A Girl Traveling Through Troubled Times

Sha Lili sighed after hearing this, "Indeed, after all, the previous sister-in-law passed away a long time ago, and those Miss Zhangs are no longer around. Second brother, why haven't you looked for her yet? There are rumors out there that he has a sweetheart he can't forget."

"Ah? No, I guess. It's just that he's been too busy these past two years. I think my second brother has to take care of the governance of two cities, which is pretty tiring. A few years ago, when our family went to Shanghai, he also looked for one himself, but I haven't heard anything about him in the past two years."

"Hey? Second brother actually looked for it? How come I didn't know about it?" Sha Lili suddenly started gossiping.

"Alas, not really. It was mainly because the daughter of a minor official pretended to be the daughter of a high-ranking official to get close to my second brother, but was later discovered. That's all that happened."

After that, the two chatted for a long time until Guier left when it was almost time for dinner.

After a few days, Sha Yanyao's condition stabilized a little, so the Marshal decided to go to the hospital to visit him together. Once the Marshal took action, his concubines naturally vied to show off.

The Marshal was sitting in a wheelchair, pushed by servants; his wife had a worried look on her face, tightly clutching her handkerchief all the way; the concubines also had solemn expressions, gathered around the Marshal and his wife, Gui'er and Sha Lili walked side by side, Sha Lili looked left and right as she walked, observing other people.

The group arrived at the hospital and walked into the young master's ward. The young master was half lying on the bed, his face still a little pale, but he looked much better than before. When he saw his family coming, he slightly propped himself up and revealed a weak smile.

"Father, Mother, I'm sorry to have made you worried." The eldest young master said softly.

The Marshal waved his hand and said, "No, I'm glad you're alright. Just focus on recovering from your injuries. Don't worry about anything else."

The lady stepped forward, gently held the young master's hand, tears in her eyes, and said, "Yao'er, you scared me so much. You must be careful in the future."

Everyone greeted the young master one after another, and the ward was filled with concerned words.

At this time, the eighth concubine Zheng Wanyu walked into the ward, carrying a box of exquisite snacks. She had a sweet smile on her face, but her eyes kept glancing at the young marshal Sha Yanxiao.

"Marshal, Madam, and sisters, I heard that the eldest young master was injured. I was very worried, so I specially made some snacks for you." The eighth concubine said in a soft voice.

As she spoke, she walked to the young master's bedside, placed the snacks on the table beside him, and said, "Young master, I made this specially. I asked Butler Zhao about it and he said it's what you like. Please try it."

Sha Yanyao nodded slightly and said softly, "Thank you, Eighth Concubine, for your concern."

The Eighth Concubine turned around and said to Sha Yanxiao with a smile, "Second Young Master, you must be exhausted these days because of the eldest young master's affairs. You have to be careful when taking care of the patient. I learned some nursing skills at my mother's house. If the Marshal and his wife don't mind, I can help share the burden."

Sha Yanyao smiled politely and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Eighth Concubine. The hospital has professional medical staff to take care of her, so you don't have to worry about it."

The Eighth Concubine was not discouraged and continued, "You are being too formal. We are all family, and we should take care of each other, right? But you have Madam to take care of you, so everyone can rest assured. Unlike the Second Young Master, who is all alone, how can a grown man be left without someone to take care of him? We, as concubines, are worried when we see him going about alone every day."

No one knew what she was up to, but no one wanted to be left behind. So, when the third, fifth, sixth, and seventh concubines heard what she said, they all expressed their concerns about Sha Yanxiao.

Sha Yanxiao frowned slightly, feeling a little annoyed, but out of consideration for the relationship, he couldn't be too cold and just said, "Eighth Auntie, you're so thoughtful. I'm used to being alone, and I feel more at ease there."

Seeing Sha Yanxiao's attitude, the Eighth Concubine felt a little anxious, but she still said with a smile, "Second Young Master, if you need anything, just tell me. I may not have any other skills, but I am good at taking care of people."

Sha Lili, who was watching from the side, couldn't stand it any longer and whispered to Gui'er, "Just look at her expression and you can tell she has bad intentions."

Guier gently pulled at the corner of Salili's clothes, signaling her to be quiet.

At this time, the Madam also noticed that the Eighth Concubine was too attentive to the Young Marshal. Her face darkened slightly and she said, "Wanyu, your kindness is enough. You are the elder of the children, and it is only natural to show some concern for them, but your most important responsibility is to serve the Master."

Although the Eighth Concubine was unhappy when she heard this, she did not dare to disobey the Madam and could only smile and say, "Yes, Madam, I understand."

However, the Eighth Concubine did not give up. While everyone was gathered around Sha Yanyao's bed, she quietly walked over to Sha Yanxiao and said, "Second Young Master, I heard you like reading. My mother's family has a lot of good books. I'll have someone send them to you someday."

Sha Yanxiao felt somewhat helpless and said, "Eighth Concubine, you don't have to be so polite. The Marshal's Mansion has a rich collection of books, and I can find any book I want to read."

The Eighth Concubine still refused to give up and said, "Second Young Master, those books are different. They are rare and unique copies. I think you will like them."

Sha Yanxiao was about to refuse again when the Marshal suddenly said, "Ahem, cough, cough, Yan Yao needs a good rest. Let's not stay here too long. Let's go back first." As he said that, he glared at Sha Yanxiao and Zheng Wanyu.

The eighth concubine was upset, but she had no choice but to follow everyone out of the ward.

After returning to the Marshal's residence, the Eighth Concubine continued to plot how to approach the Young Marshal. She felt that if she could win his favor, her position within the household would be secure. So, she began to inquire about his preferences and even had the servants prepare various gifts, hoping to find an opportunity to curry his favor once again.

That day, Gui'er shouted that she was bored, so Sha Yanxiao took her to the park on a whim.

The two had just come ashore after rowing a boat on the scenic lake, and Sha Yanxiao was about to take Guier to buy some drinks.

As a result, they saw the eighth concubine dressed up carefully, taking a stroll seemingly casually, and looking at them as they walked towards them.

Seeing the two of them, the Eighth Concubine immediately stepped forward and said with a smile, "Second Young Master, Gui'er, what a coincidence! You guys are here in the park too?"

Gui'er thought this was too much of a coincidence, maybe she hadn't done it on purpose. She felt a little uncomfortable, but she still greeted him politely, "Hello, Eighth Auntie."

The Eighth Concubine ignored him and said to Sha Yanxiao, "Second Young Master, I've already had the book you mentioned prepared. I'll send it to you when you're free."

Sha Yanxiao said calmly, "Eighth Concubine, I told you it's not necessary. The affairs of the Marshal's Mansion are very busy, so you should spend more time on your own courtyard."

After saying this, Sha Yanxiao wanted to leave. But the Eighth Concubine hurriedly said, "Second Young Master, I still want to ask you some questions about poetry. I know you are well-educated, and it would be my honor to receive your guidance."

Sha Yanxiao stopped and said impatiently, "Eighth Concubine, I have something important to do today. Let's talk about it another day."

After saying that, Sha Yanxiao pulled Gui'er and quickened his pace to leave, leaving the eighth concubine standing there with an embarrassed look on her face.