35. Chapter 35 Calculation
Pei Xiuhan knew her temper well. He knew he couldn't change her overnight, so he decided to take it slow. He played with the dagger for a moment, then put it back, saying indifferently, "Take it back. I can't accept it."
Xiaoxiao was stunned. She had never expected him to refuse. Her frail figure looked particularly helpless in the moonlight. "Brother."
Meeting her anxious gaze, Pei Xiuhan felt a little hesitant. He was silent for a moment before whispering, "The things I bought for you didn't cost much, but you refused to take them. These two things you bought took up all your money, equivalent to all your belongings. How can I accept this?"
Seeing that he was determined not to accept it, Xiaoxiao's eyes turned red with anxiety. A layer of mist filled her dark eyes, and she looked extremely aggrieved. "I spent a long time choosing this. I bought it especially for you, brother."
Her appearance was truly heartbreaking. Pei Xiuhan patted her little head and whispered, "Do you really want your brother to take her in?"
Xiaoxiao nodded quickly.
"You can ask me to accept it, but you are not allowed to refuse my brother when he buys you something in the future."
Xiaoxiao was stunned, and clearly hesitated for a moment. Even if she spent all her money on the things she bought, they would still be far less precious than his.
Seeing this, Pei Xiuhan stood up straight and his voice became deliberately colder. He already had an innate sense of oppression, and now he did not restrain it, making him look particularly cold and ruthless.
"Then take the dagger and inkstone away. I don't need them. Don't buy me anything in the future. I won't want them even if you do."
Xiaoxiao felt a little panic in her heart, afraid that he would become distant from her. She blurted out, "I will want a brother in the future too!"
Pei Xiuhan smiled and patted her head again, "That's good."
Xiaoxiao stared at him blankly. She felt that the smile on his face gave her a feeling of success, which made her feel a little depressed. The next moment, she heard him say slowly, "Don't be silly in the future, okay? When giving someone something, you should do it within your means."
In fact, deep down in her heart, Brother Pei was equally stupid. He had spent so much money on her and wanted to continue spending it on her. He was not afraid that she would be raised to be an ungrateful little girl who would cheat him out of his money.
After Xiaoxiao was scolded by him, she returned to Suyuexuan, feeling dizzy. When she lay on the bed, his words were still echoing in her ears, telling her not to be so stupid.
Especially after getting married, to sum it up in one sentence, he treats the other person like an animal, ordering him around, spending his money, eating his food, and keeping his own money. He told Xiaoxiao to be smart and not to touch it. He would not let her go until Xiaoxiao nodded obediently.
In the next few days, Xiaoxiao was still copying the rare copy. After giving the gift to Brother Pei, she was out of money again. There were less than two months left before her brother returned to Beijing. If she worked hard, she should be able to earn fifty taels a month, so she could rent a small courtyard before her brother came.
Xiaoxiao was very happy thinking that her brother was coming back. When she missed Zhang Li, Zhang Li also missed her.
He was sitting by the campfire at the moment, holding the letter sent by Xiaoxiao and reading it over and over again. The letter had been rubbed by him many times and looked a little old.
He had memorized every word of the book by heart, but he was still reading it very seriously. The flickering candlelight shone on his face, making his already resolute face look indescribably handsome.
After spending nearly three years on the battlefield, his body has become stronger. Although he is only seventeen years old, he is stronger than many adult men. Whether it is his tall height or strong muscles, he should not be underestimated.
Just as he read the second page, he heard light footsteps, rustling sounds, which were made by stepping on leaves. The guard beside him stood up. This person was left to him by Pei Xiuhan. Zhang Li couldn't refuse, so he had to keep him by his side.
When the guards went to check, they saw a familiar little face. The boy looked to be no more than thirteen or fourteen years old. He had delicate features, a pair of black eyes, and fair skin and tender flesh, like a young master from some family.
Even the clothes he wore were made of the finest brocade. Two days ago, when Zhang Li and his guards passed by a county town, they saw a group of people bullying the young man and rescued him.
Unexpectedly, this young man has been dependent on them since then and has been following them for two days. If he were not too young and did not look like a spy, the guards would instinctively want to interrogate him.
Zhang Li also stood up.
The boy saw him and lowered his head awkwardly. He couldn't speak, and no matter what they asked him, he just smiled and followed them all the way.
Zhang Li and the guards both had a headache.
*
In mid-February, the weather gradually became warmer. Before she knew it, Xiaoxiao had finished copying several rare books. She did not go to the bookstore, planning to sell them all at the end of the month.
On this day, Xiaoxiao received another invitation letter. This invitation letter was sent by the Korean Mansion. The person inviting her to attend the flower viewing banquet was Zheng Danyun.
What Xiaoxiao fears most recently is receiving invitations. She wants to save more money before her brother returns. Apart from studying, she is basically copying rare books. Every time she goes out, she has to waste most of the day. Xiaoxiao has basically rejected all the invitations she can.
Seeing that Zheng Danyun had handed over another invitation, Xiaoxiao felt a little conflicted. Last year, when Zheng Danyun invited her, she did not attend. If she did not go this year, she would definitely be unhappy.
Xiaoxiao thought about it and finally agreed.
The flower viewing banquet was scheduled for February 28th at the Duke of Korea's Mansion. Xiaoxiao thought that Zheng Danyun had invited many noble ladies, but when she arrived, she found that she had only invited her.
Thinking of the last time in the carriage when Mu Xi said that Zheng Danyun also liked Brother Pei, Xiaoxiao suddenly felt a little uncomfortable for some reason.
Xiaoxiao looked at her calmly. Zheng Danyun was wearing a crabapple-colored dress. Her facial features were bright and her makeup was exquisite. She had an indescribable aura around her, and she was proud and dazzling. Even among all the noble ladies, whose background and appearance were top-notch, Xiaoxiao suddenly felt a little ashamed of herself.
Zheng Danyun was also looking at her. Every time they met, she felt that the girl in front of her became more beautiful. She didn't know why, but when she thought about this little girl living in the palace and seeing the regent every day, she inexplicably developed a sense of crisis.
A thought unconsciously popped up in her mind: Is she really the Regent who wants to present her to the Emperor? Will he change his mind when the time comes?
The smile on Zheng Danyun's face froze, and her eyes looking at Xiaoxiao were filled with deep scrutiny.
It's only been a year, but the little girl in front of me has lost her youthfulness. Whether it's her pretty face or her charming eyes, I can't help but look at her again and again. In another half a year, when she has finished growing up, won't she be even more charming?
Is the Regent really not tempted?
Zheng Danyun couldn't help but take a breath. She was on guard against this and that all day long, and she was fighting with Li Sisi, but she never took Xiaoxiao seriously. Thinking of Xiaoxiao's brilliant performance in the Anguo Mansion, Zheng Danyun felt a little uneasy.
She has already reached the age of marriage. If the Regent is still indifferent to her this year, her mother will definitely arrange a marriage for her. Zheng Danyun unconsciously clenched the handkerchief in her hand.
She forced a smile and took Xiaoxiao's hand. "I've wanted to invite you over for a while, but I never had the time. Now that the flowers in the mansion are in bloom, I decided to invite you over."
Xiaoxiao curled her lips and said, "Thank you, Sister Zheng, for the invitation."
She has beautiful features and her smile is sweet and charming.
The more Zheng Danyun looked, the more uncomfortable she felt. She simply couldn't believe that Pei Xiuhan could remain indifferent in the face of such beauty.
If this little girl uses some tricks, what will they do?
Zheng Danyun's heart was in her throat, and she wondered if Xiaoxiao was thinking about the Regent. Compared to the little emperor in the palace who had no real power, the Regent was more attractive no matter how she looked at it.
Zheng Danyun wanted to test her. After pulling her into the greenhouse, she mentioned the Regent. "Your Highness has finally returned from the battlefield, and now he has to deal with matters at court. He must be having trouble eating and sleeping all day, right?"
Xiaoxiao didn't dare reveal his information. Upon hearing this, she just smiled shyly. "I'm not sure either. Wuya Hall is heavily guarded. I don't dare go there. I haven't spoken to him in a long time, nor have I asked him these questions. After all, he is a prince and is busy with government affairs. He probably doesn't have much time to rest."
Hearing this, Zheng Danyun breathed a sigh of relief. "You don't see him often?"
Xiaoxiao nodded honestly. It was indeed not common. When she was in Zhangjia Village, she could see him several times a day, but now she could not see him even once every two or three days. To be honest, Xiaoxiao had not seen him for three or four days, and she didn't know what he was busy with recently.
The little girl's expression didn't seem fake.
Zheng Danyun breathed a sigh of relief. If she were Xiaoxiao, if she was interested in Pei Xiuhan, she would definitely try to create some chance encounters and see him at least once a day.
This little girl didn't take any action at all, which showed that she didn't have Pei Xiu Han in her heart at all.
Zheng Danyun called Xiaoxiao over mainly to find out what else Pei Xiuhan liked besides the rare book. After all, his birthday was next month, and she wanted to give him a birthday gift that he would like.
After feeling that Xiaoxiao was not a threat, Zheng Danyun held her soft little hand again and said with a smile, "Actually, I called you here today not only because I wanted to take you to appreciate the flowers, but also because I have something I want your help with."
Hearing this, Xiaoxiao thought of Mu Xi's words again. Her heart beat faster unconsciously. She always felt that she couldn't help.
The next moment, Zheng Danyun said, "Next month is the prince's birthday. As far as I know, many people have been asking about his hobbies. I heard that he has recently been interested in collecting rare books. Rare books are not easy to find. I have spent so much effort and still haven't found anything. Do you know what he likes?"
Xiaoxiao was stunned when she heard this. "He likes to collect rare books?"
"Yes, I heard that they collected quite a lot. Don't you know?"
Xiaoxiao really didn't know about this.
Seeing her confused eyes, Zheng Danyun couldn't help but hold her forehead. She felt that it was a mistake to call her here today. She stayed in the palace all day and didn't even know this!
Zheng Danyun now believed that she didn't like Pei Xiuhan at all. If she liked him, how could she not even pay basic attention to him?
Xiaoxiao also felt a little guilty. She had no idea that Brother Pei was collecting rare books. She knew without thinking that it was definitely for her. No wonder there were more and more rare books in the library. She didn't know how much effort he had put in to find these.
Xiaoxiao was moved and tormented. She suddenly wanted to go home and couldn't wait to see him.
Zheng Danyun naturally didn't find out any useful information, and her attitude towards Xiaoxiao suddenly became cold.
Xiaoxiao naturally noticed it. She was about to go back home, but when she saw this, she said goodbye on the grounds that she had something to do. Zheng Danyun did not try to keep her.
After Xiaoxiao left, Zheng Danyun's maid said, "You don't know anything about anything. I don't know if you really don't know or if you're just pretending."
Another maidservant, always fond of flattery and always able to make Zheng Danyun smile, replied directly: "What disguise can escape our young lady's discerning eyes? But a country girl must have a hard time in the Prince of Yan's mansion. She can't even take care of herself, so who can she dare to ask for information? It would be strange if she really knew. In my opinion, there is no need for the young lady to associate with her in the future. It is useless."
Zheng Danyun also felt that Xiaoxiao was useless. "Forget it, I won't invite her anymore. Go ask around and see if you can get any useful information. If you can, I'll reward you handsomely."
The two maids quickly agreed and retreated immediately.
The news that Xiaoxiao was invited by Zheng Danyun was soon known to the other noble ladies, and Li Sisi was no exception. At this moment, she was leaning on the couch, and the maid was kneeling in front of her, dyeing her toenails.
After hearing the news, a hint of sarcasm flashed across her usually gentle and demure face. "She's quite proactive, but I wonder if she's found any useful information."
The maidservant beside her replied, "Don't worry, young lady. I followed your instructions this morning and had someone keep an eye on her. If she can find out any useful information, we will also know it. This is a brilliant idea, young lady. There is no need to invite Miss Xiaoxiao."
Li Sisi's fingernails have been dyed. This time she dyed them coral red, which is shiny and beautiful. She admired them and replied slowly.
"Inviting her might not be of any use. This girl looks honest, but she's actually quite slippery. Send more people to contact the servants in the palace, especially those who are not favored in the palace. If you lure them with a large sum of money, you might be able to get some useful information."
The maidservant said, "I have already contacted someone a few days ago as you asked. There is still a month before the prince's birthday, and I am sure we can get something out of him. Don't worry, young lady."
As the master and servant were talking, they heard the maid announce that Taohong had returned. Taohong was one of the people who were sent out. This girl had beautiful features and a charming figure. She understood men's minds very well. She had helped Li Sisi accomplish many things and could be said to be a big hit with Li Sisi.
Hearing that she was back, Li Sisi's eyes moved slightly and she smiled, "Let her in quickly."
Taohong was waiting in the yard.
Her facial features were not particularly beautiful, but her figure was extremely graceful. Her waist was a waist, her butt was a butt, and her breasts were extremely spectacular. When she walked, her body often trembled. Even though she covered herself tightly with clothes, she often attracted the servants in the yard to secretly stare at her.
After Taohong walked in, she knelt down properly.
Li Sisi blew on her nails, and after seeing her kneel down, she said calmly, "Did you find out any useful information?"
Tao Hong said respectfully, "I am glad that I have fulfilled my mission."
"Go ahead."
Taohong glanced at the maid in the room and said nothing. Li Sisi said, "All of you leave."
The maid who was asked to leave secretly curled her lips. She couldn't stand Taohong's look. She just found out a piece of information, but she kept it so tightly. Did she really think that what she found out was a huge secret?
No matter how dissatisfied they were, they could only retreat obediently.
After all the maids left, the room suddenly became quiet. The sunlight filtered through the branches and leaves, shining a little into the room, making it warm.
Taohong then considered her words carefully. "The servants and maids in the palace are very tight-lipped. This servant has put in a lot of effort..."
Before she could finish, Li Sisi interrupted her, "Alright, stop talking nonsense. I know you're capable. If the information is useful, I'll naturally reward you handsomely."
Taohong knelt down and admitted her mistake before quickly telling the story.
The person she was looking for was a third-class servant in the palace, named Li Cai. This guy served in the front yard and his job was just to feed the horses. Taohong set her eyes on him because he was lustful by nature.
She hung around him for several days before gradually getting closer to him. They finally got married yesterday. She got him drunk and then found out some things about the palace.
Everyone in the mansion knew to some extent how much Pei Xiuhan valued Xiaoxiao. Some, like Butler Li, treated Xiaoxiao as the mansion's young lady. Because she saved the prince's life, they respected her very much.
People like Li Cai don't think so. They simply don't believe that a little girl would save Pei Xiu Han's life. Their prince is so skilled in martial arts, how could he have the chance to be saved by a little girl?
Li Cai worked in the palace and had seen Xiaoxiao several times. Xiaoxiao had a fair complexion and a face like a lotus. Even though she was still young, she was incredibly beautiful.
Li Cai always believed that she was having an affair with Pei Xiuhan, otherwise, how could the Regent raise a little girl for nothing?
Which man would be so stupid?
He didn't believe that Pei Xiuhan would send Xiaoxiao into the palace at all. If it were him, he would definitely keep such a beautiful girl for himself. He didn't think their prince was so stupid.
Even if Pei Xiu Han had always been very pure and unselfish, he didn't believe that he could control himself when facing such a beauty like Xiao Xiao.
Li Cai was only a third-class servant and had no chance to get close to Wuyatang on a normal day, so he had always guessed that they were having an affair, until one day, he confirmed his guess.
On the night of New Year's Eve, there was a fire in the palace, and Pei Xiuhan temporarily entered the palace and went to the stable in person. That night, Li Cai happened to be on guard. He was not sleepy yet and vaguely heard Pei Xiuhan's instructions to Yang Hao, asking Wuya's people not to disturb Xiaoxiao's rest.
As soon as I heard this, I knew that Xiaoxiao slept in Wuya Hall that night.
In fact, the servants in the palace were all trained and dared not disclose the affairs of the palace easily. However, Li Cai was drunk by Taohong. Under Taohong's gentleness and deliberate tricks, he naturally told everything.
Tao Hong reported all the information she had gathered to Li Sisi, "This Miss Xiaoxiao is probably not an ordinary person. She must have already climbed into the Regent's bed a long time ago."
When Taohong raised her head, she happened to see Li Sisi's expression.
Li Sisi leaned lazily on the couch, with the corners of her lips curled up in a sarcastic manner. Half of her face was illuminated by the sun, and the other half was hidden in the darkness. Perhaps because she was in a bad mood, she squinted her eyes slightly, and her expression was extremely terrifying.
Taohong shuddered unconsciously, and quickly lowered her head, not daring to look any further, and only asked in a trembling voice: "What do you need me to do next?
Li Sisi admired her nails again before snorting softly, "New Year's Eve, she was only thirteen at the time, right? What a shameless thing, she can't stand loneliness at such a young age. Since she's so short of men, why not find a few more for her?"
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