Chapter 003: It’s Disgust

Chapter 003: It's Disgust

It wasn't until he returned to his study that He An suddenly realized what had happened. Why had he left?

After all, Changchun Garden belonged to him, so it was only natural for him to rest there.

Was he an idiot? She was going back to her family home by herself?

He An's eyes darkened; this woman sure had quite the audacity.

Jiang Ming thought his master wouldn't return and was just about to extinguish the lamp when he heard He An order, "Prepare water for bathing."

Jiang Ming: “……”

Wouldn't it make more sense to go back to Changchun Garden for that?

Before he could ask, his master commanded again, "Cold water."

Jiang Ming: “……”

It wasn't until Jiang Ming saw blood flowing from his master's nose that he quickly ran out to order someone to bring a bath tub to the study.

Even in the icy water, He An couldn't shake the feeling of heaviness in his chest.

What was that expression of hers earlier?

Surprise, caution, anger… and a hint of disgust?

Yes, it was disgust.

Jiang Ming, who had been standing by, cautiously asked, "My lord, have you discussed with the madam what preparations are needed for tomorrow's return to her family home?"

His lordship had gone there tonight to discuss the return gifts; as for why he had a nosebleed, Jiang Ming didn't dare ask.

He An closed his eyes. "No."

Jiang Ming: "Then… about the gifts…"

"Handle it as you see fit, but we must not lose the face of the Ruan residence."

"Yes, my lord."

The thought of her indifference and her lack of intention to return with him weighed heavily on him.

Was she truly unaware or just pretending to be? For a newly married couple, if the husband didn't accompany the wife on a return visit, it would likely invite ridicule and disdain. Was she really not worried at all?

On the wedding night, he had intended to temper her personality, but now it seemed, had he gone too far?

She was so upset that she completely ignored him.

In the two days since she had entered the residence, she hadn't brought him a single cup of tea, hadn't dined with him once, and even when Liu Yueru had caused such a scene, she hadn't come to argue with him.

"Jiang Ming, the information you gathered about the madam before, is it accurate?"

"In reply to your lordship, the inner court of the Ruan residence is divided into two factions. The madam is likely fierce out of fear of being bullied."

"If she were truly strong, would she have let Liu Yueru's actions slide without even questioning them?"

"Perhaps, the madam just doesn't care much for your lordship."

He An: "......"

Realizing he had misspoken, Jiang Ming hurriedly explained, "It's not that Madam was tough before; she was protecting Madam Ruan from being wronged. However, although the madam and you have a marriage contract, you've never met before. Until recently, you were against this marriage."

The night passed, the wind stopped, and the rain ceased. The clear blue sky was refreshing.

Knowing she could return home today, Ruan Qinghuan was in a good mood, leaving last night's unhappiness behind. However, Xia Lian looked gloomy.

Seeing her expression, Ruan Qinghuan coldly said, "If you keep making that face, you can stay at the Prime Minister's residence. I'll just ask a maid to accompany me back."

"Young madam..." Xia Lian forced an awkward smile, "I'll smile, alright?"

Thinking about how the young madam had shouted at Lord He An the previous night, Xia Lian couldn't genuinely smile.

"Since we're ready, let's go."

In the courtyard of the neighboring guest room, Liu Yueru watched Ruan Qinghuan leave Changchun Garden as if nothing had happened. She felt extremely frustrated. Last night, she had spoken so clearly; wasn't Qinghuan even a little angry?

Or had He An returned to her and... you know?

That shouldn't be possible. She had bribed a maid in the Prime Minister's residence, who clearly said that He An had slept in the study. Although he came over last night, he left after just a short while. They probably didn't consummate the marriage.

Well, as long as they hadn't consummated it, they were still a fake couple in name only, and she still had a chance to win him over.

Leaving the Prime Minister's residence, Xia Lian wondered, "Why are there four extra carriages?"

The gifts they prepared could fit into two carriages, so why were there suddenly six?

"Did you make a mistake?" Ruan Qinghuan asked.

"No, I've checked the list several times."

Just then, He An came out from the residence. Ruan Qinghuan gave a small bow, "Greetings, Lord."

Thinking he was about to leave, she was surprised when he walked toward her. Ruan Qinghuan realized something and glanced at the extra four carriages, "These... are they prepared by you, Lord?"

"Yes, let's not waste any time. Get on the carriage."

Ruan Qinghuan: "......"

Is he coming with her for the home visit?

"Um, if you're busy, my lord, there's no need to trouble yourself. I can go back alone, and I'll return before dinner."

In the original storyline, He An, angered by the conflict between Ruan Qinghuan and Liu Yueru, didn't go with her for the home visit.

Another reason Ruan Qinghuan didn't want him to come was that there would be a scene at the Ruan family today, and she didn't want He An to witness the joke.

He An's deep gaze was something most people wouldn't dare to meet, but Ruan Qinghuan's clear eyes showed no sign of unease, as if she were discussing something trivial, treating him like an unimportant person.

When He An took her hand, she instinctively wanted to pull away, but he took the opportunity to support her waist and help her onto the carriage.

Xia Lian was stunned into silence and couldn't speak for a long time, until Jiang Ming urged her to get on the carriage behind.

Inside the carriage, Ruan Qinghuan's thoughts were in turmoil. What’s with He An suddenly deciding to come with her for the home visit?

Since they got on the carriage, He An hadn’t stopped watching her. In the small space, being stared at like that made Ruan Qinghuan uncomfortable. "My lord, is there something on my face?"

"No," He An said, but his eyes didn't leave her face. "You must have been scared last night. Did you manage to sleep well?"

"It's okay, Lord Prime Minister usually doesn't return to Changchun Garden. What happened yesterday was an accident; Lord Prime Minister shouldn't dwell on it."

He An: “……”

Does this mean I shouldn’t go back to Changchun Garden from now on?

Ruan Qinghuan hadn't eaten much in the morning and took out some pastries Xia Lian had prepared earlier, eating them on her own.

She noticed He An's unpleasant expression and offered another piece to him: "Would you like to try some, Lord Prime Minister?"

"No need."

Seeing her act as if she didn't care, but still holding a grudge, it was clear she was indeed petty, just as the rumors said.

But now, she was the mistress of the Prime Minister's residence after all. He An didn't want their relationship to become too stiff and explained, "Liu Yueru is only staying at the Prime Minister's residence temporarily. The court has arranged a residence for her. Once it's completed, she will move out."

Ruan Qinghuan nodded. "Oh." She wasn’t particularly interested in Liu Yueru’s situation.

"If you're angry, you can voice it out. Once we return to the residence, I'll have her move out."

Was he trying to make her plead with him?

After finishing a piece of pastry, Ruan Qinghuan clapped her hands and, with some muffled speech, said, "There’s no need for all this trouble. General Liu sacrificed for the country, and it's only right that the military takes care of his family. As a fellow official, it's understandable for you to take her in and care for her. I'm not angry."

He An, with patience: "Madam, you are the mistress of the Prime Minister's residence. You should be able to handle these matters appropriately."

Ruan Qinghuan looked up, meeting He An's slightly displeased eyes: "Lord Prime Minister, I’ve only just moved into the residence. For now, I’ll still need to rely on my parents to manage the household affairs. Otherwise, if something goes wrong, it could be problematic."

He An: “……”

He had offered her multiple opportunities, but she refused to take them.