Chapter 48: Chapter 48: My Name Is Qu Fulan
He asked the question she most wanted to know, yet didn’t know how to ask.
After all, as a subordinate, she had only the responsibility to obey orders and no right to question them.
But he actually asked it voluntarily, which clearly showed he had seen through the doubts in her heart.
She had said before that Heir Pei was not someone easily fooled, which was why she initially didn’t want to mix with him, fearing that her careful plans would end up fruitless.
"I don’t understand," she said.
Pei Ji’an curved his lips slightly, his slender hands calmly brewing tea, "You’re so clever; it’s indeed a pity to make you do such rough tasks."
Qu Fulan was puzzled, "Why does Heir Pei say this?"
"I heard the elderly woman once had an allergic reaction to the wind-pollinated flower, and you were highly suspect, yet you resolved the crisis skillfully with calm composure; later, you also volunteered to solve the old lady’s insomnia issue; finally, you took less than half a year to rise from a silent maid to someone highly influential by the old lady’s side. All these events surely have a connection to your intelligence and resourcefulness."
Qu Fulan’s heart was in turmoil; when she did these things, every step was gradual, and she did not dare to accomplish everything at once. More often than not, she intentionally held back and refrained from showing off, fearing others might suspect her of having ulterior motives.
In a modern company, as long as one has the ability, one can show off however they like, but in ancient times, it was different, especially for someone with her status; standing out was not a good thing.
If not for worrying that when the half-year deadline came, she hadn’t left a deep impression on the old lady, and wouldn’t be chosen to replace a departing first-class maid, she wouldn’t have accelerated her actions, albeit cautiously, ensuring no one suspected anything.
If truly investigated, her prominence wasn’t even as significant as Hai Yue’s.
Why did Heir Pei suddenly start paying attention to her? Why investigate her past affairs out of nowhere? Had something happened that she was unaware of?
What exactly did he intend to do?
Maybe her expression of shock was too intense, or perhaps Heir Pei always had the ability to see through a person’s thoughts; he smiled, "It’s common for people to seek advancement. You need not panic; I’m merely fond of talented individuals."
"So, what does Heir Pei want me to do?" She had already reached this point; pretending to be ignorant was futile.
"With your ability, wholly work for me."
That meant doing anything and everything that could be useful.
Qu Fulan lowered her eyes, stood up, and bowed to him, "I will certainly give my all to serve Heir Pei."
Heir Pei seemed very pleased with her understanding and smiled again, "In the future, in my presence, there’s no need to call yourself a maid, and change your original name." As he said this, he paused and looked at her, "What is your name?"
Was he asking for her original name, implying she should use it?
But the original identity had been erased and was now a blank slate. Moreover, when she was with the old lady, she had fabricated a story; she definitely wouldn’t mention her original name and embarrass herself.
Furthermore, it wasn’t just an embarrassment; it would cause trouble for herself.
Should she make up another name? She felt it unnecessary.
After some thought, she replied, "My surname is Qu, and my name is Fulan."
After all, she wasn’t afraid of being investigated, and being able to use her real name would be ideal.
This name was given by her grandfather, the word ’Fulan’ implying the power to turn the tide.
When she was a child, someone came seeking treatment; her grandfather was out collecting herbs and not home. Another village barefoot doctor treated the person, but misdiagnosed and almost caused a fatal mistake. It was she who recalled her grandfather’s life-saving methods and managed to save the person.
Upon returning, her grandfather believed she had the ability to turn the tide and insisted on changing her name to Fulan despite her parents’ objections; and used ’Fu’ in hopes that others could help her after his death.
Her original name was Zhaodi, which reflected her parents’ intentions; how could she hope for them to help her?
"Power to turn the tide, where there are helpers." Heir Pei smiled, "It’s evident the person who named you had good intentions."
Qu Fulan was initially surprised at how quickly he saw the essence, but soon calmed down. Perhaps being pointed out by her boss in the modern era was the reason; she knew well that "those who stand at higher places can always see farther than you."
"With your intelligence, you live up to the word ’Fulan.’ From now on, you’ll be called Fulan." He made the decision.
"Yes."
She lowered her eyes, watching the tea in Heir Pei’s hands, high-quality tea leaves swirling up and down from the hot water, mirroring her life of ups and downs.
Yesterday’s events have already passed, a new Chapter has begun, and one night of despairing confusion is enough. In the future, she must plan carefully.
If used properly, this might be a good move, and escaping is not without hope.
The bamboo grove here was dense, shielding the sunlight, with refreshing wind, insect chirps, bird calls, and babbling streams, creating an elegant scene.
Qu Fulan did not have the mind to appreciate it; she soon left due to business.
Shortly after, a figure quietly appeared in the pavilion, giving a salute to Heir Pei, "Master, the investigation results regarding Miss Haitang’s background are out."
Pei Ji’an leisurely picked up the teacup, took a sip, and said, "Speak."
With just one word, it made the Hidden Guard tense instinctively and quickly said, "We found the seller in the slave market from back then, but he said she had passed through several hands by the time she reached him, and her original residence was unknown. We traced the source along the line, but found that it had long been disbanded, leaving no information behind. Additionally, we investigated along the Xiao Family line but found no links between her and the Xiao Family. Given these circumstances, I think there are two possible explanations."
The Heir gently rubbed the teacup with his thumb without speaking, indicating for him to continue.
The Hidden Guard boldly shared his suspicions, "The first possibility is that she is innocent, all is a misunderstanding; the second is that the Xiao Family’s methods are astute and have cleaned the clues thoroughly."
Even if the Xiao Family’s involvement is a misunderstanding, before things are fully clear, given the master’s cautious nature, he certainly wouldn’t allow someone with suspicions to stay by the old lady’s side.
"What does the master plan to do next?"
"Time reveals true intentions." Pei Ji’an remarked indifferently.
That implied a long-term understanding was needed, yet the Hidden Guard felt concerned, "If she isn’t a problem, then naturally there’s nothing to fear; but if she has ulterior motives, wouldn’t the master be exposing himself to danger?"
Pei Ji’an laughed, "Do you think I can’t handle a woman?"
"That’s not what I mean, I am just worried that keeping her might be a hidden threat..."
"I have my plans, you may leave now."
If Qu Fulan knew she was suspected of being a spy because of Xiao Shinuan’s foolish actions, she might rush into the Xiao Mansion and poison her.
The relationship between the Pei and Xiao families was already tense; where did she get the nerve to investigate the Pei Family?
With her pig-headedness, she achieved nothing but created trouble.
And she dragged her into it.