Li Xiangru offered a gentle smile, "Sister, I actually waited for you at the academy entrance today specifically to talk about student Mo Lian."
Seated on the ox cart, Li Yueshu's head was significantly higher, and she looked down at Li Xiangru's expression with a touch of condescension. "What do you want to talk about?"
Li Xiangru glanced at Mo Lian on the ox cart and said, "Sister is kindly taking in student Mo and his son, and I presume you wouldn't want to see student Mo waste his talent?"
Li Yueshu couldn't help but chuckle, "I'm supporting his studies. When have I ever wasted his talent?"
Li Xiangru maintained her gentle smile, "I know Sister is kind-hearted, but Tong Mu County is, after all, just a small county. I want to take student Mo to Chongzhou. No matter how you look at it, this would be the best choice for him."
Li Yueshu couldn't help but smile, "Sister, are you saying you are confident in A Lian's talent and his future success?"
Li Xiangru remained composed, "I spoke with his tutors and learned that with student Mo's current knowledge, he surpasses many of his peers even in Chongzhou. I believe he will surely achieve great things in the future."
As she spoke the last sentence, she specifically looked at Mo Lian, as if she were screaming "I completely believe in you" on her face.
For an ordinary scholar from a humble background, receiving such trust and praise was something many would yearn for.
However, Mo Lian grew even more wary, feeling as though her face clearly bore the words "ill intentions."
Li Yueshu, knowing Li Xiangru wanted to win over the future Prime Minister, ruthlessly exposed her, "A Lian's talent only ranks second in the academy. A Min's ability is far superior to his. Why don't I see Sister being so optimistic about my A Min?"
The phrase "my A Min" caused Shen Yimin to subconsciously freeze.
He hadn't heard that term in three years. His mother often called him that in private.
No one else noticed his expression; all eyes were on Li Xiangru, seemingly eager to hear her response.
Li Xiangru's expression stiffened slightly, clearly having not considered this question carefully.
But it was only for a moment before she resumed her gentle smile, "Speaking of relationships, young master Shen should call me aunt. With Sister and brother-in-law both present, I can't possibly break up your family, can I?"
Li Yueshu raised an eyebrow, a slight smile playing on her lips, "Sister has seen the world in Chongzhou. Since you think so highly of A Lian, I should definitely cultivate him well. Perhaps he will become a high-ranking official in the future, and I will be able to enjoy the benefits."
Li Xiangru's expression froze again, clearly not expecting her to think of that.
Her expression stiffened for a moment. "I believe in student Mo's abilities. However, with Tong Mu County's standards, I fear that all the tutors combined are not as good as those in Chongzhou. It would be a waste of student Mo's talent."
Her words implied that if Mo Lian didn't go with her to Chongzhou, he wouldn't have a bright future.
Li Yueshu burst into laughter, "Sister, you are quite amusing. You were unwilling to give me a foolish child, and now you want me to hand over a highly talented student to you. If he achieves something great in the future, wouldn't I regret it immensely!"
Her blunt words almost overwhelmed Li Xiangru, as in her past life in the second prince's harem, she had grown accustomed to speaking to others indirectly.
She took a deep breath, suppressing her displeasure, "I heard Sister is taking good care of the seven orphans you've adopted. You will surely look after Li Hu as well."
Hearing this, Li Yueshu's heart stirred slightly, and she didn't respond.
As expected, Li Xiangru paused before speaking again, "If Sister wants Li Hu so badly, I am willing to give him to you. However, I truly cannot bear to see student Mo's talent buried."
She stared directly at Li Yueshu, as if asking, "Do you understand what I mean?"
Li Yueshu certainly understood, but she deliberately furrowed her brow, appearing conflicted.
Sensing Li Xiangru's nervousness, she slowly said, "I promised to cure A Lian's mother and took him in to better care for her. If Sister wants to take A Lian to Chongzhou, wouldn't you need to ask his mother's opinion?"
Seeing her waver, Li Xiangru nodded repeatedly, "Naturally. How about I accompany you now to speak with Mother Mo personally?"
Li Yueshu hesitated, her gaze falling on Li Hu, who stood beside her looking bewildered.
Li Xiangru instantly understood. "I am temporarily staying under someone else's roof. If I bring student Mo and his mother, I fear I won't be able to take good care of Li Hu. This matter might have to trouble Sister."
Saying this, she gently pushed Li Hu towards Li Yueshu.
Li Hu, not understanding anything, could sense that this action meant she was abandoning him and immediately panicked, "Sister, don't... don't leave Sister..."
Looking at his pitiful state, Li Xiangru's heart softened.
Subconsciously, she felt she should keep Li Hu.
So she looked up at Li Yueshu, about to speak, but Li Yueshu spoke first, "It seems this child likes Sister quite a bit. I won't force the issue. I can always find a robust child at the slave market later."
With that, she raised her whip, ready to strike the ox's rear.
"Wait!" Li Xiangru instinctively called out to her, then crouched down to look at Li Hu, "Be good. From now on, you'll follow this sister. She'll give you good food and toys and won't let anyone bully you anymore."
Li Hu, half-understanding her words, instinctively clung to the only person who had been kind to him besides his mother.
Li Xiangru felt a sense of helplessness but patiently continued to comfort him, "This sister has many children at home. They can all be your friends. Don't you want to play with friends?"
This statement made Li Hu's eyes light up. He turned to look at the pretty sister on the ox cart.
Li Yueshu also played along, taking a pastry from a paper bag in Shen Tingwen's arms. "Aren't you hungry? Here, have this."
Li Hu instantly forgot everything else and ran to take the pastry from her hand without hesitation.
Li Yueshu chuckled and gently stroked his head. Li Hu didn't resist and even smiled foolishly at her.
Seeing this scene, Li Xiangru couldn't help but frown, feeling as though something important had been lost.
Before she could sort out her emotions, she saw Li Yueshu directly lift the sturdy Li Hu onto the ox cart and then look at her, "Let's go."
Li Xiangru snapped back to attention and quickly got into her carriage, following her back to the village.
On the way back, Mo Lian looked at Li Yueshu's back, wanting to speak but hesitating.
Seeing this, Shen Tingwen couldn't help but speak, "Do you really think she's going to hand you over to that Li Xiangru?"
Mo Lian glanced at the receding figure in front of him, not replying, but his brows clearly showed concern.
Seeing this, Shen Yimin also spoke, "She said she'd ask your mother's opinion. Do you think your mother will go with her?"
Mo Lian was momentarily stunned, then his realization dawned, and the worry in his brows completely dissipated.
Shen Wei had remained silent the entire time, but his eyes, secretly fixed on Li Yueshu's retreating figure, held a smile.