It was only when Xiao Cao was formally introduced to the people of the Wenren family that all eyes gathered on her.

Xiao Cao’s behavior was completely unlike that of someone raised in the streets. Her manners were proper, and her every move was graceful and fitting. Just as Wenren Xu had said, one could easily mistake her for a well-bred noblewoman brought up in a prestigious family.

Those who had seen her outside the Wenren family’s gate yesterday were astonished. Clothes can be easily changed, but what about a person’s demeanor? Initially, they thought a pheasant would remain a pheasant, even if dressed as a phoenix, and would still carry that petty aura, unable to show any class. However, the truth was that she was a phoenix at her core. A change of clothes only highlighted the harmony between her inner and outer selves.

Those seeing her for the first time now were also surprised but nodded in their hearts. After all, she bore the Wenren family’s bloodline. Even if she had been lost in the outside world, she would still possess such grace.

Whatever people’s inner thoughts, with the venerable Old Madam Wenren presiding warmly and appearing very pleased with this Fourth Young Lady, and with Wenren Taibo and Han Shi unable to hide their joy, it was clear that Xiao Cao had strong support in both the public and private spheres. Anyone who showed the wrong expression or said anything untimely at this moment would be a fool.

For this reason, everything proceeded smoothly.

Second Uncle Wenren Zhongyong’s expression was indifferent, and he dismissed the whole affair with a perfunctory attitude, his eyes even showing disdain and impatience. But that was to be expected.

Another person Xiao Cao noticed was Fifth Uncle Wenren Shaojian. Though in his thirties, he still carried a sense of frivolity, appearing careless and easygoing. Even under the gaze of Old Madam Wenren, he maintained a cheeky smile.

However, Xiao Cao couldn’t help but feel that the way others looked at this Fifth Uncle seemed a bit odd.

But she didn’t dwell on it. She figured that things would unfold sooner or later, and she would eventually learn what was behind it.

The family banquet officially began, and out of habit, Xiao Cao went forward to assist Old Madam Wenren. By the time she realized that everyone had focused their eyes sharply on her, their faces clearly expressing what they were thinking, Xiao Cao realized that she might have done something foolish and was about to be pricked like a hedgehog. Her face stiffened as she tried to pull her hand back.

But Madam Wenren held her hand firmly, linking arms with her.

What else could Xiao Cao do? Naturally, she had no choice but to go along with it, pretending not to notice, lowering her eyes, and maximizing her ability to ignore everything.

As they quietly walked, despite the presence of dozens of people, there wasn’t a single sound.

It wasn’t until they reached the dining hall that the atmosphere finally eased somewhat. Xiao Cao let out a small, quiet sigh of relief.

Just as she was helping Old Madam Wenren sit down, Wenren Zhongyong’s reprimanding voice came from the door, “Why do you always wear that miserable face? Showing it for whom? Going out like that without even bothering to freshen up—looking like a ghost. I can tolerate it inside, but outside, you’re embarrassing me. Are you deliberately trying to make it look like I mistreat you? If you are so sick, then just stay in your room and die, that would be a relief…”

Du Shi, clutching her chest, her face pale, trembled uncontrollably.

Holding onto her mother, Wenren Xi’s eyes flashed with undisguised hatred, her voice sharp as she called out, “Father—”

But before she could say more, Wenren Zhongyong’s hand slapped her, sending her crashing into her mother. Du Shi, already in poor health, couldn’t stand firm after being hit, and both mother and daughter fell to the ground together.

“You insolent brat! What kind of look is that? I fed you, clothed you, and sent you to school, and now you’ve grown up, you’re siding with your useless mother and resenting your father? If I had known it would come to this, I would have drowned you when you were born!” He raged as he kicked her.

Wenren Xi screamed as she rushed to help her mother up, but halfway off the ground, another kick forced her back down onto Du Shi.

The whole scene happened so unexpectedly that no one had time to intervene. After all, Wenren Zhongyong had previously berated Du Shi in front of others, so they figured this was not unusual. Even if others tried to speak up, it never did any good. Du Shi had always endured in silence, so people like Wenren Taibo and Han Shi merely frowned, while some from the second and third households even appeared to be enjoying the spectacle. However, Wenren Zhongyong’s actions today were more extreme, with him physically hitting someone, which came as a surprise.

Just as Wenren Zhongyong was about to kick again, Wenren Taibo stepped forward in time to stop him. “Second Brother, are you insane?” he shouted with a stern frown. “You’re raising your hand against your wife and daughter? You really think you’re something, don’t you?”

Wenren Zhongyong impatiently shrugged him off, “Elder Brother, though you’re the eldest, this is my own household matter. Do you really need to meddle in how I discipline my own family? Isn’t your interference a little too much?”

Wenren Taibo almost fainted with anger.

“What did you just say?” Old Madam Wenren had already stepped out from the room.

Wenren Zhongyong, who had previously been full of scorn, instantly deflated at the sight of his mother. “Mother…” His voice weakened by about seven notches.

Old Madam Wenren slapped him across the face with a wave of her hand. “Your household matter? You think your elder brother can’t intervene, but what about me, huh? I won’t let you disgrace our family name. You, who have read the classics and supposedly follow the path of a true gentleman, have learned nothing. I’ve let things slide when you didn’t bring your filth to my doorstep, but today, in front of so many people, you dared to speak such vile words and lay a hand on them? I cannot even begin to imagine what you’re like behind closed doors!” Old Madam Wenren became angrier as she spoke and struck him again. “For decades, I haven’t laid a hand on any of you, but today I’ll make up for that by beating you, you disgrace!”

Wenren Zhongyong was in his physical prime and could easily have dodged the hits, but with his mother striking him, he didn’t dare move.

“Mother, Mother! I know I was wrong. Please don’t get upset. I lost control after being angered by something outside today. There won’t be a next time. Please, Mother, calm yourself…”

Although Wenren Taibo was furious as well, he still quickly came over and began trying to placate Old Madam Wenren.

Old Madam Wenren wasn’t in the best health and didn’t have much strength. After landing a couple more strikes, she was already out of breath from exhaustion.

Wenren Taibo carefully helped her, soothing her as he eased her breathing.

Even those who had been silently enjoying the drama earlier now kept their heads low, not daring to breathe too loudly. Wenren Zhongyong’s younger daughter, who had been crying, was also pulled aside to be comforted.

Du Shi, supported by Wenren Xi and Han Shi, looked extremely unwell, and Xiao Cao was busy tending to her.

On Xiao Cao’s wrist was a bracelet, unremarkable but delicately designed with a flowing linear pattern of tiny beads no bigger than grains of rice. These beads were, in fact, individual silver needles.

Xiao Cao’s movements were steady, quick, and precise, completely unbothered by everything going on around her. Even in such a tense situation, she showed no signs of outward concern, exuding an aura of calm and reliability. Other people instinctively placed their trust in her abilities, not even considering the need for another doctor.

Regardless of their opinions of Xiao Cao, at this moment, everyone held their breath in concentration.

Even Old Madam Wenren, after noticing what was happening, paused her scolding.