lcionline Chapter 195: Getting Started
Chapter 195: Getting Started
Seeing that he couldn't communicate with his father, Wu Shao simply stopped talking, pulled Hu Ling and turned to walk out.
Seeing this, Mr. Wu roared, "I don't think you dare to leave! Stop him!" Several servants nearby went over to block the two of them.
Young Master Wu paused for a moment, then changed his mind. He pulled Hu Ling back, then brushed past Master Wu as if no one was there, ready to go straight into the hall!
Mr. Wu was speechless. Young Master Wu's move was completely unexpected. Since we weren't allowed to leave, we had no choice but to come inside and sit down. It seemed to make sense.
Ran Mo and the others admired Wu Shao's courage, but at the same time they couldn't help but feel a little worried, wondering what would happen next.
Master Wu shouted angrily behind them, "Stop right there!" The two of them stopped and turned to look at him.
Mr. Wu looked around as if he was looking for his walking stick, but couldn't find it. He pointed at the two of them and said, "How can you enter this hall without my permission? I was right. You are definitely not from a virtuous family." Mr. Wu said in a veiled manner.
"Dad, this is also my home. Why can't I bring my friends in? Also, please don't try to provoke me with your words. The innocent are innocent. Ling'er's virtue is incomparable to that of ordinary people." Wu Shao said while looking at Hu Ling with a smile.
Master Wu's beard was nearly twisted with anger. His voice trembled as he spoke, "Since you don't appreciate my kindness, don't blame me for being ruthless. I'm telling you this: if you insist on bringing this woman into your home, you won't be able to enter the gate of my Wu Mansion again."
He turned to Hu Ling and said, "Miss, I'm trying to persuade you with some kind words. Wu Weiye and you are not on the same page. You should just let him go."
Young Master Wu also took the risk and grabbed Hu Ling's hand and raised it, saying, "Ling'er and I will never be separated in this life." Hu Ling looked at Young Master Wu with emotion, then looked straight at Master Wu and spoke for the first time:
"Uncle Wu, I know you have a prejudice against me, but I am sincere to Young Master Wu. I hope you can give me a chance to understand my character. I will not let you and my aunt down."
Mr. Wu was not moved by their behavior; instead, he felt humiliated. He looked up to the sky and sighed, "What a sin I have committed!" He then stared at Young Master Wu and said, "Weiye, it's normal for you to talk about marriage, but you are still a noble son. How many wealthy families are lining up to marry into our family?
Even if you don't care about rich flowers, you can't just go to that vulgar place and pick them randomly. Don't you care about the reputation of our family and your father?" After saying this, he gave Hu Ling a meaningful look, as if he thought he had touched their soft spot.
Hu Ling's expression turned slightly cold. Wu Shaoze laughed a few times and bowed to his father, saying, "Dad, you always speak so elegantly. Ling'er is indeed like a beautiful and refined lily of the valley flower. However, she has been out there for a long time, enduring the trials and tribulations of life. She needs a good environment to protect her."
"And I and our family are her final destination. Her arrival will bring great honor to our family." He looked at Hu Ling affectionately, tears glistening in her eyes. Those around him were also moved by their affection.
Mr. Wu was nearly mad. How could he not be annoyed and heartbroken to see his son, whom he usually doted on and used to discipline, flirting with a woman, completely disregarding his father's dignity and words?
He raised his hand tremblingly and said, "Wu Weiye, let me ask you one more question, do you really want to welcome this woman into your home?" Wu Shao held Hu Ling's hand tightly and nodded firmly.
Master Wu nearly spat out a mouthful of blood. He approached the two men, step by step. They looked at him with a hint of surprise and a touch of caution.
Master Wu raised his arm and slapped Young Master Wu hard. Young Master Wu did not dodge, but Hu Ling quickly blocked in front of Young Master Wu, and the slap landed firmly on Hu Ling's face.
Young Master Wu exclaimed, "Ling'er!" and hurriedly hugged her to check on her. A red handprint was left on her fair cheek. Tears nearly fell from her eyes. Although she had volunteered to take the beating for Young Master Wu, the old man's blow was far too harsh.
Young Master Wu turned around and glared at his father with hatred. He had never, and never dared, look at his father like that before. But today, he had to seek justice for Hu Ling and couldn't let her take this slap.
Mr. Wu was also stunned. He hadn't expected Hu Ling to take the slap for Young Master Wu. He felt a little awkward for a moment. He wanted to say something but couldn't. He simply closed his eyes and pretended to be deaf and dumb, thinking it was a lucky coincidence.
After a burst of exclamations, the surrounding crowd fell silent. They wondered how this would end. If they had only bickered and not fought, it probably wouldn't have caused much trouble. But if they did, whether intentionally or not, it would have been a recipe for disaster.
Ranmo and Qingsheng hadn't expected things to develop into this situation. They couldn't stay any longer; they needed to go and comfort Hu Ling.
At this moment, a steady and powerful voice came from outside the door, "Brother Wu, there's no need to be angry!"
Everyone looked outside and saw an official sedan had stopped outside. Standing in front of the sedan at the entrance was an old man in official uniform. He had a sharp gaze and a dignified demeanor, and appeared younger than Mr. Wu. Someone recognized him as Mr. Zhang from the Hanlin Academy who had visited the palace the other day.
Mr. Zhang's arrival was truly timely. First, he broke the awkward stalemate caused by Mr. Wu's slapping of Hu Ling; second, among so many people, only Mr. Zhang was qualified to have a calm and peaceful conversation with the angry Mr. Wu.
Everyone made way for him. Master Zhang and his attendants walked in quickly and raised their hands to salute Master Wu.
Mr. Wu was overjoyed to see his old friend arrive. Having just escaped his current predicament, he quickly stepped past Young Master Wu and the other man and ran to greet Mr. Zhang. The two men clasped their arms and exchanged pleasantries. Mr. Zhang had come to visit before, and today he was back to visit the mansion to ask for something. He hadn't expected to see this scene unfolding in the courtyard just as he reached the door.
Master Wu glanced behind him awkwardly, wondering whether to explain or simply usher Master Zhang into the hall. Master Zhang had seen it all, and avoiding the issue was futile. Although this was a family matter, he couldn't escape the awkwardness of the situation without saying a few words, especially with his eldest nephew Wu staring at him eagerly.
Mr. Zhang said to Mr. Wu, "Brother Wu, how did my nephew make you angry? Let them both stand here as punishment, and ask them to come in and talk together." Mr. Zhang spoke with great skill and refinement. He neither exposed people's scars nor failed to help resolve conflicts.
Mr. Wu looked at the two of them awkwardly, neither going forward nor backward. If he kept them in the courtyard, he would be embarrassed by the public and would also offend his old friend's kindness. If he brought them both into the hall to talk, wouldn't that go against his own will of not accepting this woman into his family? But if he only brought this wicked boy in, he would definitely refuse. It was a difficult situation.