Chapter 595: Chapter 595, Reunion (2nd Update)
When he came out, the room next door was also open.
Duobao stood at the doorway.
The two exchanged glances, ignoring each other. Zhinuan headed towards the courtyard.
Duobao instructed someone to carry in water, and two workers asked, “Does the young master want his clothes washed?”
“Wash them!” Duobao replied.
Recalling that it had been Zhinuan who took care of his clothing, food, and accommodations along the way, even handling the laundry and tipping on his behalf, Duobao felt somewhat embarrassed.
Thinking of Zhinuan’s words, he decided that when she returned, he would be the first to yield, making it clear that he had no ulterior motives and was simply unaccustomed to taking orders from a woman.
But who could have known that once Zhinuan left, she would not return?
When Zhinuan knocked on the door, everyone had already lain down for the night, Xie Zhinuan and Lichun were sound asleep, but Chunyu immediately got up, put on her clothes, and came out to ask, “Who’s there?”
A stranger’s voice?
Zhinuan realized that her lady must have purchased servants and answered, “I’m Zhinuan. Does Miss Xie live here?”
“…”
Chunyu had heard Xie Zhinuan and Aunt Chen discussing Zhinuan, noting how much easier things would be if she were present.
She promptly opened the door.
Under the lantern light, upon seeing Zhinuan’s face, Chunyu asked softly, “Are you Sister Zhinuan?”
“Are you a new maid bought by my lady?” Zhinuan inquired.
“Yes, I’m Chunyu!” Chunyu responded, and noticing none of the guards appeared, she believed Zhinuan’s identity to be genuine.
Then, Xie Zhinuan’s laughter could be heard from the main house, “Why have you arrived at this time?”
“Miss!” Zhinuan laughed, stepping forward quickly to salute before clinging to Xie Zhinuan’s arm as they entered the house, “I was planning to come as well, but would have been delayed by a couple of days; the thing is, Duobao has returned from the Frontier, bringing a letter and items from His Highness, so I came back with him sooner!”
“…” Xie Zhinuan was taken aback.
Li Hengyi had someone send a letter?
She was somewhat concerned, but seeing Zhinuan so joyful, she put it aside for now.
The letter could wait to be read.
As for Duobao, she wasn’t too eager to meet with him either.
“How are things there?” Xie Zhinuan asked.
“Everything’s good. The estate has been repaired well; I checked, and corners weren’t cut. The cellar was dug out nicely, constructed well. Following your instructions, we built a hypocaust. Once it’s lit, the whole house will be warm, including the small courtyard. It’s been fixed up neatly with no issues, and the craftsmen were diligent, with every detail attended to!”
“I also checked on Ming Xi’s side. As you’ve ordered, we’ve cleared and ploughed from the foot to the top of the mountain and started planting. I’ve transferred twenty families there, all accustomed to farming, ranging from three to five members each. It looks well-suited. The taverns, the cured meat shop, and noodle house are all doing steady business, just like in the eleventh and early twelfth months. The farmers have raised pigs and even selected spots for chickens and ducks, keeping everything very clean!”
Xie Zhinuan listened on.
Lichun pursed her lips, knowing this person was more trusted and valued by their lady than she or Chunyu were.
Chunyu poured water for Zhinuan, who looked up with a smile and thanked her, “Thanks!” She took a sip from her cup.
Continuing, Zhinuan said, “Before I came, Xiaoyuan spoke with me. Her elder brother from her natal family had been to the county town to look for her, discussing Dong Sheng’s affairs with her!”
“…” Xie Zhinuan furrowed her brows.
“After hearing about it, she felt quite upset, feeling sorry for Dong Sheng. After all, a man cast out by his parents and struck off the family register is essentially homeless. Dong Sheng has a very bad reputation in the village!”
Xie Zhinuan was silent for a long while before asking, “What does she plan to do? Start over with Dong Sheng?”