“Mother, if it weren’t for Grandmother sending for a renowned doctor this time, I wouldn’t have recovered so quickly. Now that the doctor has said I’m fine, of course I should go.” Seeing that Bennett was wavering, James Bolton simply grabbed her hand, pleading softly, “Mother, I’m also a grandchild of the Zhang family. You don’t want people to always see me as a sickly invalid, do you?”

　　Although she still harbored a trace of resentment, as soon as she heard these words, Bennett immediately came to her senses. Remembering how she had made a scene in her mother-in-law’s courtyard for the sake of her son’s illness, and recalling her mother-in-law’s stern warning afterward, her face unconsciously turned a shade paler. Almost instinctively, she crouched down and pressed her son’s shoulders, nodding firmly.

　　“All right, I’ll take you to see Old Lady right now!”

Chapter Three: The Hard-to-Fool Old Lady

　　Spring weather is always a bit unpredictable—sunny in the morning, but by noon, thunder and pouring rain might arrive. Just like now, droplets from the recent downpour still clung to the leaves, while rays of sunlight filtered through the gaps, casting dappled shadows on the ground and revealing a touch of bright spring.

　　It was his first time going out, and James Bolton couldn’t resist his mother Bennett, so he let her hold his hand. Leaving their small courtyard, they passed through a southwest side gate, next to which was a row of servants’ quarters. Following the narrow path forward and turning twice, they could see a small west corner gate at the end of the western flower wall. After entering, passing through a corridor and a moon gate, and circling a marble screen wall, they finally reached the row of five main rooms where Sullivan lived.

　　At the main entrance, a maid of about fourteen or fifteen, dressed in a dark green vest, was sternly scolding two younger maids. When she looked up and saw someone approaching, she stopped at once. She sent someone inside to announce their arrival, then hurried over to greet them, and after rising, smiled and said, “I heard Third Young Master has recovered well. Old Lady has been thinking of you and was just talking about it. And now, Third Madam has really brought Third Young Master here.”

　　Bennett replied with a faint smile, “Since Old Lady is concerned, of course I had to bring Jamie to pay respects.”

　　“Third Madam is right. Old Lady will surely be very pleased to see Third Young Master.”

　　James Bolton noticed how appropriately this maid responded, and as she personally lifted the curtain at the door, he couldn’t help but glance at her a few more times, vaguely recalling that she was Lingxi, the head maid by Grandmother’s side. Entering the room, he saw GrandmotherSullivan seated in the central armchair, with several maids standing nearby, but no one else present. After his mother paid her respects, although he felt some resistance, he still stepped forward and respectfully kowtowed, addressing Grandmother.

　　Sullivan wore a calm smile. “You do look much better—come here and let me have a good look at you!”

　　James Bolton quickly stood up and stepped forward. Seeing Sullivan scrutinizing his face and body, he tried to meet Grandmother’s gaze as calmly as possible.

　　His parents did not have a firm standing in this household, so as a grandchild, he had to be cautious in everything. Being reborn into a large family at least meant he wouldn’t freeze or starve, but it didn’t guarantee he wouldn’t die an untimely death. Playing the obedient grandson was the first step. Although this white-haired Grandmother didn’t seem easy to fool, wasn’t there a saying that with enough effort, even an iron pestle can be ground into a needle?

　　However, after looking him up and down for a while, Sullivan suddenly put on a stern face and asked, “You’ve always been frail, and today it’s windy outside. Why did you come out wearing so few clothes? If you catch a chill, won’t you fall ill again?”

　　Although she was looking at James Bolton, everyone in the room knew these words were directed at Bennett. But when James Bolton saw his mother about to speak, he quickly interjected, “Grandmother, I insisted on coming myself. I heard from Ethan Clark that you specially invited a renowned doctor for my injury, so now that I’ve recovered, I had to come pay my respects to put your mind at ease. Even though it’s cold and windy outside, I can’t let that make me forget my filial duty.”

　　At first, Sullivan listened indifferently, but when she heard the last sentence, she couldn’t help but nod slightly, her face brightening with a faint smile. “You really have grown sensible and understand filial piety. In that case, do you know what you did wrong before?”

　　Seeing Sullivan looking at him with a half-smile, James Bolton rolled his eyes and replied honestly, “In answer to Grandmother, I shouldn’t have forgotten my elders’ teachings and acted mischievously. I know I was wrong. I heard from Mother that Big Brother and Second Brother were punished because of me. Please, Grandmother, tell Second Aunt that it was all my fault and had nothing to do with them.”

　　“To know your mistakes and correct them—this time you’ve suffered a loss, but at least you’ve learned something!” At this, the last trace of displeasure on Sullivan’s face faded away. She happened to glance at the string of prayer beads in her hand, thought for a moment, then took them off and pressed them into James Bolton’s hand. “You remembered your two brothers as soon as you recovered, and you remembered me, your Grandmother, too. That shows you have a good heart. This string of prayer beads was blessed by a high monk at Daxiangguo Temple, and I’ve worn it for decades. You’ve always been frail and prone to misfortune—wearing it, the Buddha may offer you some protection.”

　　“Thank you, Grandmother!”