Song Zhiyu paused slightly. She was indeed interested in the foreign medicine merchants; perhaps they had various medicinal herbs that she needed.
But she knew perfectly well that Qin Xu had gone to great lengths to get her to participate in the night market lake tour, even catering to her preferences, and she had no idea what kind of big gift he had prepared for her.
Qin Xu threatened her a few days ago with her meeting with her third brother, but now he's starting to fawn over her. He's really good at being both flexible and assertive.
Even though Qin Xu hid it well, the ruthlessness deep in his eyes still couldn't escape Song Zhiyu's notice.
Her eyelashes fluttered slightly, and she raised the corners of her lips slightly. "I will attend the lake tour tonight, but I won't trouble you, Young Master Qin. Even if a man and a woman are innocent and pure, walking together alone will inevitably lead to gossip."
Song Zhiyu revealed to Qin Xu that she would be attending the night market lake tour, but directly refused Qin Xu's accompaniment. This did not arouse suspicion from the people in the Hou Mansion, but instead gave them the opportunity to make their move.
If she doesn't agree, Shen Feng's endless tricks will be really troublesome.
Qin Xu's smile didn't last long before he heard Song Zhiyu's refusal, but he still suppressed his displeasure and said dryly, "It is my honor that I am not worthy of it."
In short, getting Song Zhiyu to the lake tour party is half the battle won. As for the other half, let the young lady handle it.
After thinking it through, Qin Xu felt a great weight lifted from his heart, and his tightly furrowed brows relaxed.
Now that this matter is settled, his career path will be secure.
Song Zhiyu glanced at Qin Xu with a half-smile, and replied in agreement, "It's good that you know."
After saying that, she left without looking back, carrying her medicine box, leaving Qin Xu standing there dumbfounded, his face ashen.
He was actually mocked by Song Zhiyu, a country girl.
Qin Xu stared wide-eyed in disbelief, his originally gentle and refined face instantly contorted, and he kicked a stone bench by the roadside in a fit of anger.
"Hmph~"
He doubled over in pain, cold sweat beading on his forehead, and let out a muffled groan of agony.
"Young Master Qin, are you alright?" A weak female voice came from above. Qin Xu suddenly opened his eyes and looked up to see a woman who looked like a maid handing him a handkerchief embroidered with flowers and birds.
Qin Xu silently accepted the handkerchief, glancing casually at the half-open courtyard gate behind Xia Zhu. He forced a smile, saying, "I'm fine, thank you, Miss. But you're from Songxi Courtyard, how come I've never seen you here before?"
He subtly probed for information, when suddenly a better idea came to him. He concealed the contempt in his eyes and spoke in a gentle and polite tone.
This girl's eyes are darting around; she's clearly not someone who stays put.
Perhaps he can use this little girl to achieve his goals.
Xia Zhu, standing to the side, also had her own thoughts. She knew the young lady's secret and knew she could be eliminated at any time.
Although the young lady's influence cannot yet extend into Songxi Courtyard, Songxi Courtyard cannot protect her forever.
If one day the young lady finds out that she was the one who eavesdropped, then she will be in danger.
Xia Zhu had considered surrendering to the young lady, but that was a last resort, and she didn't want to expose herself unless absolutely necessary.
She was originally worried about how to get back the indenture from the second young lady, and she was determined to leave the Marquis's mansion, as far away from the capital as possible, because her life was more important.
But before she could come up with a solution, Qin Xu appeared.
Therefore, she couldn't help but set her sights on Qin Xu.
If she could marry into the Qin family, or obtain a contract of indenture through Young Master Qin, she would be completely safe.
"This servant has always worked in Songxi Courtyard and rarely sets foot in the main courtyard, so it's normal that Young Master Qin hasn't seen this servant before." Xia Zhuying bowed gracefully, not in a hurry to reveal her intentions.
Qin Xu straightened up, regaining his usual charming demeanor, and teasing words came out of his mouth without hesitation, "So that's how it is. I knew that if I had seen Miss Xia Zhu's appearance, I would never forget her."
All the maids under the beautiful woman's command were also beautiful women. After Song Zhiyu entered the Qin family, these maids would also belong to the Qin family.
He was the only son of the Qin family, and since he belonged to the Qin family, he naturally belonged to Qin Xu as well.
"Young Master Qin is too kind." Xia Zhu lowered her head shyly. She didn't understand why the Second Miss didn't like Young Master Qin, who was so handsome and knew how to please people.
The Crown Prince is good, but even with the Second Miss's status, she might not be able to marry him.
It would be better to choose Young Master Qin. At least we know his background, and he's the old lady's maternal grand-nephew. He won't be bullied.
The Qin family is not as complicated as the Marquis's mansion. The second young lady can take charge of the family as soon as she marries in. Isn't that good?
Qin Xu scoffed lightly, looking at the blushing maid in front of him with a hint of disdain in his eyes. Another fool who had been completely fooled by him.
He said a few nice words, and the little maid looked at him shyly, her eyes moist, and she had a certain charm.
In the past, he would have accepted any offer without hesitation.
But not yet. He hasn't taken down Song Zhiyu, this tough nut to crack, so he has to be more restrained.
He can't go too far, at least not during his time at the Marquis's residence.
Although Qin Xu loves to play, he does have some sense of propriety; otherwise, Old Madam Shen wouldn't have chosen him.
As the two were talking, they suddenly heard footsteps approaching.
Qin Xu kept his distance from Xia Zhu without showing any emotion, raised the handkerchief in his hand, and smiled faintly, "Thank you for the handkerchief, Miss Xia Zhu. I like it very much. If you ever encounter any difficulties in the future, Miss Xia Zhu, you can come to me for help."
After saying that, without waiting for Xia Zhu's response, he immediately turned and left, his steps becoming somewhat hurried.
Not long after he left, Lu Bai pushed open the other half of the courtyard door and caught a glimpse of a dark blue figure at the corner.
"Who were you talking to just now?" Lu Bai looked at Xia Zhu, who was lost in thought, her delicate brows furrowing.
Xia Zhu came to her senses and denied it outright, "No one, Sister Lu Bai must have misheard."
She chuckled, picked up the bucket, and walked away, completely unaware that Lu Bai's suspicious gaze was fixed on her retreating figure.
Lu Bai kept a watchful eye on Xia Zhu and planned to pay more attention to her in the future, so as not to let Songxi Academy produce another traitor.
*
Night falls.
The annual night market and lake cruise on West Street in Beijing has arrived as scheduled.
As dusk settles, the bright moon hangs high in the sky, casting its silvery light upon the bustling night market.
The streets were bustling with noise, and the cries of various vendors rose and fell, intertwining with the sounds of zither music coming from Lianxin Lake not far away.
Dozens of lotus lanterns drifted aimlessly on the lake, reaching the opposite bank where they were gently scooped up by a man waiting on the shore.
Song Zhiyu enjoyed the spectacle, but didn't forget the important business of the lake tour.
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