Chapter 40 No Need to Thank You

The wedding date of the third daughter and the fourth son of the Xiao family was set for one year later, Xiao Jinshan's in December and Xiao Jinwen's in mid-autumn.

Compared to the two or three years of preparation time for others, one year is a bit tight, but it is still possible.

Ever since the third young lady's marriage was arranged, Chen had not allowed her to go out.

In addition to embroidering her own wedding dress, Xiao Jinshan now also has to help the second wife with the accounts and learn some management affairs of the inner house.

Occasionally, when Xu Shuyao went to Jinhua Hall, she would come out and ask questions out of curiosity.

In fact, her cousin was also trapped in the mansion every day. How could she have anything new to tell her?

But there is one thing today: "Mrs. Ruan from the Shen Mansion came to invite the young masters and young ladies from the Chengguo Mansion to a small banquet."

As soon as the words came out, the third cousin's eyes widened. "There's such a thing! So, are you going, big brother?"

Xu Shuyao spread her hands and said, "This... I don't know either."

The person in front of him tsks, then says excitedly, "Have you seen Sister Shen? How is she now? Is she okay?"

"Looks good." Xu Shuyao frowned and thought for a while. Except for her pale face, she looked calm and composed.

In fact, compared to the last time she came, she felt more relaxed and at ease, probably because her marriage was settled.

It's the Ruan family...

When she thought of Ruan, she couldn't help but recall the lady's appearance in Songhe Hall, which was even more humble and flattering than last time.

Through this Ruan, Xu Shuyao would unconsciously think of Xiao Chen.

When he came to his senses, he was surprised that he had paid too much attention to this woman who had nothing to do with him.

Then she found a reason. Perhaps, subconsciously, she was a little jealous of the young lady favored by the woman.

"How can she be fine? The concubine is not even allowed to hold a wedding. She is the granddaughter of Master Shen and the only daughter of Shen Xinian..." The series of questions from the opposite side made Xu Shuyao not know how to respond.

I could only mumble, "Could it be...that she could refuse the marriage?"

Unexpectedly, Xiao Jinshan heard it and leaned close to her ear and said, "People are saying that the Second Prince stole my eldest brother's marriage, but why did he only give him the position of concubine? This is too..."

She wanted to say that she didn't cherish him, but Shen Jingshu actually swallowed this breath!

However, Xu Shuyao didn't want to speculate with her. Whether Xiao Mo wanted to break up the engagement or Shen Jingshu wanted to marry someone rich and powerful, it was none of her business.

They are wasting their time and energy talking to others for no reason. It would be better for them to eat more good food.

Speaking of food, Xu Shuyao quickly said, "I made eight-treasure cake today and brought you a box. Would you like to try it?"

Xiao Jinshan then asked the maid to bring it to her for a taste.

After leaving Jinhua Hall, Xu Shuyao looked at the time and estimated that Old Madam Xiao should be up by now.

The elderly have the habit of taking a nap. Generally, they sleep for half an hour or an hour after lunch every day.

They went back to Jiyunzhai to get the box of Eight Treasures Cake prepared for the old lady, and then went all the way to Songhetang.

The maid who was guarding the door and opening the curtain saw her and seemed to want to say something, but did not stop her. Xu Shuyao did not care.

But as soon as she stepped into the Xiangfei bamboo curtain, she saw a man sitting inside with a smile on his face. He was talking to the old man, looking casual and relaxed.

Who else could this person be if not Xiao Mo? !

Xu Shuyao was dazzled by the smile on his face. It was the first time she saw the prince smile so sincerely.

It's not that kind of coldness, but a light and casual smile.

In the current situation, she was at a loss as to whether to advance or retreat.

It was Old Madam Xiao who spoke first: "What are you standing there for? Come in!" and waved to her.

The man in brocade robe who was originally sitting sideways also turned his head, and Xu Shuyao bowed to him, "My Lord!"

I don’t know whether this person nodded or just curled his lips.

She was already walking towards Old Madam Xiao, standing beside the stool brought by the maid and said, "Shu Yao made Eight Treasures Cake this morning. She put in Poria cocos, Euryale ferox and other spleen-strengthening ingredients. I brought it here especially for you, Old Madam, to try."

Having said that, he opened the food box in his hand, and a sweet fragrance came out.

The stool brought by the maid was very close to the old lady. Naturally, Xiao Mo, who was sitting on the other side of the old lady, was not far away either.

He watched quietly as the girl walked to his grandmother's side, her voice intimate and seemingly genuine.

The smell of pastries filled his nostrils for a moment. Xiao Mo was not used to sweets, so his brows naturally furrowed.

Madam Xiao had already tasted a piece from Xu Shuyao's hand and said, "It tastes good, and you have a very skillful hand."

After finishing the meal, he smiled and said to Aunt Liu who was not far away: "It seems that I will have to have an extra bowl of porridge tonight."

Aunt Liu also agreed with a smile: "Isn't it? The porridge that my cousin brought this morning was excellent."

He turned around and asked her what she had put in, and Xu Shuyao answered seriously.

The old lady noticed that her eldest grandson hadn't said anything for a while. Perhaps she thought it was boring for him to sit here alone, so she urged him, "Didn't you just say you had something to do? Go ahead!"

Xiao Mo raised his eyebrows and looked at the food box containing the Eight Treasures Cake. He saw that there was a piece missing from the pointed plate. It was the piece that his grandmother and the girl from the Xu family had just eaten.

He stood up, lifted his robe and walked away.

Xu Shuyao breathed a sigh of relief. With such a person standing in front of her, she really didn't know how to deal with it.

He simply called someone and only spoke to the old lady.

She didn't stay in Songhe Hall for long. After coming out, she walked south.

Perhaps it was because she had just met the prince, she walked to the corner and looked towards the road leading to Mingzhe Hall. When she saw that there was actually a person sitting in the pavilion above, Xu Shuyao closed her eyes, somewhat unwilling to face it.

She hesitated for a long time about whether to go up and say hello, then thought about how this person had helped A-di before, and finally took a step forward, walked up the few low steps, bowed and said, "Young Master!"

The man was sitting high up, so he must have seen her a long time ago. No one knew what he was looking at at this moment, and it took him a long time to turn his head.

Xu Shuyao could feel Xiao Mo's gaze on her. Seeing that he was silent, she continued, "Shuyao came up to thank you for helping my younger brother get into the Imperial College."

"That's not necessary. It's your brother's own ability." The man's indifferent voice came from above, just like the feeling he gave people at this moment, with the coolness of late autumn.

Xu Shuyao raised her head in surprise. From the impatient look in the prince's eyes, she believed what he said.

My brother is an excellent student, but he lacks opportunities and a pair of hands to lift him up.

And the person in front of me is undoubtedly those hands.

But he flatly denied his role in it.

He disdained her gratitude.

Of course, it is also to distance oneself.

After Xu Shuyao figured it out, she didn't feel sad.

On the contrary, she almost cheered inwardly for his businesslike attitude.

As a little woman with nothing but herself, she doesn't want to be chased by anyone to ask for a favor.