Chapter 534
Looking at his brother’s appearance, it seemed possible he had charmed the little maidservant. Aunt Luo asked, “Are you confident the Princess of Zhen’s personal maid is interested in you?”
“Of course! Your brother has seen many women! That little girl’s eyes are practically glued to me!” Luo Fugui exaggerated boastfully with a triumphant expression, “She is definitely fond of me!”
Although Aunt Luo remained somewhat skeptical, there was no harm in trying. Perhaps the little maid did indeed fancy her brother.
“I’ll give it a try!” Aunt Luo raised her eyes to look at her brother, “You, don’t stir up trouble for me these days. The Princess of Zhen just arrived today. Our master won’t have time to see you. Go back first. Wait for my news!”
“Alright! Your big brother knows. In our family, you love your brother the most! If it works out, brother will surely repay you well!” Luo Fugui patted his chest and said.
That night, Dong Qingyue personally went to see Madam Dong, suggesting that Madam Dong go to Shuoyang with Bai Qingyan, as it would also be a chance to accompany Mrs. Dong.
After a brief hesitation, Madam Dong said, “I cannot leave. If I leave, what will people think of you, the Governor of Dengzhou, when the Rong invade? I have spent my whole life in Dengzhou and still hold some prestige. When you evacuate the people, I may not be able to do much, but I can at least rally the people to follow me before the Rong arrive. Otherwise, if you ask them to leave with just words, the older generation may not agree!”
The young people of Dengzhou might follow the Dong household women in evacuating, but the elderly who could not move would likely remain out of a hopeful yet misplaced belief they could stay safely.
“After all, they’ve lived here their whole lives. They are afraid they’ll never return even in death!” Madam Dong sighed.
The elderly believed in returning to their roots. Who knew when the war would end, and Dong Qingyue could not reveal his plans to the people.
The flickering candlelight in the room made Madam Dong’s deeply lined face appear even more furrowed. She turned to her second son with a smile, “If I stay, at least I can hold the fort for you. Each year I get older, my chances to help diminish. I do not wish to watch my son and grandson fight in peril while I hide in Shuoyang.”
“Mother…” Dong Qingyue disliked hearing his mother speak of death.
“Alright, alright! I won’t say more! I know you don’t like hearing this. Neither does your sister nor your brother! So I will live well,” Madam Dong smiled kindly, “Once Kid has settled in life, I can rest in peace.”
Ultimately, Madam Dong was most worried about Bai Qingyan.
Dong Qingyue grasped her hand, “Mother, Kid inherits the kingly spirit of the King of Zhen, and her strategies surpass even his. Her ambitions extend beyond the inner chambers. But mother, look forward to the day Kid achieves fame with her talents. When that day comes, many women like you and Kid, intelligent and extraordinary, will have broader horizons! Imagine that, mother… what a sight it would be!”
When the news of the Empress of Xiliang’s ascension reached them, Madam Dong was deeply moved, stating the Empress would enable talented women in Xiliang to serve the nation. If there were no internal conflict, Xiliang would surely prosper.
“You think so…” Madam Dong’s heart skipped a beat. She glanced outside the ornate screen to confirm no one was near, then whispered, “Are you saying… Kid wishes to emulate the Empress of Xiliang?”
“Regardless of whether Kid has such ambitions, she desires to bring peace to the land! She has the wisdom to save the people. I wish to support her. If Kid truly aims for this unparalleled achievement, I do not wish to stand aside. Success would make my life worthwhile.”
Dong Qingyue grew up by his mother’s side, knowing her wisdom. His father often sought her counsel when undecided.
He, under her guidance, never underestimated women nor believed they should be confined to the inner chambers to support and teach children. There were many women like his mother, sister, and Kid, whose talents were often restricted by societal norms.
Like his mother, though capable, she could not step forward as a man could. Dong Qingyue felt deep regret and sadness for this.
Madam Dong gritted her teeth and gripped her son’s hand tightly, “Keep these thoughts in your heart. Never speak of them aloud. Kid trusts you as her uncle. She confided in you, but you must keep this secret to prevent harm from coming to her!”
“Mother, I understand!” Dong Qingyue replied, “This time, Kid came to Dengzhou to see me. She discussed everything she needed. She plans to return to Shuoyang with you. Since you are not leaving, Kid likely won’t stay long.”
Madam Dong nodded, “There are matters in Shuoyang waiting for her. She cannot stay here long!”
Bai Qingyan sat on the soft couch by the window, reading military books. Chun Tao was braiding her hair.
The five-colored light from the glass lamp on the high table illuminated the beautiful maiden like a jade carving, creating a splendid scene.
Qiu Huan, having finished scenting the couch, put down her incense and eagerly reached out to replace Chun Tao in braiding Bai Qingyan’s hair, “Sister Chun Tao, let me do it!”
Seeing Chun Tao’s frown, Qiu Huan hurriedly tightened her grip on the cloth in fear of being refused.
“Ouch…”
Bai Qingyan winced as her hair was pulled.
Qiu Huan panicked and knelt, “Spare me, Princess! I only wished to relieve Sister Chun Tao, who worked hard bathing the princess. I did not expect Sister Chun Tao to mind about what happened outside the master’s study today…”
Before Qiu Huan could finish, Bai Qingyan slammed the ancient book on the small table and looked down at the seemingly frightened Qiu Huan kneeling on the ground. She was very tired of the little maid’s tricks.
“Chun Tao, go fetch Nanny Wang!” Bai Qingyan ordered.
Qiu Huan trembled in fear, quickly looking up at Bai Qingyan’s calm and indifferent expression, crying out, “Spare me, Princess!”
Chun Tao, having served Bai Qingyan for a long time and experienced the treachery of Chun Yan and Chun Xing, saw through Qiu Huan’s schemes.
Chun Tao acknowledged and glanced at Qiu Huan, then walked past the screen to call for Nanny Wang from Madam Dong’s room.