Capítulo 816: Chapter 343: Aid (Part 2)
Yueyao chuckled and said, “I am not someone who doesn’t know gratitude. I remember the Marquis’ kindness deeply.” Yueyao understood well that if it were some minor figures, Luo Shao would definitely stand up for her, but the Zhou Family was different; mishandling them could implicate the Marquis’ household. She had no ties with the Luo Family and was already very grateful for their many protections, so there was no way she would blame Luo Shao for not dealing with Zhou Shu for her.
Xiang Wei asked, “Are you referring to Li Guoxing?”
Yueyao didn’t understand why Xiang Wei suddenly mentioned Uncle Li. Intuition struck Yueyao, and she asked, “Is Uncle Li returning to the Capital City?”
Xiang Wei nodded and said, “Yes, the Minister of Revenue isn’t well and has submitted a memorial to the emperor to retire, which has been approved by the Emperor. Originally, based on seniority, it should be Left Assistant Minister Lord Mu’s promotion, but for some reason, the Emperor appointed Li Guoxing. Li Guoxing is already on his way back to the Capital City.”
Yueyao was a bit upset and said, “Such a big event, and you didn’t tell me.” She hadn’t even known Uncle Li was returning.
Xiang Wei intentionally didn’t tell Yueyao because it was of no use for Yueyao to know: “When they arrive in the Capital City, naturally, you will know.” Li Guoxing was very good to Yueyao and Tingzheng, and upon returning to the Capital City, he would certainly send them invitations to visit the Li Mansion.
Yueyao asked, “Approximately how long until they arrive?”
Xiang Wei calculated, “About half a month. Li Guoxing is quite remarkable to reach the position of department head at forty, quite rare.”
Yueyao’s heart was filled with joy.
Xiang Wei, however, frowned and said, “Miss, you mentioned seeking external assistance? What kind of external assistance do you plan to use?” It wasn’t the Marquis’ household, nor the Li family, and certainly not the Ma Family; what external help could the young lady possibly rely on? She knew Miss’s situation very well and couldn’t fathom where Yueyao would turn to for help.
Yueyao was interrupted by Xiang Wei, and knowing that Li Guoxing was returning, she decided not to tell Xiang Wei her follow-up plans.
Xiang Wei wasn’t one to easily give up. She knew Yueyao was very calm and wouldn’t speak lightly without confidence, and whoever could make Yueyao speak was certainly not simple: “Miss, who is this person?” First, there was the Heir to Marquis Yongding, then An Zhichen; Yueyao knew many strange and peculiar people. Even if Yueyao claimed it was a Prince, Xiang Wei wouldn’t be too surprised.
Yueyao hesitated a little, “Let me think about it some more.” It wasn’t that Yueyao was defensive against Xiang Wei, but she wasn’t sure whether to use this person.
Xiang Wei left the study and, deep in thought, still couldn’t figure out who had enough loyalty to disregard the Zhou Family and the Fourth Prince and help Yueyao deal with Zhou Shu.
Come evening, Yueyao found she couldn’t concentrate on practicing calligraphy, reading books, or even painting. With no alternatives, she went to the backyard hoping that some fresh air might calm her down.
A bright moon hung in the sky, casting a clear moonbeam like a layer of white fog over the earth. It was silent all around, not even the sound of cicadas.
Xiang Wei watched Yueyao standing alone in the yard, her solitary figure pulling at Xiang Wei’s heartstrings. But she knew it was not the right time to approach and disturb her.
Yueyao looked upwards and asked, “Xiang Wei, if I were to use something I shouldn’t, would my father blame me?” Yueyao knew Xiang Wei was behind her.
What Xiang Wei had been unable to understand suddenly became clear upon hearing this. Yueyao’s talk of external help made sense now. After a moment’s silence, Xiang Wei said, “I think as long as you don’t use those things to harm others or act against morality, the Old Master’s spirit in heaven would not blame you.” In her heart, Xiang Wei thought, what is left to you is naturally yours; it is rightful to use it, and not using it would be foolish. But she knew Yueyao’s awkward personality, so she had to take a gentle approach.
Yueyao turned to look at Xiang Wei and said calmly, “You’ve probably guessed who I mean?” Xiang Wei had been by her side for a long time, knowing her very well.
Xiang Wei rolled her eyes, “Miss, do you think I’m a Great Luo Immortal come to earth, able to divine and predict?” She knew there was such a list, but who was on it, how could she possibly know!
Yueyao, a person lacking a sense of security, smiled wryly upon hearing this, “If it were possible, I truly wouldn’t want to use it, but given the current situation, I have no choice. Xiang Wei, you must not tell anyone about this.” If anyone told her uncle, she’d probably be skinned alive.
Xiang Wei really wanted to say, do you think I’m as foolish as you, to let such a significant matter slip: “Rest assured, I will tell no one, not even the Marquis or Bai Yi; not a word.” The Marquis was her former master, and Bai Yi was her closest friend; if she wouldn’t tell them, she certainly wouldn’t tell anyone else.
If Yueyao didn’t trust Xiang Wei, she wouldn’t have shared this with her.
Seeing that Yueyao remained silent about who this person was, Xiang Wei couldn’t help but say, “Miss, Zhou Shu is not an easy opponent. What method do you plan to use against her?”
Yueyao had considered this long and hard, believing her plan to be the most reliable: “I wish to ask him to help collect evidence of Zhou Shu’s crimes. Once we have such evidence, even with the Zhou Family and the Fourth Prince’s backing, they will not be able to protect her.” Striking precisely at the weak point was crucial; small skirmishes would only make Zhou Shu more alert and increasingly difficult to deal with.
Xiang Wei’s eyes lit up at Yueyao’s words; nothing was more gratifying than seeing a little white rabbit transform into a big bad wolf. Of course, Yueyao was not yet at the level of a big bad wolf, but the progress was commendable, a change Xiang Wei had never considered before.
Had Xiang Wei known the harsh experiences Yueyao had to endure before hesitantly making this decision, she would surely have scorned and looked down upon her.