NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3 - Greetings
After meandering through the gardens of Zuo's estate and crossing the courtyards belonging to his various siblings, Zuo Shaoqing eventually reached the primary residence, Wu Ji Hall, within approximately fifteen minutes.
“Lord Third has arrived! The mistress has been expecting you, and the other lords and ladies have already gathered,” declared a maid dressed in a purple gown, standing at the entrance of the main building. Upon spotting Zuo Shaoqing, her voice took on a condescending note.
Zuo Shaoqing took note of the fleeting disdain in her eyes and felt a chill run through his heart. If his memory served him right, this handmaid named Zi Zhu was soon to be bestowed upon him as a concubine by Mrs. Xue. Her haughtiness was thus somewhat understandable.
Nonetheless, her inflated sense of importance would be short-lived; extricating oneself from Lord Zuo's entanglements was far from an easy task.
Zuo Shaoqing managed to sustain a facade of hesitancy and discomfort. Clearing his throat, he clutched his forehead and muttered, “I arose late today because of a lingering headache due to last night's cold wind. Could you, Sister Zi Zhu, relay this to those inside?”
Displaying visible contempt, Violet Bamboo flicked his handkerchief as though dismissing impurities from the air, lifted the curtain, and made his way into the chamber.
Soon after, the half-committed voice of Mrs. Xue emanated from within, “He finally deigns to pay his respects? Given that Mrs. Ruan is no longer the matriarch since her passing, he can wait outside.”
In a past life, if Mrs. Xue had instructed Zuo Shaoqing to wait, he would have complied without a second thought, likely remaining in place for an extended period without voicing any discontent.
But now… He caught the sound of laughter from within the room and responded with a disdainful expression. Gathering his robes, he knelt and proclaimed, “Mother, I have erred. I was momentarily blinded by my own folly. I shouldn't have neglected my duties in our home, nor delayed in offering you my respects, especially with the memory of our departed mother. I bow deeply and seek your forgiveness!”
As he said this, he forcefully bowed, pressing his forehead against the cold limestone floor. Beneath his bowed head, a flicker of steely resolve shone in his eyes. If Mrs. Xue wished for a scene, he was prepared to escalate it. .c(o)m
If they aimed to brand him as disrespectful, they'd have to see whether he'd accept that label or not.
A hush descended over the room. The distinct sound of Zuo Shaoqing's gestures of respect echoed, even through the heavy drapery.
Zuo Shuhui elegantly stood behind her, offering a comforting pat on her shoulder. The other two concubines demurely half-knelt, attending to Mrs. Xue's legs, while the patriarch of the Zuo family sat nearby, engrossed in a book, seemingly oblivious to the unfolding drama.
The Zuo Family's inner sanctum had been under Mrs. Xue's influence for over a decade, rendering it an unassailable fortress. Apart from the late Lady Ruan, no one else could ever hope for any favor from Mrs. Xue.
So, with Lady Ruan's passing, a significant obstacle in Mrs. Xue's path was removed. As for the son she left behind, was he not still at Mrs. Xue's mercy, to be treated as she saw fit?
Thinking of this, a malicious smile appeared on Mrs. Xue's face.
“Mom, should we let him continue kneeling in such a manner?” Zuo Shuhui nestled close to Mrs. Xue, her large and keen eyes flickering. She whispered, “When he's berated this way, do we not appear as those hindering his sincere devotion to family?”
Mrs. Xue's smile momentarily faltered. With a light sigh of disdain, she remarked to the outside, “Why such whispers? Let him remain kneeling there! Typical of a deceiver, resorting to such lowly tactics!”
The two concubines were half-kneeling, suppressing any desire to speak out. Their hearts brimmed with resentment. In their eyes, Mrs. Xue had always been petty and seldom kind to them.
However, Zuo Shaoqing wasn't one to relent easily. He went on with his deep bows and lamented with tears in his voice, “It's my wrongdoing, Mother. I am the one who's been unfilial. Please, take me to task.”
A glimmer of hope dawned on Zuo Shaoqing as he caught sight of shoes adorned with golden cloud motifs. Had this individual not appeared when they did, his situation might have worsened.
Though relieved, Zuo Shaoqing maintained his stance, “Auntie's sudden departure has deeply saddened me. I apologize for my oversight. Please grant me your pardon.”
His overt display was intended to gauge Mrs. Ruan's influence over Zuo Yunwen's affections. Given that Zuo Yunwen had just suffered a loss, there might still be time for intervention.
Should another six months pass, Zuo Yunwen might find a new confidante. By then, memories of Mrs. Ruan would have faded.
From above him, a profound sigh was heard, soon followed by Zuo Yunwen's voice, “Stand up. It was merely a few days of greetings. No punishment is needed when there's justification.”
Tears welled up in Zuo Shaoqing's eyes as he gazed at Zuo Yunwen, a profound admiration evident in his look.
Seeing this, Zuo Yunwen was taken aback. Recognizing the familiar facial features, memories of the tender lady came flooding back. He instinctively extended his hand to help Zuo Shaoqing to his feet.
Tears flowed down Zuo Yunwen's pristine face, evoking a deep sense of pity. He gently touched the bruise on his forehead, reprimanding, “Young one, why did you injure your forehead so?”
“Father…” Tears threatened to spill from Zuo Shaoqing's eyes as he embodied the grief of a devoted son mourning a recent loss.
Zuo Yunwen's brow furrowed in surprise. Despite his affection for Mrs. Ruan, he never displayed particular fondness for this son, often dismayed by his perceived frailty.
His elder son, Zuo Shaoyan, always had a composed demeanor and rarely expressed much, leaving Zuo Yunwen with little to comment on.
Thus, witnessing Zuo Shaoqing's intricate gaze, Zuo Yunwen felt an unexpected surge of paternal pride and satisfaction.
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