Chapter 41: Chapter 41: It’s You
The scheming of the Third Young Madam and Mrs. Zhao, working in concert, could not unsettle Qu Fulan.
But the possibility of encountering Xiao Shiqing’s mother and sister, however, made her uneasy.
To her, meeting anyone else was better than meeting the Xiao Family.
Because if it were someone else, she could simply deny it to the death and bluff her way through.
Most ancient ladies of noble birth rarely went beyond their family compound, and few would have seen her. Even if they had seen her once or twice, they might have forgotten her.
But the Xiao Family and the Li Family were old friends, and their homes were adjacent. Back then, the Xiao Family wasn’t as powerful as it is now and had not yet moved to the Capital City.
The original Li Jirou often visited the Xiao Family as a child, and her childhood friendship with Xiao Shiqing began then.
One could say that Mrs. Xiao watched Li Jirou grow up, and even though the Li Family had their troubles later, how long has it been, really? How could Mrs. Xiao possibly not recognize her?
Their looks earlier said it all.
Miss Xiao was called away by Miss Zheng, and her gaze lingered on her before she left.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Zhao began praising Qu Fulan as she grasped her hand, commending her from head to toe, then asked her age. Upon learning she was only thirteen, instead of considering her too young, Mrs. Zhao’s eyes lit up.
"No wonder she’s so fresh and tender, good, good."
People nearby heard this and laughed quietly to themselves.
Good for what?
Naturally, good to offer to her husband. Old Master Zhao, despite his age, was notorious for his lecherous predilections, particularly preying upon young girls not yet of age.
Still, daughters of noble houses needn’t worry about falling prey to Old Master Zhao, and the fate of those low-born slaves is of no concern to them.
Qu Fulan endured Mrs. Zhao’s greasy smile and the sensation of her constantly caressing her hand, which was truly nauseating.
She feared she might not be able to hold back and vomit right then and there.
Meanwhile, word of Mrs. Zhao’s antics had reached the men’s side.
A few young gentlemen were making a joke of it.
"I wonder which family’s girl is doomed this time. That old Zhao won’t die; despite his age, he’s more lustful than we are."
The Zhao Family does have profound roots, but it’s all heritage left by their ancestors, now reduced to mere shadows of past glory. Therefore, these genuinely grounded young gentlemen aren’t afraid of him and have given him the nickname "Zhao Won’t Die."
"But I must say, although Zhao Won’t Die is inept, his choice in women is quite discerning. If you ever see the ones in his residence, you’ll understand. I can’t help but wonder where he finds them; why can’t I?"
"Oh please, are the women in his inner chambers all breathtakingly beautiful?"
"More than breathtakingly beautiful. They’re all stunning one after another. Earlier, it was said among the womenfolk that one girl caught Mrs. Zhao’s eye. For her to be singled out by Mrs. Zhao, she must be even more remarkable than those in the Zhao Mansion or else why would Mrs. Zhao be interested?"
"It’s making me itch with curiosity; I truly want to see this girl."
"That shouldn’t be difficult; just have her brought over."
This task was entrusted to Mr. Zheng from the host family; inviting someone over is no trouble for him.
At this time, everyone was seated in the waterside pavilion, enjoying the flowers and music, with a gentle breeze causing ripples on the lake.
Heir Pei and his friends were sitting in another separate pavilion, not engaging in the conversation of the frivolous young men.
The man sitting across Heir Pei was An Ruchang, the son of Prince Anyang.
This was a hot-blooded young man with aspirations to serve his king and country, but unfortunately, his family had little faith in his abilities and could not restrain him, so they had no choice but to leave him under Heir Pei’s charge.
Back with Qu Fulan, the Third Young Madam left her with Mrs. Zhao to amuse herself elsewhere, while Mrs. Zhao continued rambling on, only to be eventually interrupted by a visitor.
"Greetings, Mrs. Zhao. My mother is eager to see you. May I lead the way for you?"
How could Mrs. Zhao refuse? She left Haitang to wait in lugar, thinking no one would run off.
As Mr. Zheng led Mrs. Zhao away, he discreetly signaled his servant, who then escorted the group away.
Qu Fulan felt like a ball being kicked around at the whim of others.
But she did not allow herself to become despondent and dejected.
If she didn’t have her space, she might be much more desperate, but with it, she could protect herself most of the time.
Perhaps fate knew that throwing her into an era like this with the lowly status of a maid required giving her something to survive.
As for the connivance between the Third Young Madam and Mrs. Zhao, Qu Fulan didn’t take it to heart.
Some people enjoy being clowns, so let them be.
There are too many self-important people in the world to care about them all.
When she asked the servant where they were taking her, he only replied, "You’ll know when we get there."
As a result, she was brought to a place and left alone.
Looking around, Qu Fulan saw that the waterside pavilion was filled with male guests, each eyeing her with curiosity and wonderment. But her gaze suddenly locked onto a particular spot.
Then, amid the surprised stares, she moved in that direction.
"Haitang greets the Princely Heir."
Pei Ji’an paused in the act of pouring wine, surprise flickering in his eyes.
"It’s you."
"The Third Young Madam asked the Old Madam to let this servant come, and a message was sent for me to come, thinking it was the Princely Heir who called this servant for instructions?"
Pei Ji’an glanced at the nearby pavilion where the young men were either curious or amazed. Earlier, those comments he had ignored now filled his mind.
"Yes, there is something I need from you; have a seat."
"This... might not be proper."
The heir’s indifferent glance sent a refreshing chill despite the summer heat, and Qu Fulan immediately sat down.
Upon her seating, the nearby gentlemen found themselves unable to remain seated. Now, no one dared speak loudly, and small clusters of murmured conversations arose.
"What’s going on? Why did she go to the Princely Heir? Looks like she’s a maid of the Pei Family?"
"How can a maid be allowed to sit?"
"Care to meddle with the Princely Heir’s affairs?"
Despite their chatter, none dared make a joke about this maid.
Joke? Know whose dog you’re kicking first, understand?
"Mr. Pei, this is...?" An Ruchang, deeply respectful of Heir Pei, naturally extended his regard to his people.
"The Old Madam’s maid, Haitang."
"So, this is Miss Haitang. I am An Ruchang."
As Qu Fulan was about to rise and bow, Ruchang quickly gestured to stop her: "No need, no need, we are all friends here, no need to stand on ceremony."
Although Ruchang didn’t specify his identity, someone who could befriend Heir Pei wouldn’t have an ordinary status. Moreover, Qu Fulan recognized him from mentions in books.
The son of Prince Anyang, though indeed a playboy, differed from others by lacking the vice of abusing servants. At most, he was blindly confident.
To put it accurately, he was obliviously so.
The furthest place he’d been was the Autumn Hunting Ground outside the Capital City, and having hunted a few animals, considered himself divinely gifted, capable of battlefield prowess and invincibility.