The Rebirth of an Ill-Fated Consort (Chapters 1- 203)

Chapter 196 : Mother and Child

Translated by : Dumpling

Edited by : Anks & Ely

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Xiao Shao looked down at the woman in his arms. Even though he remained outside the courtyard, he was well aware of what was happening inside. Moreover, he knew Jiang Ruan, who was normally indifferent and seemed unconcerned, wasn't used to expressing her emotions. These maids had been with her from the start and had grown up with her; they were the friends and confidants with whom she placed the utmost trust. However, in the end she discovered that lies were hidden under the guise of loyalty. Thus, as one who couldn't tolerate mistakes and violations, her sadness was palpable.

He didn't speak but just patted Jiang Ruan on the back.

In such a generous and gentle embrace, Jiang Ruan's mood gradually calmed down. In fact, Bai Zhi was the last person she would ever doubt because among the people in this life, Bai Zhi was the only one who accompanied her to the end in the previous one. However, now it had been revealed that Bai Zhi was Xia Yan's person from the very beginning. And, although Xia Yan didn't make her do anything, her position, in and of itself, had been hostile towards her since the very beginning. And, to add salt to the wound, in her past life, she had handed Pei'er to Bai Zhi with the hope that Bai Zhi would take Pei'er and escape, but in the end Pei'er still fell into Li Dong's hands. Maybe it was Bai Zhi who gave Pei'er to Jiang Su Su, or maybe it was because she really didn't escape at all. But whatever the situation was, only Bai Zhi from the previous life could answer. Even so, this matter stuck in her throat like a thorn the more she thought about it, and she would always be suspicious about whether it was Bai Zhi who had personally sent Pei'er to a dead end. She was a paranoid person, once she had this conjecture, she would never be able to let go of Bai Zhi. After all, there were so many unexpected twists and turns in the world, how could one foresee them?

She gently pulled out of Xiao Shao's embrace after realizing that she had lost her composure. At this, Xiao Shao remarked, "Tomorrow, you can enter the palace and go to Xuan Pei's place to have a look."

Jiang Ruan was startled, and for a moment almost thought that Xiao Shao already knew the crux of the matter. She asked tentatively, "Why?"

"He seems to have something to say to you." Xiao Shao pursed his lips. "You probably haven't entered the palace for a long time."

It was true that his words were intended to divert Jiang Ruan's attention and lighten her mood, but she was still surprised. What could Xuan Pei want to say to her? In this life, the two of them had almost nothing to do with one another. But what Xiao Shao meant was that Xuan Pei took the initiative to find him. The conjecture that floated up in her mind earlier appeared again, and even though Jiang Ruan had held herself back from thinking that far, nonetheless she still thought about it unconsciously.

"Don't worry." Xiao Shao seemed to sense her uneasiness, and said soothingly, "You will know what it is when you go, and in any case I am always here to protect you."

In a straightforward manner, he had made his standpoint clear- he would always stand by her side. Jiang Ruan looked up. The young man's face was cold and beautiful, but the words he said had convincing power, as if as long as it came out of his mouth, it would definitely be attainable. She smiled slightly, while temporarily suppressing the uneasiness in her heart, and only said, "Okay."

* * *

It snowed all night, and when everyone got up the next day, fresh snow covered the ground. The traces of the thrilling event from the previous night had completely disappeared, and everything was as calm as if nothing had happened.

Not far from the Jinying Wangfu, a newly built tomb seemed to have been erected overnight. It was not grand, but it wasn't rough either, and seemed to exhibit meticulous effort in all respects. There was a stone tablet but nothing was written, and it was unknown who placed it there. Two young women squatted in front of the grave, with an iron basin in front of them full of burning paper money*. A few sticks of incense were lit in the incense burner.