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Chapter 1214: Xiao Shi's Intentions
🕑 Added 2023-08-15 06:18:10 +0000 UTCChapter 1214: Xiao Shi's Intentions
Shu Yu felt a bit uneasy; she had assumed that Xiao Shi would be surrounded by many people wanting to talk to her, making it easy for her to slip away. However, to her surprise, Xiao Shi only spoke to her and replied briefly to others.
Xiao Shi kept holding Shu Yu's arm, making it difficult for her to break free. As time passed, everyone could tell that Xiao Shi wanted to have a private conversation with Shu Yu. Soon, the others began to wander off in groups to enjoy the flowers.
Shu Yu could only accompany Xiao Shi to a nearby pavilion and sit down. In an instant, it was just the two of them, along with Xiao Shi's personal maid.
Even Ding Yuehua and Kong Zhi You did not follow them, and Hua Xian was left outside the pavilion.
It was clear what was happening. Xiao Shi indeed had something she wanted to discuss privately.
However, since Xiao Shi didn't start the conversation, Shu Yu pretended to be clueless and even began talking about her experience of being exiled to the southwest.
This topic surprised Xiao Shi. She thought that a woman who had gone through such a thing would be deeply saddened and unwilling to mention that dark time. Thus, the topics Xiao Shi brought up revolved around Shu Yu herself, Zhang County Princess, Shu Yu's experience in the capital, and even discussions about the Yao and Qi families, but there was not a word about the exile to the southwest.
Shu Yu's lack of concern surprised Xiao Shi. Not only that, when Shu Yu mentioned her time in the southwest, she looked happy and even expressed a sense of nostalgia, saying, "I met many people in the southwest. Though the conditions were tough, they were all working hard to make a living."
This piqued Xiao Shi's curiosity. Every time she heard about exile, it was accompanied by descriptions of hardships and terrible conditions. Especially for women, being exiled meant carrying a lifelong stigma and loss of innocence.
"I've heard that there are many criminals in the southwest, wicked and evil people who were exiled as punishment for their crimes, isn't that so?" Xiao Shi asked.
Turning her head, Shu Yu smiled and asked in return, "Is Lord Qi a wicked and evil person?"
Xiao Shi was taken aback and shook her head.
Shu Yu continued, "Was I exiled because I committed a crime?"
Again, Xiao Shi shook her head.
Shu Yu said, "In fact, those who truly commit severe crimes are sentenced to death and have their heads chopped off. The people exiled to the southwest are a mix of those who committed crimes, those who were wrongly implicated, and some who were framed by others. There are many reasons behind their exile, and unless we interact with them, we won't know what they have all been through."
Xiao Shi seemed lost in thought as she understood the complexity of certain situations. She recalled her own childhood when she had friends whose fathers committed crimes and were beheaded, while she herself was sold off.
She couldn't help but sigh, "I've heard that the road of exile is very harsh, and many people die halfway. What about you? Did you encounter life-threatening situations on the way? Did the officials escorting you not even provide enough food?"
Shu Yu paused, unsure of how to respond.
Behind Xiao Shi, the maid couldn't help but touch her forehead, wondering if her young mistress had forgotten her purpose. Was now the time to be curious about these things?
Unable to restrain herself, she let out a slight cough.
Shu Yu glanced at her.
Xiao Shi suddenly realized her mistake and swiftly changed the subject back to Shu You's wedding.
As they continued talking, she brought up, "Your sister is about to get married, and you have already reached the age of marriage. Shouldn't your parents start arranging your marriage too?"
