10 Deceptive Lies

The Yu family members all possessed striking appearances. If Yu Qingxue was like a delicate white lotus, then Yu Zhiheng was like a tall, sturdy poplar tree. Even in middle age, he remained handsome and upright, exuding a refined and scholarly aura.

To trace back to his youthful charm, one could look to Yu Jingxian beside him as an excellent point of comparison. Otherwise, he would not have caught the eye of Shen Linlang back then, nor been chosen as a son-in-law by the Shen family.

Upon seeing Shen Qinglu’s bandaged forehead, Yu Zhiheng’s eyes flickered briefly. Then his gaze fell on the neat handwriting on the paper, and he asked, “When did Ali learn to write? She’s quite good at it.”

Madam Xie couldn’t help but boast, “She just learned today. This child must have some talent, not worse than you.”

“Nephew like uncle,” Yu Zhiheng chuckled.

However, Madam Xie’s expression grew somewhat awkward and uneasy upon hearing this.

Yu Jingxian beside them frowned, his gaze uncertain as he glanced twice at Shen Qinglu.

As the eldest son, he always placed the family’s dignity and honor above all else. Since childhood, he knew this cousin was the daughter of a disgraced official. They could permit her to eat and stay, but she must not be too close.

So he asked Madam Xie, “Grandmother, why is she here?”

The use of “she” alone revealed his displeasure.

Shen Qinglu immediately acted timid, her large eyes filled with fear and sadness, looking pitifully at Madam Xie. “Grandmother, do they… not like me?”

Madam Xie’s heart twisted, torn between looking at her eldest grandson and then at Shen Qinglu. It was a most uncomfortable feeling.

“This is your uncle, this is your eldest brother. How could they not like you?”

The words “eldest brother” made Yu Jingxian frown even deeper.

Though this cousin bore the Yu surname to avoid association with the Su family, they were indeed cousins by blood. Why couldn’t grandmother see the difference?

He said nothing further, but it was clear on his face.

Madam Xie felt even more sorrowful, sighing inwardly.

All of this was her own doing!

There was no turning back now; she could only try to make amends.

Yu Zhiheng neither liked nor disliked Shen Qinglu but didn’t care much either. He only thought that since the child resembled his sister, it was impossible to completely ignore or remain indifferent.

Seeing her pitiful, a trace of tenderness stirred within him, his voice softening as he said, “Ali, don’t be afraid. We all like you very much.”

Whether they liked her or not, Shen Qinglu could see it and feel it.

“I like you all too.”

Madam Xie brightened again at those words. “Heng’er, Eldest Brother, did you hear that? Ali says she likes you too. This child must be improving. Once she recognizes more people and understands more things, she will be just like anyone else.”

Compared to her sincere joy, Yu Zhiheng’s response was ordinary, and Yu Jingxian somewhat cold.

“If she really improves, Qingxue will be at ease,” Yu Zhiheng said.

Yu Jingxian asked, “Grandmother, why is Auntie not here? Why is she alone with you?”

“Ali fell into water yesterday and hurt her head today. Her aunt couldn’t take care of her, so she’s staying with me for now. Since I have no pressing matters, I might as well teach her some reading and writing,” Madam Xie explained vaguely, unwilling to say too much.

Yu Jingxian didn’t quite understand. “Grandmother, you are old. How do you have the energy to care for others? She’s better now, and her aunt can take better care of her. If not, I can send her back.”

Shen Qinglu’s heart grew cold, but her face remained pitiful. “Grandmother, I won’t go. I don’t want to go back. I want to stay with you.”

Her low, timid, and sorrowful voice was heartbreaking.

Madam Xie couldn’t bear to refuse. “She will stay here for now. We’ll see what happens later.”

Yu Jingxian wanted to say more but was stopped by a glance from Yu Zhiheng.

Yu Zhiheng had always respected his mother. He remembered well that without her constant guidance and discipline, he would not have what he had today.

“Mother, if you can manage, let Ali stay here a while. But if you can’t, don’t force yourself. Let Qingxue bring her back quickly.”

This was a tactful way to avoid offending either side, and Shen Qinglu found it acceptable.

Madam Xie felt her son was considerate and agreed.

After the two men took their leave, once outside Rui’an Residence, Yu Jingxian finally spoke, “For years, Auntie has kept her well-behaved. Why have there been so many troubles these past two days? And why must Grandmother keep her close now? If outsiders find out, there will be gossip.”

Yu Zhiheng was also puzzled. “Perhaps because she looks like your aunt, grandmother feels pity and kept her. Once her injuries heal, she will probably return.”

“Hopefully.”

Yu Jingxian spoke but did not relax his brows. Only upon returning to the main courtyard and seeing their mother and sister chatting did his expression soften.

The family of four discussed Yu Qingxue and Shen Qinglu. When Shen Linlang heard that Madam Xie had kept Shen Qinglu, her face darkened slightly. Out of respect for Yu Zhiheng, she said nothing.

“Where’s the second brother?” Yu Zhiheng looked around and asked.

Mentioning Yu Jingliang inevitably brought up Mu Lin.

Both Yu Zhiheng and Yu Jingxian were deeply concerned about Mu Lin’s visit today.

“The heir Mu has returned to the capital; his marriage should be arranged soon.”

Upon hearing Yu Jingxian’s words, Shen Linlang instinctively glanced at Yu Liuzhu.

Yu Liuzhu’s face darkened with bitterness as she whispered, “Mother, even without what happened in the dream, I fear Mu Lin has no interest in me. Today, he hardly looked at me; all his attention was on Ali.”

Shen Linlang’s expression changed immediately.

—

A night of light rain left Madam Xie restless. She rose before dawn.

After preparing herself, she went straight to the left wing.

Only after hearing Shen Qinglu awake did she enter.

Shen Qinglu hadn’t slept well either. No one could sleep soundly when not only changing surroundings but also bodies. She tossed and turned until late, only dozing fitfully afterward.

When Madam Xie lifted the curtain to enter, Shen Qinglu was yawning weakly but instantly blossomed with radiant light.

“Grandmother!” Her face was innocent and admiring. Despite wearing only thin nightclothes, she quickly slipped on slippers and joyfully ran to Madam Xie.

Madam Xie’s anguish from the night seemed to vanish instantly.

She had four grandchildren in total, including both inner and outer family, but none had been raised by her.

Yu Jingxian was steady by nature and had always been raised by Yu Zhiheng. She had no say in that.

The second grandson, Yu Jingliang, was naturally mischievous and much loved by the Shen family, practically growing up in the general’s mansion.

As for Yu Liuzhu, she was Shen Linlang’s darling, cared for personally in every way.

Only Shen Qinglu was the first grandchild to remain by her side, even if just for one night.

“It’s cold early in the morning. Quickly put on your clothes, don’t catch a chill.”

Xia Chan had fetched clothes and helped Shen Qinglu dress.

Shen Qinglu kept looking at Madam Xie as if afraid she might suddenly disappear. “Grandmother, I dreamed last night that you hid away, and I couldn’t find you no matter how hard I looked.”

What one thinks by day, one dreams by night. This child must be afraid of being abandoned.

Madam Xie thought so and solemnly promised, “Ali, don’t be afraid. Grandmother is here and won’t go anywhere.”

Shen Qinglu glanced at the light filtering through the window, estimating the time, but with a serious look said, “I want to find grandmother.”

She pointed to places in the room where someone could hide. “Grandmother, hide, and I will find you.”

Madam Xie was taken aback but, seeing the hope in her eyes, smiled kindly and truly hid behind the bed.

“Everyone else hide too,” she told Nurse Li and Xia Chan.

Since Madam Xie was hiding, they had no choice but to follow. One hid behind the wardrobe, the other under the table.

Xia Chan’s hiding spot behind the wardrobe was obvious, visible at a glance. She seemed displeased and pointed inside the wardrobe.

Though puzzled, Xia Chan obeyed.

Once hidden, Shen Qinglu, like a child, said, “Stay hidden and don’t make a sound. I’m coming to find you!”

Though she said she was looking for someone, she was really waiting for someone.

Sure enough, Yu Qingxue arrived early and just in time.

“Why are you alone? Where’s Xia Chan?” she asked Shen Qinglu upon seeing no one else.

Seeing Shen Qinglu’s uncombed hair, she said, “Ali, come here. I’ll comb your hair.”

Shen Qinglu, like a puppet, let her do as she pleased.

Qingxue must have had a restless night too; dark circles were visible. “Ali, did you remember everything I told you?”

“What did you say?” Shen Qinglu finally responded.

Surprised that Shen Qinglu spoke, Qingxue didn’t think much of it, unaware of the trap she was falling into, and hurriedly said, “If you forget, it’s okay. I’ll tell you again. Remember, you are a cousin in the mansion, not a Yu family maiden. If not for your cousin Tang’er’s help, you would have been sent to the place of exile to suffer. When receiving someone’s favor, you must repay with gratitude. Remember to be thankful to her.”

“What is ‘help’?”

“Help means you received her kindness.”

Nonsense!

Who’s really helping whom?

“What kindness? I haven’t seen any,” Shen Qinglu replied with doubt.

Qingxue was determined to impose her will on her, oblivious to the others in the room, lecturing her thoroughly.

“It’s okay if you don’t understand. Just remember, your cousin Tang’er is the eldest Yu daughter. You can’t compare to her. No matter what, you must not surpass her.”

Hearing this, Shen Qinglu sneered inwardly.

If she were truly naive, such nonsense might have brainwashed her.

Unfortunately, she was clever!

She slowly stood and walked behind the bed. Upon seeing Madam Xie, her eyes shone with innocent joy.

“Grandmother, Ali has found you!”