Chapter 43: Decorum

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The time and place were so definite…

How dare Li Wan’er dictate his time and approach him so forcefully? “Go ask if anyone sent an invitation to the Li Shangshu’s residence in my name.”

Chi Yu went to check as instructed.

When he returned, his expression was grim, afraid that the Heir would lose his temper, “Second Master arranged it.”

Xie Yunzheng frowned, why would he meddle in his affairs?

“Call Cousin Shuang to see me.”

“Yes.”

Li Shuang didn’t know what was going on when she arrived, but Xie Yunzheng’s words made her understand.

“Cousin, what did you talk about when you went out today?”

Shouldn’t he have asked what they did? “Elder Cousin, Shuangshuang rode in the Junzhu’s carriage today and chatted with her all the way. I think Elder Cousin is steady, Second Cousin is lively, and the Junzhu agrees. She also said that most people like steady people.”

Xie Yunzheng lowered his gaze, hiding his joy, “Anything else?”

Li Shuang smiled, she had guessed correctly, “Shuangshuang also told her about the time you went hunting at our house. Elder Cousin brought back a deer, and the Junzhu thought it was impressive. She said that you were still young then, and it was very difficult. I also said that I admire Elder Cousin.”

Xie Yunzheng’s lips curled slightly as he picked up a book, “No wonder Cousin likes to go out with Second Cousin; you have things to talk about. You can go back now. There is a string of red coral beads that would look good on you. Ask Chi Xiao to get it for you.”

Li Shuang stood up and bowed, “Thank you, Elder Cousin. Li Shuang will take her leave.”

Xie Yunzheng nodded with a smile.

After she left, he put down the book and looked up at the ceiling. The Junzhu also admired him.

No wonder Xie Yunzhao was so eager for meto get close to Li Wan’er; he must have heard that the Junzhu still had feelings for me.

Although Xie Yunzhao had messed things up, the invitation had been extended, and he couldn’t break his promise. “Tell Li Wan’er that I will be there on time.”

The Heir wasn’t angry and was actually in a good mood. Chi Yu was relieved and went to carry out his orders.

Li Wan’er was so happy that she couldn’t sleep. Her mother was right; he had important matters to attend to, unlike Xie Yunzhao, who was a wastrel.

The corners of her lips curled up high. Recently, she had learned about Commandery Princess Yongjia’s status in the capital.

The Emperor had granted her a Junzhu’s residence after she fell into the water, demonstrating his favor.

Sadly, losing Xie Yunzheng meant losing everything. In the future, everything she had would be hers.

Thinking about Xie Yunzheng’s gaze when he looked at her, she felt a sour pang in her heart.

So what if she was a Junzhu? Didn’t she still have to listen to her elder sister-in-law? What was the point of having a Junzhu’s residence? How could she let her live freely alone?

If she had been nicer when they first met, everything would have been negotiable. But Shen Shurong didn’t take her seriously, so she shouldn’t blame her for not being accommodating.

Even the master wouldn’t throw away a letter, and the maid, Xiuhе, teased, “Miss, even though you didn’t grow up in the capital, the best marriage in the capital is reserved for you.”

Li Wan’er glared at her, she was shameless, “Do you think Commandery Princess Yongjia hates me?”

“What’s the use of hating? It was her reputation that was ruined, you can’t be blamed.”

Li Wan’er chuckled, “Her dowry, is it all mine now?”

Xiuhе said proudly, “Of course, the Heir is marrying a Junzhu, the dowry will be the best, and now it’s all yours, Miss.”

“Not only the dowry, but the best courtyard in the Duke of Lu’s Mansion, the best items, and the authority to manage the household in the future will all be yours, Miss.”

Li Wan’er curled her lips, “I’m not a petty person. She is a Junzhu after all, she deserves her decorum, and I will provide it.”

“Miss, you are so kind-hearted.”

Early the next morning, before dawn, Xie Yunzhao snuck out of the residence. He didn’t even ride his horse, but dozed off against the wall of the Grand Princess’ estate.

The gatekeeper saw him and rushed to greet him, “Young Master, why didn’t you call me to open the gate?”

Shen Shurong saw that he was the only one who came and was happy. She deliberately asked, “Didn’t Li Shuang come?”

“I came out too early; I’ll have someone bring her later.”

“Bring her?” Was he planning to let her tag along?

Xie Yunzhao smirked, “Yes, her older cousin and sister-in-law are going to Qingquan Lake today, so I’ll have someone take her there.”

Shen Shurong understood and immediately thought, “It’s no fun with fewer people; the two young ladies from the Wei family would be bored as well.”

Xie Yunzhao’s eyes sparkled, “Right, my brother’s happiness depends on me.”

Shen Shurong called Jinzhi in, “Can you leave the residence today? It depends on Second Master.”

Jinzhi was grateful, “Thank you, Junzhu.”

When Xie Yunzhao returned, he saw Jinzhi bringing a cup of tea, “This servant offers tea to Second Master, thanking you for accompanying and protecting the Junzhu. I’ve recently realized that only Second Master truly cares for the Junzhu. Please forgive this servant for being short-sighted before.”

Xie Yunzhao accepted the tea and drank it, “Alright, the Junzhu has me; you can rest easy.”

“Yes, yes, this servant is at ease.”

Jinzhi bit her lip and raised her gaze slightly to look at Shen Shurong.

“Hmm, you all can follow along later.”

Jinzhi was overjoyed and thanked her before stepping back.

“What’s all this about?” Xie Yunzhao sat down beside Shen Shurong.

“She was disrespectful to you; she must sincerely apologize.”

Xie Yunzhao felt flattered and sweet inside.

The two set off to inspect the shops, and Qingying informed Xie Yunzhao that the Heir had already departed.

“You go pick up Li Shuang and head straight to Qingquan Lake.”

“Qingying is a man; that’s not appropriate. Jinzhi, you go with Qingying to protect Miss Li. Wait until Miss Li returns safely before heading back to report to the Grand Princess,” Shen Shurong instructed.

“Yes, Junzhu, this servant will ensure Miss Li is safe.”

Jinzhi was jumping for joy; it was clear that Second Master intended to take Miss Li to see Heir. She would finally get to see him.

The two happily inspected the shops; although it was work, Xie Yunzhao found it far from dull. Just being with Rongrong was the happiest thing.

It was the perfect time to appreciate the lotus flowers, and Li Wan’er had dressed carefully for the occasion.

While Xie Yunzheng was heading out, Li Wan’er’s carriage was already waiting by the roadside. She shyly got out, blushing as she greeted him.

Xie Yunzheng merely nodded slightly. The two walked toward the lake, and it was mostly Li Wan’er who spoke, while Xie Yunzheng responded with “mm-hm” sounds.

Li Shuang had thought that her second cousin had abandoned her and didn’t want to take her along. She never expected Qingying to come to pick her up. Her downcast face instantly brightened; although the Junzhu’s maid was also with them, it couldn’t overshadow her joy that Xie Yunzhao still remembered her.

She sat quietly in the carriage, adjusting her skirt.

Jinzhi watched as Qingying led the way toward Qingquan Lake, feeling even more excited.

…

Xie Yunzheng truly didn’t know what to say; they had no shared memories. Remembering that Chi Yu had arranged for a boat ride, he asked, “Miss Li, would you like to take a boat?”

Li Wan’er, realizing the awkward silence, nodded, “Sure.”

Xie Yunzheng had someone lead the way, and just as they reached the dock, they bumped into two other ladies.

“Yuanran/Yuanyuan greets Heir, Miss Li, hello.”

Xie Yunzheng felt a bit annoyed; he understood Wei Yuanran’s intentions. “Hello, ladies. We’re going to take a boat, so we won’t disturb your outing.”

Wei Yuanyuan quickly bowed again, “May we borrow the Heir’s boat for a while? We forgot to have someone prepare one.”

“Yuanyuan, don’t disturb them,” Wei Yuanran pretended to pull her back.

Wei Yuanyuan shook off her hand, “It’s fine, sister. We can sit at the front of the boat; we won’t be a bother.”