31. Chapter 31 Nosebleed
Luzhu hadn't heard the name Gu Zhen for a long time. She was still young when the incident happened. She only remembered that Sister Hongye was very disdainful of Gu Zhen. When she learned that the master had spared her and her son, she even scolded Gu Zhen as a witch who brought disaster to the country and the people.
As for whether the master was still obsessed with Gu Zhen, Luzhu was not sure. After all, so many years had passed. However, Gu Zhen must be different in his heart. After all, she was the girl he almost married.
"I don't know either, maybe."
Her ambiguous answer made Xiaoxiao a little frustrated. Admittedly, she would rather hear a negative response.
After Luzhu left, Xiaoxiao still couldn't sleep. What happened today had a great impact on her. She lay in bed for a long time, and only dozed off for a while when it was dawn.
The next day, she got up late as expected. Fortunately, there was nothing to do today. Despite this, she felt a little guilty. After breakfast, she hurried to copy books. Her brother would be back in more than two months, and she must save more money before her brother came back.
Copying ancient books is quite profitable. Xiaoxiao copied books for the whole morning before she finished copying the one in her hand.
Pei Xiuhan finished his morning court session and casually asked Xiaoxiao, "What are you busy with, little girl?"
Yang Hao asked someone to ask Lu Zhu, and only then did he find out that she had been copying books in the past year, and every once in a while she would take the copied books to the bookstore to exchange them for silver.
Pei Xiuhan pressed his brows. For the first time, he felt a headache because someone was too sensible. "I gave her money but she still refused to accept it?"
Yang Hao nodded. "Before, we gave her monthly salary, but she refused it. She also refused to accept the things Lu Zhu bought for her. After she made money in the bookstore, she bought us things from time to time."
Pei Xiuhan pondered for a moment before asking, "Which bookstore does she often go to?"
After Yang Hao finished speaking, Pei Xiuhan ordered: "Call Master Zhao over."
Su Yuexuan, Xiaoxiao has been copying books for three consecutive days. After the New Year, she has copied five books. This afternoon, she simply went to the bookstore.
The bookstore was not far from Prince Yan's Mansion, and it only took an incense stick of time to get there by carriage. When Xiaoxiao got off the carriage with the books, Luzhu followed her. She didn't talk much usually, and just followed Xiaoxiao silently. In most cases, it was Xiaoxiao who took the initiative to talk to her.
When the two of them arrived at the bookstore one after the other, the shopkeeper had just settled the payment for a young man. The man was dressed like a scholar and had earned five taels of silver by just copying one book. Xiaoxiao was so surprised that her eyes widened. She had copied more than a dozen books and had not earned even one tael of silver. How could this man earn so much?
She held the book and stared at the silver in the young man's hand, almost seeing a flower in it.
Zhao Fu's expression paused slightly, and he glanced at the girl, wanting to see who she was that made King Yan so interested in her. He was stunned at the first sight. The girl had skin as white as jade, a face like lotus, a delicate nose and cherry lips, and a graceful waist and long hair. No matter how beautiful the words were, they were not enough to describe her beauty.
He didn't dare to look at her for too long, just a quick glance, then quickly looked away, nodded politely, and then passed Xiaoxiao by.
Xiaoxiao hadn't dared to talk to him at first, but seeing how gentle and easygoing he was, she chased after him, books in hand, "Sir, wait a minute, may I ask you a question?"
Zhao Fu stopped and said with a smile, "Miss, feel free to ask whatever you want to ask. I will tell you everything I know."
Xiaoxiao glanced at the shopkeeper guiltily and motioned Zhao Fu to come forward to talk. The two took a few steps forward before Xiaoxiao said awkwardly, "I want to ask, sir, how did you make so much money from the book you just copied?"
She copied nearly a hundred books, and it only cost five taels of silver. This person earned one book for a whole year, which made Xiaoxiao very envious.
Zhao Fu smiled and said, "I copied a rare copy. Bookstores don't have these books, so they are more valuable."
Xiaoxiao nodded thoughtfully, thanked him, and then went to the bookstore to exchange some copper coins.
On the way back, she went to a shop and looked around. She stared at a dagger for a long time. The dagger was very sharp and could cut iron like mud. The shell had neither fancy gems nor delicate patterns. It looked very simple and there was a condensed light around it. It matched Brother Pei's temperament very well. Xiaoxiao liked it last month, but unfortunately she didn't have enough money.
The silver she had saved with great difficulty was spent on Pei Jing. She could only continue saving money. Fearing that it would be bought by someone else, she gave all the copper coins she had earned today to the shopkeeper, clasped her hands together and bowed, saying, "Please hold on to it for a while. I will come back to buy it soon. I promise, as long as I save enough silver, I will come right away."
The shopkeeper looked embarrassed. He had already made an exception and kept her for a month, but she still hadn't saved up enough money. After meeting the little girl's pleading eyes, his heart softened. "Okay, I'll give you another month."
Xiaoxiao smiled brightly and praised sincerely, "You are such a good person."
Xiaoxiao returned to the palace happily. She originally thought that she would miss the dagger, but she didn't expect that copying a unique copy could make so much money. Xiaoxiao felt full of energy.
After returning to the palace, she went to Wuya Hall, but unfortunately Brother Pei was not there, so Xiaoxiao waited in Wuya Hall.
When Pei Xiu Han came back, it was already late at night. The little girl was lying on the desk and had fallen asleep. Xiao Xiao had something on her mind and had not had a good rest in recent days. When she came to him, she felt inexplicably at ease and fell asleep again unknowingly.
When she heard footsteps, she opened her eyes dazedly and happened to fall into his deep eyes. She woke up instantly and sat up straight. "Brother, you are back?"
Because she had just woken up, the little girl's voice was nasal, soft and sticky, with a hint of coquettishness. Pei Xiuhan touched her little head and asked, "Why don't you go to bed?"
Xiaoxiao smiled embarrassedly and said, "I accidentally fell asleep."
"What's up?"
Xiaoxiao nodded. She told Pei Xiuhan that she could make a lot of money by copying rare books, and said with a smile, "I remember there are a lot of books in my brother's library. Can I copy the rare books in there?"
Pei Xiuhan naturally agreed immediately, "There are quite a few rare copies on the third floor, I guess you can copy them for a long time."
Xiaoxiao's eyebrows curved with smile instantly.
She was born beautiful, and when she smiled, the light in her eyes was brighter than the stars in the sky, and anyone who saw her could not help but smile.
Seeing her so happy, Pei Xiuhan couldn't help but smile. He couldn't help but reached out and pinched her fair and tender face, whispering, "Don't copy all day long. Rest when you need to. Don't get wrist pain at such a young age."
Xiaoxiao nodded obediently, feeling warm and sweet in her heart. She was thinking about the dagger in the shop and spent the next few days copying the unique copy.
She didn't know that the number of rare books in the library had been increasing. Even the ministers in the court knew that Pei Xiuhan was collecting rare books. Those who had treasured rare books at home had to give them up with reluctance.
They were originally afraid that Pei Xiuhan would not accept these rare books, but when they saw that he actually accepted them, everyone was surprised and happy, thinking that they had found a way to please him. However, no one knew when he developed such a hobby.
By the end of the month, Xiaoxiao had copied four books. The dagger cost thirty taels of silver, so she needed to copy two more. That day, she copied until very late, and only when it was very dark did she wash up and go to bed.
At this time, Mrs. Zhong had not gone to bed yet. The Duke of Zhenguo came back late, and she had been waiting for his return.
When he came back, Zhong was leaning on the warm couch reading a book. She had taken off her luxurious dress and was only wearing light casual clothes because the room was warm. Under the flickering candlelight, her face, which was always dignified and calm, looked much softer.
Seeing the Duke of Zhenguo, she quickly stood up.
When the two of them lay down on the bed, Zhong started talking about the birthday of the old lady in the Anguo Mansion.
The Duke Zhenguo Mansion and the Duke Anguo Mansion have always had close exchanges. Old Lady Zhang will be turning 65 in a few days, and her birthday ceremony will definitely be a grand one in the mansion. In previous years, Mrs. Zhong would bring Mu Wen and Mu Xi with her, but this year she thought of Xiaoxiao.
She leaned closer to the Duke of Zhenguo and said softly, "Xiaoxiao is already fourteen years old and will soon be coming of age. When Wenjie'er and Xijie'er were thirteen, I took them to banquets, but she has never been to one before. This time, for the old lady's birthday, I want to take her with me. I wonder what the Duke thinks?"
Mrs. Zhong really likes Xiaoxiao and feels sorry for her because she has no parents, so she wants to take better care of her. When the elders take the younger ones out for social events, it is not just to broaden their horizons and learn things, but also to let the ladies see them.
Nowadays, most marriages are arranged by parents and matchmakers. For girls, every time they show up in front of everyone, it is an opportunity to show themselves.
Although Pei Xiuhan values Xiaoxiao, he is a man after all, and it is impossible for him to take Xiaoxiao to any banquet. That's why Zhong brought up this matter.
The Duke of Zhenguo smiled and patted her hand. "Madam, you are so thoughtful. That little girl has done Xiuhan a favor, so we should take better care of her. However, this girl has an older brother who will take her away soon. I don't know whether they will stay in the capital or return to Zhangjia Village. How about this, I will mention this to Xiuhan at court tomorrow and see what he says. If they return to Zhangjia Village, Madam will not have to worry about it. If they stay in the capital, you can take her there."
Zhong naturally had no objection. Before going to bed, she sighed, "It's better to stay in the capital. If such a good girl returns to the village, will she marry a farmer?"
It's not that Mrs. Zhong looked down on farmers, she just felt it was a pity. After all, Xiaoxiao was well-behaved, sensible, and beautiful. There were not many men who could match her. If Hong'er was not only fifteen years old and needed to study in the Imperial College for a few years, she would have wanted Xiaoxiao to be her daughter-in-law.
The next morning, it happened that he was going to attend the morning court. After the morning court, the Duke of Zhenguo talked about this matter with Pei Xiuhan.
Hearing this, Pei Xiuhan's brows knitted unconsciously. He didn't have a good impression of Zhangjia Village. When he thought about how Xiaoxiao was so young and was almost bullied by the people there, he said directly, "She won't go back to Zhangjia Village."
After all, Zhang Li was his brother. If he wanted to take Xiaoxiao away, Pei Xiuhan would not stop him. However, he would definitely not allow him to bring Xiaoxiao back to Zhangjia Village. He said directly to the Duke of Zhenguo, "Then I'll trouble you, aunt."
After Pei Xiuhan returned home, he asked Yang Hao to deliver three sets of headwear to the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion. Each set included a hairpin, a top hairpin, a hairpin, etc., as well as twelve hair combs and a pair of hairpins.
The headpiece was made of pure gold and inlaid with various gems. Even though Zhong was used to seeing fine things, she was still amazed. How could she accept it? Her face immediately turned stern and she said to Yang Hao, "I'm not helping Xiaoxiao for this. That girl is so lovely. I wish she would stick by my side. I still feel guilty about her getting hurt in the mansion before. Take these things back quickly and let him leave them to Xiaoxiao. There's nothing missing in the mansion."
She was unusually firm, so Yang Hao had no choice but to take the clothes back. When Pei Xiuhan learned of this, he said, "Since my aunt doesn't want to accept them, just keep them. Go find three more sets suitable for the little girls and give one each to Mu Wen, Mu Xi, and Xiao Xiao."
Knowing that his patience was limited, Yang Hao responded and retreated without asking what to do if Xiaoxiao refused to accept it. After finding the jewelry, he felt a little melancholy and didn't know how to give it away.
Soon it was the day before the old lady's birthday. In the morning, Xiaoxiao first reviewed the meaning of the scriptures before continuing to copy the unique copy. She had already copied five copies. When she thought that there was still one copy left, she could buy a dagger for Brother Pei, she was very happy.
Even though she was too busy to see him in recent days, she still felt satisfied. She got up and went to the yard only when she was tired of copying.
Today is another sunny day, and the flowers in the yard are in full bloom. Both the marigolds and the Clivia are very beautiful. Xiaoxiao had just watered the marigolds in the morning, and now she picked up the sprinkler and watered the Clivia.
As soon as she put down the shower head, she heard the maid say that Mrs. Zhong had sent her an invitation to attend Old Lady Zhang's birthday party.
She had already handed over the invitation, and as Xiaoxiao was a junior, it was difficult for her to refuse. She immediately asked her maid to reply.
Up to now, Xiaoxiao has only attended the birthday parties of Zhong Miao and Li Sisi. Both birthday parties were not large in scale, and only a few familiar noble ladies attended.
Old Madam Zhang’s birthday party is naturally different. I’m afraid all the noble ladies in the capital will come.
Xiaoxiao vaguely understood why Mrs. Zhong took her there. She felt touched and helpless, and was afraid that she would embarrass her and Brother Pei.
When she was seriously recalling the etiquette taught by the nanny, she saw Yang Hao coming with his men. The servant was holding a rosewood dressing box with a picture of magpies climbing on plum trees carved on it, which looked extremely exquisite.
Yang Hao rubbed the tip of his nose and said, "The prince has already known that the Duke's wife wants to invite you to the banquet. He specially asked his subordinates to find this for you. Please take a look and see if you like it."
Xiaoxiao pursed her pink lips immediately. The little girl loved to laugh normally, and when she wasn't laughing, her face would unconsciously tense up. Her face was actually only the size of a palm, so even with a stern face, it wasn't scary. But for some reason, every time she tensed up her face, it made people feel inexplicably nervous.
Yang Hao felt a little uncomfortable at this moment, as if he had made her unhappy, which was a very guilty thing. He touched the tip of his nose with his only remaining hand again, "Miss, please accept it. If you don't accept it, the prince will not be angry with you, but will definitely blame his subordinates for their poor performance."
Xiaoxiao didn't embarrass him and forced a smile, "Thank you for making this trip."
Yang Hao breathed a sigh of relief. After he left, Xiaoxiao's face tensed again. She sat down at the nanmu table and opened her dressing box. The jewellery inside was indeed extremely luxurious. Whether it was the gem-studded butterfly and double flower earlobes or the coral beaded hairpins, they were all extremely beautiful. Knowing that these jewellery must have cost a lot of silver, Xiaoxiao felt heavy in her heart.
In fact, he had asked people to send jewelry to her more than once, but Xiaoxiao only accepted it once. The gold hairpin was bought by him personally on the street. Since he bought it personally, Xiaoxiao couldn't bear to refuse it and accepted it. However, the jewelry today was really too expensive.
In the evening, when he returned, Xiaoxiao went to Wuya Hall with the jewelry. Pei Xiuhan had just finished bathing. He was only wearing a moon-white casual suit with loose collars, revealing a chest as white as ice and snow.
He often stayed alone and was used to it, so he didn't think it was wrong at all. After hearing the servant's announcement, he said calmly, "Let her in."
Xiaoxiao came in holding a dressing box. Because she came to return the jewelry, she was a little afraid to look at his face and kept her head down.
After placing the jewelry box on the table, she whispered, "Brother, this is too valuable. I really can't accept it. Even without the jewelry, I'm still myself. I know tomorrow's banquet is important, but others should also know my status. I'm not some noble lady, so it shouldn't matter if I don't wear jewelry."
Afraid that Brother Pei would be angry, she didn't even dare to look up, and her little head was almost buried in her chest. This guilty and stubborn look gave Pei Xiu Han a headache.
He pulled a chair and sat down in front of her, reaching out to rub her head. "Is it so difficult for you to accept something from your brother? Why are you so polite to your brother?"
Xiaoxiao hurriedly shook her head. "I'm not being polite, I really don't think it's necessary to wear such expensive jewelry. I was very happy when you gave me the gold hairpin last time. Can I wear that tomorrow?"
Pei Xiuhan bought that gold hairpin casually. When he passed by the shop, he just thought the little butterfly on it was very cute and it would definitely look good on the little girl. In fact, the hairpin was very cheap and he didn't spend much money at all.
Pei Xiuhan felt it was a bit shabby and rejected her directly, "No, other girls are all dressed up beautifully, my little girl should have everything she deserves, if you refuse again, brother will be angry."
The phrase "my little girl" made Xiaoxiao's nose feel strangely sour. She couldn't find the words to refuse. Her white and tender little hands twisted together unconsciously, and she was struggling in her heart.
When she spoke again, she only called out "Brother" softly, her tone filled with helplessness.
Pei Xiuhan rubbed her head and whispered, "Be good. You think it's valuable because you own so little. This little bit of jewelry is not as valuable to me as a book. My family property is so rich that it would scare you to death. I can afford to give you a hundred sets every day. If you don't believe me, I'll give you the account book and you can check it yourself."
Xiaoxiao was successfully amused by him and finally raised her little head. The man leaned lazily on the back of the chair. His eyebrows were indifferent, with a cold and abstinent feeling, but his collar was loose. Xiaoxiao saw his strong chest at a glance. His skin was very white, as white as the purest snow on the top of the mountain, making people want to kiss him for no reason.
Xiaoxiao's face turned red instantly. She quickly lowered her head. Her heart was beating like a drum and she felt dizzy. She just wanted to run away. She didn't know what happened. When she came to her senses, she had already run away.
Thinking that she still refused to take the jewelry, she had run away at all costs. Pei Xiuhan frowned unhappily. He swung his long arm and hooked it around the little girl's arm, saying unhappily, "Why are you running away? What a shame! A set of jewelry scared you like this?"
Xiaoxiao was pulled in front of him, her body almost touching his back. Thinking of his fair chest, Xiaoxiao's body trembled unconsciously. She felt a heat on the tip of her nose, and she quickly reached out to cover it. The next moment, she found that she was bleeding from her nose.
Xiaoxiao felt shy and embarrassed, and her head felt even more dizzy.
Pei Xiuhan frowned, and when he noticed her raising her hand, he realized something was wrong. He turned her body over and saw that she was bleeding from her nose, his brows furrowed even tighter.
Xiaoxiao tilted her head back, pinching her nose. Her clothes and chin were stained with blood. Pei Xiuhan reached into her arms, trying to find a handkerchief.
In a moment of haste, he didn't realize that his behavior was inappropriate. After all, in his heart, the little girl was still young. Unexpectedly, instead of touching the handkerchief, he touched something soft first, which was softer than the marshmallows he ate as a child.
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