Chapter 170: Evil People
"Whether I divorce or not is my business, but if you have any evil intentions, I will not let you go." Zhao Yan looked at him intently and said fiercely.
It was obvious that he was extremely angry. Ouyang Zui was kicked and his heart ached. He was filled with cruelty, but at this time, fearing his cruelty, he restrained his expression and only thought in his heart, there is a long way to go!
Seeing that he was thinking suspiciously, Zhao Yan said, "If there is a next time, I won't let you go easily!" After that, he took Yu Huatang back to the carriage.
When Ouyang Zui saw the departing carriage, he couldn't help cursing in his heart: Just wait and see, I'll see what you are capable of!
In the carriage, Yu Huatang sat leaning against the innermost seat, curled up tightly, hugging herself tightly with her hands, burying her head, not saying a word, just full of fear.
Zhao Yan saw her red hand being grabbed by Ouyang Zui and wanted to go over to hold it, but she dodged him.
He said distressedly, "I'm sorry, I was chatting with some colleagues a little late today, and I didn't tell them to pick you up first."
Yu Huatang still didn't speak.
He approached her and continued, "That man is the current emperor's uncle, and he's also a treacherous and lewd person. He spends all day roaming around the streets, plundering women from the people and insulting the innocence of others. But he's of a very high status, and he has people protecting him, so the people can't speak out about their grievances. Over time, he's become even more wanton and reckless, even raping the wives and daughters of some lower-ranking officials. It's my fault for letting him run into you today. From tomorrow on, I'll send An Yuan to guard Tianjing Pavilion. If I come, come with me. If I don't, have him take you back first. There won't be another thing like this, I promise, don't be afraid."
He said, holding her in his arms. She raised her head, looking at his face and then into his eyes with tears in her eyes.
His eyes were full of self-blame and heartache. She thought to herself, this time he finally came...
Seven years ago, on Yuanxiang Street, that man's sinister and obscene gaze like a snake made her unable to sleep or eat. At that time, Jing Yatang was awakened by nightmares countless nights. She wanted him to be with her, listen to her talk about this matter, and then comfort her, telling her not to be afraid, he would take care of it.
However, he never showed up. She endured those cold and silent days alone, with no one to share her countless sorrows and pains.
In his heart, she was not even as good as a maid. He cared about his childhood sweetheart He Rongjin and the Shangshu He whom he admired, but never her...
Long-lost memories came flooding back, and she seemed to see once again the lonely, helpless, wronged, and miserable girl who died...
She felt a little regretful. Why did she come to the capital? Even if his mother was sick, wasn't there anyone else who could meet the requirements of Pharmacist Valley?
Why did she come to Tianjing Pavilion? Is fame really that important?
I had clearly forgotten everything, I had clearly warned myself that the girl from back then was already dead...
She stepped out of his arms, turned around and leaned against the carriage, closing her eyes...
Her meaning was very clear. She was unwilling to accept his comfort, his pity and help, and did not need his embrace.
He stared at her blankly. The emptiness in his arms made him unable to believe it. His heart ached, but he was even more confused.
Why is it like this,... She was clearly in his arms before, clearly looking at him with hazy eyes, eyes full of dependence, but why is she like this now...
"Huatang..." He approached her again, trying to hug her, but she pushed him away and said with disgust, "Don't touch me."
Zhao Yan's face changed drastically, turning pale, and he looked at him in disbelief.
He thought they had feelings for each other before. He clearly remembered her lingering affection that night, but now, her actions were clearly telling him that his touch made her feel uncomfortable.
Why? He swallowed the words in his heart, forced himself not to touch her, and tried hard to recall what happened when she was in the Zhao family.
Not long after, the carriage arrived. Yu Huatang opened her eyes and stared at the towering gate through the curtains. The feeling of not belonging here came back again. She looked at it wearily, as if she had traveled through a vague nothingness and had no one to rely on.
He stayed by her side, waiting quietly. Later, as if she had made some decision, she finally pulled herself back from the void, stood up, wiped her tears, and got out of the car.
Zhao Yan stood at the backyard door for a long time until her figure disappeared.
After a long time, he ordered Anfu, "Go and bring the Third Young Master's wife's previous maids. They are named Chu He and Chu Tao."
Anfu said, "...I don't know where they are either."
Zhao Yan returned to his orchid garden to find Chu Yun. Bai Yi had married several years ago, and Chu Yun was in charge of the place. She was the most senior person around him, and she had also married several years ago. She still stayed at the mansion, acting as the housekeeper. He asked, "I remember you were good friends with Chu Tao and the others. Do you remember where the Third Young Master's wife's previous maid went?"
Chu Yun was stunned for a long time when she heard the title of 'Third Young Master's Madam', but finally realized what was happening and said, "Chu Tao has long since left the house and married, and Chu He is currently working as a maid for the Second Young Master's Madam."
Zhao Yan ordered, "Go call her over, I need to talk to her about something."
"Okay, sir, please wait a moment." After a while, Chu Yun brought Chu He over.
Several years of miscellaneous work have made Chu He very busy. Now he looks to be in his thirties and has lost all his former spirit.
Chu He saluted, and Zhao Yan looked at her and asked, "I want to ask about the Third Young Master's wife."
Chu He heard such an old name and said, "Sir, please speak."
Zhao Yan asked, "Does the Third Young Master's wife, in your memory, have you ever met Ouyang Zui? That's the Emperor's uncle."
Chu He thought for a moment and said, "Maybe I've seen her?... I only know that one time, the Third Young Master's wife went out to deliver colorful lanterns and passed by Yuanxiang Street. A woman happened to be thrown out of a carriage... At that time, we were all shocked. Chu Tao even saw the person in the carriage. It seemed to be the prince's uncle. At that time... At that time, the Third Young Master's wife also went to see, but for some reason, she suddenly became very scared and terrified. She told us to leave immediately and rarely went out after that. Even when she needed to deliver something, it was the princess who came to the mansion in person..."
"You mean, she was very scared and the person in the carriage was the emperor's uncle?" Zhao Yan asked.
"Yes."
Zhao Yan said, "Think about it again. Did the Third Young Master's wife talk to the people in the carriage..."
Zhao Yan knew that if they had not met beforehand, Huatang would not be so disgusted with Ouyang Zui today.
Chu He thought for a moment and said, "It seems so. Chu Tao and I were walking in front at the time. The Third Young Master's wife was right next to the carriage. A man got off the carriage, but I didn't notice him at the time. I was looking at the woman on the side of the road... When I turned around, the man had just entered the carriage. The Third Young Master's wife looked very unhappy and urged us to hurry up. After we left, I could still vaguely hear the man say something like, 'You are so beautiful, you can't run away.'"
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