Chapter 93 Leaving the Mansion

Seeing that the young master had been losing his appetite because of Lady Ji, and that the lord was also often emotionally affected by Lady Ji, with both father and son caught up in the situation, how could he not be worried?

After speaking, he stood up and was about to kneel down. Even though these words were unpleasant to hear, as the chief strategist by his lord's side, only he could say these words, and he would gladly accept any blame.

At this moment, the doors and windows were tightly closed, and the Wenxin Pavilion study was quiet and still. Pei Yanzhi looked at Gongsun Li, whose temples were already gray. How could he not know these principles?

"What do you think of my life, sir?"

Gongsun Li suddenly looked up, not expecting his lord to ask such a question. He pondered for a long time before saying, "For all the people of the world, having a lord is a blessing, and for the people of Yanzhou, you are an even more enlightened ruler!"

Pei Yanzhi sighed softly, stood up and helped Gongsun Li up. “What you said was from the perspective of the common people, but for me, Ji Shu is like a drop of water in the desert. I know that this little bit of water can’t quench my thirst, but I still cherish it.”

"Because I know very well that even if I have the whole world in my hands, without her by my side, it would all be meaningless."

Gongsun Li looked at her lord in disbelief. He was the lord of Yanzhou, yet he had said such a thing.

But seeing the loneliness in his eyes, Gongsun Li felt a pang of pain in his heart. The world only knew that he had been guarding Yanzhou from the moment he was born, but no one had ever seen that his lord was not by his side when he was halfway through his life.

Gongsun Li bowed deeply; he understood.

Pei Yanzhi looked at the complex emotions in his eyes, raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Sir, you must come to my wedding next month."

Gongsun Li was stunned, her lips trembling slightly as she said, "My lord... my lord, you mean, you want to be with Lady Ji..."

He nodded slightly, a look of delight in his eyes. Gongsun Li couldn't remember the last time her lord had been so happy.

After a long silence, Gongsun Li sighed and said, "Fine, I'll follow my lord's lead."

...

Ji Shu slept until night fell. When she woke up, the candles in the room were already lit. Just as she was about to speak, her gaze swept across the screen and she caught sight of a figure.

The desk, which seemed to have been moved from somewhere, cast his image in shifting light and shadow under the lamplight, making it impossible to discern the expression on his face.

Pei Yanzhi had practiced martial arts for many years and possessed exceptional hearing. His alertness and sensitivity far exceeded those of ordinary people, and he heard the change in breathing inside the room almost instantly.

It wasn't the lingering feeling of being asleep, but rather the hurried feeling of waking up.

Without thinking, he got up and quickly went to the bedside, looking at Ji Shu, whose cheeks were still flushed after waking up.

He asked gently, "Awake? Are you still feeling unwell?"

Ji Shu pursed her lips and said, "Have you been guarding this place the whole time?"

Pei Yanzhi sat down beside her, looked into her eyes, and said, "You went out while you were asleep. Do you want to get up now?"

“Hmm—” Pei Yanzhi took the dress, unfolded it, and was about to put it on her.

Ji Shu looked at him with suspicion and uncertainty. The man opposite her seemed not to notice her gaze and continued to hold the clothes, seeing that she was not moving.

He looked up at her, as if asking, "What's wrong?"

Ji Shu wanted to ask what was wrong.

It was just her period, but after he did that, it felt like she had a problem with her hands and feet.

Soon, Ji Shu put on her dress, and Chunzhi and the others had already set out dinner.

During the meal, Ji Shu said, "My lord, it is inconvenient to stay here. I would like to return to the East Garden."

It's unlikely that any women would be allowed in his residence, so it's simply inappropriate for me to be living there now.

Ji Shu lowered her head, looking at the grains of rice in the bowl. From an angle she couldn't see, Pei Yanzhi glanced at her thoughtfully a few times.

"Okay, we'll stay here tonight. If you want to go back, we can go back tomorrow morning."

Unexpectedly, he agreed so readily. Ji Shu secretly took a deep breath and desperately suppressed the urge to smile.

Looking at her expression, Pei Yanzhi suddenly said, "Didn't you keep saying that you wanted to move out of the manor and live elsewhere? I've chosen a house for you in Changning Lane. Why don't you take some time to go and take a look tomorrow?"

Ji Shu's expression turned serious; the surprise had come too suddenly for her to react.

He continued, "I've replaced most of the items inside for you, but you'll have to figure out how to handle many of the smaller things yourself. If you need anything, just ask Butler Qiu."

After saying that, he began to eat his meal by himself.

Ji Shu stood there, stunned, staring at Pei Yanzhi, whose expression was indifferent, in disbelief.

But soon, the joy of regaining freedom overshadowed everything else; all he knew was that he was no longer confined to this world! Had he suddenly come to a realization?

He still felt she was boring, unwilling to please him, and unable to provide him with emotional value.

So you're disgusted with it?

But thinking about what had just happened inside the house, it didn't make sense. Oh well, what's done is done. If I can't figure it out, I won't think about it anymore.

Pei Yanzhi was unaware that so many thoughts had already crossed her mind.

Early the next morning, Ji Shu excitedly said to the two maids who were still doing her hair and makeup, "Zhi'er, Lian'er, we'll pack our things in a bit. If we're quick, we can leave the manor this afternoon."

Chunzhi was so startled that she dropped the sandalwood comb from her hand. "What?"

"Young lady, what brings you out of the manor?"

Don't blame her for reacting this way; given how much the lord values ​​the lady, he practically wants to hold her in the palm of his hand.

Ji Shu glared at her, "After leaving the manor, the Marquis found us a new house. From now on, we'll be free and won't have to live in the manor anymore."

Lian'er exclaimed, "Is what the young lady said true?"

Seeing their incredulous expressions, she couldn't help but wonder if she had been like that last night, and whether he had noticed.

“Of course it’s true. After you’ve packed your things, you can go and pack your luggage. I’ll go and say goodbye to Madam Pei. I’ve been staying at the manor for so long, I should at least say goodbye before I leave.”

After getting ready, Ji Shu took Lian'er to Fushou Garden. At that time, Madam Pei was having breakfast. When she heard that Ji Shu had arrived, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.

Tell Granny Chang to quickly invite her in. She knows all about what has happened in the manor these days and knows that her son is really too wicked.

As Ji Shu approached, Madam Pei stood up and took her hand. "You look much better today than you have a few days ago. Have you had breakfast yet?"

She was about to bow when Madam Pei gestured that it was unnecessary and pulled her to sit down beside her. "Have some with me. I'm just afraid these are too bland and won't suit your tastes, young people."

Looking at the kind-looking old lady, Ji Shu was inexplicably reminded of her own grandmother, who was also a loving old woman.

She nodded, concealing the tears welling up in her eyes, and said with a smile, "How could that be? The breakfast served here by the old lady is something most people can't afford."

Madam Pei smiled and said, "Look at that little mouth, it's much more lively than usual today."

Ji Shu took the steamed bun, smiled, took a bite, and smiled back.