Shuang Tao returned quickly, saying that in a quarter of an hour, Pei Yan would wait for her outside the courtyard where they were staying, and she could discuss whatever matter she had with him then.

Yu Tang remained silent for a long while.

When she first heard Lady Pei’s words, she had immediately lost her composure. Not only was she anxious to know what difficulties Pei Yan had encountered, but she was also restless and uneasy. Seeing an opportunity to meet Pei Yan, she had sent Shuang Tao to request an audience… without carefully considering that if she weren’t someone who had been reborn, with her limited wisdom and experience, what right did she have to help Pei Yan, and what qualifications did she possess to help him?

Now, calming down and thinking it through carefully, she seemed to be paying a bit too much attention to Pei Yan.

Yu Tang felt uncomfortable all over, yet another voice in her heart told her that he was her great benefactor. In her previous life, she had been able to receive shelter at Ku’an Temple, which surely included a share of Pei Yan’s kindness. How could she remain indifferent to Pei Yan’s affairs?

She was simply acting rashly out of concern!

Yes! That must be it.

She was acting rashly out of concern, having lost her composure somewhat.

Moreover, she had no experience handling this kind of situation. After going through this rather absurd incident, she would certainly be able to control her emotions better in the future and would never be this impulsive again.

Yu Tang’s mind was in turmoil.

Shuang Tao, however, looked utterly confused and reminded her in a low voice, “Miss, should you perhaps change your clothes?”

If their young miss didn’t hurry, she would miss the appointment.

Shuang Tao’s words brought Yu Tang back to her senses.

She sighed inwardly.

Going to see Pei Yan was indeed too impulsive, but things had come to this point. Even if she wanted to back out, there wasn’t enough time.

She might as well go see Pei Yan first.

Last time he had given her a cloak, and she had misunderstood him without having the chance to apologize to him in person. Also, she had already stayed at the Pei residence for over half a month and would be leaving in another ten days or so at most. With all the matters at year’s end, Pei Yan might not be at the residence when she left, and she might not have the opportunity to bid him farewell. Seeing Pei Yan this time, she could say goodbye to him in advance. Then there was the matter of Ku’an Temple—she wanted to ask clearly when exactly the Pei family had begun supporting Ku’an Temple. That way, it wouldn’t count as making trouble out of nothing.

With these thoughts, Yu Tang’s mind finally calmed completely. She smiled and agreed with Shuang Tao, freshened up again, and went out.

The courtyard where they were staying was the finest at Ku’an Temple. Not only was it lush with trees, but outside the courtyard was a large bamboo grove with several stone chairs placed within for people to rest.

Yu Tang went out the door. Not seeing Pei Yan at the entrance, she knew that Pei Yan was someone who kept his word—if he said he would come, he would definitely come, and if he said when he would come, he would definitely arrive at that time. Even if something came up, he should send someone to inform her.

Could he be waiting for her in the bamboo grove?

The bamboo grove could also be considered in front of the door.

With this thought, she couldn’t help but walk toward the bamboo grove.

From a distance, she saw Pei Yan wearing a white cloak. Among the verdant green bamboo, his figure stood tall and elegant, solemn as the wind beneath the trees, very conspicuous.

Yu Tang’s heart lifted with joy, and she quickened her pace. But as she drew closer to Pei Yan, she discovered that there was actually another person standing opposite him, wearing a light purple white fox fur cloak with her hair styled in a falling horse bun. Long crimson gold hairpins dangled by her cheeks, her skin white as snow.

Her steps faltered.

Shuang Tao, following close behind, nearly collided with her.

“Miss…” Shuang Tao had just begun to speak when she covered her own mouth with both hands, looking at Yu Tang with some alarm.

Yu Tang’s expression also became extremely unpleasant all at once—not the kind of fierce ugliness, but rather expressionless, though her eyes burned bright as flames that might explode at any moment.

What, what was going on here?

Third Master Pei had clearly made an appointment with their young miss, so how could he have also made an appointment with Miss Gu?

Shuang Tao stood on tiptoe to look, at a loss.

She saw Gu Xi draw a deep purple handkerchief embroidered with pink bauhinia flowers from her sleeve and gently dab at the corners of her eyes, choking up as she said to Pei Yan, “I’ve made a fool of myself before you! But I never imagined in my wildest dreams. I have so much to say but don’t know who to tell—my elder brother always said that Third Master is the most respectable person he has ever met. I, I met you and couldn’t help but speak out. Please don’t take it amiss.” After speaking, she dabbed again at the moisture at the corners of her eyes.

That gesture of wiping away tears was indescribably delicate, touching, and full of tender affection.

Shuang Tao’s heart pounded violently.

Even though she was an ignorant maid, she was still a young woman with thoughts of youthful admiration. Seeing Gu Xi like this, how could she not understand?

She just couldn’t figure out how Gu Xi could have fallen for Third Master Pei. Since coming to the Pei residence, Gu Xi hadn’t spoken with Third Master Pei at all.

Or perhaps they had spoken, and they just didn’t know about it?

Shuang Tao speculated inwardly, inexplicably glancing toward Yu Tang.

Yu Tang seemed to have already emerged from her earlier shock. Her expression returned to normal as she stealthily hid behind a clump of bamboo, tugging at Shuang Tao and signaling her to hide as well.

Without thinking further, Shuang Tao immediately followed Yu Tang in hiding behind the bamboo thicket.

Now they could hear Pei Yan and Gu Xi’s conversation even more clearly.

“Miss Gu is too kind.” Pei Yan’s expression was cold, his voice even and calm, revealing neither pleasure nor displeasure. “I dare not accept such respect. Your brother is profoundly learned and has always earned my admiration. Miss Gu’s visit to our home brings honor to the Pei residence. Madam Shen’s matter was an accident. Miss Gu need not take it to heart. Neither my mother nor I could possibly blame Miss Gu for it. Miss Gu need not reproach yourself.”

“Even so,” Gu Xi smiled bitterly, “I heard that Master Shen came personally to apologize to you, and I still feel terrible about it. If I had been more alert then, I certainly would have stopped Madam Shen. Lady Pei wouldn’t have been so angry, and Master Shen wouldn’t have been so distressed. No matter how you look at it, it’s because I didn’t handle the situation properly at the time. Not only must I apologize to Lady Pei, but I must apologize to you as well, no matter what. I’ve caused trouble for everyone.” After speaking, she respectfully performed a curtsy to Pei Yan.

Pei Yan stood there and accepted her courtesy, but his words sent a chill through Gu Xi’s heart: “Miss Gu, you have repeatedly mentioned this matter several times now. I believe no one wished for Madam Shen’s incident to happen, and Master Shen views it as the greatest shame of his life. Should Miss Gu not also choose to cast this matter from your mind and never bring it up again? I feel that would be the correct way to handle it. Rather than seeking out both me and my mother to discuss it repeatedly—how is this any different from Madam Shen’s behavior?”

“Ah!” Gu Xi stared blankly at Pei Yan, her eyes wide open as if she had forgotten how to blink.

Yu Tang struggled to suppress her laughter.

She pressed her lips tightly together, her heart as sweet as honey, as joyful as a little bird singing.

Hmph, Gu Xi had finally met her match.

In the past, she had gained countless advantages using such tactics. Now, finally, for once, it didn’t work.

Although it was only once, it was enough to make Yu Tang feel overjoyed.

She found Pei Yan even more pleasing to the eye—even more handsome and debonair.

“Miss Gu, if there’s nothing else, please return first!” Pei Yan had no heart for cherishing and protecting the fairer sex. He spoke bluntly, “Running out like this, I’m sure those attending you must be very worried. I also have an appointment with someone soon and it’s not convenient to continue talking with Miss Gu. If Miss Gu still has any grievances, you might go speak with my mother. She is kindhearted and would certainly be willing to help Miss Gu resolve urgent difficulties. I won’t detain Miss Gu any longer.”

Gu Xi fled in disarray.

Yu Tang was in high spirits and wanted to grin widely, but just then Pei Yan turned around and called out sternly toward the bamboo thicket where Yu Tang was hiding, “Miss Yu, have you seen enough? If you’ve seen enough, then come out. I’m very busy. If you have nothing important, I’ll be leaving first.”

Yu Tang felt awkward, thinking that her treatment wasn’t much better than Gu Xi’s, but she was thick-skinned! Pei Yan had scolded her who knows how many times before. Besides, eavesdropping on people’s conversation was wrong of her to begin with.

Her face flushed red as she emerged, arguing weakly, “I didn’t do it on purpose. When I arrived, I saw you two talking. I couldn’t just come over like that, could I? How embarrassing would it have been for Miss Gu to see me! I was just afraid that you…”

“Still making excuses!” Pei Yan unceremoniously exposed her lie. “If you were afraid of embarrassing Miss Gu, why didn’t you make any noise as you moved about?” Having said this, not wanting to continue wrangling with her over this issue, he asked, “What do you want with me? Has the Li family caused some new trouble? It’s almost New Year’s. I haven’t had time to deal with things in the capital yet. Just wait a bit, and I guarantee I’ll fulfill your wishes.”

Yu Tang wasn’t too concerned about that issue right now. She said, “When did Miss Gu arrive? How did you two happen to meet?”

Pei Yan looked at her with disdain, having no intention of answering her. Instead, he asked again, “What do you want with me?”

Yu Tang said “Oh” and hurriedly explained that she was worried whether he had encountered any difficulties, and asked whether the Pei family had been peaceful lately and if there was anything she could help with.

Pei Yan looked Yu Tang up and down several times. That gaze clearly showed contempt, questioning what she could possibly help him with.

Yu Tang was furious. “Even three cobblers can match one Zhuge Liang! Being so arrogant like this, be careful that those who lose the way have little support!”

Pei Yan snorted coldly. “I’m busy dividing up the Li family’s assets. Does that count as something? Aren’t these all troubles you stirred up? Who wanted to bring down the Li family? Who told me Li Yi took bribes? Who was gloating and watching the excitement from the sidelines? Since I’ve made my move, if I don’t drown them in the river, should I wait for them to turn around and cause trouble for the Pei family?”

Was it that serious?

Yu Tang said nervously, “Everyone’s neighbors and fellow townspeople. If you divide up the Li family’s property, what will people say!”

When the Li family schemed against others in the past, they worked behind the scenes. Surely Pei Yan wouldn’t jump out himself to openly oppose the Li family?

Pei Yan was so angry his eyes widened.

Was he that stupid?

This Miss Yu—was she clever or foolish?

“I think from now on, you should read more books!” Having said this, Pei Yan left Yu Tang standing in the bamboo grove and strode away.

Yu Tang stamped her feet in frustration and called after him, “I still have something to ask you! Don’t leave so quickly!”

Pei Yan probably didn’t believe her and didn’t even turn his head.

Yu Tang had no choice but to chase after him.

Outside the bamboo grove, a flash of purple clothing flickered past.