Chapter 28 - Deception

Chapter 28: Chapter 22 DeceptionHe couldn’t quite fathom the thoughts of Zhao Changyu and Fu Zhi; at this moment, arranging such a prominent marriage for Zhao Hezhen, was it not for the title?

And what was the Fu Family seeking by allying with the Zhao Family at this time?

Zhao Changyu was greatly weakened by this blow; his health had never been good, and now it was even worse. After only a few words, he asked Uncle Cheng to see the guests out, leaving only Third Sister Zhao to attend to his illness.

Zhao Zhongyu was more inclined to have Zhao Ji come. Having just taken over the position of Princely Heir and being a nephew, he was the best choice to attend to the illness.

But glancing at Fu Zhi and Fu Tinghan, he refrained from opposition for the moment and retreated.

Fu Zhi then also took Fu Tinghan to bid farewell.

Zhao Hanzhang nodded to Fu Tinghan. After seeing them off, she returned just in time to bring medicine to Zhao Changyu.

Zhao Changyu took the medicine bowl, glanced at her leg, "Recovered?"

Zhao Hanzhang nodded calmly, "Recovered."

Zhao Changyu couldn’t help but smile, tilted his head back, drank all the medicine, and sighed, "You mustn’t be so headstrong in the future. I don’t have much time left; take some time to mend relations with the Second House during this period."

Zhao Hanzhang readily agreed, but she hesitated a bit and said, "Grandfather, this morning, while Mr. Fu and I were clipping roses in the garden, we happened to see the stones on the rockery loosen and fall, seemingly hitting someone."

Zhao Changyu caught his breath, "Who got hit?"

Zhao Hanzhang said, "At that moment, they were receiving an imperial decree at the front, and I don’t know if Big Sister went; if not, perhaps it was her. We were some distance away, and since she made no sound, I’m not sure if it was her."

Zhao Changyu thought for a moment and understood; perhaps the Second House also didn’t want to make a fuss, as today was significant for them, and they’re the last to want any mishaps.

But a grudge must have been borne.

Zhao Changyu sighed, wearily waved his hand, "Forget it, do as you please, as long as you know in your heart."

He closed his eyes, then opened them with more determination, "Since the marriage is settled, let’s set the wedding date as well. While I’m still here, finalize your marriage, and I’ll entrust your mother and younger brother to you afterward."

With things as they were, it was better to sort everything before his death; perhaps it could leave some familial bonds between the First and Second Houses, providing a retreat in the future.

Zhao Hanzhang wanted to say it wasn’t necessary, but catching Zhao Changyu’s gaze, she fell silent.

Forget it, it’s best to let him leave with peace of mind. Let the marriage proceed; it will make it easier for her and Professor Fu to find a way.

Zhao Hanzhang returned to Qingyi Pavilion, and the anxious Mrs. Wang hurried to meet her, "How is your grandfather? Does he wish to see the Second Son?"

"Grandfather took his medicine and fell asleep; the doctor said there’s no problem," Zhao Hanzhang reassured her, "I’ll take the Second Son to see Grandfather tomorrow."

Mrs. Wang let out a breath of relief, "I don’t know what agitated your grandfather to the point of fainting."

Zhao Hanzhang said, "King Hejian passed away."

Mrs. Wang was indifferent, "In the past two years, if not two hundred, at least a hundred royals have died. I don’t recall King Hejian having any relation to our family."

Zhao Hanzhang said, "King Hejian was known for his generosity and appreciation of scholars, and he had a decent reputation. Among the royal family, besides Prince East Sea, he was quite reputable. He previously guarded Chang’an and was somewhat popular with the people. His death leaves Chang’an without support, and I’m afraid it can’t hold much longer."

"Moreover..." Zhao Hanzhang paused and continued, "Reputation, when used well, can rally the people to safeguard the nation; when used poorly, it leads to a loss of public support."

"Now, with the new emperor just ascending, everything needs rebuilding, the people are waiting, and foreign enemies are watching. Killing King Hejian now is akin to self-destructing," Zhao Hanzhang said, "Prince East Sea played a bad move."

Mrs. Wang was more concerned about assets, "That’s state affairs; what does it have to do with us? Now that your marriage is settled, did your grandfather mention when he’ll set the dowry?"

"It has a lot to do with it," Zhao Hanzhang murmured softly, "With some luck, Luoyang can remain stable for a while until I find a way back; if luck runs out..."

She sighed, "To survive, we might have to temporarily leave Luoyang."

Mrs. Wang was stunned, "Where to leave Luoyang for?"

"Ru Nan."

"Return to the hometown?" Mrs. Wang’s voice almost broke in surprise, and she shook her head repeatedly, "No, no, I only returned to Ru Nan once, and back then, your father was still around. You don’t know..."

She paused before adding, "Luoyang is so good; His Majesty is here, isn’t this the safest place?"

Zhao Hanzhang said, "Precisely because the emperor is here, it’s not safe."

Seeing that Mrs. Wang was about to cry, Zhao Hanzhang couldn’t help but ask curiously, "What about the old home in Ru Nan? Is there anything unsuitable?"

Mrs. Wang dropped her shoulders, shook her head, "No, if we truly must return, then we shall return."

After nightfall, the Zhao Family quieted down, as if the two major events of the day hadn’t affected them.

The servants of the Second House moved in and out with great care. Even though Zhao Changyu was ill, they couldn’t resist having the kitchen prepare extra delicacies and took out fine wine, planning to celebrate quietly.

Zhao Hewan leaned against the bed, a cloth wrapped around her forehead, listening to Mrs. Wu’s grumbling, "You shouldn’t have gone, adding this injury for nothing, and you can’t even mention it, you can’t even approach your grandfather tonight."

Zhao Hewan clenched her handkerchief and whispered, "So the person who came today was Mr. Fu from the Fu Family? He and Third Sister just got engaged like that?"

Mrs. Wu responded with an "Mm" and continued her complaints, "You should avoid going out recently. The First House is in a rage right now, and we’ve gained benefits, so let’s steer clear of them for now, especially with your granduncle around, let’s not make a scene..."

Zhao Hewan didn’t pay much attention, still tangled, "The title was given to our family, so why is Mr. Fu still engaged to her? Mother, could there have been a mistake?"

Mrs. Wu frowned, "There can’t be any mistake. The marriage contract and betrothal gifts were exchanged in front of your grandfather; how could it be false?"

"But..." Zhao Hewan bit her lip, "Wasn’t it said that Granduncle arranged Third Sister’s marriage to secure the title for Second Brother? Now the marriage is settled, but it’s Father who’s titled."

Mrs. Wu awkwardly said, "I don’t know where that rumor came from. You just listen and dismiss it; how can you believe it?"

"Wasn’t it Mother and Liu’er who said it, how come..." Before finishing her sentence, a slap came, turning her head to the side. Zhao Hewan clutched her face, looking at her mother in shock.

Mrs. Wu, with a stern face, said angrily, "What nonsense are you spouting? When did Mother ever say such things? I think the rock has damaged your head. If you continue to utter nonsense, you’ll keep kneeling in the ancestral hall."

Zhao Hewan’s face turned pale.

Mrs. Wu stood up, called a servant in, and said, "The eldest lady just came out from the ancestral hall and is ill; don’t let her leave the house soon. If she goes out and gets startled or hurt again, I’ll hold you responsible."

The maids nervously agreed, bowing to see Mrs. Wu out.

Zhao Hewan’s tears fell in streams, covering her face and crying out loud, "They lied to me, all of them!"

"Eldest Lady," a maid stepped forward to comfort her, "please don’t cry. The Old Master and the Princely Heir are drinking in the front; if they hear you crying, they’ll surely be angry."