Chapter 41: Benefactor 1

At this moment, no matter how unwilling Mei Yiniang was, she could not act out and could only watch helplessly as the young servant led Xu Rulan and Tang Chuheng away.

Tang Youze turned and entered the study, then sat in the grand master chair, examining Mei Xiao’e, who stood before him.

She had a sallow complexion, dark circles under her eyes, and a haggard appearance, looking older than her actual age.

Her clothes were also old-fashioned, and she wore only a wooden hairpin in her hair.

Her eyes sparkled with shrewdness, and since entering the study, she had been secretly observing everything around her.

At this moment, Tang Youze felt that his judgment was extremely poor; he had never realized that Mei Xiao’e was so unremarkable!

Then he thought of Xu Rulan, who, as her name suggested, had a temperament like orchids. Not only was she young and beautiful, but her demeanor was also as graceful as a lotus!

Indeed, Xu Rulan’s temperament resembled that of Chi Ran, but she lacked Chi Ran’s pride!

After all, there were not many young ladies of Chi Ran’s background in the capital. Xu Rulan not only possessed a similar grace but was also completely obedient to him, her eyes filled with admiration!

Thinking this, a hint of tenderness flashed in Tang Youze’s eyes; they would get along better and better in the future…

“Master, Ying’er’s wedding date is approaching!”

“But I have nothing of value left! If Ying’er gets married without a dowry, not only will the Xuanping Marquis’s residence look down on her, but they will also look down on our Wenyong Bo residence!”

Mei Yiniang said with a worried expression.

Tang Youze lowered his head and pondered for a moment. Their Wenyong Bo residence wanted to rely on the Xuanping Marquis’s family, but they still had to depend on Tang Chuying!

However, if Tang Chuying’s dowry was too meager, it would indeed make the Xuanping Marquis’s residence look down on them even more!

Just as Tang Youze was about to speak, the young servant rushed in, saying, “Master!”

The young servant ran in out of breath, wanting to say something, but was immediately scolded by Tang Youze, “Are the rules of the residence just for show?”

“Don’t you know to knock before entering?”

The young servant immediately knelt down and said, “Please forgive me, Master!”

“If you act so recklessly again, don’t blame me for punishing you!”

“I know I was wrong!” The young servant hurriedly bowed his head in apology.

After reprimanding the young servant, Tang Youze casually asked, “What’s the hurry about?”

“Master, the regent has arrived!” the young servant replied.

“What?” Tang Youze immediately stood up from the grand master chair. Due to his sudden movement, he knocked over the inkstone on the desk, spilling ink everywhere.

The last time the regent came was due to the affair between Gu Huaifeng and Tang Chuying. What could he want this time?

Tang Youze didn’t have time to think further and quickly strode toward the door, scolding the young servant as he walked, “You dog servant, why didn’t you say the regent was coming earlier?”

The young servant felt wronged; he had wanted to say it but hadn’t been given the chance!

Mei Yiniang suddenly felt a twitch in her eyelids, instinctively sensing that this regent was very ominous; every time he came, something bad happened!

By the time Tang Youze and Mei Yiniang hurried over, Tang Chuyao and Tang Chuying were already at the door.

“Please forgive me, Your Highness. I didn’t know you were coming from afar to welcome you!” Tang Youze respectfully bowed, feeling anxious, with beads of sweat trickling down his face.

After a while, Gu Qingchen’s calm voice broke the silence, “You are too polite, my lord! It is I who came uninvited and disturbed you!”

Tang Chuying secretly observed the man before her. He wore a dark purple robe woven with gold, the luxurious fabric embroidered with intricate dark patterns. The collar and cuffs were lined with silver trim, and he had a white jade belt around his waist, standing tall and straight like a pine tree.

His face was so handsome it bordered on the supernatural, with brows like ink paintings, narrow and long phoenix eyes that were deep and cold, making it hard for anyone to look at him directly.

His thin lips were pressed together, revealing a barely noticeable chill, and his demeanor was as cool as a cold moon.

Every time he appeared, he carried an innate air of authority and nobility that made people feel intimidated yet irresistibly drawn to him.

Tang Chuying looked at him in fascination; even if it were a fleeting romance, she would have no regrets…

Noticing Tang Chuying’s gaze, Gu Qingchen suppressed the disdain in his eyes and stepped forward into the residence.

In the front hall, Tang Youze had tea served, and Gu Qingchen sat in the main seat, resting his chin on one hand, unconsciously directing his gaze toward Tang Chuyao.

The little one was wearing a peach-red dress today, the fabric soft and smooth, her long black hair styled in a casual bun, adorned with a white jade hairpin embedded with pearls and jade.

Although she wore a veil, her eyes sparkled with life and clarity, making it hard to look away!

Those eyes had appeared countless times in his dreams, and now the owner of those eyes was finally by his side…

Tang Youze followed Gu Qingchen’s gaze and noticed he was staring at Tang Chuyao, momentarily unable to understand the meaning behind his look.

He then heard Ye Feng beside Gu Qingchen say, “My lord, this time our prince has come to the residence to find a benefactor!”

At Ye Feng’s words, everyone in the room, except for Tang Chuyao, looked surprised. Tang Youze asked to clarify everyone’s confusion, “What do you mean by that?”

Ye Feng continued, “Our prince returned to the capital after eradicating bandits. On the way, he encountered assassins and was injured, saved by a young girl.”

“Upon investigation, we found that the prince’s benefactor is in the Wenyong Bo residence…”

Tang Chuying’s heart surged with joy; she knew about this!

Three days ago, when Tang Chuyao had just returned to the Wenyong Bo residence, she had thrown out an olive branch to Tang Chuyao, trying to get closer to her, and so the foolish Tang Chuyao had told her all about her experiences outside!

When Tang Chuyao was three years old, it was when Mei Yiniang entered the residence. After Mei Yiniang came in, her first act was to drive Tang Chuyao out of the Wenyong Bo residence.

Coincidentally, Zhilian had just come out of the palace with an order from the imperial concubine to send Tang Chuyao to Jingxin Temple for study.

Without a second thought, Tang Youze had allowed Zhilian to take away the three-year-old Tang Chuyao.

During the time Tang Chuyao stayed at Jingxin Temple, the abbess would occasionally send word to Tang Youze, briefly updating him on Tang Chuyao’s situation.

Three days ago, when Tang Chuyao returned to the residence, she had told her many stories from her time outside, including having saved a young stranger!

Thinking of this, Tang Chuying discreetly glanced at Tang Chuyao, noticing she had no reaction, which relieved her.

Not long ago, when Tang Chuyao had injured her head and lost her memory, it had truly helped her a lot!

Tang Chuying had never wanted to marry Gu Huaifeng, and if she became Gu Qingchen’s benefactor, she could certainly make Gu Qingchen notice her!

Although her reputation was not very good at the moment, as long as she married Gu Qingchen and became the regent’s wife, who would dare to gossip about her then?!

“I dare to ask the prince, was it six days ago, at a certain cliff?” Tang Chuying looked at Gu Qingchen excitedly.

Gu Qingchen glanced at Tang Chuyao, lazily turned to Tang Chuying, and replied lightly, “Yes, that’s right!”