Some say that Lu's mother couldn't stand the loneliness and took the initiative to seduce the county magistrate.
Some say Wang Huai'an abused his power and forced Lu's mother into prostitution; others add fuel to the fire, saying the two had been having an affair for a long time but had never been discovered.
When Lu's mother left, everyone pointed at her and said some very offensive things.
Wherever she went, people gossiped behind her back. She couldn't bear the humiliation any longer and completely broke down, locking herself in her house all day, afraid to go out and see anyone.
A few days later, Liang Wanwan sent someone to deliver an invitation to Shen Qingtang, asking her to meet her at a pavilion outside the city.
Shen Qingtang brought Pei Nian'an to the appointment.
As soon as they arrived at the pavilion, Liang Wanwan greeted them with a smile, her gaze falling on Pei Nian'an. She feigned surprise and said, "Qingtang, this child is so cute. She looks just like you, especially her eyes, they're practically identical."
Upon hearing the praise, Pei Nian'an's face instantly turned red. She shyly hid behind Shen Qingtang, secretly watching Liang Wanwan.
Shen Qingtang patted Pei Nian'an's head and said with a smile, "Yes."
"So cute." Liang Wanwan smiled, pulled Shen Qingtang to sit down on the stone bench, and began to recall their past. "Qingtang, do you remember how hard my life was when I was in the Cold Palace? You were always there for me, bringing me food and teaching me to read... If it weren't for you, I really don't know if I could have made it through."
Shen Qingtang picked up the teacup on the table, took a small sip, and said in a calm tone, "Of course I remember. It really wasn't easy for you back then in the Cold Palace. But now things are much better; you've become Father Emperor's most beloved Ninth Princess. You're truly amazing."
Liang Wanwan's smile froze for a moment, and a hint of unease flashed in her eyes.
But she quickly returned to normal: "It's all thanks to you. If it weren't for your help back then, I wouldn't be where I am today."
Just then, Pei Wuwang arrived. He saw Liang Wanwan, his eyes showing no emotion, but he walked to Shen Qingtang's side and asked in a low voice:
Why aren't we going back yet? Nian'an must be hungry.
Liang Wanwan looked at Pei Wuwang with a gentle smile on her face, but there was no warmth in her eyes.
She clearly disliked Pei Wuwang, but she didn't show it. Instead, she said politely, "Lord Pei is here too. What a coincidence."
Pei Wuwang simply nodded.
He didn't speak.
After chatting for a few more minutes, Pei Wuwang said he was going to take Pei Nian'an to buy some snacks and then left.
After Pei Wuwang left, Liang Wanwan watched his retreating figure, then turned to Shen Qingtang and said, "Qingtang, to be honest, I think you and Lord Pei are a perfect match. He's so good to you and so capable; you two will definitely be very happy together."
She paused, then feigned concern and said, "However, I never expected Lord Pei to have a child. Nian'an is adorable, but he's not his biological son. If you're with him in the future, will... will there be any distance between you?"
Before Shen Qingtang could speak, Pei Nian'an, who had been hiding behind Shen Qingtang, suddenly peeked out and said in a childish voice, "No way! I think Auntie and Daddy are a perfect match! Daddy is so good to me, just like my own father!"
Shen Qingtang and Liang Wanwan were both stunned.
Shen Qingtang looked at Pei Nian'an, a warm feeling welling up inside her. She patted Pei Nian'an's head and said with a smile, "
You little rascal, you're so young but so wise! Do you even know what a good match is?
Pei Nian'an nodded vigorously: "I know! A good match is like Daddy and Auntie, they're always together and seem very happy!"
Liang Wanwan watched this scene with a somewhat unnatural smile on her face, while she was secretly plotting something in her heart.
The weather is getting weirder and weirder. Just a few days ago it was so cold that I needed to wear a down jacket.
Spring arrived overnight, and the heat made everyone want to wear only a light shirt.
Shen Qingtang stood at the entrance of the inn, feeling a vague unease about the unusual weather.
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