Chapter 33

The moment Shiyu saw his attitude, she felt upset.

However, with her master’s instructions, even though she was dissatisfied with Xie Qingya, she still held her master’s arm and, as they walked toward Prince Nan’an, respectfully greeted him.

She didn’t want her master to be unhappy.

She didn’t want him to send her back to the Duke’s residence.

“Princess.”

Chang Feng also greeted Xu Duanyi, his actions and speech respectful.

“Please rise.”

Xu Duanyi smiled as she spoke to Chang Feng, then turned her gaze toward Xie Qingya.

Earlier, from a distance, Xu Duanyi could only see Xie Qingya’s face, but not his outfit for the day.

Now that she saw him clearly, she was momentarily stunned.

She had seen Xie Qingya in red many times, and it seemed that he had a strong liking for such flamboyant colors.

Whether it was during daily life or on their wedding day…

He had worn countless red garments, decorated with intricate designs.

But this was the first time she had seen Xie Qingya dressed in official attire.

A proper, formal red official robe was draped over Xie Qingya’s form.

It was different from his usual appearance.

Xie Qingya appeared to be missing something, yet there was something extra.

Standing in front of her, hands behind his back, with lamps on either side, Xu Duanyi saw him in the red robe and black official hat.

Xie Qingya’s frame was taller and more upright than the usual scholars, yet not as fierce or muscular as a general.

Standing there in silence, he gave Xu Duanyi a feeling that stirred her heart.

Her heartbeat, seemingly uncontrollable, echoed like a drumbeat in her chest.

Afraid that her emotions would be discovered, Xu Duanyi quickly lowered her gaze, no longer staring at Xie Qingya like she had earlier.

She was somewhat relieved.

At least it was dark now.

The night was indeed a good time to hide one’s emotions, preventing them from being easily detected.

After calming her feelings, Xu Duanyi finally asked, “Did His Highness leave the court so late today?”

Xu Duanyi’s question was casual.

Firstly, standing there in silence wasn’t ideal, and secondly, it was to… hide her emotions.

So that Xie Qingya wouldn’t notice something was off between them.

Xie Qingya didn’t notice any difference in her behavior. Upon hearing her question, he simply looked at her and replied, “I woke up late.”

If anyone else had heard this answer, they might have been at a loss for words, showing a puzzled expression.

Just like Shiyu, who had been lowering her head.

When she heard the answer, she suddenly looked up.

Although Xie Qingya didn’t directly look at her, he caught the shock on her face from the corner of his eye.

It seemed she didn’t expect him to be so reckless.

Xie Qingya even saw her mouth moving as if she wanted to say something, but then hesitated, ultimately closing her mouth in frustration.

As for Xu Duanyi?

What would she think after hearing this?

For some unknown reason, Xie Qingya deliberately watched Xu Duanyi. He tried to see the same expression on her face that he had seen on her maid.

And he did see it.

Xu Duanyi’s face showed no change at all.

She neither seemed to think that his behavior was inappropriate nor was there any hint of disgust. She didn’t try to advise him against such actions either.

Xu Duanyi remained calm as usual, nodding, and sincerely responding, “I see.”

Her reaction…

Made Xie Qingya momentarily unsure of how to continue the conversation.

He wanted to ask Xu Duanyi,

“Did you really understand what I said?”

“Why, after hearing me clearly, do you still react like this?”

But he didn’t ask.

It was foolish.

After a brief silence, Xie Qingya didn’t know what he was thinking. Although he shouldn’t care about her affairs, he unconsciously asked her, “Where did you go?”

It was an instinctive question.

As soon as the words left his mouth, Xie Qingya regretted it.

Especially when he saw the surprised expression on Xu Duanyi’s face. She didn’t seem to expect that he would ask her such a thing.

Her shock was even greater than when he had given a frivolous answer earlier.

This made Xie Qingya feel even more uneasy.

He turned his face away.

Under the candlelight, Xie Qingya’s expression remained indifferent, as if his question was casual and he didn’t really care about Xu Duanyi’s answer.

But Xu Duanyi still smiled and answered him.

“I went to my maternal grandfather’s house today.”

Xu Duanyi briefly explained, “Baozhu is about to get married, and I thought I’d go see if there’s anything I can help with.”

She didn’t say much.

Firstly, she felt that since Baozhu was his former fiancée, mentioning this now, with her current position, might not be appropriate. Secondly, she wasn’t sure how Xie Qingya felt about Baozhu. If he still liked her, then she definitely shouldn’t bring it up.

To avoid making him upset.

Xie Qingya didn’t have much to say about her response.

It was just a casual question, after all. As for what she had been doing…

He didn’t like the Xiao family, but it wasn’t as if he couldn’t even listen to it. Besides, the Xiao family was her maternal family, so it was normal for her to visit them.

However, looking at her calm and composed expression, Xie Qingya couldn’t help but feel frustrated inside.

Doesn’t she realize who caused her to end up like this?

She wasn’t even angry, and she still wanted to help others… no wonder she was being mistreated like this.

But then, remembering that he was the one who had started all of this, Xie Qingya fell silent for a moment.

He didn’t want Xu Duanyi to notice his unease.

Xie Qingya deliberately made a sound, “Oh,” and then said nothing more.

Xu Duanyi didn’t mind his attitude.

For her, being able to speak calmly with Xie Qingya like this already made her happy.

Seeing that he had no more to say, Xu Duanyi thought he didn’t want to talk to her anymore, so she decided not to disturb him. She softly said to him, “Your Highness, I believe you haven’t had dinner yet, so I won’t keep you any longer.”

“Please, Your Highness, go rest.”

After speaking, Xu Duanyi lowered her head and curtsied to Xie Qingya. She then, not wanting to waste his time, led Shiyu away.

After walking a few steps, Shiyu, unable to hold back any longer, spoke in a low voice to Xu Duanyi, “Master, why didn’t you tell him about going to Miss Biao’s wedding on the 10th?”

“Today, the Duke and others asked about it.”

“If…” Shiyu was worried that the prince might not accompany her, and others might ridicule her later. Although they wouldn’t openly mock her, she still didn’t want it to happen.

Shiyu was full of anxiety, while Xu Duanyi remained composed.

She calmly replied, “I didn’t plan to mention it.”

Earlier at the Duke’s residence, she had only responded casually, not intending to drag Xie Qingya to the wedding. She knew Xie Qingya didn’t like attending such gatherings and didn’t want him to be ridiculed if he went.

So, she hadn’t brought it up to him.

Shiyu still looked worried. “But…”

Before Shiyu could finish, Xu Duanyi comforted her, “It’s not a big deal. Even if he does accompany me, what will happen?”

Without waiting for Shiyu’s response, Xu Duanyi continued, “On the other hand, even if he doesn’t go with me, what can they really say? Are they truly going to mock me?”

They wouldn’t.

It would only be gossip behind her back about how poorly she had married.

But thinking about the attitude of the South An Prince, it seemed that no matter whether he went or not, it wasn’t a good situation.

Shiyu fretted for a while before ultimately deciding to let it go.

The two of them slowly walked back to the Linfeng Pavilion.

Meanwhile, Xie Qingya and Chang Feng walked behind them, deliberately maintaining a distance, not walking too close, but Xie Qingya’s gaze remained fixed on Xu Duanyi.

They walked in silence.

After a while, when they could no longer see Xu Duanyi’s figure, Xie Qingya finally spoke to Chang Feng, “When is Xiao Baozhu’s wedding?”

“It’s on the 10th of next month,” Chang Feng replied.

After hearing this, and seeing that his Prince was silent, Chang Feng hesitated for a moment before asking, “Will His Highness attend?”

Xie Qingya didn’t answer immediately.

After a while, he simply said, “We’ll see.”

Then he said nothing more.

When they returned to the study, hearing Lingji report on the day’s matters at the residence, Xie Qingya picked up the tea Chang Feng handed him and asked, raising an eyebrow, “You said the Duke of Wu’an sent someone over?”

Linji nodded in confirmation.

“I’ve investigated, and it was that Shiyu’s mother who sent her.”

Chang Feng was a bit surprised.

He had been with the Prince all day and didn’t know what had happened at the residence. Now, he asked Lingji, “How many did they send?”

Lingji answered, “Just one.”

“She looks like an ordinary maid, and she doesn’t know martial arts. Today, she was shown around the entire Prince’s residence by the young lady named Bixi, and hasn’t come out since. It seems like the Princess intends to have her serve closely.”

Xie Qingya didn’t say anything.

After a while, he took a sip of tea and asked, “I remember, isn’t it still just those two who serve her closely?”

Lingji confirmed.

Suddenly, as if realizing something, he slapped his palm and said, “Right, the Princess brought so many people, but she still has only those two close attendants. Why did she suddenly ask for someone from the Duke of Wu’an’s residence?”

“Does this new maid have some special ability we don’t know about?”

Whether or not she had any special ability, Xie Qingya didn’t know, but he did find it strange.

He had originally thought Xu Duanyi had gotten used to having only those two old attendants around, but it seemed that wasn’t the case.

What was so special about this new maid?

“What does she want to do?”

“Your Highness?”

As Xie Qingya pondered, he suddenly heard Lingji call his name.

He raised his eyes and asked, “What is it?”

“Subordinate wanted to ask, should we strictly supervise the new maid?” Linji looked at Xie Qingya and asked.

Xie Qingya did not answer immediately.

After a long while, he spoke, “How about the others? She’s the same, just be careful not to get caught.”

Lingji nodded.

They dared not approach the Linfeng Pavilion, so they could only keep an eye on her when she came out.

The main focus was to observe if there was anything unusual or if she was going somewhere deliberately.

But for now, nothing out of the ordinary had occurred, though Linji did not dare relax.

Although he usually appeared playful and childish, he was serious when it came to handling matters.

Meanwhile, Xu Duanyi had returned to Linfeng Pavilion.

Apart from Bixi and Shiyu, who had been with her for some time, a new maid, Xuefu, had also joined.

Xuefu was fifteen this year, the youngest of the three, but her temperament was very steady and reserved, much like Bixi.

She was obedient, doing whatever was asked without asking questions.

This morning, Xu Duanyi had been in a hurry and had only briefly spoken to Xuefu, not having the chance for a deeper conversation.

Now, however, there was time.

Bixi and the others were preparing the things needed for Xu Duanyi’s bath in the evening.

Xu Duanyi met with Xuefu outside and asked kindly, “How are you settling in here?”

Xuefu had not had much interaction with the mistress of the mansion before.

Now, being asked like this, she lowered her head, anxious, and replied, “Bixi elder sister has taught me a lot. Although I am somewhat slow, I will serve the mistress with all my heart and will not bring shame.”

“Don’t be nervous, I didn’t mean to reproach you.”

Xu Duanyi spoke softly, “You are someone Winter Aunt personally trained, like Bixi and Shiyu, you are considered part of my family.”

“How Bixi and Shiyu are, you should be the same.”

“There’s just one thing you need to remember,” Xu Duanyi suddenly changed the topic.

Xuefu hurriedly responded, “Please tell the mistress.”

Xu Duanyi looked at her and said, “I can tolerate mistakes, but I don’t like one servant serving two masters, and I cannot tolerate betrayal.”

“I know Winter Aunt has raised you, but I do not wish for what happens here to reach her.”

“As for the others, it should be the same, do you understand?”

Xu Duanyi did not hear Xuefu’s response immediately but instead heard a “thud” as the maid in green suddenly kneeled before her.

“Rest assured, mistress, if I have any ill intentions, may heaven strike me down with thunder!”

Xuefu swore an oath in front of Xu Duanyi.

Xu Duanyi gestured for her to rise.

Just then, Bixi and Shiyu came out after finishing their tasks.

Xu Duanyi asked them to help Xiuyu up.

Once Xiuyu stood, Xu Duanyi said again, “You should remember what I said, no need to make such an oath.”

But she could tell that the child was sincere.

After all, she had been raised by Winter Aunt, and Xu Duanyi trusted her.

“Now, the three of you should get along well. No arguing or creating conflicts,” Xu Duanyi instructed them.

Bixi smiled and said yes.

She then held Xuefu’s hand and smiled at Xu Duanyi, “Mistress, you don’t know, Xuefu has a pair of hands like no other. Her embroidery skills are better than even the best seamstress in the palace. I must learn from her.”

Xuefu blushed at the praise.

She was introverted and shy, so when complimented, she simply lowered her head and mumbled, denying it.

Meanwhile, Shiyu said, “Although Mother always scolds me, since you are now the mistress’s maid, we are sisters, and I’ve always been good to my sisters.”

The three of them chatted away.

Xu Duanyi leaned against the bed, watching them with a smile in her eyes.

When they were almost done talking, Xu Duanyi spoke up, “Did Bixi tell you what I need you to do?”

Upon hearing her words, Xuefu quickly composed herself and nodded, replying, “She did.”

“Bixi took me to see the flower pavilion where the ladies stay. I will keep an eye on it,” she added.

Xu Duanyi nodded, then reminded her, “Don’t alarm the snake, and don’t go to places you shouldn’t.”

Xuefu answered affirmatively.

—-

In the following days.

Xu Duanyi spent most of her time at the prince’s residence, occasionally going to the Duke of the Protectorate’s house to help out.

Time passed quickly.

There was no sign of anything wrong with Xuefu’s actions.

Xu Duanyi noticed that Changning was in a good mood every day, and she began to wonder if she was just overthinking things.

To avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, Xu Duanyi stopped having Xiuyu continue watching Changning.

During these days, her relationship with Changning had grown closer, and she had even shared a few meals with Ping’an.

Although Ping’an was still indifferent to her, he no longer showed the same dislike as before.

As for Xie Qingya…

Since their accidental meeting by the wall that day, they hadn’t seen each other again.

Time flew by.

In just three days, Baozhu’s wedding would take place.

Xu Duanyi had not sent anyone to ask Xie Qingya if he was available, and Xie Qingya had not sent anyone to inform her of his schedule. It seemed that they both tacitly ignored the matter.

But on this day,

Xu Duanyi returned from the Duke of Huguo’s residence as usual, but Shiyu had some news to share with her.

The matter Xu Duanyi had asked her to investigate had yielded results!

Among those who had come out of the palace with her, there was indeed someone suspicious!