Chapter 807: 339 Zhou Shu leaves Beijing
Yueyao accompanied Mr. Yu Shan for lunch before returning.
Xiang Wei looked at the disappointment on Yueyao’s face and smiled, "The scenery of Jiangnan is picturesque. In due time, I will accompany you to live in Jiangnan for a while. Jiangnan is brimming with talented individuals, and the literary atmosphere is vibrant. It would indeed be a great pity if you could not visit Jiangnan at least once."
Yueyao gave a slight smile. The Jiangnan in her memory was indeed beautiful, and some of her best memories were also in Jiangnan.
Seeing Yueyao’s smile, Xiang Wei remembered that Yueyao grew up in Jiangnan and hurriedly changed the subject, "Miss, I think Mr. Yu Shan is very right, what do you think?"
Yueyao looked at Xiang Wei with annoyance, "What do you think I should think? Rest assured, I won’t end up staying at home as an old maid."
Xiang Wei burst into laughter. The lady’s words meant she was truly beginning to agree to marry, "Miss, I have a list of candidates. When the time comes, we shall select carefully."
Yueyao wanted to roll her eyes at Xiang Wei, but as a lady, she wouldn’t do such an indecorous act, "Do you think this is like a Princess selecting a Prince Consort? And a list of bachelors at that."
Yueyao was accustomed to taking a nap after noontime, and as the hour approached, she grew sleepy and leaned against the carriage wall, closing her eyes. Hearing a vendor outside, Xiang Wei quickly lifted the carriage curtain and said, "Go buy some pea cakes." Xiang Wei loved gourmet food and always bought various snacks whenever she went out.
Just as Xiang Wei was about to let the curtain fall, she noticed a group of people leaving the restaurant in the distance. A flash of murderous intent appeared in her eyes, and before they could react, she let the curtain drop. However, she remained on guard, picking up some prepared items and placing them on her person.
The followers by Zhou Shu’s side were no strangers to killing, having taken many lives, so they were sensitive to murderous intent. Although Xiang Wei let the curtain fall too quickly for them to spot any suspicious individuals, the incident made everyone more alert.
They returned to Ma’s Mansion without incident. Xiang Wei breathed a sigh of relief, realizing the need to recruit some more skilled people for protection. Even in the Capital City, she did not feel safe.
As Yueyao got off the carriage and was not yet at Begonia Garden, she heard the maids report that Mingzhu had come and was waiting for her there.
Hearing this, Yueyao hurried back to Begonia Garden. Upon seeing Mingzhu, Yueyao scolded, "If you need me, send someone to inform me, and I would naturally come to you. A grown person like you, not taking care of yourself at all, wandering around everywhere while pregnant."
Mingzhu appeared not to be aware of Yueyao’s scolding as she asked anxiously, "Yueyao, I heard from my sister-in-law that my father wants to take you as his adopted daughter? Yueyao, is it true?"
Yueyao nodded, "Yes, it’s true. What about it?"
Mingzhu shook Yueyao, "What do you mean, what about it? Such a significant matter and you didn’t inform me in advance, yet you have the nerve to ask me what about it? Is this how you act?" Mingzhu was taken aback when she heard the news from Marquis’ household.
Yueyao, smiling, wrapped her arms around Mingzhu’s waist, though she was careful with her strength, "Didn’t you always say you wanted me to be your sister? Now it’s official. Are you unhappy about it?"
Mingzhu laughed upon hearing this, "You’re surely taking advantage of me. Alright, I won’t settle the score with you now. But tell me, why did you agree to my father’s proposal?" Niu Yanghui, upon hearing the rumors outside, forbade anyone in Niu Mansion from telling Mingzhu for fear she would be enraged. Bai Yi also understood the importance of discretion, silencing the old nanny and maids around her, which is why Mingzhu had not heard any of the rumors.
Yueyao assisted Mingzhu into the room, "Being the sister of the Marquis Jingning, my future marriage prospects would go smoother, don’t you think?"
Mingzhu certainly didn’t buy Yueyao’s feint, "I know you too well to think you would agree to become my father’s adopted daughter for no reason. Yueyao, tell me what’s going on. The less you say, the more worried I become." Mingzhu certainly meant no disrespect to her father, for if it were someone else becoming her father’s adopted daughter, they would probably be thrilled, but not Yueyao. Mingzhu knew just how proud Yueyao was, so upon hearing the news, she sensed that something must have gone wrong.
Yueyao pondered for a moment, knowing the tendency of pregnant women to worry unnecessarily, "It’s best to clarify things, or you’ll keep fixating on this issue. Everyone, please leave us."
Mingzhu held onto Yueyao’s hand, insisting, "What exactly happened? Tell me quickly." If her suspicions were correct, something serious must have occurred.
Yueyao chuckled, "It’s nothing much, just rumors that someone coveted my beauty and abducted me. Now the whole Capital City is abuzz with it."