Chapter 260: The Thunderbolt of Duan Shaoqing

Chapter 260: The Thunderbolt of Duan Shaoqing

Xin You returned to her seat without anyone glancing her way.

Was she being ignored?

The thought flashed through her mind, and Xin You couldn't help but laugh.

For her, simple colleague relationships were actually a good thing.

And so, until the end of the workday, no one approached her. Xin You left the Hanlin Academy with a light step.

It was the hour when officials were leaving their offices, and people were gradually streaming out of various government buildings.

"See that young man in the green robe? That's Xin You, the imperial edict attendant."

"She doesn't look like one."

The remark was loaded with meaning.

After making this comment, the official quickly added, "I didn't expect her to be so young."

Officials walked in small groups, whispering and casting glances toward Xin You.

"Miss Xin You, the Princess Royale has requested that you take her carriage to the Princess Royale’s Residence," a steward approached Xin You and said respectfully.

Xin You politely clasped her hands and followed the steward to the carriage parked not far away.

"That's the carriage of the Princess Royale’s Residence!" an official exclaimed upon seeing the emblem on the carriage.

"It seems the Princess Royale has acknowledged Xin You."

"Isn't this a bit too hasty—"

"Brother Zhang, be careful with your words."

The Office of the Imperial Stud was not located along the imperial road, but since the Shaoqing Mansion was to the east, Duan Shaoqing also had to pass this way on his way home. Seeing his colleagues gathered here, Duan Shaoqing slowed his pace, curious, and caught snippets of the conversation.

Someone who noticed Duan Shaoqing approached him: "Duan Shaoqing, I heard your niece, Miss Kou, has quite a good relationship with Xin You."

At first, Duan Shaoqing thought it was sarcasm, but upon meeting the speaker's eyes, he was taken aback.

Why were they looking at him with envy?

After exchanging a few words, Duan Shaoqing got into his carriage. Once he had some peace and quiet, he realized: they thought Xin You would have a remarkable future, and Qingqing might have a chance to rise, and he would benefit from his niece's success?

Understanding this, Duan Shaoqing smiled bitterly.

He was indeed feeling bitter.

For the sake of face and reputation, the fact that his niece had no respect for him as her uncle was kept tightly under wraps, but in reality?

It was a long story—

Duan Shaoqing was troubled by the poor relationship between uncle and niece. Upon returning to the Shaoqing Mansion, he casually mentioned to the elderly lady, "Why haven't I seen Qingqing these past few days?"

"You leave early and return late, and you don't even eat together. Who do you expect to see?" The elderly lady paused after speaking, then shared the latest news about her granddaughter. "Qingqing had a divine dream the night before last and has decided to seclude herself for intensive cultivation."

After hearing this, Duan Shaoqing's expression shifted through a range of emotions.

"Mother, do you really believe this?"

The elderly lady glanced at her son, "Why shouldn't I believe it? It's better for Qingqing to stay quietly at the Evening Serenity Abode rather than running around everywhere."

Besides, what if it really does affect her fortune?

"Son, I always feel that things aren't that simple."

After leaving Ruyitang, Duan Shaoqing pondered for a moment and then headed towards the Evening Serenity Abode.

It was still early before nightfall, and the Evening Serenity Abode was brightly lit, with lush flowers and trees.

When Xiaolian heard from the gatekeeper that the master had arrived, she took a deep breath, instinctively straightened her back, and walked out.

This was a hurdle she had to face sooner or later. The Miss had already instructed her on how to respond, and now it was her turn to perform well.

She was determined to do well!

Xiaolian silently cheered herself on, then curtsied to Duan Shaoqing, "Your servant greets you, Master."

"Where is your Miss?"

"Master, please follow me."

Duan Shaoqing did not notice Xiaolian's evasive answer, his mind preoccupied with how to deal with his niece later.

He couldn't help but be cautious, as his niece had tricked him out of money before, leaving him wary.

Often, Duan Shaoqing couldn't help but think: just poison the girl and be done with her.

But reason prevailed, and he found it increasingly difficult.

"Master, please sit."

Duan Shaoqing snapped out of his thoughts and sat down.

"Master, please have some tea."

Duan Shaoqing took the teacup handed to him by Xiaolian, lifted the lid, and slowly took a sip. Noticing that the maid was still standing still, he frowned, "Where is your Miss?"

She was supposed to be in seclusion for rigorous practice, but surely she couldn't stay inside the inner room all the time?

As her uncle, it was fine for him to sit in the main hall when visiting his niece, but going into the inner room was not appropriate.

Duan Shaoqing's gaze fell on the bead curtain leading to the east room, and his sense of foreboding grew stronger.

This girl must be up to something!

Xiaolian did not immediately answer Duan Shaoqing's question but instead walked over and closed the door leading to the courtyard.

The light in the main hall suddenly dimmed, and Duan Shaoqing's hand holding the teacup shook.

Was she going to lock the door and beat him up?

What annoyed Duan Shaoqing even more was that his first reaction was not anger, but rather to think, to consider if there was anything else that had displeased the girl.

Realizing this, Duan Shaoqing glared at Xiaolian with a dark expression.

Xiaolian bit her lip and lowered her voice, "Master, what I am about to tell you, please don't be too surprised."

Duan Shaoqing silently put down the teacup.

"Miss Qingqing is not at home."

Hearing this, Duan Shaoqing raised his eyebrows.

Just not at home?

Compared to the incidents the girl had caused over the past year, sneaking out was nothing major.

Seeing that Duan Shaoqing didn't understand the meaning of "not at home," Xiaolian lowered her voice even more: "Master, our Miss might not return for some time."

Duan Shaoqing slammed the table: "Explain this clearly!"

What do you mean she won't be back for a while?

Has she run off with someone? With whom? The Changle Marquis, He Qingxiao? Did she take all the money with her when she left?

No, I saw He Qingxiao just yesterday.

Duan Shaoqing's mind was flooded with wild thoughts as he stared intently at Xiaolian: "Speak!"

"Does Master know Mr. Songling?"

Duan Shaoqing was taken aback.

Could she have run off with Mr. Songling?

No, that can't be. Mr. Songling is Xin Daizhao, and Xin Daizhao entered the Hanlin Academy, a prestigious imperial institution, yesterday. Many people saw him leaving the office today.

Wait! Mr. Songling entered the Hanlin Academy yesterday, and Qingqing said she would be meditating in seclusion yesterday—

Duan Shaoqing felt that something was off, terribly off, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. His intuition told him it was a disaster.

Xiaolian didn't beat around the bush and whispered, "Miss was the one impersonating Mr. Songling—"

With a clatter, the teacup beside Duan Shaoqing's hand was knocked over, rolled to the ground, and shattered into pieces, splashing tea everywhere.

Duan Shaoqing stared at the shattered porcelain, his eyes wide.

Shattered, utterly shattered!

He stood up abruptly, ready to leave.

Xiaolian blocked Duan Shaoqing's path: "Master, you need to calm down!"

"Calm down?" Duan Shaoqing grabbed Xiaolian by the collar, gritting his teeth, "You fool, do you realize the consequences of Kou Qingqing's actions?"

"I, I know," Xiaolian, struggling to breathe due to the collar being grabbed, stammered, "Miss said, if she is discovered, she will tell the Emperor that you instructed her to do this to deceive for immense wealth. If that happens, Miss will be beheaded, and the Shaoqing Mansion will be exterminated. If you go to report now, it will be seen as you backing out of a prearranged plan out of fear, shifting all the blame onto her, a young girl, and the Mansion will still be exterminated."

Duan Shaoqing's vision blurred, and he slumped back into his chair.