Hidden Shadow – CH 349

Chapter Three-Hundred-Forty-Nine: Bringing Her in

Now that the late Emperor had passed away, the Konghe Army was fragmented, and the new Emperor had usurped the throne; it was unlikely he would fulfill the late Emperor’s wish to destroy the Hua clan. Mei Jiu was the legitimate eldest daughter-in-law of the Hua clan, and she was carrying the future eldest grandson of the Hua clan. How could she be allowed to remain outside for so long?

Mei Jiu had always been a model wife, but this time she was unusually willful. She felt that only she and An Jiu had had that peculiar relationship, and she seemed to have heard An Jiu say something just half a month ago—how could she give up so easily?

A light rain was falling in the mountains, and everything was shrouded in mist.

Hua Rongtian and Mei Jiu sat in the pavilion for a long time before he spoke, “Why not bring Young Lady Mei to the Hua residence?”

Mei Jiu’s eyes lit up, but then she asked worriedly, “Will Master Chu agree?”

“Is that her husband?” Hua Rongtian asked.

Mei Jiu shook her head. Although they had no formal title, Mei Jiu knew very well that An Jiu’s closest person in this world was Chu Dingjiang.

“Since she’s not her husband, we can consult her mother. Besides, bringing her to the Hua family is for recuperation, not a bad thing. Since she’s your sister, I will do everything I can to help.”

Seeing the lingering sorrow on her brow, Hua Rongtian took her hand, his tone softening considerably. “The Hua family is a powerful clan, and you are the matriarch. Even if I wanted to stay here with you, it would not be appropriate.”

Mei Jiu knew Hua Rongtian was thinking of her best interests. “I will go ask them.”

Hua Rongtian nodded and helped her back into the house.

Mei Jiu told Mei Yanran and Chu Dingjiang about their discussion.

Mei Yanran looked at Chu Dingjiang. “You make the decision.”

Chu Dingjiang paused, then turned and bowed to Hua Rongtian. “Then I will trouble you.”

Going to the Hua family was not to rely on the Hua family’s power, but rather to cling to a sliver of hope regarding the connection between Mei Jiu and An Jiu. With her mental energy dissipating, the longer it dragged on, the worse the situation would become. Chu Dingjiang did not want to sit idly by until Mo Sigui returned.

The Hua family’s carriages were already waiting outside the plum grove; it was only for moving a few people, which would have been enough even without prior preparation.

There was only one carriage, quite spacious. An Jiu and Mei Jiu lay inside without feeling cramped at all; there was even room for one or two maids to serve them.

The two lay side by side, their hands clasped tightly, just like their souls had nestled together years ago.

Mei Jiu heard clear breathing beside her, yet she could not feel her presence.

Memories flooded back. Mei Jiu suddenly remembered that many years ago, An Jiu had also been silent for a long time due to trauma. She could not help but sit up, looking at An Jiu’s face and sighing, “I hope it is the same as last time.”

This was a scenario Mei Jiu never imagined. She had always thought that the weak, like herself, would die young…Of course, she had indeed died once, but should the strong, like An Jiu, not live longer? Instead, she became a living dead at a young age.

The carriage traveled slowly, finally entering the city at dusk.

Hua Rongtian secretly arranged for An Jiu to stay in a courtyard closer to Mei Jiu, instructing the servants not to disturb her, with only Chu Dingjiang and Mei Yanran staying to watch over her and bring her meals daily.

Chu Dingjiang was very satisfied with this arrangement.

As dusk settled, Pan Tower Street began to bustle.

Chu Dingjiang remained seated by the bed, taking out a roll of silk and placing it beside An Jiu’s pillow. “I’ve retrieved the task you accepted. It is due in less than half a month. You promised to do it yourself, so do not break your promise.”

This was a task An Jiu had accepted from the bounty list. Chu Dingjiang had previously delegated it to his subordinates, but before it could be completed, the Emperor passed away, and the matter was temporarily shelved.

Even in his busy schedule, Chu Dingjiang remembered An Jiu’s promise to retrieve it and complete it herself.

Knock, knock, knock!

Someone knocked on the door. Chu Dingjiang immediately recognized it was not Mei Jiu or Mei Yanran, but it was a familiar face—Hua Rongjian.