Noble Son-in-Law - Chapter 52.1

Chapter 52.1

Thanks to Li Zhi’s forethinking, Shen Qingqing was ready to go to Yangzhou with him. However, when it was close to the departure, she found herself quietly crying in her room.  Her family was in the capital, and the thought of leaving her hometown to travel so far was overwhelming.

“My Lord, the Lady wishes to be alone for a bit,” Yu Chan’s worried voice came from outside.

Shen Qingqing quickly wiped her tears with a handkerchief, trying to calm herself.

Despite Yu Chan’s efforts to keep him out, Li Zhi entered the room.

Shen Qingqing turned her back to him and asked, “Have you talked to Grandma? When are we leaving?”

At this point, heading to Yangzhou seemed like the best choice. Staying in the capital meant facing numerous officials who held grudges against Li Zhi, and trouble could arise at any moment.

Li Zhi took a seat behind her and replied, “Pack your things in the next couple of days; we’ll leave early the day after tomorrow.”

Shen Qingqing was taken aback and turned to him, asking, “So soon?”

Seeing her tear-streaked face, Li Zhi felt a pang of sympathy. He sighed, took her hand, and said, “I’ll be with you to say goodbye to your parents tomorrow.”

The mention of saying goodbye to her parents broke Shen Qingqing’s heart, and tears streamed down her face nonstop. She trembled as Li Zhi wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his forehead against her shoulder, unsure what to say.

That night, Shen Qingqing struggled to sleep.

The following evening, Li Zhi accompanied her back to the Shen family home.

The Shen family waited at the gate eagerly.

Shen Qushenge wore a serious expression, showing no signs of emotion. Shen Tingwen looked worn out, and Mrs Chen had red eyes. Yet, with her father-in-law around, she held back her tears and didn’t rush to comfort her daughter.

Shen Qingqing kept her head down, struggling to hold back sobs.

Li Zhi lifted his robe, and knelt before Shen Qushenge, Shen Tingwen and Mrs Chen, saying, “I feel ashamed for not keeping the promise I made when I married Qingqing. But I assure you, father-in-law and mother-in-law, once we reach Yangzhou, I will take good care of Qingqing and ensure she never suffers.”

With the palace in turmoil, there was nothing anyone could do to change it. Instead of blaming his son-in-law, Shen Tingwen aimed to comfort him. He hoped Empress Shen wouldn’t take her anger out on his daughter once they reached Yangzhou.

“Get up; it eases our minds to see your sincerity,” Shen Tingwen said as he helped Li Zhi to his feet. “Qingqing will be returning to your hometown with you, and you’re the only one I can trust. I hope you’ll remember my words today and take good care of her.”

Li Zhi nodded earnestly.

The eldest lady sat aside, observing the sorry state of the third family. The more she listened to their words, the happier she felt.

When Noble Concubine Chun held power, her daughter was unhappy in the East Palace. ‘Now, with Noble Concubine Chun’s downfall and the Crown Prince ready to take the throne, it seems my daughter is on the verge of becoming a concubine of the future emperor. Meanwhile, Shen Qingqing has sunk to the level of a lowly merchant woman. It’s true how quickly things can change—what a relief!’

“Grandfather, I want to visit Grandma,” Shen Qingqing said softly, looking down as she pleaded with the old man.

The eldest lady, who wanted to add salt to injury, seized on Shen Qingqing’s words. “How touching that Qingqing wants to honour your grandmother before she leaves. Your grandmother is in heaven and will surely watch over you,” she said, dramatically wiping away nonexistent tears.

Shen Qu frowned at her.

Shen Tingkai shot an annoyed look at his wife. It was clear that the grandmother Shen Qingqing mentioned was Mrs Song.  ‘My niece is going far away, leaving her blood relatives. Why is this woman saying such words at this time?’

Ignoring the eldest lady, Shen Qingqing turned to her grandfather. “Grandfather…”

Shen Qushenge raised his hand and replied firmly, “If you want to go, then go.”

There was no further inquiry into which grandmother the granddaughter was referring to. Shen Qingqing quickly dried her tears and headed to the Tong Garden with Yu Chan.

Mrs Song had been waiting for quite a while. When she finally spotted her distressed granddaughter, she didn’t say much. Instead, she handed a small box to Shen Qingqing and softly said, “Qingqing, keep these banknotes for emergencies.”

Shen Qingqing immediately started to cry and tried to give the box back, saying, “I have silver with me…”

Mrs Song held her granddaughter’s hand firmly and replied with a heavy heart, “Just take it. Grandma feels helpless, and this is all I can do for you.”

Shen Qingqing wrapped her arms around her grandmother tightly while sobbing.

Despite her reluctance, when night fell, Shen Qingqing went back to the Marquis’ Mansion with Li Zhi.

The mood in the Li household was gloomy. Except for little Niuniu, who had just turned one month old, others looked like they were dead inside.

As Shen Qingqing gazed at her daughter’s chubby, fair face, her sadness faded away. No matter what had happened, Li Zhi was alive, and their daughter was safe. She realised she should be grateful.

Have a nice day!