Chapter 21: An Unexpected Encounter
The soft moonlight cast a peaceful and serene atmosphere over Tianwu City.
At the Martial Marquisâ residence.
The study room was brightly lit by several lanterns.
Qi Yun was leaning on the desk, her small head bobbing up and down, her eyes heavy with sleep.
âMiss, when can we take a break?â
Behind the desk, Gu Ruoyi gently closed the yellowed medical classic in her hand, her slender fingers extending to lightly tap Qi Yunâs small head.
âYouâre such a lazy girl, you are very cheerful during the day.â
âIâm happy to do anything with you during the day, Miss, but at night, I feel so exhausted,â Qi Yun said, her small hands grasping the edge of the desk, her big eyes blinking pitifully.
âI really donât know what to do with you, Iâll finish this chapter and then we can rest, okay?â Gu Ruoyi said with a hint of annoyance, but her eyes were full of warmth.
âYes, yes, yes! Youâre the best person in the world, Miss! Hehe!â
âOh, you!â
Gu Ruoyi subconsciously picked up the jade-like cowhorn comb on the desk, and a face appeared in her mind.
âMiss, are you thinking of that Young Master again?â
Qi Yun had somehow leaned in close, and Gu Ruoyiâs expression was a dead giveaway that she was lovesick!
With her secret exposed, Gu Ruoyiâs ears turned red, and she pretended to be angry, pinching Qi Yunâs face: âYou naughty girl, you deserve a punishment!â
âWaaah, Miss, I know I was wrong!â
The next morning, Emperor Wu was resting and civil and military officials did not need to attend court, so they had a rare opportunity to sleep in.
Gu Ruoyi woke up early, washed and dressed simply, and then took Qi Yun to pay respects to Gu Qing.
âAre you getting used to living in the residence?â Gu Qing asked, his voice gentle, his white hair and wrinkled forehead a testament to his age.
âFather, Ruoyi is doing well in the mansion and likes it here very much.â Gu Ruoyi nodded sensibly.
Gu Qing looked at the familiar face, and his eyes couldnât help but reveal a hint of sorrow.
Iâm sorry... Xiâer.
If only he had been braver that day, and taken you and your mother with him, things would be different today.
Gu Ruoyiâs eyelids drooped slightly, knowing that her father was thinking of her mother again.
She had never blamed Gu Qing.
Her mother had told her that back then, not only Luo Prefecture, but the entire world was in chaos. Gu Qing had suppressed the rebellion and led the army to the north, and the journey was fraught with danger. At that time, the Zhen Family had not yet experienced any unexpected changes, and her mother staying with the Zhen Family to take care of her pregnancy was the best choice.
Although the rebellion was suppressed, the refugees in Luo Prefecture only increased, and the Zhen Family continued to open their granaries to provide food. For half a month, the refugees gathered more and more, and even a large family like the Zhen Family soon ran out of food.
Without food, the refugees went mad, burning, killing, and looting in the city.
Gu Ruoyi wanted to bend down to pick it up, but a large hand suddenly stretched out and picked it up instead.
âWho are you, Miss? How can you walk with your head down? Can you afford to compensate me if you hurt me?â
âThis young master tells you, I...â
The two of them stood up straight and looked at each other. Shen Tengfeng held the silver bag in his hand and looked at the beautiful girl in front of him, his mouth agape.
Oh shit!
Did I meet a goddess again? !
This face, this figure, was already on par with the goddess in the Duke of Stateâs residence!
The four beauties of Tianwu City were about to become six!
Gu Ruoyi was also slightly surprised by Shen Tengfengâs appearance, but only slightly.
Because she had seen Shen Yianâs otherworldly existence, and now seeing Shen Tengfengâs sunny and cheerful demeanor, she didnât feel that fluttery feeling anymore.
âI...I was going to keep this silver pouch, but since youâre so beautiful, Iâll return it to you.â
Shen Tengfengâs face turned red as he handed the silver pouch back to Gu Ruoyi, looking quite shameless.
âPfft! Youâre the one who bumped into my mistress!â
Qi Yun automatically went into protective mode, standing in front of Gu Ruoyi.
âQi Yun,â Gu Ruoyi gently patted Qi Yunâs shoulder, apologizing, âIâm sorry, Young Master. I wasnât paying attention to the road and bumped into you.â
The other person was dressed in luxurious clothes, and it was clear that they came from a noble family. Even if she was wronged, she couldnât afford to cause trouble for her father or the Martial Marquisâ residence.
Qi Yun saw this and reluctantly followed Gu Ruoyiâs apology, even though it was clearly the other person who had walked hastily and bumped into her mistress.
This made Shen Tengfeng feel a bit embarrassed, as it was his first time being apologized to by such a beautiful woman.
âCough, Iâm not a petty person, so...ah...just tell me your name as compensation, okay?â Shen Tengfeng turned his face away, his eyes darting around.
âMiss, this guy must be some nobleâs son whoâs now eyeing your beauty...â Qi Yun whispered in Gu Ruoyiâs ear, warning her.
âStop!â
Shen Tengfeng quickly stretched out his hand to stop Qi Yunâs self-supplementation.
He was afraid that if he waited any longer, he would become some kind of flower thief in Qi Yunâs mouth.
He wasnât blind to the fact that he was attracted to Gu Ruoyiâs beauty, but he wasnât stupid either!
You two can appear here, and your family background must be extraordinary, right?
If he really did something stupid, he would be directly demoted to a commoner by his father.
âI may look like a dandy young master, but Iâm just stunned by your beauty, Miss. I absolutely have no ill intentions. I just want to get to know you!â
After Shen Tengfeng finished speaking frankly, he saw the two women not only take the silver bag from his hand, but also retreat more than ten steps with a vigilant look on their faces.
Damn!