chapter 8

I went back and brought out a basket of freshly harvested walnuts from the kitchen, took a small stool, and sat in the corner, cracking Walnut Kernels.

When I looked up again, the sky was as dark as spilled ink. I thought of getting up to light the lamp, when someone entered the courtyard. Seeing me, he called out, “Miss, Young Master has ordered me to escort you out of the mansion.”

By the light, I saw clearly it was Chunsheng. I wiped my hands and went out to greet him, “Has he not returned yet?”

Chunsheng hurried over, “Ah, Young Master was held up by business, just finished, and has reserved a table at the restaurant to invite you over.”

I had some dust on me, so I asked Chunsheng to wait a moment and went back to my room to open the wardrobe.

These clothes were all tailored by Duan Jing’s order, following the latest styles in the Capital City, made of fine materials-one yard worth half a year’s food for an ordinary family. I felt it was a waste to wear them, so I rarely did. Tonight, on a whim, I picked the most inconspicuous blue ruqun and changed into it.

When I walked out, Chunsheng’s eyes lit up, his smile dazzling, “Miss, let’s go quickly. Young Master must be getting impatient.”

A fragrant breeze floated by, my jewelry tinkling-all gifts from Duan Jing.

I always felt such attire was too ostentatious, but Duan Jing liked it best, saying that spending silver to keep me would only bring more fortune.

Just now, looking at the mirror, at the rosy cheeks, red lips, bright eyes of the young girl, I could hardly believe it was me.

Chunsheng always said I was a beauty, and Young Master liked me. Even the servants in the mansion liked to steal a few more glances when they saw me.

Could this be why Duan Jing kept me in, not letting me go out?

I smiled shyly and followed Chunsheng out. At the gate of Duan Mansion, I ran into Miss Yuehua.

She was the Second Young Master’s fiancée. I’d met her before. Tonight, she must be here to discuss the wedding.

Miss Yuehua lifted her skirt and ascended the steps. Seeing me, she paused, her gaze sweeping me from head to toe. She stopped in front of me and smiled gently, “Miss Zhang, we meet again. Heading out?”

“Second Young Master is in the mansion. It’s dark, Miss Yuehua, please be careful.” Worried that Duan Jing had waited long, I didn’t want to say much and hurried down the steps.

“Miss Zhang,” Miss Yuehua called to me, turning to look down from above, “I heard Jiming is going to take the Imperial Examination? He never seemed the scholarly type at the academy.”

I paused, lifted my head, “Whatever my Husband does, I support him.”

Cui Yuehua saw I didn’t get her meaning, so she spoke plainly, “One should act within their means. If Jiming is willing, I can mention it to Brother Huaishen. Prince Duan is just helping one more person.”

To say I wasn’t tempted would be a lie.

I’d seen Duan Jing burning the midnight oil reading. He wasn’t like the Second Young Master-no Mother to support him, no father-in-law to back him, fighting alone.

Cui Yuehua saw I was silent and smiled softly, “Miss Zhang, you should discuss it with Jiming. He’s proud and won’t ask for help himself. Don’t be foolish about this.”

After she finished, the red gates of Duan Mansion closed, leaving me outside.

“Miss, we should go,” Chunsheng reminded.

“Oh! Right!”

By the time we hurried over, the moon was high in the sky, the crowd had thinned. Duan Jing leaned against the doorway, looking gloomy-clearly, he’d waited long enough to get annoyed.

I quickened my pace to show my attitude, “Husband, sorry to keep you waiting!”

Duan Jing had been ready to scold me, but when he saw my attire, the gloom vanished, his brows relaxed, “You’ve come to your senses today? Know to dress up before coming out!”

Duan Jing’s voice was loud, drawing everyone’s attention.

I blushed, hiding in Duan Jing’s shadow and tugging him inside, “Don’t shout, let’s go in.”

Duan Jing chuckled lazily, letting me pull him into a private room.

“The dishes are cold. Who would’ve thought you women take so long to dress up? But you look good. I love it.”

He praised me so directly, I felt embarrassed.

Duan Jing had the dishes reheated and filled my bowl, “Eat up.”

He then idly played with his wine cup, occasionally snatching food from my bowl for himself, as if only my bowl tasted good.

I frowned and tried to move my plate, but Duan Jing scolded, “Don’t move it! Only puppies guard their food!”

He, a noble young master, stealing someone’s food, didn’t even feel ashamed.

I had things on my mind and couldn’t taste the food, quietly observing Duan Jing.

He looked up and keenly caught my gaze, “What’s wrong?”

I could never hold back words, so I spoke directly, “I ran into Cui Yuehua when I left. She mentioned Prince Duan.”

“Mm.” Duan Jing’s expression didn’t change. He carefully picked out fish bones and put the clean meat in my bowl, “Eat the fish.”

I didn’t pick up my chopsticks, “Husband, you know what I mean, right?”

“I know,” Duan Jing nodded.

“That’s good.” I breathed a sigh of relief and started eating.

We sat in silence. Duan Jing poured himself a cup of wine, then suddenly asked, “What do you think?”

I spat out a chicken bone and blinked, “I’ll listen to you.”

Duan Jing laughed, “You trust me that much?”

I thought for a moment, “Uncle Duan is a third-rank official, that’s a high position, isn’t it?”

Duan Jing nodded, “That’s right.”

“At the Family Banquet the other day, Madam Duan mentioned Prince Duan. Uncle neither agreed nor disagreed. If even Uncle can’t figure it out, I won’t get involved.”

I’m not knowledgeable, but following smart people is never wrong.

Duan Jing drank some wine, his eyes slightly tipsy, those phoenix eyes seemed to hold autumn waves, gazing at me with a drunken charm, turning into a Male Fox Immortal-so alluring.

My cheeks grew hot, my gaze dodged, “You… what are you doing?”

The Male Fox Immortal poured me a cup too, coaxing softly, “Have a little.”

“I don’t know how to drink.”

He raised an eyebrow, “What’s there to fear? Your Husband is here.”

He really was full of tricks, knowing I couldn’t resist temptation…

Just one cup…

My father could drink a whole vat, so this was nothing.