Meeting Qiaoqiao for the First Time

Because Fang Tingxiu was neither married nor engaged.

Many men wanted to marry him after passing the imperial examination, but Fang Tingxiu refused them all.

What's the meaning behind Gu Anqi bringing Fang Tingxiu here?

Therefore, Xu Weibei completely ignored Gu Anqi, walked past him to Gu Wanning, and raised his hand—

Gu Wanning was dumbfounded.

Then Xu Weibei pulled her cloak up a little tighter. "Have you been here long? It's a bit cold today."

Gu Wanning: "???"

She awkwardly took a step back, avoiding his hand, and said with a hint of distance, "Happy New Year, Marquis."

How did he get it?

Amnesia

Did they forget about their divorce?

Even if they hadn't divorced, they maintained a distant and respectful distance from each other.

Xu Weibei was displeased when he saw her avoid him and glared at Fang Tingxiu.

Fang Tingxiu: "..."

Xu Weibei looked at the unfinished candied hawthorn in Gu Wanning's hand and shamelessly asked, "Is it good? You didn't seem to like sour things before."

"I like eating it now," Gu Wanning said expressionlessly.

She's pregnant, but it's not yours. Return it.

It's really annoying; it's preventing her from making money.

She also wanted to have a good discussion with Fang Tingxiu about the current sugar-making techniques in the South!

Chapter 153 First Encounter with Qiaoqiao

Gu Anqi said, "I wouldn't dare to delay Your Marquis's time. Gu Wanning, Ting Xiu, let's go."

Er Ya glanced at him, remained silent, and thought to herself, "Grandpa, are you doing this on purpose?"

Why must we talk about the girl and Fang Tingxiu together?

The Marquis was so angry his nose almost twisted.

Gu Wanning didn't understand her elder brother's "deeper meaning," but Xu Weibei did.

He really wanted to kick Gu Anqi all the way to Java Island, but then he remembered...

Pursuing his wife

The road ahead was long, so he suppressed his thoughts and, on a sudden inspiration, decided to "lure the tiger away from the mountain."

"It's better to meet by chance than to invite someone. Since we've run into Lord Gu and Lord Fang, shall I treat you both to tea?"

He'll have plenty of opportunities to get close to Gu Wanning in the future; if all else fails, he can climb over the wall, but he can't give Fang Tingxiu that chance.

--At such an advanced age, not being married might just be a way to find a good match.

Gu Wanning is beautiful, capable, and comes from a good family. That's why he came running as soon as he heard she was getting a divorce.

Hypocritical!

Xu Weibei silently made a small grudge against Fang Tingxiu in his mind.

Eager to get rid of Xu Weibei, Gu Wanning quickly said, "Brother, why don't you go have some tea and talk? It's been a long time since I've seen the others, so let's chat together too."

"Yes, Qin Lie, you're here too," Xu Weibei said to Qin Lie, who had come looking for him. "Let's go sit down together."

Qin Lie was somewhat puzzled, but he still nodded, casually handing the rabbit fur hand warmer in his hand to his First Concubine: "My mother made it for the eldest daughter, but she didn't know what size to make, so she made one of each size."

The First Concubine blushed and refused to accept it.

Why is this guy acting so familiar with me in front of so many people?

If she hadn't been with him in her past life, it would be one thing, but she had, so she knew Qin Lie was doing it on purpose.

Qin Lie continued, "I know you're good at needlework, but I don't care for it. My mother doesn't know anything, but when she heard I was following the Marquis, she complained that I didn't know how to give gifts and insisted on helping out by making things for the eldest daughter. Oh well, just throw it away, she won't know anyway."

After saying that, he casually reached out to throw it.

The First Concubine quickly reached out to take it, saying, "This servant thanks the old lady on behalf of the eldest young lady."

Gu Wanning couldn't help but chuckle.

Brine is used to curdle tofu; one thing subdues another.

Even if the First Concubine has the script, she'll still fall for it if she's meant to.

There's no way around it. Even if we start over, she'll still be herself, and Qin Lie will still be Qin Lie.

Xu Weibei watched with envy, jealousy, and resentment—how could Qin Lie be so skilled!

Without leaving a trace, with effortless skill.

The men left, Fourth Concubine breathed a sigh of relief, "Finally gone, all that nagging. Happy New Year, Sister!"

After she finished speaking, she looked at Gu Wanning expectantly.

My monthly allowance is depleted; I'm counting on New Year's red envelopes to recoup my losses.

Gu Wanning glared at her and told Er Ya to distribute the prepared red envelopes to everyone.

Second Concubine leaned over and whispered to Gu Wanning, "Sister, is that the Tanhua? He's so handsome. You're not here to arrange a marriage, are you?"

Gu Wanning: "... Would you like me to find a match for you?"

"Yes, I want it!" said the Second Concubine. "Please, elder sister, go to your troubles."

"Pah!" Gu Wanning spat at her. "You want everything."

Zhi Nu gave Jiaoniang a red envelope.

Jiaoniang confiscated it.

Zhi Nu said, "I am the older brother, and you are the younger sister."

Gu Wanning smiled and said, "Jiaoniang, accept it. Let's satisfy Zhi Nu's wish to give out red envelopes."

Jiaoniang blushed and accepted the gift, whispering, "Thank you, Zhi Nu."

"Let's go, let's go," Fourth Concubine said, "Let's find somewhere to eat."

It was crowded everywhere; you even had to queue to eat.

Fourth Concubine was the most impatient with queuing and could walk a lot, so she pulled everyone forward until they reached almost the end of the temple fair before finding a small stall with hardly anyone around.

The stall owner was a young woman, about eighteen or nineteen years old, with delicate features. Her black hair was wrapped in a headscarf, giving her Gu Wanqing appearance. She also had a maidservant helping her.

The stall had few customers and was very clean.

Looking at the lackluster business, Gu Wanning suspected that the stall was either overpriced or the food was terrible, but since the stall owner seemed to like her food, she still asked, "What kind of food do you sell? How much is a bowl?"

"Rice noodles, this is a specialty from my hometown," the stall owner said in a clear, melodious voice. "Ten coins a bowl, would you ladies like to try some?"

It's alright!

Where is the pit?

Gu Wanning then looked at the large bowl in front of her containing minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, and other condiments. "Does this cost money?"

"It's free, add as much as you like."

"Okay."

"Sister, have you ever eaten this?" Fourth Concubine asked hesitantly. "Can this stuff even taste good?"