Reborn Heiress: Seeking Revenge-Chapter 565: The Hope of the Shangguan Family (1)_1
He could not act otherwise, nor was he permitted to. From a young age, Shangguan Zhi had shouldered a heavy responsibility—the life and death of the Shangguan Family rested heavily on him, making each step he took as perilous as treading on thin ice. For the sake of his family, to preserve the sole bloodline of the Shangguan Family, he sacrificed and missed out on a great deal. Yet, he endured it all.
However, as he aged, Shangguan You’s transformation not only changed him but also affected others in the Shangguan Family. He also saw in Shangguan You the hope of revitalizing the family. Although he said nothing and allowed Shangguan You to develop freely, everything she did occurred under his watchful eye.
As the time for the Five Spirit Pearls to appear drew nearer and the eighteen-year prophecy approached, he had made exhaustive preparations in the military, in politics, and even in the business world. He had made sure that, even if the Shangguan Family couldn’t be completely preserved, everyone could retreat unscathed when the time came.
He had sent Shangguan Qing to a military academy, ensuring he underwent the most grueling training, all in the hope that Shangguan Qing could protect Shangguan You. But now, Shangguan You’s sudden coma had disrupted all of Shangguan Zhi’s plans.
As the days passed, the chances of Shangguan You waking grew slimmer. After enduring an entire month, Shangguan Zhi could bear it no longer. He was at a complete loss.
With no other recourse, he could only seek help from the family Elders.
"Zhi, you’re no youngster; stop crying, lest you become a laughingstock," the old man shook his head, speaking with some exasperation. This man, already old enough to be a grandfather, would cry and kneel at the drop of a hat. It was a wonder how he managed to climb to his current position, how he could command a million troops during times of civil strife.
"Elder, laugh if you want, but please, I beg you to save young You," Shangguan Zhi said, slowly regaining his composure as he addressed the old man beside him.
"’You’ve vented enough. Rise,’ the Elder said, stroking his long beard. With a wave of his hands, Shangguan Zhi’s kneeling form was slowly lifted.
"Elder, about You..." Shangguan Zhi had now returned to his usual demeanor, yet his expression was worn, the concern in his voice palpable.
"I know," the Elder nodded, gesturing for Shangguan Zhi to continue.
"Elder, would you be willing to leave this place? Would you intervene to save the girl?" Shangguan Zhi asked excitedly. If the Elder takes action, then the girl is saved! She’s saved!
"First, tell me what exactly has happened over this past month," the Elder said with a nod.
Shangguan Zhi recounted Shangguan You’s situation, then looked at the Elder anxiously. Having tried every possible solution without success, the Elder was now his only hope for saving her.
"Why did you have her discharged from the hospital?"
"Elder, if she had continued to stay in the hospital, it wouldn’t have mattered if she didn’t wake up. But if she did, it would have created a huge problem," Shangguan Zhi let out a heavy sigh, his face filled with worry.
He gave a bitter smile before continuing, "Elder, while she was hospitalized, the Hidden Guard sent back reports. The number of people coming and going from her hospital room at night was countless. People from the prominent families of Hidden World Village were not only probing and closely monitoring her, but they even had the Shangguan Family under their strict surveillance. This itself wasn’t the biggest issue; we could still handle it. However, the unknown dangers filled me with constant unease.
"When she first fell into a coma, she was on nutrient fluids, and her body slowly began to exhibit the characteristics of a patient. But one night recently, her complexion started to regain its rosy hue, making her look like a normal, healthy person. This strange development occurred. Furthermore, one of the hospital’s chief physicians privately told me that her condition is very special; the damage her body suffered during the coma has completely recovered.
"If she had continued to stay, we could even have saved on the nutrient fluids." Shangguan Zhi’s bitter smile returned. If that physician hadn’t been on good terms with the Shangguan Family, and if this situation had become known to others, it would definitely have attracted the attention of those lurking in the shadows. Then, even if she wasn’t in immediate danger, she would have become extremely vulnerable. So, to prevent her from becoming a research subject and to avoid arousing further suspicion, I had no choice but to have her discharged.
A rare glint of interest flickered across the Elder’s face. "How peculiar."
"I have no idea what has happened to her body. The body that had grown thin has slowly recovered, even becoming healthier than before," Shangguan Zhi sighed deeply. He had spent the past month in a state of constant sighing.
"The Spirit Gathering Stone you wear, does she have one as well?"
"No," Shangguan Zhi shook his head. "She really doesn’t have one. I have no idea where she obtained such precious items." Regarding Shangguan You’s trip to Hidden World Village, Shangguan Zhi was, naturally, clueless.
"’Whether our Shangguan Family can regain its former glory seems to all depend on this girl. It’s fate, truly fate,’ the Elder let out a long sigh, rising from his cross-legged position. With white hair and beard, and an air of sage-like ancientness, his weathered face bore a solemn expression.
"Elder, thank you!" Shangguan Zhi’s heart surged with emotion again as the Elder stood up. Ever since this secret chamber was built, the Elder had never risen from his seat. This was the first and only time.
"You don’t need to thank me. This is fate. Come, let’s go see the Princess of the Shangguan Family. Let us hope she is truly the hope of our family. Ah..." the Elder sighed deeply again. He stood up and led the way out of the secret chamber. Just as their figures vanished, in the previously empty chamber, a figure identical to the Elder who had just left appeared, seated cross-legged in meditation, eyes tightly closed. This was his true body; the one that had left was merely an illusion...
In the room, Shangguan You lay motionless on the bed, appearing calm. Beside her, Shangguan Qing leaned close to her ear, softly recounting tales from their childhood while gently massaging her hands, occasionally helping her move them.
THUD. Shangguan Qing’s body slumped beside the bed, and he fell asleep.
At the same time, the window creaked open, and two figures, one old and one young, slipped in. These two were none other than Elder Qi and Qi Zhuochen.
