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Xiao Yeyang sat there in a daze, his mind still replaying the scenes from his recent dream.
He and Daohuaâ¦.
Thinking of the intimate images from his dream, Xiao Yeyang felt both embarrassed and somewhat delighted, but quickly, he snapped out of these emotions and harshly slapped himself.
How could he defile Daohua like that!
âMaster!â
Seeing Xiao Yeyang hitting himself, Rui Zhu was taken aback.
It was only then that Xiao Yeyang realized there was someone else in the room. Seeing Rui Zhu, he immediately darkened his expression, âWhy are you here? Where is Defu?â
Rui Zhu lowered her head in fright, âThis servant doesnât know where Defu has gone.â
Noticing the handkerchief in Rui Zhuâs hand, Xiao Yeyang suddenly flared up in anger, standing abruptly, âWas it you wiping my body just now?â
Rui Zhu blushed and nodded.
With her head down, she did not see how displeased Xiao Yeyang looked the moment she admitted it.
With a âbangâ, the basin at the bedside was kicked over by Xiao Yeyang.
Because she was so close, the water in the basin drenched Rui Zhu completely.
When Defu returned with a basin of ice, he just so happened to witness the scene of Rui Zhu turning into a drowned rat.
Xiao Yeyang glared at Defu, seething with anger, âWhere did you just disappear to?â
Seeing Xiao Yeyangâs rage, Defu hurriedly put down the ice and knelt to respond, âThis servant saw that the master was sweating from the heat, so I went to fetch some ice.â
Xiao Yeyang snorted coldly, âDid you tell Rui Zhu to wipe my body?â
Defuâs complexion changed drastically, finally understanding why his master was so furious, âThis servant did not. I simply asked Rui Zhu to fetch water over, intending to wipe the masterâs body myself.â
Hearing this, Rui Zhu, who was kneeling on the side, trembled all over.
She could never have imagined that the master would become so angry.
Xiao Yeyangâs gaze was heavy as he looked at Rui Zhu, âFrom now on, without my permission, you are not allowed into my room. Starting today, go work in the summer palace.ân/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Rui Zhu turned pale in an instant, âMaster, please calm your anger. This servant just saw you were in discomfort and stepped forward to help you wipe down. I definitely wonât dare to again.â
Xiao Yeyang, unmoved, waved his hand, not wanting to hear her excuses.
Defu quickly got up and pulled her away.
Once everyone left, Xiao Yeyang rubbed his still somewhat throbbing head and sat back down on the bed, soon drifting off in his thoughts again.
When Defu returned, he saw his master sitting motionlessly.
After a long while, Xiao Yeyang finally returned to his senses, âGo, bring water. I need to bathe.â
âYes.â
As Defu turned, he heard his master add another sentence.
âCold water!â
Defu now completely understood the reason for Rui Zhuâs dismissal.
â¦
By mid-afternoon, the various families began to leave one after another.
At the gate of the separate residence, Xiao Yeyang stood next to Governor Guo to see off the guests. When he heard from Defu that the Yan Family was also about to leave, he immediately wanted to go.
Unfortunately, Governor Guo did not give him the chance.
âYangyang, focus. Although these peopleâs official ranks are not very high, they all hold real power in their hands. You must know that in the future, no matter what you do, relying on yourself alone is not enough. Even if you donât enjoy socializing, you must be patient.â
Xiao Yeyang knew his uncle was looking out for his best interests. Although he really wanted to go see Daohua, he endured and stayed.
Soon after, the women began to come out one by one.
The moment Daohua appeared along with Dong Yuanyao, Zhou Jingwan, and Su Shiyu, Xiao Yeyangâs gaze shifted over to them.
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Upon seeing Daohua, Xiao Yeyangâs mind instantly conjured the images he dreamt of after getting drunk. As soon as Daohua looked over, he guiltily shifted his gaze away, only daring to look back once she was no longer watching.
âYouâre really not going to come stay at my place for a few days?â
Daohua asked, looking at Dong Yuanyao and Su Shiyu.
Dong Yuanyao, âMaybe next time, these past few days my grandmother has been feeling unwell, so I need to go back to take care of her.â
Su Shiyu also spoke with a smile, âThanks for the kind offer, Miss Yan, but the weather is too hot, and I donât cope well with the heat. I wonât impose.â
Daohua nodded, âAlright, I wonât persuade you further, but do visit when you get the chance.â
âSure.â
Dong Yuanyao and Su Shiyu both promptly agreed in unison.
At this moment, everyone heard the Jiang family Madamâs slightly smug voice, âYeyang is such a thoughtful child. He knows Wanying has a frail constitution and doesnât dare to take his eyes off her for a second.â
Upon hearing this, Daohua and the others were a bit puzzled.
Soon, a group of women, eager to flatter and ingratiate themselves, spoke up, âItâs just that their affection is strong. I sneaked a peek and noticed that as soon as Miss Jiang stepped out, the Little Princeâs gaze never left her.â
âMadam Du~â
In the face of the teasing, Jiang Wanying bashfully lowered her head.
Seeing this, the four, including Daohua, exchanged knowing smiles.
âI somehow didnât get the impression that the Little Prince was looking at her. He was clearly looking over here, wasnât he?â Zhou Jingwan muttered under her breath.
Hearing this, Daohua quickly pulled her aside and whispered, âDo you want to stir up trouble and bring it home, is that it?â
Zhou Jingwan stuck out her tongue, âI just canât stand Jiang Wanyingâs self-delusion.â
Not long after, the Madam Dong and Madam Su took Dong Yuanyao and Su Shiyu and left.
Once they had gone, Daohua and Zhou Jingwan also got into the carriage.
âThe Little Prince really treats the Jiang family differently.â
âDoesnât he just? The moment he heard Madam Jiang and Miss Jiang were leaving, he couldnât wait to go and see them off.â
Hearing this conversation, Daohua and Zhou Jingwan hurriedly lifted the carriage curtain and saw Xiao Yeyang indeed mount his horse and led the Jiang familyâs carriage away.
âHmph!â
Witnessing this, Zhou Jingwan let out a heavy snort.
Daohua lowered the curtain and asked in wonder, âWhat are you snorting at?â
Zhou Jingwan pouted, âIâm snorting at the Little Prince for being fickle. He used to be so close to you before, and now that Jiang Wanying is here, he just tosses you aside.â
Hearing this, Daohua moved to cover Zhou Jingwanâs mouth, âWhat nonsense are you spouting!â
Zhou Jingwan pulled away Daohuaâs hand, âIsnât it true? Otherwise, why would he not even come to say goodbye to us when weâre leaving but instead goes off to escort others?â
Daohua said indifferently, âThey are relatives over there; naturally, he prioritizes them.â
Zhou Jingwan glanced at Daohua, âArenât you angry?â
Daohua retorted impatiently, âWhy should I be angry?â
Zhou Jingwan, âI just thoughtâ¦â she stopped midsentence.
Seeing her hesitate, Daohua immediately pressed, âYou just thought what?â
Zhou Jingwan looked at Daohua, âArenât you being so nice to the Little Prince because you like him?â
At that, Daohua quickly became agitated, âDonât you speak nonsense; my kindness towards Xiao Yeyang is because he has helped my family.â
Zhou Jingwan, âWhy are you getting worked up? If itâs not true, then itâs not.â
It was the same with Dong Yuanyao and Zhou Jingwan; this made Daohua somewhat irritated as she continuously fidgeted with the tassel of her fan.
Could it be that she had been too nice to Xiao Yeyang?
So much so that they were both mistaken?