Chapter 94 Double Ninth Festival

Chapter 94 Double Ninth Festival

Xin You returned to Shaoqing Mansion and was greeted with an exceptionally sumptuous dinner.

"Qingqing, your grandmother notices that you've lost weight. Have you been too tired these days?"

"Thank you for your concern, Grandmother. I'm not tired; I just need to give instructions for anything that needs to be done."

"That's good. This flower jelly chicken stew is excellent; you should eat more." The old lady looked at her granddaughter with affection.

"Thank you, Grandmother." Xin You lowered her eyes and took a sip of the chicken soup, glancing at Duan Shaoqing who was also drinking it.

If everyone hadn't eaten it, she would have suspected the soup was poisoned. Now, she could only attribute it to someone trying to curry favor, which usually meant ulterior motives.

Could it be that they see the Bookstore's business booming and want a piece of it?

Xin You kept a wary eye out until the dishes were cleared away, and the old lady, holding a cup of tea served by a maid, spoke: "Yu Zhu, bring the gifts prepared for the girls."

Soon, Yu Zhu came over with a tray.

The old lady smiled. "This gold necklace set is for Yan'er, and the other three gold bracelet sets are one each for you three."

Following the old lady's gesture, Yu Zhu held the tray in front of Xin You, inviting her to choose first.

Duan Yunling showed no reaction, but Duan Yunhua couldn't help biting her lip.

Grandmother is becoming increasingly partial. She is the legitimate granddaughter, yet she has to let Kou Qingqing choose the jewelry first.

Each set contained a flower hairpin, a bracelet, and a pair of earrings. The materials looked similar, differing only in patterns and styles. Xin You picked one set casually, thanked them, and the granddaughters who received the gold jewelry also expressed their gratitude.

"If you all dress neatly tomorrow, I'll be happy. It's getting late, so go back and rest."

Back at Evening Serenity Abode, Xiaolian couldn't help muttering, "Miss, why did the old lady suddenly give out jewelry? Could there be something planned for tomorrow?"

"We'll see tomorrow." For Xin You, as long as they don't touch her Bookstore, everything else is fine.

The next day, under clear skies, several carriages stopped at the arched gate.

"Qingqing, sit with me," the old lady said, extending her hand to Xin You.

Xin You helped the old lady into the lead carriage, while Lady Zhu and her daughter got into the one behind. Duan Yunhua and Duan Yunling exchanged a glance before one got into the third carriage with a grim face and the other with a resigned heart.

Behind them were the carriages for the maids and servants.

As the carriages started moving, the atmosphere in the three lead carriages varied.

"There will be many people today. When we arrive, don't run around, or it could end up like what happened to your cousin," Lady Zhu gently instructed her daughter.

Duan Yunyan nodded obediently.

Lady Zhu took out some pastries from a box and handed them to Duan Yunyan, stroking her daughter's small topknot.

In the last carriage, Duan Yunhua and Duan Yunling sat on opposite corners, neither speaking.

The creaking wheels grated on the ears, making the silence even more oppressive. Finally, Duan Yunhua couldn't hold back her anger. "What, disappointed you couldn't share a carriage with Kou Qingqing? Too bad she has the grandmother's favor, and you can't even get close."

Duan Yunling's eyelashes flickered, but she remained silent.

Duan Yunhua's anger surged, and her words became harsher. "Are you mute now, Duan Yunling?"

Once submissive in front of her, now ignoring her and fawning over Kou Qingqing—what a lowlife.

Duan Yunling still didn't respond.

Duan Yunhua exploded with rage and reached out to pinch Duan Yunling's arm.

A hand shot out and grabbed the reaching hand firmly.

"You—"

Duan Yunling met those astonished eyes coldly. "Do you still want to hit me, Second Elder Sister?"

"Do you think I won't?" Duan Yunhua trembled with anger.

"And then what? Get confined again by Grandmother?"

Duan Yunhua paused, lowering her voice to ask coldly, "Do you think you're Kou Qingqing, that Grandmother will stand up for you?"

Duan Yunling looked at Duan Yunhua with pity. "I am who I am, just like before. As for you, do you still think you're the same Second Miss? Grandmother won't stand up for me, but she won't stand up for you either. At most, we'll both be confined."

Duan Yunling's words struck Duan Yunhua like a hammer, leaving her momentarily speechless.

Duan Yunling pushed away Duan Yunhua's hand and lifted the carriage curtain.

The late autumn wind blew in, carrying away the heat, and the girl revealed a relieved smile.

In the lead carriage, the old lady had a constant smile on her face. "Qingqing, stay home tonight and don't tire yourself. Your cousins will be back from their break tomorrow."

"Alright." Xin You responded obediently.

The old lady asked about the Bookstore and then leaned back, closing her eyes to rest.

Like Duan Yunling, Xin You lifted the carriage curtain.

The autumn breeze refreshed her face, and the sound of hooves echoed nearby.

Soon, a young man rode past on horseback.

The chestnut horse kicked up dust, and the rider was exuberant. Xin You recognized him immediately—it was Dai Ze, son of Count Gu Chang.

Dai Ze wasn't studying at the Imperial Academy today, so it was highly likely he had gone out for an autumn outing. This was also why Xin You was willing to join in the commotion.

There was a chance she might see others from the Count Gu Chang's residence besides Dai Ze.

As this thought flashed through her mind, the sound of approaching hooves grew nearer.

Xin You glanced back and saw a sturdy man riding on horseback.

She recognized him immediately—it was none other than Dai Ze's father, Count Gu Chang.

Although the Bookstore had been busy these days, Xin You had still taken the time to familiarize herself with the appearances of key figures in the Count Gu Chang's residence, and Count Gu Chang was undoubtedly at the top of that list.

Without thinking too much, Xin You quickly pulled a pebble from her purse and skillfully shot it at the horse.

The running horse suddenly felt pain and reared up on its front legs. Count Gu Chang, noticing the loss of control, decisively leaped off the horse and crouched down.

The horse ran forward, while Count Gu Chang stood up with one hand on the ground, his face stern as he brushed off the dust from his clothes.

Due to this incident, the driver of the carriage Xin You was in pulled the reins and moved to the side of the road, stopping the carriage. The carriages behind also came to a halt.

The elderly lady opened her eyes. "What happened?"

Xin You leaned out, displaying the curiosity of a young girl: "Someone's horse got spooked, and the person jumped off."

From He Qingxiao, she had learned that Count Gu Chang had followed the current emperor in conquering the world and was exceptionally skilled in martial arts. Given the previous failed assassination attempt on He Qingxiao, she couldn't act rashly and decided to find an opportunity to test Count Gu Chang's skills.

Unexpectedly, this chance encounter came so soon. The result of the test confirmed what He Qingxiao had said.

This meant she would have to be even more cautious in the future.

The elderly lady, upon hearing about the spooked horse, also looked out the window and recognized Count Gu Chang.

"Qingqing, help me out."

Xin You kept a neutral expression but felt a surge of anticipation.

Could there be a connection between Shaoqing Mansion and the Count Gu Chang's residence?

The elderly lady stepped out of the carriage and walked towards Count Gu Chang.

"Does the Count need any assistance?"

Count Gu Chang glanced at the elderly lady but did not recognize her.