Volume 1, Chapter 39: Resolving Grudges Over a Drink? She Didn't Buy It

Emerging from the gates of the Marquis of Cheng'en's residence, a yellow-trimmed carriage steered toward the path on the east side.

Inside, Xie Shu clutched a hand warmer to keep warm. She wondered if her father and eldest sister had packed enough winter clothing. Turning to Lu Liu, she asked, "The cotton-padded garments I had you send out last time—how many layers were quilted into them?"

Lu Liu, busy folding a blanket, was momentarily startled by the sudden question. But catching the look of concern on Xie Shu’s brow, she quickly replied, "Three full layers, my lady! Rest assured, the General and the Young General will not be cold!"

"That is good," Xie Shu nodded. "Is there any news from the Jingzhao Prefecture?"

The Jingzhao Prefecture was usually efficient in handling cases. However, this matter was of such magnitude that, by traditional standards, it would likely take a month or two to untangle all the threads. Even though Xie Shu knew that impatience would not yield results, she could not help but worry.

Lu Liu shook her head. "No, not a word."

"I see." Xie Shu sighed. Very well, she would have to wait a while longer.

A savory aroma wafted by. Xie Shu sniffed the air, lifted the carriage curtain, and glanced outside. It was a street vendor selling sugar-coated fried cakes.

Lu Liu leaned over, saw the vendor, and smiled. "The Young General often brought these for you when he returned home, my lady!"

"Mm. Buy some when we return, and distribute them among everyone," Xie Shu instructed before dropping the curtain.

However, just before the curtain fell, a slender figure standing at the mouth of the alley caught a glimpse of the person inside the carriage.

Lin Sheng took a bite of a sugar cake and trotted over. "Young Master, would you like to taste this? It’s the best sugar cake in the East Market; even my mother can't make them this well."

Zhou Xunli was dressed in casual attire today—a high-collared, long robe in ink-black with crane-patterned embroidery, cinched tightly at the waist. A single jade hairpin secured his hair, which fell loosely, giving him the refined air of a scholar.

Zhou Xunli took the cake and bit into it. It was deep-fried but not greasy, and the sweetness was just right. "Acceptable."

Lin Sheng craned his neck to peer toward the intersection. Seeing a figure appear before the Mingxuan Studio, he hastily swallowed the rest of the cake, wiped his mouth with his sleeves, and said, "Young Master, that is the person."

"Let's go." Zhou Xunli wrapped the remaining cake and handed it to a child playing by the roadside.

Mingxuan Studio was the largest restaurant in the capital, featuring delicacies from all corners of the Great Yan. It saw countless diners, and high-ranking officials were frequent guests. Where there are people, there are inevitably incidents.

"My lady, please, this way!" As soon as she entered the main gate, Xiao Jiu spotted her. He bowed halfway and gestured respectfully for Xie Shu to follow.

"Very well," Xie Shu replied, stepping onto the stairs to the third floor.

Xiao Jiu led her up properly, but upon seeing the four burly guards following her, he stepped forward to block their path. "Go, go! What kind of place do you think this is? Do you think you have the right to enter?"

"We are the Young Lady's guards! Wherever the Young Lady goes, we go!" The head guard, Jiang, his long sword hanging at his side, puffed out his chest and marched forward, knocking the scrawny Xiao Jiu aside.

"Ouch!" Xiao Jiu tumbled to the ground. "You scoundrel, how dare you touch me!"

Xie Shu raised her sleeve, shielding Guard Jiang, and looked down at the aggressive Xiao Jiu. "My guards stay with me. Who do you think you are to block my path?"

Under Xie Shu’s icy glare, Xiao Jiu’s arrogance instantly vanished. He clutched his ear, knelt on one knee, and offered a fawning smile. "This servant is nothing, truly nothing! How would I dare block your path, my lady? It’s just... these men are all armed with blades. If they offend the Young Master, I would be in a difficult position!"

"Besides, it’s against the rules! No one is permitted to carry weapons in the presence of the Young Master!" Seeing them continue to advance, he tried to block them again, pleading urgently.

"My rules are the rules," Xie Shu said coldly. She cared little for whom she might offend.

Ignoring Xiao Jiu entirely, she stepped directly over him. This servant was a dog relying on his master’s power, always bullying others, and Xie Shu had long found him detestable.

With Xie Shu leading, the others followed suit, each stepping over Xiao Jiu one by one.

How could he endure such humiliation? Xiao Jiu wiped away his tears. He had been a servant to the Young Master for years; never had he been so insulted! Just wait. His Young Master would surely exact revenge for him later!

Once the group had passed, Xiao Jiu scrambled to his feet, hitched up his trousers, and ran to lead the way again. "My lady, this way, please."

Xie Shu cast a sidelong glance at him. *Oh, so he still knows how to lead the way.*

Ning Rongsheng was already waiting inside.

The room was furnished with a huanghuali wood table and grand chairs; near the entrance stood a three-paneled screen embroidered with lotus flowers. On the other side, an incense burner emitted wisps of pine-scented smoke, and several pots of pine and bamboo were arranged at varying heights. Glass lanterns hung from the four corners of the ceiling, their flickering candlelight illuminating the room.

The table was laden with delicacies, many prepared specifically for Xie Shu, as she was known to be a picky eater—if a dish contained green onions, she wouldn't touch it. Ning Rongsheng had taken great pains to ensure she would be willing to eat.

"Shu'er, you're here." Seeing her, Ning Rongsheng rolled up his sleeves and hurried forward to greet her. Only two days ago, he had been ready to end her life; today, his expression had shifted, and he was once again playing the part of the modest gentleman.

Watching him put on this performance, stooping to conquer, Xie Shu found it laughable. Some people, when they had a goal, assumed everyone else was as forgetful as they were.

"Young Master Ning, this 'Hongmen Banquet' is certainly a feast for the eyes and the palate." Xie Shu stepped into the room, avoiding the hand he offered to assist her.

Lu Liu stepped between them, determined not to let this shameless scoundrel get near her mistress again.

Ning Rongsheng’s smile faltered. Seeing Xie Shu keep him at arm's length with biting sarcasm, he suppressed his irritation and tried to persuade her. "It was my mistake before. You were right that day. After all, you are a lady, and since I have been close to you, it is only natural that I take responsibility. Now that His Majesty has granted the marriage, we are family."

*Family.* Xie Shu smiled inwardly, watching him bustle about to serve her soup and vegetables, looking for all the world like a devoted husband.

"If we are family, then wouldn't the plans between you and the First Prince fall through?" Xie Shu looked at the food piled in her bowl. It smelled delicious, but looking at the man across from her, she had no appetite.

Seeing Xie Shu speak so bluntly about the First Prince, even with servants nearby, Ning Rongsheng’s gaze flickered. He glanced around and barked at Xiao Jiu, "Why are you just standing there? Are you disturbing her?"

Xiao Jiu took the hint, gestured to the other servants, and hurried them out. Only the guards behind Xie Shu remained motionless.

Having been taught a lesson earlier, Xiao Jiu didn't dare speak. He gave Ning Rongsheng a bitter smile and pointed toward Lu Liu with his fingers hidden in his sleeves. "Young Master... this..."

Ning Rongsheng had already noticed the dust on Xiao Jiu’s clothes—he had clearly been reprimanded by Xie Shu on the way in.

"Xie Shu, I am sincerely apologizing today. We can speak behind closed doors, but if others hear what is said, they might lose their lives!" Ning Rongsheng placed a piece of stir-fried lotus root into a bowl.

Hearing his cautious tone, Xie Shu glanced at Lu Liu. Although she had brought people from the Zhenyuan General's residence into the Marquis's home, she did not want to drag them into these matters.

"Lu Liu, you and Guard Jiang wait outside," Xie Shu ordered.

Lu Liu protested, "I won't leave. I want to stay with you, my lady."

Guard Jiang pulled on Lu Liu’s sleeve and dragged her out. "Don't worry, we'll be right outside the door. We can hear everything."

"But..." Lu Liu was still reluctant, but at a nod from Xie Shu, she allowed herself to be pulled out. "Hey! If anything happens to the Young Lady, I’ll tell Sister Wenying to never speak to you again!" Lu Liu pouted, glaring at Guard Jiang.

Guard Jiang, whose full name was Jiang Chao, had once been a centurion under Wenying. Having been saved by her on the battlefield, he had insisted on "repaying her with his life." After being rejected, he followed her to the Zhenyuan General's residence, and after three or four years, they had developed some affection. However, Wenying was unwilling to marry, having seen enough heartless men in the capital to avoid that trap.

Hearing this, Guard Jiang immediately let go and bowed repeatedly to Lu Liu. "Little ancestor, please don't report me! Rest assured, if anything happens to the Young Lady under my watch, I... I shall never be able to marry!"

"Hmph, you'd better not!" Lu Liu huffed, hands on her hips, blocking the door firmly. She leaned in, desperate to press her ear against the door crack.

Xiao Jiu watched from the side, took a few steps back, and quietly slipped away from the third floor.