Chapter 480 Suddenly in Love

Chapter 480: Sudden Love

After the matter was resolved, Cao Zhong personally visited with his wife to take the two girls home.

Young Lady Cao—Cao Niangzi—was a little scared.

Bei Jingchu knew what she was afraid of. The young girl had been rescued from the dark prison by her, so it was inevitable that she would have trauma, fearing that she might never return once she left.

She comforted her, "Go on, don’t be afraid."

"If he dares to lay a hand on you, I’ll have his head for you."

Cao Zhong, overhearing this: "......"

Cao Niangzi kept looking back as she left, her reluctant farewell grating on Bei Hua's nerves.

"What’s there to be reluctant about? You’ll be back at work tomorrow. You haven’t even finished today’s account books yet. Count yourself lucky for the day off—now beat it."

Cao Niangzi: "Oh."

She hauled her sister off.

On their way back, they bumped into their cousin's family being evicted.

To be closer to court duties, Cao Zhong did not live with the clan but had bought his own residence.

Originally, to mentor his nephew, he had taken the nephew’s family in to live with him.

Now that he had wised up, he naturally wouldn’t continue being a fool and promptly booted out him and his whole family.

Who knew they'd stall until now and coincidentally run into each other?

The usually haughty man suddenly scrambled to clutch Cao Zhong’s legs and wailing, "Uncle, are you abandoning your nephew?"

"I admit I neglected my sisters in the past, but I swear I won’t do it again!"

"Uncle, please give me another chance! I’ve been raised under your care for fourteen years! You've been like a father to me—how can you not let me fulfill my filial duties by your side?"

He turned on the waterworks. Anyone who didn’t know better would think he was the epitome of filial piety.

Third Young Lady and Cao Niangzi exchanged glances, leaning their heads together to whisper:

"Look at this performance. We used to think everyone in the inner courtyard wore masks, but this is an Oscar-worthy performance."

They weren't exactly whispering, and Cao Dalang’s sobs hitched briefly before resuming.

Seeing that Cao Zhong remained unmoved, Cao Dalang grew desperate.

He jerked his wife forward and, without hesitation, slapped her across the face.

"It’s all this scheming bitch's doing!"

"She stole from my sisters' dowries without permission, which angered Uncle so much that my sisters chose to run away from home!"

Even at this critical moment, he couldn’t resist throwing in a shady dig.

Third Young Lady was furious but couldn't argue—technically she had been unfilial.

Fortunately, Cao Zhong was not swayed by his words. This nephew's petty tricks were far too naive for him—not everyone could set traps for him at such a young age like the Crown Prince could.

Cao Zhong sighed.

"In the past, I wanted to adopt you, but you refused. It seems we weren't meant to be father and son."

"Let's end this cleanly today. If you persist in making trouble or misuse my name outside, do not blame me for handling you myself."

He pulled his foot free from Cao Dalang's grasp and called for attendants to drag him aside.

Cao Dalang bobbed his head eagerly.

"I agree! Uncle, let me be adopted!"

He hesitantly called out, "Father!"

But Cao Zhong's steps didn't even pause.

Those around him openly scoffed at his groveling.

Willing to abandon his own parents for personal gain, shamelessly begging to call another man father—Tsk!

Left with no other choice, Cao Dalang lunged to block Cao Niangzi's path.

"Second Sister, it was all my fault before. Please speak to Uncle for me—I know I was wrong, and I’ll change! From now on, I’ll treat you as my own blood sister!"

Cao Niangzi didn't soften one bit. She scoffed.

"How could I dare? We’re just future brides to pawn off—what right do we have to be your true sisters, Cao Dalang?"

She then signaled her servants to hold him back and led her sister across the threshold.

From now on, this home would truly be theirs.

......

That day, Cao Niangzi seemed in low spirits. Noticing the slip in her usual work pace, Bei Hua decided to show some concern.

"What’s wrong? Did things not go well after returning home? Is Cao Zhong still treating you poorly?"

It had always been like this before—whenever she struggled with her tasks, that slave-driver would pull her aside for fake caring chats, showering her with comfort.

Back then, young and naive, she’d be moved to tears, thinking it proved a deep bond with Her Highness.

Until she herself had subordinates of her own...

First, she questioned the slave-driver. Then, she understood her. Finally, she became her, she thought bitterly.

Not yet jaded by the harsh realities of human nature, Cao Niangzi was genuinely moved by her superior’s concern. She sighed softly.

"Oh no... it's great actually. Life now is better than I ever dared imagine."

"Though it’s long overdue, Father has started teaching me about court affairs, introducing me to his friends and disciples. I can now use his network, just like my cousin once did."

She crouched down, cupping her cheeks, looking somewhat troubled.

"But I feel so conflicted. I’ve gained everything, yet it irks me that I had to scratch and claw for it."

"Father and Mother are way nicer to me now—but not because I’m their daughter. It’s because I'm useful now."

"Once you grow up, your parents magically start loving you."

"They begin respecting your ideas and goals—not because they’ve changed, but because you’ve grown up." Not knowing what to say, Bei Hua could only pat her kitten head.