Back in her bedroom, Xiang Wan kept thinking about the meaning of the character Li Quan had written. It was nothing unusual for Master Li to have a few drinks with his friends, but Li Quan had written the character "酒" (wine) alone, which was very unusual. It seemed she would have to investigate this matter thoroughly tomorrow.
Xiang Wan lay down for a short while before dawn, and she had to force herself to get up and wash. Because of the original owner of the body, Shi Yuanyuan had long forgotten her duties and still hadn't come in the morning. Xiang Wan called another maid to help her style her hair in a simple matronly updo and put on a pale yellow suit, simple yet elegant.
The maid was named Xiaoyuan, and there was another one named Xiaotuan. Xiang Wan was speechless. The original owner was really capricious in naming her maids, directly using the characters "Tuanyuan" (meaning reunion). It's a good thing she didn't have such a rich imagination, otherwise she would have laughed herself to death every time she called them.
Xiao Yuan's makeup skills were quite good, while Xiao Tuan was responsible for Xiang Wan's daily life. With this division of labor, Shi Yuanyuan really didn't have much to do. Perhaps her main task was simply to please the original owner of this body.
After getting ready, Xiang Wan stepped out of her room and saw Shi Liefeng already standing in the courtyard. Having changed out of his wedding attire, Shi Liefeng stood tall and elegant, his moon-white robe accentuating his handsome face and extraordinary bearing. What a pity, a devil in human skin.
Xiang Wan walked up to him without making a sound and asked softly, "Lie Feng, did you sleep well last night?"
Shi Liefeng paused for a moment before saying, "I'm sorry, Wan'er, I didn't talk to you yesterday..."
"It's okay. Between husband and wife, we don't care about a day or two."
These words were overheard by Shi Yuanyuan, who had just gotten up. A fierce glint flashed across her face, and out of Xiang Wan's sight, she glared hatefully at Shi Liefeng before switching to a docile expression and greeting Xiang Wan.
"Miss, you're up?"
"Um."
It wasn't that Xiang Wan didn't want to talk to her, but Shi Yuanyuan's expression and her low mood were too incongruous, making Xiang Wan have no desire to speak.
Shi Liefeng spoke up at the right moment, interrupting the slightly disharmonious atmosphere between the master and servant: "Yuanyuan, your sister-in-law has arranged other things for you. You should stay in the courtyard today. Once we come out of the main courtyard, you can start learning to read."
Xiang Wan was somewhat surprised. Shi Liefeng's eagerness to help Shi Yuanyuan out of that predicament probably wasn't to comfort her, but rather to say something to Xiang Wan. Now that he was her husband, Shi Yuanyuan wouldn't have to be her personal maid anymore. Last night, Xiang Wan had said some polite words, and Shi Liefeng was quite adept at taking advantage of the situation.
"Miss?"
Shi Yuanyuan looked at Xiang Wan with a wronged expression, but there was a glimmer of hope in her eyes. Xiang Wan couldn't pretend not to see it, so she echoed Shi Liefeng's words and said, "I will arrange for a teacher. You should go back to your room and prepare."
After seeing Shi Yuanyuan off, who kept turning back to look at her, Xiang Wan took the lead and walked out of the courtyard.
The morning air was very fresh, and servants were already sweeping the courtyard. When they saw the two of them walking together, they all greeted them.
"Good morning, Miss and Son-in-law."
"Mm." Xiang Wan nodded slightly, while Shi Liefeng walked beside her, nodding as he spoke to her in a low voice.
"Wan'er, were you angry just now?"
"Hmm? What makes you say that?"
“I thought about it all night last night and I still think you’re right. Yuanyuan’s actions in the manor, given our relationship, have indeed caused quite a bit of controversy. This arrangement you’ve made for her is beneficial and harmless. I thank you on her behalf, and I will definitely urge her to study more so that she can help you manage the affairs of the manor and lighten your burden.”
"Huh?" Xiang Wan stopped and turned her head to look at Shi Liefeng with a half-smile. "Speaking up for your sister first thing in the morning, aren't you afraid—I'll get jealous?"
"Ahem," Shi Liefeng blushed and turned his head away somewhat awkwardly, "Wan'er, everyone's watching!"
"Ha, what's there to be afraid of? This is my own mansion, let's see who dares to say anything!"
It was rare for Xiang Wan to exude such domineering aura, and she was in a very good mood, her face beaming with smiles. At this moment, Shi Liefeng still seemed rather innocent; he could blush just from saying such a simple sentence. Yet, his later actions were so bold and unrestrained. Was it all an act?
"Liefeng, don't worry. Yuanyuan is like my sister now. I'll take care of her and won't make things difficult for you."
I will discipline her properly and promise not to make things difficult for her; I will only make things difficult for you! Xiang Wan thought to herself.
The main courtyard wasn't far, and they arrived quickly. Master Li was washing up with the help of his maids when he saw the two of them coming over, and he was in a good mood.
"Dad, we're here. Did you sleep well last night?"
Xiang Wan ran to Li Yuanwai's side first and took his arm.
Master Li turned and patted Xiang Wan's hand affectionately, nodded to Shi Liefeng, and then turned back to Xiang Wan, saying, "How old are you? Still so immature. Didn't you see the new son-in-law is here too?"
"Father, it's alright. Wan'er is just worried about you." Shi Liefeng clasped his hands and bowed.
“Look, look, even Lie Feng doesn’t care, why are you so old-fashioned, Dad?”
Xiang Wan pursed her lips, helped Master Li to the main seat, and ordered someone to brew a pot of tea.
"Father, please sit still and watch your daughter and son-in-law serve you tea. We will take care of you together from now on."
Looking at the smiling Xiang Wan and her son-in-law standing aside nodding in agreement, Master Li's eyes reddened slightly. He nodded repeatedly with satisfaction and said, "Good, good, my daughter has grown up and knows how to be filial to her father."
"Father, what are you saying? Your daughter is all grown up now. Isn't it only natural for me to be filial to you?"
"Yes, Father, from now on, Wan'er and I will take care of you together."
"Okay, okay, okay!"
As they spoke, Li Quan brought over the teapot and tea set. Xiang Wan poured a cup of tea and then poured another for Shi Liefeng. The two of them, holding their teacups, walked to Li Quan's door and knelt down.
"Father, this first cup is to thank you for raising me. Mother passed away a long time ago. It was you, Father, who raised me with great care and love. You never remarried because you were afraid that I would suffer any injustice. This is what I owe you, and I can never repay you in this lifetime."
"Xiao Wan, you..."
"Father, please let me finish." Xiang Wan stopped Li Yuanwai from speaking, looking at him with a firm gaze. "In the past, Wan'er was ignorant and caused you a lot of worry. But from today onwards, Wan'er wants to be like you, a responsible and dependable person, so you won't have to worry so much. Therefore, Wan'er has made a decision: I want to take over from you and manage all the affairs of the Li family, so you will have no more worries. I hope you will grant my request!"
Not only Master Li, but even Shi Liefeng was surprised and couldn't understand how this young lady, who used to only play the zither and paint, had suddenly become a different person.
"Xiao Wan, are you serious?" Master Li was slightly pleased, wondering if Xiang Wan's decision was just a whim or if there was some other reason. He couldn't help but give Shi Liefeng a meaningful look.
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