508 Chang Zaiqing (3)
Luo Xueyan looked out and saw that night was indeed approaching. She held her hand and said, “In that case, I can’t keep you, lest you get lost on the way back. It’s just that I’m especially happy to see you today. You have to come back another day. It’s been a long time since I’ve met such a like-minded friend.”
Chang Zaiqing smiled and said, “Surely, Madam, when I have time.”
Luo Xueyan instructed someone to prepare a carriage for Chang Zaiqing, and Shen Miao and Luo Tan followed behind. Luo Tan sighed and said, “Although Auntie Chang came from a small family in Liuzhou, her etiquette is even better than that of the noble ladies in the palace. She’s gentle and kind. I really didn’t expect her to be unmarried at such an age. I wonder who will be lucky enough to marry her in the end.”
Shen Miao looked at Chang Zaiqing’s back and did not speak. Seeing this, Luo Tan suddenly whispered into Shen Miao’s ear, “Cousin, do you not like this Auntie Chang?”
Shen Miao was a little surprised. She did not expect Luo Tan to be able to tell that. She raised her eyebrows and said, “I have no grudge against her. Why would I not like her?”
“Hey, others might not be able to tell, but I know very well.” Luo Tan said proudly, “You’re normally very indifferent to everyone. However, today, you asked Auntie Chang many questions. Moreover, you were rude. You clearly did it on purpose. The way you looked at her is a little strange. It’s different from the way you look at others.”
Shen Miao laughed. “You’re thinking too much.”
“I’m not thinking too much. You obviously didn’t like her.” Luo Tan continued, “Although this Auntie Chang is good and friendly, I… feel that something is not right.”
“What is not right?” Shen Miao asked.
“Think about it. Auntie Chang’s father is Old General Shen’s subordinate and benefactor. He must be a fierce general. As the saying goes, like father, like daughter. You look gentle on the surface, but deep down, you’re like your father. You’re very brave and not afraid of the Turks. However, this Auntie Chang is too gentle and mild. Why doesn’t she have the aura of a general at all?”
Shen Miao sneered. No, Chang Zaiqing was more like a young lady from a general’s family than anyone else. She studied the art of war to the point of perfection and strategized every move calmly. The reason she didn’t have the aura of a general was because she was hiding it well.
Shen Miao looked at Luo Tan and did not correct her. She only said, “Who said that people from a general’s family have to be brave? This Auntie Chang grew up in Liuzhou. Perhaps Mrs. Chang is from a scholarly family. Auntie Chang just takes after her mother.”
Luo Tan curled her lips. “Maybe. Actually, I quite like her. However, if you don’t like her, I won’t like her either. I’m with you.”
Shen Miao said, “Well, in that case, thank you.”
“But why don’t you like her?” Luo Tan asked curiously, “Are you jealous that she knows more than you?”
Shen Miao glanced at Chang Zaiqing, who was being put into the carriage by Luo Xueyan, and a trace of coldness flashed across her eyes. “Of course not. I’m more than happy to see such a smart person.”
…
Not long after Chang Zaiqing left, Shen Xin and the others returned. Luo Xueyan told them about Chang Zaiqing. Shen Xin was surprised at first, but then he sighed. When Old General Shen was alive, he often mentioned to Shen Xin that Chang Hu was a loyal and brave person. The Shen family took repaying kindness most seriously. However, after Old General Shen died, the Chang family moved to Liuzhou and there was no news of them for many years. Shen Xin did not expect someone from the Chang family to suddenly appear now. Shen Xin had seen Chang Zaiqing in the past. At that time, Chang Zaiqing was still a little girl. He told her that if she had any difficulties, he could help her.