“Yes, Mother,” Zhao Qingyan whispered.
Pei Zhao, standing to the side, lowered his eyes.
Princess Zhennan knew he was unhappy, so she told him to treat Zhao Qingyan well before letting her go.
Zhao Qingyan watched her husband stride away, her delicate brows furrowing.
“Qingyan, it’s an indisputable fact that Song Yao has entered the family. I know Zhao’er; he’s always been compassionate towards the weak. If he doesn’t go today, he will go sooner or later. You need to find a way to win Zhao’er’s heart. As for Song Yao, she’s nothing but a shameless, scheming, and low-class concubine’s daughter. I don’t even care about her.” Princess Zhennan pulled Zhao Qingyan and continued to persuade her, “The most important thing now is to give birth to the eldest legitimate son as soon as possible.”
Before her marriage, Madam Tan repeatedly reminded Zhao Qingyan to be obedient and listen to the Princess of Zhennan, otherwise making a fuss would do her no good.
Zhao Qingyan nodded obediently: "Qingyan will remember Mother's words."
…
Pei Zhao, who hadn't appeared all night, indeed came to visit Song Yao. From afar, he saw Song Yao sitting on the veranda, lost in thought.
Seeing this, Pei Zhao felt a little uncomfortable and stepped forward: "Yao Yao".
Song Yao turned around abruptly, looking at the person who had just arrived with surprise: "Brother Zhao!"
He moved forward and sat down in the opposite seat. He looked around the courtyard and realized that his mother had made Song Yao live in Qingqiu Courtyard because she was angry about Song Yao's forced marriage.
"I'm sorry to have troubled you."
Song Yao shook her head: "No, I'm not wronged."
As soon as he finished speaking, a servant hurriedly entered and handed Pei Zhao a sachet. Pei Zhao took it curiously and opened it to find several handkerchiefs inside.
Song Yao recognized the handkerchief as hers at a glance.
"What is this?" Pei Zhao asked.
The servant stammered and looked at Song Yao: "This was sent by the Second Young Master Han. He said it was to be returned to its rightful owner and that he wished the lady many children and grandchildren."
Upon hearing this, Song Yao was so angry she almost fainted. She retorted, "Nonsense! When have I ever given that scoundrel a handkerchief?"
Pei Zhao looked at the character "Yao" embroidered on the bottom of the handkerchief. He had seen Song Yao carry this handkerchief before. Today, when Han Feng returned it, Pei Zhao couldn't help but think of the scene at the Shen family that day, when Song Yao was hanging disheveled on Han Feng.
The heartache and pity in Pei Zhao's eyes faded away.
He handed the handkerchief to Song Yao: "I have other things to do, I'll come to visit you again in a couple of days."
"Brother Zhao!" Song Yao grabbed Pei Zhao, her eyes brimming with tears. "I've been framed. Don't you know how much we've been together all these years?"
Pei Zhao might have been soft-hearted in the past, but after learning how Song Yao bullied Song Yue in the Duke of Jingguo's mansion, he felt disgusted.
That handkerchief was even more glaring.
He brushed Song Yao's hand away, his tone still gentle: "You should rest well. If you need anything, just tell the maid."
After saying that, he left without looking back.
"Brother Zhao!"
No matter how much Song Yao called out to him, he didn't even turn his head.
Enraged, Song Yao slapped the messenger and tore his handkerchief to shreds, demanding, "Who is behind this?!"
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