Chapter 216 - 214: Won Over by Her (Part 1)

Chapter 216: Chapter 214: Won Over by Her (Part 1)

That would certainly be inappropriate.

In fact, after Xu Jing decided to remarry Xiao Yi, she was already thinking about renting a house in the Western Capital to temporarily move out, but she hadn’t found a suitable one yet.

She wanted to boldly buy a house directly, but the housing prices in the capital, regardless of the era, were so high that it made her heart tremble. Xu Jing had previously tried asking Zhou Qi, and Zhou Qi said that even the most remote courtyard in the Western Capital would cost at least two hundred taels, and if she wanted to buy one in a good location, it would be at least five hundred taels, which left Xu Jing silent.

She always believed in considering the cost-effectiveness when buying things. She could afford a courtyard in a remote area, but it was really unnecessary. It would be better to rent for now and work hard to earn some silver to buy a good one later.

After hearing Xu Jing’s thoughts, Zhao Shao Hua couldn’t help but chuckle, "You really are as Auntie said, independent and strong, quite admirable. Although I do have houses and shops in my name, they were all given by the family. I’ve never tried earning even a copper coin on my own. I just discussed this issue with Auntie. I initially thought our Zhao Family could hand you a house, but Auntie said you wouldn’t accept it."

That’s true, you don’t accept rewards without merit. Although Xu Jing did help the Zhao Family a lot today, the case wasn’t solved solely by her. Besides, this matter alone doesn’t warrant the Zhao Family giving her a house.

Doing as much as you receive in return, that’s how she can be at peace.

Xu Jing smiled slightly and said, "If you want to help me, then please keep an eye out for any houses for rent in the Western Capital with a good location and high cost-effectiveness.

To be honest, my actions might be considered unusual among you. Sometimes I feel quite sorry for Xiao Yi as I don’t mind the gossip, but he ends up being implicated by me."

She would not return to the Xu Family, nor would she give up her career, and she certainly wouldn’t, like other women, live secluded in the rear courtyard after marriage, putting her husband and family above all else.

Therefore, even with the Zhao Family backing her, her reputation wouldn’t improve much.

When Xu Jing decided on the sham remarriage with Xiao Yi, she had considered this. At the time, she thought that even with the gossip, Xiao Yi would be free after three years, so it shouldn’t be a big deal. However, today when Mrs. Wen and Xu Ya exposed her identity in front of everyone, she personally felt everyone’s hostility, realizing she had underestimated the situation.

Zhao Shao Hua was momentarily stunned, then immediately understood Xu Jing’s meaning, and couldn’t help but chuckle, "Initially, I felt that you and Yanci being together was quite surreal, but now I suddenly understand why you could be together. You’re worried that gossip about you would affect Yanci, yet Yanci worries that you might feel troubled by such gossip. You should know, before Yanci left, he told us that you’re a woman with your own ideas, and whatever you decide to do, he hopes we support you."

This was essentially saying that he hoped they wouldn’t impose too many demands on Xu Jing because of her remarriage with him. He believed that everything Xu Jing did had her own reasoning and consideration, and he wouldn’t hinder her, he would even support her.

Xu Jing was slightly startled, and Zhao Shao Hua continued with a smile, "He probably worried that Auntie might suggest to you not to show yourself too much outside or to not overly involve yourself in the clinic’s matters anymore. Auntie might suggest this to other women, but Yanci was unnecessarily worried this time. Auntie said that locking up a talented woman like you in the rear courtyard would be a great loss. What you did today completely convinced Auntie.

Regarding the gossip, you don’t need to worry. Who hasn’t had a few things said about them behind their back? Even Auntie and I have encountered our share of small-minded people. As long as what you’re doing isn’t wronging anyone, let them talk.

Today, in the front courtyard, there were quite a few ladies who subtly mocked you, but Auntie just calmly said that you are the benefactor of the Duke Liang Mansion and Yanci’s future wife, and being against you is being against Duke Liang Mansion. Ha, you should’ve seen their faces; they didn’t dare say another word on the spot!"

As Xu Jing listened, she couldn’t help but feel increasingly reassured.

Although everything was going as she planned, she was still full of gratitude for suddenly gaining so much support.

The next day, Xu Jing had been attending to Duke Liang, and it was only around noon that she prepared to leave.

When she reached the main gate, she suddenly heard a piercing cry. Qingyu, who was beside her, pursed her lips slightly and said, "Early this morning, Madam sent someone to inform Steward Liao’s wife about his passing. It’s said that she fainted on the spot and only managed to get here now.

Madam didn’t even dare to tell Steward Liao’s mother, as Steward Liao was her only son, and she doesn’t know if the old lady can handle it."

Behind every murder, there are sure to be heartbreaks. No matter how many conflicts there were when people lived, once they pass, nothing remains.

The Zhao Family wasn’t in a good mood because of this. While Zhao Shao Hua appeared cheerful in front of her, she knew that in private, he often wore a solemn face. This morning, when Xu Jing met Zhao Jingming, he didn’t indulge in his usual antics, just greeted her and left in a hurry.

Qingyu escorted Xu Jing to the gate and said, "I’ve arranged a carriage for you, Miss Xu. Please wait here for a moment. Madam originally intended to send you off personally, but with Steward Liao’s wife arriving, she couldn’t get away."

When Xu Jing had come over, it was Madam Cen who personally sent a carriage from the mansion to pick her up, so she had to return in a Zhao Family carriage.

Xu Jing smiled and said, "The Duke Mansion is really busy nowadays, Madam Cen is too polite."

At this moment, a voice suddenly called from a distance, "Miss Xu!"

Xu Jing was slightly stunned and turned her head to see a familiar carriage in front of the Duke Mansion’s gate. Dongli jumped down from the carriage, strode up to her, and respectfully greeted her, "Miss Xu, Lord said he would personally see you home."

Xiao Yi had actually come.

Xu Jing raised her eyebrows slightly. It’s now noon, so did he specifically use his lunch break to come over?

Qingyu couldn’t help but smile ambiguously, "Xiao Qilang really values Miss Xu, taking even this bit of time to personally see Miss Xu home. No wonder earlier, Xiao Qilang sent someone to ask when Miss Xu was leaving. It seems Miss Xu won’t need our Duke Mansion’s carriage."

Xu Jing helplessly glared at Qingyu. This girl was quite affected by Qingyun’s betrayal yesterday, and now she seemed as if nothing had happened.

But as a maid beside Madam Cen, she couldn’t indulge in her own emotions for too long.

After saying goodbye to Qingyu, Xu Jing followed Dongli onto Xiao Yi’s carriage, where a calming incense was burning inside. Xiao Yi sat upright as usual. Seeing the woman who just got on the carriage, his dark eyes softened quietly as he asked, "Have you had lunch yet?"