No, she hadn’t even agreed yet, had she?

But should she object?

The little person in Yu Tang’s heart immediately shook its head.

She lowered her head, momentarily unsure how to respond.

Pei Yan was such a clever and perceptive person that he immediately sensed her hesitation.

Then he did something that he wouldn’t want to mention or know how to explain even years later—he turned and fled.

As he ran, he said, “Then it’s settled. Hu Xing and I will go ahead to take a look. You rest here for a bit.”

Though Hu Xing didn’t know what had happened, his main duty was to serve Pei Yan, so of course when Pei Yan left, he had to follow.

A’Ming and the others needed no mention.

Half the group dispersed in a flurry.

This left Yu Tang, Qing Yuan, Shuang Tao, and a few others staring at each other in bewilderment.

So much so that for the rest of their tour—wherever they went, whatever matters Pei Yan and Hu Xing discussed—it all went in Yu Tang’s left ear and out her right. She didn’t absorb any of it until Pei Yan finally made his decision: “Plant sea buckthorn trees on the lower slopes and to the north, peach trees to the south. Then divert two irrigation channels here. Start digging one this summer, and dig another during the winter farming off-season.”

Even Yu Tang, who knew nothing about agriculture, understood that two channels would require enormous effort.

But she couldn’t very well contradict Pei Yan on such matters—in Yu Tang’s eyes, Pei Yan was the expert.

“How about we build one first?” she tentatively advised. “See how it goes, then build the other?”

Naturally, Pei Yan was unwilling.

But Hu Xing had his own considerations.

Such a massive project would certainly require the help of the common people around Lin’an. Even if the Pei family was willing to pay, earning a reputation for grandiose ambitions wouldn’t be good either.

Not only did he echo Yu Tang’s words, he also gave Pei Yan meaningful looks as he said, “I actually think Miss Yu makes a good point. If the prefecture imposes corvée labor, it wouldn’t do to compete with the government office for workers.”

Yu Tang felt that Hu Xing spoke more skillfully, and quickly smiled, “Besides, building channels is no small matter. Labor and materials must all be prepared in advance. Labor is manageable, but materials need to be sourced from various places. Many regions experience dry seasons in summer—who knows if transport will be easy?”

Pei Yan didn’t consider this a major project. What concerned him were the meaningful looks Hu Xing kept giving him.

Through watching Hu Xing work these past few days, he had gained new appreciation for Hu Xing’s abilities.

While the man might be somewhat lacking when it came to handling proper business, in the art of reading expressions and obsequious flattery, none of the Pei household’s stewards or managers could compare to him.

Assigning him to the inner courtyard was truly suitable for him.

Pei Yan didn’t make a decision, but changed the subject to discuss planting peach trees: “Hu Xing, you’re very familiar with Qingzhou. I’ll leave the matter of tree seedlings to you. Arrange it as soon as possible in the next couple of days. If you need to make a trip to Qingzhou, tell A’Man and have him make arrangements. Also notify Aunt Chen. As for your duties at the estate, temporarily hand them over to A’Man to delegate. You’ll keep the steward’s title but do a manager’s work.”

This meant having the title of chief steward while doing a manager’s tasks.

Hu Xing was a bit dazed, but he dared not contradict Pei Yan’s words. He hurriedly bowed and answered “Yes,” his attitude couldn’t have been better.

Pei Yan glanced at him once, then continued talking to him while walking toward the grove of miscellaneous trees not far away.

No wonder they called Hu Xing shrewd.

He immediately followed.

Only then did Pei Yan lower his voice to ask him, “Why were you looking at me just now?”

Hu Xing bent his waist and hastily replied, “I noticed Miss Yu didn’t seem entirely willing, and thought perhaps you should listen to Miss Yu on some matters? I recall that when the Old Master and Old Madam were alive, the Old Master never contradicted the Old Madam in public. Besides, everyone around Miss Yu is your people anyway.”

His father had indeed never contradicted his mother in front of others.

This statement pleased Pei Yan.

His voice lightened as he said, “Fine! After you return, draft a specific plan for Miss Yu to review. We’ll build one channel in summer and another in winter.”

Hu Xing was thunderstruck.

He had only thought that building channels was such a huge undertaking—how much silver would it cost? If the Old Madam found out he’d watched with his eyes wide open and still went along with Third Master’s recklessness, she’d probably tear him apart. That’s why he’d racked his brains for an excuse.

Who knew Third Master would take it seriously!

In other words, in Third Master’s heart, Miss Yu was someone who could be mentioned in the same breath as the Old Madam!

This… this wasn’t the attitude of someone taking a concubine—this was clearly someone preparing to marry a wife!

Miss Yu… the head mistress of the Pei household! The matriarch of the Pei clan.

Hu Xing was so stunned he felt dizzy, not even remembering how he followed Pei Yan and Yu Tang down the mountain.

But when he reached the foot of the mountain and saw Wang Si and the Yu family’s forest guards waiting there attentively, he finally realized something was wrong.

Third Master didn’t dare tell Miss Yu himself, so he’d dumped the task of persuading Miss Yu to build both channels at once onto him!

Did he have three heads and six arms?

Even Third Master couldn’t accomplish this—how could he?

Would he have more influence with Miss Yu than Third Master?

Hu Xing felt like crying. Watching Pei Yan and Yu Tang walking silently ahead, one after the other, toward the Yu family’s old residence, his feelings were extremely complicated.

And Yu Tang’s feelings were equally complicated.

Whether in her previous life or this one, she had never imagined marrying into a wealthy family. In her previous life, it was fate’s cruel trick; in this life, she couldn’t very well refuse. Besides, the old saying went well: unequal matches were ill-suited.

Refuse Pei Yan?

She couldn’t bring herself to say it.

And it wasn’t just that she couldn’t say it—deep in her heart, she felt a vague but strong resistance.

What should she do?

Her heart was in turmoil, unable to settle on any decision.

Yu Tang truly wished time would stop at this very moment, so she’d never have to face the choice ahead.

She declined the female clan elders’ invitation to dine, hastily finished her evening meal, and shut herself in her room.

What should she do?

At this moment, she desperately wished someone could help her make this decision.

Mother certainly wouldn’t work.

If she knew, she’d definitely be shocked, and might immediately make the decision herself—either refusing or agreeing to the Pei family’s match.

Her father was even less suitable, naturally.

Elder Cousin? Elder Cousin’s Wife? Eldest Aunt… Eldest Uncle?

The more Yu Tang thought about it, the more vexed she became.

If only Miss Xu were here.

But if she were here, it would likely become common knowledge, wouldn’t it?

Yu Tang covered her face in distress, when suddenly she thought of Ma Xiuniang.

Why not go talk to Ma Xiuniang?

Judging by the life Ma Xiuniang led after marrying into the Zhang family, she clearly knew how to manage a household.

People who knew how to manage households were usually perceptive and clever.

Talking to Ma Xiuniang would also keep it from the family for now.

Pei Yan was someone who did what he said he would.

If he suddenly went to propose marriage, the family would definitely explode.

Yu Tang sighed. After thinking it through from every angle, she felt only Ma Xiuniang was suitable.

Having decided this, she immediately wished she could grow wings and fly to see Ma Xiuniang. She wanted to settle this matter right away—staying at the Yu family’s old residence even one moment longer made her feel like sitting on pins and needles.

She barely managed to endure until dawn, then immediately ordered Shuang Tao upon rising that they would return to Lin’an city.

Shuang Tao was so frightened her speech became garbled: “What, what happened?”

Yesterday she’d quietly chatted with Wang Si, and they’d agreed to accompany Yu Tang and Pei Yan up the mountain together today.

Yu Tang’s mind was preoccupied—how could she notice Shuang Tao’s unusual behavior?

She paced back and forth, anxiously saying, “Nothing’s wrong. I just suddenly remembered something and need to go back.”

So was something wrong or not?

In the past, Shuang Tao would have asked. But lately she’d spent much time with the Pei household’s servant women, learning many rules. Seeing Yu Tang anxious at this moment, she knew it wasn’t a good time to ask questions. “Miss, then I’ll go arrange for the Pei family’s mule cart to take you back to the city!” Then she asked for instructions, “What about Third Master Pei?”

Pei Yan had come to help their Yu family. Were they going to leave Third Master Pei here working? Or should they invite Third Master Pei back to the city too?

Yu Tang recalled what Pei Yan had said to her on the mountain. Her face flushed red, and she felt somewhat embarrassed and angry. That man had merely stirred up a pond of autumn water, yet he himself was eating and drinking well. He’d declined the Yu family elders’ dinner invitation and actually wandered the village with Fifth Great-Uncle until very late before returning. From next door, she could hear their cheerful laughter when Fifth Great-Uncle saw him back. Only she couldn’t eat or sleep properly. Her heart filled with resentment as she gritted her teeth: “Let him stay here alone. We’re going back to the city.”

Shuang Tao instinctively felt something was off about Yu Tang’s tone, but she was still thinking about telling Wang Si, so she didn’t dwell on it. She acknowledged and headed out.

But she’d only taken two steps when Yu Tang called her back: “Go to the village and borrow an ox cart. We’ll quietly return to the city.”

Let him fail to find anyone and see if he gets anxious.

Shuang Tao was stunned.

Yu Tang continued, “Hurry! Don’t tell anyone about this. If anyone asks, just say I was tired yesterday and need to rest half the day today.”

Half a day would be enough time for her to return to the city.

Shuang Tao was full of confusion, but obeyed Yu Tang’s words above all else.

She did exactly as Yu Tang instructed, quietly borrowing an ox cart and returning to Lin’an city with Yu Tang without a sound.

Yu Tang headed straight for the Zhang household.

Ma Xiuniang’s daughter Qing’er was almost two years old now. She walked steadily and was at that age of quick eyes and nimble hands—she wanted to grab and pull at everything she saw, taste everything in her mouth. If you didn’t watch her for a moment, you wouldn’t know where she’d crawled off to.

When Yu Tang arrived, Ma Xiuniang was holding her daughter with one hand while pointing at the flowers and herbs drying in the courtyard with the other, directing Xique: “Put them away properly so we can make sachets to give people for the Dragon Boat Festival.”

She turned to see Yu Tang, her delighted smile nearly overflowing. She handed Qing’er to Xique and came forward to embrace Yu Tang. “How did you come? You didn’t even send word ahead. Xique, quick, go buy some cherries and plums from the street. Chill them in well water for A’Tang to quench her thirst.” She also instructed a newly purchased little maid, “Draw water to serve A’Tang so she can wash her face. Where are you coming from? Why do you look so travel-worn?”

Yu Tang always adored Qing’er, who was chubby and white like a New Year’s painting. Hearing this, she didn’t feel comfortable holding her anymore and smiled at Ma Xiuniang: “It’s been a while since I came over, hasn’t it? I’m dropping by your house.” Only after speaking did she realize she hadn’t even brought any pastries as a gift.

Ma Xiuniang also perceived something, thinking Yu Tang probably had some matter to discuss with her. She stuffed a rattle drum into Qing’er’s hand, then pulled Yu Tang into the inner room.