CHAPTER 101: CHAPTER 101: IMPERTINENCE (1)

She held her forehead, stunned!

Was it that Tong Xiyan spoke too slowly, or that Xiao Yanyi reacted too quickly?

The unexpected event left her at a loss, and the best opportunity was gone. The courtyard was bustling with people coming and going, and she stood alone against the wall, shrinking back behind the wintergreen tree, doing nothing but waiting for Xiao Yanyi to come out or for the next chance to escape from here...

She sighed, looking at the door of the wing, across the trees, the path, and the winding corridor, hoping Xiao Yanyi would quickly think of a way to help them out!

After waiting for about half a cup of tea’s time, the door of the wing finally opened, and Xiao Yanyi turned around and locked the door again. He walked calmly in the courtyard, yet his glance seemed to occasionally fall on Xiqiu’s side.

Xiqiu waited quietly, and sure enough, she saw him quickly come over after assigning a few pages.

"Sixth Sister!" Xiao Yanyi looked at her, his gaze without any doubts or mockery, speaking as if they just met in a usual manner: "Don’t be afraid, I will find a way to take you back."

Xiqiu raised her eyebrows. She had seen Xiao Yanyi a few times but had never spoken to him, just hearing about him occasionally from Lady, knowing his temper is good and he treats people kindly. However, when really interacting with him up close, the way he spoke leisurely made everything seem not urgent, making one’s emotions involuntarily settle down.

Xiqiu bowed slightly: "Thank you, Brother-in-law!" She lowered her head and explained: "It was very reckless of us, sorry for causing you trouble!"

Xiao Yanyi looked surprised. In his memory, the sixth miss of the Tong Mansion was just a child, every time he saw her, she was always sitting quietly with a smile as if everything was bland in her eyes, unable to stir any waves.

Unexpectedly, she was so calm!

After the surprise, Xiao Yanyi said softly: "No problem, since I am your brother-in-law, we are family. You and Fourth Sister have always been obedient, today’s incident is probably unintentional, only that the courtyard is crowded now. Although it’s not a big deal if seen, it’s better to avoid such situations if possible!"

Xiqiu was considering this as well, nodding in agreement: "Yes!"

Xiao Yanyi looked around; at this moment, First Master accompanied an older gentleman out of the study room door. The man wore a dark blue casual Taoist robe, but his demeanor was unmistakably that of an official. He stood side by side with First Master under the corridor, both smiling, but spoke in very low voices, deliberately not letting others hear.

In that case, even Xiao Yanyi found it inconvenient to go out.

Xiao Yanyi gave Xiqiu an embarrassed look, smiling: "It seems Sixth Sister has to stay here a little longer."

Although Xiqiu was anxious, she remained calm and composed, smiling: "I don’t mind, it’s just trouble for you."

"No need for politeness!" Xiao Yanyi seemed to fear she was nervous, asking casually: "I heard Sixth Sister is familiar with Second Sister, and often corresponds by letter?"

Xiqiu was unsurprised; it’s no secret for a mansion’s young lady to communicate with outsiders. She said: "Yes! Last time, by chance, I got to know Second Miss at Count Wujin’s Mansion."

Xiao Yanyi just nodded, with a smile: "Second Sister has been unwell since childhood. Mother worries about her health and inevitably is strict, which cultivated her solitary personality, making it hard for her to interact with people. Unexpected that she formed an affinity with Sixth Sister." He paused, as if considering whether his next words would be abrupt to Xiqiu: "If there’s nothing, Sixth Sister could accompany her at the mansion, also to keep your elder sister company."

Xiqiu’s eyes showed surprise but then it disappeared: "Yes!"

Xiao Yanyi continued: "It shouldn’t be too long to wait either; next month is mother’s birthday, then let your eldest sister invite you both over!"

Xiqiu nodded: "Yes!"

Xiao Yanyi noticed he had spoken a lot, and Xiqiu seemed increasingly reserved. He looked down and realized because of the narrow distance behind the tree, they were very close. Xiao Yanyi showed an apologetic look and stepped back half a step, increasing the distance between them.

At this time, a woman hurriedly ran in from outside the door, showing a hesitant face to First Master. The official beside First Master tactfully went into the study room, and then the woman quietly said something in First Master’s ear. His expression changed slightly, and he called out Second Master to explain a few words, and then hurriedly left the courtyard with the woman.

Over here, Xiqiu frowned, secretly guessing what matter could change First Master’s expression, while hearing Xiao Yanyi say: "Please wait here, Sixth Sister; I’ll be right back!"

Taking both of them out was easy, but not being detected was not so simple. Xiqiu understood and nodded, considering whether to retreat back to Madam Xia’s courtyard.

Xiao Yanyi already nodded at her and left the courtyard!

Xiqiu quietly stood there. Soon, another person entered from the courtyard gate. Through the leaves, she couldn’t see the person’s appearance, but he was tall and walked with large steps, entering the study room quickly, yet came out in no time!

A page greeted him eagerly, asking: "Fourth Master Xiao, do you have any instructions?"

"Did you see your elder brother-in-law?" Fourth Master Xiao’s cold face was expressionless, his low voice without any fluctuation.

The young page broke out in a cold sweat, feeling that compared to Fourth Master Xiao, their elder brother-in-law was truly like a reincarnated Bodhisattva, gentle and amiable. He couldn’t help but secretly rejoice that luckily this Fourth Master Xiao wasn’t their brother-in-law!

Thinking so, the page replied: "I haven’t seen him; shall I help you look for him?"

Fourth Master Xiao waved impatiently: "Tell him, I have something to go first!" Then he descended the steps at the entrance.

The young page was surprised: "Yes!" He didn’t dare even offer to send him off.

Fourth Master Xiao walked out with his hands behind his back, while the pages entering and leaving the courtyard automatically lowered their heads and stood to the side, afraid that their wrong posture might anger this notoriously irritable and martial-skilled Fourth Master!

Xiqiu too unconsciously slowed her breathing, waiting until Fourth Master Xiao reached the door before she fully saw his appearance: long almond eyes slightly squinted, deep pupils like a deep pool that seemed able to draw you in with a glance. His high nose and tightly pursed thin lips emitted a cold aura warning strangers to keep away!

She frowned, being reminded of Xiao Yanyi and Xiao Yanzheng, both born from the Marquis Mansion Dowager, yet they were worlds apart!

She turned her head, secretly adjusted her posture, but just then, Fourth Master Xiao stopped abruptly at the entrance and unexpectedly glanced over in her direction!

Xiqiu felt all her nerves suddenly tighten, her blood seemingly frozen.

Luckily, Fourth Master Xiao just glanced over, then turned away expressionlessly and left the door.