Chapter 29 Hot Spring Manor

Chapter 29 Hot Spring Manor

The hot spring manor is not large, but the scenery is breathtaking. The estate is managed by Wu Laosan, the husband of Madame Zheng, and his son’s family also resides here.

Knowing that Wei Xun was coming, Wu Laosan had the place tidied up early in the morning.

"The cottage has already been cleaned. The Heir Apparent and Lady Xie can rest assured to stay here. The manor doesn’t compare to the Marquis’s estate, so if there is any neglect, please point it out, Heir Apparent."

Wu Laosan had served the old Marquis, so even Wei Xun did not dare to treat him as a mere servant.

He gestured for Chang Yuan to assist him and nodded, "This is more than enough. Thank you, Uncle Wu."

"This is what we should do. As long as the Heir Apparent is at ease, we’re satisfied."

Wu Laosan chuckled warmly, not becoming arrogant due to the master’s favor.

His family had devoted most of their lives to serving the Marquis’s household, and they had ingrained the principle of diligence into their bones. This was also why the Marquis and the Heir Apparent valued them.

Wei Xun had other matters to attend to, so he left with Chang Yuan first. Wu Laosan’s daughter-in-law, Zhou, escorted A Yuan and her maid to the main hall.

Zhou was just in her early thirties, with a plump figure and a round face. She smiled warmly and looked very kind.

She wore coarse linen clothes with her sleeves rolled up to her wrists, appearing neat and tidy.

"Is this your first visit to our manor, my lady? This hot spring manor was built by the old Marquis when he was young. There are three springs in total, and the lady’s bedroom has a flowing water source. If my lady is weary, she may soak in the springs. The manor boasts an abundance of popular flowers. If my lady likes roses, she can pick the petals and scatter them in the water, ensuring her body will be fragrant. The Heir Apparent will surely be pleased."

Zhou spoke as they walked, her voice dropping when she touched on the suggestive topic.

A Yuan, being shy, flushed at her words. The woman’s delicate beauty prompted Zhou to clutch her chest and exclaim ‘darling’ several times.

"With my lady’s beauty, even without the scent of petals, the Heir Apparent would surely be enchanted."

Having lived for so many years, she had never seen such a refined and beautiful person.

A Yuan’s beauty was refined; her own delicate charm made people feel pity for her. Whether men or women, they couldn’t help but feel tender towards her.

Zhou didn’t dare to overstep, fearing to disturb this fairy-like figure. After escorting her to the main hall, she provided some daily essentials before taking her leave.

A Yuan was indeed tired. During the journey, Wei Xun had been relentless with her. If she hadn’t wanted to lose face in front of outsiders, she might have already collapsed to the ground.

Chun Tao marveled at the bubbling spring, where many flowers were planted, all blooming in competition.

The spirited maid was easily amused by the flowers. A Yuan leaned on the couch, listening to her chattering voice, and slowly closed her eyes to rest.

Outside, the chirping of birds and the laughter of children from the manor filled the air. Compared to the coldness of the Jade Clear Courtyard, this place gave her a rare sense of peace.

......

Outside the royal hunting grounds, Wei Xun and Chang Yuan were hiding in a banyan tree. The lush leaves concealed their figures. Chang Yuan whispered, "Master, are you sure the murderer who killed the woman is inside?"

The royal hunting grounds were strictly off-limits to outsiders. It was only opened during the autumn hunt each year, and anyone other than the royal family who entered would be killed without question. No wonder Chang Yuan was skeptical.

Wei Xun crossed his arms, his cold eyes fixed inside, his thin lips slightly parted, "I’m sure."

He hadn’t expected the murderer to hide here, but considering the identity of the person behind it, this hiding place didn’t seem so strange.

"But we can’t get in, and he won’t come out. How are we going to catch him?"

Chang Yuan scratched his head, extremely anxious.

The Heir Apparent’s trip this time was not just for leisure. The case of the abused young woman had been ongoing for half a year, but the murderer had not been caught, and the capital was already buzzing with rumors.

It concerns the reputation of Jingzhao Prefecture and the Heir Apparent, so Changyuan couldn't help but be concerned.

After watching for a while and noting the guards on patrol, Wei Xun gestured to leave, saying, "We'll come back tonight."

That guy's all about lust; he won't last long. Sooner or later, Wei Xun would corner him.

Wei Xun and Changyuan left, but instead of heading directly back to the manor, they went hunting in the mountains.

Since Chun Tao was a foodie, Changyuan snagged a few wild rabbits and even harvested a beehive. The honey inside was sweet, just right for grilling meat.

Wei Xun didn't fall short, not only catching a fawn but also hunting a suckling pig.

When the two returned to the manor, the sight of their bounty left everyone in awe.

"Turns out there really are wild animals in the mountains. I thought the old-timers in the manor were pulling my leg," said Wu Shifeng, Wu Laosan's son, in amazement. The manor did have hunters, but they only ventured to the outskirts. Going deeper, even the paths became impossible to find.

Especially after someone fell into a trap and had their leg bitten off by something, no one dared to venture into the deep mountains again.

Guys respect strength. Wei Xun, looking like a bookish type, had skills that matched Marquis Wei's. This display completely wiped out Wu Shifeng's doubts.

"Take these to the kitchen to prepare," Wei Xun handed the game to him. Wu Shifeng obediently took it and even tried to take the game from Changyuan's hands, but Changyuan dodged, blushing and mumbling, "I can handle it myself. Roasting it myself will taste better..."

He still had to grill meat for that little brat and wasn't about to let the kitchen take over.

Seeing this, Wei Xun also stopped, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Clean it up and bring it back. Get a bonfire going in the courtyard. I'll handle the roasting."