Since the previous emperor had passed away the Konghejun had disbanded, and the new emperor had usurped the throne, it was unlikely he would fulfill the previous emperor’s wish to destroy the Hua family. Therefore, Mei Jiu was now the legitimate principal daughter-in-law of the Hua family, and the child in her belly was the future eldest grandson of the Hua family. How could they allow her to stay away for so long?
Mei Jiu had always been a model virtuous wife, but this time she was unusually willful. She felt that only she had shared that unique relationship with An Jiu, and half a month ago, she seemed to have heard her speak. How could she give up so easily?
A light rain fell in the mountains, shrouding everything in mist.
Hua Rongtian and Mei Jiu sat in a pavilion for a long time before he finally spoke, “Why don’t we bring Miss Mei to the Hua manor?”
Mei Jiu’s eyes lit up, but then she worried, “Will Mr. Chu agree?”
“Is he her husband?” Hua Rongtian asked.
Mei Jiu shook her head. Although there was no official relationship, Mei Jiu knew clearly that Chu Dingjiang was the closest person to An Jiu in this world.
“Since he’s not her husband, we only need to seek her mother’s opinion. Besides, bringing her to the Hua manor is for her recovery, not a bad thing. Since she’s your sister, I will do my best to help,” Hua Rongtian saw that she still looked worried, so he took her hand and said in a gentler tone, “The Hua family is a great clan, and you are the principal wife. Even if I wanted to stay here with you, it wouldn’t be appropriate.”
Mei Jiu knew Hua Rongtian was considering her interests. “I’ll go ask them.”
Hua Rongtian nodded and helped her walk back to the room.
Mei Jiu told Mei Yanran and Chu Dingjiang about their discussion.
Mei Yanran looked at Chu Dingjiang, “You decide.”
Chu Dingjiang paused, then turned to Hua Rongtian and cupped his hands, “Then we’ll trouble you.”
Going to the Hua manor wasn’t to borrow the Hua family’s power, but rather to hold onto a glimmer of hope regarding the connection between Mei Jiu and An Jiu. With mental power dissipating, the longer they waited, the worse the situation would become. Before Mo Sigui returned, Chu Dingjiang didn’t want to sit idly by.
The Hua family’s carriages were already waiting outside the plum forest. Even if they hadn’t prepared in advance, it would have been enough to transport just a few people.
There was only one carriage, very spacious. An Jiu and Mei Jiu lay inside without feeling cramped, and there was even room for one or two maids to attend to them inside.
The two lay side by side, hands tightly clasped, just like years ago when their souls had relied on each other.
Mei Jiu could hear the clear breathing beside her, but she couldn’t feel An Jiu’s presence.
Memories flooded back like a tide. Mei Jiu suddenly remembered that many years ago, An Jiu had also been silent for a long time due to trauma. She couldn’t help but sit up, looking at An Jiu’s face and sighing, “I hope it’s like last time.”
This scenario was something Mei Jiu never would have imagined. She had always thought that weak people like herself would die early… Of course, she had died once already. But shouldn’t strong people like An Jiu live longer? Not become living dead at such a young age.
The carriage traveled slowly, only entering the city by dusk.
Hua Rongtian privately arranged for An Jiu to stay in a courtyard close to Mei Jiu’s, instructing the servants not to disturb them. Only Chu Dingjiang and Mei Yanran kept watch, with meals being sent in daily.
Chu Dingjiang was satisfied with these arrangements.
As the lanterns were first lit, Panlou Street began to bustle with activity.
Chu Dingjiang still sat by the bed. He took out a silk scroll and placed it by An Jiu’s pillow. “I got back the mission you accepted. There’s less than half a month left to complete it. You said you wanted to do it yourself, so don’t go back on your word.”
This was the mission An Jiu had accepted from the bounty list. Previously, Chu Dingjiang had handed it to his subordinates, but before they could act, the emperor had passed away, and the matter was temporarily set aside.
Despite being busy, Chu Dingjiang still remembered that An Jiu had said she would return and complete it herself.
Knock knock knock!
Someone was at the door. With a flicker of his mental power, Chu Dingjiang knew it wasn’t Mei Jiu or Mei Yanran, but it was a familiar person—Hua Rongjian.