Chapter 38 Chapter 38 His Dragnet
The county lady looked at the sudden silence, her face a little embarrassed. She suppressed her anxious heart and wanted to persuade her son. He was also stunned. She never expected He Anting to be so determined.
He Anting looked at Jing Yao standing aside, scanning her expression. As expected, she was still silent, looking as if she was at the mercy of others.
Although he was anxious, he also knew that it would be difficult to persuade a woman like Jing Yao who only listened to her mother, but he still wanted to try.
"Mrs. He, I want to say a few words to Yaoyao."
He knew her daughter well. She was very obedient and although she was timid, she was clear-headed. She believed that her daughter could understand the meaning of her words.
She tilted her head and asked, "Yaoyao, are you willing?"
Jing Yao nodded.
The two walked to the side hall, and He Anting turned around and looked at her: "Do you have anything to say?"
Jing Yao was puzzled. Didn't he ask her to come? Why was he asking if she had anything to say?
She was at a loss for words, not knowing what to say. He Anting looked at her lowering her head again and said coldly, "Raise your head. You don't feel guilty, so why do you always lower your head?"
Jing Yao was shocked and subconsciously straightened her back and raised her head.
"Do you really want to cancel the engagement?" He stared at her with burning eyes.
"I...it's useless whether I want to or not." She whispered. She had no choice in the first place, and she didn't make the decision about her marriage in the beginning. Is it her turn to make the decision now?
She always listened to He's words. The only time she didn't listen was to save He. She ignored her for three whole months.
Jing Yao really didn't want to recall the feeling of those three months. It was like a bottomless pit without the support, and she felt very anxious.
"Master He, marriage is a serious matter and it is the parents' order. Just as you cannot disobey it, neither can I." Her voice became lower and lower as she spoke.
Didn’t He Anting fulfill the marriage contract because he couldn’t disobey his father’s orders?
He Anting's chest was churning with anger, but he should have thought of it earlier, right?
He took a deep breath, and then tried to reason with her, appealing to her emotions: "On the way back, I told you that the child in your belly is my blood. So, Yaoyao, do you think I would allow him to wander around?"
Jing Yao was speechless, unable to refute for a moment.
"Besides, putting aside the marriage, if we cancel the engagement, Yaoyao will have to return to that mansion with your mother. Your father is heartless, your stepmother is vicious, and your sister is mean. Once you return, you will be criticized by them again, and your mother will also worry about you."
Jing Yao was stunned and stunned by his words.
"What if I promise you that I can help your mother get a divorce?" He Anting threw out his trump card.
At the beginning, Cui used He's to force Jing Yao to become Ye Yunzheng's concubine. Now he was also despicable enough to use this to seduce her, but he had no guilt. This was a good thing that could save his future wife from suffering.
Jing Yao fell into deep thought. When she was young, what she saw most was the fierce quarrels between her mother and father. Her mother was strong and resolute, but weak. Whenever her father came, her mother would get chest pains from anger and vomit blood several times.
She was afraid that her mother would be angry to death, so she often did not dare to tell her mother when she suffered a loss at the hands of Cui. Since she was a child, she listened to whatever her mother said.
The only time was when she couldn't stand it anymore and urged her mother to divorce. Her mother ignored her. Or it was Nanny Yu who said that there was no one left in the lady's family and she would have nowhere to go after the divorce. It would be difficult for a widow with a girl to find a husband in the future.
If they could divorce, Jing Yao's eyes brightened slightly.
"Then I promise you."
My heart finally settled down.
But at the same time, she suddenly realized that He was her only support, and it would be great if she could try to trust herself.
The two of them quickly returned to the main hall. The county lady was quite restless and wished she could cancel the marriage immediately and ask her son to find a noble lady from a wealthy family.
Although He was confident, she felt a little uneasy when she saw He Anting's expression.
Jing Yao walked up to He and said, "Mother, I... am willing to marry him."
He was surprised, her heart sank, and her tone unconsciously became heavier: "Yaoyao, do you know what you are saying?"
Jing Yao didn't dare to look her in the eye. This was the second time she disobeyed her mother. She was a little terrified, but she still managed to speak timidly, "I know, mother."
The county lady above also lost her smile. She wondered what He Anting had said to her, and why did he change the subject so quickly?
He naturally thought so too. She frowned and glanced at He Anting, then turned back and whispered, "Yaoyao, did Lord He threaten you?"
She was sharp-minded and immediately thought whether He Anting would be like Cui Shi in the past. If so, she would definitely not agree.
Jing Yao also understood that her mother had a sharp eye and could not hide anything from her. She gritted her teeth and a light bulb went off in her head: "It's... because of the child."
Everyone was stunned.
Without saying anything more, He Anting whispered a few words into the county lady's ear. The county lady's expression changed from shock to confusion to disbelief, and then she asked, "Really?"
"Absolutely true."
Jing Yao had no choice but to tell He the truth.
He was also shocked, and she knew in her heart that this marriage could not be cancelled.
The county lady knew the truth and felt very complicated. She had not changed much, but she could not stop the girl from entering.
But she still felt very alienated.
Especially since she had previously discussed with her daughter the plan to let her go and keep the child, it was even more difficult for her to face this.
Forget it, offspring are more important than anything else.
Then a marriage break-off turned into an engagement.
The county lady was held up, and could only smile stiffly and promise, "I'll invite a matchmaker tomorrow to move forward with the marriage."
After seeing off the mother and daughter of the He family, the county lady let out a deep breath: "When did you two do this?"
"Since it's already been decided, mother, there's no need to inquire further. Let's first resolve Ah-yu's issue. Ye Yunzheng has been taken back, so the most important thing right now is to get Ah-yu a divorce."
Thinking of her daughter, the county lady's face turned even uglier. "I really misjudged him. He was a student of your father and a brilliant scholar. He was also very obedient to A'ou. How dare he plot against A'ou like this?"
"Neither of you gives me peace of mind."
He Anting said calmly: "Father always said that family background is not important, so why should mother care? My son has already achieved no advancement, so whether my wife adds icing on the cake or not will not affect anything."
The county lady was annoyed and got up to go to the Lingyun Marquis's mansion to deal with her daughter's problem.
Jing Yao accompanied her mother back home. Along the way, He's eyes were burning and her face was cold. Jing Yao was very flustered. Her first reaction was to admit her mistake: "Mom, I was wrong."
"What's wrong with that?" He asked back.
Jing Yao was speechless. He was distressed about her daughter's difficult marriage and also angry that she didn't tell her about such a big thing.
"Don't hide anything from me, what's going on."
Jing Yao had no choice but to explain the whole cause and effect honestly. He's heart was immediately in distress, and she understood why He Anting would not let him go.
Mrs. He couldn't help but shed tears, blaming herself for not living up to her expectations. It was all her fault that her daughter almost followed her path.
"Mom, don't cry." Jing Yao carefully wiped her tears and buried her head quietly in her neck.
When the two returned to the Jing Mansion, Jing Xunyuan and his wife came over to greet them in a pretentious manner and tentatively asked about the marriage. When they learned that there was no impact, they were delighted.
Yun Qiao looked at her whole and healthy master and cried with joy.
Jing Ran's face fell in pain, and he felt very upset.
After Cui and Jing Xunyuan left, Jing Ran said sarcastically, "I didn't expect that Lord He wouldn't despise a destitute like you."
Jing Yao's heart paused, and she turned around to look at her. Jing Ran, who probably understood her temperament, sneered, "What? Are you anxious because you've been hit in the heart?"
"Ouch, my stomach hurts." Jing Yao suddenly bent over.
Yun Qiao understood: "Oh, young lady, are you okay? Go get a doctor right away. Second young lady, it's ok for you to take care of the young lady normally, but why did you harm her?"
Jing Ran's expression changed: "What nonsense are you talking about?"
"I see that you are speaking ill of us and wish to make our girl miscarry. I must ask the master to come and judge the matter."
Jing Xunyuan was a man of the times. Jing Ran's face turned pale and he was frightened. "I, I apologize."
After saying that, he ran away quickly.
Jing Yao stood up straight and walked into the house with a nonchalant look on her face.
Before the engagement ceremony, He Anting sent Qing Wu to the Jing Mansion to explain the reason to He Jingyao alone.
"The master said that the eldest daughter of the Jing Mansion has been summoned by Guang Erzhi to become a concubine of the Bo Mansion. In order to prevent the girl from being slandered, the master wants to ask this subordinate to discuss with the lady whether it is possible to divorce Master Jing."
Even Jing Yao didn't expect Qing Wu to say this. They couldn't say it so quickly, right?
However, the reason he found was very good and there was no flaw at all.
The surprise in her eyes had not yet faded when He turned to look at her. Jing Yao followed suit and asked, "Mother, do you want a divorce?"
Divorce? He had thought about this, but her dowry had been almost completely wasted, and she was in poor health and could not support herself and her daughter.
Qing Wu said appropriately, "The master said that if you are willing, he will help you get your dowry back and sever ties with the Jing family completely. In the future, the girl will follow her mother's instincts. Why is Jing Yao so secretive? She can hide it from outsiders."
He said without hesitation: "Yes."
…
It was late at night when Jing Xunyuan returned from outside the mansion. He reeked of alcohol and was in a daze. The steward supported him and hesitated to speak, "Master, please go and take a look."
Jing Xunyuan looked towards the brightly lit main hall with a flushed face. His two wives were sitting opposite each other on the armchairs on both sides.
Next to He were Jing Yao and Qing Wu, and next to Cui were her two children.
Cui said with a forced smile: "Let's sit down and discuss it properly. The wedding is coming soon, why make it awkward?"
He said calmly: "You don't need to tell me anymore, it has nothing to do with you."
Jing Ran muttered, "Isn't it because my daughter has climbed up the social ladder and is eager to abandon her father's family? She is so ungrateful. Why should I bother trying to persuade her, mother?"
Qing Wu smiled faintly and warned, "Young lady, please watch your mouth."
Jing Ran fell silent immediately.
Jing Xunyuan entered the house and asked: "What are you doing? Why aren't you sleeping so late at night?"
Qing Wu directly took the written divorce agreement and placed it in front of Jing Xunyuan: "Master Jing, our master said that for the sake of her future mistress's identity, she can no longer have any connection with the past. Being a concubine will damage the reputation of the future mistress of the He family. I think Master Jing, as a father who loves his daughter dearly, would not want to see this happen."
Jing Xunyuan replied dazedly: "Of course, Yaoyao is my first daughter, how could I not love her."
Qing Wu smiled faintly: "Well, Lord Jing, please sign this divorce letter, let Madam He go, and sever the relationship between the future mistress and the Jing Mansion."
"What?" Jing Xunyuan sobered up and saw the paper he handed over. His face changed. "Divorce? I don't want a divorce."
"You and I lost our feelings for each other more than ten years ago. Divorce will not affect your life with Cui and your two children." He said lightly.
"Qiuniang, what are you talking about? In my heart, you have always been my wife, and Yaoyao is my daughter. I know you have resented me for so many years. Give me a chance and ask me to make it up to you and your mother."
He vomited whenever she saw his face.
"If you really think Yaoyao is your daughter and you really want to do good for her, then you should divorce her. If you and your wife hadn't been in collusion, why would Yaoyao become someone else's concubine? You two are so evil-hearted and rotten-hearted. How can you not divorce her? You're dreaming."
Jing Xunyuan was a little annoyed, but he dared not say anything when it came to Qing Wu.
In short, no matter how long I talked, he just refused to sign the divorce papers.
Seeing that it was already late at night, Jing Yao said, "Mom, don't bother with them anymore. Let's go get some rest first."
Qing Wu said promptly, "The master has already rented a house in Pear Lane in the name of Madam He. It has two entrances. You two can move in there."
Jing Yao didn't expect that he had even considered this, and she wanted to hug his thigh to express her gratitude. Jing Xunyuan's face froze, and he became anxious. He wanted to stop him but couldn't stop him at all.
I just watched the mother and daughter leave.
Jing Ran was unconvinced: "If they want to leave, then let them go. They will definitely come back and beg us to take them in later."
Jing Xunyuan glared at her: "What do you know? As long as that girl Jing Yao is here, I am the father-in-law of Lord He. If he follows that bitch, I will definitely not be able to compare with my mother-in-law."
Jing Yao and her mother arrived at the house. Everything was well-maintained inside and out, even with servants, but it was not extravagant. Everything was within He's acceptable range.
She didn't want to accept too much from He Anting, as it would make her feel uneasy.
On the way here, she also earnestly advised her daughter that it was not easy to be the mistress of a wealthy family, and she refused the marriage because she thought Jing Yao was not qualified.
"I know your brain, stupid. If I wasn't too weak to discipline you, I would have exposed all those little tricks you played when you were a kid."
Jing Yao was embarrassed. Why were they bringing up the past again?
How could she be that stupid? Well, a little, for many reasons. For example, she was more like Jing Xunyuan. Another reason was that she started to learn late and learned less. Another reason was that she was bullied by Jing Ran too much and she didn't dare to resist.
"Lord He insisted on marrying you, all for his promise and the child you're carrying. Yaoyao, don't ask for too much. Just remember to be generous, diligent, and steady, and especially not jealous."
She has always experienced more than Jing Yao: "The most important thing is to live a peaceful life. Don't expect a man's love."
"I understand." She always took her mother's words as her guiding principle.
The two entered the yard. Before Jing Yao could fade her smile, she saw a tall and cold figure in the yard.
"Master He."
"Madam He, if you have any dissatisfaction, please tell Qingwu." In addition to agreeing to Jing Yao's divorce, he also had his own little thoughts when bringing the mother and daughter here.
The wedding date is approaching and he doesn't want to make any mistakes.
So the seemingly small and ordinary house hides the web of control he has laid out.
The key is that this place is very close to the Walking Division, which makes him feel more at ease.
He Anting has always liked to control everything, and people are no exception.
Jing Yao didn't know what he was thinking, but she still looked grateful. Madam He sensed something and took the initiative to say, "Brother Qingwu, please take me to see the backyard."
Suddenly, there were only two people left in the front yard. She walked closer, lifting her skirt, "Master He, thank you."
He Anting glanced at her: "Just a thank you?"
"Of course not. You are handsome, majestic, and wise." She forced a flattery on her timid face, which made He Anting laugh.
Of course it is very useful.
It's better than being cowardly and avoiding things before.
"It's not enough to just talk about it."
Jing Yao was bewildered: "What else?"
"You didn't finish copying the book last time, so the punishment has to be fulfilled, so let's add this thank you."
Jing Yao thought for a while before her face flushed red. She remembered what He Anting was talking about. The punishment was Mr. Jiao.
"Not now, otherwise, otherwise on the wedding night..." She stopped talking, feeling that this matter was really embarrassing.
"It's a deal." He Anting raised the corners of his lips slightly.
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