Chapter 263 - A Feigned Rejection: Mo Xueyan Entered the Scheme (2/2)

She had changed the topic, asking like a pampered child.

When he saw her, Mo Huawen’s heart ached. He stretched out his hand and fondled her hair, smiling. “Don’t be afraid, Tong’er. It’s n.o.body important. A few burglars entered our manor from the backdoor and stole a few items. The Old Madam has sustained the greatest loss.”

He could only suppress the issue like this. No matter what, Mo Xueyan was still a member of the Mo Family.

Yu Mingyong had been thrown in jail. His all-powerful sister would surely find a way to release him. This matter had caused such a ruckus tonight and might have alerted some people. Perhaps even the imperial palace would come to know about it. Consort Yu would certainly not allow herself to be implicated.

It could have been a major or minor issue. Looking at it as a minor issue, Mo Yueyan was the daughter of a concubine and involved in an affair with Yu Mingyong. She had a poor reputation and her social status was low, as the daughter of a merchant. Given the fact Consort Yu had contacted Yu Feng, she would surely be dissatisfied with such a lowly sister-in-law.

Since he did not wish to admit to the disgraceful scandal, he could only nip this in the bud. It would be better to claim this a mistaken burglary than an affair.

Mo Huawen speculated that Consort Yu would keep Yu Mingyong mum. He would then be able to treat this case as one of the common burglaries.

It would not tarnish the reputation of Tong’er one bit.

This was Mo Huawen’s plan. It was the reason why he had taken up the case with a heavy hand and let it go lightly. He had to consider the feelings of both the Old Madam and his daughter.

“Father, it’s good that the burglar has come. Look, my leg’s hurt.” Mo Xuetong suddenly smiled sweetly. She extended her arm and pulled Mo Huawen down to sit, pointing at her injured leg.

“What a silly girl. Still so happy when your leg’s injured.” Mo Huawen gave a helpless smile, caressing Mo Xuetong’s hair.

“Father, this time I’m really hurt. Tomorrow, the whole city will learn about it. If after three days… ” Mo Xuetong gave a crafty smile. She pouted and signaled for Mo Huawen to look at her leg.

After three days… what would happen after three days?

Mo Huawen watched her heavily bandaged leg, half-exposed under her skirt. For a moment, he did not react.

“Father, the banquet three days later… ” Mo Xuetong said in an innocent voice.

Her words reminded Mo Huawen. At first, he started, then was in a momentary daze. Following that, he started to guffaw. His mouth could not help but mumble, “Yes, the burglar has come at the right time…”

Tomorrow, there would be a tumult in the city after everyone learned that his manor had been burgled. When they learned that Tong’er’s leg was hurt after das.h.i.+ng out to see him, she would not need to attend the banquet three days later. In other words, she would not be selected as the Consort of Yan Kingdom’s First Prince. This meant that she would not leave him. He could find her a suitable husband and let her live a happy life.

He would not demand the most handsome man or someone in the highest office. It would be good enough if he was true to Tong’er and treated her well.

When he thought about Tong’er’s happy life to come, Mo Huawen’s mood immediately lightened. He could not suppress his laughter and started chortling.

“Shhh. Father, don’t laugh so loudly. You can’t let her know that you’ve been robbed and yet are so happy.” Mo Xuetong deliberately suppressed her voice when she saw Mo Huawen’s features unfold in delight. She muttered with widened eyes.

Looking at his daughter’s adorable face, Mo Huawen exhibited rare good humor. He whispered teasingly, “Sure, Father will speak softly.”

All their problems had been resolved. Mo Huawen had to chuckle again. But as he laughed, he suddenly stopped, a dilemma presenting itself in his brows.

“Father, what’s wrong? Aren’t you happy that I can’t attend the banquet?” Perplexity flashed across Mo Xuetong’s eyes, her keen eyes sparkling brightly.

“Of course, it would be best if you can’t attend the banquet. But His Majesty gave us three invitation cards. So three girls must go. It’s difficult to explain to the Emperor if you can’t.” Mo Huawen furrowed his brows. He remembered all the officials excusing themselves over the banquet and the Emperor’s subsequent fury. The Emperor then insisted on giving them invitations based on the number of girls in their mansion. So everyone must attend.

Therefore, as many girls from each family must attend as their invitation cards—not one more or less.

“Father, did His Majesty especially ask for my attendance?”

“Of course not.”

“Then it will be fine. We have another daughter in the manor. Didn’t Second Sister try all means and ways to attend the royal banquet? I heard that she threw a tantrum and wept in Grandma’s room. Grandma was so upset that she did not sleep well.” Mo Xuetong smiled, seemingly naive.

The eyes of Mo Huawen sparkled and became profound.

If it had been anytime before, he would surely prohibit Mo Xueyan’s attendance. She was such a simple girl, a merchant’s daughter. Yet she kept harboring thoughts of making a good marriage. If she turned up in the palace, trouble might ensue because of her presence.

But after the incident just now, Mo Huawen would just let her be!

The Old Madam had tried to harm Tong’er tonight. It must have been Mo Xueyan’s instigation, weeping and complaining behind her back, slandering her. Perhaps Mo Xueyan wanted to attend the banquet and had as such smeared Tong’er’s name. She would not let Tong’er attend the palace banquet. The invitation should be hers instead.

No one could see this unless they pondered over it with hindsight. Now that he noticed, troubles seemed to be following one another in quick succession. That must be the reason. He was doing all these for the good of Mo Xueyan but had nearly caused Tong’er harm. Mo Huawen was so angry that his hands started to shake. After taking the tea offered to him by Mo Xuetong, he took a big gulp and set the teacup heavily on the table. He said coldly, “Fine. Let her have the invitation then.”

Life and death are ruled by destiny. Prosperity and wealth depend on Heaven.

So let it be!

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