During the banquet, she skillfully interacted with the guests, winning their respect and affection, and making them look at her with new respect.
Just then, a young lady dressed in a magnificent brocade robe walked up to Xu Yuehuai. She looked Xu Yuehuai up and down, a hint of surprise and curiosity flashing in her eyes. She parted her lips slightly and said slowly, "So you are the eldest daughter of the Minister of Rites, raised in his hometown. I really didn't expect you to be so outstanding."
Xu Yuehuai smiled slightly and replied humbly, "Miss, you flatter me. I am just doing my best to help my father."
The young lady nodded, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes. She continued, "Your intelligence and quick wit in integrating into the elite circles of the capital in such a short time are truly admirable. Would you be interested in discussing poetry and literature with me?"
Xu Yuehuai's heart skipped a beat; she knew this was a rare opportunity. She immediately nodded in agreement and walked with her mistress to a corner of the banquet hall. There, they began to talk about poetry and discuss life, as if they had become close friends.
However, during their conversation, Xu Yuehuai did not forget her original intention. She paid close attention to the young lady's expressions and words, trying to find clues to the secret.
Whenever the young lady brought up certain sensitive topics, Xu Yuehuai would deliberately steer the conversation in a direction, trying to elicit more information.
Miss Xu seemed oblivious to his intentions, and continued to chat with him enthusiastically.
Xu Yuehuai gradually revealed her talent and charm during this process, which made the young lady admire and like her more and more.
And so, Xu Yuehuai's life in the Minister's mansion became more and more colorful.
She not only won the respect and affection of others in social situations, but also gradually got closer to the secret that had troubled her for so long. She believed that as long as she didn't give up or get discouraged, she would one day unveil the mystery and find the unspeakable secret.
The night was as dark as ink, and the clamor of the banquet had long since dissipated. Xu Yuehuai walked alone under the moonlight back to the quiet backyard. In the moonlight, her figure appeared exceptionally aloof and proud. However, this tranquility did not last long.
Beside the artificial hill, a dark figure suddenly leaped out, blocking her path. The man was burly, with a ferocious face, and his greedy eyes gleamed with a lewd light in the night. He stretched out his rough, large hand, intending to commit an indecent act against Xu Yuehuai.
"Miss, such a beautiful day, why don't we share it together?"
Xu Yuehuai was startled, but her expression remained icy. Having practiced martial arts extensively in recent years, she possessed exceptional skills; how could she tolerate such a petty scoundrel's disrespect?
She sneered, and in a flash, she closed in. Her hands moved with the agility and speed of a butterfly flitting among flowers.
"ah--!"
Before the man could react, she struck him with her palm and knocked him unconscious.
Xu Yuehuai glanced at the man lying on the ground, a hint of disgust flashing in her eyes. She waved her hand, signaling the servants who had rushed over to drag him away.
The servants dared not delay and immediately stepped forward to drag the man away.
Xu Yuehuai turned and returned to the courtyard, her heart filled with unease. She knew that if what she had just witnessed were discovered, it would cause a huge uproar. Although the Ministry of Rites' residence was wealthy and prestigious, human nature was complex, and she had to act with caution.
Just then, the maid Dongxue rushed over, her face showing some worry: "Miss, what you just did was really too dangerous. You must never show your martial arts skills in front of others in the future, otherwise the consequences will be unimaginable."
Xu Yuehua nodded; she knew Dongxue was telling the truth. Within this manor, she had to conceal her true strength to protect herself.
"Fortunately, that person has already been dealt with, and no one will know about this." Dongxue sighed.
Xu Yuehua frowned, a chill creeping into her heart towards the people of the Ministry of Rites' residence. She hadn't expected these seemingly respectable officials to be so cold-blooded and ruthless behind the scenes.
That night, the moonlight was as clear as water, and Xu Yuehuai lay in bed, but her heart was filled with unease.
She thought about what had happened these past few days and couldn't help but sigh.
Just then, a slight noise came, and she immediately sat up alertly.
Qi Guze's figure was seen vaulting in through the window. He landed silently, clearly possessing extraordinary skills.
He walked to Xu Yuehuai's bedside and asked softly, "A-Yue, how have you been lately? Have you encountered any trouble?"
Looking into his concerned eyes, Xu Yuehuai felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She knew that in this cold and indifferent Dongsang Kingdom, Qi Guze was her only support. She shook her head and whispered, "I'm fine, you don't need to worry."
Qi Guze gently embraced Xu Yuehuai. His hands were firm and warm, like a fire in the cold winter, dispelling the chill in Xu Yuehuai's heart.
His eyes were filled with deep care and tenderness, as if all the warmth in the world had gathered in them. He whispered, "Ah Yue, you can tell me anything that's bothering you. I'll always be by your side."
Xu Yuehuai raised her head, her eyes flashing with complex emotions. She looked at Qi Guze, her eyes filled with deep emotion and dependence.
She nodded gently, her voice trembling slightly: "Yes, Gu Ze, how have you been these days? Why did you suddenly come to see me?"
Qi Guze smiled slightly, a hint of seriousness flashing in his eyes. He gently grasped Xu Yuehuai's hand and said, "The organization has me gathering information throughout the capital. I suspect they have something big planned. I must be careful and not let them do anything to harm the people."
Hearing this, a hint of worry flashed in Xu Yuehuai's eyes. She held Qi Guze's hand tightly and said, "Then you must be careful, Guze. Be sure to remind me when the time comes, I need to help too."
Looking at Xu Yuehuai's resolute eyes, Qi Guze nodded and said gently, "Okay, Yuehuai, I will."
Then, the two lay quietly on the bed, the moonlight shining on them and casting a faint silver glow on their figures.
They spoke of their longing and concern over the past few days, as if trying to melt each other's hearts into this deep emotion.
As time passed, the sky gradually brightened. Qi Guze looked at the rising sun outside the window and knew he had to leave.
He gently stroked Xu Yuehuai's cheek and said, "A-Yue, I have to go. Take good care of yourself, and I'll come back to find you."
Hearing this, Xu Yuehuai's eyes flashed with reluctance. She hugged Qi Guze tightly, as if wanting to merge her body into his. Her voice trembled as she said, "Guze, be careful. I'll wait for you to come back."
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