nucmednet Chapter 323 Li Changyu's Visit
Chapter 323 Li Changyu's Visit
Chapter 323 Li Changyu's Visit
Moonlight streamed through the carved window lattices and into the dining room of the Shi residence.
Shi Wanxia sat at the table, surrounded by exquisite dishes, but she absentmindedly fiddled with the bowls and chopsticks, the food tasting like wax in her mouth.
Her thoughts drifted far away, her mind filled with the image of Brother Cui.
Since our last parting in Jeju, I have heard nothing from Brother Choi. I have no idea where he is or what his situation is.
Just as I was lost in thought, I heard footsteps at the door, followed by a familiar voice breaking the silence.
“Miss Shi, I wonder if you still remember me, Li? I heard that you have broken the rules of etiquette and entered the court as a woman to serve as an official.”
The voice paused, then continued, "I was delayed by some business. Since we parted last time, I have come to pay my respects today. It was my rudeness not to send a formal invitation beforehand."
Shi Wanxia suddenly came to her senses and looked up. She saw that the person who came was Li Changyu, whom she had parted ways with in Jeju.
She was startled. Why had Li Changyu suddenly come to the capital? And why had he come to her residence? What was his purpose?
Shi Wanxia put down her chopsticks, her face calm and expressionless, revealing no emotion whatsoever.
"Young Master Li, how have you been? When did you arrive in the capital? I haven't heard anyone mention it."
Her words were full of distance and politeness, and how could Li Changyu not hear such an obvious attitude?
He smiled bitterly to himself. If his third uncle hadn't made a mountain out of a molehill and looked down on Miss Shi, how could he and Miss Shi have ended up in this situation?
Li Changyu quickly clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, leaned slightly forward, and said in a humble manner, "Miss Shi is too kind. I have just arrived in the capital and am here on some personal business. I have heard that Miss Shi is now a pillar of the court."
"Since we are friends, I have taken the liberty of visiting you today."
Shi Wanxia didn't dislike Li Changyu, but like Shen Yanchu, he looked down on women, which made Shi Wanxia really not want to deal with them.
But since they were guests, she couldn't be too cold to them, so she said, "In that case, Shuyun, have someone prepare some more wine and dishes!"
Shuyun obediently stood up and quickly replied, "Okay, Sister Shi!"
As soon as she left the front hall, she began to have doubts. She felt that Li Changyu's sudden visit to the mansion must have ulterior motives.
Could it be that they're here for Sister Shi? No, we must send someone to fetch Young Master Lin and Young Master Cui immediately.
Soon, the food and wine were prepared again, and Shi Wanxia and Li Changyu sat facing each other.
Li Changyu picked up his wine cup, took a small sip, and said with a smile, "Miss Shi is currently enjoying immense prestige in the court. I truly admire her."
Shi Wanxia smiled faintly and did not reply.
Seeing this, Li Changyu continued speaking to himself: "I actually have another request for you when I came to the capital this time."
Shi Wanxia raised her eyes and looked at him, a hint of wariness flashing in them: "Young Master Li, please speak freely."
Li Changyu hesitated for a moment before saying, "To be honest, my third uncle offended a powerful figure in Jeju and has now been framed, his life is in danger."
"I've heard that Miss Shi has extensive connections in the capital. Could you help me pull some strings and save my third uncle?"
Shi Wanxia sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm: "Young Master Li, although I am an official in the court, I am only fulfilling my duties. How dare I interfere in judicial matters at will?"
"Your third uncle's matter still needs to be resolved through proper channels."
When Li Changyu saw her refuse, a hint of displeasure flashed across his face, but he quickly regained his smile: "Miss Shi, I know this matter is difficult for you, but I am really desperate. I hope that Miss Shi will remember our past relationship and help me this time."
Just then, Shuyun rushed in and whispered a few words in Shi Wanxia's ear.
Shi Wanxia nodded slightly, a look of relief on her face.
It turned out that the people Shuyun sent had already found Young Master Lin and Young Master Cui, and they were on their way to the Shi residence.
Seeing that Shi Wanxia's expression was unusual, Li Changyu couldn't help but feel a little suspicious.
Just as he was about to ask, he heard a hearty laugh from outside the door: "Haha, we heard that your friend, Sister Shi, has arrived, so Brother Cui and I couldn't wait to join in the fun."
Following the sound, Young Master Lin and Brother Cui strode into the front hall.
When Shi Wanxia saw Brother Cui, her eyes reddened slightly, and a surge of grievances and longing welled up in her heart.
Brother Cui also looked at her intently, his eyes full of concern.
When Li Changyu saw the two appear, his expression changed slightly. He naturally knew about the subtle relationship between these two people and him and Shi Wanxia.
Young Master Lin walked to the table with a smile and sat down casually: "This must be you, Young Master. You must be Sister Shi's friend!"
"Why did you go straight to Miss Shi's residence as soon as you arrived in the capital without even informing me?"
Brother Cui stood beside Shi Wanxia, turning slightly to the side as if to protect her behind him: "Young master, what brings you here today?"
Li Changyu forced a smile: "It's just that I haven't seen Miss Shi in a long time, so I've come to catch up."
Brother Cui snorted coldly: "Catch up with old friends? I don't think you're that simple."
Seeing that he couldn't hide it any longer, Li Changyu simply told the story of his third uncle again.
Upon hearing this, Young Master Lin's face darkened: "Li Changyu, is it? Your third uncle brought this upon himself."
“He used to bully the people by relying on his power, and now he’s getting his comeuppance. You still want Miss Shi to help you? You have no shame.”
Brother Cui also said coldly, "Miss Shi has always been fair and just, how could she help you with such a favoritism?"
“If you truly care about your third uncle, you should advise him to reflect on his actions and accept the punishment he deserves.”
Seeing that no one was helping him, Li Changyu was furious but dared not retaliate. He could only stand up and say, "Since that's the case, I'll take my leave." With that, he turned and left.
After Li Changyu left, Shi Wanxia finally breathed a sigh of relief. She raised her head and looked at Brother Cui, a thousand words welling up in her heart, yet she didn't know where to begin.
Brother Cui looked at her tenderly: "Miss Shi, you've suffered these past few days."
Shi Wanxia's eyes welled up with tears, and she said, "Brother Cui, I thought I would never see you again."
Young Master Lin watched the two of them from the side and jokingly said with a smile, "You two, take your time to talk."
"I won't disturb you anymore."
After saying that, he got up and left, thoughtfully closing the door behind him.
In the front hall, only Shi Wanxia and Brother Cui remained. The two stood facing each other, their eyes filled with deep affection.
After a long while, Brother Cui gently embraced Shi Wanxia: "Miss Shi, I will never let you face these things alone again."
"No matter what happens, I will always be by your side."
Shi Wanxia leaned against him and nodded vigorously. At this moment, she finally felt a long-lost sense of peace.
Outside the window, the moonlight was perfect, and a gentle breeze carried the fragrance of flowers.
Shi Wanxia knew that no matter how difficult the road ahead might be, as long as Brother Cui was there, she would have nothing to fear.
In this ever-changing imperial court and world, her story has only just begun.