Lin closed his mouth and narrowed his eyes, carefully observing Xu Wanzhi’s calm demeanor from head to toe. Fine, the Qu family had plenty of silver. Today, he would dismiss him, maintaining his proper demeanor, and coldly ordered: “Someone, return all of the young master’s dowry. Each item must be accounted for. And since he came from the Qu family—”
He paused briefly before being interrupted by a clear, calm female voice: “Father, what is happening?”
Lin’s face instantly changed, his eyes filled with joy. Xu Wanzhi was startled, following his gaze to the woman appearing at the end of the corridor, gradually approaching. She wore a blue-green simple robe, her hem dusty, clearly having traveled from afar. Several tall women silently followed her. When she noticed Xu Wanzhi’s gaze, she looked back with cold, deep black eyes.
In fact, she was quite striking—her eyebrows defined, her features handsome, her posture upright—a very attractive woman.
Qu Xiaojue did not look at Xu Wanzhi. She swept an authoritative glance across everyone, instantly calming the previous tumultuous atmosphere. She stepped forward and bowed to Lin: “Father, I hope you are well. Daughter has been away for three months, and father has worked hard managing the household.”
“Jue’er, you’re back. Come, let father look at you. You must have suffered outside and have grown thinner.”
He immediately transformed into a loving father, grasping Qu Xiaojue’s hand. She held it briefly before subtly withdrawing and said: “Do not worry, father. Daughter is fine. The household has only troubled father with management, ensuring everything remains peaceful.”
These words sent a chill down Xu Wanzhi’s spine as she watched coldly.
Slightly stepping aside from Lin, Qu Xiaojue turned to the steward and demanded: “Qu Lu, you manage the entire household. How could you allow the elder master to stand here so long, potentially harming his health? Can you bear this responsibility?”
“This servant does not dare.”
Qu Lu, whom Xu Wanzhi had seen before, immediately stepped forward, bowing with a face full of shame and trepidation.
“Let there not be a next time.”
“This servant understands.”
Qu Xiaojue’s expression softened slightly, turning to Lin: “Father, the wind outside is strong. You should return and rest. Someone, escort the elder master back to his quarters and attend to him carefully.”
