CHAPTER 338: CHAPTER 335 NOT WRONGED

Xie Liangchen didn’t speak but nodded gently. He could risk his life to save her, and when she saw him in danger, she could break free from years of shadows weighing on her heart and swim towards him again. In the face of life and death, it’s easier to see clearly.

Xie Shao Yuan didn’t speak, and Xie Liangchen raised his head and said, "Father, you never went into detail about what happened between you and mother back then."

Xie Shao Yuan was momentarily silent, and after a while, he chuckled and said, "Did your grandmother ever say that I met the Chen Family Village while fleeing from a famine?"

Xie Liangchen responded.

Xie Shao Yuan said, "At that time, your mother had just been through a major upheaval at home and spoke very little. Your grandfather also feared she would be recognized by others, so he intentionally kept her away from crowds. Yet, despite such concealment, I still saw through it."

Xie Liangchen knew that her father had once frequented Prince Guangyang Mansion and had met her mother before that.

Xie Shao Yuan continued, "I went to the eight states to do some business, and naturally, I knew about Prince Guangyang’s affairs. But I was merely a villager and aware there were matters we shouldn’t involve ourselves in. Moreover, if your grandfather discovered it, my life might be in jeopardy."

"You don’t know how formidable your grandfather was. Because of his presence, many mountain bandits and refugees were kept at bay."

Recalling the past, Xie Shao Yuan had a touch of respect for his old father-in-law.

Xie Liangchen said, "But even then, father wasn’t afraid of grandfather."

Xie Shao Yuan couldn’t help but smile, "When I discovered a group of bandits on the road, I naturally stayed behind to help. Later, when I got closer to the Chen Family Village, sure enough, your grandfather noticed."

Xie Liangchen asked, "And then?"

Xie Shao Yuan’s eyes were full of gentleness, "I got throttled and beaten once." Had it not been for his mother-in-law pleading for mercy, he would’ve nearly died at the hands of his father-in-law.

Even after being beaten, Xie Shao Yuan didn’t give up and seized every chance to go to the Chen Family Village.

Xie Shao Yuan continued, "As time went by, your mother grew fond of me and simply decided to clear the air. Your mother told me she was still determined to investigate Prince Guangyang Mansion’s matters and might encounter many dangers."

Xie Liangchen looked at Xie Shao Yuan, "Was father scared at that time?"

"Not afraid," Xie Shao Yuan said, "I understood your mother’s character. She would definitely avenge the family and certainly wouldn’t remain indifferent. She didn’t care about wealth and glory, but some matters needed justice. If she truly turned a blind eye, she wouldn’t be someone I’d love."

Xie Shao Yuan continued, "Later, I went out to do business, sought out Prince Guangyang’s people, and gradually connected everyone. Every time we made progress, I couldn’t wait to go home and tell your mother."

After speaking, Xie Shao Yuan suddenly sighed, "When I had just lost your mother, I also considered whether we made mistakes. Perhaps if your mother had found someone better, she would have been better protected. Or maybe if I hadn’t done those things beyond my expertise, I wouldn’t have brought disaster upon your mother."

"Long after, I dreamed once of your mother. She didn’t say anything to me, just worked in the kitchen as usual. We ate together, read together, talked together just like when she was around. After waking up, I figured it out. We hadn’t done anything wrong. Those past days together were incredibly precious. Following one’s heart is best, even if time is short."

Xie Shao Yuan felt calm, neither sad nor sorrowful. He reached out to touch Xie Liangchen’s head, "I had many things to ask you, but ultimately, I’m the one speaking."

Xie Liangchen whispered, "After asking Father, I feel the way I am now is quite similar to how Father was back then."

Xie Shao Yuan smiled, understanding fully. From the moment he saw his daughter tear up for Song Xian, worried that Song Xian’s tremulous hands wouldn’t hold medicine steady, he already understood everything.

"But there’s one matter I need to clarify," Xie Shao Yuan said, "Song Xian knows Prince Guangyang’s death is related to the current Emperor. If the Emperor ever aims to trouble you in the future, Song Xian..."

Xie Liangchen said, "Song Xian can surely stand by us."

Had this not been certain, she and Song Xian wouldn’t be where they are today. In her past life, the Emperor’s paranoia caused constant court disputes, leaving the populace in misery, eventually forcing Song Xian to raise an army...

This life, due to her connection with Prince Guangyang Mansion, gave an added reason to guard against the Emperor.

Xie Shao Yuan pondered briefly before continuing, "Your mother once said, if others don’t harm us, we won’t harm them. Prince Guangyang Mansion never intended malice. But some might not let go easily. The slightest news could keep them up at night."

Xie Shao Yuan paused briefly before continuing, "If Song Xian gets affected in his career because of us, even falling into danger, then both of you may suffer repercussions from this matter."

"Song Xian might hold resentment towards you, and you may feel guilty. You must ponder over this matter thoroughly and ensure it doesn’t become a constraint for you both."

Xie Liangchen responded, "Don’t worry Father, I’ve already thought things through when Song Xian discussed this with me."

"That’s good," Xie Shao Yuan smiled, "Then I’m relieved."

Xie Shao Yuan heaved a long sigh, "How quickly I’ve turned into someone like your grandfather, contemplating matters for my children."

In Xie Shao Yuan’s heart, Liangchen was still that little child he held, carried, and led by the hand. When night fell, when it was chilly, when she stumbled, she’d come to him for comfort, asking him to stay, to warm her hands, to blow on her bruised palms...

Xie Shao Yuan continued, "In principle, Song Xian’s character is commendable. By any measure, he’s an outstanding young man. Him risking his life for you is a blessing. But no matter how good he is, in my heart, he can’t compare to you because I am your father."

Xie Liangchen’s nose felt somewhat sore.

Xie Shao Yuan continued, "Many things in this world are hard to pin down. Perhaps it starts well and gets better, or maybe changes occur, but no matter. You must know that things constantly change. If things go bad, if you don’t like him anymore, just come to Father. No matter what key official he becomes, whatever wealth and honor, we don’t need them. Father only wishes for you never to wrong yourself anytime. Perhaps my words sound unreasonable, but you must abide by this, because I am your father."

Xie Liangchen’s eyes turned damp.

Xie Shao Yuan asked, "Can you promise me?"

"I can." Xie Liangchen reached out and held Xie Shao Yuan’s hand. Her father’s broad palm felt the same as she remembered. She understood all that her father said; now that he’s back, she felt even more secure.

As the father and daughter spoke, they heard Chang Yue in the courtyard calling, "Master, young miss, my lord is here."

Song Xian stepped into the yard and saw Xie Liangchen coming out of the house, the girl’s eyes red, clearly having just cried. Song Xian’s heart sank, and turning to the entrance where Xie Shao Yuan stood, Xie Shao Yuan’s face was stoic and somewhat unfriendly...