This touched a raw nerve for Xie Zhixue, and her expression grew even more pained.
"Wan'er, I want to leave this place too. I want to leave more than anyone, but I simply cannot! Do you know how suffocating it is for me to stay here?"
She hugged Ping'an tightly and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead.
"Mother, are we finally going to leave?"
Ping'an’s innocent eyes blinked, his face lighting up with joy. "That’s wonderful! I won't have to see that bad man ever again! Mother, let’s leave right now, shall we?"
"You see? Ping'an wants to leave, too."
Seeing a flicker of movement in Xie Zhixue’s brows, Shen Wan'er knew she had a chance and pressed on. "Zhixue, we mustn't be so selfish. You are an adult now; you must consider the child in everything you do."
"Since Ping'an is so unhappy here, leaving sooner is the best strategy. You don't want him to pine away his days in misery, do you?"
Xie Zhixue certainly felt the same way, but this vast Crown Prince's Estate felt like a prison cell that held her fast. Was it truly possible to leave so easily?
Shen Wan'er caught the doubt in her eyes and nodded quickly. "Zhixue, do you trust me?"
"Of course."
The words escaped Xie Zhixue’s lips without hesitation. "I have known you for many years. Apart from my parents and family, you are the only person I can truly trust."
"Then do as I say."
Shen Wan'er looked moved and continued to reason on her behalf. "Ping'an is still young, and you know the Crown Prince’s temper. Even if he can tolerate you, how could he possibly tolerate this child? The way Ping'an keeps talking about leaving shows you just how terrified he truly is."
"Why not grant the child his wish and fly away to freedom? I have some silver here to cover your expenses. Go! Go as far away as you can, and never return."
As she spoke, Shen Wan'er managed to squeeze out two tears. "I was heartbroken when I heard you had died of illness a while back. I am so happy to see you here today, but for the sake of your future, you must do this!"
Seeing Xie Zhixue’s resolve waver further, Shen Wan'er pushed harder.
"I know that after you were defiled by that thug, you couldn't hold your head up. You didn't dare speak of it for fear of bringing shame upon your family. The Xie Family’s status may be stable, but this is, after all, a scandalous affair. Zhixue, I know what is in your heart; I understand your feelings."
"But since the Xie Family saved your life, you were forced to maintain this lie. You are currently in the Crown Prince's Villa, but if it is discovered later, you will implicate the Crown Prince’s reputation. Do you think he would let you go then?"
"You only need to think it through carefully to see the truth of it. You know the risks. Everything I say is for your own good. Make your decision quickly!"
"Mother, let's go!" Ping'an buried his face in Xie Zhixue’s embrace, his voice muffled, his little face full of grievance. "I don't like it here, and I don't like that bad uncle! He is always bullying Mother!"
"Ever since we came here, Mother hasn't had a single smile on her face. I know Mother’s pain, but I have no way to ease it for her."
"This sister is right. If we can leave this place, even if life is harder, I would be happy as long as I could see Mother smile every day."
Shen Wan'er was amused by Ping'an and tapped his little head. "You are quite a clever child, and such a sweet talker. But you’ve addressed me incorrectly—you should call me Aunt."
Shen Wan'er and Xie Zhixue were of the same generation, but as she was two years her senior, the child should naturally call her Aunt rather than sister.
Ping'an was an obedient boy; he immediately stood up straight and bowed to Shen Wan'er in a proper, graceful manner. "Greetings, Aunt."
"Look at this child, how obedient and well-behaved!" Shen Wan'er smiled brilliantly, though a flash of frost flickered in the depths of her eyes. "Zhixue, is it really that hard to make up your mind? Or have you fallen for the Crown Prince and can't bear to leave?"
"Of course not." Xie Zhixue hurriedly shook her head, her expression pained. "How could I ever hope to climb to the level of the Crown Prince? I am a withered flower now; I only wish to protect my Ping'an and live out my life."
"Then make your decision quickly!" Shen Wan'er stood up and looked Xie Zhixue up and down. "I see the dark circles under your eyes, your hands are covered in calluses, and your hair has lost its luster. It is clear that you haven't had an easy life these past few years."
"Even now that you are in the Crown Prince's Estate, it isn't as glamorous as I imagined. In a couple of days, I will have a seamstress make some clothes for you and the boy. If you need anything in the future, just tell me; I will help wherever I can."
"Wan'er, there's no need for the trouble." Xie Zhixue could not accept such an offer and hurriedly declined. "To tell you the truth, I am just a maid here in the Crown Prince's Estate."
"A maid?" Shen Wan'er frowned. "Whose maid?"
"The Crown Prince’s personal maid, of course."
The word "personal" stung Shen Wan'er deeply. She almost lost her composure and flared up, but she quickly took a breath to maintain her smile.
"So, Wan'er, you don't need to do anything for us. As a maid, I wouldn't be able to wear fine silks and satins anyway."
"Then let me make some clothes for Ping'an!" Shen Wan'er said quickly. "The boy is adorable and exquisitely carved like jade; I took a liking to him the moment I saw him. Consider this a token of my affection as his aunt; you needn't decline."
"It just so happens that I have to come back to pick silk tree blossoms for my mother in two days. Tell me your answer then. If you agree, I will begin making arrangements to help you and your son leave as soon as possible."
"Very well. Thank you." Xie Zhixue looked up and gave a weary smile, her eyes filled with sorrow.
Shen Wan'er was right. Only by leaving early could she lead a stable life, which was exactly what her parents had originally intended. If Yuwenzhang hadn't appeared that day and forced her back to the Crown Prince's Estate, she would likely have already arrived in Jiangnan to begin a new life. Even if she could never see her parents again, as long as she could raise Ping'an to adulthood, that alone would be a rare solace for her.
Shen Wan'er exchanged a few more pleasantries with Xie Zhixue before taking her leave. Xie Zhixue, reluctant to part, brought Ping'an to see her to the door, watching until she vanished around the corner before heading back inside.
However, she could not have known that the moment Shen Wan'er stepped out of the Crown Prince's Estate, she immediately lost her composure. Fortunately, she had arrived by sedan chair, and even though her face was cold as ice, outsiders could not see.
"How could that bitch be so lucky? Why is she the one who gets to stay by the Crown Prince’s side? Why don't I have that kind of fortune!"
Shen Wan'er was so angry she nearly jumped up. Her chest heaved, her face turned ash-gray, and the hatred in her eyes was enough to kill.
Her maid, Shaoyao, hurried to comfort her. "My Lady, do not be angry. Who knows what kind of dumb luck she stumbled upon? Whether this is a blessing or a curse remains to be seen!"