Too high to reach

Chapter 273 Zhou Yu and Huang Gai
Mo Yuan packed her things and moved to the new courtyard.

The courtyard is in a nice environment and has a neat gate.

Her small courtyard had three large north-facing rooms and east and west wing rooms, and it was extremely bright and spacious.

The things Zhang Debao gave him were all gathered in one room.

There were three large boxes, and the table and floor were piled up with them.

From luxury jewelry to trinkets, they have everything, and every single item is a gem.

Besides what she ate and used, Mo Yuan vaguely remembered giving some things away as gifts, trying hard to recall what they were...

Although she didn't know the exact price of these items, it was definitely a huge sum... If Mo Yi hadn't married into the royal family, and if things hadn't changed in her family, she wouldn't even have been able to see these things, let alone own them.

Looking back after walking past, even if she was proud and hard-hearted, she couldn't help but be moved to tears.

Such a person, who is completely devoted to you and asks for nothing in return, is someone who, besides your mother, is the only one you'll ever have in this life.

Helplessly sitting on the stool by the door, he was deeply mired in a depressed mood, unable to pull himself out.

At this moment, Zhang Debao walked in.

After being helped up by Mo Fan, he started taking his medicine, drinking water, and even asked for chicken porridge.

But he just doesn't speak, and ordinary people ignore him.

After two days, Mo Fan finally brought her to this courtyard.

Hearing footsteps, Mo Yuan turned her head to look.

Zhang Debao was neatly dressed, but looked somewhat haggard. Most importantly, the smile had vanished from his eyes.

They no longer have that mindless following or "nothing matters" attitude they used to have.

He was staring intently at Mo Yuan, his eyes filled with endless sorrow.

Mo Yuan stood up. She was wearing a thin, narrow-sleeved cotton dress, without any makeup, and her black hair was simply tied back. She packed her things herself, her hands still covered in dirt.

He didn't move after getting up, and just looked at Zhang Debao.

Zhang Debao felt as if his feet weighed a ton, making it difficult to take a step, and his eyes welled up with tears.

Mo Yuan then stepped out of the door, descended the steps lightly, and bowed deeply to him, saying, "Young Master Zhang... Mo Yuan is ashamed."

Zhang Debao subconsciously leaned down to help him up, "Don't do this..." His voice was low and slurred, as if he hadn't spoken in a long time.

Mo Yuan stood up, and when she looked up again, two streams of hot tears slid down her glossy face. Her expression was poignant and touching.

Zhang Debao felt as if he had a fishbone stuck in his throat, and he was unable to speak.

"Young Master Zhang, please come inside and have a seat..."

Upon entering the room, Zhang Debao was somewhat surprised, looking at the abundance of things inside.

Mo Yuan pointed and said, "Young Master Zhang, all these things were given to me by you... When I sorted them out, I was shocked by how many there were..."

Zhang Debao was getting unsteady on his feet, so he found a stool and sat down.

"You know what the Mo family is like. They are an ordinary family, living an ordinary life. It was only because my sister's marriage to Prince Qi by chance that everything changed."

And so, Mo Yuan's eyes widened... She entered places she never dreamed of before, and met legendary figures. As a result, she became restless and eager to go out and do things she had never done before... And so, today came to be..."

She let her tears fall, her face filled with shame. "Ever since I met you, you've been so good to me, no, incredibly good. You've given me so many things... I was so foolish... I didn't even think about whether I should accept them. I was just happy..."

"It wasn't until something happened and I got scolded by Mo Yi that I realized how many mistakes I had made." She started sobbing.

Zhang Debao shed tears alongside her... She felt wronged, disappointed, heartbroken, and pained, but she couldn't bring herself to blame anyone.

"I'm such a heartless person," Mo Yuan confessed. "Tell me, why did I go horseback riding? I'd never even touched a horse before... Why couldn't I resist making fun of Wang Xiaowei whenever I saw her? In the end, I angered her, and she tried to harm me..."

The tears she had just wiped away streamed down her face again. "Yi Yi, she said she'll never speak to me again! There's also a commotion at home. If it weren't for my uncle sending a letter to this courtyard, I don't know what would have happened... I'm such a jinx... I've ruined you all..."

"No! Don't cry, this isn't your fault." Zhang Debao finally became anxious. "Which young girl doesn't like to play? It's all that bitch Wang Xiaowei's fault. The first time I saw you, she was the one bullying you and picking on you. I saw it with my own eyes! As for the Crown Prince..."

Zhang Debao's face turned sinister. "I always thought he was a qualified crown prince, well-mannered and polite. I never expected him to be so frivolous..."

He grew angrier as he spoke. "What is his identity? What schemes does he have? What has he been through? Knowing that he saved a woman whose reputation is paramount, how could he treat her like this? Hmph... He probably saw you... saw that you are young and naive... or maybe he recognized you and wanted to deliberately disgust His Highness Prince Qi! This person is simply..." He was so angry that he was panting, and swallowed the words that were about to come out of his mouth: "After all, she is not the daughter of the first wife and empress," and "a son of a concubine," etc.

Mo Yuan clenched her hands, feeling somewhat ashamed...

But seeing that his anger had shifted, she quickly said, "After the incident, His Highness Prince Qi had Granny Zhao take me away. I don't know where I went. Although I was well-fed and well-treated, I couldn't get any information in or out. It wasn't until the final decision was made that they let me out."

Zhang Debao nodded, "Your Highness, are you worried that the Crown Prince will directly escort you into the residence in a small sedan chair? That would put you in a very passive position. I had previously thought of having someone tell you not to worry, that I would take care of everything. But I think... the message didn't get through to you."

"I haven't received it."

The two people sat facing each other.

“Young Master Zhang, now I'm abandoned by everyone… perhaps it's fate. I've gathered all this stuff; some of the fabric I used, and I've eaten the bird's nest and such…”

She looked pitiful. "I remember there were some more, I used them when socializing with my sisters... I'll think of something else. For now, I'll return these to you!"

Zhang Debao chuckled in exasperation, then said gently, "What are you saying! When I gave it to you, I made no demands, and you didn't agree to anything. I just wanted to see you doing well. A real man doesn't take back what he's given away. Just keep it, once you're in the Crown Prince's residence..."

As soon as he mentioned this, tears welled up in his eyes again.

"Actually, I'm really worried about you! What's so good about staying in the Crown Prince's residence? There are so many wives and concubines, and every year new people go in while old ones disappear without a trace."

Don't even mention it; he's just the Crown Prince now. Even if he became Emperor, so what? Wasn't the bloodshed in the palace back then tragic enough? Prince Qi's elder brother is magnanimous and gentle. And then there's the legendary perfect couple: Princess Ming'an and Dongfang…

I was too young to have met them then, but I had heard about them countless times. And what happened? What will become of you in the future…?

Although Mo Yuan was confident, she was also a little uneasy about the future she didn't understand at all.

"I don't understand the ways of women, but I do know this: when you go there, don't rush to stand out. It will only invite hatred... You've seen Wang Xiaowei's methods, she's much more ruthless than her! But you can't be at the bottom either. The servants in the palace are the best at reading the winds. If you can't stand firm, even your daily meals and winter charcoal will be squeezed out."

"The more you talk, the more scared I get. Mo Yi said she's ignoring me... I don't even have a chance to ask her anymore," Mo Yuan said, looking down with a wronged expression.

At this moment, Zhang Debao completely forgot his previous feelings.

"Don't worry, Princess Qi is just upset for now, but she's still family, blood is thicker than water. She'll be fine in a while. Besides, this isn't your fault!"

"Young Master Zhang, what do you think I should do now?"

"Do you...do you have anyone on your side?"

Mo Yuan blinked her innocent eyes, "You mean a maid? I used to have a maid by my side, and my mother said she would buy me two more."

Zhang Debao shook his head and sighed, "What kind of situation is this? Can you really expect a newly bought maid to be completely devoted to you? Even if she is, you're entering the Crown Prince's residence, a place with extremely strict rules. Saying or doing the wrong thing could result in a beating at best, and death at worst..."

"Huh?!" Mo Yuan exclaimed in surprise, "But the days I lived in the Prince Qi's residence seemed to be quite nice!"

"Heh, you're the princess's older sister, and just a guest. You're not in anyone's way, so why would anyone target you? Although I haven't paid much attention, the princess's maids are specially trained."

“You have a good eye. Those maids were all given to her by Granny Zhao. If she weren’t angry with me, I would have even asked her to borrow one.”

"Sigh, never mind..." Zhang Debao sighed, "I'll help you..."

This was completely unexpected for Mo Yuan!

Originally, she only wanted to muddy the waters, distract him, say some nice things to ease his mind, and then go their separate ways.

If he wants these things, he can take them!
If you don't want to take it, then keep it for yourself.

But now...

He'll find someone for me? So, should I use it myself or not?
No need, we really don't have anyone on hand right now. Everyone says it's not easy for the Crown Prince's residence to gain a foothold.

Being able to use him is like having his people by your side; then your every move...

“But… Madam Zhang definitely knows about your people. There’s no doubt I’ve offended her badly. I don’t want you to argue with her because of me.”

"Don't worry, they're not from my household. I know people like Granny Zhao, who specialize in training people. However, Granny Zhao trains people specifically for His Highness Prince Qi. These people are trained and then sold for money; they only follow the buyers. Although they're more expensive, they're definitely capable and loyal! Besides, you can't do without people outside! They'll help you gather information, pass on messages, and accompany you when you go out..."

He thought about it and started crying again, "I'm afraid you won't have any more chances to go out in the future..."

I can't see him anymore...

What's the best approach...?