Chapter 172: Chapter 172: Stop Bothering the Princely Heir So Much
The four major guardians discussed back and forth and eventually decided that regardless of the situation, they should report to the Princely Heir. Whether good or bad ought to be determined by the Princely Heir; they just needed to fulfill their duty as guardians.
However, when Shi Yi contacted Lao Qi, who always stayed with the Princely Heir, following usual practices to report matters related to Miss Qu, Lao Qi did not immediately convey the message as usual. Instead, he asked what the matter was. If it was important, he would report it; otherwise, the Princely Heir was busy with official duties, and it would be inappropriate to bother him with trivial matters, showing a lack of tact.
Shi Yi vaguely mentioned that Miss Qu went out to meet someone, but did not specify who.
Such matters should have been reported directly to the Princely Heir, otherwise, if Lao Qi and others learned about them, who knows how they would gossip behind the scenes?
After all, Lao Qi and his companions still suspected Miss Qu of having issues, while the master trusted her immensely, so they turned a blind eye. If they found out Miss Qu had gone to meet Xiao Shiqing, what then?
Although Miss Qu was no longer the Princely Heir’s servant, she was still collaborating with them, making them worried she might do something harmful to the master.
Guardians also have rank. Lao Qi, Lao Ba, Lao Jiu, and Lao Shi represent the foremost guardians as they came first, served the longest, and worked closely with the Princely Heir. They enjoyed the highest status in the group, and it was normal for them to be a bit proud, occasionally critiquing the later arrivals as seniors.
But when it came to Shi Yi and his peers being tasked with protecting Qu Fulan, they assumed the Princely Heir didn’t hold Shi Yi and his peers in high regard, choosing them to protect a woman, which was considered the most disgraceful assignment among guardians.
Therefore, they often mocked Shi Yi and his peers.
Upon hearing that Qu Fulan merely went to meet someone, Shi Yi’s reporting the matter so earnestly seemed overblown.
"The Princely Heir is busy every day, and you are delaying him with such matters. Shi Yi, it seems you’re regressing as you live."
Shi Yi found Lao Qi’s actions different from before.
Previously, when he reported matters relating to Miss Qu, Lao Qi carried the message immediately. But now blocking him, Shi Yi took it as the Princely Heir’s intention, didn’t think much, and left the Ministry of Justice.
Perhaps he had overthought; the Princely Heir’s previous attention to Miss Qu’s every move was merely because she was his maid. Now that she wasn’t, naturally, there’s no need for such detailed focus unless it’s a safety-related issue.
He decided not to bother the Princely Heir anymore.
Meanwhile, when Qu Fulan bid farewell to Xiao Shiqing, he neither blocked her nor spoke.
Qu Fulan thought this was for the best; every man has his pride and dignity and wouldn’t persist after such words from her; that would be utterly undignified.
With the matter resolved, Qu Fulan felt much relieved.
After returning home, she began writing invitations, inviting Heir Pei, Prince An, and others, including the Third Miss and her friends, to her humble abode.
This was customary in their social circle — inviting friends to celebrate before or after an occasion, like acquiring rare antique calligraphy or a precious tribute; similar to Prince An earlier, everyone needed to gather for amusement.
Celebrating birthdays or house relocations was a must.
If she didn’t invite people to socialize, they’d assume she’s miserly and lacks common courtesy.
In theory, besides Third Miss and Fang Yuan, she could have invited Hua Hao Yueyuan, Hai Xia, and Douya, but she couldn’t extend invitations to them.
It’s not that Qu Fulan despised them after gaining independence; it’s just certain occasions required consideration for others’ feelings.
While it didn’t bother her, it might bother others. She could always invite Hua Hao Yueyuan and Hai Xia Douya separately for a meal another time; there was no need to cram them into today’s event.
Besides, how could she ask these maidens to simultaneously take leave just to attend her party? Forsaking their master’s affairs? She wasn’t that brazen nor did she dare to incur such blame, harming both others and herself.
Once the invitations were written, Qu Fulan asked Mrs. Chen to use her connections and help deliver them. Mrs. Chen had quite an extensive network, and as long as the courier fees were satisfactory, there were plenty of people willing to do such tasks.
After writing invitations, Qu Fulan started preparing some dishes ahead of time since some required marinating overnight to enhance flavor.
Two maidens helped her with preparations.
Not much needed advance preparation, just a roasted sucking pig.
When Third Miss and the others received Qu Fulan’s invitation, they were quite surprised, thinking she wouldn’t contact them after departing. Her thoughtfulness was unexpected.
Fang Yuan, the gourmand, anticipated the banquet would have plenty of delicious food, immediately growing excited.
However, Cheng Ru was puzzled about the address on the invitation, asking, "What is this place?"
Third Miss looked at the address and said, "It’s in Gaoyi Lane behind the Pei Mansion. I only passed by a few times by chance."
Cheng Ru asked, "Though I’m not a native of the Capital City, I’ve heard Gaoyi Lane behind Pei Mansion is prime real estate. Many wish to purchase homes there but can’t, nor is it available for rent. How did Fulan end up living there?"
Third Miss shook her head, "We’ll find out when we go tomorrow."
Meanwhile, Prince An and his companions, after witnessing Qu Fulan’s culinary prowess back at the manor, eagerly anticipated her skills once more. Now the chance came, and they wouldn’t miss it.
They promptly began preparing gifts to celebrate her moving into a new home.
Unfortunately, Heir Pei was elusive recently; he didn’t see the invitation. Instead, it was spotted by Third Young Master Pei Lian, who immediately expressed his desire to join in on the fun and even considered bringing his elder brother. But Pei Yuan declined; at his age, he lacked interest in such festivities.
Pei Yuan, recently besieged by Miss Tan, wished he needn’t leave the house.
Similar to his, Pei Lian’s situation involved constant attention from his wife, Yao Xing, who monitored his every move, even questioning him about trivial things like using the restroom. Of course, she learned of the invitation from Qu Fulan in the back alley.
Unable to sit still, she recalled previously gathering information on Qu Fulan’s residence, which was still unresolved. Meanwhile, everyone was already celebrating her new home. It seemed those she hired were inept; rather than relying on incompetents’ updates, she decided to personally go and inspect things, keeping Pei Lian under her watch, preventing him from any flirtations.
Unfamiliar with the area behind Pei Mansion, Yao Xing conceded that the Capital City was massive, with prime spots in each neighborhood, and she couldn’t remember every location.
She thought, how could a redeemed servant like Qu Fulan live in a fine place anyway? Likely to save money, she took residence in a humble abode, yet shamelessly hosted a gathering, evident to all without any hidden motives.
With these notions, Yao Xing covertly followed Pei Lian in a carriage, joining in.
Qu Fulan was surprised upon seeing unexpected guests.
Unanticipatedly, those guests were even more astonished than her.
Despite being a two-entry courtyard appearing modest compared to Pei Mansion, overall it exuded grace and aesthetic appeal, making it irresistibly likable, sparking desires to own such a residence.
Contrary to expectations, Yao Xing was internally discontent, realizing Qu Fulan’s concealed wealth exceeded imagination to afford such a luxury rental.
Plenty came early from proximity, but Prince An and his crew impatiently reached shortly after Pei Family members.
Once inside, everyone noticed Heir Pei’s absence, each reacting with surprise.
"Why didn’t Jian come?"