Chapter 4: Miss Xie’s Gratitude for the Escort

Chapter 4: Miss Xie's Gratitude for the Escort

Through the bustling streets, at the end of the road stood the government residence.

Who would have thought that later on, Gao Wenyan would walk this path countless times, just to catch a glimpse of the lights from the government residence, bringing her peace for the night.

An old servant stood at the entrance of the government residence, seemingly waiting for a long time, smiling warmly at her.

He said respectfully, "The Chancellor instructed that if Miss Xie returned, she should come in for a cup of tea before leaving, as a token of gratitude for escorting him."

This was not an invitation; it left no room for refusal.

She wanted to see what game he was playing!

So she raised her chin and said, "Lead the way."

Though she said this, it was Gao Wenyan's first time entering the government residence, and she couldn't help but feel nervous, hoping not to cause any trouble as her second brother had warned.

"Miss, please wait here for a moment. The Chancellor is currently receiving guests and will be with you shortly."

Chu Xu was busy yet still tricked her into coming in. Truly, where there's an old fox, there are young ones too; like father, like son.

Incense burned everywhere in the government residence, which Gao Wenyan found initially uncomfortable.

General Gao was a rough man, and there was rarely any incense in his residence.

Madam Gao shared General Gao's tastes and had little interest in such things, though her second brother occasionally used some.

Once, her second brother became obsessed with agarwood, and General Gao, unable to tolerate his extravagance, threw both him and the incense out.

She thought Chu Xu's extensive use of incense would likely get him kicked out of the general's residence.

No wonder he and her father had conflicting political views.

After waiting for a full quarter of an hour, she finally saw Chu Xu arrive fashionably late.

The timing was perfect—neither too quick nor too slow, making it clear he was putting on airs.

His face was still pale, but perhaps due to the light purple robe he wore, his complexion looked better than it did in the carriage.

Gao Wenyan sniffed carefully; the faint scent of medicine had been replaced by a subtle sandalwood fragrance.

They sat silently drinking tea. As she pondered how to take her leave, Chu Xu spoke.

"I heard that General Gao has returned to the capital today. You must have missed seeing him for quite some time."

Calculating the time, Gao Wenyan answered truthfully, "Yes, it's been a year since I last saw him."

He nodded, and she smiled, and the silence resumed.

Perhaps due to the incense, Gao Wenyan's tense nerves gradually relaxed.

Chu Xu's fingers tapped lightly on the table, long and strong yet pale like the roots of green onions.

Gao Wenyan had never seen such beautiful hands; she glanced away quickly but couldn't resist another look.

His face was slightly cold, deep in thought about something.

So he focused on his thoughts, and Gao Wenyan admired his hands, creating a strangely harmonious scene.

After a while, he said, "I have a request."

"My younger sister pesters daily to learn archery and horseback riding. Could Miss Xie offer some guidance?"

Hearing this, Gao Wenyan looked away, a hint of reluctance on her face.

He took a sip of tea and continued, "I didn't want to trouble Miss Xie, but who else in the capital could surpass her skills?"

There was no one.

She smiled slightly, weighing the pros and cons quickly.

On the way here, she had thought about it. In her previous life, when the Gao family was investigated, her father never mentioned the government residence.

Instead, he had mentioned a few times that although Chu Xu was vengeful, his high position made him disdain dirty tactics.

Regardless of Chu Xu's intentions, he was offering a favor, and Gao Wenyan saw no reason to refuse.

Having more friends was better than having more enemies. If Chu Xu decided to be an enemy, knowing him well wouldn't hurt.

So she agreed, "But my father must not know."

Chu Xu smiled and promised, "Rest assured, Miss Xie. Only the three of us will know about this."

He glanced at the sky outside and said leisurely, "I have other matters to attend to, so I won't keep Miss Xie for dinner."

"Tomorrow, Zhi Xing will come to the general's residence to fetch Miss Xie. My sister will be in your care."

Gao Wenyan felt relieved and immediately took her leave.

Before she had gone far, she heard a series of suppressed coughs that lasted for a while.

The powerful chancellor of the court was actually a sickly man?

No wonder he and her father didn't get along.

"Chancellor!"

A loud cry echoed, and several people rushed into the room.

Looking back, Gao Wenyan was several meters away but could still clearly see the specks of blood on his clothes. His originally pale lips were now stained a vivid red.

She had to admit that their Chancellor indeed had a handsome appearance.

Chu Xu slowly raised his eyes, his gaze piercing through several people to meet hers.

Gao Wenyan touched her nose awkwardly and quickly walked back, asking, "Is the Chancellor all right?"

A hint of amusement appeared in his eyes as he asked, "Zhi Xing has gone to fetch the Doctor. Could you help me to my room?"

At this point, he still managed to smile.

Gao Wenyan glanced at the three people around her: an old white-haired servant, a frail maid, and a young child with hanging hair. Indeed, there was no one more suitable than her.

"It's only right."

She nodded, silently adding this favor to her mental ledger.

She helped Chu Xu up, and he wasn't as light as she had imagined; instead, he felt quite substantial, and she could faintly feel the muscles in his arms.

That's strange; isn't he supposed to be sickly?

"Watch the steps."

"Oh, right."

Fortunately, the side room was nearby, and they reached it after just a few steps.

The side room was usually reserved for guests staying in the mansion and was kept very clean.

As soon as they sat down, Chu Xu coughed up another mouthful of blood.

The old servant panicked, his voice trembling with fear.

"Oh dear! You were fine yesterday! Master, don't scare this old servant!"

Sudden illness?

Noticing Gao Wenyan staring at him, Chu Xu smiled at her instead.

Gao Wenyan rolled her eyes inwardly, thinking, "My lord, please wipe the blood from the corner of your mouth first."

In no time, Zhi Xing returned with the Doctor.

Poor Doctor, almost dragged here by Zhi Xing for being too slow.

With the Doctor here, Gao Wenyan finally felt she could go home.

"Lady."

His voice was clear, not at all like someone gravely ill.

"Today's events should not be spoken of outside."

"Of course."

As soon as Gao Wenyan left, Chu Xu's face finally showed the fatigue of a sick person.

"Go, ask Miss if she wants to learn archery and horseback riding."

"Huh?"

The old servant was hesitant; everyone in the mansion knew that Miss hated the sun and refused to go out when it was slightly warm.

Chu Xu pondered for a moment and made a concession.

"One month."

"If she learns for a month, the pair of white jade elephants will be hers."

Only then did the old servant leave with the order.