Chapter 188: Chapter 189: Return to the Shao Family Chapter 188: Chapter 189: Return to the Shao Family Shao He, cradling Xiao Linzhang, headed for the door first, with Qing Shan and Qingxia hastily following behind.
The carriage moved forward slowly, and as Qingxia lifted the curtain to look outside, the hustle and bustle of people was much more lively than the day before.
Soon, the carriage stopped in front of the Shao Family’s gate, and Qingxia jumped down first, then helped the young lady alight.
Upon learning their identity at the door, servants imdiately went to report their arrival.
The previously closed gates were opened once again, as Shao Zhengru and i Ying ca out to welco their return.
Seeing the returned family mber, Shao Zhengru said with joy, “You’re finally willing to co back. The wind is strong outside, quickly bring the child inside.”
In response to this warm greeting, not a hint of a smile crossed Shao He’s face.
Once inside the hall, the maids had prepared pastries and tea, offering her a mont to rest.
“You must be hungry after the journey, why not eat so pastries to fill your stomach? I’ve already arranged for the kitchen to prepare the als you like.”
i Ying continued with a smile, “Indeed, you have no idea how excited your father has been since he learned you were coming back. He didn’t sleep well last night and got up early to wait for you.”
“Oh, is that so? It must have been hard for father. Where is my mother, and why haven’t I seen her?” Shao He asked indifferently.
Hearing Wei Wan’s na ntioned, i Ying’s expression stiffened montarily before she managed to squeeze out a smile.
“Your mother has been feeling sowhat unwell recently, so she can’t co to see you at the mont. By the way, how have you been while you were away?” i Ying pretended to ask caringly.
“I’ve been fine, no need for your concern,” Shao He replied dismissively.
i Ying touched her nose awkwardly and dared not continue, her gaze, however, lingered on Xiao Linzhang in Shao He’s arms, her eyes betraying her surprise.
The child was delicately beautiful, especially his pair of large, pitch-black eyes that seed to speak, incredibly endearing; however, his features didn’t resemble those of Chu Yu.
“This child is really adorable,” i Ying said as she reached out to touch Xiao Linzhang’s head.
Xiao Linzhang shrank back, avoiding her touch.
“He’s not very fond of contact with strangers,” Shao He remarked, frowning.
i Ying quickly apologized and offered a few more praises.
“The child indeed is clever and lively,” Shao Zhengru praised jovially.
Upon hearing such praise, Xiao Linzhang imdiately grinned and giggled happily.
Shao He sensed sothing amiss; from her return until now, Shao Zhengru had not ntioned seeing her mother, which puzzled her.
Observing an unhappy face, Shao Zhengru reached out intending to hold the child but was stopped by Qingxia.
“What does father wish to do?”
Shao Zhengru cleared his throat awkwardly, “I just wanted to look at my grandson and hold him, that’s all.”
“There’s no need. Xiao Linzhang is shy. He’ll start crying and fussing if held by strangers,” Shao He flatly refused.
The atmosphere turned awkward in an instant, and i Ying, trying to smooth things over, said with a smile, “All children are like this at first, but they’ll get used to it. After all, blood is thicker than water. Why not let your father try holding him?”
“Yes, I’m his grandfather, after all. I couldn’t possibly harm him,” Shao Zhengru’s eyes flickered with calculation.
Shao He lowered her gaze, a faint smile touching her lips, “Father, I’d rather you take to see my mother first. After all, I ca back mainly for her sake.”
“This…”
“Your mother’s condition is sowhat delicate, she needs to rest quietly. You stay here in the house for now, and once your mother feels a bit better, I will personally take you to see her.”
With a worried look, Shao He said, “I am a doctor, so I can just as well diagnose and treat mother.”
After speaking, she headed for the door with Xiao Linzhang in her arms.
Shao Zhengru and i Ying, their expressions changing drastically, hurriedly stood up to block her way.
Seeing the two people blocking her path, the smile on Shao He’s lips gradually faded, and a hint of coldness appeared in her eyes, “What is this, father? Do you intend to prevent from seeing my mother?”
“No, not at all.”
“It’s bad, it’s really bad! The Old Madam has fallen ill,” the nanny ca running over in a panic.
With a frown, Shao Zhengru asked, “What is the matter that you’re so panicked?”
“The Old Madam has suddenly taken ill, and her condition is urgent. Master, you should go see her quickly,” the nanny exclaid breathlessly.
The gazes of Shao Zhengru and i Ying fell on Shao He, hoping she would go and see Old Madam Shao.
After deliberating for a mont, Shao He decided to go and examine Old Madam Shao first.
“Lead the way.”
Relieved, i Ying and Shao Zhengru led her to Old Madam’s chambers.
Hearing groans coming from within, she handed the child over to Qing Shan and entered the inner room.
“Shao He, you’ve co,” Old Madam Shao said, her voice very weak.
Shao He went over to feel her pulse, and after pondering for a mont, she said, “There is no serious harm, these are just the ailnts of old age, she just needs extra care.”
Shao He, noticing their lack of urgency, guessed in her heart that Shao Zhengru must be deliberately stalling for ti, but she hadn’t yet figured out exactly what for.
Aware that Shao He wasn’t easy to deceive and suspecting that she harbored doubts in her heart, Shao Zhengru took the initiative to bring up Shao Mingyang’s troubles.
“You must have heard about the recent happenings in the house. Mingyang has provoked so people, and as your father, I know you are on good terms with so high officials and nobles; would you be able to help us out?”
“Impossible,” Shao He said without a mont’s hesitation, flatly refusing.
“It’s just a few words, and you are also a mber of the Shao Family, can’t you help your father out?” Shao Zhengru looked troubled.
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