Xiao Che's gaze also fell on Xie Jiayan, who was seated below Gu Tingyun. He had heard that Xie Jiayan had helped Mingyue today by hunting a wild boar.
Perhaps he knew her identity and wanted to use this to gain fame.
Xie Jiayan noticed Xiao Che's discerning gaze but showed no fear. Instead, he appeared remarkably calm for his age.
In that fleeting moment, Xiao Che felt a sense of familiarity, as if he had seen him somewhere before.
Xiao Che frowned and withdrew his gaze.
Such a minor figure was not worth his attention.
Today, Gu Tingyun had organized the event, including hunting and a banquet, ensuring all guests were delighted.
Yu Mingyue and several other young ladies excused themselves from the banquet. Their stamina was no match for the men, and they had only joined for the fun. The day had been quite tiring.
The Gu family'så¥é¢ had hot springs, with separate male and female baths. Servants were already waiting, ready to help them relax and relieve their fatigue.
Yu Mingyue was the youngest. Although she was blossoming into a young lady, she was far from the voluptuous Xu Zijun.
Gu Youyou and Mo Yuxi, though a year older than Yu Mingyue, were like her, still like tender sprouts.
The two looked enviously at Xu Zijun's ample figure. "Sister Zijun, you have such a good figure."
Yu Mingyue joined in the teasing. "Sister Zijun is truly the 'graceful lady that gentlemen desire' as the teacher described!"
Xu Zijun blushed and quickly covered herself. "Stop looking, you two."
"Sister Zijun is shy!" Gu Youyou playfully splashed water at Xu Zijun.
"Mingyue, why isn't your cousin with you this time?" Xu Zijun seized the opportunity to ask.
"My grandmother is gravely ill, and my cousin stayed behind to care for her, fearing the servants might not be attentive enough. My cousin has always been meticulous and considerate; I can't compare." Yu Mingyue's smile vanished, replaced by a look of sadness.
Gu Youyou quickly consoled her. "You're young. Your intentions are what matter. With so many servants at home, why do you need to personally attend to her?"
In families like theirs, if they had to do everything themselves, what was the point of having so many servants? She disliked people who acted submissive but harbored defiance.
The rumors from a few days ago made no sense to her. How could a cousin living under their roof have the audacity to expect the legitimate daughters of a ducal mansion to yield to her?
"No wonder you've been preoccupied today. Don't be sad, the old madam will surely recover," Mo Yuxi also chimed in.
"Mingyue, it's my fault for bringing it up. Will you forgive me if I rub your back as an apology?" Xu Zijun coaxed with a smile.
She had heard the rumors from a few days ago. She had indeed been curious, even secretly hoping the rumors were true, as the Imperial Consort might then...
However, it was certainly not worth falling out with Yu Mingyue over Su Wanqing. Her question was indeed a slip of the tongue.
"Then my arm is a bit sore. Sister Zijun, can you help me knead it?" Yu Mingyue asked with a playful smile.
In truth, she hoped the Xu family would be more ambitious, and Sister Zijun would be more resourceful.
Since Sister Zijun liked Xiao Che so much, she was willing to help fulfill their wishes.
It would be better for Xu Zijun to become Empress in the future than Su Wanqing, that ungrateful wretch.
Hearing Yu Mingyue say this, Xu Zijun felt a wave of relief!
"Alright, alright. Who let me upset you?"
...
After soaking in the hot springs, the young maids helped them dress and dry their hair before they emerged.
Yu Mingyue's courtyard was close to the hot springs, and they arrived shortly. As soon as she entered, Zhu Yu heard the commotion and hurried out from the room.
"Miss, the Seventh Prince has sent someone."