Before Lian Si could even finish his sentence, Ling Feng pulled out a jade pendant from his pocket and handed it to the young boy, his face growing stiff as he spoke, "I am here to deliver our master’s order. He said that your miss had sent someone to check on him and he feels..."
With a hard stomp of his foot, Ling Feng finally managed to stutter out the rest of the message: "Very pleased."
Lian Si’s eyes widened in shock, "What?"
Ling Feng, growing impatient, pushed the jade pendant into Lian Si’s chest, "Just go and tell your master!"
Upon hearing Ling Feng’s words, Lian Si’s face immediately lit up with glee. He had been worried about going back empty-handed, as it was generally well-rewarded if successful, but a failure meant a punishment. He certainly didn’t expect this turn of events!
Lian Si couldn’t help but ask enthusiastically, "Really?"
Ling Feng simply turned to leave.
Despite the pain in his chest where he had been kicked, Lian Si hastily pulled at Ling Feng’s sleeve and asked, "But, but wasn’t Master Mu upset just now? How did it suddenly..."
Ling Feng disdainfully shook off his hand, immediately presenting Ji Xinhe’s prepared excuse, "Earlier we were at the entrance of the Mu Mansion, with too many prying eyes and ears. If some servant blabbers about this, wouldn’t it tarnish our master’s reputation?"
Lian Si finally understood, nodding in acknowledgment, "Yes, yes, yes! I was inconsiderate! I won’t do this again!"
He winked and said, "I’ll certainly arrange a more discreet place next time!"
Ling Feng cursed internally, but managed to keep a calm facade, "As long as you understand."
Lian Si ventured to ask tentatively, "So, what are Master Mu’s plans now? You should know, our Fifth Miss is the heiress to the Song Family, an ordinary family could never marry her. Surely we won’t let our miss suffer the indignity of becoming a mere concubine?"
This question immediately got Ling Feng’s blood boiling, he thought to himself: How dare you?! Our master is already married!
However, he remembered Ji Xinhe’s instructions to agree as much as possible and managed to take a deep breath before responding rigidly, "Our master’s intention is, we can discuss about anything."
"Ah! Yes, yes, yes! I understand!" Lian Si happily clutched the jade pendant, exclaiming excitedly, "I’ll go back immediately and inform our Miss about Master Mu’s feelings!"
Ling Feng nodded stiffly and turned to leave.
He didn’t want to stay a moment longer, but the thought of facing his own master upon returning made him shudder. He prayed silently: I hope I won’t be skinned this time.
Lian Si quickly instructed the coachman to drive him back to the Song family residence.
Meanwhile, Lady Song and Song Ya Lan were already waiting. Song Ya Lan was still under house arrest at the ancestral hall, but Lady Song would sneak her home to rest from time to time to spare her the discomfort.
As soon as Lian Si entered, Song Ya Lan anxiously asked, "How did it go?"
Lian Si said gleefully, "Miss, don’t worry, with your charm, how could Master Mu refuse? Look, he even sent you this betrothal gift!"
Song Ya Lan was so excited she nearly screamed. She quickly took the jade pendant and admired it, turning to Lady Song and saying passionately, "Mother, look! I knew he still loved me! How could he not care about me at all!"
Song Ya Lan’s thinking was simple; she had fallen in love with Mu Houchu at first sight, and naturally, he should have noticed her affection and reciprocated her love!
Of course that’s how it is supposed to be!
However, Lady Song, noticing Lian Si’s limping, questioned, "What happened to you?"
Lian Si laughed it off, "I am fine, just had a... small accident."
Lady Song frowned, "What kind of accident?"
Lian Si didn’t dare hide anything, recounting everything that happened at the Mu mansion.
After listening to Lian Si’s story, Lady Song’s expression changed, "Is he worried about his own servants gossiping, or afraid that his wife might hear of this and become angry? It seems he is trying to please both sides!"
Years of experience had made Lady Song far more perceptive than the naive Song Ya Lan.
Lian Si hastily added, "But I did ask that personal attendant of Master Mu, saying our Miss’s social status definitely couldn’t be belittled to being a concubine. And that attendant said their master said, ’Anything can be negotiated.’"
Song Ya Lan blushed at this, pulling Lady Song’s arm, "Mother, I knew we should have gone straight to him instead of dealing with Ji Xinhe, that selfish, jealous woman! Hasn’t that just caused us unnecessary stress?"
Lady Song’s face still remained stern, "His words sound like he is beating around the bush."
Song Ya Lan protested, "Mother! Why are you always thinking like this? Maybe he just didn’t have time to process it and had his men bring back his words in a hurry."
Lady Song still urged caution, "We should be careful with this matter. I will send someone to investigate further."
But, Song Ya Lan wasn’t really listening. She nodded absentmindedly, waiting for Lady Song to leave, then immediately summoned Lian Si.
"Tomorrow, you will go to the Mu Mansion again. Bring a letter from me." Song Ya Lan shyly instructed, a rare display of girlish charm.
Lian Si hurriedly agreed, "Don’t worry, Miss. I will do it well!"
——
Perhaps because she had gone to bed early last night, Ji Xinhe woke up early in the morning. Normally, Mu Houchu wouldn’t wake her when he got up.
"Sleep a bit more." Mu Houchu pinched her cheek.
Ji Xinhe wriggled out from under the covers, giggling, "No need to sleep more."
Once Mu Houchu got dressed, he said, "I will ask Shulan and Xiaoyu to come in and help you freshen up. Make sure to drink your pregnancy tonic obediently. The nourishing soup that you skipped out on last night is being reheated for you. You must eat it today. Stay at home, don’t run around. I will come back early tonight, okay?"
Ji Xinhe was already accustomed to his nagging, hummed and hawed in response, not really paying attention to what he said.
Mu Houchu gritted his teeth, "Do you think I can’t discipline you now?"
Ji Xinhe blinked her innocent eyes, "How is that possible?"
Mu Houchu pinched her chin and kissed her fiercely.
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