However, their relationship could not be hidden either.
If it hadn't been for the Grand Elder, he probably would've died in the Discipline Hall long ago.
Thinking about it, Shang Huaiyue sighed, turned the kernels dry, and continued to wipe Shang Zhiqing's body.
However, a hand was holding onto Shang Huaiyue's white wrist, causing Shang Zhiqing to open her eyes. The gaze she used to look at Shang Huaiyue was completely calm, and if one did not look carefully, one would not be able to see the layer of admiration suppressed within her eyes.
"Why does Mother sigh?" Shang Zhiqing pushed Shang Huaiyue's wrist away, then released the shackles on her wrist and sat up on the bed, straightening her body.
It was as if no matter what she did, Shang Zhiqing would always be able to straighten his back, and no matter what she did, he wouldn't be able to stop her.
Endure, tenacity, courage. It was like a small sapling exuding a verdant life force before it slowly grew.
Shang Huaiyue rubbed Shang Zhiqing's head and said softly, "Based on your sister's personality, she will probably agree to Great Elder's request." Although Shang Huaiyue did not know about the conversation between Xie Qingrong and the Great Clan Elder, when she saw that Shang Zhiqing was sent back by the Great Clan Elder's second disciple, she had already guessed everything.
Other than hugging her when she was born, this was the second time she had seen Xie Qingrong. She clearly didn't understand him well, but she seemed to understand her personality.
If it was for Shang Zhiqing, she would really choose to agree.
It was clear that Shang Zhiqing had also thought of this, that the light in her eyes dimmed in an instant, and she said in a low voice: "This is unfair to big sister."
Xie Qingrong was clearly the most suitable candidate to be a Holy Maiden, but she just had to …
"This world is not fair. Family, looks, knowledge, etc. are all unfair sources. The only thing we can do is work hard to become more outstanding." Shang Huaiyue consoled.
"Rest well here today, your mother. Tomorrow, your sister will probably have to fight a fierce battle to replenish her energy. Only then will she be able to help your sister."
"Yes." Shang Zhiqing vigorously nodded her head, as though she had thought of something, her eyes that had just lit up slightly darkened, and her hands that were hidden under the blanket clenched into fists.
On the second day, the Great Clan Elder punctually knocked on the door of the chamber. Xuanyuan Chen, Xie Qingrong and Shen Haoxuan sat around the room drinking tea, waiting for him calmly.
The Great Clan Elder's gaze calmly swept across Shen Haoxuan. The man looked like he was disrespectful to the world, but his eyes were filled with seriousness and determination.
The initial impression he had of Shen Haoxuan in his heart was now about seventy percent.
After all, the entire Shang Clan was more than enough to deal with Shang Zhiqing, let alone some of the people outside.
Shen Haoxuan felt a cold and detached gaze sweep past him, yet it remained calm and collected as though he did not notice anything while drinking his tea.
However, the right hand holding the tasseled fan tightened slightly.
The Great Elder's gaze lightly swept across them, and then rested on Xie Qingrong. He asked fixedly, "After a night of time, have you made any decisions, Crown Prince's Consort?"
Xie Qingrong glanced at the Great Clan Elder indifferently, she placed the teacup in her hand to the side and said coldly, "Great Clan Elder, we should keep our words to ourselves. The reason why you are so anxious to have me agree to your request is simply to protect Shang Zhiqing's position as the Holy Maiden. I can promise to help you keep your status as the Holy Maiden of Shang Zhiqing. "
"However, I need your guarantee. After this is done, send someone to assist the Heavenly Sage. Although the Shang family lived in the valley for generations, they could not be ignorant of the news outside. The Great Elder must have clearly seen the current situation. Since I am willing to waste this time to help Great Elder, I hope that Great Elder can help us. "
Although Xie Qingrong and Xuanyuan Chen did not need the help of the Great Clan Elder, if the Great Clan Elder wanted to obtain their help, he would need to give them the same wager. Otherwise, how could this deal be completed so easily?
"I admire the Crown Princess very much. [I never thought that there would be a time when I could help the Crown Princess. Since she is willing to help the Holy Maiden, I am also willing to help her.] "After the matter is settled, we will owe each other nothing."
With regards to Xie Qingrong's request, the Great Clan Elder agreed without hesitation. Borrowing a few talented juniors was an easy task for him. Moreover, it was soon the day for the juniors to travel, so he only needed to give them some instructions. As for whether they were worthy to cooperate, it all depended on Xie Qingrong's taming ability.
"Once you've said it, you'll never be able to keep up with it."
Just like this, an agreement was reached between Xie Qingrong and the Great Clan Elder.
As for Xie Qingrong, Xuanyuan Chen and Shen Haoxuan, they followed the Great Clan Elder's footsteps and walked towards the Shang clan's forbidden grounds.
However, he did not expect that Shang Zhiqing had already been waiting at the entrance of the forbidden grounds for a long time.
The Great Clan Elder saw a familiar figure in front of the door from afar and immediately recognized that it was his first disciple, Shang Zhiqing.
Although he was intelligent, he was still too young and naive. Deep down in his bones, he still maintained the innocence and kindness of a young man. Sooner or later, he would be infected by this heartless society.
"Why are you here?" Before the Great Clan Elder could ask, Shen Haoxuan who was standing beside Xuanyuan Chen spoke first. His words and eyes were filled with deep concern and worry.
"I was worried about you guys, so I came over to take a look." Although his eyes were calm and tranquil, Shen Haoxuan still saw the deep worry and helplessness hidden in the depths of her eyes.
His heart ached, and he instinctively wanted to reach out and embrace Shang Zhiqing.
However, just as he moved, he was hit on the arm by the Great Clan Elder's walking stick, causing Shen Haoxuan to be able to resist, and not scream out in pain.
Seeing this, the Great Elder's eyes flashed with a trace of praise.
However, upon seeing his eldest disciple, he couldn't help but feel incomparably frustrated. The three of them were only creating a barrier, so nothing dangerous would happen. Could it be that Shang Zhiqing didn't believe in the abilities of the three of them?
As he thought about it, he said angrily, "What's there to worry about! I am not a monster, can I eat them all? "
Seeing the Great Clan Elder's childish tantrum, a trace of helplessness surfaced in Shang Zhiqing's heart. She let out a small sigh and explained, "Master, I didn't mean it that way, I just …"
"But what?" The Great Clan Elder could only stomp his cane fiercely on the ground opposite of Shang Zhiqing. He coldly said, "What only? A lot of nonsense. You just stay here and wait for them to come out. Without my permission, you are not allowed to take even half a step into this forbidden area. "
With that, he turned and left, but did not arrange for anyone to look after Shang Zhiqing, as though the Great Clan Elder would never listen to her advice, and would thoroughly understand the matter of him following Xie Qingrong and the other two into the forbidden grounds.