The two old men were quite satisfied with their meal today. Number One left with his people without saying a word. Ji Xingmi thought he would lecture her a bit, but he only glanced at her at the beginning, as if to confirm if she was injured. Seeing her lively and well, he was relieved.
Ji Xingmi seemed to sense something and watched Number One leave. Elder Hua also stood beside her, and only after the person had gone far did he say, "When he knew you were in trouble, he smashed his favorite Zisha teapot! He felt that he hadn't protected you well enough, which led to you getting into trouble right under his nose. He also said he wanted to prepare more people for you, and that you shouldn't be so willful next time. You should also think about us old folks. If something happened to you, what would we do? You have no idea how my legs went weak when I received the news after getting off the plane; I almost lost face in front of so many people. As for Jing Yi, that kid, his eyes were all red."
Ji Xingmi opened her mouth, but couldn't utter a word. She felt that anything she said now would be weak and powerless. She would not do such dangerous things next time. Fortunately, she only thought this in her heart and didn't say it out loud, because she hadn't done it yet, but that's a story for later.
Seeing that she didn't object, Elder Hua started talking about their activities the day before: "You're quite something, aren't you? You even took Mantis to hunt wild boars. What, did wild boars trouble you when you were in the mountains before?"
"Grandpa Hua! Am I that kind of person? I just saw some herbs there and wanted to collect them. The wild boar incident was an accident."
"You've had enough accidents. You just stay put here quietly for the next few days. Don't even think about going out until the new guards arrive."
"I knew from the start that they sent me here just to watch me. I was prepared!" Ji Xingmi muttered to herself behind him.
"What did you say?"
"I said, how many more people will be coming this time? Can you still accommodate them here?" Hearing Elder Hua's question, Ji Xingmi immediately changed the subject.
Upon hearing her words, Elder Hua glanced at her and said, "Don't worry about that. We're planning to move to that larger courtyard near Number One's place. It should be able to accommodate everyone."
Ji Xingmi was a bit surprised by this sudden news. Why were they moving? An upgrade?
Elder Hua also noticed her expression and said irritably, "You're overthinking it. It's just for convenience so we can keep an eye on you! It's close to Number One, so if I'm not around, he can still keep you in check! That way, you won't be causing trouble all day. If you have time these two days, go over and check the place out, and help arrange it."
"So all this was just to keep an eye on me!" Ji Xingmi pouted, thinking of her future miserable life.
"What? You don't want to?"
"No, how could I! I'm very willing! I'll go take a look this afternoon. Oh, and what about the vegetables in my backyard?" She had just planted seeds.
"Just plant them here. It won't be occupied so quickly."
"Oh!"
Now Ji Xingmi had something to do. In the afternoon, she brought people to the courtyard. When they arrived, it was bustling with activity. Many orderlies were busy cleaning and tidying up. Upon seeing Ji Xingmi, they immediately saluted and greeted her.
"It's alright, it's alright, you all carry on with your work. I'm just here to take a look!" Ji Xingmi waved her hand at them. The orderlies, hearing her words, went back to their tasks.
"Uncle Spider, isn't this place already being managed? Why do I still need to come and supervise?"
"Elder Hua's intention is for you to look around and decide where you'd like to live and how you want the rooms arranged."
"Oh! I understand!"
Ji Xingmi walked around the courtyard. Indeed, this place was larger than Elder Hua's previous courtyard. It was almost like a small siheyuan, with a small pond and landscaping in the middle. However, there were hardly any fish in it now. There was also a small garden in the back, but it was overgrown with weeds instead of flowers.
"Uncle Spider, ask those brothers to tidy up this area too. I want to plant some things. Oh, and let's also clean up that pond. We can raise a couple of fish in it, so if we have nothing to do, we can catch fish to eat!"
"Catch fish? Aren't these small ponds usually for ornamental fish?"
"Ah? Those fish can't be eaten, can they? Can they be raised now?"
"I don't know, but if you want to raise fish, that's fine too. Elder Hua said you can do as you please!"
"Oh!" Ji Xingmi didn't have ornamental fish in her space. She was looking for a reasonable excuse to sneak something out. She didn't want to change anything else, and she wasn't particularly concerned about these things. Besides, given Elder Hua's status here, the arrangements wouldn't be too shabby.
When Ji Xingmi returned to the small courtyard, she happened to meet Gu Jing Yi coming out of the study. Gu Jing Yi asked her for her impressions.
"Hmm~ I think it's all very good. The place has small bridges, flowing water, and homes, which creates a very nice atmosphere. And the space is very spacious."
"Sounds quite nice!"
"Yes, it is! Those orderlies are very capable. There's nothing for me to interfere with."
"Orderlies?" Gu Jing Yi raised an eyebrow.
"Uh-huh! By the way, when can I go out for a trip?" Ji Xingmi didn't notice the change in Gu Jing Yi's expression.
"Didn't Elder Hua tell you to stay put and rest?"
"I just want to go out and get some decorations! I'll be back very soon. Oh, right. Do you know where I can find places that make Zisha teapots in the capital?" Ji Xingmi remembered what Elder Hua had said and then asked Gu Jing Yi.