Chapter 101: Chapter 101: A Perfect Match
Miss Cheng tasted the milk tea.
It was her first time drinking such a beverage. Initially thinking her cousin exaggerated its qualities, she was unexpectedly taken aback after the first sip.
The milk was sweet without being cloying, fragrant and refreshing, with various fruits inside that made chewing it delicious. It was a treat she had never experienced before.
"Did Fulan create this? It’s truly delicious." Cheng Ru praised generously, exaggeratingly adding, "With such a tasty beverage, I could drink three bowls."
The Third Miss laughed at her, "Can your small stomach hold that much? You always claim to be full after just a few bites."
Miss Cheng coyly clung to the Third Miss’s arm, "Sister, don’t expose me!"
As they spoke, voices approached from the crooked pathway ahead, and shortly they arrived close by.
It turned out the Princely Heir and the eldest young master were coming this way, accompanied by a stranger, who was presumably the Second Madame’s nephew.
Though propriety dictated separation between men and women, since this was their household, a greeting was reasonable when encountered by chance.
The Third Miss quickly stood to introduce them, "Second brother, this is my cousin, Miss Cheng."
Cheng Ru stepped forward and bowed, "Greetings, Princely Heir."
Pei Ji’an nodded casually in response, then turned to Qu Fulan, "What brings you here?"
Before Qu Fulan could answer, the Third Miss hastily replied, "I wished for milk tea, hence Fulan was kind enough to come."
Pei Ji’an said nothing further, only instructed Qu Fulan, "I’ll be going out, prepare yourself."
This meant getting ready to assist with changing clothes, which Qu Fulan had been tasked with for quite some time.
"Leaving so soon?" Pei Yuan asked.
Pei Ji’an nodded and promptly departed.
Qu Fulan followed.
They watched them leave, yet no one noticed Cheng Ru’s gaze, fixed on the Princely Heir from the moment he appeared, as if mesmerized.
Back at the Pear Fragrance Courtyard, while changing clothes for the Princely Heir, he spoke, "In the future, heed no one else’s orders except the Old Madame’s."
Qu Fulan couldn’t help but look up at him, only she was behind him adjusting the waistband, unable to see his expression, and said, "Others I can ignore, but the Third Miss is quite kind, it would be hard to refuse her."
If it were someone from the Third Branch, she would certainly find a reason to decline.
Yet, the Third Miss was the least pretentious person she’d met, likely due to the Princely Heir’s influence, never treating her as a mere servant.
Though just a maid, Qu Fulan sought opportunities to interact with different people whenever possible.
Pei Ji’an said nothing more upon hearing this.
After some thought, Qu Fulan said, "Then moving forward, I’ll refuse everyone."
She was his maid, if she served others, it might discomfort him.
Pei Ji’an glanced at Qu Fulan, "If you find her agreeable, interacting more is fine."
Qu Fulan was surprised but quickly realized this wasn’t unexpected; the Princely Heir was consistently open-minded.
Didn’t he leave business decisions to her discretion?
Finding an enlightened employer could be harder than a good husband.
"Rest assured, Princely Heir, no matter what I do, it won’t implicate you."
Meanwhile, over at the Second Branch, Cheng Family’s mother and daughter were discussing the Pei Family’s main branch.
"Who would have thought the maid beside the Princely Heir could be so remarkable?" Cheng Ru mused, resting her chin, lost in thought.
Mrs. Cheng laughed, "It’s rare to see you humble. Her appearance may be without compare, but after all, she’s just a maid; a pretty face won’t matter much. She might marry a servant, or perhaps be elevated to concubine, hardly as honorable as a principal wife."
Agreeing with her mother, Cheng Ru stopped fixating on comparing appearances.
"You met the Princely Heir today. Past tales speak of the Pei Heir’s exceptional presence, though I’ve never witnessed it firsthand. Now, having seen him, what do you think?"
Mention of the Princely Heir brought color to Cheng Ru’s cheeks, but she expressed, "His features are handsome and refined, carrying an air of clarity, even more impressive than the legends."
Mrs. Cheng laughed, "That’s good; I feared it was mere reputation, not worthy of my daughter’s beauty."
Cheng Ru blushed, bit her lip, and playfully retorted, "Mother, why talk of this out of the blue? I don’t agree." With that, she buried her face in her mother’s embrace.
Mrs. Cheng held her daughter tenderly, "When men and women reach marrying age, why avoid the subject? It’s just us here, why be shy?"
Cheng Ru remained in her mother’s arms, too bashful to lift her head.
Mrs. Cheng continued, "Coming here, your father made repeated reminders to foster a match with the Princely Heir. Though the Marquis and Madame are absent, presumably the Old Madame holds sway; show yourself to her well. With your elegance, she’s bound to be pleased, especially given your compatibility with the Princely Heir, like a match made in heaven."
Though still shy, Cheng Ru couldn’t help but voice her concern, "Our family lacks the status of the Pei Family, and considering his noble standing, what if the Old Madame seeks an equal match, what then?"
Mrs. Cheng laughed, "Why lose faith in yourself? Remember, your father holds government rank with prospects for advancement; the Old Madame won’t be shortsighted. Just focus on impressing her." She paused, adding, "Aside from the Old Madame, befriend the Princely Heir’s close maid as well."
Cheng Ru nestled against her mother and fell silent.
Xiao Family.
A servant announced, "The Princely Heir has arrived."
Ji Nishang, seated beside her aunt, instinctively glanced toward the entrance upon hearing steady footsteps and soon a tall figure emerged from behind the screen.
"Greetings, mother." Xiao Shiqing bowed.
Mrs. Xiao smiled, "Come, rise. This is your cousin, Ji Nishang, who arrived yesterday; you didn’t meet."
Ji Nishang rose from her aunt’s side, approached her cousin, bowed gracefully, "Cousin."
Xiao Shiqing merely glanced at her, returned the gesture, then addressed his mother, "I have matters to attend to, I’ll take my leave."
Mrs. Xiao wouldn’t easily let him go, "You’ve just returned; rest a bit, stay for a meal, it’s been long since you dined with me."
Her words made it tough for Xiao Shiqing to refuse, contrary to his usual filial demeanor, especially apart from discussions concerning Li Jirou.
Pei Family.
After Qu Fulan finished reading, Douya reported that Miss Cheng sent a gift in gratitude for the milk tea.
Qu Fulan didn’t inspect the gift box, returning it immediately, claiming the Princely Heir disallowed her from accepting gifts.
When Pei Ji’an returned that evening, learning of the incident, he took a sip of tea before asking her, "Why didn’t you accept it?"