Before long, Zhang Xiaoyu came running up.
Because she was running so fast and panting heavily, the fullness of her figure, covered by the fitted long dress she was wearing, swayed with her rapid breathing, creating a spectacular sight.
Zhu Xinning stood there, taking in all the scenery, and couldn't help but think to herself, "This brat has good taste; he really knows how to pick people." She was also a little envious.
But after thinking about it, I immediately realized what it meant.
Wait a minute, she has it, and so do I!
So, without making a sound, she straightened her chest and felt at ease only after realizing that she was in no way inferior to Zhang Xiaoyu.
Zhang Xiaoyu was only focused on running, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes filled with an excitement she hadn't shown in so many days. Naturally, she didn't pay attention to Zhu Xinning's every move.
"Water, water!"
After closing the door, Zhang Xiaoyu called for water while panting, "Second Sister, Xiangrong... I, I know what happened!"
"..."
Zhu Xinning glanced downstairs again. There were only a few people left outside Wenxiangju, and less than a quarter of an hour before the newspapers went on sale. It seemed that it was a foregone conclusion that the newspapers would not sell.
This is unacceptable; how could Zhang Xiaoyu possibly be happy?
So Zhu Xinning asked in confusion, "Xiaoyu, what's wrong?"
"I'm back!"
Zhang Xiaoyu took a sip of water before uttering three words.
"They're back? Who's back—"
Zhu Xinning paused halfway through her question, then suddenly froze: Who else could have come back? The story of the martial arts tournament published in the newspapers had reached its climax with Jing Zhe's participation, and it was now the talk of the town for all the people of Jingzhou, especially the duel between Jing Zhe and Long Aodi, which had captivated the hearts of many.
What other reason could there be for so many people to choose not to buy newspapers and leave directly, besides Jing Zhe's return?
Once Jing Zhe asked the question, everyone could confirm who had won the duel with Long Aodi, so there was no need to rush to buy the newspaper.
"Is...Young Master back?"
Yu Xiangrong also stood up, her eyes sparkling, her former naive charm gone.
Zhang Xiaoyu finished her water, nodded, but then shook her head.
This action confused the two women. Zhu Xinning asked in confusion, "Xiaoyu, what do you mean by nodding and shaking your head at the same time?"
“I heard from people outside that His Highness the Crown Prince just entered Jingzhou City through the West Gate and is heading towards the palace, but no one mentioned the young master’s name, so I shook my head.”
However, she then smiled and narrowed her eyes, saying, "But, young master left the city with His Highness the Crown Prince. When His Highness the Crown Prince returns, young master will surely return as well, so I will nod!"
Her analysis sounded impeccable to Zhu Xinning, who was no longer worried about whether the newspaper would sell. She turned around and prepared to walk outside, but Zhang Xiaoyu quickly grabbed her.
"Second sister, where are you going? Everyone downstairs has gone, the street must be packed with people, we can't squeeze in!"
Zhu Xinning turned around and smiled.
"Who said I was going to squeeze into the crowd?"
"Hey, where did Second Sister go?"
"I'm going to court!"
If Jing Zhe returns to the capital with His Highness the Crown Prince, his primary task will be to enter the palace to meet the Emperor and report on his duties. He will not linger outside. So what if Zhu Xinning manages to squeeze in?
The best way is to go directly to the palace for court now, so that I can see him as soon as possible.
Watching Zhu Xinning leave the room and walk downstairs, disappearing from view of the window in no time, Zhang Xiaoyu said enviously, "Xiangrong, Second Sister is so lucky! She can go to court whenever she wants and see the young master sooner. Unlike us, we can only wait here anxiously—hey, Xiangrong, what are you doing? Aren't you going to write anymore?"
As Zhang Xiaoyu was speaking, she saw Yu Xiangrong begin to tidy up the writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones on the table.
It's worth noting that Zhang Xiaoyu and Zhu Xinning often joked about Yu Xiangrong's "obsession" because she would often come here and write for an entire day. If they didn't call her to eat, she could keep writing forever.
Why is she packing her things so early in the morning? It seems she's not planning to write anymore.
"Sister Xiaoyu... Xiangrong has gone back..."
"We'll start selling newspapers soon. Even though everyone's gone, after we sell the newspapers, we'll be having a talk about Dream of the Red Chamber in the lobby downstairs. Didn't you say you were planning to listen to it today and see how everyone reacted?"
"This... it's not too late to listen to it later, and also..."
Yu Xiangrong clasped her hands together, as if she had mustered up her courage, and raised her head to say, "Anyway, now that Young Master is back, we don't need to listen to their reactions anymore. We just need to listen to Young Master!"
After saying that, he added in his mind: This story originally belonged to the young master, and I wrote it for the young master!
At this moment, Zhang Xiaoyu suddenly realized what was happening. She crossed her arms and looked at Yu Xiangrong, who kept smiling, which made Yu Xiangrong panic.
"Sister Xiaoyu, why are you looking at me like that?"
"Oh my, I didn't realize that Xiangrong was going home to bathe and change her clothes, to comb her hair by the window, and to apply makeup in front of the mirror?"
Zhang Xiaoyu would never dare to joke like that with Zhu Xinning, but Yu Xiangrong has a gentle and sweet personality, and usually looks a bit silly, so she can't help but want to tease her.
Upon hearing this, Yu Xiangrong's face turned completely red: "Sister Xiaoyu... I didn't... I didn't, I just..."
As she spoke, she tugged at the hem of her dress. She had come across some ink stains while tidying up her writing materials and hadn't had a chance to wipe them away yet. She then casually wiped them on the hem of her skirt and said earnestly, "Sister Xiaoyu, look, my dress is dirty. I need to go home and change. Um… my father said he wanted to thank the young master. He'll be back from court later…"
Before Zhang Xiaoyu could react, he quickly lifted his skirt and ran downstairs, a stark contrast to his previous quiet and charming personality. Zhang Xiaoyu looked at the empty stairwell and suddenly burst into laughter.
Still denying it?
Are you treating me like an idiot?
Zhang Xiaoyu shook her head, then suddenly realized a very serious problem: of her three good friends who had been here, one had gone to the palace to see him, and the other had returned to her residence to wait. Perhaps when the court session ended, the young master would really follow the Duke of Huguo back to his residence.
It seemed that she was the only one among the three who was just waiting there, and she couldn't help but smile bitterly.
Alas, the most pitiful one is myself…
However, Zhang Xiaoyu did not wallow in self-pity, because she placed herself in a very humble position, and jealousy was not in her nature. As long as she could see him, whether it was morning or night, she was content.
Wenxiangju is here; I'll come back eventually.
Or should I go and dress up?
Thinking this, a blush crept onto Zhang Xiaoyu's face, and she reached out to close all the windows...
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