Dream of the Red Chamber: Starting with winning over Daiyu's favorability

Chapter 220 Distraction

"Your Highness is indeed very thoughtful."

Since Sun Junyue has made all her plans so clear, what else is there for him to say?

I thought you would say something else to me.

Logically, Deng Zechen's reaction upon suddenly learning the woman's identity would not have been so calm, given that this Grand Princess held a prestigious position and seemed to have influence over the Emperor.

If one is willing, one can certainly take this relationship to the next level, or at the very least gain some other benefits.

However, Deng Zechen had no such thoughts. After confirming her identity, his first reaction was that he really felt comfortable leaving Qin Keqing in someone else's home.

Don't members of the royal family always place great importance on bloodlines? But Sun Junyue never inquired about this matter again after the very beginning, as if Qin Keqing were just an ordinary woman.

But if you say that Sun Junyue didn't visit Qin Keqing, it doesn't seem like that. She used to call Qin Keqing over every few days, and she never came back empty-handed.

If we really count, the person with the highest net worth in the Deng family right now isn't Deng Zechen, but Qin Keqing.

If they truly didn't care about her at all, why would they go to such lengths to give her so many treasures? Remember how Grandmother Jia always called Lin Daiyu her "darling," and she'd never been this generous before.

Most importantly, Qin Keqing wasn't a fool. Couldn't she tell whether he was sincere or not?

If it were truly feigned affection, Qin Keqing wouldn't be behaving so intimately and naturally with her now.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. They could only faintly hear Qin Keqing and Bai Shuang'er whispering inside, but they couldn't make out what they were saying.

"I thought Your Highness intended to bring her back this time, but it seems that's not your plan."

If they really intended to keep Qin Keqing here, then Sun Junyue would definitely have refused when Deng Zechen suggested that they go home together later. But she didn't, which proves that even after their identities are revealed, they won't interfere too much with her current life.

Sun Junyue's face showed a hint of melancholy, as if she was reminiscing about the past. "Speaking of which, I'm an old man now. Can I still keep meddling in your affairs as young people? You still have to live your own lives. As long as they're happy, that's all that matters."

Otherwise, they'll be controlled at every turn if they come back to me. What's the point? In families like ours, there are countless children who have no choice in their lives. Why should I let these children follow in our footsteps?

"Once this calms down, Shuang'er can go wherever she wants. As long as she doesn't do anything outrageous, I won't interfere. In comparison, I feel much more at ease with Qing'er by your side."

Deng Zechen had no idea what had happened back then, let alone what role the esteemed Grand Princess had played at the time, but at least so far she had indeed expressed goodwill.

"They are fortunate to have an aunt like you."

Sun Junyue's eyes softened even more, revealing a maternal glow.

"We are family. Since they call me aunt, I will definitely do my best to protect them."

After saying that, she looked at Deng Zechen and became more serious: "I also want to thank you for taking care of Qing'er for so long. I can tell that she is very happy with you, which is the main reason why I let her stay with you."

But now that you're both getting on in years, there are some things she's embarrassed to say, so I still have to ask on her behalf. What exactly are your plans for Qing'er? Are you really just going to let her follow you without any status or recognition?"

It's unclear what Qin Keqing and Bai Shuang'er said inside, but although they looked much closer as they came out one after the other, they still seemed a bit awkward.

Qin Keqing was still thinking about what Bai Shuang'er had said to her when she heard Sun Junyue's words, and her face immediately felt hot.

"Aunt~"

Sun Junyue was taken aback when she heard Qin Keqing's voice, seemingly not expecting Qin Keqing to come out so quickly and happen to overhear her words. She subconsciously raised her hand, and Qin Keqing naturally took Sun Junyue's hand and sat down beside her.

"It's your first time meeting as sisters, why don't you chat a little longer? It's still early."

In contrast, Bai Shuang'er appeared much more reserved, standing awkwardly on the other side of Sun Junyue, clearly unaccustomed to this warm atmosphere.

Qin Keqing and Sun Junyue were very close, and Qin Keqing whispered a few words in her ear. Sun Junyue's face showed a knowing look, and after struggling for a moment, she just sighed: "Sigh—you—well, since it's your own business, then you can decide for yourself. I won't interfere in this matter anymore."

"Thank you, Aunt!"

Qin Keqing visibly breathed a sigh of relief; she realized her ideas were somewhat unconventional. After all, what woman could remain unmarried her entire life?

She had considered marrying Deng Zechen, but she also knew that Deng Zechen and the Lin family's daughter were in love, and Lord Lin had sent wild geese long ago. It was obvious that the marriage was a done deal, so why should she interfere and end up with nothing to show for it?

She didn't want to create any rift between herself and Deng Zechen or Lin Daiyu because of this; if that were the case, it would be better to maintain the status quo for now.

More importantly, she knew that she could become a legitimate member of the Deng family if she wanted to, but the more time passed, the more reluctant she became to give it up. She worried that she would become a member trapped in the inner quarters, just like in that nightmare, constantly bogged down by countless trivial matters, and eventually die trapped in the mansion.

Having seen the scenery outside, she didn't want to spend her whole life in that square courtyard house.

This was also the main reason she interrupted Sun Junyue; she didn't want to enter the family so haphazardly. Even her own aunt couldn't fully accept it, so she dared not mention it to Deng Zechen now.

She was afraid that if she asked, Deng Zechen would give her the same look of incomprehension.

Even if he wouldn't have done such a thing based on his past behavior, she didn't have the courage to ask now. She could only wait and see. Things would work themselves out, and maybe there would be a different outcome in the future.

Deng Zechen, having just heard Sun Junyue begin speaking, already understood the Grand Princess's implication. Before he could reply, Qin Keqing interrupted him. Moreover, it seemed to be Qin Keqing's own idea. Although Sun Junyue somewhat disapproved, she ultimately said nothing.

However, there was always an unfriendly gaze on her from the side, which came from Bai Shuang'er.

Sun Junyue seemed oblivious to everything and continued, "You young people should handle your own affairs. It seems I'm an old man now, and I can't understand what you young people are thinking."