Chapter 21 Separation: The Uninvited Guest

When Zhu Xuanning was staying at Taiqing Temple, it took three days for the Zhu family to send some things over.

"It's been three days, and you're only now thinking of sending things over." Song Zhaohan slammed the things she was holding onto the table when she heard the news.

"A dozen or so servants have brought a cartload of things. Would you like to go and take a look?" Wei Ying carefully put away the documents for him and asked.

"Of course I have to see. I want to see what the Qin family has prepared after all these days of hard work." Song Zhaohan sneered, lifting her clothes and walking out.

At this moment, Ji Yucheng was still fiddling with the scar removal cream. When Song Zhaohan dragged him out, he still had a cold face.

"What are you doing?" Ji Yucheng shook off his hand and was about to go back. He was in no good mood just looking at Song Zhaohan.

"Come with me to see what Qin has prepared for Aning." After Song Zhaohan finished speaking, Ji Yucheng stopped in her tracks.

"What do you want me to do? Just accompany you on this trip." Ji Yucheng said coldly.

"Weren't you doing divination the past few days? Do you mean you need a servant to deliver your homework to me? Accompanying me is just a side thing."

"Besides, Aning is still your patient. If anything sent is detrimental to her recovery, you can tell me directly." Song Zhaohan didn't want to leave a bad impression on Aning, so he brought Yu Cheng along to give him an excuse.

Ji Yucheng frowned with a cold expression, but did not refute Song Zhaohan's words again.

"Wait a moment," Ji Yucheng said to Song Zhaohan, then returned to her courtyard and picked out some papers.

He carefully folded it so that no one could see the writing inside, then walked back to Song Zhaohan's side and raised his chin: "Let's go."

Song Zhaohan glanced at the paper that Ji Yucheng was holding in her sleeve, with only a small part of her face showing, and couldn't make out the contents, so she gave up and looked away, saying, "Let's go."

When they arrived at the temple, the cartload of boxes was piled up to the side. Sitting on the stone railing, Po Mo was wiping away tears. She had her back to everyone and didn't see Song Zhaohan and the others coming over.

Song Zhaohan stopped in her tracks, glanced at Wei Ying, and Wei Ying immediately stepped forward to greet Tu Mo.

Upon seeing tears streaming down Po Mo's face, Wei Ying was taken aback: "Sister Po Mo, did you fall down?"

That was a skillful question.

Po Mo immediately wiped away her tears, stood up and bowed to Song Zhaohan and Ji Yucheng, then cleared her throat and replied, "I'm sorry to have made you laugh, young master and Marquis Ji. I tripped over the box and fell."

"Is this box very heavy?" Song Zhaohan immediately got to the point.

Ji Yucheng also looked at her.

Splashing Ink was at a loss for words.

"Why don't you answer?" Ji Yu's clear, cold tone rose slightly as she asked, puzzled.

Now, Po Mo had no choice but to answer. Before she could speak, tears streamed down her face. She knelt down and kowtowed to the two men, choking out, "I originally wanted to uphold my master's dignity, but now I dare not deceive him any longer."

The box wasn't heavy; it was mostly empty boxes meant to make a show of things. The lady wanted to save face, so she only sent half a box of medicine and this month's allowance to her daughter. She then instructed the maid to accompany her daughter to the temple to recuperate and recover before returning to the mansion.

The maid sat on the threshold, tears streaming down her face, not because the trunk had tripped her, but because she felt sorry for her mistress.

Ordinary families who dote on their children would never send such a small gift to a girl who has been injured. The Zhu family, however, sent the gift in a grand manner, leaving no one behind, and departed without even leaving the gift.

Upon hearing this, Song Zhaohan stepped forward and opened a box, followed by a stream of servants.

With a crash, Song Zhaohan kicked over an empty box, which rolled once and landed at Ji Yucheng's feet.

Song Zhaohan pressed her peach-red lips down, coldly mocking, "I thought Qin had suddenly come to her senses. A dozen or so servants pulled a cart full of boxes over, making a big show of it and parading through the streets."

When they arrived at the temple and opened the box, most of it was empty. The remaining few pieces were so meager that even a poor relative giving alms wouldn't be so perfunctory.

While Po Mo was still kneeling on the ground sobbing, Ji Yucheng asked someone to bring over the half-box of medicinal herbs. After looking at them, he remained silent for a while and then said, "The herbs are acceptable."

To be described as "acceptable" by Ji Yucheng meant that the quality was not bad, but this did not quell Song Zhaohan's anger. He asked three questions in a row: "No money? No change of clothes? Not even food was provided?"

"Young Master, the manor did send over a set of clothes. Madam said that it's a blessing in disguise that Miss can stay at Taiqing Temple. She thought that Miss could cultivate in the temple for a while and share in the good fortune." Pomo replied slowly and deliberately.

"Good fortune?" Song Zhaohan smiled: "I'll give this good fortune to Qin Shi and see if she wants it or not."

"Don't kneel anymore. Go back and take care of your young lady. If she asks, just tell her the truth. Don't let her continue to think of Qin Shi as a good person. I will make up for anything that is missing or lacking." Song Zhaohan called out to splash ink.

Once Ji Yucheng saw that the matter was settled, he turned to leave, saying, "Put those boxes away properly."

"Wait a minute." Song Zhaohan pulled Ji Yucheng aside, ignoring Ji Yucheng's cold expression, and said to him with a smile, "Yucheng, I want to discuss something with you. I'll pay to make up for Aning's shortage, and then I'll borrow your connections. Consider it a favor I owe you. Is that okay?"

After leaving Taiqing Temple, Pomo wiped away her tears, showing no sign of sadness on her face.

Miss had already told her what Madam Zhu would send and guessed what it would be. Some of the scenes of her sitting on the steps crying were out of concern for Miss, but most of the time it was because she twisted her own arm that she shed tears.

"How was it?" Zhu Xuanning asked her as soon as she entered the room.

"Young lady, you are truly amazing. Everything is exactly as you predicted." As Po Mo said this, his eyes clearly shone with admiration.

"Did you do everything I said?" Zhu Xuanning asked again.

Po Mo then stepped forward with a smile: "That's natural."

After saying that, she took out a letter from among them: "This is a letter from Miss Baoyue."

Zhu Xuanning opened the letter and read it quickly. Half of the letter was filled with concern, while the other half was a complaint about her trip with the young master of the Zhenguo Mansion a few days ago.

Zhu Xuanning read the letter, then smiled and let it go without commenting on the matter.

"Miss, have you really made your choice? Aren't you going to look around some more?" Po Mo couldn't help but ask, recalling Song Zhaohan and Ji Yucheng's reactions in front of her.

In her opinion, Young Master Ji's personality was too cold. She hoped that her future son-in-law would be someone who was considerate and caring towards the young lady.

Zhu Xuanning's gaze was unusually empty for a moment. She put down the letter, propped her small arm on the desk, rested her chin on her hand, and pondered: "Maybe, Po Mo, you know I don't want to be a concubine."

A concubine is nothing but a plaything, only useful for borrowing power; what she truly desires is real power and influence.

In fact, Ji Yucheng was not the best solution, but there was no other way. Time was running out for her. Once Zhu Baoyue had made up her mind, Qin Shi would set her sights on her.

After giving instructions, Song Zhaohan returned to her courtyard. It was already noon, and Wei Ying arrived late after Song Zhaohan had finished her meal.

Song Zhaohan had just wiped his mouth and hadn't even spoken when Wei Ying bowed and gave him all the reports he wanted to hear.

"Young Master, the best accountants have been hired. The Fifth Miss has instructed the accountants on all expenses before and after your trip to Jiangnan, and they have been responsible for calculating your expenses in batches. These accountants are all experienced and will not make any mistakes."

The Fifth Miss's favorite foods and usual items are all listed in the register. Even if you go to Jiangnan, the managers of those shops will send people to deliver them every day. In addition, silks, satins, hairpins and jewelry have all been paid in cash and entrusted to the young marquis to purchase.

Everything is done through the young master's connections; it has absolutely nothing to do with you.

After Wei Ying finished her greetings, she presented several notebooks filled with notes. The notes were clearly organized, and Song Zhaohan carefully opened them, a smile appearing on her face: "Good, reward me."

Song Zhaohan untied the purse from her waist, and this time she didn't just pick out a few at random, but gave the whole bag to Weiying.

Wei Ying accepted the gift and thanked her, her eyebrows practically dancing with a smile.

After he left, he returned a while later with the prepared medicine: "Young Master, it's time to drink your medicine."

Song Zhaohan took the medicine, and the smell of it made him frown: "Did you send the candied fruit to Aning's side?"

"Don't worry, I'll bring it every time," Wei Ying replied. She waited until Song Zhaohan finished her drink before clearing away the dishes. When Wei Ying returned, she informed Song Zhaohan that it was time to leave.

Song Zhaohan, holding the safety amulet in her hand, did not respond. Instead, she beckoned Wei Ying over: "Take a look, which of my things matches this safety amulet the best?"

Wei Ying's gaze fell on the items on Song Zhaohan's table, examining them closely. Before she could answer, Song Zhaohan continued, "I originally wanted to tie it to this sword, but after thinking about it, it seems it would look better if I asked Aning to make a tassel."

As soon as Song Zhaohan finished speaking, she immediately rejected her idea: "Forget it, A-Ning is too embarrassed to give me a peace buckle, so if I ask her to make a sword tassel, wouldn't that be putting her in a difficult position?"

"Young Master, why don't you choose after you get on the ship? Steward Zhao has already sent people twice." Wei Ying said helplessly. Steward Zhao had sent someone to urge them this morning, and he came again when he went to get the medicine. If he comes a third time and the young master still doesn't go out, then it won't make sense.

"Alright, I understand." Song Zhaohan replied perfunctorily, then frowned and said, "Bring me my silver box."

"Yes." Wei Ying responded and handed the box to Song Zhaohan. Song Zhaohan opened the lid, randomly pulled out a stack of notes, paused for a moment, and then pulled out another stack. He repeated this three times until the box full of silver notes was almost empty.

Wei Ying, on the verge of tears, stopped Song Zhaohan: "Young Master, there's too little left. This won't do. We really can't explain this to him."

Song Zhaohan glanced at Wei Ying, who was kneeling on the ground blocking him, and seeing that he was not giving an inch, she could only put it back halfway.

Wei Ying wanted to say more, but Song Zhaohan glanced at him again, so Wei Ying could only shut up with a bitter face.

When Song Zhaohan went to say goodbye to Zhu Xuanning, Zhu Xuanning was taking a nap.

When Po Mo saw Song Zhaohan coming over, he was about to wake Zhu Xuanning, but Song Zhaohan stopped him by raising her hand.

"I'll just take a quick look and leave, don't wake her." Song Zhaohan's temper would be a bit better when dealing with Zhu Xuanning's servants.

Song Zhaohan walked lightly to Zhu Xuanning's side, and the girl, who was already a light sleeper, immediately woke up.

"Ah Zhao?" She rubbed her eyes, recognized the person, and her soft hum was somewhat muffled.

"Did I wake you up?" Song Zhaohan was brushing Zhu Xuanning's hair back when she saw that Zhu Xuanning had woken up, and she paused.

Zhu Xuanning tried to sit up, but someone pressed down on her shoulder: "Lie down, you don't need to get up. I just came to tell you that we'll be setting off soon."

Zhu Xuanning was stunned for a moment. Perhaps because she had just woken up, her beautiful face revealed a charming innocence.

Song Zhaohan couldn't help but touch the sleep marks left on her cheek, her lips curving upwards, her peach blossom eyes filled with tenderness and amusement: "This trip will take at least a month, and at most half a year. If you miss me, just send me a message through Yu Cheng or Yu Er."

Don't go back to the Zhu residence before I return. If you get bored staying here too long, you can move to my courtyard or the estate where you stayed last time. Then, hire an opera singer or a storyteller to entertain you."

As Song Zhaohan spoke, she thought for a moment before taking out the safety buckle she had been hiding in her sleeve: "A-Ning, tie it around my waist."

Zhu Xuanning stared at the jade-encrusted peace buckle, her mouth agape in astonishment and shock: "Isn't this the peace buckle I kept under my pillow? When did you take it and even encrust it with jade?"

Zhu Xuanning reached out to take it back, but Song Zhaohan didn't stop her. She just leaned forward and said, "Don't worry about when I took it, just tie it for me, my dear Aning."

Song Zhaohan lowered her head, her beautiful peach blossom eyes shimmering with mist when she looked down, and when her tone softened and she acted coquettishly, it was hard to refuse her.

Zhu Xuanning bit her lip and gave in: "I understand."

She snorted and stopped pursuing Song Zhaohan's unauthorized actions, angrily fastening the button to his jade belt.

Perhaps out of venting, he deliberately tugged at it.

Song Zhaohan wasn't angry; she just thought she was like a sulking little raccoon dog, extremely cute.

The boy lowered his head, his fingers twirling the girl's dark hair, and coaxed her in a hoarse voice, "I know you're unhappy, so don't bother me now. I'll apologize to you when I get back, okay?"

Zhu Xuanning turned her head, said "Oh," and tied the final knot.

"Young Master, it's time to go." Wei Ying's urging voice came from outside.

"Is there anything you want to tell me?" Song Zhaohan asked her.

Zhu Xuanning's delicate eyebrows furrowed upwards, and she remained silent.

Song Zhaohan chuckled, not annoyed at all. She cupped her face in her hands, then leaned down and bit her fair earlobe.

The girl gasped, her eyes welling with tears. Just as she was about to slap Song Zhaohan away, someone kissed the corner of her eye again: "You little ingrate, fine, don't say it then. Now that you remember the pain, you can't forget me when you're having too much fun."

Song Zhaohan covered her vision, and the trembling eyelashes in his palm made the boy want to cry.

The rustling of clothes came from behind. Song Zhaohan raised her hand, gently touched the earlobe where the teeth marks were, stroked it for a while, and then stood up: "I'm leaving."

When Song Zhaohan stepped out of the room, Wei Ying was already waiting outside. Song Zhaohan took off his purse and handed it to Po Mo, who stood at the door for a while.

"Young Master?" Wei Ying glanced at the closed room and called out hesitantly.

"Let's go." Song Zhaohan concealed the disappointment in her eyes, slightly raised her chin, and glanced at Wei Ying.

Only after Song Zhaohan left did Pomo enter the room.

A beautiful young woman with pearly white teeth and a delicate face sat on the couch, without any makeup, yet possessing a natural charm: "Are you gone?"

Po Mo nodded, then handed the purse to Zhu Xuanning: "This was given to you by the young master, who said it's for you to use to pass the time."

Zhu Xuanning paused for a moment, her hand resting on her ear, then took the purse and opened it.

The stacks of banknotes filled her purse, making her dizzy with envy.

But Zhu Xuanning's eyes didn't show any intense desire. She touched her still sore earlobe and hissed, "Keep it. Consider it compensation for me."

After Zhu Xuanning finished speaking, she called Po Mo over to grind ink for her. After writing an ordinary letter, she took out a few more sheets and gave them to Po Mo: "Go to the mansion and deliver this letter to Zhu Baoyue. Be careful if anyone is following you. After that, use this money to buy some manpower, shops, and a house."

Po Mo accepted the letter and banknotes, suddenly feeling a heavy weight on her shoulders. She nodded emphatically to Zhu Xuanning and then went out.

Zhu Xuanning placed the purse on the conspicuous table, let out a breath, and revealed her true emotions on her face, which was usually covered by a mask.

A gold-plated incense burner, inlaid with gemstones, emitted wisps of purple smoke, while several books with curled edges were piled on a neatly arranged table.

When Qiu Man quietly pushed open the door, the tinkling of the wind chimes woke up the people sleeping in the room.

"What is it?" The large bed was carved from rosewood and draped with a light blue silk canopy. The young man's pale and slender hand, like a handful of snow falling from a bamboo forest, slowly and weakly lifted the canopy.

The green gauze curtain embroidered with auspicious clouds and cranes was rolled up, half-concealing and half-revealing the sickly, pale yet beautiful face of the young man.

Qiu Man quickly poured a glass of water, knelt down, and offered it to the boy to moisten his lips.

He took a small, weak sip, and his voice softened slightly: "Go ahead and speak."

"An angel sent you a message: the young master is going to Jiangnan today and is asking if you would like some travel gifts sent with him." Qiu Man asked cautiously, already prepared for Yan Hengdan's anger.

As expected, Yan Hengdan, who had been in a calm mood, suddenly sneered after hearing this: "Send him a travel gift? Who does he think he is to me? Does he deserve to be asked to send him a travel gift?"

Yan Hengdan changed the subject and stood up, taking Qiu Man's hand.

Yan Hengdan, who was already ill, turned her angry sarcasm into a cold laugh when she heard that Song Zhaohan had left: "She's finally gone. Let's see who can protect that social climber without Song Ming."

If it weren't for the fact that the person above him was afraid he would die in Jiangnan and absolutely refused to let him go, he could have caused Song Ming some trouble on the road. It's just a pity that now he can only annoy that clueless girl.

Qiu Man guessed what Yan Hengdan was thinking and hurriedly stopped him: "Young Master, you are not fully recovered yet. The doctor wants you to rest. Please don't do anything else."

“Indeed.” Yan Hengdan nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly with the idea of ​​seeking perfection.

Qiu Man was stunned for a moment, still wondering why the young master had suddenly become so easy to talk to, not losing his temper with him, and being so easily persuaded.

But the next second, Yan Hengdan asked him to get his clothes and change. When assigning Qiu Man the task, a creepy smile appeared on his face: "But when I think about being able to deal with people and vent my anger, I feel great, and my illness is almost cured."

"Go, prepare my visiting card and send it to Yu Er. I'll go and meet that brat who hasn't even grown up yet." Yan Hengdan's voice was laced with frost.

Despite being unable to stop Qiu Man, he had no choice but to reluctantly comply.

The so-called visiting card was not sent by Qiu Man, but was personally delivered by Yan Hengdan to Yu Xuan.

Yu Xuan felt utterly overwhelmed looking at the uninvited guest who had directly handed him the visiting card.

"What are you doing here?" Yu Xuan put down the book in his hand and sighed deeply.

"What? You can all come, but I can't?" Yan Hengdan, draped in a snow-white fox fur coat, had half her face buried in the snow, her overly flamboyant appearance cold and sinister.

Yu Xuan personally offered his seat to him, and said in a good-natured manner, "Aren't you still sick? The temperature difference in the mountains is huge, can you stand it?"

Yan Hengdan's downturned lips curled up slightly, and she didn't tease him anymore. She held the visiting card between her pale fingers and handed it to Yu Xuan: "Do I still look even slightly ill? Isn't Yu Cheng here? Where is he?"

"Perhaps he's studying a prescription." Yu Xuan accepted the visiting card, calmly opened a policy essay with many red circles around it, and said gently, "Now that you've recovered, it's a good time for you to take a look at this policy essay with me."

Yu Xuan stalled for time, then summoned his personal servant: "Go and fetch a pot of cool boiled water."

Yu Xuan's gaze swept over Yan Hengdan and then fell on the servant.

Shuqing pondered for a moment, then sighed and withdrew, heading straight for the small kitchen. When she felt no one was behind her, she quietly turned onto the back path of the small kitchen and went to Zhu Xuanning's courtyard.

Author's Note: [Pity][Pity] No abuse on the younger sister! Yu Er went to inform her, and Ji Yucheng was secretly protecting her.