Shu Yao laughed and cried at the same time. A warm current slowly flowed into her heart, which had been cold for many days. In the end, good causes yielded good results. With Chunlu's assistance, their chances of leaving the Huo mansion would increase by more than half.
"Young Madam." Chunlu got up and sat on the edge of the bed, hugging Shuyao tightly, startled by her appearance. Shuyao also gripped Chunlu's hand tightly, as if clinging to a lifeline in a turbulent sea.
"Chunlu, I'm leaving! After taking this medicine from Doctor He, my strength has recovered, and I need to leave immediately."
Chunlu was not surprised by the young mistress's idea at all, and nodded solemnly, "This servant understands. I will take care of everything after the young mistress leaves in the next few days."
Her strength lies in concealment. Her master taught her many techniques for evading enemy pursuit and escaping danger. This time, she must ensure absolute success. Once she leaves, she cannot allow the master to easily find the lady. However, it is too difficult to deceive the master, so she needs to make many preparations. In particular, there are eyes and ears everywhere in the mansion, and the slightest carelessness could lead to failure.
After that day, Shu Yao, under the pretext of recuperating, gradually transferred all the affairs of the mansion, big and small, to several old nannies, as well as Huo Jingsha's fields, deeds, and shops outside, and handed them all over to the head steward in a list.
Whenever she had a chance, she would hug Xiaobao, regardless of whether he could understand or not. With tears in her eyes, she would repeat to him again and again... "Don't doubt your parents' love for you. Even though your parents are separated, their love for you will not diminish. In a few years, your father will have another child, which will distract him. Perhaps then, you and your son will be able to see each other occasionally. I will work hard to live a good life outside, and Xiaobao must also work hard to grow into a strong and upright man. At that time, you and your son will never be separated again..."
Shu Yao even went out of the mansion twice with Xu Chang, buying Xiao Bao a lot of food, clothes, and other necessities, as well as some novel little trinkets as toys.
She no longer maintained a blank expression all day long. Occasionally, she would listen to the advice of the old women, summon Luo Wenpei, and follow their wishes to demonstrate the demeanor of a principal wife.
She ate diligently and never missed a single dose of herbal medicine. When Huo Jingsha talked to her about matters of the court, she would also offer some responses.
Everything seemed to be moving in a positive direction, putting Huo Jingsha at ease. He thought that Yao'er had finally come to her senses and was finally willing to compromise on what she considered an imperfect marriage for the sake of their relationship. But that was only what she perceived as imperfect; his feelings for her had never changed.
The entire Huo family celebrated the New Year in high spirits. From the first to the fifteenth of the lunar month, in addition to visiting the residences of several high-ranking officials, Huo Jingsha also accompanied Shu Yao to a temple fair. The two of them wrote amulets for Xiao Bao, ate a vegetarian meal, and offered incense that was said to bring peace and good fortune to the family for the year.
On the way back, Huo Jingsha took out the amulet that Shu Yao had given him from his inner pocket as if it were a treasure, and hugged her, saying, "Do you remember? It once saved my life. Yao'er is truly my lucky star."
You Shuyao smiled and said, "How could I not remember? There was a time when you almost lost your life because of me, but... it's better not to wear it anymore, it's all worn out. In a few days, I'll come with Sister Wenpei and ask her to get one for you, and then you'll have another lucky star."
Her words were neither humble nor arrogant, and they were sincere, without any hint of jealousy or sarcasm, yet they still made Huo Jingsha stiffen.
He wanted to explode with anger, to ask her why she would so calmly bring up another woman at such a warm moment. But today was a rare occasion for them to be out together; they should be happy and joyful. Besides, it was he who had advised her to be tolerant of Aunt Pei. So… he suppressed his anger, didn't respond, and instead chose to stop the conversation, shamelessly hugging and nuzzling her.
"Good Yao'er, Doctor He said your health is fine now. I've been so bored lately. Let's prepare to have a little sister for Xiao Bao tonight, okay? I asked him yesterday, and he said it's the perfect time to get pregnant, and it won't be too hot during postpartum confinement."
Shu Yao didn't answer yes or no, she just buried her head in his arms. Huo Jingsha thought she was shy, and thought his little wife was so cute, she was already a mother of one, yet she was still shy all the time.
Upon returning to the manor, Yue Ping reported that the Emperor had secretly summoned him to the Commandery to interrogate a prisoner overnight. This prisoner was no ordinary person; he was an old eunuch serving the Emperor, who had reportedly been bribed by a concubine to sell her a lot of information. Therefore, the Emperor had to interrogate him personally.
What utter nonsense is this? Huo Jingsha glanced at Shu Yao reluctantly; it seemed their plans for tonight were off. Shu Yao, on the other hand, was overjoyed, settling comfortably on her chaise lounge and giving Chunlu a wink.
A moment later, Luo Wenpei gracefully entered the main hall of Biyue Residence, bowing slightly to Huo Jingsha as if she were changing into official robes. Shu Yao smiled faintly. She, the principal wife, was sitting there, yet Luo Wenpei pretended not to see her, only bowing to Huo Jingsha. Sigh! Who would believe she could be so well-behaved?
Huo Jingsha was clearly taken aback when she saw her and asked in surprise, "Why are you here?"
When questioned, she finally remembered to look at Shu Yao with pitiful eyes, hoping she could help her out of the predicament. But Shu Yao deliberately delayed responding. She only remembered her when she was in trouble, so why should she immediately help her out? Dream on!
Just when it seemed that Luo Wenpei was about to burst into tears under Huo Jingsha's sharp gaze, Shu Yao spoke slowly, "Ah... I sent her. Doctor He said that Wenpei's health has recovered better than mine. Today, the master was ordered to go to the department on business. I thought I'd let her accompany you so she can take care of you and not be cold in bed at night."
Huo Jingsha hadn't expected her to make such an arrangement. Upon hearing this, she narrowed her eyes and her aura seemed to drop several degrees. After taking a few deep breaths, she gritted her teeth and said, "I think it's unnecessary. Firstly, it's freezing cold outside, and secondly, the conditions in the office are poor. Aunt Pei has just recovered from a serious illness, so there's no need to go through all that trouble."
"Jing Sha, I...I'm fine, I've recovered long ago," Luo Wenpei said shyly, her face flushing like a peach blossom as she spoke. Even Shu Yao couldn't help but sigh, she was truly beautiful and charming.
Huo Jingsha glanced at Luo Wenpei in front of her, then at Shu Yao sitting in a chair watching the show, and understood everything. She was still too green to compete with him in calmness and scheming.
After a moment, he composed himself, straightening the cuffs of his official robes as he sat down next to You Shuyao. "Aunt Pei, you're new to the manor, so there are some things you might not understand. In this manor, I am the most powerful, and the second most powerful is the Madam. I have never liked anyone going against my decisions. You should really learn from the Madam in this regard. Whatever I say, she always obeys and never argues. For example, if I didn't want you to come with me today, you shouldn't have voiced your opinion. Do you understand?"
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