Chapter 9
Fu'er finally breathed a sigh of relief.
She always remembered that Ning Shiyu was her master.
She had also gotten used to Ning Shiyu's disdain and indifference towards her when he was in a bad mood.
When in a good mood, it's like the care and concern between acquaintances.
They've been treating her much better these past few days, which has made it easier for her to get into bed.
If Ning Shiyu were to take pity on her, it would be even better to let Fu'er become his woman directly.
I won't give any other thoughts.
The look in Ning Shiyu's eyes just now was something Fu'er had never seen before, and she was somewhat afraid.
If it were Ning Shiyu who directly pushed her into bed, she would gladly accept it.
That's what she always planned.
Now, Yun You, whom Ning Shiyu likes, has appeared.
Her cousin once said that if a man who doesn't have any women around him falls in love with one...
It would be much harder to make a move on other women.
That's her situation right now.
Even if she forced herself on him, she couldn't outdo Ning Shiyu.
This makes things even more difficult.
Fu'er was completely ignorant about matters between men and women.
She chuckled and said, "The young master still saw it."
"This servant was wrong. Young master, you can punish this servant by making me copy books. Please don't look at this servant like that again."
"This servant is a little scared."
"It feels like a little orange cat is watching a mouse, making me want to run away without realizing it."
Ning Shiyu looked away uncomfortably, attributing these uncontrollable emotions to being too leisurely lately.
"Hurry up and copy the book. If you say another word, you'll be punished by copying it again."
"My mind is constantly filled with random thoughts."
Wenchun Garden.
During this period, Ning Shiyu did not call Yunyou to Wenxuan Pavilion in the evenings.
I heard that it's Fu'er who's taking care of them.
Even though Fu'er explained that it was a punishment of copying.
Yunyou couldn't figure out what Ning Shiyu really meant to her.
He provides her with the best food and supplies, and he is never cold to her.
Although Fu'er was just a maid, in Yun You's eyes...
She still held a special place in Ning Shiyu's eyes.
"Caiwei, why don't you go and ask Fu'er tomorrow if he's married?"
Caiwei was clever by nature; she was not only quick at her work, but also very shrewd.
Upon hearing this, she knew that Yunyou was worried that Fu'er was losing favor with the young master.
She advised, "Miss, don't worry. In my opinion, the young master only has the intention of being a mistress to Fu'er."
"You can tell from their food, clothing and daily necessities."
“She has been by the young master’s side since she was a child, and she lived in our servants’ quarters, just like the old nanny.”
"Unlike the young lady who, upon arrival, immediately pointed to the courtyard."
Yun You already knew all this, but to confirm, she still insisted, "Of course I know that you treat me differently, young master. As for Fu'er's marriage, you can just ask about it."
"I have my own purpose."
"Remember, don't reveal that this was my intention."
They agreed casually.
As soon as the twelfth lunar month arrives, people begin to prepare for the New Year.
With numerous purchases made at the manor and income from so many shops in Lingyang, the accountant has been extremely busy these days.
Once I get busy, it can last all day.
Zhu Ping, the shop assistant, was in charge of the final accounts. Although he was a year younger than Fu'er, he was responsible for the final accounts.
However, he was much more mature and reliable than Fu'er, and was Uncle Hong's most valued apprentice.
With Uncle Hong away these past few days, Zhu Ping has been managing the dozen or so people in the accounting office.
After several days of such strenuous work, everyone was starting to feel the strain.
Fu'er, in particular, made several mistakes.
Zhu Ping reviewed the order form and corrected it for her.
She didn't blame her, but just reminded Fu'er to be more serious.
The others immediately objected, saying, "Zhu Ping, you're being way too biased."
The accounting office was full of young men who were about to get married; they were neither too old nor too young.
They already knew about the affairs between men and women, and the mere mention of it caused a stir.
"If we make a mistake in the accounts, you won't let us off easily."
“Look how carefully he checked Fu’er’s accounts. He even took out the invoices to check them, afraid that Uncle Hong would blame Fu’er if he found out.”
"Yes, he treats Fu'er differently. Could it be..."
Fu'er immediately interrupted, "Of course he treats me differently; I am his older sister."
"On my first day at the Ning residence, he called me Sister Fu'er."
"Don't think you can bully Uncle Hong just because he's not here. I won't stand for it."
Fu'er has a soft and endearing appearance, and even though she often serves in front of her master, no one is truly afraid of her.
Today she wore a pink vest with rabbit fur trim, making her look younger than her actual age.
She spoke fiercely, yet her tone unconsciously carried a hint of coquettishness.
Like the girl next door, the guys just laughed it off.
"Oh, we didn't know that. You two siblings kept it well hidden."
"Zhu Ping, now that you have a sister, you also need a brother."
"How about the two of us become your older brothers?"
As the conversation between the men became increasingly absurd, Fu'er picked up the ledger in her hand and suddenly threw it at the employee closest to her.
The group laughed even louder.
"See, see, the man and woman are in love and they're even protecting each other."
Zhu Ping's cheeks flushed slightly, and her gaze was somewhat forlorn.
Zhu Ping came to the Ning residence at the age of thirteen, exactly one year younger than Fu'er.
When he first arrived, the people in the household, seeing that he was timid and didn't like to talk, often ordered him to do other things.
Fu'er couldn't stand it and always protected him.
Later, I saw that he could not only read, but also calculate quickly.
Fu'er then recommended him to Uncle Hong.
He is reliable and quick-witted.
Over the course of two years, Uncle Hong also held him in high regard.
Zhu Ping interrupted, saying, "Stop joking around; business is more important."
"The master will be checking the accounts later."
Only then did they calm down and dare not be distracted again.
The following day, the old lady of the Ouyang family celebrated her birthday and sent an invitation to Ning Shiyu, instructing him to bring Fu'er along.
That evening, while Fu'er was serving him his meal, Ning Shiyu brought up the matter.
"You're going to the banquet at the Ouyang residence tomorrow, remember to dress well."
"Don't wear that gray coat again."
"I will have the nanny prepare clothes for you."
Watching her set out plates and cutlery around me.
Ning Shiyu stopped him, saying, "Don't bother, I'll get it myself. Sit down and we'll use it together."
Ning Shiyu had always disliked people serving him food, but he saw Fu'er circling around him.
Thinking of how busy she was in the accounting office all day, I realized she must be tired too.
Tonight's dinner includes braised mutton, duck with lotus seeds and gourd, fish with dogwood, roast goose, venison with winter bamboo shoots.
Lotus seed gourd duck and dogwood fish are Fu'er's favorite foods.
When the meal was being served, her eyes were fixed on the two plates of delicious food.
Instead, he wasn't very interested in the birthday banquet at the Ouyang residence tomorrow.
Her mind was entirely focused on the food she loved.
Seeing how intently she ate, Ning Shiyu also fell silent and began to eat as well.
That evening, Xiang'er brought Fu'er new clothes: a scarlet jacquard satin round-necked jacket and a blue brocade shawl.
In addition, there is a gold-threaded jade plum blossom hairpin and two tasseled jade bead flowers.
A pair of white jade bodhi leaf earrings.
Fu'er was hesitant to wear the robes and jewelry because they were too luxurious.
"Sister Xiang'er, this outfit won't suit me tomorrow, please take it back."
"I also have new clothes."
Xiang'er tapped her forehead. "Silly girl, the clothes your master gave you are what you need."
"Your robes are no match for the master's eyes."
The next day, after breakfast, Fu'er followed Ning Shiyu obediently.
Look at her, she's wearing a new outfit.
She changed her usual double-loop bun to a single spiral bun, which made her look much less childish.
It made her look much fresher and gentler.
Ning Shiyu was stunned for a moment before casually saying, "Get in the car."
Fu'er sat upright in the carriage, without saying a word.
This is quite unlike her.
Ning Shiyu broke the silence and asked, "Is this clothing binding your legs and feet, making you so uncomfortable?"
Having spent many years together, he could usually understand Fu'er's thoughts.
Fu'er smiled sheepishly, "The clothes are comfortable to wear, but I'm afraid the hair ornaments on my head will fall off, and I can't afford to pay for them."
"Can I not wear it?"
In the past, she only had a silver hairpin in her hair, which would never fall off no matter how she moved.
She could even use it as a weapon when fighting with her brother-in-law.
Unlike now, my neck is already sore before we even get to Ouyang's residence.
Ning Shiyu toyed with the jade ring on his hand, and glanced at Fu'er's stiff neck with a half-smile, "You can't not wear it."
"Since the old lady only sent one invitation and asked me to bring you along, your attire is the face of my Ning residence."
"Without hair ornaments, it's too plain, and that would be a disgrace to the Ning family's reputation."
"Since the clothes and jewelry have been given to you, they are yours."
"If it's broken or falls off, you don't have to pay for it."
With those words, Fu'er's stiff bloodline instantly came back to life.
To receive such valuable jewelry and clothing from a trip to the Ouyang residence must be worth several years' worth of her wages.
That's such a great deal!
She smiled and said, "Young master, you are so kind. I've made you spend money again."
Ning Shiyu chuckled and said, "Haven't you made me spend enough money already? Brew some tea."
"yes."
Half an hour later, the carriage arrived at the Ouyang residence in the eastern part of the city.
Fu'er from the Ouyang family had visited several times and they were quite familiar with each other.
It was a three-courtyard house, spacious, but not as luxurious in its furnishings and furnishings as the Ning Residence.
Upon entering the mansion, Ning Shiyu was led into the study by Ouyang Yi's men.
Fu'er was led by a maid to the old lady's main courtyard.
The Ouyang family is considered a prominent family in Lingyang, and they have many guests today.
Fu'er didn't recognize any of them.
Fu'er also prepared gifts for the old lady, including her homemade fumigation medicine and the tonics that Ning Shiyu had given her.
Last time, she helped her sister solve a problem.
It wouldn't be good to show up empty-handed.
The old lady happily accepted it and chatted with Fu'er for a while.
As the number of guests increased, she and Ouyang Yi's wife were busy dealing with them.
Fu'er was then led by the maid to stroll around the backyard.
Soon after, she heard a melodious and graceful piano tune.
Fu'er and her maid followed the sound of the zither to a waterside pavilion called Bibo Pavilion.
A young man in white was seen playing the instrument with great concentration.
He seemed to have forgotten everything around him, focusing only on his own affairs.
When the piece ended, it seemed as if he was still immersed in the music.
Only after the maid bowed to him did Ouyang You slowly raise his eyes to look at her.
She noticed that the maid was somewhat displeased, but when she saw Fu'er beside her...
His gaze paused slightly, and a hint of joy appeared on his pale face.
He came out from behind the zither table.
"Fu'er, you've come."
Fu'er curtsied and said, "Fu'er greets Fourth Master."
Having visited the Ouyang residence many times, Fu'er had heard of this frail fourth master.
She was even less used to Ouyang You's familiar tone.
She took two steps back, putting some distance between herself and him.
Seeing Fu'er's wariness, Ouyang You's eyes darkened.
But deep down he wanted to keep Fu'er and talk to her more.
But they didn't know how to break the awkward atmosphere.
The clever girl immediately pulled Fu'er into the waterside pavilion.
He smiled and said, "Fourth Master, Miss Fu'er really enjoyed the piece you played. Why don't you play another one for her?"
Ouyang You looked at Fu'er with a lack of confidence.
Eyes filled with expectation.
Fu'er praised without reservation: "Fourth Master, the music you played was beautiful, Fu'er liked it very much."
"I just don't know what this piece of music is called. Fu'er seems to have heard it elsewhere."
Ouyang You suddenly became a little nervous, his cheeks flushed slightly, "It doesn't have a name, it's just something I played casually."
“Miss Fu’er, if you would like to hear it again, I will play it once more.”
After saying that, he sat down at the zither table and continued to pluck the strings.
*
In the study, Ning Shiyu was listening to Ouyang Yi recount his experiences upon returning from the capital.
Although the King of Qin's intelligence had already been sent back, it was not as detailed as what Ouyang Yi had said.
Ouyang Yi had just returned from the capital yesterday.
The stone bridge in Lingyang was just repaired a few days ago.
He was going to the capital to attend his in-laws' birthday banquet, and fortunately he set off before the heavy snow.
Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to make this trip to Beijing.
From his few words, Ning Shiyu learned about the Crown Prince's birthday banquet, and that neither he nor his uncle had attended.
Because of the heavy snow, none of the friendly nations we invited went.
Of course, there were also some officials from other places who couldn't arrive because of the long distance and the heavy snow blocking the roads.
Empress Cui and the Crown Prince generously expressed their understanding at the birthday banquet.
In this way, the Cui family could no longer openly punish Ning Shiyu and the King of Qin.
This served as a wake-up call for the Cui family, as many secretly harbored deep resentment towards the Cui clan's control of power.
The absence of guests at the birthday banquet made Empress Cui feel somewhat embarrassed.
Based on Ning Shiyu's understanding of her, he'll probably only outwardly restrain herself.
Who knows what insidious tricks she might use to deal with me in secret?
Just as Ning Shiyu was deep in thought, Ouyang Yi kindly reminded him, "By the way, Your Highness, you should be prepared. There are rumors that the Empress will bestow a marriage upon you."
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