Chapter 1282: Chapter 1282: Empathy
åå 峄 went out, yet Old Master Miao still sat there in place, gripping the wine cup in his hand, not moving for a long time.
The attendant looked at him with some worry. After a while, he heard his deep voice say, "After we return to the prefecture tomorrow, go to Piaoxiang Courtyard and tell Liu Ru to forget about setting up that Zhang fellow outside the city, let his daughter go."
The attendant, shocked, looked up. He knew well about this matter: that Zhang old man had offended the Lord. Upon seeing that the old manās daughter was quite beautiful, the Lord wanted to bring her to Piaoxiang Courtyardāfirst, for revenge, and second, to add a fresh face to the Courtyard.
Thus, they plotted against Zhang, attempting to make him owe gambling debts and use his daughter as collateral.
And now the Lord actually plans to give up on this matter?
The attendant softly asked, "Lord, is it because... of what Monarch Lu Xiang said?"
Monarch Lu Xiang said that doing good deeds would improve oneās image in front of the Dongqing Temple master.
Unexpectedly, Old Master Miao gave a scoff, "Do you think I would listen to the words of a little girl? Itās all nonsense."
"Then..."
Old Master Miao looked down, drained the wine in his cup, and gave a self-mocking laugh, "Young Master Meng was right. My sister died protecting me, and this life of mine is precious. I ought to live it like a proper person, so she can rest easy in the afterlife, right?"
Having drifted through life muddle-headed for most of it, he couldnāt go on like this for the remaining time.
The attendant was a bit surprised; he had followed Old Master Miao for most of his life.
Were Young Master Mengās words rare? Not really. These words were like old refrains to Old Master Miao; he had heard them countless times.
Long ago, people had told Old Master Miaoāyour sister died protecting you; do you justify her by committing so many evil deeds? Would she want you to live like this? She only wished for your peace and happiness.
Many had used his sister to persuade him toward goodness, but blinded by hatred, the Lord was unwilling to listen.
Even after his revenge, people continued their persuasion, and the Lord merely scoffed. He thought they were all talk, their words meaningless. They hadnāt been through what heād experienced and could never empathize.
Grand speeches, anyone could make?
The Lord never took them to heart, nor could he listen.
Yet now, having similar experiences as Meng Yunzheng, though saying much the same thing, the Lord listened.
"Iām no match for a young man in his early twenties." Old Master Miao suddenly smiled self-mockingly, "I rather envy him now."
The attendant didnāt speak, quietly pouring wine for Old Master Miao.
Meng Yunzheng and Shu Yu left the restaurant, turning back to glance once more, then smiled.
With things settled, they both breathed a sigh of relief.
"Letās go home. Weāve been away for two days, and my Grandmother and the others must be worried."
In good spirits, Shu Yu smiled, but before they could walk far, they saw Hu Li waiting on the side, waving at them.
Shu Yu and Meng Yunzheng exchanged glances, "Xiang Weinan must have many questions; you go talk to him, Iāll head back first."
"Alright."
Shu Yu nodded to Hu Li and directly led Dabai back to Fenghuai Street.
Unexpectedly, just as she reached the door, she saw Madam Liang hurrying over.
She seemed to be entering as well, "Yu, youāre back?"
Madam Liang had come over here at noon to shop, and not wanting the burden of Baoya, left her at the Lu family. Having finished her shopping, she came to fetch her daughter and have dinner.