Chapter 187 Surrender to the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 187: Seeking Clarity

Tangyuan gritted her teeth and stomped her foot.

"Servant girl wants to follow Miss Yan."

"Alright."

Xie Zhifei responded straightforwardly, "From now on, don't go to Third Master's courtyard. I'll talk to Chief Steward Xie about it."

Tangyuan never expected things to be so smooth and hurriedly bowed to Third Master.

Each bow was sincere, and one could hear the sound of her head touching the ground.

"Enough, enough, your master doesn't like that sort of thing."

Xie Zhifei covered his mouth with a yawn, his eyes glistening with moisture, "You're a decent person. Serve her well and don't have any other thoughts."

"Servant girl thanks Third Master for your great kindness."

Tangyuan tactfully retreated.

Xie Zhifei propped his legs up on the table, resting his hands behind his head. After a while, a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

Zhu Qing: "What are you smiling about, sir?"

Smiling about what?

"I'm smiling because I thought I did everything perfectly, but who knew they saw through it long ago. That phrase 'where you sit determines how you think' was probably said for me, Third Master."

Zhu Qing wanted to laugh but didn't dare to.

Xie Zhifei shook his head, "Alright, Zhu Qing, please do me another favor and pass a message to Xie Xiaohua, telling her not to meddle in Jingsi Residence's affairs anymore."

Zhu Qing: "Yes!"

"Hold on!"

Xie Zhifei put down his legs, stood up, and folded his arms.

"You should also drop by Jingsi Residence and apologize on behalf of Third Master."

"Is it necessary? Where will sir's dignity go?"

"Why isn't it necessary?"

While yawning, Xie Zhifei walked into the inner room, "Dignity is useless with Yan Sanhe."

That girl needs to be coaxed gently and treated softly. Only then will she willingly help solve the case.

As for who she really is...

Xie Zhifei clenched his teeth, not in a hurry. He would find out sooner or later!

...

Yan Sanhe opened her eyes for the first time two days later, in the morning.

As soon as she woke up, she called out that she was hungry. Li Buyan quickly instructed Tangyuan to prepare a meal.

Two bowls of rice, six dishes, and a bowl of soup—Yan Sanhe ate everything clean. After eating, she closed her eyes and fell back asleep.

Tangyuan asked nervously, "Should we ask Doctor Pei to come and check her pulse?"

"No need. She just needs sleep; she's been exhausted."

Li Buyan led Tangyuan outside and smiled, "By the way, what has your Third Master been busy with these past two days?"

Upon hearing this, Tangyuan immediately knelt, bravely lifting her chin.

"What Third Master is busy with, servant girl doesn't dare to inquire. Servant girl only knows that from now on, she will serve Miss well and know nothing else, nor want to know anything else."

"Hmm, finally seeing the light!"

Li Buyan helped her stand up and patted her shoulder, "But there are some things you should still inquire about and know."

Tangyuan: "...Ah?"

Li Buyan looked at Tangyuan with clear eyes, "Especially about Third Master. Our Miss is very curious."

Tangyuan's eyes widened, feeling her heart stop beating.

W-What does he mean?

Does he want her to inquire more about Third Master and tell Miss?

"Don't be afraid, don't be afraid!"

Li Buyan encouraged her, "Just keep an eye out, like what Third Master likes and dislikes, what he often does and doesn't often do..."

Tangyuan interrupted anxiously, "Is our Miss interested in Third Master?"

Li Buyan scratched his head.

She is interested.

But not in that way!

"Quickly persuade Miss not to get too involved. Third Master belongs to Miss Du. Miss Du seems friendly, but she's very capable. Miss can't compete with her!"

Li Buyan scratched his head again.

"Really?"

"Is there someone Yan Sanhe can't handle?"

"..."

"The person Yan Sanhe couldn't handle came to Xie Mansion the next day, but unfortunately missed them as Third Master had already left for the government office before dawn."

"After longing for three whole months and not getting to see him, Miss Du threw herself into Lady Zhu's arms and sobbed uncontrollably."

"Lady Zhu knew very well that the third son was avoiding Du Yiyun, but she couldn't say it outright, so she could only comfort her gently."

"This comforting made Du Yiyun cry even harder."

"Just as Lady Zhu was at a loss, Madam sent someone to fetch Du Yiyun."

"With an invitation from her future mother-in-law, Du Yiyun wiped away her tears and followed the messenger. Lady Zhu watched her leave, a cold smile playing on her lips."

Chuntao presented a teacup, speaking softly, "I must admit, I'm a bit confused. What is the situation between Third Master and Miss Du now? One chasing, the other dodging."

"Lady Zhu, who had been talking until her throat was parched, took the teacup and drank deeply.

"Still can't see it? The Old Madam and Madam favor Miss Du, but the Master hasn't budged. It has nothing to do with the two young ones."

"Isn't the Du family's status high enough for the Master? Besides, Third Master isn't known for longevity."

"We women of the inner quarters don't understand matters outside."

Lady Zhu put down the teacup, "It might have something to do with the court."

At the mention of "the court," Chuntao quickly closed her mouth in fear, not daring to ask another word. But then she heard Lady Zhu say, "What is Miss Yan doing right now?"

"I heard she hasn't gotten up yet."

Lady Zhu immediately smiled, her expression bright and cheerful.

"Sleeping all day, not caring what others think of her. Morning and evening rituals, rules, etiquette—all pushed aside."

"Truly genuine."

"Is she seventeen this year?"

"I heard she is seventeen."

"When is her birthday?"

"I haven't heard anyone mention it."

"Find an opportunity to inquire, don’t miss the date and make the young lady’s heart turn cold."

Upon hearing this, Chun Tao quickly smiled and said, "It seems that Madam has a good impression of Miss Yan?"

Indeed, she did!

She had been married into the Xie Mansion for so many years, and even when her menstrual period came and her lower abdomen ached terribly, she still had to grit her teeth and serve Old Madam and Madam their meals.

Who had ever spoken up for her?

"She may be cold, but she is considerate; as for Miss Du, although warm..."

Madam Zhu gave a cold laugh. "I advised her for half a day, and she didn’t even say thank you, showing she has no heart. If I were Lao San, I would rather marry Miss Yan than Miss Du."

Unfortunately, many people just can’t see it clearly.

...

Xie Lao San was completely unaware of the intricate thoughts in the hearts of these women.

After being ill for three months, he had accumulated a pile of official duties at the Northern City Garrison Office. He was so busy that he barely touched the ground, and in recent days, he had simply stayed at the office.

Ding Yi, not adept at guessing his master’s mind but efficient in his work, along with Zhu Qing, the three of them worked tirelessly for three whole days and nights before finally finishing everything.

On the fourth day, around noon, they were just starting to have a bit of free time when Lord Pei, dressed in his official robes, hurried over.

Xie Zhifei was drinking tea when he looked up at him, but before he could swallow the tea, he heard Pei Mingting shout.

"Xie Wushi, I’ve already arranged the matchmaker, but I don’t know who to talk to—should it be your father who decides for Yan Sanhe, or your grandmother?"

"Pfft—"

The tea spurted directly out of Xie Wushi’s mouth.