Xiyuan didn't actually need the two of them to take care of her, but since helping her with trivial matters made them happy, Xiyuan just let them be.
Ji Bo was the name the people in the household used to call him after he grew older. His original name was Su Ji, courtesy name Changsheng. In his youth, he was the most learned man in the country, achieving the highest honor in the imperial examinations. Unfortunately, Su Ji was arrogant and offended powerful figures. After being imprisoned, although he was later released without charge, he was stripped of all his academic achievements and lived in poverty.
When Xi Yuan saw him on the street, Su Ji was in a sorry state, but his eyes were surprisingly bright, clear and clean, as if they were untouched by dust. Even when ridiculed and mocked, he still smiled freely and unrestrainedly. So she took him back to her mansion and made him her steward.
The maid Qinglian was someone from the Western Garden who had once gone out of the capital to save a place from an earthquake, and became a slave to repay the debt of gratitude she had received.
The world was a blanket of white, with only the azure sky reflected in the icy pool. The snow lotus leaves had a faint blue hue, like ice crystals. On the blue stone platform, a young man, whose appearance had become even more refined with the passage of time, sat sideways, his jade-like fingers gently touching the heart of the snow lotus. His handsome face was adorned with a smile, and his bright eyes were full of wisdom.
The rejuvenation process made this already handsome man even more charming. He was relaxed as he went about his business, dressed in a long blue robe, leisurely and elegant, with a natural grace that made every move he made a picture.
Xi Yuan never cared about the opinions and gazes of the mortals around her. Even if she admired someone, she would lose interest in a very short time.
The longer she lived in the human world, the more people she met and the more things she experienced, the less she could take ordinary mortals seriously.
She still believed that all living beings in the world were fools, so foolish that she would want to laugh and feel disgusted at the slightest glance. But Xiyuan gradually learned to restrain her arrogance and began to see the less foolish aspects of others.
It's even something she can learn from.
Just like the nameless old man back then, and Emperor Cangwen, they were all intelligent people.
Unfortunately, the Cangren Emperor, whom she had personally raised, became increasingly foolish as he grew up.
Xi Yuan stood in the courtyard, quietly watching Su Ji's figure, while her mind slowly recalled the people, events, and things she had encountered over the years.
Then, she noticed something interesting and couldn't help but sneer.
Suji turned around at the sound, and the carefree smile on his face immediately disappeared, replaced by piety and respect in his bright eyes. His previous eye-catching brilliance seemed like an illusion.
"Your Excellency, Grand Preceptor." Su Ji, holding a bowl containing thirteen lotus seeds, stood up with his head bowed, his every move perfectly proper, just like a dutiful steward. He spoke in a kind and gentle voice, "Today, seeing that some of the snow lotus seeds had matured, this old servant took the liberty of removing the mature seeds."
Xi Yuan glanced at him indifferently, then suddenly said, "The steward has been with me for a hundred years?"
Su Ji remained standing with his head bowed, and said respectfully, "Indeed. I must also thank the Grand Preceptor for his benevolence, which has allowed this old servant to live to this day."
"Hmph." Xi Yuan turned and left, saying, "Take good care of the house."
"Yes, Your Excellency, Grand Preceptor." Su Ji remained bowing.
Long after Xi Yuan rode away on a cloud, Su Ji slowly straightened up, tightly pursed his lips, and a faint bitter unease appeared in his eyes before disappearing again.
“Giber”.
Qinglian, who had just returned from going out to find some meat after the snow stopped, saw Xiyuan's figure riding away on a cloud and asked, somewhat puzzled, "Where is Miss going?"
Su Ji shook his head: "Where the Grand Preceptor goes is none of our business."
“What Gilbert said is true…” Qinglian looked at Su Ji thoughtfully, blinking her big eyes: “Why does Gilbert seem a little unhappy today?”
Su Ji shoved the bowl into Qinglian's hands and said irritably, "Don't overthink it. You should seal these lotus seeds away quickly and send some to the True Ones later."
Qinglian pursed her lips, gave a nod, and turned to leave.
Suji patted his chest and shook his head to dispel his worries.
He never asked for much. Staying by the side of the Grand Preceptor, taking care of her daily chores, and just being able to see her was enough for Su Ji.
Having no desires, he naturally has no fears. His mind is open and honest, and as long as he doesn't cross the line, given the Grand Preceptor's personality, he won't be driven away.
That's good.
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