Chapter 842: A Trick
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Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The entire family was taken aback by the events unfolding before them. Upon hearing her daughter’s genuine scream, the cousin felt a mix of surprise and inner satisfaction. The authenticity of the scream delighted her, as it seemed her daughter had played her part convincingly.
Shao Xiaoqi, despite his gentle and introverted demeanor, had surprised the cousin with his apparent eagerness. It served as a reminder not to judge people solely based on their outward appearance.
The cousin’s pride swelled within her, fueling her next actions. Hastily, she rushed forward, not even taking a moment to clearly a.s.sess the situation behind the door. “Oh, my poor girl! You must have been mistreated! I will seek justice for you and ensure you don’t suffer any longer… ahhh!”
Before she could finish her words, a forceful slap landed on her face. Ms. Fang, pointing accusatorily at her, screamed in outrage, “Why are you screaming? What justice are you talking about? I demand an explanation as to why your daughter is in my son’s room! What devious plans have you concocted, you shameless woman!”
Startled, the cousin finally noticed Ms. Fangs presence. Her face filled with astonishment as she covered her stinging cheek, momentarily ignoring the pain. “Cousin, what are you doing here?”
With a sneer, Ms. Fang retorted, “I was here, holding the lamp for my son! Of course, I am here. Thankfully, I am here… or else my son would have fallen into your trap!’
The cousin was taken aback, turning instinctively to look at her daughter, seeking answers in her eyes.
It was only in that moment that the cousin realized her daughter’s panic had been genuine, causing a surge of regret to wash over her.
Caught red-handed by Ms. Fang, the cousin found herself in a powerless position. As an outsider to the village, she was at a significant disadvantage compared to Ms. Fang, who was the mother of the Provincial Champion. Moreover, the Shao Family had recently made substantial contributions to the village, including building a school and donating vast tracts of land to the clan. The village would undoubtedly rally behind Ms. Fang, further isolating the cousin.
The next day, the cousin and her two daughters swiftly disappeared, seeking to escape the repercussions of their actions.
Ms. Fang, in order to preserve their reputation, decided to keep the incident a secret, ensuring that no one in the family would ever speak of it. However, from that point forward, she vowed to sever all ties with the cousin’s family.
Qi, likely startled by the entire ordeal, advised Ms. Fang against arranging any future martial unions for him. Ms. Fang couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the same time. She refused to let Qi entertain such thoughts and resolved to find a suitable suitor, promising herself that such a situation would never occur again.
Qi had no choice but to comply and refrain from mentioning the incident any further.
However, on this particular day, Ms. Fang spoke of the incident, even entertaining the belief that Qi had chosen to leave home and join the army to evade any future marital arrangements.
The rest of the family was left dumbfounded upon hearing this conjecture, unsure of how to respond.
Eldest Uncle remained silent, his disapproval evident on his somber face. Feeling helpless, Qi turned to Shao Yunduan, his expression filled with longing and desperation.
Shao Yunduan let out a heavy sigh, his head throbbing with the weight of the situation. He decided to lead Ms. Fang and Eldest Uncle into the hall, seeking a private s.p.a.ce for a conversation.
Inside the hall, faint murmurs of argument could be heard, but they quickly gave way to Ms. Fangs heart-wrenching sobs. Qi felt a profound sense of sadness wash over him, and his head drooped gradually.
He began to consider the possibility of relinquishing his desire to join the army if it meant alleviating his mother’s distress and waiting for another opportunity in the future.
However, Shao Yunduan, through his persuasive efforts, managed to sway Eldest Uncle and Ms. Fang.
With a sudden burst of emotion, Ms. Fang rushed out of the hall, engulfing Qi in a tight embrace. Amidst her tears, she cried, “Qi, remember that we are all eagerly awaiting your safe return.. Take care of yourself and come back home unharmed!”