The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 80

Why Insist on Finding the Parrot’s Origin?

Lin Xizhao was stunned for a moment and subconsciously looked toward her younger brother. When Lin Xirui saw her looking at him, the stiff expression on his face slowly melted into an awkward smile. “Ajie¹ and Sheng-meimei² are so close.”

Lin Xizhao felt a little awkward herself. If she hadn’t known that Qu Sheng liked her, she might have just dismissed it as a prank. But now, no matter how much she pretended, she had to admit that Qu Sheng’s kiss was no longer the simple kiss of a younger sister for an older one.

And Qu Sheng’s kiss just now had clearly been intentional, with the purpose of showing Lin Xirui.

The cousins of Qu Sheng’s generation in the Qu family already knew about their situation, and Lin Xizhao knew they wouldn’t gossip. Besides, there was no conflict of interest between them. But Lin Xirui was different. He liked Qu Sheng. If he found out that the person Qu Sheng liked was her, she couldn’t imagine what would happen next.

Qu Sheng wouldn’t just let this deliberate act go. She needed to get her back to the Qu Marquis Residence quickly.

“I’m done eating. I’ll help Sheng-meimei to the classroom first,” Lin Xirui said. Although he was a bit embarrassed, a voice in his heart kept telling him that this was just the usual intimacy between young ladies. Besides, this person was his own sister, who had been inseparable as body and shadow³ from Qu Sheng.

Qu Sheng heard the scrape of Lin Xirui’s chair as he stood up. Her words were brief. “Wait for Jiejie⁴,” she said.

Even when she was angry, she worried that Lin Xizhao wouldn’t eat enough; she certainly wouldn’t leave first now.

Hearing this, Lin Xizhao wanted to say she was full, but she had been feeding Qu Sheng the whole time and hadn’t taken a single bite herself. “I’ll be done in a second.”

“There’s no rush. Sheng’er will wait for Jiejie,” Qu Sheng said, her gaze empty as she faced the spot where Lin Xizhao was speaking.

Lin Xizhao lowered her eyes to glance at her, then at the already half-risen Lin Xirui. “Xirui, you should go ahead.”

Naturally, Lin Xirui didn’t want to go alone. He was hoping to support Qu Sheng on the way and get closer to her.

“I’m not in a hurry either. It’s not time for the Teacher’s lesson yet, so it’s not too late to go later. Ajie, take your time eating.”

With both of them waiting for her, Lin Xizhao ate a little faster. Qu Sheng estimated the time, and just as Lin Xizhao stood up to lead her away, Qu Sheng didn’t move.

She faced Lin Xizhao’s direction and said, “I’m a little tired today, so I won’t be going to the Teacher’s.”

Lin Xirui, who had waited for a long time only to be met with this, looked puzzled. “Sheng-meimei, do you find the Teacher’s lectures too dull?”

Qu Sheng listened with a tilted ear and, after a moment, smiled. “I’m not taking the imperial examination⁵, so what difference does it make if I attend or not?”

Lin Xirui thought that made sense. Qu Sheng was here to recuperate in the first place. Since she felt tired, it was better for her to stay in her room. He couldn’t very well force her to go. Lin Xirui blinked. “That’s fine too. Sheng-meimei should get more rest. It’s not too late to go when you’re well-rested. I’ll head over first, and I’ll come see you at noon.”

“En⁶.” Qu Sheng didn’t maintain her cold tone with him.

Lin Xirui smiled at Qu Sheng, then stood and bowed his head to Lin Xizhao. “Ajie, I’m going to the Teacher’s lesson now.”

Lin Xizhao nodded. “Go on.”

After Lin Xirui left, Lin Xizhao breathed a small sigh of relief. Seeing Qu Sheng sitting there with a calm expression, she felt more and more strongly that they couldn’t stay here for long.

“Sheng’er, I think we should go back to the Marquis Residence.”

Qu Sheng tilted her ear to listen, blinked her eyes, and asked, “Why? Doesn’t Jiejie like staying in her own residence? Besides, don’t you still have to manage the household affairs?”

“Having Xirui and Xikuan here is enough. Father will also lend a hand, so nothing will go wrong,” Lin Xizhao replied, avoiding the important and dwelling on the trivial⁷.

“Then why are we leaving?” Qu Sheng asked deliberately.

Lin Xizhao’s brow furrowed slightly at the question. Wasn’t she just asking what one already knows⁸?

“Jiejie, do you think we won’t see Lin Xirui if we go back to the Marquis Residence?” Qu Sheng naturally knew what Lin Xizhao was thinking. When Lin Xizhao didn’t reply for a long time, Qu Sheng let out a soft laugh. “He, since Jiejie wants to go back, then let’s go back.”

“Feng Qi,” Qu Sheng called out toward the door, summoning Feng Qi who was waiting outside.

They hadn’t brought much with them when they came, so it only took a quarter of an hour to pack.

Lin Xizhao only informed the residence’s steward⁹ before taking Qu Sheng back to the Qu Marquis Residence. Qu Sheng’s purpose in coming here had merely been to get close to Lin Xirui out of spite. Now that her anger had subsided, and she always felt a lack of security at the Lin Residence, returning was the best choice.

The two returned to the Qu Marquis Residence by carriage. When Zhao Jiayu and the others found out, they went to the courtyard to see them. The two had barely stepped inside when Zhao Jiayu followed them in. “How come you’re back after just one day? I was just about to go visit you.”

Lin Xizhao turned to see Zhao Jiayu and smiled faintly. “Sheng’er is more used to living here.”

“What about you?” Zhao Jiayu didn’t think that just because Qu Sheng couldn’t see, everything had to accommodate her. She also knew that Lin Xizhao cared for Qu Sheng the most; whatever Qu Sheng wanted, she would eagerly offer it with both hands, never considering herself.

“I’m fine anywhere,” Lin Xizhao said, leading Qu Sheng to a seat.

Zhao Jiayu’s gaze shifted back and forth between the two. She had asked her Third Sister-in-law a few questions earlier. She was a bit slow when it came to matters of the heart, but her Third Sister-in-law, Qian Shuangying, had always been perceptive. They both agreed that Lin Xizhao wasn’t just being forced by Qu Sheng as she claimed. If there were truly no feelings involved, she would be the first to disbelieve it.

Lin Xizhao helped Qu Sheng sit down, then had a servant bring some warm water to help her clean her hands and poured her a cup of tea.

The three of them sat in the room for a short while before Jin Yunfei also arrived, asking the same question as Zhao Jiayu. “How come you’re back after just one day?”

Hearing this, Lin Xizhao curved her lips into a gentle smile. “It’s a bit noisy at the residence, not as quiet as it is here.” It wasn’t noisy, but Lin Xirui was certainly clingy like a leech.

Qu Sheng didn’t expose Lin Xizhao’s answer. She sat quietly to the side, appearing very obedient. Seeing that there was nothing unusual about the two of them, Jin Yunfei didn’t disturb them further. Zhao Jiayu stayed until noon, chatting with Lin Xizhao about this and that, only leaving after the noon meal.

That evening, when Lin Xirui learned that Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao had left, he was restless and uneasy all afternoon. As soon as his lessons were over, he hurriedly took a carriage to the Qu Marquis Residence.

Coming once or twice was one thing, but frequent visits from a man would inevitably arouse speculation. However, since Qu Sheng didn’t refuse him entry into her courtyard, no one questioned it.

“Sheng-meimei, why didn’t you tell me you were leaving?” Although Lin Xirui was happy to see Qu Sheng, the thought of waiting all afternoon for nothing and then finding Lin Xizhao gone too left him feeling a bit dejected. She could have at least sent someone to let him know.

Qu Sheng sat to the side and closed her eyes. Since Lin Xirui was Lin Xizhao’s younger brother and he was already here, it wouldn’t be right to just send him away.

“Sheng’er wasn’t very used to staying at our residence. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision today,” Lin Xizhao explained.

“Oh.” Lin Xirui looked at his sister, a hint of resentment in his eyes. It was one thing for Qu Sheng not to tell him, but even his own sister hadn’t informed him.

Lin Xizhao glanced at Lin Xirui, seeing that he had no intention of leaving anytime soon. “Are all the residence’s affairs taken care of?”

Lin Xirui checked the account books every day and would also review the household expenditures. It wasn’t time for that yet today. He looked up at Lin Xizhao. “Not yet.”

Seeing that it was almost time for the evening meal, and to prevent Qu Sheng from playing the same old trick again, Lin Xizhao decided to be an unaccommodating sister for once. “Then you should hurry back. Don’t let anything go wrong.”

Since Lin Xizhao wasn’t asking him to stay for the evening meal, he looked toward Qu Sheng, but she had her eyes closed and seemed very tired. He lowered his gaze in thought for a moment, then looked back at Lin Xizhao. “Alright then, I’ll head back first.”

“Sheng-meimei, if you need me for anything, just send someone to call me anytime,” Lin Xirui suddenly added as he was about to turn.

He also felt that running here all the time was damaging to Qu Sheng’s reputation. Even though his sister was here, this was, after all, Qu Sheng’s maiden’s chamber¹⁰.

“En.”

In the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea¹¹ since Lin Xirui’s arrival, that single word was all Qu Sheng had said to him.

Lin Xirui kept looking back every three steps, glancing at Qu Sheng and then at his sister. Lin Xizhao just watched him, her face showing no intention of asking him to stay.

Hearing the sound of Lin Xirui leaving, Qu Sheng stood up and called out in a coquettish voice, “Jiejie.”

Lin Xizhao pulled her gaze away from Lin Xirui’s retreating back and turned to look at Qu Sheng. Seeing her raise a hand, she quickly walked over and took it.

At that moment, Lin Xirui also stopped and looked back. And in that one glance, he saw Qu Sheng suddenly pull Lin Xizhao forward and into her arms.

Qu Sheng nuzzled her cheek against Lin Xizhao’s neck, murmuring, “Jiejie, you smell so good.”

The moment Qu Sheng grabbed her, Lin Xizhao’s body stiffened slightly. When Qu Sheng’s head nestled against her neck, her heart immediately began to race in a panic.

As Qu Sheng nuzzled her, Lin Xizhao subconsciously looked toward Lin Xirui, who was walking out the door. He happened to be looking back at them at that very moment. When their eyes met, the same awkward expression from that morning’s breakfast reappeared on Lin Xirui’s face.

This time, Lin Xirui didn’t say anything. He looked at Lin Xizhao, forced a smile onto his lips, and left.

After Lin Xirui was gone, Qu Sheng continued to hold Lin Xizhao. She felt as if it had been a very, very long time since she had last held her. Although she had done it deliberately for Lin Xirui to see, the real sensation of her soft body made her reluctant to let go.

“Sheng’er, it’s time for the evening meal,” Lin Xizhao said. They had been standing there in each other’s arms for a long time, and they had to separate eventually.

“En,” Qu Sheng replied faintly, slowly releasing Lin Xizhao.

As Qu Sheng let go, Lin Xizhao saw a trace of disappointment on her face. Her heart sank. After a moment, she said, “You sit for a bit. I’ll have someone bring the food.” As she spoke, she reached out to help Qu Sheng.

Qu Sheng remained silent until she was seated. Lin Xizhao stared at her for a few moments, unable to discern her emotions, then lowered her gaze and went to the door.

Lin Xizhao opened the door and instructed a servant to bring the evening meal. Qu Sheng sat quietly, listening, and when Lin Xizhao returned, she raised her hand again.

With no outsiders present, Lin Xizhao didn’t overthink it and took her hand. “What’s wrong?”

Qu Sheng didn’t speak. She gently pulled Lin Xizhao closer and rested her head against her slender waist.

Lin Xizhao looked down at Qu Sheng’s posture, her eyes filled with emotion, but she couldn’t be as willful as Qu Sheng. After a long while, Lin Xizhao raised a hand and placed it on Qu Sheng’s head, stroking down her fine hair.

Feeling Lin Xizhao’s gentle fingers, Qu Sheng pressed her cheek even closer.

.

A few days after Qu Sheng returned to the residence, Lin Xirui didn’t come looking for her again, though he did have someone bring her some books for Lin Xizhao to read aloud.

During these days, many doctors had come to the residence, about six of them in total. Qu Sheng had Lin Xizhao set a time for them all to come for a joint consultation.

Unsurprisingly, these doctors were still at a complete loss regarding Qu Sheng’s eyes. Every time, Lin Xizhao would look at the doctors with hopeful eyes, only for them to shake their heads in the end.

Feng Qi saw the doctors out. Inside the room, the members of the Qu family looked at each other, not daring to let Qu Sheng know. Qu Jinian stood to the side, unable to hold back a sigh. To think that this was his only child, forced to feign foolishness to get by since she was young. And just as she reached marriageable age, her eyes had gone blind.

He had originally planned to find a good match for Qu Sheng, so she wouldn’t have to pretend to be a fool after getting married. But who could have known things would turn out like this? It was an unbearable heartache for him.

“Have the people sent to the Haichao Kingdom returned yet?” Qu Jinian asked.

“Eldest Uncle, they only left a few days ago,” Qu Ting reminded him.

Hearing this, Qu Jinian lightly tapped his forehead. “I’m getting old and muddled.” Even at the fastest pace, a round trip would take at least a month and a half. Asking now clearly showed his anxiety.

Seeing Qu Jinian, everyone else grew worried as well. It wasn’t as if they could find the person immediately upon arriving in the Haichao Kingdom. Although the Haichao Kingdom wasn’t as large as the Tiansheng Kingdom, finding a single person within its borders would be no easy task.

“Father, there’s no need to be sad. Your child¹² is fine like this,” Qu Sheng said, her expression serene, a faint smile playing on her lips.

She had grown accustomed to these doctors being helpless with her eyes, but only Lin Xizhao knew that Qu Sheng hadn’t truly accepted it and moved on.

Hearing Qu Sheng’s words, Jin Yunfei recalled what Qu Sheng had said to her that day. A wave of sadness washed over her, and her eyes slowly began to well up with tears.

Qu Jinian saw his wife’s sorrowful expression and, fearing Qu Sheng would hear, said, “Sheng’er, you get some rest. We’ll be leaving now.”

“En. It’s inconvenient for your child to move, so I’ll have Jiejie see the elders¹³ out for me.”

All the elders of the Qu family had gathered here. The room wasn’t large, and with so many people crowded inside, it had been quite noisy for a while.

Lin Xizhao went out with the elders. Qu Yu then said to his wife, “Wife¹⁴, you should go with Xizhao-meimei.”

Zhao Jiayu didn’t suspect anything. Third Sister-in-law Qian Shuangying understood the hint and walked over to take Zhao Jiayu’s arm, leaving with the other elders.

“We’ve had people staking out the teahouse for a long time without seeing that person. Should we send someone into the residence to check?” Qu Ting asked, looking at Qu Sheng.

Qu Ting wanted to send people to secretly investigate the residences comparable to the Lin Prime Minister’s Residence.

“No. Don’t risk beating the grass and startling the snake¹⁵,” Qu Sheng disagreed.

The enemy was in the dark while they were in the open. Staking out a place like this would surely attract notice if someone was paying attention. If something went wrong while sneaking into a residence, they could be struck first to gain the upper hand¹⁶.

They had already suffered a great loss; they had to be extremely careful in their actions.

“So we’re just going to let this clue go?” Qu Yu asked anxiously.

“No. There’s one more person who can help us,” Qu Sheng said, her gaze fixed on the space before her, thinking of Lin Xirui, who hadn’t visited in days.

Half a month later.

Lin Xirui finally couldn’t bear it any longer and found some free time to visit the Qu Marquis Residence again. The relationship between Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao had been lukewarm, and Qu Sheng hadn’t made any more inappropriate moves since that day.

Lin Xirui arrived in the afternoon, and Qu Sheng invited him to stay for the evening meal.

Lin Xizhao sat to the side, feeling somewhat apprehensive, but listening to the tone of Qu Sheng’s conversation with Lin Xirui, she felt she might be overthinking things.

“Xirui-gege¹⁷, why haven’t you come to see me lately?” Qu Sheng’s voice had a hint of sweetness, which momentarily stunned Lin Xirui.

Seeing the faint smile on Qu Sheng’s lips, Lin Xirui knew she was in a good mood today and quickly replied with a smile, “The Teacher’s lessons have been overwhelming lately. With Ajie not at the residence, there have been more household affairs too, so I only just managed to find some time to come out.”

Recently, many officials had been sending gifts to the Lin Prime Minister’s Residence. Lin Xirui had to deal with them while also keeping up with his studies. By the time he was done, it was already evening, and it wouldn’t be appropriate to visit the Qu Marquis Residence then.

He did have some free time in the mornings, but if he came then, Qu Sheng would probably still be asleep.

“Oh, then let Jiejie go back to the residence for a few days. That way Xirui-gege can get some rest,” Qu Sheng said thoughtfully.

Hearing this, Lin Xirui quickly said, “No, no, I can handle it. Sheng-meimei needs Ajie’s care too. I’ll definitely come over often when I have the time.”

Lin Xizhao had entrusted him with the residence’s affairs, which was a great show of trust. Although he sometimes didn’t handle things as well as she did, he could be considered able to handle a task alone. Seeing how much Qu Sheng relied on his sister a few days ago, he couldn’t possibly let Lin Xizhao leave her side.

“Has the residence been very busy lately?” Lin Xizhao had been completely focused on Qu Sheng these past few days and had heard little of outside matters.

“A little. I heard His Majesty…” Lin Xirui glanced at the maidservant outside the door and lowered his voice. “I heard His Majesty is going to grant several Royal Peerages¹⁸, and Father is among those being considered. Those officials have flocked to a place upon hearing news, all scrambling to send gifts to Father.”

She had heard about this many years ago. It was precisely because of this Royal Peerage that her mother and unborn sibling had been cruelly harmed by Earl Yongshen. It seemed His Majesty was now fully prepared to sideline those ministers.

But if that happened, the position of Prime Minister would surely be abolished. What position would her father hold then? Hearing Lin Xirui say that many officials were sending gifts, it seemed he wouldn’t be cast aside.

Qu Sheng heard their conversation clearly, her expression unchanging. She had known about this for a long time. The current Emperor wanted to strengthen his monarchical power and consolidate all authority, which meant he had to abolish several key positions. Since people were occupying those positions, they naturally had to be compensated.

Although no one wanted to give up real power, the Son of Heaven had been planning this for so long that he must have found a very reasonable pretext. Short of rebellion, they had no choice but to accept, no matter how unwilling they were.

“Jiejie should go back to the residence for a few days. Sheng’er will be fine here.” As time passed, Qu Sheng had grown used to not being able to see. In her own courtyard, she felt no panic even without her sight.

Lin Xizhao was also worried something might go wrong. She looked at Qu Sheng and pursed her lips. “Let Xirui handle it for now. I’ll go back if he really can’t manage.”

Lin Xizhao really wanted to go back, but she didn’t dare leave Qu Sheng. Unless it was something urgent, it was better for her not to leave her side.

Qu Sheng didn’t insist. She looked in Lin Xirui’s direction and said, “Xirui-gege, the parrot you gave me before, I gave it to Third Sister-in-law. I’ve been feeling bored these days. Could you find another one just as clever for me?”

Lin Xirui was slightly taken aback. He remembered that the two brothers from the Qu family had also inquired about it some time ago, wanting to buy one each. He thought for a moment. “Sure. I’ll go for a stroll tomorrow morning and see if there are any better ones.”

“I don’t need a better one. Just one exactly like that one,” Qu Sheng stated her requirement.

“Exactly the same, huh…” Lin Xirui seemed to be in a bit of a bind.

“Can’t you find one?”

“No, I can.” It was rare for Qu Sheng to ask him for something; he had to find it for her no matter what. But finding an identical one would require it to be from the same clutch or trained by the same person.

Lin Xirui thought it over. He would have to find the person who sold him the parrot and ask them to inquire about its origins. Then he could go and buy another one.

Lin Xirui readily agreed, and Qu Sheng smiled in satisfaction. Lin Xizhao, sitting to the side and listening to their conversation, grew suspicious.

A parrot. Why go to such lengths to find its origin? Lin Xizhao had already guessed Qu Sheng’s motive for asking Lin Xirui to find the parrot.

After Lin Xirui left, Qu Sheng went to bathe. Since they were in the Qu Marquis Residence, she wasn’t as afraid, so Lin Xizhao went to bathe as well.

This time, however, Lin Xizhao thought she had washed very quickly, but when she came out to look for Qu Sheng, she had already returned to her room. Hearing the servant’s report, Lin Xizhao hurried back.

Qu Sheng was being helped to stand by the bed. Hearing footsteps, she asked with a smile on her lips, “Is that Jiejie?”

“En, Jiejie is back,” Lin Xizhao replied.

“You may go and rest,” Qu Sheng said to the maidservant who was helping her and about to undress her.

After the maidservant left, Lin Xizhao took a few steps forward and took over the task of helping Qu Sheng undress. Qu Sheng raised her arms obediently.

Lin Xizhao helped Qu Sheng onto the bed, and as soon as she got on herself, she was pulled into Qu Sheng’s embrace.

For the past several days, unless Lin Xizhao initiated it, the two had no physical contact on the bed.

Qu Sheng was also trying her best to control herself and not have lustful thoughts about Lin Xizhao. Whenever she couldn’t suppress them, she would ask herself, How can I protect Lin Xizhao when my eyes are blind? This sharp reprimand would gradually extinguish her desire to act frivolously.

Being held so gently by Qu Sheng, Lin Xizhao asked, “What’s wrong? Are you not feeling well?”

Qu Sheng shook her head. “No.”

Lin Xizhao fell silent, looking down at Qu Sheng, and subconsciously placed a hand on her forehead.

Her temperature wasn’t high.

Feeling Lin Xizhao check her temperature, Qu Sheng chuckled softly. “I’m fine.”

Her body might be fine, but her behavior suggested otherwise. Lin Xizhao remained silent, waiting for Qu Sheng to continue.

“I hope Jiejie will go back and take over for Xirui, so he has time to find the origin of that parrot.” Qu Sheng knew Lin Xizhao had already guessed, so she might as well lay everything out on the table.

“Why insist on finding the parrot’s origin?” Lin Xizhao asked, confused.

“That parrot said something it shouldn’t have. I need to find out who its owner is.”

Lin Xizhao’s expression froze slightly. She seemed to guess what kind of person Qu Sheng was looking for. She didn’t press further, but she worried that Qu Sheng would have trouble adjusting after she left.

“Don’t worry, Jiejie. I’ll be fine, and Xirui will be fine too,” Qu Sheng assured her.

She had deliberately let the maidservant help her back just now to show Lin Xizhao that she could return to her room even without her. With so many servants in the Qu Marquis Residence and her family all here, she would be fine for a while.

Lin Xizhao knew that anything Qu Sheng was this invested in must be related to the deaths of Qu Ming or Qu Ce. She lowered her gaze, thinking for a long time before finally agreeing.

The next morning, Qu Sheng stood outside the residence gate, hugging Lin Xizhao who was about to board the carriage, nuzzling her again and again. She was truly reluctant to let Lin Xizhao leave. She would miss her terribly even for a moment, but right now, she had to let her go back.

The two stood at the gate for a long time before Qu Sheng reluctantly let go of Lin Xizhao. After Lin Xizhao got into the carriage, Qu Sheng said to Feng Qi beside her, “You must protect Jiejie well.”

“Yes, Young Miss,” Feng Qi said with a bow.

Feng Qi mounted his horse with a team of men. Lin Xizhao kept the carriage curtain lifted until she could no longer see Qu Sheng outside the gate, then finally let it fall.

One day, two days, three days. Qu Sheng could have gone with Lin Xizhao, but she chose to stay at the Marquis Residence. She wanted to test how long she could last without Lin Xizhao, and whether she could get used to it.

Qu Sheng sat in the courtyard, gazing at the red sun in the sky, her thoughts having long since flown to Lin Xizhao.

“Young Miss Sheng, someone from the Lin Prime Minister’s Residence just came, saying that Eldest Young Miss Lin requests your presence.”

Qu Sheng, who had been sitting, stiffened slightly. She looked with her empty eyes at the guard temporarily lent to her by Zhao Jiayu and asked, “Did they say what it’s about?”

The guard looked up. “They said she misses you.”

Qu Sheng frowned slightly. The current Lin Xizhao would never say she missed her like that, but the message this guard brought might not be false. She asked again, “Did the messenger have a waist token¹⁹ from the Lin Prime Minister’s Residence?”

The guard replied respectfully, “Yes, and also a token of trust²⁰ from the Eldest Young Miss.”

“Bring it here.”

“The person said they can only give it to you upon seeing you,” the guard said, not having the token himself.

Qu Sheng thought for a few moments. “Fine, let him come over.”

The guard went out and returned with a thin servant dressed in the uniform of the Lin Prime Minister’s Residence.

Hearing the footsteps approach, Qu Sheng raised her hand. The man was quick-witted and immediately understood, placing the object in her hand.

Qu Sheng felt the shape of the hairpin with her hands. It seemed to be the one Lin Xizhao often wore. She stood up without further thought. “Prepare the carriage.”

As she got into the carriage, Qu Sheng recalled the servant’s voice. It sounded familiar, likely one of the servants from Lin Xizhao’s courtyard. And the hairpin in her hand was one she had commissioned herself; it was definitely Lin Xizhao’s.

What she didn’t understand was why Lin Xizhao, knowing full well she couldn’t see, would still send someone to summon her. It seemed illogical.

She was curious to see where this man would take her.

The carriage from the Qu Marquis Residence stopped in front of the Lin Prime Minister’s Residence. Hearing the voices of the guards on duty, Qu Sheng confirmed that this was indeed the place.

The guard beside her also confirmed it.

Qu Sheng entered the Lin Prime Minister’s Residence and went straight to Lin Xizhao’s courtyard, but a servant told her that Lin Xizhao had gone out two quarters of an hour ago.

“Young Miss Sheng, this servant²¹ thinks he just saw someone from the Xiao Residence,” the guard said, offering an arm for Qu Sheng to rest on, while looking up at a person who had been furtively glancing at them from a distance.

“The Xiao Residence?”

“Yes, it’s Young Master Xiao’s guard, currently dressed in the clothes of a Lin Residence servant.” He recognized him.

This guard was none other than the one from the Xiao Residence who had tried to throw Zhao Jiayu to her death long ago. Qu Yu had taken him, originally intending for Zhao Jiayu to kill him for revenge, but Zhao Jiayu was soft-hearted. Seeing that his martial arts were second only to Feng Qi’s, she had kept him.

This guard had signed a death contract²² with the Qu Marquis Residence, and his family had been moved into the residence to live. Qu Yu also gave him a very generous monthly salary. He had been by Zhao Jiayu’s side for some time now and had proven to be loyal and reliable.

Hearing that Xiao Yaocai’s guard had infiltrated the Lin Prime Minister’s Residence, Qu Sheng frowned slightly. After a moment’s thought, she said, “Go follow him.”

The guard hesitated, so Qu Sheng added, “It’s fine. If you don’t go, how will I know what he’s planning?”

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