Mu Ruoyan watched the three people from afar, his eyes following their every move until the courtyard gate slowly closed, shutting out the heartwarming scene. Only then did he snap out of his reverie.
"Master, aren't we going in?"
Xu Qi glanced at his master, who was standing beside the carriage with a somewhat forlorn expression, and asked cautiously.
"Go in."
Mu Ruoyan's gaze remained fixed on the closed door, as if she could see through it to what was inside.
"Xu Qi, do you have a girl you like?"
Mu Ruoyan suddenly posed this question.
Xu Qi was taken aback, secretly thinking to himself: I follow you around every day, almost inseparable from you, don't you know that? How could I have the time to like any other woman?
But he still replied respectfully, "No, if I hadn't been saved by the Third Prince, I would probably have been dead for ten years now. In my heart, there is no one else but my master."
Mu Ruoyan rolled her eyes and said irritably, "Who asked you to pledge your loyalty? Go and find two skilled doctors."
Xu Qi hesitated for a moment, took a step forward, but did not leave immediately, his eyes filled with worry.
"Get out of here. Can't I protect myself? Let them reunite for a while, then I'll go in and see my future brother-in-law," Mu Ruoyan urged, feigning impatience.
Xu Qi opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but swallowed the words back.
He knew in his heart that after his mother's death, his master was filled with nothing but hatred and lived like a walking corpse.
Now, by Lin Xihe's side, the master is gradually beginning to resemble a human being, exhibiting vivid emotions such as joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness.
He couldn't say for sure whether the change was good or bad, but at least he hadn't seen his master smile in a long time.
Inside the room, Lin Xihe watched her brother talk to Gu Qinghuai. Her brother recounted how he had been framed by his own people and how Mu Ruoyan had kept his predicament a secret. Lin Xihe listened with mixed feelings, the joy of a long-awaited reunion intertwined with bitterness, causing her to burst into tears.
Hearing that her brother also knew about the emperor's many evil deeds, she felt increasingly bitter, and a sour feeling spread throughout her body.
"Xihe, you're already a mother, why do you still cry so much?"
Lin Zhihao's tone was full of tenderness and doting, without a trace of blame.
"I should have come looking for you sooner," Lin Xihe said, her voice filled with self-blame and regret.
"It's because my brother is useless; his eyes just won't get better..."
Lin Zhihao sighed softly, his tone filled with deep helplessness and resentment. He was even more afraid that if he went back rashly, it would bring disaster to Lin Xihe.
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
Lin Xihe quickly stopped Gu Qinghuai from getting up, wiped away her tears, and got up to open the door.
Mu Ruoyan stood outside the door and saw Lin Xihe's red and swollen eyes, the sadness in them almost overflowing.
Now, what he can't bear to see most is Lin Xihe shedding tears.
"Why are you crying? Shouldn't you be happy to see your brother?" Mu Ruoyan asked, her tone tinged with heartache.
"What...are you here for?"
Lin Xihe asked, her voice thick with sobs and nasal consonance.
"I've sent Xu Qi to find a skilled doctor nearby to examine your brother's eyes in a bit. I have plenty of miraculous medicines; we'll treat him slowly. Don't cry anymore; you look awful when you cry." As she spoke, Mu Ruoyan reached out and gently wiped away Lin Xihe's tears that kept rolling down her cheeks.
"Can it be cured?" A glimmer of hope ignited in Lin Xihe's eyes, her voice filled with anticipation.
Mu Ruoyan didn't actually know the specifics of Lin Zhihao's condition, but he was willing to make a promise to Lin Xihe: "I don't know, but I will definitely find someone to treat him."
Lin Xihe sobbed and nodded forcefully.
"Be good, let me in. I also want to see my future brother." Mu Ruoyan coaxed softly, her tone somewhat ingratiating.
Lin Xihe hesitated: "My brother doesn't know about my affairs, you should stay outside."
Mu Ruoyan would never agree to that, and immediately retorted, "I won't talk nonsense. Why should he be able to go in while I have to wait outside? If you won't give him a title, you should at least give him something else."
"Keep your voice down."
While keeping an eye on the sounds coming from the house not far away, Lin Xihe spoke in a low voice, afraid that the people inside would hear her.
Mu Ruoyan's smile faded, and her expression turned serious: "Lin Xihe, don't take me for granted. You know why I've spoiled you and indulged you all this time. It's not so I can see your family having a good time while I'm left out in the cold."
Mu Ruoyan felt that he had been accommodating enough to Lin Xihe, and he hoped that Lin Xihe could be happy with him, rather than having fun with others in front of him.
"You remember, it was that three-year agreement that allowed me to speak to you so properly."
As Mu Ruoyan spoke, seeing Lin Xihe become nervous because of his words, he still managed to soften his expression.
Lin Xihe naturally didn't want Lin Zhihao to know about her situation with Gu Qinghuai. She bit her lower lip lightly, her face full of helplessness, and finally said, "Come in."
Mu Ruoyan strode into the house, and Lin Xihe closed the door before following him inside.
"Xihe, who's here?"
Hearing footsteps, Lin Zhihao called out to ask.
Mu Ruoyan walked into the house, with Lin Xihe following closely behind him. She quietly shook her head at Gu Qinghuai from behind Mu Ruoyan, signaling him not to make a fuss, and then said, "This is someone Qinghuai and I know. He's the one who led us to you."
"Big brother."
Mu Ruoyan opened her mouth and called out, her voice carrying a hint of familiarity.
Gu Qinghuai's gaze swept instantly towards Mu Ruoyan, his eyes carrying a hint of warning and displeasure. Mu Ruoyan couldn't see it and naturally didn't notice, her expression remaining calm.
Lin Zhihao was somewhat surprised by Mu Ruoyan's address of "elder brother," as he felt that "brother Lin" would have been more appropriate.
Moreover, if it were Gu Qinghuai's friend, Gu Qinghuai shouldn't have remained silent; the strangeness of this situation aroused his suspicion.
Lin Zhihao, unaware of the situation, could only politely stand up, clasp his hands in a fist and bow in the direction from which Mu Ruoyan's voice came, saying, "Thank you for taking care of my sister and brother-in-law, brother. I am deeply grateful."
"Brother-in-law?"
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