Princess's Residence —
After returning to the manor, Qingyao handed Xiao Hui over to the gatekeeper Xiong Da, instructing him to make sure to feed it carrots and apples.
"Princess, rest assured, I will definitely complete the mission."
Xiong Da responded in a silly manner, then led the donkey away.
"Hmph~"
The donkey sneezed, which was a way of acknowledging that its master hadn't accused it of lying this time.
It obediently followed the big, goofy creature into its own shed to drink water and wait for food.
"Princess, the Princess Consort says that you should go to the study after you return to the manor."
Xiong Yong is now the steward of the princess's mansion. The former steward, Qian, has retired and returned to his hometown, where his family has taken him to live a life of luxury.
"Okay, I'll go now."
Qingyao nodded, lifted her cloak, and handed it to Xia Hua, who had come upon hearing the news.
Ignoring her pout, he pinched Xia Hua's cheek and said with great interest:
"Little Grey has limited weight capacity, I'll take you out with me next time."
"This servant obeys!"
Xia Hua nodded upon hearing this, then put away her cloak and watched the princess leave.
study--
Jiang Yue was reviewing official documents, occasionally adding annotations in red ink.
She didn't put down her pen until someone covered her eyes from behind.
Guess who I am?
Even if she deliberately thickened her voice, it wouldn't be difficult for Jiang Yue.
"Yaoyao, let go."
"Mother, when I returned home, I heard Steward Xiong say that you summoned me."
Qingyao obediently let go of his hand and stood quietly to the side.
Jiang Yue sighed, gesturing for her daughter to sit down at the coffee table beside her, muttering to herself:
"You, you should never go out alone in the future. You should take Xia Hua and a guard with you, otherwise if you get kidnapped, you'll make your mother worry to death!"
Qingyao raised her hands in surrender and begged for mercy:
"Mother, I know I was wrong. I won't do it again."
"Hmm, that's more like it."
Jiang Yue nodded, then took out two portraits from the drawer and gestured for her daughter to look at them.
"Mother, what is this?"
Qingyao lifted the portrait, revealing two young talents with different appearances.
Jiang Yue poured herself a cup of tea and spoke softly:
"What else could it be? One is someone your third brother found for you, and the other is a potential son-in-law that your godfather found for you."
"The young man your third brother has chosen is named Xiao Chang'an. He is eighteen years old this year, one year older than you. He has been well-versed in poetry and books since childhood. He is the youngest son in the family. His family is a distinguished family with a good family tradition. As for his character, I am at ease knowing that he has caught your third brother's eye."
"The person your godfather found for you is named Duanmu Chen. He's seventeen years old, about your age, and a martial artist. He has no elders in his family and was last year's martial arts champion. Your godfather has been kind to him, and he's quite promising for his age; his future is limitless."
After hearing the explanation, Qingyao looked at the portrait again.
Both young men in the portrait are outstanding.
For a moment, she couldn't make up her mind.
"Mother, I don't want to get married. Will they agree to let me marry into their family?"
"You think the portrait could have been delivered to your mother without prior communication with your brother and godfather?"
Jiang Yue glanced at her daughter sideways. Isn't that obvious?
"Then let's meet and see who's right for us. If we find someone suitable, we can get married. That way, when our daughter goes back to her hometown for the New Year, her grandparents won't have to worry about her."
Qingyao put away both flower scrolls, kicked them aside, and took them away to hang in her room!
"You, no matter what, you must—"
Before Jiang Yue could finish speaking, her daughter interrupted her—
"My daughter knows how painful it is to treat someone you like with the same polite distance as someone you don't!"
Qingyao stuck out her tongue, then quickly stood up, bowed, and took her leave.
"Don't go out recently. These two young masters will arrive in Yunshui County one after another to meet you."
Jiang Yue quickly reminded her daughter so that she could be mentally prepared.
"Okay, Mom~"
Qingyao left the study, holding the painting scroll, and sighed almost inaudibly.
She actually liked someone.
However, this person is not tolerated by traditional etiquette.
The other person has always treated her like a younger sister, right?
He's already engaged and will be getting married soon.
She has always been a free spirit; her mother taught her to be able to take things on and let them go.
She also needs to look ahead and choose a husband for herself!
Hoo hoo hoo~
Go Wu Qingyao!
Liang Residence —
The huge mansion had fewer than ten servants at its disposal.
After closing the roster, Liang Xiaoyun looked unwell.
"Young Miss, this is the madam's dowry estate. All the other gold, silver, and jewels have been confiscated..."
The old nanny reported with a grim expression and presented the account book.
"So be it. Since Father has made Aunt Xue his second wife, this day was bound to come sooner or later."
Liang Xiaoyun glanced at the ledger, her heart bleeding.
Those were all part of her dowry left to her by her birth mother. Now, her father favors his concubine over his wife, and she, the legitimate daughter born to the first wife, has to give way to the sons and daughters of illegitimate children...
"This old servant feels sorry for the young lady. Master has gone too far. Otherwise, the young lady would not have had to suffer such humiliation and come to this remote and impoverished place to hide from the storm."
The old woman said quietly, then realized she had spoken out of turn and quickly knelt down to admit her mistake.
"Get up. From now on, I will still need the care of the ceremonial attendants. There is no need for you to blame yourself. Perhaps this is my destiny."
Liang Xiaoyun sighed, gently helped the old woman up, and comforted her.
After the other person left, her eyes turned dark, as if they were poisoned.
Aunt Xue, just you wait and see how long you can remain the mistress of the Liang family!
"Miss~"
"Miss, the young master you rescued has woken up!"
Outside, the maid's voice came from outside.
Liang Xiaoyun withdrew her resentful gaze, replaced it with a gentle smile, and stood up...
If she's right on her bet, this young master is definitely no ordinary person!
If the other party is unmarried and comes from a good family, she might consider it...
In fact, just as she expected.
"My name is Duanmu Chen, from Jinling. May I ask your name, young lady? You saved me, and I will surely repay you handsomely in the future."
When Duanmu Chen woke up, he realized that he had not bled to death. Seeing that his wounds had been treated and bandaged, he knew that he had been saved.
After some questioning, the maid revealed that it was her mistress who had rescued him from unconsciousness outside the city.
"In response to Young Master Duanmu, my young lady's given name is Liang Xiaoyun!"
The maid, having received a signal from her mistress, answered the question on her own initiative.
"Autumn Moon~"
Liang Xiaoyun gave a perfectly timed coquettish sigh, seemingly reluctant to reveal her maid's name, annoyed that the maid was too quick to speak.
"This servant knows her mistake."
Qiuyue knew what her mistress was thinking, and responded in agreement.
After learning his savior's maiden name, Duanmu Chen clasped his hands in thanks.
"Thank you so much, Miss Liang, for saving my life."
He was about to leave with his sword drawn, for he had more important matters to attend to on this journey.
Seeing that the other person was about to leave, Liang Xiaoyun bit her lip and asked again:
"Is Young Master Duanmu not at my humble abode to continue recuperating?"
"Thank you for your kindness, Miss Liang, but I have other matters to attend to. I will prepare a generous gift for you another day."
"Take care, Young Master Duanmu."
Upon hearing this, Liang Xiaoyun curtsied and watched the other person leave...
She's determined to have this man!
"Miss, Young Master Duanmu has left. Shouldn't we keep him?"
Qiu Yue, puzzled, asked aloud.
"No rush, the fish haven't taken the bait yet, we can't rush it~"
She was confident that she could win this man over when they met again!
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