However, this reason didn’t seem to be enough for him to risk becoming involved with his grandfather’s woman.
He wanted a woman, such an easy matter, why would he need to be so sneaky?
But Ji Xiulan was a woman with some means. After entering the residence, she really managed to seduce Grandpa Sun and secure her position. Now, Grandpa Sun’s favorite person was her, and occasionally she whispered sweet nothings in his ear, which worked.
Such an important woman could indeed bring him some benefits.
So Sun Yaowen chose to take the risk without any hesitation. After all, he didn’t suffer any losses. Ji Xiulan, this girl, was incredibly surprising in the bedroom department.
Thus, the two, each harboring their own thoughts, ended up together.
The night breeze was gentle, and the rear garden was incredibly quiet, only the faint sounds of men and women entwining in the bushes could be heard.
——
Xin He received a family letter from Le Yuanhou Residence today, written by her father himself. It didn’t say anything special, just that everything at home was fine, and she shouldn’t worry about it.
Looking at the family letter, Xin He felt a little calmer. It seemed that the woman in the residence hadn’t done anything yet.
Xin He couldn’t help but worry. Although she had only been with Le Yuanhou for a few months, he was still her biological father, and she had her own grandmother. With such a hidden woman in the residence with ill intentions, she was naturally not at ease.
"What is Madam thinking?" Shulan noticed that Xin He was holding the letter and not speaking, so she couldn’t help but ask.
Xin He shook her head: "It’s nothing, I’m just thinking about how to reply."
Only then did Shulan smile: "Madam is now living well, and the reply will naturally be simple."
Xin He pulled a faint smile, not saying anything. Shulan was simple-minded, and there was no point in discussing some things with her.
As for the situation in the capital, Mu Houchu would naturally be the most informed. He had countless eyes in the capital, even in the residences of high-ranking court officials. Although he was now far away in Lian’an Town, he would not miss any news from the capital.
But he always told her everything was fine.
Xin He couldn’t help but feel suspicious. She knew how turbulent the capital’s situation was. Before leaving, it was already chaotic, and without Mu Houchu to keep things in check, the power struggle would likely intensify. Xin He even faintly suspected that something had happened.
But she couldn’t figure out what.
As Xin He was deep in thought, she suddenly noticed the content on the second page of the letter, raising her eyebrows slightly.
"Your mother is considering arranging a marriage for your younger sister with the Duan family. The Duan family has not expressed their stance, and their words seem unwilling. I said we should forget about it, but your mother is persistent, believing that the Duan family’s third son is a good match······"
Xin He pursed her lips: "Duan Lan."
"What’s wrong with Madam?"
Xin He’s eyebrows furrowed slightly. Speaking of which, it was indeed time for Duan Lan to get married. But if he married someone like her younger sister, wouldn’t his life be difficult in the future?
Xin He remembered the incident in the capital where the mother and daughter conspired to drown her in the lake, and her eyes chilled.
She shook her head and couldn’t help but laugh. What was she worrying about? The Duan family weren’t fools. They would surely investigate the situation before marrying. Even if Duan Lan did marry, given her current relationship with him, there was nothing she could say to stop it.
Xin He let out a soft sigh. She didn’t know why, but given their current situation, even though she couldn’t be with him, she hoped that the once pure and innocent young man could find a suitable woman to spend the rest of his life with.
As she was lost in thought, she heard Xiao Bei’s laughter from outside.
Xin He laughed: "Xiao Bei is back from school."
She handed the family letter to Shulan to put away while instructing the servants to bring cool tea and pastries for them.
"Sister!" As soon as Xiao Bei entered, he threw himself into Xin He’s arms, excitedly saying: "It’s rare that Sister is at home today!"
Xin He used a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his forehead, smiling: "Did you run all the way back? Look at the sweat on your forehead."
"I was afraid I’d be late and you would go out again," Xiao Bei muttered.
"I was too busy before, but I won’t be like that now." Xin He felt a little guilty. Xiao Bei had grown up lacking maternal love and clung to her, treating her as both mother and sister. Yet she was always too busy with her ambitions and had no time to take care of him.
What Mu Houchu said was right; she needed to slow down.
Otherwise, she didn’t know how she would be able to make up for what she was missing out on now.
As they talked, she saw Xiao Chaihu standing at the door, head bowed and not speaking.
"Xiao Chaihu, come in!" Xiao Bei waved to him.
Xin He smiled: "Come on in."
Only then did Xiao Chaihu enter.
Xin He handed over the cool tea that Shulan had just brought, smiling: "You don’t have to be so formal. Our home doesn’t have many rules. Just read and play with Xiao Bei."
Whether the child was too sensible or because he looked a little like Xiao Bei, Xin He really didn’t want to treat him too harshly.
Of course, the servants in the residence had to be treated with both kindness and severity, so they would know their place. But faced with such a lonely and helpless child, Xin He could not be cruel.
Especially since he was overly sensible.
Xiao Chaihu’s slightly dim eyes brightened as he carefully took the teacup from Xin He’s hand: "Alright."
Xiao Bei clung to Xin He and said, "Sister, our academy will have a break in a few days. With the weather being so hot now, I heard that it’s very cool and beautiful up in the mountains. It’s fun and refreshing. Shall we go there to play?"
Xin He calculated the days and thought it wouldn’t hurt to take a day to accompany him, so she nodded: "Alright."
——
Just as it was getting dark.
Flower House was bustling with the chatter of girls, and laughter and frolicking could be heard everywhere.
Compared to the liveliness of the Flower House, the other ones seemed much colder.
Sun Yaowen swaggered in, fanning himself.
As soon as he entered, the girls flocked to him: "Young Master Sun is here? What brings you here today? Do you want me to accompany you?"
Young Master Sun had always been a prodigal, generous spender, and a good source of income, so the girls naturally fought for his attention.
Sun Yaowen smiled: "I’m not in the mood for any of you today. I came here today, of course, to find the best goods."
Everyone heard what he said and knew he wasn’t looking for them, so they dispersed, understanding that he was here for the top courtesan.
As for the top courtesan, she didn’t need to welcome guests and solicit business at the door. Courtesans like her were seated properly in their rooms, waiting for customers to come directly to them.
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