Before he could finish speaking, Meng Dashan and Xu Yunrong's expressions changed. They were from small towns and thought it was just idle gossip. They figured they could just confront them like they did in town. But now, after hearing what he said, it seemed that the capital was not like Qingshi County, where one could do whatever they wanted.
Meng Zhao had been controlling her emotions, worried that she might say something hurtful. After all, she was already very lucky to have such devoted parents, and she really didn't want to go against their wishes and make them unhappy. But seeing Shen Qing take the initiative to take responsibility, she felt a little relieved.
So he continued, "That's right, Father and Mother. Qinghe is currently highly valued by His Majesty, and many people are secretly envious, just waiting to find something to criticize him for. We can't give them any ammunition to use against us."
Meng Dashan and Xu Yunrong didn't understand the ways of officialdom, but seeing that the two of them said the same thing, they really couldn't argue with them. Xu Yunrong complained, "What kind of thing is this? It's our own business, and we have to look at other people's opinions about our own business."
Meng Dashan also glared at Shen Qinghe openly, "Since you can't marry our Zhaozhao, why did you climb over our wall? Look at the mess you've made."
Shen Qinghe dragged his injured leg to his feet, enduring the stinging pain in his ankle, and solemnly lifted the corner of his robe and knelt down. "Please rest assured, both of you. Even if we two may not be able to be husband and wife, I, Shen Qinghe, still swear here that I will never marry or take concubines in this life, and will only be devoted to A Zhao. I hope you will grant my request."
Meng Dashan and Xu Yunrong looked at their daughter at the same time. Seeing her looking at Shen Qinghe's injured foot, they knew that their daughter was distressed. Xu Yunrong finally sighed and said, "Let's talk things out. Why are you kneeling? It's as if we are deliberately making things difficult for you."
Although he did not explicitly agree, his attitude spoke volumes, and Shen Qinghe's eyes immediately lit up with joy. "Thank you both for your kindness."
Meng Zhao helped the man up and gave him a wink, "Since you're injured, you should go back and rest."
Shen Qing and the other two bowed respectfully and took their leave. Meng Dashan snorted and turned his face away. Xu Yunrong only gave a faint "hmm". Before leaving, he turned back to Meng Zhao with a wronged expression, clearly saying: I'll take the blame for this. You'd better put in a good word for me.
Meng Zhao naturally knew that after seeing the person off, she returned to the main hall, took her parents' arms, and said, "Father, Mother, I think, I think, is just fine as it is for now."
"What's so good about it! Climbing over walls and breaking into houses, what kind of talk will people have if word gets out?" Xu Yunrong said discontentedly.
Meng Zhao pouted, revealing a rare hint of girlishness: "Isn't that because of the special circumstances? Now that we've talked it out, we won't flip through it anymore."
Meng Dashan frowned. "Daughter, let me tell you, a man's words are the most unreliable. If you don't strike while the iron is hot and keep him on your side, what if he changes his mind one day?"
"If she changes her mind, so be it. I'll just find someone better. You two don't need to worry about it. Your daughter knows what she's doing."
Seeing her like this, the two felt both heartache and helplessness, but could only go along with her: "Never mind, as long as you're happy."
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