Old Madam Ning is the matriarch of the Ning family, mother of three sons. She clearly favors the Second and Third Branches over the First, often siding with them in conflicts. She expects the First Branch to endure and yield. When Mother Ning complains, she is dismissive and proposes minimal apologies. She is easily angered when her authority is challenged. She plays a central role in summoning Mother Ning and trying to mediate the dispute, though her bias is evident.
