Chapter 54 - Cao Family
Witnessing Cao Zongguan's imminent departure, Zuo Shaoqing swiftly grabbed Luo Xiaoliu's arm, pulling him along as they hurriedly left the Zuo Family residence. He instructed Luo Xiaoliu to approach a passerby, intercept Cao Zongguan, and escort him to the rear of the Green Lu Academy's mountain.
“San Ye, please entrust this task to your humble servant,” Luo Xiaoliu remarked. “If anything goes awry, the blame will fall on the servant's avarice, sparing any repercussions for you.”
In a rare display of devotion, Luo Xiaoliu puffed up his chest, locking eyes with Zuo Shaoqing, eagerly awaiting his approval.
Zuo Shaoqing patted his loyal servant's shoulder, a faint smile dancing on his lips as he responded, “Rest assured, I have devised a plan of my own.”
Upon reaching the mountain's rear, Zuo Shaoqing anxiously awaited Cao Zongguan's arrival, his eyes welled with tears. As he approached, he began to sob and choked out, “Big Brother Cao…”
Cao Zongguan, in contrast to his usual warmth and gentleness, regarded Zuo Shaoqing with a hint of surprise. “You're the one who invited me here?” he inquired.
“Indeed, it is I, Big Brother Cao. I've been privy to all the rumors circulating about our family…”
Cao Zongguan interjected with an unfriendly tone, “Are you here to interrogate me as well? Do you view me as one of those shameless villains?”
“No!” Zuo Shaoqing urgently clutched at Cao Zongguan's sleeves, gazing earnestly into his eyes. “I believe in you, Big Brother Cao. The Cao Zongguan I know is a man of honor. It's a misunderstanding, I'm sure of it.”
His words flowed from the depths of his heart; he possessed unwavering faith in Cao Zongguan's character.
Cao Zongguan's complexion showed a slight improvement upon hearing this, but ultimately, he let out a despondent sigh. “Even if you believe me, Madam Zuo doesn't, Master Zuo doesn't, Shao Shuai doesn't, and he's afraid… the young miss won't believe me either.”
Zuo Shaoqing's eyes flickered with intrigue; he blinked innocently and inquired, “Has Big Brother Cao spoken to the elder sister?”
“Sigh, I haven't even had a chance to see the young miss, how could I speak with her?”
Zuo Shaoqing nibbled his lip, appearing somewhat embarrassed, as he hesitated while gazing at Cao Zongguan.
Cao Zongguan discerned the unspoken words and swiftly drew him closer, asking, “Does Shao Qing have a plan?”
Zuo Shaoqing took a startled step back, his anxious eyes darting as he shook his head.
“I apologize for my rudeness,” Cao Zongguan gracefully saluted.
Zuo Shaoqing seemed to reach a difficult decision. “Actually, the reason I summoned you here today, Big Brother Cao, is because I have something to discuss with you. However, I hope that after hearing it, you can keep it a secret from my younger brother.”
Cao Zongguan nodded with indifference.
“Actually…” Zuo Shaoqing hesitated. “Last night, as I returned to the courtyard, I happened to see your back…”
“What?” Cao Zongguan eagerly advanced and gripped Zuo Shaoqing's shoulder. “When did this happen?”
Zuo Shaoqing furrowed his brow, gently removing Cao Zongguan's hand as he spoke weakly, “In truth, I only glimpsed your figure from behind. At that moment, on my way back to the courtyard, I noticed two of Liu's attendants helping you into the inner court. I had been quite intoxicated, so I didn't think much of it until just now…”
Cao Zongguan comprehended the implied meaning in Zuo Shaoqing's words, and his face turned pale. He incredulously asked, “Are you suggesting… I was set up by someone?”
He had never ventured into the Zuo Mansion's backyard, so how could he have found his way to the chambers of the three young ladies? The whole scandalous incident remained a complete blur in his memory.
In his previous visit to the Zuo Mansion, he had been utterly shocked, and now, consumed by despair, he began to realize that there were indeed many suspicious aspects to the situation.
Zuo Shaoqing shook his head with an innocent air. “I'm not certain. Perhaps I was merely imagining things.”
Zuo Shaoqing understood that his words were like a lifeline, offering Cao Zongguan an opportunity for redemption. Whether he had truly witnessed Cao Zongguan being assisted into the backyard or not, Cao Zongguan would take it as fact.
“Little Brother, do you have any idea who those people were that were helping me?”
Zuo Shaoqing continued to shake his head. “The night was pitch black, and the distance made it quite difficult to discern. I wouldn't normally associate with such individuals in the Zuo Mansion.”
Seeing Cao Zongguan nod in contemplation, Zuo Shaoqing knew it was best to let the matter rest for now. Saying too much would only arouse suspicion about his intentions.
His anxious hands fidgeted as he gazed helplessly at Cao Zongguan. “Brother Cao, could you please keep this to yourself?” I can't bear to see you suffer unjustly, but I also don't want my family to misunderstand me.”
Cao Zongguan nodded in understanding. “Don't worry, I discovered it independently. It has nothing to do with you.”
Trusting in his remaining credibility, Zuo Shaoqing offered further reassurance before hurriedly departing.
As he took a different path, Zuo Shaoqing ascended halfway up the mountain and watched Cao Zongguan's receding figure. A faint smile graced his lips.
This investigation would surely expose the Zuo Family's plan to marry Zuo Shuhui to Master Lu. All their schemes and machinations would become transparent.
Hehe… He couldn't fathom that his Cao Family would accept this lying down.
In his previous life, Lu Zheng had directly proposed to the Zuo Mansion, leaving Cao Family with no recourse. They had to endure the pain silently. If Cao Family didn't act now, it would tarnish their family's reputation.
Descending the mountain, Zuo Shaoqing's first act was to instruct Luo Xiaoliu to spread the news of Lu Zheng's stay at the Zuo Mansion for a few days.
Concerned about Master Lu, Luo Xiaoliu hesitated, “Master, is this really advisable? What if Master Lu holds it against us in the future…”
“Don't worry, we'll be leaving soon. There's no need to fret, even if we reveal his presence. In reality, Zuo Shaoqing knew that Lu Zheng didn't want to keep his whereabouts a secret, so it was just an unnecessary hassle. There were no classified matters involved.
Luo Xiaoliu held immense admiration for his master, so he found relief in his words.
The following day, when the Cao Family came knocking, Mrs. Cao personally led a sizable entourage into the Zuo Family residence and declared, “Greetings, Madam Zuo. I am here to take the third Miss Zuo with me. These three young ladies shall be my concubines from now on.”
Mrs. Xue never expected such a declaration. According to her expectations, the Cao Family should have initiated a dispute first, but this turn of events spared her significant trouble.
“Mrs. Cao, please have a seat and enjoy some tea. Even Shuyuan hasn't been prepared for your sudden visit.”
Mrs. Cao took a seat at the head of the table, smoothed her non-existent skirt wrinkles, and offered a smile. “What do we need to discuss? It's not like it's a grand wedding. I've brought all my new clothes, so we can have the maidservants bring them for changing.”
Without waiting for Mrs. Xue's response, Mrs. Cao interjected assertively, “My inept child truly lacks discretion. I should have brought the three girls back yesterday, sparing us this unnecessary trip.”
Upon receiving the news yesterday, Mrs. Cao had felt an immediate urge to rush over to the Zuo Family. Thankfully, she managed to retain her composure and gain some insight into the situation after hearing Cao Zongguan's account of the matter.
If her suspicions were correct, the Zuo Family's conduct was unacceptable. They could have rejected the proposal, but to imply that they wouldn't let her go was unjust. Their actions not only besmirched her reputation within the Cao Family but also drove her son to abandon her.
Mrs. Xue was no stranger to the world's ways. While her Cao Family held a higher status than the Zuo Family, once her eldest son acquired a title, their respective achievements would be on equal footing.
Mr. Cao insisted, “Mrs. Cao, although Shuyuan married into our concubine branch, her status as a Zuo Family member dictates her concubine status.”
“Concubine?” Mrs. Cao scoffed. “Lady Zuo, you must be joking. This woman lost her virginity before crossing our threshold. Granting her a title was already an indulgence. Your fantasies are laughable!”
“Don't forget who caused her to lose her virginity. In any case, it was Nephew Cao who exploited the situation!”
Enraged, Mrs. Cao slammed the table, knocking over a teacup. “Who really took advantage here? Our Cao Family is willing to bear the consequences, but don't try to gain any advantage. If you think the Zuo Family can't look bad in this, think again!”
Mrs. Xue, unaccustomed to such an outburst, responded with irritation, “If that's your stance, then both families have nothing further to discuss. Mrs. Cao, please take your leave!”
“Well, that means the three ladies won't be joining my Cao Family, right? Excellent. I have no interest in such individuals. You can keep that flawed gem and find her a suitable match!” Mr. Cao declared, tossing his handkerchief aside before departing.
Mrs. Xue was on the verge of fainting due to anger. Thankfully, Mrs. Zhu, who stood nearby, intervened and consoled Mrs. Cao, “Mrs. Cao, my wife also cares deeply for her daughter. She didn't sleep last night and has been in tears over the three young ladies. You should take responsibility for this.”
Mrs. Xue composed herself and took a deep breath. It was imperative for Zuo Shuyuan to marry into the Cao Family. If this situation escalated, it would adversely affect the other ladies who had not yet left the pavilion.
She forced a smile and said, “I sincerely apologize for my earlier outburst. Mrs. Cao, please have a seat, and let's discuss this matter calmly.”
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