The Shu Daughter's Grievance

Concubine La sighed helplessly. In the end, it was because she had spoiled Xue Qingxue too much in the past, which had caused her to have such a proud temperament. But seeing her current state, as her mother, her heart also ached.

She took Xue Qingxue's hand, her voice softening. "I know the grievance in your heart. Putting aside Xue Qingyun, even if it is Xue Qingning, how can she compare to you? But you were born from my womb, and when outsiders mention you, they only say you are a shu daughter. But in what way are you truly inferior to Xue Qingning?"

Having her inner thoughts struck, Xue Qingxue's eyes immediately grew moist.

Concubine La sighed again, wiping her tears with her handkerchief, and continued to speak to her gently.

"But no matter how aggrieved you are, you must never show it in front of others, especially in front of the Madam. Others do not know her, but I do. On the surface, she might not do anything to you, but behind your back, you might suffer. You should still be a bit more careful."

Seeing Xue Qingxue cry endlessly, Concubine La advised her again, "You know your father dotes on you the most. With your father's favor, I will speak to him in the future. We will surely find a good marriage for you, and we will absolutely not let you suffer any humiliation."

Now that Xue Qingxue was thirteen years old, it was indeed time to discuss marriage, but Lady Xu clearly did not care about this. Lady Xu had likely seen clearly that based on the Earl Rongchang Manor's current influence and status in the capital, and with Xue Qingxue being a shu daughter, wanting to marry into a prestigious family was absolutely impossible.

But if she found an ordinary marriage for Xue Qingxue, given Xue Boming's doting on her, he would probably accuse her of doing it on purpose. In that case, she might as well leave it alone and let Xue Boming handle it himself.

Comforted by these words, Xue Qingxue's tears gradually stopped, and she began to think about what her future fiancé would be like. He must be someone of good family background, good looks, good learning, and a good temperament, so that both Xue Qingning and Xue Qingyun would envy her.

Imagining the time when Xue Qingning and Xue Qingyun would both envy her, Xue Qingxue could not help but feel delighted. Her steps were no longer heavy; instead, they became lighter.

Upon returning to the courtyard she shared with her concubine mother, she saw that her father had already risen. He was standing on the floor as a maid served him, putting on a round-collared golden-brown robe.

Concubine La dismissed the maid and stepped forward herself to help Xue Boming dress.

Xue Qingxue stepped forward and called, "Father."

Xue Boming gave an "um" and looked toward her. Because she had just cried, the rims of her eyes were still slightly red, and the tip of her nose was also flushed. Noticing this, Xue Boming quickly asked her, "What is wrong with you? Crying first thing in the morning, who provoked you?"

It would have been fine if he hadn't asked, but as soon as he did, Xue Qingxue's tears fell again, and she was temporarily choked with sobs, unable to speak.

Seeing this, Concubine La said, "Actually, it is nothing major. This girl is just too spoiled."

The more she spoke like this, the more Xue Boming wanted to know the reason.