Chapter 36: Return to the Marquis’s Residence (2)

At that moment, Xia Qingfeng was explaining the principles of distillation to Xu Xiaoxiao, who was struggling to hold the brush with her small hands. To assist her, Xia Qingfeng could only draw while they researched together.

Just then, Xia He walked in and said, “Madam, that man is waiting outside with a group of women.” The lady and young miss both referred to Xu Jingchen as a “scoundrel,” but as a servant, Xia He could not say it out loud. The master wouldn’t allow her to call him “Master” either, and “Young Master” was also unsuitable, so she resorted to calling him “that man,” which the madam was somewhat satisfied with.

“Let the scoundrel in; everyone else can wait outside.”

“Yes.”  

Soon, Xu Jingchen hurried inside. “Feng’er, are you hurt? I heard about yesterday’s incident and was worried all night, so I came to pick you up early this morning.”

“Ugh!” How hypocritical! What had the original owner gone through before?  

“Husband need not worry; I am perfectly fine,” Xia Qingfeng replied softly.  

“Then let’s stay on the mountain for one more night today and return together tomorrow; what do you think?”  

“Why not leave today? Why wait until tomorrow?” Xia Qingfeng asked, puzzled.  

“I’ve heard that not only are you on good terms with the old matriarch of the Marquis’s residence, but you also have a relationship with Master Kongzhi here. Since we are about to leave, we should at least say our goodbyes. As your husband, it’s appropriate for me to visit and express my gratitude, don’t you agree?”  

Xia Qingfeng took a meaningful glance at Xu Jingchen and then agreed.  

Then, Xu Jingchen walked over to the silently obedient Xu Xiaoxiao, who had been standing next to Xia Qingfeng, and extended his hand. “Come, my good daughter, let’s go to the dining hall together. I haven’t had lunch yet.”  

Xu Xiaoxiao pretended to be frightened and stepped back behind Xia Qingfeng.  

“Let’s go together,” Xia Qingfeng said as she picked up Xu Xiaoxiao. “She’s just a child and not very familiar with you; don’t force her.”  

The three of them exited the courtyard, but just as they reached the entrance, they encountered the old matriarch. Though she was next door, the conversation between Xia Qingfeng and Xu Jingchen had kept the doors and windows open, and the hidden Cangji had already reported the news to the old matriarch.  

The old matriarch stepped forward and took Xia Qingfeng’s hand. “My child, help this old woman walk,” she said, then looked at the group of concubines at the entrance and snorted. “A mere illegitimate son of the Marquis, enjoying such fortune! Just look at all these pretty faces here, the scent of makeup is dizzying.”  

Xu Jingchen hurriedly stepped forward to bow. “May the old matriarch be at peace! Truly, I am ashamed; in my heart, the madam is the most important.”  

“Of course! With me supporting them, who would dare bully the two of them?” After saying that, the old matriarch snorted again and pulled Xia Qingfeng forward.  

The concubines could only follow at a distance, seething with anger but unable to voice their grievances.  

When they reached the dining hall, Xu Jingchen’s wives and concubines had become dizzy from hunger, having not rested since disembarking from the carriage. Their delicate bodies could hardly withstand it; they quickly looked for a table to sit down and eat.  

At this moment, Xia Qingfeng glanced towards Zhao Yiniang’s direction and said, “What qualifications does a servant have to dine with the masters? Stand at the back and serve.”  

The concubines were dumbfounded by her words, especially Zhao Yiniang, who shot an angry glare at Xia Qingfeng.  

“What? Is this Marquis of Xiping’s residence not even bound by basic etiquette?” The old matriarch slammed her chopsticks onto the table, her aura commanding respect.  

“How dare we, how dare we?” Xu Jingchen hurriedly motioned for the concubines to step back and took a seat alongside the monks.  

At this meal, Xia Qingfeng observed the various expressions on the concubines’ faces—some were quiet, some were weak, some were sorrowful, and others were indignant… their rich expressions were quite entertaining.  

After finishing the meal, Xia Qingfeng intended to take Xu Xiaoxiao back to the meditation room for an afternoon nap. However, with such a large group following them, it was rather frustrating; she certainly couldn’t let them share the same room.  

She also wanted to check on the postpartum women and the injured but didn’t want Xu Jingchen to know. Just then, Xu Jingchen approached Xu Xiaoxiao and leaned down, saying, “Xiaoxiao, would you like to take your father for a stroll around the temple?”  

Xu Xiaoxiao glanced at her mother and then at the scoundrel, ultimately nodding in agreement.  

Xia Qingfeng quietly signaled for Cangji to follow for protection while she went with Xia He and Yinxing to check on the patients.  

Meanwhile, Xu Jingchen said to Xu Xiaoxiao, “Xiaoxiao, lead your father to see the place where the fire broke out yesterday; I was really worried when I received the news last night.”  

Xu Xiaoxiao said nothing, rolling her eyes internally, and led the way.  

When they arrived at the Da Fa Hall, only remnants of charred walls remained. Some monks were busy clearing the ruins.  

Xu Jingchen stepped closer and observed the site. He found nothing significant, and what puzzled him even more was that this was supposed to be the ambush site for Ling Xiaoyu, yet there were no signs of blood. Had there really been no fighting at all? How had those dozens of people been captured? Xu Jingchen was thoroughly perplexed.  

As he pondered this, an idea struck him. He squatted down and asked Xu Xiaoxiao, “My daughter, did you see anything on the day of the fire? Tell your father about it.”  

Xu Xiaoxiao blinked her big eyes at him, silent. Xu Jingchen, undeterred, continued, “Did you see the fire? What was happening at that moment? Where was your mother?”  

Xu Xiaoxiao shook her head, “I was playing… didn’t see… then it was like this.” She pointed at the ruins with her finger.  

Seeing that he couldn’t get any useful information, Xu Jingchen had no choice but to give up. He forced a smile and asked about the Crown Prince, “Daughter, I heard that you have a good relationship with the Crown Prince. What does he usually take you to do?”  

Xu Xiaoxiao pretended to think while touching her head, then said, “Play… eat pastries.”  

Xu Jingchen… How stupid; how could the Crown Prince like her? Realizing he wasn’t getting anywhere and losing patience, he decided to take her back.  

Xu Xiaoxiao: Trying to get info from a child? Not a chance!  

While Xu Xiaoxiao napped, Xu Jingchen and Xia Qingfeng headed to say their farewells to Master Kongzhi.  

After the young monk entered to announce them, he came back out and respectfully said, “Female benefactor, please come in. This male benefactor can return; the Master said, ‘There is nothing to discuss with you.’”  

Another person looking down on him! Xu Jingchen clenched his fists in anger but quickly relaxed. Turning to Xia Qingfeng, he said, “Feng’er, please convey my thanks to the Master; I’ll wait for you outside.”  

Xia Qingfeng nodded and entered the meditation hall.  

“Girl, are you ready? In the Marquis’s residence, you must be cautious.”  

“Master, don’t worry; I am aware of what to do.” She then handed a piece of paper to Master Kongzhi and said, “This is the prescription for Ma Fei San; please keep it safe. As for the distillation of alcohol, I’ll need to wait a bit longer.”  

Master Kongzhi carefully accepted the prescription, “Thank you!” he replied, bowing solemnly.