Chapter 106: Traveling a Thousand Miles to Seek His Help
When Chen Rong came home, Nurse Ping and Old Shang rushed up to hold her as they cried.
Chen Rong was already immensely exhausted. She impatiently pried them off and bade for a tonic bath to be prepared.
Feeling better after some time in the water, Chen Rong lay in the tub as she tried to relax amid the rising vapor.
She kept her eyes wide open staring at the ceiling.
She knew that no one in Chen Yuan’s family had liked her in the past and that Chen Yuan had also repeatedly schemed to give her away. Even so, she was only angry at the time, never feeling any strong hatred.
But now, to come home to this after having just received an invitation to hell only proved to her that she had wholly offended Chen Yuan’s family, and there was no possibility for further harmony or compromises.
As far as Chen Rong was concerned, that invitation must have been forged by someone in Chen Yuan’s household. Why else did Lady Ruan and Lady Li send people to inquire after her whereabouts as soon as she left for her appointment? Moreover, she had only ever offended this family.
Ruthlessness glinted in her eyes as they narrowed at this thought.
Then, she thought of Chen Yuan and Chen Sanlang’s abnormal behaviors.
But that was of little concern. Whatever act they may be putting on, she expected them to show their hands to her in a few days.
The night went on in her tossing and turning.
The next day was bright and sunny again. As she looked at the sky outside, like the people on the streets of Nan’yang, Chen Rong grew nervous about the Hu’s impending attack.
She had asked Old Shang to find out about Wang Hong and his clan’s development. After much inquiry, however, there was still no news to relay.
After breakfast, while looking at the gradually rising sun, Chen Rong who was finally in better spirit after having had some sleep called Nurse Ping over to help her get ready for an outing.
Just then, footsteps sounded.
“The master has asked for Ah Rong,” a maid announced.
Chen Yuan?
Chen Rong stood up and drew her lips into a cold smile, thinking to herself: Showing your hands so soon already?
She replied, got dressed, and then followed the maid to Chen Yuan’s courtyard.
After they entered the courtyard, she saw that both the servants and nobles alike were all hanging their heads in apprehension.
The girl walking in front of her was one she hadn’t seen before. She was also keeping her head down and just quietly leading the way.
When Chen Rong arrived at Chen Yuan’s yard, a tall and beautiful maid was waiting for her at the steps. Upon seeing Ah Rong, she dropped into a curtsy and said, “The master is inside.”
Chen Rong hummed an acknowledgement and went in.
Only two people sat in the spacious hall. The host was no other than Chen Yuan; below him was Chen Sanlang.
Upon Chen Rong’s arrival, Chen Yuan put his wine down and gave her a good look. Then he sighed and smiled at her. “You seem to have recovered your spirit after a good rest, Ah Rong.”
Chen Rong dutifully went to her uncle, curtsied, and replied, “I didn’t mean to be a cause of concern, uncle. I rested very well last night.”
Chen Yuan nodded, pointed to the seat on his right and kindly said, “Ah Rong, sit down.”
“Thank you.”
Silence pursued after she took her seat. If they wouldn’t speak, then neither would she.
At length, Chen Sanlang’s voice broke the silence. He looked at Chen Rong and lamented: “I’m sorry for being late and causing you to be frightened for days.” He looked at her guiltily. “Ah Rong, do you resent me for it?”
Chen Rong quickly shook her head. “How could I?”
She quietly hung her head in again.
Chen Yuan cleared his throat, stroked his long beard and said, “Your aunts only gave you troubles because they had listened to that wench’s provocation.” He then ordered, “This matter is over now. Don’t bear a grudge, Ah Rong.”
Chen Rong hurriedly stood up and placed her palms together: “Aye, I wouldn’t dare.”
Chen Yuan nodded and then motioned for her to sit down.
Again, he cleared his throat and said to her, “Ah Rong, General Ran seems to have a good impression of you?”
Ran Min?
Chen Rong looked up.
Her uncle was stroking his beard, appearing to be pondering his words.
Soon, he coughed yet again and looked at Chen Rong who had lowered her head back down, before finally winking at Chen Sanlang.
Chen Sanlang caught on and turned to Chen Rong to lament. “Ah Rong, did you know that the clan is in trouble?”
Chen Rong rounded her eyes at Chen Sanlang and anxiously asked, “Has something happened?”
Seeing that she was concerned about the clan, Chen Sanlang began to smile before quickly putting on a frown. “Aye, something terrible has happened,” he woefully replied.
He stood up and paced the room while saying to his cousin: “I don’t expect a young lady like you would know this. Life has been d