Chapter 20 (Three-in-One): Pretending to Forgive Ah Shao...
A single, seemingly casual remark carried immense weight. As the words fell, a gust of wind swept through the courtyard, swirling fallen petals into the air. Shanhe remained kneeling before Liang Ye, her wispy hair swaying gently in the breeze, her slender back ramrod straight. The same gust of wind swept past Shanhe, then nestled into Liang Ye's arms, extinguishing the complex emotions he held dear.
Liang Ye abruptly stood up, walked to Shan He's side, and looked down at her. His face was grim, devoid of his usual gentleness, only a thick, unyielding gloom remained.
Shanhe thought that he disagreed with the divorce, so she quickly spoke up and said, "Brother, I know that the palace examination is in a month. If I divorce A-Shao, it will be more beneficial to your career."
He smiled slowly: "So, Shanhe's divorce was partly for my sake?" Liang Ye reached out and offered his wrist bone to Shanhe, gesturing for Shanhe to help him up, saying, "Get up."
Shanhe dared not act rashly. She gathered her skirts, rose, took a half-step back, and bowed her head respectfully, saying, "It is for the sake of the Liang family. My father and I have both received kindness from the Liang family, so we dare not fail to think things through. If someone with ulterior motives were to dig up that case from back then, drag it out and embellish my background, I would already be punished and not be afraid of losing anything. However, my elder brother has gone through so much to get to where he is today. If I were to implicate him and, in turn, tarnish the Liang family's long-standing reputation, I would feel truly guilty. Even if my father knew, he would blame me."
These words truly touched Liang Ye's heart. After ten years of hard study, nothing was more important than his future. His grandfather had wanted Liang Shao to marry Shan He, a decision he had initially opposed. But Old Master Liang was a man of great integrity and kept his promises, saying it was a debt owed to the Xue family, a promise owed to Xue Yin, which had to be repaid and kept. Liang Ye had no choice but to remain silent, coldly watching the bridal sedan chair being carried into the Shuyu Pavilion. Liang Ye pondered, "Then how can Shan He help you?"
Shanhe heard that the other party seemed to be softening, so he suddenly looked up, stared intently, and said, "I only ask that you persuade Shao for me."
"Foolish." Liang Ye chuckled: "With my stubborn nature, if I could persuade you, you would have been the real Second Madam Liang by now, and you wouldn't be begging me today."
Shanhe followed up, saying earnestly, "But Ah Shao will definitely listen to what his elder brother says."
Liang Ye was stunned, his heart softening slightly. He turned around, took a sip of tea, and asked her one last time, "Shanhe, are you... really sure about this?"
"Mm." Shanhe nodded.
“You,” Liang Ye unconsciously gritted his teeth, “are you sure you want me to help you?”
Shanhe quickly bowed and said respectfully, "Please help me, elder brother."
In an instant, it seemed as if glass had shattered, and Liang Ye's heart sank again and again, thinking: Xue Shanhe, this time you came to me of your own accord.
“Then treat him well these days.” Liang Ye put down his teacup, his fingertips gripping the cup, his knuckles turning white. “Live a good life with Ah Shao.”
Shanhe asked, puzzled, "Brother, I want to divorce Ah Shao..."
Liang Ye turned to face her, his deep eyes fixed on Shan He: "Leave it to me. Just treat him as usual and let him slowly forget about the divorce. I will help you leave the Liang family."
Shanhe paused, then asked in a hoarse voice, "Does Big Brother mean to lie to him?"
"Yes." Liang Ye lowered his eyes, watching the few tea leaves on the tea soup sway gently. "Let Shao relax his guard, so you can leave smoothly."
Shanhe choked up. Last night, she had considered lying, but she still hoped that her divorce from A-Shao would be amicable and smooth. He had been resentful when they got married, so did they have to be so undignified after the separation? Shanhe slowly lowered her head, and Liang Shao's actions from yesterday floated before her eyes again, and her heart immediately turned cold again.
"Then, what about the divorce papers?"
Liang Ye raised an eyebrow: "I've already written the divorce papers for you. You can coax him into drinking a few sips of wine and getting him to sign them, and that'll be fine."
"He's used to partying and having fun, and he can hold his liquor so well, how could I possibly get him drunk..."
Liang Ye smiled and said, "Don't worry, Shanhe. I will help you. You will get what you want in half a month at most."
Shanhe looked up in a daze, her gaze meeting Liang Ye's deep eyes. Liang Ye's expression was as relaxed as ever, but there was no hint of a smile on his face, making it impossible to read his thoughts.
After Shanhe left, Liang Ye pondered the recent events. He soon strolled to his desk and happened to catch a glimpse of the letter that should have been addressed to Mr. Ouyang. The name of Su Xizhao, the daughter of the Minister, was still clearly written on it, and Mr. Ouyang's words unconsciously echoed in his ears again. He was destined for high office. This was his ambition, and also the expectation of his grandfather and the old Mr. Ouyang. Even A Shao thought the same way, and even made such a great sacrifice for his ambition. Therefore, he could not let himself down, and even more so, he could not let them down.
Based on this alone, Shanhe's initiative to divorce was indeed a wise move. She had a longer-term vision than Ashao, and her concern for the Liang family alone was enough to satisfy him. After the divorce, he would treat her well. Although he would lose those empty titles, as long as the feelings were genuine and the heart was sincere, wasn't that better than a few cold words on an official document? Giving Shanhe someone to rely on in her next life would also fulfill his grandfather's promise to Xue Yin. As for Ashao... Liang Ye lightly tapped the table, recalling Ashao's long-held ambitions. Joining the army in Beichuan was out of the question; he would never allow Ashao to take such a risk. The martial arts examination was the best path. At that time, he and Shanhe were divorced, so there would be no taboo about him participating in the martial arts examination. In the future, the two brothers could strive for fame and fortune in the capital. With Ashao's looks, character, and talent, it wouldn't be difficult for him to marry a noble lady from a prominent family in the capital.
As Liang Ye was lost in thought, a draft swept through the lattice window and into the study, rustling the letters on the desk. Liang Ye snapped back to reality and reached out to press the letters down, but they slipped from his palm like fish in water, twirling a few times in the air before gently settling at his feet.
*
Zhirui Tower was located behind the artificial hill in the garden. As Shanhe traveled, the number of servants gradually decreased. When he reached the artificial hill, he could only see Chengbao sitting under the porch of Zhirui Tower, fanning himself with a banana leaf fan and brewing medicine. Milky white steam billowed from the medicine stove, rising straight into the sky.
Shanhe hid half of her body behind the artificial hill, picked a small stone stool to sit on, and slowly pondered Liang Ye's instructions.
He said that given Liang Shao's temperament, if he were to bluntly propose a divorce, he would certainly refuse. Insisting on a divorce would only fuel Liang Shao's rebellious spirit and might lead to some trouble. Fortunately, they were blood brothers; wasn't what Liang Ye said precisely the root cause of yesterday's embarrassing situation? Shanhe twisted his hands, continuing to ponder Liang Ye's words: first feign reconciliation to lower Shao's guard, then, once Shao signed the divorce papers, immediately leave the city and depart from Mizhou.
Shanhe said softly, "Although this method deceived A-Shao, it's better than the current stalemate between the two of us. When I leave, he'll only be upset for a short while. Besides, he's a cheerful person with so many friends around him; he'll eventually get over it. At worst, my elder brother wouldn't bear to see him looking so listless all the time. By then, once my elder brother has achieved fame and official rank, finding A-Shao a virtuous and suitable wife should be an easy matter. This is truly the best solution, protecting everyone involved and not letting down the kindness that my grandfather and elder brother have shown me in the past."
Thinking of this, Shanhe turned to look at Zhirui Tower and sighed sadly, "I lied to you before, and now I have to lie to you again. I'm really sorry. Perhaps we are truly not destined to be together in this life, and we must always deceive each other. If you hate me in the future, please hate me less. Fate plays all sorts of tricks, and I am just someone who is pushed along by fate. If possible, I always hope that we can part amicably, at least to make up for these two years."
Having considered this, Shanhe gathered her skirts and rose, heading straight for Zhirui Tower. Chengbao, seeing Shanhe, immediately stood up, hurriedly putting down his palm-leaf fan, and asked in a low voice, "Why has Second Mistress come here?" He knew that Shanhe had suffered much injustice in this matter at Shuyu Pavilion, and that she had almost fainted from anger at Liang Shao; she must now be utterly disgusted with him. Yesterday, during their argument, he and a group of maids and servants stood at a distance in the courtyard of Shuyu Pavilion, carefully waiting for their masters to finish arguing so they could be summoned to serve them. But what they ultimately saw was Shanhe running out with her hands bound. Not only did Suiming and Suiwen gasp in surprise, but even he was speechless with astonishment. What kind of mistress behaved so disrespectfully in front of her servants? When Cheng Bao sent Qingyue to Guangtong Temple, he didn't think anything of it; when he assigned Suiming and Suiwen to be placed under house arrest and surveillance, he didn't think anything of it; when he asked Old Master Wang to take Second Madam's pulse and treat her, he still didn't think anything of it. But when Shanhe ran out looking like that, disheveled and with tears streaming down her face, a voice suddenly rose in Cheng Bao's heart: It's over, it's completely over.
Liang Shao has really pushed Shanhe away this time.
The servants, too, were gossiping amongst themselves. Since the two masters of Shuyu Pavilion had reconciled, they had bet on a jade pendant of a Pixiu (a mythical creature), deciding whose affection was greater. All five servants had bet the same amount. But today they realized that Liang Shao's affection far exceeded Shan He's. Shan He's affection was like a piece of cloth, embroidered with intricate patterns of her original sincerity and virtue, appearing tender and beautiful. But this cloth was actually woven from gratitude; the material was wrong. Her gentleness, virtue, and tenderness all stemmed from repaying kindness. Even if there was some affection—the kind between a man and a woman—it was merely embellishment. Using the wrong material, no matter how it was dressed, the flavor of love could not be conveyed. And Liang Shao, unfortunately, took it all seriously.
Cheng Bao sighed, glanced into the room, and whispered, "Second Madam, why don't you come back later? Second Master just went to bed; he didn't sleep a wink last night."
Shanhe pursed her lips, took the banana leaf fan from Chengbao's hand, sat down in front of the medicine stove, and said calmly, "Go back and rest for a while, leave this to me."
Cheng Bao was stunned, blinked, and couldn't utter a word for a long time. Could it be that they had misjudged him? Was Shan He's heart actually the same as Liang Shao's?
Cheng Bao held the fire tongs, picked up a piece of charcoal, and gently tossed it in. Sparks popped and burst. He squatted at the other end of the medicine stove, his face hidden behind the rising steam, looking as if he were about to melt. Cheng Bao hesitated for a moment, then finally decided to say a few more conciliatory words for his second master. He smiled, revealing a set of white teeth: "Last night, after Second Master secretly went to see Second Madam, he said he wanted to make a table, but I don't know what it's for. I suppose Second Madam knows."
"Hmm?" Shanhe asked, puzzled. "He came to see me?" Shanhe couldn't help but recall the strange phenomena in the house last night. She thought it was Suiming who had come, but it turned out to be him.
Shanhe lowered his eyes, lifted the stove lid through the thick cloth to check the heat, and said, "I don't know either."
Seeing that Shanhe's tone was cold, Chengbao knew she was still angry, so he didn't say anything more. Chengbao simply told Suiming and Suiwen to come and serve her, and then quickly excused himself.
After Cheng Bao left, Shan He slowly raised her eyes, staring blankly at Cheng Bao's retreating figure. She absentmindedly waved the banana leaf fan in her hand, lost in thought.
After thinking for a while, Liang Shao's voice rang out from inside the room, as if coming through a pillowcase: "Cheng Bao! Cheng Bao!" Unable to hear Cheng Bao's enthusiastic and cheerful reply, Liang Shao carefully shifted his position, but the several scars on his back instantly aggravated his pain, sending waves of agony through him like needles pricking him. He whimpered muffledly, "Hiss...it hurts so much..."
"I don't know why, I was fine last night, but it hurts so much after I applied the medicine." Liang Shao buried his head in the pillowcase and sighed bitterly.
Shanhe, carrying the medicine bowl, stepped over the threshold: "It should be scabbing over now, just bear with it a little longer."
Liang Shao was startled for a moment, then, realizing it was Shan He's voice, he immediately looked up, his eyes sparkling. He stared intently at Shan He as she approached from the threshold, step by step, until she reached the edge of the couch and sat down beside her. Liang Shao's Adam's apple bobbed, and he whispered, "Shan Shan... why... why did you come here..."
Shanhe had already spotted the wooden table beside the couch; it was barely shaped, upside down with its four legs pointing skyward—presumably the "table" Chengbao had mentioned. Shanhe remained silent, placing the carved lacquer tray on the round table, holding the medicine bowl in her palm, and gently blowing on the bitter medicine in the spoon. Once it had cooled, she held it to his lips. Shanhe whispered, "I came to see you."
Liang Shao froze completely, as if a breeze from the courtyard had blown in, leaving him dazed and confused. He couldn't think of anything else, only that Shan He was there for him! Liang Shao mechanically drank the bitter medicine, seemingly oblivious to its taste, staring blankly at Shan He's face. A lump formed in Liang Shao's throat: "I thought... I thought..."
"What did you think?" Another spoonful was brought to his lips.
Liang Shao drank the medicine and said, "You will never forgive me again."
Shanhe bit her lip, lowered her eyelashes, and remained silent.
Liang Shao hurriedly said, "Shanshan, I...I really apologized for yesterday."
"Stop talking." Shanhe brought the medicine spoon to his lips. "Drink your medicine and get some sleep."
Liang Shao sensed that Shan He was still angry. He snatched the medicine bowl and gulped it all down. A trace of medicine remained on the corner of his mouth, but Liang Shao didn't care. He just said, "I said a lot of stupid things yesterday, things I said in anger, it was really..."
asshole.
Goodness and Wisdom.
But she didn't show it on her face, instead extending a slender finger to his lips: "Don't say anymore." She feared that if she continued, she would feel even more pain and guilt. She was a sentimental person, which sometimes made her indecisive and unable to be ruthless. Shanhe knew this was a major weakness in her personality, so she quickly stopped Liang Shao from speaking, forcing herself to be decisive. Her fingertip slowly moved to the corner of Liang Shao's mouth, to the medicine stain, and just like Liang Shao used to wipe away her tears, Shanhe gently rubbed away the medicine stain on his cheek. She saw her own trembling reflection in Liang Shao's pupils.
Liang Shao felt a sudden, ticklish sensation on his face, both pleasurable and alluring. Even the most resolute man would feel weak and languid at this moment, wishing he could be intoxicated by this tenderness. He grabbed Shan He's wrist and said in a hoarse voice, "Okay, okay, I won't say anything more." Seeing that Shan He had stopped moving, the comfortable sensation suddenly disappeared, and Liang Shao suddenly felt a strong lingering attachment to that alluring touch, rubbing his face against Shan He's palm. Seeing that Shan He didn't resist, he slowly considered Shan He's meaning and cautiously probed, "It felt so good to have my face touched like that just now, Shan Shan, touch me a little longer, and I'll be able to sleep well."
Shanhe let him place her hand on her cheek, gently stroking his face as before. She stared at the empty medicine bowl and said wistfully, "I saw my elder brother this morning. He said a lot, telling me to think carefully about what's between us." Shanhe thought that bringing up Liang Ye would give her a reason for her sudden change in attitude.
Liang Shao, resting his head on his arms, lay on the couch and gently kissed Shan He's palm, then down to her fingertips. He suddenly heard the word "elder brother" and his lips curved into a smile: "I knew it, elder brother loves me the most." He remembered asking Liang Ye for help last night; Liang Ye had scolded and reprimanded him then, but now he was helping him against his will. Liang Shao suddenly felt incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful Shan He and such a wonderful elder brother, and a smile spread across his eyes.
Shanhe frowned slightly, staring at the smile on Liang Shao's lips, finding it particularly irritating. She was conspiring with his eldest brother, who doted on him the most, to deceive him, and he was completely unaware. Shanhe quietly clenched her hands, but continued gently, "My brother said that the person who most resembles Grandfather's kind character is you. Perhaps you have some flaws, but your heart is kind and pure, which is the most precious thing. So, by following you, I can at least live a peaceful life. This is my brother's wish. He also said that when Grandfather arranged for us to marry, he must have thought the same thing." These were all fabrications by Shanhe; Liang Ye had never said such things.
But Liang Shao was stunned. His nose tingled, and he quickly looked away, turning his face inward, letting the wall see his tender vulnerability.
Shanhe didn't want to see him like this. Since she had already decided to deceive him, she should let him be happy and comfortable during this period. So, Shanhe nudged his shoulder and said in a low voice, "But why do I feel that you are wrong, brother? Someone clearly humiliated me like that yesterday."
Upon hearing this, Liang Shao immediately turned around, grasped her hand, and hurriedly protested with furrowed brows, "Shanshan, I was really wrong. I was angry yesterday and said so many stupid things and did so many stupid things. I was simply, simply a bastard!"
Shanhe chuckled and pulled her hand away: "Then what are you angry about?"
Seeing Shanhe finally smile, Liang Shao also smiled back at her. He looked up at Shanhe and said softly, "I'm angry that you only ever show gratitude, that you only ever think about repaying kindness. Shanshan, you're so loyal and responsible, why don't you take more responsibility for me?"
Shanhe asked, puzzled, "Why isn't there any?"
"Of course not!" Liang Shao finally spoke his mind. "The day before, we were still the same. The next day you wanted a divorce and wanted to leave. How can you play with people like this?"
Shanhe lowered her eyes and didn't respond. Instead, she put the empty medicine bowl on the tray and smiled at Liang Shao: "Okay, I won't do that again. I'll be more responsible for you, okay? But now that you've taken your medicine, shouldn't you get some sleep? Chengbao said you didn't sleep all night."
For some reason, Liang Shao suddenly felt a pang of unease. Even though Shanhe had given in to him, even though she had taken the initiative to reconcile, he still felt inexplicably anxious. It all seemed too easy, like an act. But when he looked up, Shanhe was sitting upright before him, smiling radiantly at him, just as before. Afraid of digging deeper and uncovering something he couldn't bear, Liang Shao suppressed his thoughts. He forced a smile, his eyes fixed on Shanhe: "Then Shanshan will stay with me, okay?" He thought to himself: We just had a fight; she's probably not completely over it yet. Shanhe is soft-hearted and kind; spending more time with her will surely help her get better.
Shanhe said softly, "Okay."
"I don't want to sleep here. The bed is hard and the place is cramped."
Shanhe asked, "Back to Shuyu Pavilion?"
Liang Shao nodded.
Shanhe stood up and said, "Then I'll have Chengbao call a few servants to carry you back."
Liang Shao grasped her wrist: "It's not like I was hit on the buttocks or legs, so why can't you walk? Just help me." With that, he tried to get up, using Shanhe's wrist as a support.
Shanhe quickly put down the tray and supported him with both hands. Only then did she realize how tall Liang Shao was, a full head taller than her. He was also very strong; when he gripped Shanhe, she felt like her wrist bones were about to break. When Liang Shao finally put his feet firmly on the ground and let go, a red ring had appeared around Shanhe's wrist.
Seeing this, Liang Shao quickly said, "Hey, don't worry, I usually hold back." Then he noticed that Shanhe's wrists were bare and couldn't help but ask, "How about we go out this afternoon?"
"Why are you going out instead of staying home to recover?"
Liang Shao raised the tip of his nose and laughed, "I'll take you out for a stroll." He remembered a jewelry shop called Yunxiufang on Nanqing Street. Every year on his wife's birthday, Wang Erlang, the son of the judicial officer, would go to Yunxiufang to buy jewelry and headdresses as gifts. Thinking of this, Liang Shao couldn't help but feel excited. This time, it was his turn to go to Yunxiufang.
Shanhe looked down at his wrist, paused upon hearing Liang Shao's words, and slowly raised his head: "I want to go to Guangtong Temple, is that alright?"
Liang Shao was taken aback, then quickly smiled and said, "Yes, we'll go. We'll bring our sister back."
"Sister?" Shanhe suddenly looked up at him, utterly astonished. "I thought..."
"Of course. Although she can't be included in the family genealogy, she's practically a member of the Liang family."
Shanhe lowered her eyes and said, "Okay." Liang Shao responded with a soft "hmm," but Shanhe's indifferent expression inexplicably pierced his heart. Liang Shao pursed his lips, hiding his thoughts, then stepped forward and put his arm around Shanhe's shoulder, laughing, "I need someone to support me, otherwise I can't stand steadily." Although he said this, he didn't actually dare to lean on Shanhe's shoulder, but only loosely put his arm around her, and walked side by side with Shanhe towards Shuyu Pavilion.
In the afternoon, Liang Shao, having eaten and slept well, lay on the daybed, holding a book in his hands, reading quietly with his eyes down. Shan He, on the other hand, was taking a nap on the bed, sleeping with his face to the wall.
On a leisurely, long afternoon, Liang Shao would occasionally glance up at Shan He to confirm she was right in front of him, only then would the slight worry in his heart, which he had thought was a dream, dissipate a little. Liang Shao put down his book, straightened up, and slowly walked to the bedside. He stared blankly at Shan He's profile, yet a sense of unease and panic lingered in his heart. Had Shan Shan truly forgiven him? That's what she said, that's what she did. But why so easily?
Just then, Sui Ming carefully walked in, holding a small lacquered bronze tray in both hands, and said in a low voice, "Second Master, it's fixed."
Liang Shao lowered his head, took the red musk bracelet from the tray, and carefully put it on his wrist. He raised his hand, and seeing that the bracelet was intact, he couldn't help but smile. This was a good omen. A broken bracelet could be repaired; a broken mirror could be put back together. Liang Shao and Xue Shanhe were destined for each other, and naturally they would reconcile. Thinking this, Liang Shao said to Sui Ming, "You all go and prepare first, and have Cheng Bao prepare the carriage. We'll go out once Second Madam wakes up."
Sui Ming asked, "Where are we going? I'll prepare the food to serve you."
Liang Shao hesitated for a moment: "First go to Yunxiu Lane on Nanqing Street, then go to Guangtong Temple to pray and bring Qingyue home. In the evening, let's go to Ruyi Tower. Tell Chengbao to immediately send a servant to reserve a table, the private room I used to use for entertaining guests."
Sui Ming agreed and went.
Shanhe was still asleep when Liang Shao sat on the edge of the bed, stroking the red musk beads with his head down. But as he looked at them, a sense of worry crept into his heart again, so Liang Shao stood up, supporting his back, and walked to the porch, where Suiwen was sitting beside him peeling walnuts.
Liang Shao asked, "Is the old man home?"
Suiwen shook her head: "I don't know, we'll have to go to Lantai Pavilion to check."
Liang Shao said, "Then go and invite the master to the study to talk."
Suiwen nodded, sifted the walnut kernels from her palm into a small white porcelain bowl, and tossed the shells under the peach tree. Suiwen presented the bowl to Liang Shao and said with a smile, "Then this servant will go first. I heard that two new maids have arrived at Lantai Pavilion, and they are very beautiful. Suiming and I have been wanting to go and see them for a long time, and this time I will feast my eyes first."
Liang Shao didn't take those words to heart, only responding with a soft "hmm." He looked down at the walnut crumbs in the bowl, his worries continuing.
*
Shuyu Pavilion Study.
Liang Shao took off his outer garment and lay naked on the couch to rest, revealing several distinct marks from the cane.
A short while later, Liang Ye approached carrying a small, golden medicine bottle. Seeing Liang Shao lying on the couch, resting with his eyes closed, he moved quietly and slowly walked to the small wooden box where Liang Shao usually kept his land deeds and documents. He took the key and opened it. The land deeds, lease agreements, and all the other documents were there, none missing, except for the divorce agreement. A hint of malice flashed in Liang Ye's eyes, and he scoffed, "Just as I thought." He quickly lowered his gaze, raising his hand to close the box, when Liang Shao's slightly weak voice sounded behind him: "Brother, what are you looking for?"
The wooden crate slammed shut. Liang Ye curled his lips into a smile, slowly turned around, and said gently, "When I came, I remembered the mountain spring estate at the foot of Ming Mountain outside the city, and wanted to see if the land deed was with you." He changed the subject, "What brings you here now?"
Liang Shao gripped the armrest of the couch and struggled to sit up: "Shanshan seems to have forgiven me..."
Liang Ye lowered his eyes, let out a long "Oh," and walked closer with a smile: "Isn't that exactly what you wanted?" He sat at the other end of the daybed, his knuckles resting on Liang Shao's shoulder, and turned his shoulder around, saying: "Let me see if I woke you up last night."
Liang Shao naturally complied with his words, turning his back to Liang Ye. His voice was somewhat muffled: "Shanshan said that it was her brother who persuaded her, and that's how she came to her senses."
Liang Ye paused, his smile still on his face: "Indeed, I spoke with her."
"What did my brother say?" Liang Shao asked hurriedly.
Liang Ye didn't answer, but stared at the wounds on Liang Shao's back. He said in a deep voice, "Ah Shao, did Cheng Bao apply this medicine for you? The servant was clumsy. He applied too little to some places and too much to others, which is not good for the wounds. In the future, for such delicate tasks as applying medicine to wounds, it's better to let a maid... um, or Shan He do it." He put the medicine bottle in his hand aside, scooped out a small dollop of milky white ointment from his fingertip, smeared it on his fingertip, and gently dabbed it on Liang Shao's wounds, saying, "From now on, use this medicine. It's the kind that the Imperial Hospital in the palace uses for nobles. It's very effective and won't leave scars."
With his hands hanging at his sides, Liang Shao bit his lip and said in a hard voice, "Brother, what exactly did you say to Shanshan?"
Liang Ye said calmly, "You care about her so much?"
"She is my wife."
Liang Ye carefully rubbed the ointment evenly, his voice as calm as an ancient well: "I told her that the Liang family has no rules about divorce. If she wants to leave, she can only do so by dying."
"Brother!" Liang Shao turned around quickly and stared at him.
Liang Ye, however, was not afraid and greeted them generously. The two brothers, one filled with resentment and the other with a calm expression, sat together, their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills. After a while, Liang Shao sighed, stood up, and walked outside. Liang Ye frowned: "Where are you going? The medicine hasn't been applied yet."
Liang Shao turned his face away: "I'm going to find Shan Shan."
Liang Ye chuckled: "You actually believed my joke? Grandfather is so proud of her, and you are so proud of her, would I say such a thing to her?" He tapped the couch with the tip of his nose: "Sit down. Your brother will apply the medicine for you."
Liang Shao remained standing there, craning his neck to look at Liang Ye.
Liang Ye placed his palms up on his knees, squinting and smiling at him, but his back teeth were clenched, and he almost tore the words out between his teeth: "Be obedient."
Liang Shao knew this was a sign his elder brother was about to get angry. However, in the past, he had often infuriated Liang Ye to the point of gritting his teeth, yet he himself had rarely suffered much punishment. Therefore, Liang Shao glanced down at the medicine bottle, completely unconcerned, and asked, "Then tell me, what exactly did you say to Shan Shan?"
Liang Ye suddenly laughed out loud, his knuckles turning white from gripping the fist, his voice tense: "I told her that if A Shao is willing to divorce her, then I have no right to interfere. If A Shao is not willing, then as his elder brother, I will naturally only help my own brother."
He placed the medicine bottle on the edge of the bed, propped himself up on his knees, and said, “I told her some stories about your past, just to let her know that you are of a kind and good nature. Although outsiders often say that you are eccentric and willful, we all know the truth. If she follows you, although she may not become a high-ranking lady or a noblewoman, it is not difficult for her to have children and live a peaceful life together. It is better than being alone and living a precarious life. She is thoughtful and understands these things.”
Hearing this, Liang Shao's expression softened slightly, as it aligned with what Shan He had said. After all, this was ultimately a matter between him and Shan He, and Liang Ye had no reason to help Shan He deceive him.
Liang Ye approached slowly, raising his eyebrows and smiling: "However, I also told her that if she insists on divorce, losing the protection of the Liang family, she, a woman born a government slave and without any support, will have to carefully consider how she will survive after leaving the Liang family. Although my grandfather took good care of her when he was alive, once she decides to divorce, she will be cutting herself off from the Liang family. If she encounters trouble in the future, she shouldn't expect our help. When circumstances force her, even the friendship of the past two years will not be worth considering."
These words, though harsh, were also reasonable, and Liang Shao couldn't find fault with them. He looked up at his brother, Liang Ye, whose face was calm and composed, as always, with an air of ease. He knew Liang Ye was all smiles on the surface but hard as heart—a wolf in sheep's clothing! Therefore, it wasn't surprising that Liang Ye would utter such cruel words. If Liang Shao were to say them, he was certain he would add, "If you ever encounter difficulties in the future, be sure to come to me."
As Liang Shao gazed at his brother, a sudden doubt arose in his mind: Shan He was unimportant to Liang Ye, therefore he would inevitably choose Liang Shao. If one day, circumstances forced Liang Ye to make a choice—one side Liang Shao, the other someone equally important to him—what would he choose? Would his heart of stone be so cruel as to betray his brother? This thought vanished in an instant, and Liang Shao inwardly laughed at his own foolishness. If such a choice were to be made in the future, the other side would undoubtedly be his sister-in-law and nephew. Even if he were to be shattered to pieces, Liang Shao would never allow his brother to become a heartless man who abandons his wife and children for the sake of brotherhood.
When Liang Shao regained his senses and looked up again, Shanhe was already sitting upright in front of him, holding Qingyue's hand and softly asking how Qingyue had been these past two days. Looking at Shanhe's serene and tranquil profile, her jade-like face radiant, Liang Shao couldn't help but feel that time had slowed down, carrying a sense of timelessness and merging with the world. So be it. He and Shanhe would live their lives well, while his brother went to the capital to pursue his ambitions and achieve his goals. This was truly the best life in the world. Liang Shao thought to himself that he now had someone he cherished. Once his brother achieved success in the imperial examinations, married, and had children, he and his brother would inevitably drift apart for the rest of their lives. At this thought, a sense of profound uncertainty and uncertainty arose in Liang Shao's heart.
Shanhe turned her face, and as she moved, a rustling sound came from the plum blossom hairpin that Liang Shao had insisted on buying for her at Yunxiu Lane. The hairpin was adorned with pearls and jade, like the gentle flow of water. Shanhe said softly, "What's the point of you standing here without saying a word, just staring at the two of us? Why don't you take this opportunity to pray to Manjushri Bodhisattva? In about twenty days, my brother will have to face the imperial examination."
Liang Shao responded, but did not leave immediately. Instead, he said to Shan He, "You stay here and have a good talk with Qingyue. I'll be right there, so please wait for me."
Shanhe immediately knew that Liang Shao was afraid she would run away. Seeing his cautious manner, she felt a pang of sadness in her heart. She pursed her lips and forced a smile: "I won't run away, and besides, your men are all guarding outside. Go quickly, I'll wait for you here."
Upon hearing Shanhe's words, Liang Shao quickly grasped her shoulder and gently squeezed it: "Don't take it to heart, I... I just..." He was too embarrassed to say it out loud. A grown man like him was so hesitant and afraid that his defenseless wife would run away!
Instead, Shanhe smiled, patted his hand, and said gently, "I know." She raised her eyes and met Liang Shao's gaze. Liang Shao's heart skipped a beat. He felt that Shanhe's almond-shaped eyes were as warm and gentle as water, as if they could completely soothe his parched heart. At this moment, he wished that all kinds of tenderness would well up in his heart.
Liang Shao said in a hoarse voice, "Okay, okay." After saying that, he hurriedly turned around and headed towards the Bodhisattva Hall, as if he were fleeing in panic.
As soon as Liang Shao stepped out of the meditation room, Qingyue immediately grasped Shanhe's hand and asked urgently in a low voice, "Aren't you leaving?"
Shanhe grasped her hand and shook her head: "Let's go." After saying that, she whispered in Qingyue's ear about what had happened in the past few days, as well as her family's agreement with Liang Ye.
Upon hearing this, Qingyue first frowned in resentment, then stamped her foot and sighed deeply: "This is truly something, what am I supposed to do!"
Shanhe pursed her lips and said, "As the saying goes, we are destined to meet but not to be together. We were never meant to be. It is a blessing that we have come this far. That is enough."
Having spent so much time with Shanhe, Qingyue had begun to resemble her in many ways. Hearing Shanhe's resolute determination to divorce, she knew there was no turning back. But recalling Liang Shao's change in demeanor and their tender moments the other day, she couldn't help but sigh. Just when things seemed to be looking up, things had turned out this way, and her resentment towards Liang Shao intensified. Qingyue asked herself honestly; her hesitation was no less than Shanhe's. She wanted Shanhe to leave because she had witnessed Shanhe's caution over the past two years and the confidence she had gradually built after selling her paintings. But she also didn't want Shanhe to leave. The outside world was full of dangers and troubles; she feared Shanhe might ruin her future. Staying with the Liang family, at least, would ensure her a peaceful and stable life.
Inside the Boshan incense burner, a large lotus flower shaped like a Buddha was burning, but it only emitted a thin wisp of white smoke, intermittent and wispy, indicating that the incense was about to go out. Qingyue got up, lifted the lid of the incense burner, loosened the ash, and revealed a faint ember. Qingyue sighed, "This room is so damp that even the incense won't burn properly."
Upon hearing this, Shanhe got off her bed and approached, taking a small tinderbox. With a gentle blow, a spark immediately ignited at the tip. Shanhe held the spark close to the lotus incense, her lips slightly pursed: "I won't stay here tonight. Once we're gone, everything will be alright." Her words seemed to carry a hidden meaning, causing Shanhe to pause in surprise. After a moment, she continued, "Now that Second Master has recognized you as his sworn sister, are you still willing to come with me?"
Qingyue looked up at her: "I never thought about separating from you, Miss."
Shanhe's nose tingled with emotion: "You're the only one left in my family."
Qingyue's heart also wrinkled, and her lips moved slightly, but before she could speak, her hand was grasped by Shanhe.
Shanhe said, “I know you’ve been tormented by this too. If you want to stay, I will never force you. Although we are master and servant, I’ve long considered you a member of the Xue family. You know my feelings. I’ve never hidden my departure from you. Even my painting at Danxia Painting Studio was something only you knew. This decision to leave has been agonizing for me for a long time, and I almost couldn’t bear it. Until that day, when he tied my hands and almost raped me, I suddenly understood what I really wanted.”
"I can never repay the Liang family's kindness. Even now, if Liang Shao wants me to die immediately to be buried with the old master, I can't say anything. My life was saved by the old man. But a person must have backbone. Even if it's death, one should die with dignity and honor, otherwise, one is no different from livestock. Before, when I was here, I kept myself very low, partly to repay their kindness, and partly because I was afraid people would talk about my status. Now I realize that if I kept myself low, I can't blame others for looking down on me. So when Liang Shao refused to divorce me and threw a tantrum, he instinctively tied my hands up like a pig. Even if he apologizes to me now, buys me hairpins, takes me out to play, and tries to please me in every way, I still have to divorce them. I'm not leaving; I'm going to find myself."
Qingyue was stunned. She had never imagined these words before, but hearing Shanhe say them now felt like a reunion from a past life. A storm raged within Qingyue, and she murmured repeatedly, "If you belittle yourself, you can't blame others for looking down on you..."
Shanhe squeezed her hand tightly and said firmly, "Yes, a person lives for their pride. No matter what your status is, no matter how high or low you are, you can't be humiliated for no reason, otherwise you're not even as good as an animal. Murderers must pay with their lives, while thieves only need to be imprisoned. Whatever the mistake you make, you get the punishment. I just want a divorce. I haven't done anything wrong, yet I'm being humiliated like this. Why?"
A dark blue robe fluttered by the doorframe as Liang Shao hurriedly returned from the Bodhisattva Hall, still breathless. He was about to push the door open when he overheard the last part of Shanhe's words. His heart felt heavy, as if stuffed with cotton. At first, he was surprised that Shanhe hadn't forgiven him, but then he realized that he was reaping what he sowed. Then, Shanhe's words, like fine wine, began to leave a lingering, pleasant taste. His hand, which had been resting on the door knocker, slowly fell to his sides.
Inside and outside the house, Liang Shao and Qingyue both fell into deep thought.
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Author's Note: It's now a VIP book! I'm so happy! This is my first VIP novel.
There's a lucky draw! If you see this, be sure to participate!
Tomorrow's update will still be at midnight. These two chapters are a bit slow. I originally thought I would rush to the point where it goes to the paid section, but after trying to write it, I found that that would mean missing a lot of descriptions of Shan Shan and Er Liang's psychology. This part of the plot is quite important, with three people, three personalities, and three thoughts.
In a few more chapters, Shanshan will escape from the Liang family mansion. After that, the brother's storyline will increase significantly and gradually become more heart-wrenching.
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