Chapter 63: Chapter 63: Taking Her Out of the Residence
As for whether Miss Pei’s illness would improve, Qu Fulan no longer cared.
After all, now she had become the maidservant of Heir Pei, the only personal maidservant. No matter how formidable Miss Pei was, she couldn’t take someone away from Heir Pei’s side. She didn’t have the guts nor the capability.
Though the old lady treated her maidservants well, before becoming her personal maid, many things couldn’t be assured. Besides, the old lady was getting on in years and didn’t have the time to worry about a maid’s affairs.
From this perspective, becoming Heir Pei’s maidservant had its advantages; at least she didn’t have to worry about being easily given away.
Even a man’s pride, even towards a mere maidservant, couldn’t bear having others coveting it. Wouldn’t that be challenging a man’s dignity?
What worried Qu Fulan instead was Master Huideng.
This master in the novel who taught Heir Pei martial arts and helped him through several crises, who was reputed for his predictions, even the emperor placed great importance on. Any major event would first warrant a divination by Master Huideng to proceed with ease.
Qu Fulan originally didn’t believe in such superstitions, but since something as unbelievable as transmigration had happened to her, she wasn’t surprised by other strange occurrences in this world anymore.
But she quickly thought it through; she hadn’t done anything against her conscience and had no guilt.
Since Master Huideng was a highly respected master, he should be principled and wouldn’t randomly condemn someone.
Pei Ji’an didn’t rise until the afternoon and didn’t call for Qu Fulan to help dress him. He just had the servants bring water, washed himself, and then came out.
Shedding his morning attire, he now wore a robe with intricate patterns, his collar neatly aligned without a single fold, looking dapper and distinguished.
Under the author’s pen, Pei Ji’an was near perfection; not only was his appearance outstanding, but he was also the heir of the Marquis Mansion, capable in both literary and martial arts, and a guardian for the Pei Family.
Qu Fulan glanced at him and then lowered her eyes, "Would the Heir like his meal served?"
Pei Ji’an’s gaze lingered on her for a moment, then he stepped forward, tossing only two words at her.
"Let’s go."
Though Qu Fulan was confused, she said nothing and followed.
It wasn’t until they got into the carriage that Qu Fulan realized they were leaving the mansion. This carriage wasn’t as large as the one going to the Zheng Mansion, though it comfortably fit two people. Yet, with Heir Pei’s tall stature, he occupied most of the space, which felt somewhat cramped, emitting an invisible pressure.
Qu Fulan discreetly shifted back a bit and didn’t ask where they were headed.
In truth, ever since arriving at Heir Pei’s side, she had been in a passive state, her original rhythm disrupted, and hadn’t found a suitable response method for now.
But that didn’t mean she had no options. Especially after her identity was exposed, she understood that with such a person, adaptability was key, like now, where observing the situation was the best approach.
Heir Pei also said nothing, resting with his eyes closed, perhaps exhausted from the recent travels.
The carriage traveled for some distance and arrived at an alleyway, just enough for the carriage to pass.
It stopped in front of a gate.
Qu Fulan followed Heir Pei out of the carriage, quickly realizing it was a back door. The alley was nearly empty, though someone not far off opened a back door and threw out water, which spread across the ground and flowed toward a low spot.
When they saw a few finely dressed strangers in the alley, the person quickly shut the door in fright.
If it were ordinary servants, they might receive a scolding, but with gentry behind him, he dared not speak and walked to a nearby door, knocking a few times before someone inside opened it. Upon seeing the visitors, they first bowed, then excitedly announced to the people inside.
"The Heir has arrived!"
Inside, Qu Fulan discovered they were at the back kitchen of a restaurant.
A middle-aged couple approached, followed by four young women.
The middle-aged man’s appearance was quite striking.
He walked with a limp, and his entire left hand was missing.
The woman beside him seemed fine, with an ordinary and honest face, no issues there.
Qu Fulan didn’t stare at them in shock but merely glanced and then naturally looked away.
This action caught Pei Ji’an’s attention for a moment.
All their eyes were on the Heir, bowing in unison. Only then did they notice the young lady standing beside him, whose beauty was so stunning it was impossible to ignore.
"Heir, this is...?" the middle-aged woman asked with curiosity.
The Heir usually arrived alone or with friends, bringing a young lady was a first, so she needed to clarify.
Pei Ji’an gave a brief introduction.
Once inside a private room, seated by the window, Qu Fulan gazed outside and realized it was a three-story building with a quadrangle layout. Three sides were guest rooms, with the remaining side being the back kitchen where they entered earlier.
It seemed that Heir Pei wished to remain discreet by entering through the back door.
Qu Fulan soon learned that the middle-aged couple were indeed husband and wife. The man, surnamed Yu, was the manager of this restaurant. The young man who opened the door was his son, named Yu Shu.
The four girls were named Yinhua, Lianhua, He Hua, and Juhua respectively.
Among them, Yinhua was Manager Yu’s daughter; the other three were raised by single parents.
Later, Qu Fulan realized the Yu family held a special place for Heir Pei. Manager Yu had followed the Old Marquis into battle, losing his hand while protecting the Marquis from a sword. Due to severe injuries, he couldn’t return to war, so Heir Pei provided him a place to settle.
This establishment allowed Manager Yu to marry and raise a family, with their livelihood dependent on it.
While Manager Yu was surprised that the Heir now had a personal maidservant, he quickly accepted it calmly.
Yu Shu, at an age to find a wife, often eyed beautiful girls. Upon seeing Qu Fulan, so celestial-like, he was utterly starstruck.
Mrs. Yu noticed and slapped him, "Why are you staring? Go prepare the meal now! It’s not every day the Heir comes by; be more attentive!"
Yu Shu, holding his head, left. He dared not covet the Heir’s people, only that a man’s nature made him glance more.
Someone brought in a large basin of ice, and with the girls fanning, the room’s temperature cooled considerably.
Meanwhile, Lianhua dipped a towel in water, wrung it slightly, and offered it to the Heir.
Pei Ji’an took it, wiped his hands, and placed it back.
Lianhua then poured tea, saying gently, "This is the new tea that just arrived. There isn’t much of it, saved especially for the Heir. Please try it."
Pei Ji’an took it and sipped.
Watching from the side, Qu Fulan thought Lianhua seemed more like his personal maid, while she felt more like a passerby.