Chapter 167: Chapter 167: He Always Knew
To be honest, Prince An couldn’t understand Pei Ji’an.
People say he’s young yet already famous, achieving feats others might not accomplish in their entire lives or even in several generations. Plus, he’s a powerful official; truly, every accolade seems to belong to him.
Moreover, he just recently earned another triumph and got rewarded by the Emperor, truly a time when good news boosts one’s spirits.
If it were him, he’d celebrate with a feast that lasts days and nights before saying anything else.
But the actual person is quite the contrary, always drinking alone in silence whenever he comes out.
In such a successful life, what is there to brood over?
"If you don’t like listening to others play the pipa, wait for when the orchestra we hire learns ’Cloud Palace Rapid Sound,’ then you’ll know what the best music in the world sounds like. You went late the other day and missed the opening act’s song. Good heavens, that tune is truly something special; everyone who heard it said so. I still remember the approximate melody; listen..."
After saying that, he cleared his throat and burst into song, "Dong~dongdong~dengdeng dengdeng dedeng...diudiudio...ah..."
The rest was interrupted when Wei Xu threw something at him, "With your awful voice, spare that song and, more importantly, our ears."
Prince An wasn’t bothered, instead laughing twice, "It’s just to cheer Jian up, so I sang a few lines spontaneously. I can’t remember the rest. But I do remember some of the closing song, ’You carry the load, I hold the horse,’ whoa whoa, don’t throw, I only know one line of it, nothing more."
Wei Xu then put down the item and made exaggerated facial expressions towards Pei Ji’an, signaling him to think of something.
Prince An shrugged, what could he do? He then looked at the other two.
Ge Yang and Chu Jin both wore expressions of helplessness.
Prince An sighed; indeed, he was the most amusing personality among them. If even he had no solution, then others certainly wouldn’t have one.
But some matters need the person involved to resolve.
This tension had been bothering their group for two days already, yet they dared not ask him about it.
Pei Ji’an may appear as an outstanding gentleman who seems easy-going, but when upset, who could withstand his wrath?
Still, they had been hanging too long on this matter, and all attempts were in vain; it couldn’t continue like this.
No wonder these four are like brothers; their bond is genuinely unshakable, sincerely caring for each other. Having tried various tricks unsuccessfully, even the last possibility might draw trouble, but it’s worth a try.
Prince An exchanged glances with the other three, finally discreetly playing rock-paper-scissors.
One round, two rounds, three rounds.
Prince An lost, compelled to take the lead in facing Boss Pei.
This was their childhood nickname; Pei Ji’an first, he second, Chu Jin third, Wei Xu fourth, Ge Yang fifth.
Well, it wasn’t a time for reminiscing. Prince An got stared down by the others due to delays, prompting him to awkwardly clear his throat again and bring up the topic bravely.
"If you’re so reluctant, why let her go?"
Pei Ji’an glanced at Prince An, "Are you itching for trouble?"
Prince An was instantly intimidated, trembling slightly inwardly. However, there’s no turning back once a bow is drawn, especially with the four staring intensely at him. He touched his nose, lowered his eyes, and continued speaking to himself, "Seriously, who wouldn’t like such a clever girl? Moreover, she’s competent; if someone else picks her up, you’ll surely regret it."
Pei Ji’an poured himself a drink, tipped his head back, and took a swig before casually saying, "You think too much."
Prince An blinked, "Then your gloominess these two days isn’t because of this matter?"
Honestly, he was startled when he heard.
The way Pei Ji’an treats that girl so well, anyone would think in that direction, right?
They all assumed he would keep the girl; merely the timing hadn’t arrived yet.
But what happened? He gave away the ownership papers and let her go.
Isn’t this a fuss?
Anyone would hold onto such a girl, wouldn’t they?
If Prince An obtained such a clever person, he’d keep her by his side forever.
Pei Ji’an said nothing, tipped his head back, emptied his cup, turned to the four, "I’m leaving now."
Without waiting for a response, he got up and walked away.
The four watched his silhouette, for the first time seeing loneliness.
Once so spirited, how did he suddenly become like this?
"It’s still early; why are you going back? If you don’t want to hear us talk, we’ll be completely silent, alright?" Prince An couldn’t help calling out, adding.
Without turning back, Pei Ji’an waved his hand, took long strides, and walked further and further.
He knew he couldn’t keep her, had always known.
Her desire to leave couldn’t be hidden.
He just thought everything could follow his plan...
Lixiang Courtyard.
"Fulan, everyone says you’re leaving; how quickly is it? So we won’t see each other again?"
Hai Xia and Douya surrounded Qu Fulan, reluctant to part.
Qu Fulan was jotting down café plans, noticed them approaching, then put aside her tasks, brewing coffee for the two.
She didn’t let Mrs. Pei drink it though, as elders generally have poor sleep quality; caffeine at night only worsens insomnia.
Instead, she made steak and noodles for Mrs. Pei, letting her savor them.
Mrs. Pei was delighted, intending to reward her, but Qu Fulan politely declined.
Honestly, her peaceful stay in the Pei Family largely owed to Mrs. Pei’s sensible and tolerant nature, being considerate to everyone including servants.
With the matriarch’s favor, her situation remained favorable.
If faced with strict personalities, she’d likely be mistreated as a maid.
Hence, Qu Fulan felt grateful towards Mrs. Pei, promising visits even after departure.
"I can’t be gone so swiftly; I need to prepare for some time."
Real estate arrangements had been on her mind before, but doing so discreetly was necessary.
Now, she won’t simply search everywhere but will ask acquaintances to check several places and inspect them personally when appropriate.
Her criteria are a few: not too remote locality, high safety level, a two-entry house with a courtyard, while cost consideration is flexible if these conditions are met.
She’s been earning so why not spend some of it; otherwise, what’s the point of earning?
However, finding secure and well-located premises in Capital City proves challenging due to high demand.
Fortunately, Heir Pei allowed her ample time to prepare, not urging her to leave.
Qu Fulan had planned that once outside, she’d recruit a female steward and two maids to assist with maintaining the residence, adding some liveliness.