Chapter 1234: Chapter 1231: Second Master Zhao
Chapter 1234: Chapter 1231: Second Master Zhao
Thinking of how Sister Ye never spoke nonsense, she nodded slowly, half a beat too late, “Yes, I also think so.”
Seeing her slow reaction.
Ye Muyu sighed lightly.
It actually didn’t matter that Zhao Qingqing was not politically sensitive. Although the status of women in Great Zhou had improved somewhat, the shift was only towards allowing divorced women to head their own households, and the rooted belief was that a woman’s virtue lay in her lack of talent.
This ‘talent’ largely referred to political sensitivity, even though women could read and learn arts.
“Go back and mention this to Old Master Zhao,” Ye Muyu reminded her.
Zhao Qingqing might not fully understand, but she was obedient, nodding lightly, “Okay.”
After sending Zhao Qingqing away.
Ye Muyu finally received a letter from Chu Heng.
Having read the letter, which was full of words comforting her, she realized it was written in March. The writer did not know she was pregnant.
She folded the letter neatly and placed it into a wooden box.
Zhao Qingqing returned home, heading to Old Master Zhao’s courtyard.
She had not gone far.
When she encountered Second Master Zhao.
“Second Uncle,” Zhao Qingqing greeted him with a formal bow.
Second Master Zhao glanced at his niece, seeing her dressed formally and frowned, “Did you go out?”
“Yes, I went to see Sister Ye.” Zhao Qingqing, not being close to her elder, bowed and then attempted to leave.
“Ye?” Second Master Zhao pondered for a moment then suddenly realized, “You went to the Chu family?”
He frowned deeply, “The Chu family is currently the subject of rumors, Qingqing, you are not allowed to go there anymore, and do not associate with the Chu family in the future.”
“Second Uncle, my father holds no official position; why can’t I go to the Chu family?” Zhao Qingqing’s temper flared. Since returning to the capital, her life had been stifling, and just yesterday, her aunt had spoken to her mother about arranging a marriage match for her.
The proposed match was with an illegitimate child from the Qi family’s Grand Secretary Qi.
Even if her reputation was not prominent, she did not deserve such a lowly match.
Her aunt was clearly trying to insult her.
“Since you know that your elder brother has not secured a position, as his daughter, you should share his concerns,” Second Master Zhao spoke self-righteously, his esteem for this niece who only knew how to argue with him dropped further as he chided, “You’re also of marriageable age now, so stop going out unnecessarily.”
With those words, he left, his sleeves flying back, and instructed the Housekeeper, without an elder’s permission, Zhao Qingqing was not allowed to leave the house.
Zhao Qingqing stomped her foot in anger, her retort unspoken as the Housekeeper approached, his attitude firm, “Young Miss, please do not make this difficult for this old servant. No one in the residence dares defy Second Master’s orders.”
Furious, Zhao Qingqing ran to Old Master Zhao’s courtyard.
It was too late for the Housekeeper to stop her, he frowned, remembering Second Master’s instructions only restricted the young miss from leaving the house, so he did not pursue her.
This, however, gave Zhao Qingqing a chance to complain.
Seeing his granddaughter in tears, Old Master Zhao’s expression grew grave.
He slapped the table, “The second son is getting more foolish by the day.”
“Qingqing, however, your Second Uncle did make one point correctly—you cannot go to the Chu family now.”
Zhao Qingqing’s eyes were red, swollen from long bouts of crying, and she widened them in disbelief, “Grandfather, how can you say the same? Remember, Sister Ye personally made medicinal meals for your health for so long.”
Old Master Zhao bristled, “What kind of person do you think I am?”
“It’s not about letting you go to the Chu family; it’s about avoiding trouble for them. Your Second Uncle has caused problems without self-awareness. By not going there, you won’t embroil them in his issues.”
Zhao Qingqing pouted satisfactorily and thought carefully about her grandfather’s words, her delicate eyebrows slightly furrowed, “Grandfather, is there trouble brewing at home?”