Chapter 133: Ma Chengteng Visits the Mountains
When Guan Jingshuo returned to Qingfeng Bookhouse, it had already darkened. Ning Shaoming, who had been waiting anxiously, was worried that something might have happened to Guan Jingshuo. Upon seeing him, he immediately exclaimed, "What on earth have you been doing? Why have you returned only now? If you hadn’t come back, I would have had to notify the Marquis’ household to search for you." The two had grown up together, closer than brothers.
Guan Jingshuo tried to appear relaxed but couldn’t. The words of Doctor Li coupled with what Yueyao had said earlier had made him suspicious of Lady Xiao Ning. However, this was something he could absolutely not voice. Because Lady Xiao Ning was not only his stepmother but also Ning Shaoming’s biological aunt, and a sibling to Duke Ning and Sergeo. And without any evidence, he certainly couldn’t make any reckless comments. Nonetheless, Guan Jingshuo couldn’t help but become guarded.
Upon his return to the mansion, Guan Jingshuo found his feelings for Lady Xiao Ning in turmoil. Emotionally, he still didn’t want to believe that Lady Xiao Ning would harm him; he refused to believe his physical weakness was caused by his aunt. Yet, reason told him that this matter was very likely connected to his aunt, as Doctor Li had no reason to deceive him.
Lady Xiao Ning keenly sensed something hidden in Guan Jingshuo’s heart: "What’s wrong, Shuoshuo? Did something happen outside?"
Guan Jingshuo’s eyelid twitched, but he didn’t deny it, sounding somewhat downcast, "Mother, today at Qingfeng Bookhouse, I met my teacher, and I couldn’t answer many questions. He said I was overestimating myself." Using this as an excuse, he was sure it wouldn’t cause any problems.
Lady Xiao Ning smiled, "Don’t take the teacher’s words too much to heart. You’ve only just recovered a bit these past days, you must take care of your health. The doctor also mentioned you need rest and shouldn’t overexert yourself, your health is the most important. You should also stop reading those books for the time being, wait until you are better." In reality, for families such as theirs, whether one was good at studies or not didn’t really matter. Not to mention Guan Jingshuo was the Princely Heir, destined for a life of luxury and honor.
Guan Jingshuo did not agree: "Mother, I will take care of myself."
Knowing Guan Jingshuo was deeply thoughtful and placed great importance on his studies, Lady Xiao Ning harbored no suspicions and merely instructed the servants to take good care of him.
During dinner, Guan Jingshuo looked at the delicately prepared dishes and the thrice-daily supplements on the table, and for some reason, he suddenly laughed. The prescriptions from Doctor Li were worlds apart from what he used daily.
Heping, hearing Guan Jingshuo’s laughter, felt unnerved.
After contemplating for a night, Guan Jingshuo sought out Marquis Yongding early the next morning, "Father, I would like to stay at Peach Blossom Village for a while." Guan Jingshuo referred to Peach Blossom Village as the separate estate of Marquis Yongding’s Family, a place with a hot spring. He used to go there every winter, and since the steward of Peach Blossom Village was an old servant of the household, he couldn’t have been bought by Lady Xiao Ning. It would be perfect for his use.
Marquis Yongding’s household was extensive, with numerous children and beloved concubines; he had nine sons alone. However, his favorite child was Guan Jingshuo, not only because he was born to his most loved wife but also because he was exceptionally talented, to the extent that the Marquis took pride in having Guan Jingshuo as his son. The only problem was his son’s frail health, a constant source of worry: "Shuoshuo, why suddenly decide to go to the village?" Guan Jingshuo, because of his weak body, went to the village every winter to bathe in the hot springs, but usually, he went after the New Year and only returned in the spring. Speaking of going now could not but make Marquis Yongding puzzled.
Guan Jingshuo forced a smile, "Father, this illness has severely worsened my condition. I feel cold even when going outside; Peach Blossom Village is warmer than the Capital City, I would like to go there to escape the chill."
Marquis Yongding sighed softly, his son’s frailty being his greatest concern, "If you want to go, then go. I’ve heard of a famous doctor in Jiangnan, I plan to send someone to invite him. If he’s found, I’ll have him come and treat you, I’m sure we can cure your illness." Guan Jingshuo might question Lady Xiao Ning because of Yueyao’s words, but he completely trusted his own biological father. Guan Jingshuo had been raised by Marquis Yongding himself from a young age. Of course, also because of the Marquis’ affection, Guan Jingshuo’s position was as solid as rock.
Marquis Yongding did not favor Lady Xiao Ning. Guan Jingshuo’s biological mother was both beautiful and talented, harmonizing well with Marquis Yongding. Lady Xiao Ning not only fell short in appearance compared to her but also, because she was born out of wedlock, had received limited education, hardly matching the cultured and poetic Marquis. Lady Xiao Ning’s stable position was first due to Guan Jingshuo’s respect and second because she had a powerful maternal family backing her.