allonlinenovel Chapter 1043: Taking the Child as Hostage is Rejected
Chapter 1043: Taking the Child as Hostage is Rejected
That evening, Sun Quan tiptoed to his mother's residence. His mother was surprised to see him visit her in the middle of the night and asked, "Why are you here at this hour?" Sun Quan frowned slightly, his face filled with worry. He said, "Mother, I've been thinking about Shao'er staying here, and I don't think it's right."
Sun's mother nodded slightly, signaling Sun Quan to continue. Sun Quan paused, then continued, "You see, Zhou Yu has such a deep prejudice against me. If Shao'er continues to be raised by him, he will probably hate me in the future. In this way, how can he successfully inherit the throne of Jiangdong? This Jiangdong foundation was built by my father and brothers with great effort. We can't let it be destroyed in an instant." As Sun Quan spoke, he observed Sun's mother's expression. In fact, he had his own little calculations in mind. He wanted to keep Sun Shao in his hands. In this way, Zhou Yu would be cautious and dare not easily embarrass him; even if Ma Chao really came to him in the future, as long as Sun Shao was in his hands, Ma Chao would be cautious.
After hearing Sun Quan's words, Sun's mother fell into deep thought. She was well aware of the conflict between Sun Quan and Zhou Yu, and she also understood that what Sun Quan said was not entirely unreasonable. Sun Shao indeed shouldered an important responsibility for the future of Jiangdong. After a long silence, Sun's mother slowly said, "You have some truth in what you said, but Shao'er has lived here all his life. I'm afraid he won't be able to accept it suddenly if he leaves." Sun Quan hurriedly said, "Mother, I know this is a bit difficult for Shao'er, but for the sake of Jiangdong's overall interests, this is the only way."
After much deliberation, Mother Sun finally nodded and said, "Okay, I'll discuss this with Da Qiao tomorrow and see what she thinks." Sun Quan was delighted and quickly said, "Thank you, mother. With your intervention, this matter will surely be resolved smoothly." Mother Sun looked at Sun Quan and said earnestly, "Quan'er, you must remember that no matter what you do, you must prioritize the well-being of the people of Jiangdong. You must not act out of selfish desire to bring grief to your loved ones or pleasure to your enemies." Sun Quan quickly replied, "Mother, I will remember your teachings."
The next morning, Sun's mother, accompanied by Sun Shangxiang, arrived at Da Qiao's residence. Da Qiao, upon seeing Sun's mother, hurried out to greet her, bowing and saying, "Mother." Sun's mother smiled and said, "I have something I want to discuss with you."
After everyone was seated, Grandmother Sun spoke first, looking at Da Qiao with gentle eyes. "Da Qiao, the situation in Jiangdong has finally stabilized a bit. It's not like the chaos when Bofu suddenly passed away. You've been here in Wujun with Shao'er the whole time. I, an old woman, miss you terribly."
Da Qiao forced a smile and said, "Mother, since you miss me so much, please come to Wujun more often when you have time. Shaoer was very happy to see Grandmother yesterday."
Mother Sun shook her head slightly and sighed, "That being said, the relationship between Zhongmou and Gongjin is still not harmonious. The journey back and forth is so long, and every time he comes here, it takes a lot of trouble. Last night, Zhongmou mentioned to me that he wants to take you and Shao'er back to Moling to raise you, so that he can teach Shao'er personally. When Shao'er grows up and the situation in Jiangdong is completely stabilized, he will hand over the Jiangdong cause to Shao'er."
Upon hearing this, Da Qiao's face turned pale. She knew Sun Quan wasn't being kind and must have other motives. But looking at Sun Quan's mother's sincere face, she didn't know how to refuse. She was so anxious that she was spinning in circles.
Just when the awkward atmosphere was about to freeze, Sun Shangxiang hurried out to smooth things over, saying with a smile: "Hey, sister-in-law, there's no need to be too anxious. After all, Shao'er is now with Brother Zhou Yu. We have to tell Brother Zhou Yu about this matter, and we can discuss it carefully." These words finally temporarily eased the awkward and tense situation.
Da Qiao nodded quickly, as if grasping at a lifeline. "Shangxiang is indeed very thoughtful. This matter should indeed be discussed with Zhou Lang. Zhou Lang loves Shao Er very much and has taken good care of him all these years. His opinion is crucial."
Mother Sun frowned slightly, feeling somewhat displeased, but unable to get angry, she could only say, "Then let's discuss this with Gongjin first. However, this matter shouldn't be delayed for too long. Jiangdong is in a state of disrepair, and Shao'er's training cannot be delayed."
Seeing this, Sun Shangxiang smiled and said, "Don't worry, Mother. Brother Zhou Yu is a man of great righteousness. He will surely prioritize the overall interests of Jiangdong. When we discuss this with him, let's talk it over. We can always come up with a solution that satisfies both sides."
Da Qiao nodded silently, but deep down she was worried. She knew Zhou Yu's attitude towards Sun Quan, and any mention of this matter would undoubtedly stir up a storm. Meanwhile, Sun's mother, though outwardly calm, was also deeply concerned about whether Sun Quan's plan could be successfully implemented, and what the future held for Jiangdong.
Zhou Yu returned to the tent, and Xiao Qiao quickly informed him of Sun's mother's intentions. Zhou Yu's face darkened, and he snorted coldly, "Sun Quan's actions are likely ill-intentioned. He wants to take Shao'er away simply to gain control of the situation and consolidate his position."
Da Qiao said worriedly, "Gongjin, what should we do? If Shao'er is taken away by him..."
Zhou Yu pondered for a moment and said, "This matter cannot be agreed to. I will go and talk with Sun's mother and Sun Quan tomorrow to see what their plans are." Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao looked at Zhou Yu together, their eyes full of worry and expectation, hoping that Zhou Yu could come up with a way to protect Sun Shao.
The next day, Zhou Yu arrived at the place where Sun Quan and his mother were. Sun Quan's face immediately lit up with a smile as he saw Zhou Yu. He said, "Gongjin, you're here. I'm sure Da Qiao has already told you about Shao'er. I sincerely hope Shao'er can return to Moling and receive better instruction so he can inherit the Jiangdong cause."
Zhou Yu looked at Sun Quan coldly and said, "Shao'er has always been very kind to me. I will also train him to become a talented person. The great cause of Jiangdong cannot be shouldered by Shao'er alone."
Sun Quan's expression changed slightly. He said, "Gongjin, I bear no ill will towards Shao'er. It's just that the situation in Jiangdong is complicated right now. I'm asking Shao'er to return to me for his safety." Zhou Yu snorted coldly and said, "For his safety? I'm afraid it's for your own safety. If you truly want Shao'er's best interests at heart, you shouldn't be doing those little tricks behind his back."
Seeing this, Sun's mother hurriedly said, "Gongjin, Quan'er means well. Please don't make things difficult for him. Shao'er's return to Moling, where Sun Quan will personally teach him, will also benefit his growth." Zhou Yu looked at Sun's mother and softened his tone slightly. "Aunt, I didn't mean to make things difficult for him. It's just that Sun Quan's actions are truly unconvincing. I can't bear to see Shao'er fall into danger."
Sun Quan was furious, but he couldn't let it get to him. He forced himself to say, "Gongjin, what do you want in exchange for trusting me? I can sign a document promising to treat Shao'er well."
However, Zhou Yu's attitude was extremely tough, and he said with a firm look in his eyes: "No matter what you say, I will never let you take Shao'er away. That's all I have to say. If you miss your grandson, you can stay here for a while. I will welcome you and will definitely treat you well. But if you want to take Shao'er away, that is absolutely not possible." After that, he bowed, turned around and left without caring about the attitudes of Sun Quan and his mother.
Sun's mother watched Zhou Yu's retreating figure, her face filled with helplessness and disappointment. Sun Quan's face was livid, his hands clenched into fists, secretly furious at Zhou Yu's ingratitude. Sun Shangxiang, watching the tense atmosphere unfold, was unsure how to mediate.
After a long silence, Sun's mother slowly spoke, "Quan'er, it seems we can't rush this. Gongjin has deep feelings for Shao'er, and it's unlikely he'll change his mind anytime soon." Sun Quan snorted coldly, "Mother, Zhou Yu is deliberately opposing me! He's so stubborn, doesn't he care about the overall situation in Jiangdong?" Sun's mother gently shook her head and said, "Quan'er, don't be impulsive. Gongjin isn't unreasonable, but he has a grudge against you that's hard to resolve. This matter requires long-term consideration. We must not lose sight of the bigger picture and undermine the stability of Jiangdong."
Sun Quan took a deep breath, suppressing his anger. He said, "Mother is right. I lost my composure for a moment. But Shao'er..." Mother Sun looked at Sun Quan and said, "Quan'er, don't be too anxious. Perhaps we can try to ease the relationship with Gongjin first, and then slowly discuss Shao'er's matter. You might as well do more to convince Gongjin and dispel his doubts." Sun Quan nodded slightly and said, "Mother, you are absolutely right. I understand. But the situation in Jiangdong is complicated, and time is running out. I am worried that the longer we wait, the more trouble we will cause."
Sun Shangxiang said, "Brother, Mother is right. Brother Zhou Yu is loyal to Jiangdong. If we can resolve the conflict between you two, it will be a huge benefit to Jiangdong. As for Shao'er, there's no need to rush to take him away. We can first find a way to improve our relationship with him."
Thus, Sun's mother and Sun Shangxiang stayed in Wujun for a few more days. Sun Shao had lacked family companionship since childhood. As far as he could remember, aside from Xiao Qiao, Da Qiao, and Zhou Yu, he had few close relatives. Now, with his loving and gentle grandmother and his caring and loving aunt, he was filled with joy, basking in this unexpected warmth every day.
Sun Shao's mother and Sun Shangxiang were incredibly obedient to him, and whenever he asked for something, they would do their best to satisfy it. In their free time, they would often mention his father, Sun Ce, in front of him, recounting how brave and heroic he had been. Those fascinating stories, in the heart of Sun Shao, a child deprived of fatherly love since childhood, shaped an image of an incredibly tall and desirable father. Listening to these stories, Sun Shao's eyes sparkled, his heart filled with reverence and yearning for his father. He found it particularly pleasant to spend time with his grandmother and aunt, a warmth of family love he had never experienced before.
Meanwhile, while Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao secretly worried about Sun Shao's future and were constantly wary of Sun Quan finding a way to forcibly take him away, their vigilance was limited to Sun Quan alone. They were indeed less wary of Sun's mother and Sun Shangxiang. After all, Sun's mother was the mother of Sun Ce and Sun Quan, and Sun Shangxiang was Sun Ce's sister. They shared an unbreakable blood relationship with Sun Shao, and Da Qiao could sense their genuine love for him. Furthermore, during their time in Wujun, Sun's mother and Sun Shangxiang's words and actions had shown them respect and kindness, which gradually helped the two Qiao sisters let down their guard.