Chapter 258 Visit
Chapter 258 Visit
"I'm not..."
As soon as these words came to her lips, they seemed to be blown away by a gust of cold wind and were swallowed down by her.
Everyone knew about the entanglement between her and Song Yanyi. After returning to Kyoto, although she tried her best to keep her distance, this approach was tantamount to covering one's ears and stealing the bell, deceiving herself and others.
Her existence seemed destined to be closely linked with him from the very beginning. No matter whether she entered the Xie Mansion as a concubine or stayed outside the mansion as a mistress, her identity had long been unable to escape the shackles of this fate.
There was a sharp flash in the eldest lady's eyes, and her words were like an icicle, piercing people's hearts: "It seems that you still have a lot of backbone. Could it be that deep down in your heart you still dream of becoming the mistress of the Xie family one day?"
Cui Rong's body stiffened involuntarily, and her tone was firm: "I have never had such a thought."
"As a prestigious family, the Xie family has strict rules and clear hierarchy. Now that you have returned, I am not giving you a chance to mend your ways. The key is whether you can understand your position and know when to advance and retreat. If you touch the bottom line of the Xie family, even if Xian'er wants to protect it, it will be too late to save the situation."
There was a warning in the eldest lady's words that could not be ignored. Cui Rong lowered her head, and although she responded with "yes", she felt mixed emotions in her heart.
Until the heavy footsteps of the eldest lady gradually faded away, Cui Rong still stood there, her eyes empty, as if her soul had drifted away.
"Miss Bai."
A voice sounded softly, breaking the silence around.
Li Jingzhao sat in a wheelchair, his eyes deep, as if he could see into people's hearts, awakening Cui Rong from her trance. She hurriedly wiped the moisture from the corners of her eyes and tried to maintain a calm appearance: "Mr. Li, why are you here?"
"Have you been wronged?"
Li Jingzhao's voice was gentle but concerned.
"not at all."
Cui Rongrong's tone was a little cold, trying to change the subject, "You came to see me, but what's the matter?"
"Last time I was rude, you left in such a hurry that I didn't even have time to explain. So I came here today to apologize to you."
Li Jingzhao said frankly.
"I didn't take it to heart."
Cui Rong responded indifferently.
"I was inconsiderate. To me, the girl is my second parent. I cannot repay you for saving my life. I hope I can at least do something for you."
Li Jingzhao's eyes were full of sincerity.
"I don't need charity or help from anyone."
Cui Rongrong spoke tough, but she could not hide her exhaustion and helplessness deep in her heart.
"But you looked like you were wronged. Are you going to force the Xie family to become their concubine? I heard that you don't want to, right? How can a talented woman like you be willing to be confined to the inner courtyard and play a role that is only for men's pleasure? But how can you fight against such a powerful force alone?"
Li Jingzhao's words were like needles piercing her heart.
Cui Rong lowered her eyelids and admitted her powerlessness.
Whether facing the affectionate Song Yanyi or the powerful eldest lady, she seemed to be pushed by the huge waves of fate and had nowhere to hide.
The eldest lady's action today was undoubtedly a reminder for her to recognize her own identity, to enter the Xie Mansion as a concubine and give up all her edges and sharpness.
As long as Song Yanyi doesn't let go, she will one day step through that heavy door and become one of the many concubines in the Xie family.
Li Jingzhao looked around. In this inconspicuous little shop, every item seemed to be telling the story of its owner.
He sighed softly: "Perhaps others don't understand, but I know very well that the girl is not only skilled in medicine, but also has good business sense. If she can rely on herself, she will definitely make a name for herself in the world."
Cui Rong suppressed her inner turmoil and said in a colder tone, "What does this have to do with you?"
"Why not? I'm willing to lend you a hand!"
Li Jingzhao said anxiously, "The Xie family is extremely powerful. If you continue to stay in Western Zhou, I'm afraid your future will be worrying. But I have been traveling back and forth between Western Zhou and Northern Liang in recent years. I have a way to get you out of this predicament and find a peaceful place to start over!"
Cui Rong looked at him with deep eyes, and after a while, she slowly asked, "What good plan do you have?"
"Over the years, I have frequently traveled between Western Zhou and Northern Liang for business. Now the relationship between the two countries is harmonious and border trade is booming. I originally planned to return to Cangzhou. If you are willing, I can take you with me and use the convenience of the caravan to leave Western Zhou and go to Northern Liang!"
"No matter how powerful the Xie family is, they cannot reach the distant Beiliang. Once you get there, you can settle down and start a new chapter in your life. Isn't this a thousand times better than waiting in the capital and being forced to become someone else's concubine?"
"I came here not only to explain the misunderstanding, but also to say goodbye. I originally planned to leave the capital tomorrow, but the affairs in the capital have been delayed for a long time. But seeing that you are in a worrying situation, I really can't leave with peace of mind. Why don't you come with me!"
Cui Rong fell into deep thought. The person in front of her seemed to be really helping her sincerely.
"As for this shop, you don't have to worry. Shopkeeper Zhang will take good care of it. If you are worried, you can leave it with a trustworthy maid. Once the money matters are settled, I will hand it over to you."
"Miss Bai once saved my life, and now is the time for me to repay you. Time waits for no one, I will come to pick you up the next morning!"
Without waiting for Cui Rong to answer, he pushed the wheelchair and went away gradually.
Cui Rong sat back in her chair silently, looking ahead with empty eyes. She did not move throughout the afternoon until dusk fell.
As the sun sets, Song Yanyi arrives on time in the golden afterglow. His figure looks particularly dazzling against the backdrop of the setting sun. His talent and style remain the same as always, attracting countless admiring glances from those around him.
Cui Rong stared silently in the dark. Although they were only one step away, she felt that the distance between them was like a chasm.
"Did the eldest lady come to visit today?"
As soon as he arrived, he couldn't wait to ask.
Cui Rong came back to her senses and nodded gently: "Yeah."
There was a hint of worry between his brows: "What did she say to you?"
"nothing."
She lowered her head and refused to say anything more.
He held the edge of the chair tightly, slowly bent his knees, squatted down gracefully, and gently brushed her hair with his slender fingers. His voice was gentle but firm: "Wanwan, don't take the words of the eldest lady to heart. I will take care of everything. You don't need to worry."
Cui Rongrong's eyes were as calm as still water. She smiled gently and responded, "I understand."
This calmness did not contain any ripples of anger or grievance. Instead, it was this extraordinary indifference that made him feel vaguely uneasy.
"The Madam was indeed angry for a reason. After all, in her eyes, I was hiding something. Moreover, she did not do anything extreme. She just felt that my frequent outings were inappropriate."
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