Chapter 51 shows considerable enthusiasm for the matter of "eating".
In the end, Xiao Jingheng said nothing, gave her a deep look, and then turned to leave with Madam Liu.
Xiao Lingxi slumped on the bed, looking like she had just escaped a disaster.
She couldn't help but reflect; the truth would eventually come out. This time, the older brother almost discovered that Xiaoyu had nearly caused a death while trying to take the blame for him.
What about next time?
What about the next time?
Does she and Shen Moyan have to stay in this ambiguous, shameful relationship forever?
Xiao Lingxi felt that things couldn't continue like this.
For several days in a row, Xiao Lingxi was unusually well-behaved, not leaving the manor, but visiting Su Xiaoyu in the courtyard whenever she had free time. She also brought a lot of tonics and rare medicinal herbs.
"Make sure you get proper nourishment, so that word doesn't get out that our Marquis's mansion mistreated its servants and tarnished the mansion's reputation."
Su Xiaoyu naturally bowed and thanked him politely, putting on a very good show.
However, after visiting many times, Xiao Lingxi gradually saw a completely different side of Su Xiaoyu.
That is, although Su Xiaoyu is usually lazy and a bit silly.
But when it comes to eating, they are incredibly passionate, and possess a wealth of imagination and creativity.
Her courtyard was always filled with all sorts of strange fragrances.
Xiao Lingxi witnessed her tinkering with things she had never seen before, such as fermented tofu that smelled strange in a jar, a bright red "fermented broad bean paste" that smelled rich after fermentation, and a kind of dark "sauce".
Just drizzle a little on the dish while cooking, and the color and flavor of the whole dish can be instantly elevated several levels!
She also used her homemade sauces to create many new dishes, which made Xiao Lingxi's stomach rumble.
"What is this? It's all black and mushy. Can we eat it?" Xiao Lingxi frowned, looking disgusted.
But at the same time, I couldn't help but feel curious.
Su Xiaoyu smiled and served a small dish of braised pork, which was cooked with soy sauce and brown sugar.
"If Miss doesn't mind, why don't you try it? See how it tastes salty?"
Xiao Lingxi initially pretended to be reserved, hesitated for a moment, and then reluctantly accepted it and took a small bite.
The next moment, her eyes lit up, but she quickly concealed it.
He mumbled, "It's...it's alright, barely passable..."
But after that, she visited Su Xiaoyu's courtyard more frequently, ostensibly to 'supervise' Su Xiaoyu's recovery, but actually to sample various delicious snacks and side dishes.
Moreover, she would also give Xiaoyu gifts, such as hairpins and silver. When giving them, she would still act as if she were rewarding her, waiting for Su Xiaoyu to bow and thank her.
Su Xiaoyu readily complied, always putting on a flattered expression and politely expressing her gratitude, giving him plenty of face.
Over time, the tension between the two had eased considerably. Although on the surface the master and servant remained distinct, a subtle reconciliation was gradually taking shape.
...
Meanwhile, Shen Moyan waited patiently in the private room of the teahouse for several days, but still couldn't see Xiao Lingxi.
Worry and unease gradually arose in his heart.
He worried that their chance encounter on the street would come to light, implicating Xiao Lingxi and causing her to be punished or confined.
If Xiao Lingxi doesn't leave, his subsequent plans will be difficult to execute. Moreover, the timing isn't right yet, so Shen Moyan is quite anxious.
That day, he waited at the teahouse as usual, and when Xiao Lingxi did not come, his mood became increasingly heavy.
Just then, Lin Wan'er happened to pass by the silk shop next door. Seeing this, Shen Moyan mustered up his courage and went up to greet Lin Wan'er:
"Miss Lin, please wait a moment."
Shen Moyan bowed respectfully, adopting a very humble posture: "I apologize for disturbing you. I just wanted to ask if Miss Lingxi has contacted you recently? I haven't seen her for many days, and I've been really worried about her. However, I was afraid of being presumptuous and dared not send an invitation to inquire."
Lin Wan'er stopped in her tracks, her mind racing.
This person actually asked her about Xiao Lingxi in public. Was he afraid that others wouldn't know about their affair?
But it's all good. She was just worried about not finding a reason to enter the Marquis's residence, and Shen Moyan provided her with an excellent excuse.
“Young Master Shen is very kind. I heard that Sister Lingxi accidentally fell into the water in the manor a few days ago and caught a cold. She needs to rest for a while before she can go out.”
"Fell into the water?"
Shen Moyan was startled upon hearing this. The worry on his face deepened.
"However, Young Master Shen need not worry too much."
Lin Wan'er changed the subject: "I was just about to choose a gift to visit Lingxi at the Marquis's residence. Since Young Master Shen is so concerned, why don't I convey his greetings? That way, Lingxi can know your feelings and feel comforted."
Shen Moyan was extremely grateful and bowed respectfully, saying, "In that case, I'll have to trouble Miss Lin! I can't thank you enough!"
Immediately afterwards, he took out a carefully wrapped brocade pouch from his sleeve and presented it with both hands:
"This is a 'delicate poem plaque' from the previous dynasty that I stumbled upon at a bookstore the other day. It is said to be an old item belonging to a talented woman. It is not particularly valuable, but it is elegant and tasteful, which matches Miss Lingxi's temperament. I would like to trouble Miss Lin to pass it on to her, saying that... I hope she will recover soon."
Lin Wan'er took the jade pendant, a hint of mockery flashing in her eyes.
Shen Moyan's methods are indeed clever.
“Young Master Shen is very kind. This item is elegant, and Sister Lingxi will surely like it. I will definitely convey your... feelings of concern to her.”
They do know how to use others' talents to curry favor, but that's fine too.
The more Xiao Lingxi, that silly girl, felt that the other person was compatible with her and shared similar tastes, the deeper she fell in love.
...
Soon, Lin Wan'er first sent an invitation to Xiao Lingxi, and then formally paid him a visit.
The gatekeeper, having received instructions, respectfully welcomed her into the mansion and led her to the Brocade Pavilion.
It was springtime, and the Hou Mansion was filled with pavilions, terraces, and towers, with lush flowers and trees, creating a pleasant scene.
As we passed through a moon gate, two maids carrying boxes of snacks approached us, seemingly talking in hushed tones.
"...It's true! I saw it with my own eyes. The young master was soaking wet, carrying Little Fish out of the water. His face was terrifyingly pale..."
"My God, the young master actually went into the water to save a maid?"
"You didn't see it. The way the young master looked at me was like he wanted to kill me. It was the first time I'd ever seen the young master lose his composure like that!"
"Tsk tsk, Miss Xiaoyu has actually turned misfortune into blessing, managing to make the young master so nervous..."
"That's right? I heard that the young master even put aside his official duties to take care of her..."
The two maids walked further and further away, but their words pierced Lin Wan'er's heart like needles.
She tightened the handkerchief in her sleeve and paused slightly.
Xiao Jingheng actually jumped into the icy pond for that lowly maid Su Xiaoyu?
A surge of jealousy and shock welled up inside Lin Wan'er, making it nearly impossible for her to maintain her composure.
She had thought that Xiao Jingheng might treat Su Xiaoyu differently, but she never expected it to have come to this!
What merit or ability does a lowly maidservant possess!
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