Chapter Seventy-Four: A Heart Full of Twists and Turns
She has always felt guilty about her sister marrying Shen Yinchang in her place.
She was unable to go back to see her father even after he passed away.
Now that her niece was leaving again, Aunt Su couldn't control her emotions and tears streamed down her face.
Seeing this, Shen Qingnian took out a handkerchief and wiped away Aunt Su's tears.
"Aunt, don't be sad, there will be other opportunities to meet in the future."
Shen Qingnian noticed the bruises on Aunt Su's wrist again. She sighed inwardly and said with a hint of heartache, "Aunt, please don't let anyone bully you again."
She couldn't help Aunt Su much, so she could only hope in her heart that Aunt Su could be brave and stop being tormented by Madam Lin.
"Hmm." Aunt Su nodded, then, remembering something, asked Shen Qingnian, "Nian'er, when do you plan to leave?"
"Today," Shen Qingnian blurted out without hesitation.
"Why the rush?" Aunt Su asked, somewhat puzzled.
If Shen Qingnian hadn't remained so calm, Aunt Su would have suspected that she had encountered some trouble and needed to flee home immediately.
"I've been away from home for two months, and I really miss my mother. I want to go back and see her as soon as possible," Shen Qingnian had already prepared her explanation.
"The eldest son is taking a concubine tomorrow. You can stay for the wedding banquet before you leave. There's no need to rush." Aunt Su was still worried and had many more things she wanted to tell Shen Qingnian.
"Don't worry, Aunt. I have prepared the congratulatory gift for the young master. It will not be lacking in etiquette."
I wonder what kind of expression Xie Yanzhi will have when he returns tomorrow and sees her congratulatory gift.
To avoid causing Aunt Su further distress, Shen Qingnian told her not to see her off.
Afterwards, Shen Qingnian went to Wenxin Hall again. She was leaving the Jingnan Marquis's residence and wanted to inform the old lady.
The old lady looked at Shen Qingnian, who was dressed in a moon-white long dress, with her long, ink-black hair tied up with only a ribbon and without a single pearl or jade ornament on her head, yet she was breathtakingly beautiful.
She couldn't help but sigh inwardly; only two months had passed, and this little girl had grown so much.
Such beauty would be dazzling even in the capital.
Such a beautiful girl failed to catch Yan Ge'er's eye.
I wonder what kind of stunning appearance the concubine he's going to take today will have.
The old lady is now becoming increasingly curious about the person Xie Yan wants to marry.
Shen Qingnian curtsied and said, "Thank you very much for your care these past few days, Madam. I am deeply grateful."
The old lady smiled and nodded, then said, "Yan-ge'er is taking a concubine tomorrow. You can stay and drink the wedding wine before you leave."
Shen Qingnian knew that the old lady was just being polite, and she could just make up any excuse to get by.
She replied softly, "I originally wanted to stay and see my cousin's new concubine as well."
"But I must set off today so that I can make it in time for my mother's birthday."
Shen Qingnian paused for a moment, then said, "I have prepared a congratulatory gift for my cousin's marriage, and I hope he will not find it offensive."
There was no reason for a bride to marry into her husband's family, so Xie Yanzhi found a courtyard for Shen Qingnian outside the mansion.
According to Xie Yanzhi's arrangement, she had to go there today to await her marriage.
Besides, Yuan Qing is going to set up Qian Yue Residence this afternoon.
If she had left earlier, no one would have suspected that Xie Yanzhi was planning to take her as a concubine.
Therefore, she must let them all know today that she has left the mansion and returned to her hometown.
Seeing Shen Qingnian's decisive refusal, the old lady exchanged a glance with Liu Momo beside her.
Liu Momo pouted and gave Shen Qingnian a disdainful look, saying that she had to rush home to celebrate her mother's birthday.
It's clear that this young lady wanted to marry into the family of the eldest young master but failed.
Seeing that he was about to take another woman as a concubine, she felt embarrassed and had no choice but to find an excuse to run home first, so as not to lose face!
She was an old hand in this household, and knew exactly how many young ladies had come and gone. She was very familiar with all the intricacies of the place.
The woman in front of me is the most outstanding among all the young ladies. Apart from her family background being rather unimpressive, her appearance and figure are first-rate, and her manners are impeccable.
Her mother-in-law originally had high hopes for this cousin.
The old lady knew that the eldest son would take care of this cousin from time to time, but she never stopped him.
She thought she could get into the young master's bed, but in the end she still failed to win him over.
She pouted again, thinking to herself, "So what if she's pretty? She's still useless!"
The old lady glanced at Shen Qingnian again and saw her standing there, neither humble nor arrogant, which made her feel more favorably toward her.
Being able to recognize the situation and give up when you can't get what you want, instead of stubbornly staying and becoming a nuisance, shows decisiveness.
The old lady, with an air of knowing better but saying nothing, said gently, "It's rare to see someone so filial, so this old woman won't force you to stay."
Seeing that Shen Qingnian was so sensible, the old lady instructed Liu Momo to give her some loose silver.
Shen Qingnian then bid farewell to the old lady, left the Wenxin Hall, and headed towards the main gate.
Yuan Qing had already prepared a carriage and was waiting at the door.
Ling'er also brought their bundles to the carriage.
Shen Qingnian got into the carriage, lifted a corner of the curtain, and looked at the Jingnan Marquis's residence.
My mind was racing.
The gilded characters on the plaque in front of the mansion still looked as grand and bright as ever.
The two towering stone lions at the entrance still stared down at the passersby with their large eyes, upholding the majesty of the Marquis's mansion.
When she first arrived, she was travel-worn and disheveled, seeking only shelter.
Now that she is leaving, she feels free and relieved.
Without the slightest reluctance, Shen Qingnian lowered the curtain and ordered, "Let's go."
The carriage soon came to a stop in the courtyard.
Shen Qingnian only saw two guards standing at the door after she got out of the car.
Two more maids and a matchmaker appeared in the room.
And she soon discovered that she and Ling'er could not freely enter or leave the courtyard.
Originally, Shen Qingnian thought that since Xie Yanzhi was not here, she would find a way to leave the capital with Ling'er today.
But in the current situation, it's clear that Xie Yanzhi has hired someone to watch over her, fearing she might run away from the wedding.
Shen Qingnian couldn't help but feel a little sarcastic. So Xie Yanzhi knew that she didn't want to be his concubine.
"Is the young master treating me like a prisoner?" Shen Qingnian asked, dissatisfied.
Seeing the displeasure on Shen Qingnian's face, Yuan Qing stepped forward and said, "I'm only thinking about your safety."
"Just let me know if you need anything else."
He had no choice; his master was not in the capital, so he had to keep a close eye on Miss Qing.
If he gets lost, I might just chop him up with my sword!
Shen Qingnian knew that Yuan Qing was just following orders, so she said calmly, "Go back, I don't need anything."
Yuan Qing dared not leave. He immediately said, "I will stay in this courtyard to protect you and Lingjiao. Miss Qing can just wait to be married."
He just needed to keep an eye on people in the yard to feel at ease.
If you want to watch, then watch!
Shen Qingnian ignored him.
Anyway, she can't leave now, so tomorrow she'll have to be carried out of this courtyard in a bridal sedan chair!
She now only hopes that Gu Lingyu's side can have more manpower.
In the shadows outside the courtyard, a pair of eyes, having discerned the situation, turned and disappeared into the darkness.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
