39 Chapter Thirty-Nine

Does he even have feelings for her?

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Not only was he exposed, but he also teased her!

Feeling even more embarrassed and annoyed, Liu Qingqing moved, but buried her face, leaving him with only her round back of her head.

Xie Lang chuckled, his chest heaving. She was pressed close to him, and her arm trembled along with it, a testament to his delight.

The clear chirping of birds in the courtyard mingled with his laughter, as if they were laughing at her together.

Liu Qingqing's ears were as red as jade plum blossoms. Although she was too shy to look at him, she still managed to push him away.

How come I never knew he was so wicked!

Summer is coming to an end, and ice is no longer placed indoors.

But now a thin layer of sweat has formed on his body.

"Madam, please get up."

Xie Lang, seeing that she was getting along well, stopped teasing her and changed the subject to business, saying, "Madam's health has improved a lot recently, so we can't slack off."

He was so proper and courteous, yet in an instant he changed his demeanor, as if the person who had just uttered those outrageous words was not him at all.

As expected, Liu Qingqing's attention was drawn away by him, and she quickly looked up at the window, "But it's raining outside."

Xie Lang's deep gaze swept over her rosy cheeks, his Adam's apple bobbing. "Summer rain is heavy, it may only last for a short while."

Having said that, he suddenly stood up, and Liu Qingqing could no longer linger under the covers.

Xie Lang had already gotten up earlier than usual for her sake, and since she was being taken care of, she couldn't very well hold him back.

As luck would have it, after washing up, Xie Lang's prediction came true: the rain had indeed stopped.

Liu Qingqing stood by the window, her rosy lips slightly parted, her eyes wide open, as if she were a startled and slightly annoyed jade rabbit.

It seemed as if dark clouds were floating overhead.

Xie Lang smiled and stood quietly for a while before clearing his throat.

Liu Qingqing immediately turned her head to look at him.

Xie Lang feared that physical training would be tedious, so he devised different methods for Liu Qingqing according to a set schedule.

"Let's stay indoors this morning and see how your Eight Pieces of Brocade is progressing."

Originating in the Northern Song Dynasty, the Eight-Section Brocade exercise integrates physical movements with breathing techniques to strengthen the body, promote longevity, and prevent illness. The morning hours are ideal for clearing the meridians and promoting the flow of vital energy, as the internal organs and meridians are most active then.

The Eight Pieces of Brocade consists of eight movements, and it is best to repeat all eight movements eight times each time.

Liu Qingqing was always meticulous in her work, and she was relieved that she didn't have to go out and get soaked in sweat.

So they did it without hesitation.

When the repetition was over, Xie Lang gestured for her to see, and then did it again, his movements graceful and powerful, a stark contrast to her loose and weak actions.

"Husband, why do you look so different?"

Xie Lang pointed to his fingertip and said, "This requires force."

She was unsure what "waist and abdomen locking force" meant.

Liu Qingqing looked around, somewhat bewildered, as if drawing his sword.

Seeing that she didn't understand, Xie Lang stepped forward, lightly pointed with his fingertip to indicate the location, and then quickly withdrew his hand behind his back.

Once outside the bed curtains, he was as aloof and reserved as the snow-capped peaks of a mountain, and would not have any physical intimacy with her, like a noble narcissus that would not be defiled.

He moved too quickly, pointing haphazardly like a dragonfly skimming the water. Before she could even grasp the meaning, he stopped.

Liu Qingqing blinked and shook her head at him.

His eyes were clear, and his expression was innocent.

Xie Lang sighed inwardly and had no choice but to take her hand and set an example.

When he first touched it, the flesh was soft, but as he took a deep breath, the muscle suddenly hardened.

Liu Qingqing was surprised, her eyelashes fluttered, and she let out a soft "ah".

That's amazing.

Although they had done that in bed, she had never actually touched his body properly.

Oh, except for the time he was seriously injured.

But that time I couldn't care less about anything else.

So men's and women's bodies are so different, how come the flesh on my abdomen suddenly hardened?

Her body was soft and supple, like water.

"Do you know where we are now?" he asked in a hoarse voice.

Perhaps it was because they had been too harmonious lately, or perhaps he wanted to linger and not practice more, but for some reason, Liu Qingqing had a bad feeling in his heart. Although he knew who he was talking about, he shook his head.

Xie Lang's gaze was fixed, and before he could let go of her hand, he unexpectedly tore open his robe with his other hand, revealing his beautiful muscle lines.

His dark, deep eyes gleamed, exuding a heroic spirit.

Liu Qingqing's eyes widened as she looked at him, then glanced down at him.

His shirt was wide open, and he forcefully pressed her fingertips onto that muscle.

Xie Lang's gaze was deep, a dark fire burning in his eyes. "Do you understand now?"

Liu Qingqing is now a "mature" who has experienced the ways of the world!

Sensing impending danger, he swallowed hard and nodded, "Understood, understood."

They dared not cause trouble again.

Xie Lang gave her another deep look, roughly tied the rope, and then turned and walked back to the washroom.

A moment later, she heard the sound of dripping water again, and she shrank her neck to cover her burning face.

She suddenly understood the saying that Granny Li had taught her when she was young: "Don't touch a tiger's backside."

Xie Lang remained as proper and gentlemanly as ever, enduring her when she wasn't in the right state of mind. However, he had been using more force lately, which made her wonder if he was always rational and self-disciplined, and always followed the rules.

Now that she had glimpsed a clue, Liu Qingqing felt a sweet warmth in her heart.

While mutual respect between husband and wife is good, it is ultimately not as good as harmonious love.

She now knows that in the Xie family mansion, in their room, on the first and fifteenth of the first lunar month, Xie Lang's buttocks and stomach are definitely off-limits!

After this ordeal...

Breakfast was quite quiet, with only the occasional awkward clinking of porcelain spoons.

I would steal a few glances at him, but each time I was met with his intense gaze!

Liu Qingqing choked slightly. After Xie Lang left the manor for his duty, she felt that the few glances he gave her before leaving made her scalp tingle.

Liu Qingqing: ...

I'm absent-minded during the day, and my mind wanders when I look at the ledgers, so I simply stop looking at them.

She summoned Zhao Pansheng to chat, wondering how her search for her sister was going.

Since Zhao Pansheng came to live with her, she has always been free after finishing her business, and Liu Qingqing did not stop her from searching for her younger sister.

But in such a vast city as the capital, finding someone is no easy task.

Despite repeatedly losing clues and returning disappointed each time with hope, Zhao Pansheng never gave up.

Seeing the sorrow on Liu Qingqing's face, Zhao Pansheng said with a determined look, "Miss, don't worry about me. I know it will be difficult to find her. I will do my best, and even if I can't find her in this life, I will have no regrets."

Liu Qingqing greatly admired Zhao Pansheng's persistence.

She had no interest in family ties anymore, but Zhao Pansheng did. Having experienced the coldness of human relationships in the Liu family, she knew even more after entering the Marquis's mansion that without money, every step was difficult.

After thinking for a moment, he took out a gold ingot and gave it to her.

She is no longer the same person she once was; both the young emperor and the princess have rewarded her with gold ingots. She has seen the world.

But she didn't touch it, feeling as if the gold and silver treasures were a dream, not hers.

No matter how many gold ingots she has, she can't go to the underworld to find her mother. Now that she has no worries about food and drink, what use are these gold ingots?

But it would be different if it were given to Zhao Pansheng. In this world where money can buy life, perhaps this could save her sister's life.

"Here, go find your sister."

She pulled Zhao Pansheng's hand and, without saying a word, stuffed the gold ingot into her palm.

Zhao Pansheng froze, and Liu Qingqing helped her close her hands.

Today, a gold ingot weighs fifty taels and can be exchanged for five hundred taels of silver!

She had only sold herself for five taels of silver, and it was only because the young lady was kind-hearted that she received two taels of silver a month. She knew that the average sweeping maid in the Marquis's mansion received no more than five hundred coins a month, and those who served their masters received one tael.

This is five hundred taels of silver!

She would never have that much money before she died!

That money could buy a house in the far suburbs of Beijing!

Suddenly snapping out of his daze, Zhao Pansheng felt the gold ingot burning his hand and knelt down with a thud. He was so stunned that he didn't even have time to move. He took two steps forward on his knees, and with a daring touch, he tried to push the gold ingot back into his hands.

"Miss, you've already saved my life and given me a monthly allowance, how can I possibly accept your money!"

"Are you trying to send me away? Miss, please don't send me away..."

Zhao Pansheng had always been calm, composed, and extremely shrewd since he came to her side. This was the first time she had ever seen Zhao Pansheng so flustered.

Seeing that she was about to tremble like a leaf, Liu Qingqing got up from the chair, squatted down next to Zhao Pansheng, and looked directly into her eyes. "You should think carefully. If you miss your sister's news because of fear, will you regret it?"

"The court is still quite unstable right now. With more money, it will be easier to find someone. While there's still some time between you and her, use money to make up for lost time. If the money can be put to good use, then it's truly money."

“It’s just sitting there,” Liu Qingqing looked outside, pointed to the stone in the grass, and asked in a low voice, “How is it different from the stone in the yard?”

Liu Qingqing had only ever known Li Mama and Qingju since childhood, whom she considered family. Unlike some officials' wives and wealthy gentry who didn't treat their servants like human beings.

Moreover, she had been secretly observing Zhao Pansheng for nearly half a year, and she felt that she could trust her.

Since she trusts people, she will help them when she has the ability, and she will bear the consequences if she is wronged.

After saying that, she stuffed the gold ingot back into Zhao Pansheng's hand. Fearing that Zhao Pansheng would refuse, Liu Qingqing thought for a moment and said, "You can spend this gold ingot however you like. You don't need to tell me. You can return it to me when you find your sister and when you have money in the future."

Upon hearing those words, Zhao Pansheng burst into tears, stubbornly biting her lip to refuse to cry out, until her lips turned white from biting them.

Seeing this, Liu Qingqing did not stop her.

He added, "We had no clues before. If you get any clues in the future, please let me know. Your young lady is, after all, the young mistress of the Marquis's mansion, and she might be able to help you."

As soon as the words were spoken, a mournful and sorrowful cry was heard squeezed out from the chest.

Zhao Pansheng collapsed to the ground and wept uncontrollably.

Liu Qingqing gently patted her shoulder, got up and left the east wing, turned around and closed the door, then stood under the corridor basking in the sunlight.

It was late summer, and a night rain made it even cooler.

Unlike the scorching sunlight of midsummer, as autumn approaches, the sunlight becomes gentler and deeper, enveloping you in a warm and cozy feeling.

So I simply sat on the porch and basked in the sun.

After a while, Zhao Pansheng finally came out of the east wing, his head down, his expression unreadable.

Liu Qingqing: "I have nothing to do today, let's go back to our rooms and rest for half a day."

Before she finished speaking, she thought of something else: "Why don't you go out of the manor for a walk when you have some free time? You never know when you might run into him."

These words struck Zhao Pansheng like a scorching fire, and she was on the verge of tears again. Zhao Pansheng hastily wiped her face and was about to kowtow when Liu Qingqing stopped her arm, saying, "We, master and servant, don't talk about such things."

They sent Zhao Pansheng back immediately.

After Zhao Pansheng could no longer be seen, Liu Qingqing had Qingju call Lin Mei over.

Lin Mei was one of the women Zhao Pansheng brought in. When she arrived, her body was covered in bruises, not a single patch of her skin unscathed. According to the broker, Lin Mei was abused by her husband because she refused to be sold into marriage.

He was a pitiful person too.

Liu Qingqing then thought of the homeless refugees outside the city who had no place to live and no food to eat, and they were in the same situation.

The new dynasty has only been established for ten years, and everything needs to be rebuilt. If she could also do her part, however small, that would be good.

The thought only flashed through her mind; she was still relatively calm and dared not think about it too deeply.

She looked up and saw Lin Mei walking towards her with light footsteps.

If the young Zhao Pansheng was like a blazing fire, then Lin Mei, who was over thirty, was like a stagnant pool of lifeless water.

Granny Li said that Lin Mei only knew how to work silently and rarely spoke, looking like she had lost all hope. So Liu Qingqing handed her over to Granny Li to help her recover and to discipline and enlighten her.

She was in a hurry to find people and had recently noticed Lin Mei's unique qualities, so she had no choice but to bring her out.

Lin Mei was about to kneel down and pay her respects when she arrived, but Liu Qingqing wanted to stop her. However, she changed her mind and decided against it because of Lin Mei's personality.

As expected, after performing the salutations, Lin Mei knelt there quietly, head bowed, awaiting instructions.

This is Lin Mei's extraordinary quality; for some reason, she doesn't easily attract attention when walking around the mansion.

There is one thing that Lin Mei is best suited for.

She lowered her head and whispered her instructions.

As expected, Lin Mei showed no emotional fluctuation after hearing the order; she simply nodded, accepted the command, and quietly withdrew.

After everyone had left, Liu Qingqing leaned back in her rattan chair and looked out at the clear blue sky.

The rattan chair swayed gently as Liu Qingqing fell asleep. In her hazy state, she seemed to see her mother and Aunt Jia walk up to her and open their arms to her...

-

The Marquis's mansion employs people, and Xie Lang takes her seriously.

She has been taking good care of her health lately and has recovered quite a bit. When she first married into the family, she was sensitive to cold because of the lingering effects of her previous marriage. However, during her trip back to the Liu residence, she suddenly started feeling itchy again, perhaps because she had come into contact with some kind of medicinal powder.

Because Xiao Ying always used these petty, underhanded methods that didn't endanger her life, she didn't think much of it. It was always like this.

Although I was worried before, I have been drinking herbal decoctions and taking baths frequently over the past six months, and my body has stopped itching recently.

Marrying into the Xie family was the greatest blessing of her life.

She suddenly remembered the letter she found when she first went to his study to look for him. The letter, written in delicate calligraphy, said that Xie Lang had not wanted to marry her back then.

I didn't care before, but now that I think about it, it feels a bit bittersweet.

Liu Qingqing took a deep breath and suppressed the sour feeling.

Don't worry about the past; aren't they doing well now?

She didn't need a perfect, harmonious relationship with Xie Lang; they treated each other with respect, which was already quite good.

In the past, when she was at the Liu residence, she was like a transparent water person.

Others couldn't see her, and even if they did, they would criticize her for not being able to give in to Liu Qingying.

Xie Lang is different.

Xie Lang still treats her differently now, and that's enough.

She was in the east wing, basking in the sunlight, resting her chin on her hand and lost in thought.

Hearing the familiar footsteps, a smile had just appeared on her face when she saw him stride towards her, creating a gust of wind.

He placed the wooden box he was carrying on the long table in front of her. "I went out of the capital today. Since you liked the flower cakes last time, I brought some back for you."

As Liu Qingqing lowered her head, Xie Lang walked around behind her and gently massaged her stiff shoulders and neck with his large hand. "Go out for a walk and move around after each time you look at the account books. Otherwise, you'll easily develop health problems over time."

He gently kneaded her, causing a tremor to run through her, but she dared not let him notice.

Lately, I've been getting up with him every morning, and we're much more familiar with each other than before.

When he was instructing her, his skin touched her more often. Sometimes she would cramp up, and Xie Lang would quickly stretch her muscles, not caring about being shy.

When Xie Lang taught her how to exert force, he would also strip to the waist so that she could feel the bulging muscles with her hands.

Anyone could see that the two were different from before, and their feelings for each other were growing stronger.

What are you thinking about?

Xie Lang asked.

Liu Qingqing snapped out of her reverie, a hint of sorrow in her eyes. "I wonder where Zhao Pansheng's sister is? Is she still possible to find her?"

Recently, the two have started chatting about ordinary things. Xie Lang was aware of Zhao Pansheng's search for his sister. After having the idea of ​​rewarding him with gold ingots, she even asked Xie Lang with some trepidation if it would be inappropriate.

Xie Lang said to her, "Why not give it a try?"

Now that it's been more than half a year, this person is like water falling into the sea when he's in a crowd. How can we find him?

Even though Liu Qingqing encouraged Zhao Pansheng, she herself was unsure.

Having witnessed firsthand the cruel decline of tenant farmers, she was even more worried.

Seeing the sorrow between her brows, Xie Lang couldn't help but frown, disliking to see her like this.

After a moment's thought, he sat down beside her. "If it's not easy for her to find, then let Xie Wu help take a look."

To put her mind at ease, Xie Lang rarely praised Xie Wu, saying, "He's got some skills."

Upon hearing this, Liu Qingqing's dim eyes suddenly brightened like the blazing sun in the sky, and her gaze towards him was full of joy and trust.

If it is said that Xie Wu is helping to look into it, then Xie Lang's connections can be used. Although the person has not yet been found, it can be said that the plan is already in place.

Xie Lang's heart softened upon seeing this, so he added, "We are husband and wife, so if you need anything in the future, just say so."

For some reason, although things were looking good, Liu and he were always reserved and cautious.

Xie Lang encouraged her, "Even if it doesn't work out, I'll still try to find a way for you."

Liu Qingqing had intended to test him, but when he saw through her thoughts, she was first stunned, then overwhelmed with shame and anger, and her fair face instantly turned as red as a peach.

This one incident alone caused a change in the relationship between the two.

Xie Lang has recently stopped spending so much time in the outer courtyard study as he used to, and he also takes his books and unimportant official business back to the east wing of Jialan Garden.

This increased the amount of time the two spent together.

Whenever Liu Qingqing felt dizzy and struggled to pull herself out of the ledgers, she would look up and see Xie Lang sitting at the long table by the window, as steadfast as a pine or cypress.

Unlike his dignified and respectful demeanor when walking outside, he prefers to wear white clothes at home, with his dark hair half-tied up.

He was looking down, the sunlight bathing him like a soft glow, his skin shimmering with a subtle sheen. Xie Lang didn't tan easily, so the transparent golden line where his skin met the sunlight made him look like an immortal, captivating the eye.

Her gaze drifted down to his red and moist lips, unlike the dry and chapped lips of others. Xie Lang's lips were full and round, something he probably didn't know, but she was always curious whenever she glanced at them—what would it taste like to kiss them?

Today, the people are simple and honest, and this extends to their sexual relations. Giving birth seems ordinary, but when a couple kisses, it's like a thunderclap.

Only the most outrageous stories in the novel would be like this.

She hasn't tried it yet.

It's not that I haven't tried it. When I'm doing that, my mind wanders and I've unintentionally touched upon the world, but I haven't really savored it yet.

Liu Qingqing tilted her head, lost in thought; it was truly a refreshing sight.

Sweet feelings welled up in her heart; this man, with his literary and martial talents and handsome appearance, was actually her husband.

Perhaps it was because God was fair to all people that she suffered a setback at the Liu family mansion a few years ago, which is why she deserved such a husband.

This man is just so good-looking.

A bright and promising future awaits; a person of integrity and propriety.

They respected and revered her, obeyed her commands in all matters within the courtyard, and even gave her the key to their private treasury.

He closed the door and exerted himself fully during sex, repeatedly sending her to ecstasy... countless times.

Now I'm returning to the hospital more often, just like now, when I'm not busy at home, I spend time with her.

He was also willing to talk to her about things outside the home, and did not look down on her because she was a woman from the inner quarters.

Anyone with eyes could see that he loved her more and more.

What else could she possibly be dissatisfied with?

Just as she was thinking this, Liu Qingqing felt her abdomen burning and she realized what was happening.

Oh, if we're talking about things to complain about, there is one.

He usually acted like an immortal who cultivated the path of ruthlessness, refusing to touch her much.

But during those two days, he suddenly changed his attitude, exerting as much force as he could... almost keeping her awake all night.

She felt that having sex twice a month seemed a bit too little.

She could barely get out of bed every day, but she was too shy to admit it, so she could only grit her teeth and pretend to get up as usual.

If it could be spread out evenly, it might be better.

Lost in thought, I couldn't help but chuckle softly, then let out two soft hissing sounds as my thoughts flowed.

Therefore, even if Xie Lang wanted to pretend to be stupid, he couldn't.

Xie Lang felt that his wife's gaze was like the scorching sun in midsummer. He first glanced at the wide-open door, then saw the servants working in the corridor outside. He couldn't help but frown and clear his throat. "Is Madam tired?"

He interrupted her thoughts with his voice, and Liu Qingqing quickly snapped back to reality and looked away. Realizing what she had just been doing and thinking, she immediately blushed and lowered her head to cover it up.

Her exposed neck revealed her inner thoughts completely.

This is just like the old saying goes—"He only cares about the head, not the butt."

Xie Lang's Adam's apple bobbed, and he suddenly felt his lips were dry, so he moistened them. Just then, Liu Qingqing looked up to reply, and their eyes met, their gazes lingering, and neither of them moved.

Xie Lang's dark eyes were like the sea, captivating her completely.

The whispers of the servants working outside were carried in by the wind, startling Liu Qingqing awake; her eyes darted away.

He quickly lowered his head and pretended nothing had happened, continuing to look at the ledgers.

The smile on Xie Lang's lips gradually faded. If it weren't for that, she wouldn't even see him.

The servants all said that the lady adored him, but he didn't seem to notice.

In front of him, she was always gentle and virtuous, and extremely easy to talk to. She did whatever he said and never threw a tantrum or questioned him.

He suddenly remembered drinking with his colleagues the other day. His colleague accidentally revealed his red-scratched neck under his official robes. His face was flushed as he said that his wife at home was very domineering, like a tigress, and kept a tight rein on him. He had only gone out to drink and had the smell of perfume on his face, but he had been scratched quite a bit!

Xie Lang stared at her in a daze, not knowing why he had suddenly thought of this.

If it weren't for the evil drug, she wouldn't have taken the initiative to get close to him, would she? He always did it first, and she suddenly felt utterly bored.

After a while, the wind blew through the pages of the book.

He didn't say anything, and Liu Qingqing's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally relaxed. But the next moment, a sense of loss mixed in with her feelings. The two emotions were intertwined and she couldn't quite describe what she was feeling.

In the quiet east wing, Xie Lang's suddenly hoarse voice rang out, "There are only two days left until the fifteenth."

Having said that out of the blue, Xie Lang got up.

Liu Qingqing hurriedly looked up at him, Xie Lang gave her a deep look, then turned and left.

After sitting in a daze for a while, seeing that he had no intention of returning, Liu Qingqing listlessly picked up the account book again.

He couldn't concentrate on reading for a long time, just then Zhao Pansheng came in with a letter.

"Madam, a letter from Manager Tang."

Liu Qingqing took the letter, unfolded it, glanced at it, and then put it in her bosom.

Seeing that there were no further instructions, Zhao Pansheng bowed and prepared to leave, but Liu Qingqing raised her hand to stop him, asking, "Is there any news from your side, sister?"

Liu Qingqing asked, and Xie Wu was just talking to Zhao Pansheng about this matter in the courtyard, but he left in a hurry before he finished speaking.

"Brother Xie left before he could finish speaking."

Liu Qingqing frowned: "What's the matter that you're in such a hurry?"

Zhao Pansheng looked bewildered: "I heard him instruct the servant to prepare water for the master in the outer study."

After a moment of surprise, Liu Qingqing changed the subject: "Xie Wu will naturally follow your lead, so don't overthink it. You can ask him again when you have time."

Zhao Pansheng hurriedly said, "It is already a great favor that Madam and Sir are willing to help me. How could I think of anything more?"

After Zhao Pansheng left, thinking about what she had just said, Liu Qingqing pursed her lips, and after a few breaths she could no longer hold back, covering her mouth and smiling sweetly.

The fifteenth will be here in two days.

For the first time, she looked forward to that day from the heart, not from the body.

Xie Lang had not returned by dinner time, and even after she had finished washing up, he still hadn't gone back to his room.

Liu Qingqing leaned against the red-lacquered pillars and looked towards the hanging flower gate. After a while, Lin Mei returned with a lantern and shook her head at her.

Liu Qingqing's anticipation turned to disappointment. She lowered her eyes, hid her gaze, and turned to go back to her room.

Since Xie Lang did not return, he stayed in the study.

He usually stays at the study when he has urgent business.

But she thought that after what happened during the day, he would be able to come back today.

Xie Lang has been going back to his room almost every day lately since he has nothing to do, so why isn't he coming back today?

Are you trying to avoid her?

When Liu Qingqing first experienced love, it felt as if her heart wasn't her own, but rather a part of his.

He lay back on the bed and lowered the bed curtains.

Pitch black and cold.

I felt uncomfortable all over, both physically and mentally.

It felt like I had turned into a damp cotton ball, and if I squeezed it, it would be full of water.

After what happened during the day, how could he not go back?

Liu Qingqing was filled with doubt. Was he not like her? Or were men simply so free and easy in this matter?

For the first time, Liu Qingqing had an impulse to ask him why he was so cold and distant towards her, given how good he usually was to her.

Does he even have her in his heart?

[Author's Note]

Next chapter preview:

They seemed to have had a disagreement.

Xie Lang rarely returned to his room anymore; whenever asked, he would say he was staying in the study in the outer courtyard.