Chapter 180: 181: Reply to the Shao Family
Chapter 180: Chapter 181: Reply to the Shao Family
Shao Zhengru fixed his eyes on Shao He, noticing a hint of emotion on her face, and quickly continued, “Ah, ever since your biological mother learned of your misfortune, she has been despondent, constantly uttering your name. If she knew you were still alive, she would surely be overjoyed.”
Shao He lowered her eyes, hesitating whether to return or not. Now that her identity was known to many, it could not be concealed forever, and the matter would be exposed sooner or later.
Seeing her hesitation, Shao Zhengru did not dare to pressure her too much. He took a deep breath and slowly said, “If your mother saw you, her health would surely improve; otherwise, if she continues this way, I fear…”
Remembering her mother’s wan face, Shao He found it hard to bear, ultimately she could only nod in agreement,
“Alright, once I finish my current affairs, I will naturally visit my mother.”
When Shao Zhengru heard her agreement, he suppressed his excitement and tried to speak in a calm tone, “That’s wonderful. Your mother will be very happy to see you, but don’t forget to bring your child. She surely hopes to see you surrounded by your children and grandchildren.”
Shao He did not reply, merely gazing at him with a skeptical look, feeling that something was amiss.
Shao Zhengru avoided her gaze and coughed lightly before saying, “You go ahead with your work. Remember to visit your mother soon. I’ll leave you be for now.”
Mei Ying wanted to say something, but Shao Zhengru quickly pulled her away and left in a hurry.
Watching their hurried departure, Shao He was filled with confusion. Why had Shao Zhengru suddenly sought her out? What exactly had happened?
When Pei Huaian arrived with gifts, he saw the person standing by the window deep in thought. He let Ah Mo hand the gifts to Yun Qian while he walked up to Shao He.
“What’s the matter? You seem very preoccupied.”
Shao He was pulled from her thoughts by his voice and turned her head to look beside her. The tall figure, perhaps because she was accustomed to seeing him in a wheelchair, suddenly seemed exceptionally tall standing up.
“You’ve recovered quite quickly, but you’d better progress gradually. Don’t stand too long.”
“Hmm, what were you thinking about just now?” Pei Huaian replied, then asked.
Shao He shared about Shao Zhengru and Mei Ying’s visit and her suspicions, “When I narrowly escaped death, I had sent a letter to Shao Residence, but they outright denied it. Moreover, Old Madam Shao visited a few days ago, persuading me to return to Marquis Pingnan’s Mansion. This sudden change must mean something has happened.”
“It must be because of Chu Yu; he is currently in a precarious position in court and has recently had a falling out with Shao Zhengru. Perhaps that’s why they want you back,” Pei Huaian replied.
Pei Huaian had suspected the Shao Family would come looking, but he hadn’t expected them to actually ask her to return to the mansion. Thinking of the matters he’d previously investigated, he was genuinely worried about her returning there.
Although Shao He had grown much stronger from the frail person she used to be, he still couldn’t help but worry.
Shao He fell silent again, her fingers rubbing back and forth. She was uncertain about what the Shao Family was planning this time.
“Are you going to go back?” Pei Huaian wasn’t sure what Shao He was thinking, but whatever her choice, he would respect it.
Shao He nodded, “I want to go and see my mother.”
“Should I send a few people with you? Though Shao Residence isn’t exactly a den of dragons and tigers, it’s still better to be cautious, especially with your child,” Pei Huaian suggested, hoping it would give him some peace of mind.
“No need. Qingxia and Qingshan both know martial arts, having the two of them is enough. Bringing too many people might arouse suspicion,” she replied.
Shao He didn’t want Shao Zhengru to know about her relationship with the Fifth Prince, fearing that the Shao Family might use her to get closer to Pei Huaian.
Pei Huaian handed her a signal flare, “Keep this with you and light it if you need to.”
Shao He’s gloomy mood improved substantially. She took it and placed it inside her robe, “Thank you.”
A breeze gently blew past as the two stood chatting by the window for a long time, seemingly forgetting the recent days of strife.
Qingxia, observing the duo in the distance, slapped Ah Mo’s shoulder and asked, “What exactly did your master do to upset my young lady a few days ago?”
Ah Mo, looking at his gossip-eager expression, shook his head, “I don’t know.”
“You… you’re really no fun, always with a stern face, as if everyone owes you silver, totally unlikable,” Qingxia complained before turning and walking away.
Ah Mo raised his hand to touch his face, muttering to himself, “Really?”
It was the first day Anji Hall reopened and it was quite successful, leaving Shao He tired, so she left early in the day.
Upon her return to the mansion, she unexpectedly saw a familiar figure step down from a carriage and walk straight to the front door.
Old Madam Chu, seeing the returned figure, greeted her with a smiling face filled with concern, then brought up the matter involving the Shao Family.
“Shao He, has the Shao Family been in touch with you recently?”
Hearing the probing tone in her voice, Shao He responded directly, “Not only did they get in touch, but they also asked me to bring the children back to the mansion.”
“That really won’t do, you absolutely cannot go back to the Shao Family. Previously, when you were in trouble, they ignored you completely. Now seeing how much Yuyu cares for you, they suddenly want you back, there’s definitely something fishy about that,” Old Madam Chu warned.
Shao He remained silent. Old Madam Chu continued to advise, “Moreover, recently Shao Family and Yuyu haven’t been getting along well at court. Suddenly courting you like this, wanting to take you back, do you still not understand their reason?”
Shao He understood the underlying message: the Shao Family was acting this way to control Chu Yu through her. If that was indeed the case, she didn’t really have much to worry about.
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