Chapter 105 Xue Han Seems to Like Her

Chapter 105: Xue Han Seems to Like Her

“My dear, once we return to the capital, remember to arrange for someone to bring gifts to the Earl of Yongqing’s estate as a token of gratitude.” Putting down his wine cup, Prince Fu said to Princess Consort Fu.

Princess Consort Fu smiled and nodded. “Don’t worry, Your Highness, you can count on me.”

The meal was enjoyed by both hosts and guests. Even after returning to their residence, Princess Kang was still smiling.

Seeing his wife in such high spirits, Prince Kang smiled. “I told you to relax earlier. Anyone Yun'er likes is sure to be a good person. Now you can see A Heng’s character for yourself—she even made our Prince Kang's household look good.”

Princess Kang’s lips twitched slightly. “I'd be a lot more relaxed if you didn't bring Yun'er into it.”

Prince Kang sighed helplessly. “What are you worrying about all day? They are siblings. Don’t you know Yun’er? He knows where to draw the line and wouldn't step out of line.”

“Yes, Yun’er is a sensible boy.” Princess Kang sighed, but her thoughts differed from Prince Kang’s.

It was precisely because Yun’er was too rational and detached from ordinary concerns that his special treatment of Qiu Heng made her particularly anxious.

Men can be so oblivious. If something really happens, it’ll be too late for second thoughts.

After their naps, everyone went about their own business. Before long, the autumn sun was setting.

Prince Kang and Ling Yun went to the palace for a banquet. To thank Qiu Heng for saving the princess, Princess Kang specially invited her to have dinner together.

Qiu Heng said frankly, “Thank you, foster mother, but A Heng has already made dinner plans with someone tonight.”

“Oh? Who is A Heng inviting?” Princess Kang asked casually.

As long as it wasn’t a private meal with her son, she didn’t really care who this nominal foster daughter associated with, as long as she doesn’t make a scene.

“Imperial City Commissioner Xue.”

“Imperial City Commissioner Xue Han?” Princess Kang was initially surprised, but seeing Qiu Heng’s calm expression, she smiled. “Xue Han saved you today, so it’s only right to show gratitude. The household steward already sent lavish gifts this afternoon. It’s also appropriate for A Heng to thank him personally.”

“Thank you, foster mother, for your thoughtful consideration.”

“Go early and return early, and take more guards with you.” Princess Kang urged her warmly, acting almost like a real mother.

“Yes.”

After Qiu Heng left, Princess Kang picked up a piece of candied fruit and put it in her mouth, feeling quite content.

Qiu Heng brought Fang Zhou and two guards to the designated spot for the barbecue.

It was an open grassy area with a stream not far away, which made washing up easy.

The ingredients had been prepared by Fang Zhou in the afternoon. Upon arrival, Fang Zhou put the two guards to work.

Xue Han excused himself from attending the palace banquet, pleading other business, and discreetly made his way to the agreed-upon location. As he walked, he suddenly paused and said coldly, “Show yourself.”

Hu Si walked out with a playful grin. “Sir.”

“Why are you following me?”

“Humble Official isn’t following you. My path just happens to lie the same way.”

“The same way?” Xue Han didn’t hold back. He yanked Hu Si over and relieved him of his money pouch.

Hu Si’s voice turned shrill. “Sir, why are you taking my money pouch?”

“What do you mean your money pouch? This is clearly mine.” Xue Han stuffed the pouch into his tunic and, with his other hand, caught Hu Si’s hand as it reached for the pouch at his own waist.

Hu Si was almost in tears. “Sir, Humble Official’s salary is low. It’s not easy to save up for a wife!”

“Then tell me, how are we going the same way?”

“Hehe.” Hu Si took a sniff. “Sir, can you smell that? Barbecue!”

Xue Han fell silent.

If this kid put half the effort he spent on food into his duties, he wouldn’t have to worry about promotions.

“Sir, you’re not going for barbecue, are you?” A light bulb went off in Hu Si’s head and he guessed the truth. “It must be Sixth Miss Qiu inviting you to barbecue!”

If anyone else were hosting, the sir wouldn’t blow off the palace banquet for this.

Seeing Xue Han remain silent, Hu Si became even more certain and was mortally offended. “Sir, Humble Official has followed you through fire and water, waded through rivers of blood on the battlefield with you! And you’re going to barbecue without me?”

Eating alone?

What about our brotherhood?

Xue Han couldn’t take it anymore and threw the money pouch back at Hu Si. “You talk too much.”

Hu Si hurriedly put the pouch away and trotted after the young man, who was walking quickly ahead. “Sir, who else did Sixth Miss Qiu invite?”

After delivering so many red bean cakes for Red Bean Cake, doesn’t he deserve a barbecue meal?

When they finally saw the people by the bonfire in the distance, Hu Si shot Xue Han a sharp look and exclaimed in shock, “Sir, Sixth Miss Qiu only invited you!”

What’s going on? How did the sir and Red Bean Cake become so close without him knowing?

Qiu Heng saw Xue Han and Hu Si approaching and rose to meet them.

“Official Xue, Commander Hu.”

“We’re a bit late. Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Hu Si glanced at Xue Han, thinking to himself that the sir was as serious as if he were handling a case in front of the person he liked. If he showed the same quick wit he used to snatch his money pouch, he’d be eating barbecue every day.

“Sixth Miss Qiu, you don’t mind one more person, do you?”

Qiu Heng smiled. “Of course not. Barbecue is more fun with more people.”

As they spoke, they reached the bonfire. Fang Zhou greeted the two men and handed over the freshly grilled skewers. “Official Xue and Commander Hu, you came at just the right time. They’re ready to eat.”

Hu Si eagerly took the skewers and bit off a large piece of sizzling, oily meat. Even though it was so hot he gasped, he couldn’t bear to spit it out.

Fang Zhou couldn’t help but laugh. “Take your time. There’s plenty of food.”

Xue Han took the skewers and naturally handed two of them to Qiu Heng.

“This is so delicious! Fang Zhou, how did you make the meat so fragrant?” Hu Si finished the barbecue in a few bites and asked excitedly.

“It’s a secret recipe.”

Hu Si was stunned. “There’s really a secret recipe?”

Fang Zhou gave Hu Si a puzzled look. “Of course. Knife skills and heat control can be practiced, but the secret recipe is unique. The marinade and seasoning I use for the meat are specially made.”

"No wonder it smells so good."

As night fell gradually, the campfire illuminated faces filled with contentment.

"Miss, look, what's that over there?"

Not far away, faint glimmers of light flickered in the grass, very faint yet noticeable in the darkness.

"Could they be fireflies?" Qiu Heng wasn't quite sure.

At this time of year, it was already past the season when fireflies were active.

"Let's go take a look." Fang Zhou excitedly ran over.

Xue Han told Hu Si, "Follow Fang Zhou. Watch out for insects or snakes in the grass."

"Yes, sir." Hu Si hurried after her.

The two guards Qiu Heng had brought were standing watch a short distance away, leaving only Qiu Heng and Xue Han by the campfire for now.

The flames danced, reflecting in each other's eyes.

"Sixth Miss Qiu, why don't we take a walk by the stream?"

"Alright."

The autumn breeze held a chill, and the stream water was cold too. The two washed their hands by the stream, and a fish darted past.

"We should catch a few fish to grill." Qiu Heng's hands, submerged in the stream, casually stirred the water and accidentally brushed against another hand.

Xue Han quickly withdrew his hand, the splashing droplets bringing a cool sensation to his face, yet his heart felt intensely warm.

Sensing the shift in mood, Qiu Heng also withdrew her hand and slowly dried it with a handkerchief.

The night seemed to deepen further, the brilliant stars in the sky appearing distant and unreachable.

Qiu Heng stole a glance at the young man standing so close beside her, a faint suspicion forming in her heart.

Could it be... Xue Han liked her?