It made her wonder how stern she would have to be when teaching him in the future...

The Old Marchioness looked at the little troublemaker in shock, then at Xu Wan's confident smile. Realizing the profound change in her grandson, her eyes instantly welled with tears.

But there was no time to thank Xu Wan. Overcome with emotion, she trembled, unable to speak.

The Old Marquis, a rough-and-tumble military man, had never even had his own wife offer to wash his feet. And now, this grandson—once known as one of the capital's top four troublemakers—was not only carrying a heavy foot-washing bucket but also offering to wash his feet. It felt like a dream.

"I must be dreaming," he said to the Old Marchioness.

The Old Marchioness, tears streaming down her face, punched him lightly and scolded with a smile, "Don't act so smug. This is the first time Jincheng has ever done something like this for you."

The little troublemaker had already placed the bucket by the bed. He crouched down, looking up with an innocent, radiant smile, and asked, "This is my way of showing filial piety, Grandfather. Do you like it?"