Liang Rong sighed heavily, looking visibly distressed. “It hasn’t been long, just recent events.”

As she spoke, Liang Jue pushed the door open and came out. Shen Meng glanced at her; perhaps because she was too upset, Liang Jue’s eyes were all red.

He questioned his elder sister with anger in his voice, “Father is seriously ill. It’s obvious he’s been sick for a long time. Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

If he had been informed earlier, perhaps his father wouldn’t have fallen so seriously ill. Even if the servants had done their best, and the doctors couldn’t do anything, he could have at least spent more time with his father.

Shen Meng could understand Liang Rong’s thoughts. “Your sister was also thinking of your well-being.”

Liang Rong lowered her head. “It’s not just you who is upset. He is also my father. Do you think I didn’t want to tell you earlier? It was Father who insisted on keeping it from you, fearing you would worry, so he forbade us from mentioning it.”

Suddenly, she lifted her head, her eyes reddened. “What use is it for you to come back? Given your condition at the time, it would only make Father worry even more.”

A father is always concerned about his children. When Father Liang was sick, he had also considered letting Liang Jue see him.

However, at that time, Shen Meng was in the midst of the marriage turmoil, and Liang Jue, as the husband, was the one who was most distressed. He couldn’t bear to let his son worry about him. The Liang family unanimously agreed to keep it from Liang Jue for this reason.

After all, Father Liang was already very ill at that time, and they didn’t want him to worry about such matters while he was sick.

This was the first time Shen Meng had witnessed the confrontation between the siblings since her two lifetimes. The trajectory of this life had changed a lot because of her. She remembered that Liang Jue’s father had indeed passed away. She didn’t care much about the specific date or cause of death in her previous life.

Seeing the siblings in this state now, she couldn’t help but feel sorry: “Pity the hearts of parents.”

As the ancients said: “The tree desires tranquility but the wind continues to blow, the child desires nurturing but the parents are not around.” Unfortunately, the person she wanted to filially care for was no longer in this world.

Her father in her memory was always very gentle, wholeheartedly considering her as his daughter. Her mother, who was still alive, was a practical person who prioritized her own interests. Whenever she looked at her, her eyes were full of scrutiny, even jealousy.

After Liang Rong spoke, Liang Jue remained silent. In fact, he had somewhat guessed that his father had instructed this beforehand, but he felt so upset inside that he needed someone to vent to.

Waiting for his emotions to calm down a bit, Liang Jue wiped away his tears, adjusted his state, and then reopened the door to enter.

Due to Liang Zhengjun’s critical condition, as his son, Liang Jue insisted on accompanying his father during this visit.

As for the affairs of the mansion, there was nothing particularly important in the past few days. He instructed the steward to handle any urgent matters and temporarily gave her the authority to manage these affairs in his absence.

The steward was originally versatile, so she handled the tasks adeptly. In the absence of the master of the house, she could still manage the mansion properly.

Hiring a steward was meant for them to handle such matters, so Liang Jue felt no guilt towards her. However, when facing Liu Jing, he felt a bit timid and didn’t know how to ask her to stay at the Liang Mansion for a longer period.

According to the laws and customs of this dynasty, it was rare for a son-in-law to come to serve his father-in-law instead of managing household affairs. It was acceptable for a day or two, but staying for half a month or even longer might not be appropriate.

Shen Meng was more understanding. Seeing his troubled expression and guessing his thoughts, she took the initiative to ask, “Do you want to stay here for a long time?”

Liang Jue hesitated, moving his lips. “Father is seriously ill. I want to stay with him for a few more days until he recovers. If…” He didn’t want to say the rest of the sentence, nor did he want to think about that outcome.

Shen Meng readily agreed, “If you want to, then go ahead.”

Seeing her response, Liang Jue hesitated, “But wouldn’t it be inappropriate? It doesn’t seem to be in line with the rules.”

Shen Meng reassured him, “There’s no rule against a son returning home. Even if there were, rules are dead, but people are alive. There’s nothing urgent in our mansion, and you don’t need to attend to any in-laws. Just do as you please.”

She paused for a moment and added, “I can accommodate your wishes, but I also hope you can meet my requirements.”

Liang Jue originally thought it would take a lot of persuasion for her to agree, but he didn’t expect Shen Meng to agree so readily. He pursed his lips and said, “Wife, please tell me. As long as I can do it, I will.”

Shen Meng looked at his abdomen and after a while, reached out and gently touched the warm and soft area. “I know you’re very filial, but there’s one thing you must not do: don’t personally serve your father. First, you may not do as well as the servants, and second, you must remember that you’re pregnant. If anything happens to the baby because of this, I won’t easily forgive you.”

It’s not that she values the child exceptionally; in fact, she isn’t particularly concerned about blood relations. However, losing a child with Liang Jue in the previous life made this child very special to her in this second chance.

If someone plotted against them, or if Liang Jue’s health was truly at risk, she would choose to abandon the child. But if Liang Jue neglected his own health to care for his sick father, making her not resent him would be impossible.

Liang Jue was so worried about his father’s illness that he forgot about his pregnancy for a moment.

Now realizing it, he felt a wave of fear: “I know this. I will also inquire with the doctor. If Father’s illness is contagious, I will just focus on preparing medicine and rest when tired.”

Although it sounded harsh, it was all about their blood ties, and the child in his belly had yet to be born, with endless possibilities ahead. If, because of his recklessness, he lost both his father and the child, he would never forgive himself.

Shen Meng reached out and patted his head, comforting him, “Alright, whenever you want to come back, just let someone from the mansion know in advance, and I’ll arrange for someone to pick you up. If I have a day off, I’ll come over to accompany you.”

The husband and wife briefly parted ways. Shen Meng expected him to stay for at least ten days or half a month, but after only three days, Liang Jue appeared before her again.

His eyes were red, his voice choked with tears, seeking comfort from his wife, “Father, Father has passed away.”