Bai Yan was staying by Commander Bai's side. Seeing Lu Zhenping and Shen Meng looking over, he quickly introduced them.

"Most of our family members, Zhenping, you've already met, but your wife isn't familiar with us. Let me introduce you: this is my father, you should call him Uncle, this is my eldest sister, eldest brother, second brother, fourth brother, and little sister, this is my uncle, Yuan Guoming, and these are my cousins. Yuan Niannian is your cousin, you have met them all before."

Shen Meng glanced at Lu Zhenping. Seeing him nod, she followed suit, nodding without saying a word.

"Don't just stand there, please have a seat. Luckily the ward is big enough, otherwise, we wouldn't all fit."

Bai Shuyu was thrilled to see such a large family gathering. Yuan Guoming walked up to her and adjusted her blanket.

"Look how happy you are, don't catch a cold now, it's a bit chilly. These apples haven't been warmed with hot water, so it's better not to eat them."

"Yes, Mom, don't eat whatever you want just because you're happy. People don't know your health condition; what if you eat something bad for your health?"

"Mom, are you tired? Do you want to rest for a while? It's so early and you're already talking. Brother Yan, too, why did you bring them so early, leaving you with no rest?"

Lu Zhenping raised an eyebrow upon hearing this and was about to say something when Shen Meng quickly grabbed his hand and blinked at him to calm him down.

Yuan Niannian cried even louder when she saw Lu Zhenping not speaking up for Shen Meng.

Bai Shuyu reached out to her upon seeing her cry.

"Niannian, what's going on? Didn't you go out for a meal with Brother Yan? Why are you crying now?"

"Mom, don't worry, I'm okay."

As she spoke, she brushed her hair behind her head, exposing her swollen cheek. The Yuan family members' faces turned grim. They initially thought it was just a verbal dispute, not realizing it had escalated to physical violence.

"Who did this? Niannian, does it hurt?"

"Hmph, who else could it be? In this room, who would be unhappy with Cousin Niannian?"

"Brother Zhenping, we call you brother for Mom's sake. Cousin Niannian and we grew up together. Over the years, if it weren't for her being at Mom's side, who knows how she would have gotten through with her health issues, always thinking of you. Are you just going to watch your wife bully Cousin Niannian like this?"

"Too much! Do they think Shangjing is a place where they can bully without reprisal?"

"Are you looking for trouble?"

Yuan Siping, the second eldest in the Yuan family, looked at Lu Zhenping and Shen Meng, filled with dislike towards them, especially Lu Zhenping. He resented that even his own name was given because his mother missed that countryside son, a thought that truly irked him.

Bai Shuyu's expression changed as she looked at Shen Meng, gripping Yuan Niannian's hand tightly and sternly faced Shen Meng.

"Xiao Meng, is what Siping said just now true? Was it really you who injured Niannian's face?"

"Aunt, what are you saying? Didn't I tell you before? My sister-in-law is one who hates evil like her enemy, she wouldn't resort to violence without reason. There must be some misunderstanding; don't interrogate your daughter-in-law like this!"

Bai Yan cast an anxious glance at Bai Shuyu. Their entire family worked hard to invite Lu Zhenping and his wife to Shangjing, and on their first day, things were already going awry, causing such a mess!

"Yes, Aunt, I don't think Xiao Meng would hit someone without reason. We weren't there, so there must be some misunderstanding. Yuan Nian, don't just cry, tell us what happened, specifically?"

"Cousin, I... I, it's my fault, it's my fault, don't ask anymore."

Bai Shan: "...."

I know it's your fault, but why keep crying? Speak up, or has your mouth been sealed shut?

The faces of Bai Shan and Bai Yan turned very serious. They knew Yuan Nian's true nature from childhood; if she was involved, no matter whose fault it was, it would definitely not be Yuan Nian's.

"Alright, alright, it's the first visit for the two of them, and they've brought so many gifts. Let's not make a fuss over a small matter. I booked a room at Donglaishun for tonight; let's have a good family dinner."

"Uncle, I know you're lenient, but this can't just be brushed off. Cousin Niannian was scolded and beaten, we can't leave it like this!"

"Exactly, why should we?"

"If it weren't for Mom thinking about them, they wouldn't have come to Shangjing. Besides, what did they bring, a bunch of cheap items, huh, they don't care about Mom at all."

Bai Shuyu's smile faded, yet she still sternly reprimanded, causing the Yuan family to collectively shut their mouths, even Yuan Siping dared not speak again.

After scolding, she gently stroked Yuan Niannian's cheek, then surveyed Shen Meng, giving Lu Zhenping a slight smile.

"It's nothing major, Zhenping. Your wife, as the elder sister-in-law, it's only right to discipline the younger, but hitting on the first meeting is a bit much. I'll settle this for everyone: how about letting Xiao Meng apologize to Niannian to close this matter?"

"That may not be possible, Miss Bai. I don't know Yuan Niannian well, but I know my wife. She disdains arguing with women, which means she isn't wrong, so an apology isn't necessary."

"Brother Zhenping, saying that breaks my heart, boo hoo hoo... fine, it's all my fault, it's all my fault, I don't need an apology, Mom, don't say anymore."

The Yuan family members looked at Shen Meng with disdain, which made Lu Zhenping's face darken. He didn't bring his wife to Shangjing to be mistreated.

"Yes, I slapped Yuan Niannian, but before everyone criticizes me for it, just listen to this first."

After Shen Meng spoke, she pressed a button on her watch, and Yuan Niannian's mocking words drilled into everyone's ears from every corner of the ward.

"I'm sorry, back when I negotiated my first foreign currency order for Ning County, I met a very good friend, who gave me this watch, which has a recording feature. Normally I wouldn't turn it on, but seeing this Yuan Niannian looking at me as if I'd stolen her husband, I was cautious enough to record it. Fortunately, with this evidence, I can prove my innocence; otherwise, I'd have to appeal to the heavens to judge the guilty and the innocent."

Yuan Niannian's face turned ashen when she saw Shen Meng; she didn't expect such an advanced thing on her, recording her words exactly.

"Yes, I hit, but I can't tolerate a woman so obsessed with my man, let alone insult me, my child, and my parents. But I've broadened my horizon now, the Yuan family's manners are truly commendable, Miss Bai. I'll pass on the red envelope and necklace you gave me. Honestly, I don't need the money, and speaking of carats, it does seem a bit light. You see, this bracelet I casually wear is fifty grams, oh, my husband bought it for me. He couldn't bear to see me suffer even a bit, whatever others have, I must have, and what others don't have, I must have even more. There's no way, he just treasures me."

Lu Zhenping took Shen Meng's hand and nodded slightly at Bai Shuyu.

"Xiao Meng and I will head back first. We won't come again next time; it seems we're not so welcome here, so I won't say goodbye. Commander Bai, let Bai Yan bring these things back for you later to keep you in good health."

As soon as he finished speaking, before anyone could ask them to stay, he took Shen Meng and left decisively and cleanly.