Sang Ruoying's behavior was somewhat unexpected, and he didn't seem to be the cold-hearted person rumored to be. Could this guy be a stubborn, honest type?
I spent a minute thinking about it, then put it out of my mind and started studying books on sculpture. I found many, and by piecing them together, I was able to get a general idea of what was going on.
I finally found something to do to pass the time, and I became engrossed in it, regretting that I hadn't read more books related to my major back then.
Three days later, my complexion improved somewhat, and the mistress had a servant invite me to dine with her.
When Xie Qingzhi and Xie Qinglan saw me, their eyes were filled with complicated emotions and worry.
Being stared at like that made me feel like my face was being poked around with chopsticks. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, I finished my meal and looked at my two older brothers, "Second brother, third brother, is there something you want to say to me?"
Xie Qinglan paused for a moment, then, remembering there were other people at the table, pulled me into the courtyard. Her eyes were filled with concern as she said bluntly, "Are you sure you like someone Sang Ruoying? That guy is no pushover. He can't find a wife precisely because he's all talk. And his personality is awful..."
I:"..."
"Well, there are pros and cons. Although this person has a bad personality, he is morally upright and never goes to brothels."
This ability to maintain personal integrity has indeed set him apart from many high-ranking officials.
In ancient times, it was common to have multiple wives and concubines.
It seems that only a deserted backyard is considered a problem.
"I've noticed you haven't made any moves this month. Is it because you lack experience and don't know where to start, or...?" Xie Qinglan gripped my shoulders, seemingly very concerned about my marriage prospects.
I looked at him and slowly uttered the scumbag declaration that left Xie Qinglan speechless. "Brothers, don't worry about me. I'm just a man."
That's all! He's a man!
Even Xie Qingzhi, who had been standing silently to the side, looked over, his eyes filled with shock.
Seeing the complicated looks on my brothers' faces, I continued, "I've already spoken to Dad. This doesn't need to be a big deal. It's just a ceremony; I don't need any of that. If things don't work out, I can just find a decent man."
Xie Qinglan's expression turned somewhat grim. " Zhou'er, tell me the truth, was it Sang Ruoying gave you this terrible idea, just to protect himself?"
Me: "..." Sang Ruoying really unlucky; it seems she's always the scapegoat.
"No, I've already told Father that I'll figure something out when the time comes, so my brothers don't need to worry."
I had been standing there for a while, and after expressing my opinion, I left without noticing my brothers' blank expressions.
Xie Qinglan stood there, murmuring, " Zhou'er doesn't seem like the type to like Sang Ruoying either..."
"Not necessarily, after all, Zhou'er has always been meticulous."
I didn't know my brothers thought I was meticulous. Apart from the secret of my time travel, I didn't plan to act much. I even occasionally forgot about my amnesia, and my persona would sometimes break down.
As for me, I'll play with everyone if I feel like it.
It was the same in my past life.
I propped my head up, sitting on the sedan chair, my body swaying slightly, constantly thinking about what to do after I recovered. Now, I couldn't think of anything I particularly wanted to do.
Eating a spicy hot pot meal? You'll only hurt yourself.
Want to go hiking for a panoramic view? There's no cable car down, and there's likely to be bugs on the mountain...
Go running a marathon? You'll get tired of it after a few days.
evening
My mistress was worried that I didn't know how to flirt with men, so she decided to teach me some methods for pursuing them.
I was a little surprised; they had actually alerted the mistress!
Even she worries that I won't find a partner. To be honest, in front of my mother, I feel it's something I'm embarrassed to talk about and ashamed of.
"You don't need to worry. I've met Lord Sang a few times at palace banquets. He's a handsome man, although... he's quite perceptive in his dealings with people, but he's a kind-hearted person. One year, when my elderly mother, your maternal grandmother, was on her way to a temple to burn incense, her carriage broke down. When Lord Sang saw this, he even got off the carriage himself to help her."
In the eyes of the common people, Lord Sang was a good official; he was honest and upright, not a hypocrite.
My hand, holding the teacup, froze at my lips. I was stunned. Could Sang Ruoying really be a good person?
I don't like to mess with nice and honest people. Although they are kind-hearted, they can be stubborn at times, and once you get together with them, breaking up can be very troublesome.
These kinds of people usually don't want financial compensation, which makes it hard on one's conscience.
" Zhou'er, are you listening?"
"I'm listening, Mother. You don't need to worry, I..."
My mother grabbed my hand as I put down the cup, her eyes filled with unwavering encouragement. "In short, if you like someone, go for it. Whether it's love at first sight or something you've been planning for a long time, standing still means you're not moving forward."
Faced with the mistress's concern, I suddenly wanted to confess, but she didn't give me the chance.
"Starting tomorrow, except for your days off, you will deliver lunch to Lord Sang every day to build a relationship. I've heard the food in the Ministry of Revenue's canteen isn't very good, so take this opportunity to spend more time with him."
As I watched my mother's departing figure, a mix of emotions welled up inside me. Bringing me food? That's such an old-fashioned thing to do.
But when I thought of my mother's nervous expression, as if she had finally become a strategist, I couldn't refuse.
Rather than saying it was to pursue a man, it was more accurate to say that she didn't want to cause her mistress any worry or disappointment.
My heart actually had such a thought...
Unbelievable.
The next day, I asked Dongzhu to instruct the kitchen to prepare some moderately flavored food, pack it in a food box, and take it to the Ministry of Revenue.
Along the way, I really regretted getting involved with decent people, and a sense of guilt gradually arose in my heart.
Coupled with the unavoidable task given by the mistress, the guilt intensified even further.
Fortunately, Sang Ruoying doesn't like me.
That's it...
Once Sang Ruoying annoyed, I simply stopped playing the dungeon and declared it a failure.
When we arrived at the Ministry of Revenue, I asked Dongzhu to announce our arrival.
Not long after, Sang Ruoying came out. When he saw me, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.
"Why are you here? Are you feeling better?" Sang Ruoying ignored the servants of the Marquis's residence, jumped directly into the carriage, and sat opposite me.
I suddenly felt a little uneasy; this person didn't start mocking me this time...
Oh no, have I really gone too far?
"You're feeling much better. I brought you food today, and it was a good opportunity to get some fresh air."
Upon hearing Sang Ruoying's lips curled up slightly, but her eyes held a hint of inquiry. "Delivering meals? The young master of the Marquis's mansion personally delivers meals; this is truly rare..."
However, before she could utter the teasing words, Sang Ruoying suddenly remembered that I "liked him," and she stopped herself in her tracks.
"I was presumptuous today. If Lord Sang found it troublesome, I will not come again."