Tranquil Reflection Residence.

Yan Sanhe looked at the brother and sister before her, sighing inwardly: The Xie family’s heredity truly was exceptional, one generation after another.

Setting aside other matters, just speaking of this Second Miss Xie before her—her beauty surpassed even Du Yiyun’s. Her pair of eyes were limpid and very clear.

As for this Second Master of the Xie manor…

Yan Sanhe never examined men closely, but he looked more comfortable than wastrel Xie.

Xie Buhuo set down his tea cup. “I’ve long heard the family had distinguished guests. I’ve wanted to visit, but feared disturbing Miss’s peace.”

The Xie family’s roundabout ways had begun again.

Yan Sanhe couldn’t handle these things and could only nod.

“Wanshu, where’s the handkerchief you embroidered?”

Xie Wanshu pulled out a handkerchief from her bosom. “I embroidered this myself. It’s not very good—Miss, please take it to play with.”

Yan Sanhe didn’t want entanglements with the Xie manor people, but she had no way to refuse a pretty beauty. As she hesitated, Tangyuan beside her smiled and said:

“Second Miss’s needlework is praised even by the Master. Miss, please accept it quickly so this servant can learn by following this example.”

Though Yan Sanhe didn’t understand why it was Xie Daozhi who praised her rather than the Xie manor’s womenfolk, she still accepted the handkerchief.

Seeing Yan Sanhe accept it, Xie Wanshu smiled sweetly. “I won’t call you ‘Miss’ anymore—you’re a year older than me, so I’ll call you Elder Sister!”

“Wanshu?”

“Is that not acceptable, Second Brother?”

Xie Buhuo looked at his sister’s pitiful expression and nodded slightly toward Yan Sanhe.

“My sister rarely goes out and has met few people. Having found someone close in age in the household, she’s forgotten propriety. Please forgive her, Miss Yan.”

At this point, Yan Sanhe responded lightly, “As you wish.”

This casual consent made Xie Wanshu beam with joy. “Elder Sister Yan, where are you from?”

Yan Sanhe: “Yunnan Prefecture.”

Xie Wanshu: “Where is Yunnan Prefecture? Is it very far? Unfortunately, I’ve never even left the capital.”

Yan Sanhe: “…”

Xie Wanshu: “Elder Sister Yan…”

“Wanshu!”

Xie Buhuo frowned. “What did Mother instruct you before we came? Don’t keep chattering non-stop.”

Xie Wanshu lowered her head. After hesitating a moment, she stood up. “Elder Sister Yan, please rest. I’ll come visit you another day.”

“Fine!”

Tangyuan saw the two to the courtyard entrance before returning. She found Yan Sanhe examining the silk handkerchief.

“Strictly speaking, Second Miss’s needlework is even better than the manor’s embroiderers.”

Tangyuan came closer. “Look at these stitch corners, this embroidered pattern—even if this servant practiced another two years, I couldn’t match it.”

Again with “this servant”?

Yan Sanhe glanced at her. Seeing she was completely unaware of it herself, she couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

“You just told me to accept the handkerchief—was it because your Second Miss has a good heart?”

“Miss noticed that too.”

Yan Sanhe thought to herself: If I hadn’t noticed, I’d truly be a fool.

You’ve been at my side for half a month—when have you ever spoken an extra word?

Tangyuan nodded. “Second Miss has a simple nature without schemes. She’s also beautiful, well-read, just…”

“What?”

“She wasn’t born from Madam’s womb.”

Yan Sanhe understood this statement and for the first time felt curious.

“Does your Xie manor’s first and second branches still have wife-concubine conflicts?”

“Miss!”

Tangyuan’s face paled with fright.

How could such words be spoken openly? If the masters heard, they’d be beaten with boards.

Seeing Yan Sanhe staring at her unblinkingly, Tangyuan thought that since this young lady would likely be staying long-term, she might as well tell her early so she wouldn’t make mistakes later and invite trouble.

“Our Madam was married in by the old madam’s arrangement. Back then, the Master hadn’t yet passed the provincial examination, so…”

Yan Sanhe: “Not of high birth.”

Tangyuan’s eyes showed astonishment. “Concubine Liu was someone the Master took a fancy to after he passed the provincial examination. Though she’s the daughter of a disgraced official…”

Yan Sanhe: “A fallen young lady of a great family, excellent in every way.”

Tangyuan’s eyes could no longer be described as merely astonished.

“Indeed. Madam is illiterate and doesn’t please the Master. Concubine Liu is not only beautiful but skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, with a flawless temperament. The Master dotes on her terribly.”

“No wonder!”

“What ‘no wonder’?”

No wonder she’d only seen two legitimate sons in Xie Daozhi’s study. No wonder he had the eldest daughter-in-law manage the household—it was all about balancing the inner residence.

To verify her thinking, Yan Sanhe asked, “Your Second Master and Second Miss aren’t favored, are they?”

Tangyuan nodded.

Not being favored was actually good. If they were truly favored, that calculating Old Madam Xie wouldn’t tolerate someone surnamed Liu.

“Miss was speaking well, so why stop halfway?”

“I’m tired!”

Once Yan Sanhe’s curiosity was satisfied, she felt as if all matters had ceased, unable to muster interest in anything.

The Xie family—she wouldn’t be staying many days anyway!

…

On this end, the master and servant were discussing matters. On that end, as the brother and sister walked along, they too conversed in hushed tones.

Xie Wanshu: “Brother, what do you think of her? Should I be friendly?”

Thinking of the information Wu Xing had gathered, Xie Buhuo said, “You can interact appropriately.”

Xie Wanshu’s face showed some reluctance. “I say three sentences and she responds with one—not warm at all. How can I become close?”

“If you can’t become close, at least don’t offend her.”

Xie Buhuo rubbed his foolish sister’s head.

“Though I couldn’t find out why, you must understand one thing—she truly is someone the old madam and Master hold precious.”

Xie Wanshu wasn’t convinced. “But everyone says she’s Third Brother’s concubine!”

“A concubine?”

Xie Buhuo sneered coldly. “A concubine wants to live in Tranquil Reflection Residence?”

Xie Wanshu thought: Right, even I haven’t moved in there.

“Could she be my Third Sister-in-law? Du Yiyun won’t agree!”

“Cough cough cough…”

“Brother, why are you coughing…”

Xie Wanshu turned around, her face instantly flushing bright red. “Third Brother!”

Xie Zhifei walked up to the two, his peach-blossom eyes flickering as he smiled. “Sister just spoke what’s in Brother’s heart.”

Xie Wanshu: “…”

Which sentence spoke to your heart, Third Brother?

That Miss Yan is Third Sister-in-law?

Or that Miss Du won’t agree?

Seeing his sister’s earlobes turn completely red, Xie Buhuo said, “You go ahead first.”

“Yes!”

Xie Wanshu fled as if escaping.

Third Master Xie was amused by the brother-sister pair, his eyebrows flying upward.

“What, is Second Brother afraid I’ll eat her?”

“She’s been out too long. Mother is worried.” Xie Buhuo said expressionlessly.

Third Master Xie sneered coldly. “Is Mother worried about her daughter or about the master of Tranquil Reflection Residence?”

“…”

These words carried a deliberately provocative meaning.

Xie Buhuo was silent for a while. “Third Brother is overthinking. Mother worries about no one—only about her one acre and three portions of land.”

“Is that so?”

Third Master Xie stared directly at him. “Then what does Second Brother worry about?”

“…”

Xie Buhuo’s lips were pressed into nearly a straight line, a sharp glint flashing through his eyes.

“Second Brother!”

Third Master Xie curved his lips into a smile. “Don’t worry about the wrong things. Living peacefully is better than anything!”

“Third Brother needn’t overthink.”

Xie Buhuo returned a cold smile. “Overthinking shortens one’s life.”