Chapter 200 Worry

Chapter 200: Concerns

"Father, please speak."

"The matriarch wants to keep Yan Sanhe in the mansion."

"Isn't she already staying..."

Xie Erli's expression changed, "Does the matriarch mean to marry her into the family? Who is to marry her?"

Xie Daozhi nodded slightly, "The second son."

Xie Erli's expression turned grave, and after a moment, he said, "Leaving aside other matters, I fear it might be a mismatch for my second brother in terms of social status."

"I had the same thoughts at first. But what that girl said to your mother yesterday changed my mind."

Xie Daozhi continued, "I know your grandfather's scholarship better than anyone else. That girl has inherited his teachings deeply; she is not simple."

Xie Erli sighed inwardly.

Whether she is scholarly or not is secondary; the key is that although this girl is cold, she understands reason. Such a person would be suitable for the second son...

"I wonder if Aunt Liu will approve of her," Xie Erli probed.

Xie Daozhi did not respond, slowly closing his eyes, "Let's not rush this. I need more time to think about it."

Xie Erli looked at the dark circles under his father's eyes and frowned slightly.

Marrying that girl to the second son is indeed a perfect solution, but for some reason, he felt another layer of concern.

Yan Sanhe was unaware that her two simple "yeses" had stirred many hearts within the Xie Mansion; nor did she know that someone was already worrying about her marriage.

She and Li Buyan met at the corner gate as agreed.

Xie Buhuo looked up and was momentarily stunned.

Both mistress and servant were dressed in men's attire, exuding a heroic air.

Yan Sanhe was also taken aback.

In front of her, the second master of the Xie family wore a semi-new robe with no jade pendants, presenting a refreshing appearance of a scholar, pleasing to the eye.

Xie Buhuo quickly composed himself and said lightly, "Miss Yan, please get in the carriage."

Yan Sanhe replied, "We don't need to go far; let's just look around nearby."

Xie Buhuo responded, "Then I'll take you to see a few shops near the Xie Mansion."

The carriage moved slowly, stopping half an hour later in front of a shop.

Yan Sanhe stepped inside and found it sold the Four Treasures of the Study.

Xie Buhuo smiled and said, "Most of the shops selling the Four Treasures of the Study in Beijing belong to the Xie family. Feel free to browse and tell me if you like anything."

Yan Sanhe remained silent, but Li Buyan spoke up, "Second Master, may I ask a few questions?"

Xie Buhuo noticed that when Li Buyan spoke, Yan Sanhe moved to the side, allowing Li Buyan to face him directly.

He said calmly, "Please ask, Miss."

Li Buyan asked, "How many shops selling the Four Treasures of the Study does the mansion own?"

Xie Buhuo counted, "Fifty-eight."

Li Buyan continued, "Are these houses rented or owned by the Xie family?"

Xie Buhuo replied, "Most are rented, a smaller portion are owned."

Li Buyan calculated silently, then held up one finger toward Yan Sanhe.

Yan Sanhe nodded.

What kind of silent communication were they having?

Even with his background, Xie Buhuo did not ask further despite his curiosity.

After asking, Li Buyan retreated behind Yan Sanhe, remaining silent.

Xie Buhuo pointed to an octagonal cabinet, "This Duan inkstone is excellent. I wonder if it catches your fancy?"

Yan Sanhe examined it, "It is indeed good, Buyan."

Li Buyan took out the silver.

Xie Buhuo hurriedly smiled, "Allow me to gift it to you, Miss."

Yan Sanhe frowned slightly.

"Don't frown so soon, Miss," Xie Buhuo smiled gently, "I've given gifts to both my elder sister and younger sister."

Implying, I consider you family too.

Yan Sanhe thought of the noodles from that morning, "If you give me the Duan inkstone, I'll treat you to a meal. How about that?"

Xie Buhuo smiled mildly, "Very well!"

After visiting several shops, it was time for lunch.

Unfamiliar with Imperial City, Yan Sanhe and Li Buyan followed Xie Buhuo into a restaurant.

The private room was on the second floor, decorated with exquisite elegance.

"Since there's no one else here, Miss Li, please sit down. Wuxing, you too."

Xie Buhuo glanced at the waiter pouring tea, "Same as always."

The waiter hurriedly replied, "Yes, Second Master."

Li Buyan sat down gracefully, but Wuxing only dared to sit half-way, looking very restrained.

Yan Sanhe noticed this and gave Xie Buhuo a meaningful look.

Once all the dishes were served, she picked up her chopsticks, "Second Master, please."

"Bian, Miss Yan, don't mind me."

The meal was eaten in silence.

Apart from Wuxing, who seemed extremely uncomfortable, the other three enjoyed their meal contentedly.

After finishing, Li Buyan took out some silver to pay, while Xie Buhuo refilled Yan Sanhe's teacup.

After finishing her cup of tea, Yan Sanhe said, "Second Master, since you have matters to attend to this afternoon, let's part ways here."

Xie Buhuo responded, "I'll have Wuxing escort you back to your residence."

Yan Sanhe: "The weather is too nice; I'll walk back with Buyan to digest our meal."

Xie Buhuo leaned back in his chair, "I heard from the servants that Miss Li practices martial arts early every morning, so she can protect you."

"That's right, so there's no need to worry."

"In that case, I'll see you off to the door." Xie Buhuo stood up with a gentle smile.

...

The four bid farewell at the entrance of the restaurant.

Li Buyan turned around and looked behind her, "Sanhe, don't you find Xie Buhuo quite interesting?"

Yan Sanhe: "Tell me more. How interesting?"

"He neither flatters nor pleases, neither neglects nor disrespects. He maintains a perfect balance, making everyone feel comfortable throughout."

Li Buyan resisted the urge to look back again, "It's not easy to achieve that. He must constantly read people's minds. I almost feel sorry for him."

"Don't rush to conclusions."

Yan Sanhe lowered her eyes, "The waters run deep between the first and second branches of the family. Apart from Wu and Xie Wanshu, I doubt anyone in Xie Mansion is not clever."

Li Buyan thought for a moment and added, "Fifty-eight shops bring in about ten thousand taels a year, yet the Xie family's expenses far exceed that. Don't let it be another Ji Mansion."

"Perhaps Xie Mansion has other businesses."

Yan Sanhe pointed ahead, "We're approaching the fourth alley. Be cautious."

"Don't worry, I'm listening carefully while talking!"

The gate was in the northwest corner, but the fourth alley was to the east. To avoid suspicion, Yan Sanhe deliberately circled around from the southeast before seeing a row of lush roses.

"Look!"

Li Buyan, with sharp eyes, spotted a gray door hidden among the green leaves.

The door wasn't high, requiring one to bend down to enter.

Li Buyan looked around vigilantly, gathered her qi, and leaped onto the wall.

From her vantage point, she could see everything clearly.

She signaled to Yan Sanhe, who understood and crouched down, quickly reaching for the door.

Before she could touch the door handle, it opened from the inside, and a large hand gently pulled Yan Sanhe inside.

Li Buyan did not move.

She stayed on the wall for a while longer, ensuring everything was safe before quietly landing inside.