If he understood his identity, she would not pursue today’s mistake. Bringing this up now – does he really want to be divorced from the household?
Xu Wanzhi’s calm eyebrows twitched; she could not accept this woman’s thinking! Standing up, his momentum was not weak, coldly laughing: “So, the Qu family master is a woman of poor character!”
“You!”
Clearly enraged, she strode forward and grabbed his shoulder. Qu Xiaojue’s suppressed anger was provoked, staring into his eyes and speaking harshly: “Insulting the wife master – I originally thought you were a virtuous husband, but today I see you’re no different from a quarrelsome spouse from a small household!”
” Who wants to be your “family husband”! This woman is clearly crazy!
Xu Wanzhi ducked and broke free from her hand.
Actually, during this past month, his miscellaneous duties have been much lighter than before, and his master has become even easier to serve. However, he has been feeling increasingly uneasy in his heart, and instead has been focusing more of his thoughts on his master, thus neglecting many of the idle tasks.
Looking at the sun slowly descending outside, Qi’er glanced inside, surrounded by a familiar quietness.
Today, he had a disagreement with the old master, and the young master is not responding, which has driven the family head away from here… If he continues to be so detached from worldly affairs, people might start spreading rumors.
As the sky grew dimmer, his work became smoother, and Qi’er put away his embroidery basket.
He was just sitting there, his dark head lowered, eyes not even visible. Qi’er stared in that direction, unable to articulate the inexplicable emotion swirling within. “
That inexplicable melancholy had not been seen since the day he learned the family head had someone outside. However, the person on the couch heard the door open and naturally looked up, giving him a faint smile, speaking in his unique upward-inflected tone: “Qi’er, have you noticed that I haven’t been as sleepy lately?”
Qi’er looked at him, biting his lip and nodding. Xu Wan’zhi smiled again: “So why aren’t you happy? I know you’re most afraid of me oversleeping.”
“Master, you—” What are you truly sad about?
He simply said: “Nothing.”
Sighing at his sensitive thoughts, Xu Wan’zhi shook out his clothes, got off the couch, put on his shoes, and habitually drank some water. Qi’er realized he had already poured himself a cup and drank it down.
Perhaps because he no longer takes the initiative to serve him, that inexplicable unease always inadvertently surfaces. Facing him, Qi’er unconsciously feels somewhat awkward, and whenever he wants to speak, he senses that his master’s current state of mind is beyond his ability to console.
After drinking three cups, the room remained silent. Xu Wan’zhi, not wanting to pressure him, casually said: “Were you embroidering something just now? Can you show me?”
“Okay,” Qi’er couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief, quickly showing him the day’s completed work.
Xu Wan’zhi stroked the handkerchief, repeatedly praising how lifelike and lively the little birds were, especially remarkable coming from a boy’s hands.
“You’ve embroidered this beautifully!”
“Actually, master’s skills are truly the best!” Blushing, Qi’er spoke with considerable pride.
The imposter Miss Xu immediately fell silent.
Qi’er, unaware, continued: “Do you remember back then, how many young gentlemen in Wan City would use your embroidery as a model?”
“Hmm?”
“Young master, I—” Realizing he might have misspoken, and fearing touching on sensitive thoughts, Qi’er immediately stopped, carefully observing his expression, detecting no hint of displeasure.
Qi’er, this child, was so different from her in thoughts, words, and actions that she could only try her best within her capabilities to consider his sensitive feelings.
Recently, gradually becoming accustomed to his tone, Qi’er naturally understood that the master was dismissing her. She lowered her head and obediently withdrew.
Staring fixedly at the room, Xu Wanzhi lay down on the bed. She had just been silent for a moment when someone knocked on the door again. From the rhythm, it was clearly Qi’er.
“Come in,” she raised her voice and sat up. Qi’er pushed the door open with her head lowered, accompanied by a boy who stood bowing at the threshold. His voice was as gentle as most boys here: “Master, the family head has prepared the evening meal and requests you to come to the Jue Shi courtyard to dine together.”
Must! On what grounds!
She raised her tone and directly asked, “What if I don’t go? How will she make you explain?”
The boy remained respectful: “The family head says that if you do not come, the young master will come to invite you later.”
“Even if you’ve already eaten, it doesn’t matter. I heard you recently enjoy snow-chih silk rong cake with Yunfeng white tip, and it has already been prepared for you to taste.”
Would this move her?
Xu Wanzhi sat at the edge of the table, slowly drinking tea, and asked softly, “If I still don’t go, will she come to invite me personally?”
As if anticipating this question, the young servant paused, his cheeks turning rosy, his voice no longer as smooth: “The family head said that if you still refuse to come, it must be because you’re unwell. She will come to see you tonight. Between husband and wife, you haven’t talked all night…”
By the time he finished speaking, the boy’s face was completely red. In contrast, Xu Wanzhi could no longer drink the tea in her hand, and a dark line crossed her forehead.
“I’ll go.”
“Thank you, master. This servant will take his leave.”
No matter how Xu Wanzhi spoke through gritted teeth, the boy immediately bowed happily and quickly retreated. Qi’er hung at the doorway, carefully glancing at her expression.
Keeping her face tense, Xu Wanzhi finally poured and drank two more cups of tea, barely suppressing the slow fire in her heart. She had only met her twice, and although she was the original master’s wife, to manipulate her like this… If she were to stay in this place for long, it would be exhausting.
Jue Shi courtyard.
Xu Wanzhi couldn’t tell. Since arriving here, many of her inherent concepts had been greatly impacted.
Qu Xiaojue watched his actions silently, about to speak, when he suddenly raised his head and gave a slight smile: “Okay, but only this once.”
In the afternoon, Dad didn’t tell stories with him and Mom as usual. He thought Dad was unhappy and didn’t want to disturb him. Now seeing him smiling and serving food as usual, his little thoughts immediately unfolded: “Dad, An’er wants more.” Xu Wanzhi picked out a shrimp for him, and An’er buried his head, then suddenly looked up and innocently said: “Dad, Mom should have some too.”
“An’er, your mother doesn’t like eating shrimp.” An’er looked at his mother, who indeed didn’t seem to like this red shrimp, pouting slightly with a hint of grievance. Why doesn’t Mom like shrimp? Shrimp are so delicious!
Of course, Xu Wanzhi discreetly gave him a piece of refreshing vegetable, and the child’s attention was immediately diverted. Qu Xiaojue picked up his chopsticks again, then put them down after a moment. Xu Wanzhi had something to do, and the person opposite, however, was crystal clear – for an entire quarter of an hour, he hadn’t eaten a bite, and hadn’t even touched the tea.
