As her words fell, a soft laugh came from the side.
It was the man who accompanied Xie YanYu, and seeing her gaze, his smile slightly paused. He nodded slightly and said, "Please don't mind, my apologies."
He wore a long blue robe, tall and graceful, attracting everyone's attention just by standing there.
At this moment, he bowed his head slightly, smiling in apology, his demeanor was extraordinary.
The voice was gentle and soothing, making one feel like basking in the spring breeze.
Xie Wanqing met his gaze for just a moment before hurriedly looking away.
She was usually quite bold, but now felt unusually uneasy. After she looked away and steadied herself, she heard him speak again, "But I guess your brother is not overly scholarly..."
He paused, gazed at the bustling Vermilion Bird Street, and smiled, "Instead, it's because the girl's beauty is too captivating."
Xie Wanqing was momentarily stunned and followed his gaze, finally noticing that passersby would glance this way.
"..." She was silent, withdrew her gaze, looked at him, half-smiling, "Young Master, do you never look in the mirror?"
How could he say such captivating words about her.
"Wanwan," Xie YanYu interrupted them with helplessness, "This is the Young Master from Duke Pei Mansion, don't be rude."
Xie Wanqing was taken aback.
The Young Master from Duke Pei Mansion?
She pondered and finally recalled information about this Young Master from her memory.
The son of Princess Duan Yang, born prematurely, weak from birth, and the Imperial Physician declared he would not live past thirty.
The Princess is the Holy Emperor's elder sister, of noble status. This Young Master is not only her eldest son, but her only son. Despite his frail health and short life expectancy, he was named Young Master at three, his status unshakable.
It is said the Young Master dislikes socializing and is uninterested in political power, preferring to enjoy nature, living freely like a cloud-wild crane.
Since he was seventeen, choosing a wife was on the agenda, for despite his health, his noble status allows him to choose from the Capital's fine ladies whenever he decides to marry.
Yet, he has no intention of marrying.
Rumor has it, he said he won't live long and doesn't wish to harm other families' daughters.
His parents are anxious for a heir...
He is an anomaly among aristocratic families of the Capital.
Xie Wanqing understood, seeing why she had never met him, for this Young Master was truly low-key, rarely appearing, it was no wonder she hadn't seen him.
... So handsome, if he walked around more, he wouldn't be so unknown.
Xie Wanqing couldn't resist looking up again, and perhaps influenced by hearsay, she finally noticed the unnaturally pale hue on the handsome face before her.
It was the look of a long illness...
Pei Yuqing lowered his gaze and met hers, slightly surprised, he smiled and said, "Your sister is innocent and charming, speaks freely, no need for formalities."
Xie Wanqing blinked her eyelashes hearing this.
... Speaks freely?
She met his gaze and asked, "How old are you, Young Master?"
Despite looking young, how could he speak so naturally with an elder's tone.
The young girl's eyes sparkled, like autumn waves, Pei Yuqing's gaze paused, he looked away first, softly said, "I am much older than you."
Xie Wanqing displayed curiosity, asked, "How much is 'much older'?"
Xie YanYu's face slightly darkened, frowning he said, "Wanwan!"
"..." Xie Wanqing was speechless.
How did I forget there's a lecturing elder brother beside me?
She immediately looked away, lowered her head pretending obedience, said, "I was wrong, brother, don't be stern with me."
Xie YanYu always doted on his sister, could never truly reprimand her, sighed inwardly, handed her the reins, instructed, "Remember to return home early."
"Got it, got it," Xie Wanqing cheerfully took the reins, agilely mounted the horse, "I'll be home soon."
As the master and servant duo left, Xie YanYu withdrew his gaze, saw his friend lost in thought, unlike his usual calm manner, not knowing what he was pondering.
Xie YanYu felt a jolt in his heart, paused slightly and said, "Changqing, don't mind my sister's character, she means no offense."
"No worries," Pei Yuqing turned to him, smiled and said, "The girl is lively and lovely, it's just her true nature, why would I mind."
"..." Xie YanYu felt something was amiss but seeing his friend turning towards the tea house, he could only follow.
......
Since childhood, Xie Wanqing and Lu Ziyuan were engaged, her visits to the Lu Family were like returning home, but stepping into Wuyuan Marquis Mansion now felt heavy.
The dream's scenes unfolded in her mind steadily, impossible to ignore.
She continued towards the main courtyard, her gown swaying elegantly as she walked, radiating brilliance, but brows slightly furrowed, appearing worried.
Old Madam Lu reclined on the soft couch, chatting with her two daughters-in-law, upon seeing her enter, smiled, "Wanwan is here? I was just mentioning you."
Xie Wanqing paid her respects, carrying pastries she brought, smiling slightly she said, "I passed by Lin's pastry shop, remembered you love the chestnut cake, brought a few packs."
The elderly ladies have weak teeth, needing soft, digestible food, the mansion isn't lacking desserts, but Lin's pastry shop was very popular, buying personally is thoughtful.
"Wanwan is a filial child," Old Madam Lu held her hand, happily said, "Just less than two months until your wedding, I've waited all these years, finally waiting for you and Yan'er to marry."
"Indeed," added Madam Lu affectionately looking at Xie Wanqing and said, "I've been waiting for Wanwan's wedding tea for many years."
She was Lu Ziyuan's birth mother, had three sons, her husband and two elder sons died in battle, struck heavily, hair turned grey, aged compared to other noblewomen her age in the Capital, her health was poor.
Xie Wanqing always respected and sympathized with her future mother-in-law who lost husband and sons, but at this moment, she froze.
The current scene had appeared in her dream, on the day Lu Ziyuan returned from Bianzhou after quelling bandits.
Including words of Old Madam Lu and Madam Lu were repeated exactly.
She stayed silent for a while, noticed by Second Madam Lu noticing her expression asked, "Wanwan, what's wrong?"
Then thought of something, concerned she said, "With the wedding approaching, Ziyuan's been gone for months, are you unhappy?"