“Xuemin, open the door. Why is it closed in broad daylight?”
Outside, the voice of Granny Li, the stewardess of the kitchen, called out.
Knock, knock, knock.
Granny Li continued knocking after speaking.
“Miss, I’ll get the door.”
Just as Guo Xue was about to get up, Ningxiang had already gone to open it.
Creak.
As the door opened, Granny Li, dressed in green, glanced at Ningxiang without speaking and peered inside. Seeing Guo Xue sitting there, she waved and shouted, “Xuemin, come out now. Granny Rong is looking for you.”
“Granny Rong? Looking for me?”
Guo Xue was stunned for a moment, then suddenly remembered who Granny Rong was. Her heart skipped a beat—Could it be the Princess Consort wants to see me? Should I run or go?
Seeing Guo Xue still frozen in place, Granny Li got anxious. She walked over, grabbed her arm, and began pulling her outside while grumbling.
“Hurry up. Granny Rong is close to the Princess Consort—you can’t keep her waiting.”
“And how did someone like you get her attention anyway? She even came herself to find you.”
With no other choice, Guo Xue let herself be dragged away, resigned to playing it by ear.
“Granny Rong, I’ve brought Xuemin.”
Granny Li led Guo Xue to the courtyard where Granny Rong was waiting.
“Mm.”
Granny Rong glanced at Guo Xue. The scars on her face confirmed she had the right person. She waved Granny Li away.
“You may leave. I have something to say to her.”
“Oh, and she’s no longer part of the kitchen staff. Find someone else to take over her duties.”
“Yes.”
Granny Li gave Guo Xue a final look and then left.
After she left, Granny Rong scrutinized Guo Xue from head to toe, trying to figure out what made her so special—what made the heir so determined to marry her. Aside from the face, she had to admit everything else was quite perfect.
Guo Xue felt extremely uneasy under her gaze, as if she were sitting on pins and needles. When Granny Rong remained silent, merely staring, Guo Xue couldn’t bear it anymore and softly asked,
“Granny, may I ask why you’re looking for me?”
“It’s not me. The young master wants to see you.”
“The heir wants to see me?”
Guo Xue couldn’t help but smile a little, joy flickering across her face.
She had just been wondering how she might approach him—and now he’d sent someone to find her. Could it be he truly likes me? But why?
While Guo Xue was still puzzling over what Qiu An could possibly like about her, Granny Rong abruptly said in a stern voice:
“That’s right. But don’t get any funny ideas. The Princess Consort only agreed to let you stay by the heir’s side to serve him—not to marry him.”
Granny Rong had caught that brief smile just now and decided to give Guo Xue a warning.
“Yes, I understand,” Guo Xue respectfully replied.
She didn’t take it to heart. There was no need to argue now and risk Granny Rong not taking her to see Qiu An. That would ruin her plan.
“Good.”
Satisfied with Guo Xue’s humble attitude, Granny Rong nodded and continued,
“Go pack your things. Once you’re ready, come with me to the Clear Breeze Courtyard.”
“Yes, Granny Rong.”
Guo Xue turned and headed back to her room.
As soon as she entered, Ningxiang hurried over.
“Miss, what did that Granny Rong want? Was she sent by the Princess Consort to make things difficult for you?”
Seeing Guo Xue packing her belongings, Ningxiang panicked and didn’t give her a chance to speak.
“Miss, don’t tell me she came to kick you out of the estate!”
She paced nervously.
“This is bad—if you get kicked out, how will you marry the heir?!”
Guo Xue smiled as she finished packing. Slinging the bundle over her shoulder, she walked over and patted Ningxiang’s shoulder.
“Relax. Who said I was being kicked out?”
“But then why are you packing?”
Ningxiang looked confused.
“Hehe! I’m going to Clear Breeze Courtyard to stay with the heir. Give it a few days—I’ll bring you over too.”
Guo Xue laughed and walked out.
“You’re going to live with the heir?”
Ningxiang stood frozen. By the time she came to her senses and ran outside, Guo Xue had already left the courtyard.
“Miss… I hope everything goes well for you.”
She murmured to herself, staring at the now-empty yard.
——
Clear Breeze Courtyard.
Study Room.
“Young master! Young master!”
Qiu An was deep in thought about how to win over Guo Xue when Qiu Jian rushed in, calling out loudly.
“What’s going on? Why are you in such a rush?”
Qiu An frowned, displeased at having his train of thought interrupted.
“Young master, I just heard from the maids that you want to marry a disfigured maid—is that true?”
Qiu Jian looked utterly shocked.
Bang!
Qiu An picked up a book from the table and flung it at him. Qiu Jian didn’t even dare dodge. It hit him squarely.
“Why are you throwing books at me, young master? Did I say something wrong?”
Though Qiu An hadn’t used much force, Qiu Jian still felt wronged. He picked up the book and walked over, still pouting.
“Hmph! What do you mean, ‘disfigured maid’? From now on, refer to her as the heir’s consort, understand?”
Qiu An glared at him.
“If I hear you call her that again, don’t bother staying by my side.”
“Yes, yes! I understand!”
Hearing that, Qiu Jian panicked. He had followed Qiu An for over a decade and had never heard him speak so harshly before.
Qiu An’s expression turned solemn.
“Remember this: She is the consort of this heir for this lifetime—the only woman I will ever marry.”
“You must treat her with the same respect you show me.”
He added silently to himself,
She’s my golden goose, my cultivation cheat. If I don’t treat her well and she leaves me, I’m screwed.
Unbeknownst to him, Granny Rong and Guo Xue had just arrived outside the study—and had overheard everything.
Granny Rong paused, turning to Guo Xue in surprise. She hadn’t expected Qiu An to be so sincere. Such a pity about her face and background… otherwise, they’d actually make a good pair.
Guo Xue stood in the courtyard, emotions in turmoil.
She only wanted to marry Qiu An to use his status to avenge her parents—but he genuinely seemed to love her. That realization stirred a faint sense of guilt.
“Come, let’s go in. I need to report back to Her Grace afterward,” Granny Rong said as she walked forward again.
Guo Xue took a deep breath, collected herself, and followed.
Qiu Jian, seeing the heir’s grave expression, immediately understood how serious he was and bowed deeply.
“Yes, young master, I understand. I misspoke earlier. From now on, I’ll treat her as the future consort.”
“Good.”
Pleased with his response, Qiu An nodded.
“Young master—”
Just as he was about to say something else, a voice came from the doorway.
He turned and saw Granny Rong. Joy lit up his face—Guo Xue must have come with her. His eyes immediately sought her out.
When he saw her behind Granny Rong, a wide smile broke across his face. He quickly stood and walked toward her.
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