The Ace Bigshot Becomes A Farmgirl

Chapter 1214: Chapter 1214: The Xiao Family’s Intentions

Shu Yu had a bit of a headache; she thought there would definitely be many people trying to talk to the Xiao Family, making it easy for her to slip away.

Unexpectedly, the Xiao Family only spoke to her and only occasionally responded to others with a sentence or two.

Her arm was constantly being held by the Xiao Family, making it difficult to break free.

Gradually, everyone realized that the Xiao Family wanted to chat with Shu Yu alone, so before long, people began heading off in small groups to admire the flowers.

Shu Yu had no choice but to accompany the Xiao Family to a nearby pavilion to sit down.

In an instant, only the two of them and the Xiao Family’s close maid were left in the pavilion.

Even Ding Yuehua and Kong Zhiyou hadn’t followed, and Hua Xian was left outside the pavilion.

It was clear the Xiao Family wanted to speak alone with her.

However, since they didn’t start the conversation, Shu Yu pretended to be clueless and even began to talk about her exile experience in the southwest.

This topic surprised the Xiao Family quite a bit; she had thought that a woman who had gone through such an ordeal would be very sad and unwilling to bring up those dark times.

Therefore, the topics the Xiao Family raised were about herself, County Magistrate Zhang, her experiences in the capital, and even about the Yao Family and the Qi Family, but she deliberately avoided mentioning the exile in the southwest.

Unexpectedly, Shu Yu didn’t mind at all.

On the contrary, when she mentioned the southwest, she looked quite happy and even nostalgically stated, “I met quite a few people there. Although the conditions were harsh, they all worked very hard to live.”

This time the Xiao Family couldn’t contain their curiosity. Every story of exile she’d ever heard spoke of hardships and vivid descriptions of despair. Especially for women, exile marked a lifetime of disgrace, tarnishing their reputation.

“I heard that there are many criminals there, all fierce and evil. Their exile is supposed to be a punishment for their crimes, isn’t it?”

Shu Yu turned her head and smiled at her, “Then is Lord Qi a fierce and evil person?”

The Xiao Family was taken aback and shook their head.

Shu Yu asked again, “Was I exiled for committing a crime?”

The Xiao Family suddenly realized, shaking their head again.

Shu Yu said, “In fact, those who committed serious crimes were sentenced to death. Among those exiled to the southwest, some indeed committed crimes, but others were implicated by others, and some were framed. There are many reasons, and without interacting, no one knows what they’ve all been through.”

The Xiao Family pondered, understanding this point. Some matters are quite complicated; in her youth, she even had a friend whose father was beheaded for a mistake, resulting in her friend’s banishment.

The Xiao Family couldn’t help but sigh, “I heard the path of exile is very harsh, with many perishing along the way. How about you? Did you encounter any life-threatening situations on the road to exile? Didn’t the officers even allow you a full meal?”

Shu Yu, “…”

Nanny Gu behind the Xiao Family couldn’t help but rub her forehead, Miss, have you forgotten your purpose? Is now the time to be curious about these things?

Unable to hold back, she gave a heavy cough.

Shu Yu glanced up at her.

The Xiao Family suddenly became aware, hastily ending the topic of exile, redirecting the conversation back to Shuyou’s marriage.

In the middle of the conversation, she added, “Your sister is about to be married, what about you? You’ve already come of age; shouldn’t your parents be planning your marriage as well?”