Chapter 718 - 261: Treason?
Chapter 718: Chapter 261: Treason?
Xu Suying reminded her daughter once more, "Keep this strictly between us. Don’t let anyone else hear a word of it."
"I know what’s at stake, Mother."
Looking at her daughter’s calm face, Xu Suying’s heart clenched again. "The Western Regions Royal Court is a long way from the Wei Dynasty. Anything could happen on such a grueling journey. Are you truly going to the Western Regions to find Jing?"
Chen Wanqing remained silent for a long time before her hoarse voice broke the quiet. "Mother, it tears me apart not being able to see him. I just need to see him with my own eyes. As long as he is safe and sound, just like he claimed in his letters, I’ll come right back."
She finally voiced her deepest, most hidden fears. "His martial arts skills are only good enough to fool outsiders. He always puts on a brave face and refuses to show any weakness. With all the hardships and schemes he’s faced on this journey, I simply don’t believe he made it through completely unscathed. I dream of him every night, and I wake up terrified for him every single time. I’ve had enough. I just need to see him—just one look..."
Xu Suying pulled her into another embrace. "Then go! I’ll prepare the men and horses for you, and I’ll take good care of Chaoyang while you’re away."
And just like that, the matter was settled.
After the New Year, the Xu family worked on two fronts: preparing Xu Shizai’s luggage for his journey south, and gathering the supplies and manpower Chen Wanqing would need for her trek to the Western Regions.
But unexpectedly, just as everything was in place and Chen Wanqing was preparing to depart, devastating news arrived.
The Western Regions, which had submitted to and paid tribute to the Wei Dynasty for ten years, launched a sudden, unprovoked attack. Their pretext was that the Wei Dynasty’s border army had slaughtered dozens of civilians hunting near the border, accusing them of deliberately inciting conflict.
Caught completely off guard, the defenders of the border city were rapidly pushed back. An entire city fell in a single day.
When the terrible news reached the Capital City, it sent shockwaves through the royal court.
The courtiers bitterly denounced the Western Regions for their treacherous ambitions, but they also pointed furious fingers at their own people: just what exactly were Mr. Zhao and the Imperial Guard doing over there? There was no way they could have been completely oblivious to the Western Regions people’s movements. If they had sent even a single warning to the border city, the casualties wouldn’t have been so catastrophic. Some even began to whisper that they had long since been bought off by the Western Regions and had deliberately suppressed the intelligence.
The Xu family quickly became collateral damage. Many commoners genuinely believed that Zhao Jing and his entourage had turned traitor. Under the cover of night, an angry mob hurled a basket of rotten eggs at the Xu family’s front gates.
Upon learning of the incident, Chen Wanqing went to find her grandmother. "I want to take Mrs. Zhao and Xiang’er and move out."
However, her grandmother simply took her hand. "I don’t care where you go, but you must leave Chaoyang here with me."
"Chaoyang is still young," Chen Wanqing said helplessly. "She can’t be without her mother."
"You were prepared to leave for the Western Regions just a short while ago," the old madam retorted. "Could she be without you then?"
Chen Wanqing was momentarily left speechless. After a brief pause, she sighed. "You know how bad the situation is out there. My grandfather has maintained a spotless reputation his entire life. I refuse to let Jing’s situation ruin the Xu family’s good name."
"By that logic, shouldn’t your mother move out as well? Absolutely not. She is my own flesh and blood! I lost her for twenty years, and from now on, wherever she goes, I go."
"Please don’t be unreasonable, Grandmother. It’s not the same thing at all. Anyone with half a brain can see that they are using Jing as a weapon to attack the Xu family. My father holds a lowly position; he has no part in this."
"You said it yourself—they are using Jing to attack the Xu family. Even without him, they would have found another excuse. We have never had a shortage of political rivals. The Xu family’s actions have always been honorable—worthy of the King and the state above, and worthy of the common people below. We stand tall and have nothing to hide. No matter who comes knocking at our door, we have nothing to fear."
Her grandmother gave her a pointed look and continued, "You grew up with your mother. I always thought you were a sharp one. When did you become so obtuse? I kept you here in the manor even when you were giving birth and recovering. Did you really think I would ’drive’ you out now over a few baseless rumors? If I actually did that, it would only serve as confirmation to the masses that Jing truly committed treason."
Her grandmother’s sharp words struck Chen Wanqing like a splash of cold water, instantly clearing her mind.
She was right. She had been so focused on protecting the Xu family’s reputation that she hadn’t realized the consequences of her actions. If she moved out now, it would be as good as nailing Jing to the pillar of shame, branding him a traitor for all to see.
Jing was out there shedding blood and risking his life. If she couldn’t offer him any help, the very least she could do was not hold him back. By fleeing, she wouldn’t just be ruining Jing—she would be destroying their entire family.
Chen Wanqing returned to the rear courtyard and gathered Mrs. Zhao and Xiang’er. "We aren’t moving. We are staying right here. We must stand tall and act with a clear conscience. We have to be the first to firmly believe in Jing’s innocence. Only then will the people believe that he is no traitor."
Mrs. Zhao had been in a constant state of panic all day, and Xiang’er’s mind was a tangled mess of anxiety. Eventually, however, they both nodded in agreement.
"Qing’er, you have a good head on your shoulders. We will follow your lead," Mrs. Zhao said.
"Wanqing, I’ll do whatever you say," Xiang’er added. "I promise I won’t cause any trouble."
Just then, a maid walked over with Chaoyang in her arms. Chen Wanqing handed the child to Mrs. Zhao, leaving the grandmother and granddaughter to dote on each other. Taking Xiang’er by the hand, she trailed a few steps behind them as they headed back.
"Don’t worry about your marriage prospects right now," Wanqing said softly. "Once Jing returns safely, there will be plenty of good families for you to choose from."