Chapter 107 The Lady Likes Official Xue

Chapter 107: Miss Qiu Likes Official Xue

The night was thick, the autumn breeze slightly cool.

Xue Quan stood in the courtyard. At the sound of footsteps, he turned slowly to look at the approaching youth.

"You didn't even go to the palace banquet—where have you been?"

Xue Han walked up to Xue Quan, cupping his hands in salute. "Sixth Miss Qiu, to thank me for saving her in the woods today, treated me to a meal."

Xue Quan raised an eyebrow. "Sixth Miss Qiu again. That girl's dinner invitation is more important than the palace banquet?"

"Father knows I’ve never had any interest in palace banquets and such."

"So it's the invitation from Sixth Miss Qiu that interests you?" Xue Quan gave a cool smile.

"I’m more interested in eating barbecue. It also helps Sixth Miss Qiu stop dwelling on owing me a favor."

Xue Quan stared at Xue Han for a moment, then said calmly, "Han'er, rest early. Perform well at the hunting grounds tomorrow."

"Yes."

Xue Han returned to his room, washed up, changed into a white under-robe, and walked to the window.

Outside the window was pitch black, with scattered cold stars in the sky.

Leaning against the window, Xue Han gazed up at the sky, but what appeared before his eyes wasn’t the vast, boundless night—it was the murmuring stream and lush green grass.

A Heng—he recited this name silently in his heart, closing his eyes slightly.

The night was long. Qiu Heng had just gotten up when Fang Zhou came over carrying the grass cage.

"Young lady, the fireflies are dead."

Qiu Heng took the grass cage and looked at it, sighing. "They were never meant to live long anyway."

Fang Zhou looked remorseful. "Yes, I should’ve left them in the grass—at least it’s a place they know."

"At least they were together, not alone." Qiu Heng picked up a comb and slowly began to brush her hair.

"That’s true."

Fang Zhou wasn’t one to dwell on melancholy thoughts. She set the grass cage aside on the windowsill and returned to Qiu Heng’s side, taking the wooden comb. "Young lady, do you like Official Xue?"

The girl in the mirror stiffened.

"Young lady really does like Official Xue!" Seeing the reaction in the mirror, Fang Zhou’s tone was certain.

Qiu Heng lowered her gaze. "Don’t talk nonsense."

Fang Zhou deftly styled her hair into double loops, inserting a pearl flower, completely unconvinced by Qiu Heng’s denial. "Official Xue is quite good—he always arrives in time to save you. If you like him, have him come propose marriage."

"Fang Zhou."

Fang Zhou stepped in front of Qiu Heng, her expression serious. "Young lady, I’m not teasing you. After staying at Earl Yongqing’s residence these days, I’ve realized: the Old Madam values reputation, the Elder Earl values profit. Although your father truly cares for you, it’s a pity he can’t make decisions. Since Official Xue is a good match and you like him, you should seize the opportunity. Otherwise, what if the Earl’s household finds you some unsuitable match later?"

"You think so highly of Official Xue?" Qiu Heng chuckled lightly.

Fang Zhou nodded. "Official Xue is handsome, holds real authority, and most importantly, he’s saved you time and again and genuinely treats you well."

Qiu Heng’s mouth twitched.

Goddamn it, saved me time and again...

"Fang Zhou, have you forgotten something even more important?"

"What?"

"What’s more important is mutual affection."

"Of course." Fang Zhou paused, then understood. "You're saying Official Xue doesn't feel the same way? Impossible. If he had no feelings for you, why would he help you so many times?"

"Official Xue pities the poor and cherishes the weak."

"Young lady, who would believe such an absurd reason?"

Qiu Heng quietly stared at her reflection in the mirror.

So, even knowing it wasn’t rational, she still couldn’t help wanting to talk more about that person.

"It’s getting late, let’s go to Beauty Qiu’s quarters."

Qiu Heng took one last look at her reflection and stood up.

Fang Zhou handed over her outer garment. "Eating meat every day gets tiresome. Today I’ll make some radish cakes for when you get back."

"Alright."

Qiu Heng went to Beauty Qiu’s quarters with familiar ease.

It was still Zheng Yu who led her inside.

Noticing Zheng Yu frequently glancing at her from the corner of his eye, Qiu Heng asked with a smile, "Is there something on your mind, Eunuch Zheng?"

Zheng Yu knew Qiu Heng was straightforward and didn’t hide it. "Just curious about how Sixth Miss Qiu lured away the black bear."

"Eunuch Zheng must have heard from many people by now?"

"Yes." Zheng Yu nodded with a smile. "But hearing from many isn’t the same as hearing from the person involved."

"Then let me tell Eunuch Zheng about it..."

They chatted and laughed all the way until they saw Beauty Qiu.

"Sister."

Noticing the lingering smile at the corner of Zheng Yu’s lips, a light flickered in Beauty Qiu's eyes.

She had to admit, Sixth Sister had a special kind of charm that drew people in.

"A Heng, come sit." Calling Qiu Heng closer, Beauty Qiu looked her over carefully. "I heard about what happened to you yesterday and have been worried ever since. Weren’t you afraid at the time?"

Qiu Heng was also observing Beauty Qiu, noticing the dark circles under her eyes that even powder couldn’t fully conceal.

It seemed she was still grieving over Lin Chengfeng.

Qiu Heng sympathized with Beauty Qiu, but this sympathy could only remain in her heart—she couldn’t say anything.

"I was afraid too. But to save someone, I couldn’t afford to be afraid."

Beauty Qiu sighed upon hearing Qiu Heng's calm statement. "I thought Sixth Sister was a rational person."

Qiu Heng smiled. "I judged the situation beforehand; it wasn't an impulsive act."

Beauty Qiu suddenly recalled what Qiu Heng had said that day: *The trouble I attract, I can resolve.*

Where does such confidence come from at her age?

For a moment, Beauty Qiu couldn't tell whether she admired it or felt uneasy.

"Her Highness, the Honored Consort, has arrived—"

Beauty Qiu was startled and hurriedly rose to greet her.

"Greetings, Honored Consort."

Honored Consort Yu, dressed in a magnificent gown, looked down on the two sisters as they paid their respects. After a long pause, she finally said, "You may rise. I heard Sixth Miss Qiu displayed remarkable courage yesterday and came specifically to see the brave young woman who dared to lure away a black bear alone."

"Your praise is too generous, Your Highness. My younger sister was merely fearless due to ignorance—"

"Did I ask you?" Honored Consort Yu glanced sidelong at Beauty Qiu.

Beauty Qiu fell silent and lowered her head.

Honored Consort Yu slowly walked over to Qiu Heng, circling her deliberately. She chuckled softly. "It's truly hard to imagine that Sixth Miss Qiu possesses such bravery."

Qiu Heng kept her eyes downcast like Beauty Qiu and remained silent.

"Sixth Miss Qiu." Honored Consort Yu's tone sharpened. "I am speaking to you."

Only then did Qiu Heng reply, "Your Highness dislikes hearing polite formalities like 'your praise is too generous.' I will remember that."

Honored Consort Yu smiled charmingly. "Then you may speak the truth. I prefer to hear honest words."

Qiu Heng slightly raised her gaze, meeting Honored Consort Yu's eyes that held a hint of amusement. "Your Highness has discerning eyes. I have been bold since childhood."

"That's much better than your sister." Honored Consort Yu cast a brief, dismissive glance at Beauty Qiu.

"Everyone has their own strengths. My sister also has qualities I cannot match."

"Indeed, you know how to speak well." Honored Consort Yu stroked her long fingernails. "Your words today are to my liking. Beauty Qiu and Sixth Miss Qiu shall accompany me for a walk. I hear the hunting grounds are quite lively today."

Qiu Heng and Beauty Qiu responded in unison and followed behind Honored Consort Yu.

Honored Consort Yu rode in her palanquin, idly observing the scenery along the way. As they neared the ornate pavilions, she raised her hand and called for a stop.

A palace attendant stepped forward to help Honored Consort Yu descend from the palanquin.

Honored Consort Yu walked unhurriedly toward one of the guards who was bowing with his head lowered.