But looking at her expression, it seemed as natural as carrying two silver pieces for a stroll. Qi’er didn’t dare lecture her and was stopped by that rhetorical question.
Glancing at her, Xu Wanzhi fastened her long clothing belt and cheerfully walked out the door.
Qi’er, recovering, hurriedly lifted her skirt and chased after, catching up after several steps. Touching her quickened pace, she finally boldly grabbed her clothing hem and urgently said: “If master is going out, let this servant follow!”
“As you wish.”
What a delicate young person, her cheeks turning slightly red. She shook her head, pulling out Qi’er’s messy hairpin and placing it in her hand, saying indifferently that anyway, she needed a guide, and though this child was probably useless, at least she was a genuine local.
The two traveled light, one energetic, the other cautious.
Before the courtyard gate’s corridor, a blue stone path extended. At this moment, two middle-aged men were walking briskly on that path, and seeing the master and servant, they quickened their small steps.
Both sides were somewhat surprised.
Xu Wanzhi intended to step back and let them pass first. Qi’er trembled behind her, her face turning pale, and she wobbled forward, supported by two people, bowing to the man at the front, her voice timid: “Greetings, Old Master.”
The man called Old Master swept a sharp glance over the master and servant whose attire was clearly inappropriate: “Son-in-law, where are you heading?”
Struck by “son-in-law”, Xu Wanzhi understood he was probably the most senior elder of the household besides the female head of the family. However, having an unknown man randomly questioning her was hard for her to accept, and she responded coolly: “Going out. Is there something?”
Qu Linshi, the Old Master, had never liked this son-in-law and was furious upon seeing him dress improperly, block the doorway, and respond coldly – how improper!
“Master…” Qi’er wanted to speak but had no opportunity, only tugging at his sleeve. A fierce-looking man beside Qu Linshi gave her a sideways glance, and she immediately withdrew her hand, trembling and not daring to speak.
“Master, not greeting or paying respects to the Old Master – is this the rule of the Xu family?”
A man courteously handed a handkerchief to Qu Linshi, questioning with implied criticism.
