489 My Jiaojiao (2)
Unexpectedly, someone from the Chang family came knocking at the door all of a sudden.
A trace of worry flashed across Chang Zaiqing’s eyes. “I really feel bad for suddenly dropping in on you this time and causing such trouble for the Shen family…” She looked at Chen Ruoqiu.” If Madam feels that it’s inconvenient, I’ll leave now. I won’t cause trouble for the Shen family.” Even so, the moment she lowered her eyes, she couldn’t help but bite her lip.
Chen Ruoqiu held her hand affectionately. “Miss Chang, what are you talking about? Since your father saved my father-in-law’s life, your family is our Shen family’s benefactor. Moreover, the old general and your father were sworn brothers back then. We’re all family. Since you’re in trouble, we can’t just stand by and do nothing.” She patted Chang Zaiqing’s hand. “Miss Qing, just stay here. I’ll bring you to see Old Madam tomorrow. However, Old Madam is not feeling well these days and is quite temperamental. I’m afraid you have to bear with her.”
Chang Zaiqing nodded repeatedly. Her attitude was natural and polite. She was not shy, but she didn’t make herself at home immediately either. It was easy for people to have a good impression of her. Even someone like Chen Ruoqiu, who was cautious, treated Chang Zaiqing well.
Chang Zaiqing’s family lived in Liuzhou. The reason why she suddenly came to the Shen family was that she had indeed encountered a problem. Chang Hu had passed away a few years ago, and only Chang Zaiqing and her mother were left in the Chang family. Mrs. Chang was bedridden all year round and fell seriously ill a while back. After Mrs. Chang was buried, a young man from an official family in Liuzhou wanted to snatch Chang Zaiqing away to be his concubine. Chang Zaiqing was forced into a corner and almost committed suicide with a white handkerchief, but she was saved by her nanny. The nanny told Chang Zaiqing that perhaps Old General Shen, Chang Hu’s old friend, could help her out.
Chang Zaiqing had seen Old General Shen when she was young. She vaguely remembered that he was a very forthright and magnanimous general. She really could not think of anyone else who could help her out, so she gathered the money and came to the capital. As soon as she came to the Shen family, she happened to meet Chen Ruoqiu. After Chen Ruoqiu found out what happened, she brought her in.
Chen Ruoqiu smiled and looked at Chang Zaiqing. “Miss Chang, the capital is not like Liuzhou. I wonder if the food is to your liking. Do you like the west courtyard?”
“Madam, you’re too kind.” Chang Zaiqing smiled and replied, “Madam, you’ve taken very good care of me. The place where I live in the west courtyard is also very comfortable. However…” She was a little puzzled.” Is such a big courtyard usually empty?” After saying that, she felt that she was a little rude and smiled.” I hope Madam won’t mind me asking.”
“I treat you as one of us, so of course I don’t mind.” Chen Ruoqiu smiled and said, “I won’t hide it from you. You know that there are actually three branches in the Shen family. I think you’ve heard of the mighty general, the first branch. It’s just that two years ago, there was a misunderstanding between us, so the first branch moved out. My husband and I wanted to explain, but they went to Spring City and just came back not long ago. This misunderstanding is too deep.” As Chen Ruoqiu spoke, she looked helpless and shook her head. “I don’t know what to do.”
Chang Zaiqing was stunned. “If that’s the case, then the west courtyard…”
“The west courtyard used to be where the first branch lived,” Chen Ruoqiu said.
Chang Zaiqing was enlightened. Seeing that Chen Ruoqiu was a little sad, she comforted, “Madam, don’t worry too much. Blood is thicker than water in the world. Since it’s a misunderstanding, it will eventually be resolved. As time passes, I think General Shen will get over it and come back to reunite with the family.”