"Manman specially invited us to the villa for the New Year," said Madam He. "What's wrong with me wanting to go keep her company?
If you don't want to go, then just stay put at home. Don't go running around."
Hua Dingzong was afraid of being left behind.
The mere thought of spending the New Year all alone at home made him feel desolate.
He hurriedly grabbed Madam He and said, biting the bullet.
"Since we're going to keep Manman company, I'll go too. I'm her own father, after all.
If you all go and I'm the only one who doesn't, it will look like I don't care about her at all."
Madam He had long expected him to change his mind.
Instead of retorting as she usually would, she calmly agreed.
"Then let's go."
This time, when Madam He set out, she took not only Hua Dingzong and their two sons but also a number of essential servants.
Once they left, the main gates of the Zhong'an Bo Mansion were shut tightly.
The procession of carriages slowly made its way out of Shangjing.
