"What's wrong? Do you know Miss Xia?" Because of Yeh Zhenzhen's presence, Xia Yixiang left after just a couple of minutes with an excuse. Cheng Mo couldn't help but ask out of curiosity.
"Hmph." Yeh Zhenzhen's fair cheeks flushed lightly with anger. "That Xia Yixiang used to go to the same school as me and always tried to get in my way. When I said to go east, she insisted on going west."
"Oh?" Cheng Mo's water-like eyes widened slightly, urging her to continue.
Yeh Zhenzhen pouted, her voice clear, "When we first started school, there was a ball, and I asked a brother to be my dance partner. She had to compete with me for him. I said a couple of words to her, and she remembered me. To be honest, Xia Yixiang doesn't come from a wealthy family; she's just a small family girl, not a noble lady, so I didn't pay much attention to her. Who would have thought she later became the sycophant of Miss Rong Family? With Rong Yuqiao backing her up, she kept trying to deal with me and set various traps for me. For example, she deliberately didn’t let me read the vows at the Christmas party, didn’t inform me about the ball, and even interrupted me when I asked the teacher questions. Don’t you think she’s dark-minded and twisted?"
Cheng Mo paused for a moment. With such a minor conflict, she couldn't draw a conclusion. Her gentle voice carried a hint of helplessness. "Well, it's been several years since this happened. You both remember it so clearly; it's better not to hold grudges anymore. After all, we're in the same circle and will inevitably run into each other."
Yeh Zhenzhen mumbled something and then recalled something else. "Why did she say she wants to become Consort Shangguan? Is she trying to compete with Mo Su for the Young Marshal?"
Cheng Mo lowered her eyes, her fingers resting on the linen tablecloth, which made her snow-white skin appear even more translucent. The freshly picked hibiscus in the vase was blooming vibrantly in shades of purple and red, exuding an enchanting fragrance. She looked at Yeh Zhenzhen's concerned gaze and sighed. "Sister intends to marry Miss Xia as a concubine."
"What!" Yeh Zhenzhen was furious, slamming her teacup down on the table with a loud crash.
"This isn't entirely her fault." Cheng Mo pondered for a moment, her water-like eyes trembling slightly as her lips pressed tightly together. "It's my own fault for being useless; after all these years, I've damaged my body and can't get pregnant. The Shangguan Family can't lose their lineage because of me."
Yeh Zhenzhen was taken aback. Although they were influenced by Western culture, having heirs was indeed very important in large families because it determined whether a family could last for generations. Even someone as free-spirited as her would probably have to yield in the end.
"Mo Su..." She called out softly when she saw Cheng Mo's eyes reddening and shimmering with tears. She hurriedly took out a handkerchief, fearing that Cheng Mo might burst into tears. However, Cheng Mo suddenly composed herself and smiled faintly at her, completely different from before. "Talking about this must be troubling for you since you're still waiting in your boudoir."
"What's that supposed to mean..." Yeh Zhenzhen mumbled a few times while reaching down to pick up the shards of the cup she had smashed. Her fair fingers accidentally drew blood, causing her delicate brows to furrow tightly together.
Cheng Mosu hurriedly called for Xiao Jing to fetch medicine, and everyone was in a flurry.
Outside the door, there was a sound of hurried footsteps. Cheng Mosu was busy bandaging Yeh Zhenzhen and did not look towards the newcomer, as she could guess who it was just by the sound of the footsteps. Rose-Colored Lips slightly parted, "Sister, you're back?"
"Cheng Mosu." Shangguan Yiting stood in front of Cheng Mosu, and upon seeing Yeh Zhenzhen, she couldn't help but be taken aback. "Isn't this Miss Ye? How did you hurt your hand?"
Yeh Zhenzhen raised her Eyes, squinting as she examined Shangguan Yiting. Tears, rolling down due to pain, froze on her face. She had met Shangguan Yiting in her childhood, but due to their incompatible personalities, they had not developed a close relationship. Meeting Shangguan Yiting at the Shangguan Family this time was within her expectations, so she smiled and said, "Miss Shangguan, the last time we met was ten years ago, you really have a good memory."
Shangguan Yiting proudly tugged at the corners of her mouth; she shared this trait with her brother—an exceptional memory.
"Did you come back in such a hurry because something happened?" Cheng Mosu asked casually. However, Shangguan Yiting seemed struck by lightning and immediately became anxious, handing a Newspaper to Cheng Mosu. "Look at this!"
A bad premonition swept through Cheng Mosu. Her uneasy Fingertips touched the lifeless paper, gripping it tightly. Her eyes were bright, but her pupils constricted tightly. The Newspaper clearly stated that Jiang Shanghao had temporarily withdrawn the Central Army, leaving only Shaoyi's own Army to confront the Japanese Army.
"This..." She trembled as she raised her eyes in disbelief. "How could Jiang Shanghao go back on his word? Even if he doesn't care about the lives of the soldiers under Shaoyi, how could he not worry about his own reputation?"
Shangguan Yiting quietly looked at Cheng Mosu, her eyes filled with red veins from either anger or anxiety. "Jiang Shanghao did this on purpose. He certainly cares about his reputation; that's why he first sent troops and then found a grand excuse to withdraw them. Generally, those who are unaware of the truth will only have slight criticisms of him and won't condemn him too harshly."
"So what should we do now? This time it seems like we're going to hit a stone with an egg." Cheng Mosu couldn't contain her impatience; her gentle voice had turned anxious.
After a moment of silence, Shangguan Yiting sat down with her arms crossed, feeling slightly cold inside. "Jiang Shanghao calculated precisely; after withdrawing his troops, Xiao Lin's forces cannot possibly contend with the Japanese Army. Given Xiao Lin's cautious nature, he will likely retreat as well. Jiang Shanghao actually wants to confine our Shangguan Family. He is still wary of our influence; does he not know the wolfish ambitions of the Japanese Army! How can he act recklessly in front of national righteousness!"
Seeing the three people’s solemn expressions at that moment, Yeh Zhenzhen couldn't help but bite her lip, unsure how to comfort them. She could only foolishly say, "Miss Shangguan said that the Young Commander would also retreat; doesn't that mean they won't be in danger?"
Shangguan Yiting was momentarily stunned, then chuckled, "Miss Ye has a point. It's just that this time it has hurt the face and pride of the Shangguan Family. Xiao Lin must be extremely frustrated right now, wishing he could personally tear Jiang Shanghao apart."
Cheng Mosu pondered for a moment, and his inner unease and worry gradually dissipated. His voice was clear and bright, "I don't think this is necessarily a bad thing. Jiang Shanghao is untrustworthy, treating the Army and Soldiers like fools. I doubt many Soldiers are loyal to him. Shaoyi is nominally the commander he appointed, and this evacuation operation is merely executing Jiang Shanghao's orders. All public opinion is unfavorable to Jiang Shanghao. However, even so, he still refuses to help Shaoyi reclaim Feng Province; his intentions are truly complicated."
Shangguan Yiting sighed, "Well, it has come to this. There's no use in thinking about it anymore. Fortunately, they can all return safely. Let's prepare well over the next few days to welcome them back."
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