novelraw Chapter 1282: 1281: Such Malicious Schemes!
Chapter 1282: 1281: Such Malicious Schemes!
Chapter 1282: Chapter 1281: Such Malicious Schemes!
Wang Yongzhu listened to Old Granny Zhang’s words and knew they were true. Wasn’t this what she was worried about initially?
Now thinking about it, even if Old Granny Zhang stayed in the Capital City, having everything she needs, wouldn’t living stifled be without joy?
Following her, life wouldn’t be worse. On the contrary, Old Granny Zhang could live freely and happily. Wouldn’t that be better than a life of rich clothing and fine food?
Furthermore, Old Granny Zhang isn’t a three-year-old child. Neither she nor Song Chongjin could disregard her wishes under the pretext of it being for her own good, right?
Thus, she made up her mind: “What mother says is very true. Tomorrow I’ll personally apologize to grandmother, saying that I can’t bear to be without my mother, and no matter what, I have to keep her by my side. Let her blame me, not you!”
Old Granny Zhang loved hearing that her daughter couldn’t be without her, and immediately beamed with joy: “Alright, tomorrow you go and tell your grandmother.”
Having discussed that Old Granny Zhang would return to Qilidun with them, and later go to Chicheng City, not only Old Granny Zhang, but Wang Yongzhu also felt relieved.
Deep down, she couldn’t bear leaving Old Granny Zhang either.
Now, finally, a burden was lifted, and her mood lightened.
Discussing with Old Granny Zhang, they could only stay in the Capital City for five or six days before departing. Besides packing, they had to bring gifts for family members in Qilidun, as well as for Old Doctor Du and Lady Qi.
They also needed to check with the people at Jinhoo to see if they wanted to return with them or stay in the Capital City as a shop assistant.
They also had to inform the Ninth Master Lee of the Lee Family.
In addition, they needed to check with the Du Family about any items or letters that needed to be sent back to Jing County.
There were so many things to consider, leaving them quite busy.
For buying gifts, Wang Yongzhu naturally couldn’t trust anyone else. Her first thought was to find Yang Zongbao.
She suddenly realized that the Gu Family previously suspected Yang Zongbao to be their real third child. If they returned to Jing County, Yang Zongbao probably would need to go back as well.
At that time, even if the Gu Family confirmed it, if Yang Zongbao was thousands of miles away, it would probably become another troublesome matter.
Thinking of this, Wang Yongzhu whispered her concerns into Old Granny Zhang’s ear.
Old Granny Zhang slapped her thigh and said, “You’re right. If it’s confirmed your uncle is indeed your third uncle, your grandmother and even your eldest uncle wouldn’t let him leave. After all, he’s a man who has wandered outside for so many years. The Gu Family would certainly need to give some explanation. This can’t be sorted out quickly.”
Wang Yongzhu nodded: “Exactly, if eldest uncle hasn’t found proof yet, once uncle leaves the Capital City with us, it will probably become troublesome!”
“You go remind eldest uncle to see what his plan is. Should we keep uncle in the Capital City?”
Old Granny Zhang took a long breath, barely composed herself, and said, “If your uncle really is your third uncle, that would be good. Otherwise, having lived a hard life and being determined not to marry, even though you and Chongjin would be there, eventually in the future, there would be no one to offer incense or food on holidays, wouldn’t that be desolate?”
“If he turns out to be from the Gu Family and returns to his roots, even if he doesn’t want to marry, his name will enter the family record, and he’ll receive incense on holidays after he passes—”
Saying this, she couldn’t help but wipe her eyes: “Alright, I’ll head back to the Gu Family now. I still have things to pack, and there are properties and businesses in the dowry. If I leave, there’s no one to manage them, so I must entrust them to your eldest aunt.”
“You handle your affairs. Once you’re done, come take me away. I won’t cause you any trouble!” Saying that, she got up and left without any hesitation.
Wang Yongzhu knew Old Granny Zhang’s temperament well and didn’t try to stop her, seeing her out.
In the front study, Song Hong heard his personal soldiers report that the Wife of the Heir-Apparent had seen their family out.
Glancing at Song Chongjin, who seemed refreshed and invigorated since arriving earlier today, he asked, “Will your mother-in-law stay in the Capital City or return to Qilidun with you this time?”
Song Chongjin smiled, which was rare: “Mother-in-law can’t bear to be without Yongzhu, so she will definitely return to Qilidun with us.”
Previously, he wouldn’t dare say this, but considering the determination with which his mother-in-law came to the courtyard today, she was certainly going with them.
Song Hong opened his mouth, seemingly wishing to say something, but ultimately swallowed it, shifting the topic to Song Chongjin’s journey to Chicheng City.
Song Chongjin, however, refused: “Father, the twenty personal soldiers you’ve prepared for me are enough. There’s no need for anything else.”
Song Hong’s expression changed: “What do you mean? Are you blaming me as a father? Rest assured, I won’t spare the Wang Family and the Ruan Family! Although now I must endure, at the appropriate time, I will make them pay tenfold, a hundredfold!”
Song Chongjin shook his head: “I am not blaming you! But do you remember what Duke Qiguo and General Ruan said yesterday? The Chicheng livestock is of significant concern. Father, having been away from the frontier for years now, if you arrange everything for me, what will His Majesty think?”
With just that statement, Song Hong was taken aback, cold sweat immediately drenched his underclothes.
Such a cunning thought!
He finally understood the malice of the Wang Family and the Ruan Family.
What does His Majesty fear most at present? Military power! Why was he recalled to the Capital City after spending so many years at the border? It was because His Majesty feared he would build a power base after years at the frontier!
If indeed, this time, to help Song Chongjin achieve great merit, he uses all his frontier connections when his term ends and returns, Song Chongjin might return with honor, but in the Emperor’s eyes, he will lose all trust and importance.
So that was the plan of the Wang Family and the Ruan Family!
No, that old villain from Duke Qiguo and that old bastard from the Ruan Family couldn’t have come up with such a scheme. There must be others behind them!
Song Hong calmed down and looked at Song Chongjin with complex feelings—some comfort, some guilt, “Since you can see it clearly, I’m not worried about you going to Chicheng. You’re right; I can’t intervene in this matter, and I shouldn’t send you any more staff officers. You can inquire with the Gu Family. They might find someone for you.”
Song Chongjin nodded: “I’ll visit the Gu Family tomorrow and ask their eldest uncle if he has a suitable person.”
Song Hong waved him off wearily: “Alright, off you go!”
Song Chongjin got up and took his leave.
After Song Chongjin left, Song Hong’s wearied expression vanished, and he said coldly, “Come out. You’ve heard everything.”
Only the creaking of floorboards was heard, and then from inside the study, a person dressed as a staff officer stepped out.
This person bowed to Song Hong: “Lord Duke.”