How come, as soon as you speak of Cao Cao, he appears?

Cuiming's throat was a little dry, and she glanced at Hongye standing to the side in a panic.

Talking about your master behind his back is always a big taboo.

Moreover, they were discussing such private matters.

Being cautious in everything she did, the usually prudent Cuiming was at a loss for what to do.

Lord Gu approached more and more casually, but in a few steps he stood in front of the two of them and asked in a cold voice, "Does Madam have something to say?"

Cui Ming: "..."

Hongye bowed first.

Cui Ming also bowed in greeting.

Then Hongye said, "My lord, Madam has been making a fuss all day and is quite tired, so she's resting now. Originally, Madam wanted to wait for you to tell her something, but she thought it wasn't anything important, and it would be fine to wait until you returned from the camp. Madam also said..."

"say what?"

Lord Gu was tall and stood in front of the two of them, blocking half of the light from the horn-shaped lamps under the eaves. His handsome face was shrouded in a halo of light, making it difficult to see clearly.

But Cuiming just felt scared.

Hongye said, "Madam said that it is always good for the Marquis to be eager to learn, but he should not start learning too late. Rome wasn't built in a day, and this book cannot be finished in one night. Why don't you take it to the camp and read it slowly?"

Lord Gu's body stiffened.

After a while, he asked, "Is there anything else?"

Hongye said, "That's all. Would you like me to go and ask the kitchen to send some hot water to the side room, my lord?"

Lord Gu said, "Alright."

Cui Ming felt that Lord Gu's handsome face seemed even more stern, but thankfully he didn't pursue their gossip about their master behind their backs. Thank goodness, was that all over?

Did the Marquis not hear it at all?

Gu Jinghui glanced indifferently at the two trembling maids, snorted softly, and then turned and walked towards the side room.

Hongye whispered, "My lord loves everything about me, so please forgive us for being so talkative."

These words extinguished Cuiming's hope for the best.

"You mean the Marquis heard it?"

Hongye said, "Of course. Sixteen told me not to talk about the Marquis behind his back. I didn't understand at the time, but I was scolded by the Marquis a few times. Miss also said that the Marquis is brave and strong, and must have excellent hearing. Miss is never wrong. If she says the Marquis can hear, then the Marquis can definitely hear."

Cui Ming: "..."

Gu Jinghui's expression softened a bit as he entered the side room. He had thought he would finally be able to move into the main room today, but he hadn't expected to be dragged down by his sixth brother and end up having to stay in the side room again.

On the table was the "Spring and Autumn Annals," which had been removed from the main room along with him.

Is he going to follow Guan Yu's example and read the Spring and Autumn Annals all night? Guan Yu did it to protect his sister-in-law, but what about him?

This is his lawfully wedded wife.

Gu Jinghui picked up the book in annoyance, turned to a page, and thought to himself, "How can a grown man be stumped by such a trivial matter?"

A maid knocked on the door and asked, "My lord, would you like some hot water brought in?"

Gu Jinghui put down the book he had only read one line of and said, "Come in."

The door opened, and four maids carried water, swaying and staggering in, clearly struggling.

As they put the items down and prepared to leave, Gu Jinghui asked, "Where's Cuiming?"

A short while later, Cuiming, filled with surprise and doubt, was summoned in. Looking at the large tub of hot water in the center of the side room, she was at a loss.

Gu Jinghui narrowed his long, narrow eyes, his sharp gaze seemingly able to pierce through people's hearts. His voice was deep and stern as he asked, "Did you often compose poems and paint before you were married, Madam?"

Cuiming replied tremblingly, "Yes, Your Excellency."

"Has any of your poems been published outside your private quarters, Madam?"

Cui Ming looked up in shock. Through the steam, Lord Gu's face was somewhat blurry, and she couldn't make out anything.

"Do you have any?" Lord Gu asked again.

Cuiming carefully said, "Madam rarely displays her poetic talent in public. Only the young master, the young master, and a few young ladies who like to compose poetry know that Madam enjoys writing poetry."

Lord Gu nodded and said, "You may go."

Cuiming left the side room and went to ask Hongye. Hongye had just finished washing up, was yawning and shaking the mat, and was about to go to sleep. Hearing this, she was wide awake and said, "Lord Marquis went to the main room. Why are you asking about these things when you come back?"

"Could it be that someone is spreading rumors about Miss? Or has someone leaked the poems Miss wrote?"

The two sat facing each other, troubled, unsure whether to wake Qin Yuan and tell her now.

"Look at the Marquis's expression."

"I can't tell."

They both sighed at the same time.

Hongye collapsed onto the mat, saying helplessly, "Go to sleep, go to sleep. Miss has always been sensible in her actions. There are quite a few women who can compose poetry these days. I heard from Miss that several daughters of high-ranking officials have printed poetry collections, which are being circulated and sold. Our Miss just doesn't like to show off like that. Otherwise, I think she might not be any worse than others."

Cui Ming was preoccupied with her thoughts.

However, it wouldn't be right to wake Qin Yuan up for this. Who knows what the Marquis would think?

The Marquis asked her in front of her, but did not tell her to keep it a secret from the young lady.

They were clearly not worried at all about her telling the young lady.

Why did Lord Gu ask that question?

Cuiming tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Soon she heard Hongye's heavy breathing and occasional teeth grinding.

She really wanted to shake the red leaves.

But in the end, I drifted off to sleep.

The next day, Cuiming got up early and saw that Lord Gu had left Wutong Garden. She immediately stood guard outside the main room, waiting to serve Qin Yuan as she washed and dressed.

After waiting for a while, Qin Yuan finally got up and called for help.

Cuiming quickly carried the hot water inside.

Seeing the large dark circles under her eyes, Qin Yuan asked curiously, "What happened last night?"

Cuiming sighed and said, "When the Marquis returned from the main room, he asked me if any of my poems had been circulated outside. Hongye and I whispered about it for half the night, but we still don't know what the Marquis is up to."

Cuiming got impatient and started babbling incoherently.

Qin Yuan lowered her eyes and pondered carefully.

As Cuiming helped her get dressed, she recounted the events of the previous night, finally saying, "This servant doesn't know if the Marquis said this because he heard some rumors..."

Qin Yuan's heart skipped a beat, and she had a guess. She smiled and said, "Hurry up and comb my hair. Today the Marquis went to the camp, so let's go eat at Mother's Little Kitchen."

Cui Ming: "..."

Seeing that Qin Yuan seemed completely unconcerned, Cui Ming calmed down and, as usual, helped Qin Yuan wash up. Then, she picked up a comb and carefully combed her hair.

Before she could finish combing her hair, the curtain suddenly slammed shut, followed by the heavy sound of boots.

Cui Ming turned her head in surprise and saw Lord Gu walk in. He had bare, muscular arms, wearing only a soaked inner shirt, and a black sweatband tied around his forehead, which was also soaked.

The whole room suddenly felt cramped.

"My lord..."

Cui Ming quickly bowed in greeting.

Gu Jinghui responded indifferently, saying, "Where is Hongye? Quickly tell someone to fetch water. I need to bathe and change clothes so I can dine with Madam."