hotmtlnovel Chapter 16
Chapter 16
When Shen Meng’s footsteps gradually faded away, indicating that she had gone far, Liang Rong sat down on the stool next to Liang Jue. She toned down her previously frivolous attitude and appeared more serious, “Go ahead, what important matter do you want to discuss with me?”
“Remember a few days ago when I returned home? I stayed at the mansion for two days longer and asked you and mother for a favor.”
“Of course, I remember. What’s wrong? Did that girl mistreat you? Tell me, I’ll take care of it for you.”
“I already said it’s not that. Wife treats me very well. It’s just...” Liang Jue briefly explained the things he had investigated.
Liang Jue continued, “This incident, although partly due to the cunning of outsiders, don’t you think our mansion’s management is somewhat lax?”
“What do you mean?”
Liang Jue explained, “Father’s temperament is too kind. It’s too easy for people to take advantage of when I’m not around. The Liang family’s estate needs to be managed better to prevent problems from arising.”
The Liang family valued family ties, but they weren’t particularly faithful in matters of love. Although Mother Liang doted on her two legitimate children, she also had a few beautiful concubines. As for Liang Jue’s elder sister, Liang Rong, besides her legitimate husband, she had two other paramours.
Father Liang wasn’t soft-hearted; in fact, he was quite tough. The concubines Mother Liang brought in didn’t dare to make a peep in front of him. His only flaw was his sentimentality, but in Liang Jue’s eyes, even that couldn’t be considered a flaw.
Thinking about her own father, Liang Rong’s face showed a headache expression. “Where is Father soft? Just a few days ago, he had a fight with Mother and smashed a set of cups. Speaking of the mess in the courtyard, it’s because of you!”
Liang Jue asked her, “How is it my fault?”
For matters like this, Liang Jue could simply write a letter to the mansion, which would not only be convenient but also directly communicate with Father Liang, saving her the trouble of relaying messages.
Liang Jue shook his head. “Of course not, that’s just mentioned in passing. You happened to bring a message, so I don’t have to write a letter.”
“Then go ahead and tell me everything else you want to say. Since I was a child, I’ve always hated your way of beating around the bush.”
Liang Jue didn’t say anything but dipped his finger into the tea on the table and wrote down a name.
Liang Rong widened her eyes. “Are you saying that last time it was her?”
Liang Jue nodded briefly, briefly mentioning the incident without forgetting to mention Shen Meng’s cousin, Du Zhi. The latter, however, showed an expression of disbelief. “Are you sure there’s no mistake? It’s unlikely. Our family has no grudges with him. The Liang Mansion has always been cautious. And isn’t Shen Meng on good terms with him? Why would he target you?”
“This will require you, older sister, to investigate. My influence is limited, and further investigation will only alert the enemy. It’s up to you to find out their intentions and whether it’s him. I’ll trouble you with this.”
Liang Rong stood up. “I’ll go investigate. I won’t bother you at the mansion anymore.” She paced anxiously around the room, waiting for the news to sink in. Then she pushed open the door and walked out. Before leaving, she reminded Liang Jue, “Since you can’t investigate further, don’t worry about it anymore. I’ll make sure Father handles Du Zhi’s matter for you. He’s the most judicious and will definitely handle it properly.”
After saying this, she hurried away. In the corridor, she bumped into Shen Meng, who was carrying a book. Shen Meng greeted her, but Liang Rong completely ignored her and hastily walked away as if something terrifying was chasing her.
In her past life, she was often subjected to her elder sister-in-law’s disdain and coldness. Although Liang Rong’s attitude was better in this life, Shen Meng was even more accustomed to her indifference and didn’t think much of it.
Perhaps Liang Jue had told her something important. Shen Meng thought about this but decided not to go back and ask Liang Jue. After all, she couldn’t be completely honest with Liang Jue, and her feelings for him weren’t strong enough to know all his secrets.
Little did she know that if she had asked today, things might have turned out differently. Unfortunately, there are no ‘ifs’ in this world.