Meng Xiuli was the son of his father's colleague, and the two families were family friends. They used to have frequent contacts when his father was still alive.
Mu Qingchao was still young at that time, and he often heard his father joking with Uncle Meng, saying that when Yaoyao grew up, he would marry into the Meng family as his wife.
Uncle Meng laughed and said that he wanted it, but no one took it seriously.
Later, her father died of illness, and her mother took her to join the Zhong family.
At that time, Meng Xiuli came to see her off once, gave his jade pendant to Mu Qingchao, and told her that if she had any difficulties in the future, she could come to him.
But why didn’t Mu Qingchao understand the principle of taking tea to cool down?
Now that her father is gone, her family has no interest in the Meng family, and no one will help her for no reason.
So Mu Qingchao hid the jade pendant at the bottom of the box and never took it out once.
Meng Xiuli, on the other hand, came to see her several times, bringing her cakes and bait, and also gave her jewelry twice.
Mu Qingchao refused to accept his things every time, and told him that they were unmarried and there were rumors outside, so they should meet less often in the future.
At that time, Meng Xiuli said resolutely: "What is there to be afraid of? When Uncle Meng was still alive, he said that he would betroth you to me. The two of us will get married sooner or later."
Mu Qingchao was actually not the kind of girl who was full of fantasies. At that time, she knew very well that there were thousands of mountains and rivers between her and Shen Muchi.
Her father was gone, she had no one to rely on, and her uncle was unwilling to help her plan. If she could marry a man like Meng Xiuli and become the head matron, it would be the best way out for her at that time.
But later.
Later, her uncle wanted to send her to the palace.
The mother was suddenly worried and had no choice. In desperation, she had no choice but to go to the Meng family.
"Didn't Xiu Li always say that he would marry our Yaoyao? Then let the two children get married as soon as possible. Our family doesn't want any betrothal gifts, as long as they get married as soon as possible."
"We, Chang Ting, were the best friends with you when we were here. Now that Yao Yao is in such trouble, please, please help her..."
The mother's posture was so humble that she was reduced to dust.
But what did the Meng family say?
Mrs. Meng said: "Mrs. Zhong, look at what you said. It's a joke made by two children. How can you take it seriously?"
"Didn't Sister Chao go to the palace to enjoy her blessings? She served the Holy Emperor and later became a empress. She was so glorious and wealthy that even when we saw her, she had to kneel down and bow.'
The mother's face was full of disappointment, and she placed her hope on Mr. Meng.
Master Meng said, "Mrs. Zhong, please forgive me. It's not that we don't want to help, it's because Quanzi has already told me.
She is the third young lady of the Ministry of Civil Service. In terms of status, she is more suitable for practicing rituals in our family..."
To put it mildly, it is also ruthless.
This means that people who have lost their father are not worthy of discussing marriage with them.
In fact, it was an ending that was already expected, but when I left, I couldn't help but be disappointed.
Mu Qingchao remembered clearly that when his mother was rejected by the Meng family, Meng Xiuli always hid behind the screen.
He saw it all, saw her begging in a low voice, saw her self-esteem being crushed, saw her despair... He never said a word to help her from the beginning to the end.
In fact, Mu Qingchao didn't blame him. It was human nature to seek advantages and avoid disadvantages. At that time, she was not worthy of him.
But she hated him for knowing that he couldn't marry her, but he couldn't let go of her appearance and kept pestering her regardless of her reputation.
At this time, Meng Xiuli walked forward with a smile on his face as if he had forgotten all the past.
"How are you doing these days?" he asked.
He seemed to really care about her, so much that he couldn't help but step forward and hold her hand.
Meng Lang's posture was the same as before.
Mu Qingchao suddenly withdrew his hand: "If Mr. Meng doesn't care, the Ai family will live well."
When Meng Xiuli saw her like this, there was a trace of surprise on his face, but then he smiled coquettishly: "I think you are doing well now, and you look a bit better than before."
Mu Qingchao was fourteen years old before entering the palace. Now, more than a year has passed, and she is nearly sixteen years old. She has slowly developed some mature charm from an immature girl.
Like peaches at just the right time, when they are juicy and juicy, just looking at them makes people want to take a bite.
"Once upon a time..."
Meng Xiuli lowered his eyes: "I was the one who couldn't help you in the past."
After saying this, he explained anxiously: "But you know, I always have you in my heart, and I can't help it."
Mu Qingchao was a little funny when he heard this.
He has her in his heart, but he covets her appearance, spends all his time with her, and hides away when something goes wrong?
You have her in your heart, but you don't care about her, and now you are pretending to be hypocritical with her regardless of her reputation?
She remembered that in her previous life, when she died in prison and her body was hung on a city tower, this good friend never thought of running around for her.
Mu Qingchao smiled.
"No need, the past is the past, I don't blame you."
But just these words made Meng Xiuli take a step forward and actually grabbed her hand.
"Sister Yaoyao, I know you can understand me. Don't worry, I will definitely find a way to make up for my past mistakes."
make up……
What a ridiculous statement.
Mu Qingchao subconsciously wanted to withdraw his hand, but when he raised his head, he saw Zhong Ming.
Zhong Ming's eyes also looked here, falling on her and Meng Xiuli, his eyes obscured by the dark night.
Mu Qingchao suddenly changed his color, slowly took his hand back, and gave Meng Xiuli a very charming look.
"If brother Xiuli has such a heart, then my sister will be willing to die."
These words touched Meng Xiuli's heart. Look, she had not forgotten him.
But then I heard Mu Qingchao say: "It's just that there are many people here, so if others see you, sister, I'm not afraid of anything. Anyway, I'm alone, so it's okay to die."
Brother Xiuli, you are different. You still have a marriage contract, so we must not taint your reputation and the reputation of the entire Meng family."
But a few words had already aroused Meng Xiuli's heart, and now looking at Mu Qingchao's pitiful little appearance, he just looked like a cat that had smelled fish.
"Then... according to my sister, what should we do?" Meng Xiuli asked.
"Later, let's find a quiet place at night and have a nice talk, okay?"
Okay, okay, of course it's excellent.
"When will it be later?" Meng Xiuli asked hurriedly.
Mu Qingchao stretched out a jade hand and pushed gently: "When the time comes, I will give you instructions."
When Meng Xiuli saw this, he couldn't help but want to touch her hand, but she hurriedly twitched her hand and failed. He felt even more heart-wrenching and looked at her back as she turned away, looking very charming.
Mu Qingchao turned around and met a pair of deep eyes.
She was startled, and finally suppressed the panic in her heart, and shouted to the man: "Prince Jiang, what a coincidence."