Two days later, early morning.
As a few petals drifted down from the osmanthus tree in Jinxiu Pavilion, Su Xiaoyu carried a bowl of freshly prepared lotus seed congee from the kitchen toward the inner chamber.
Xiao Lingxi had recently become fond of having congee first thing in the morning, specifically instructing Xiaoyu to fetch it at this exact time every day—it had to be freshly cooked and still steaming hot.
Just as she passed through a moon gate, she nearly collided head-on with someone approaching from the opposite direction.
"Oof!" she exclaimed in surprise, quickly stepping back two paces to steady herself.
Looking up, she saw a young man of about seventeen or eighteen standing before her, dressed in a brocade-blue robe with cloud patterns. His features bore some resemblance to the Young Marquis, but lacked that cold severity and depth, instead possessing a more spirited and lively air.
At this moment, he stood with his arms crossed, a pair of peach-blossom eyes examining Su Xiaoyu with unconcealed curiosity and scrutiny, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Su Xiaoyu froze for a moment before collecting herself and quickly lowering her head to curtsey.
"Greetings, Second Young Master."
Her inherited memories told her this was the estate's Second Young Master, Xiao Jingxuan—the one rumored to be unaccomplished… no, wait, the one dedicated to pursuing studies abroad. When had he returned?
Xiaoyu wondered inwardly, though he certainly seemed much more approachable than the Young Marquis.
But that look in his eyes… why did it feel like he was observing a monkey at the zoo?
Xiao Jingxuan watched her properly demure demeanor, recalling how his younger sister Xiao Lingxi had complained to him through gritted teeth.
"That girl looks simple-minded but she's full of tricks! She's completely bewitched our eldest brother, and he keeps finding new ways to torment me because of her!"
Xiao Jingxuan found it quite difficult to connect the image of the "seductress" and "scheming" girl his sister had described with this… well, somewhat dazed and confused-looking maid before him.
"So you're Su Xiaoyu?"
Xiao Jingxuan spoke, his voice carrying the clear brightness characteristic of youth, with a hint of mockery.
"Replying to Second Young Master, yes, this humble servant is she," Su Xiaoyu lowered her head further.
Her sixth sense told her that the Second Young Master's sudden appearance and the way he was looking at her likely had something to do with the Second Young Lady.
In her inherited memories, Second Young Master Xiao Jingxuan and Second Young Lady Xiao Lingxi were known as troublemakers who feared nothing—even Liu Shi found them unmanageable.
Had the Second Young Lady said something about her to him? Was that why he had specifically come to intercept her?
Xiao Jingxuan slowly circled her twice, continuing his examination while pondering to himself.
She's quite pleasant-looking actually—round face that looks like it'd be fun to pinch, bright eyes too. Doesn't seem like someone with so many wicked schemes.
Was Lingxi exaggerating?
But… if she managed to catch the attention of our ice-cold eldest brother, this girl must have something special about her.
Maybe true talent hides its brilliance?
"I heard you've been quite favored by my elder brother recently? And that you've thoroughly angered my sister?"
Su Xiaoyu's heart tightened, and she hurriedly denied it: "Second Young Master, please see clearly! This humble servant is insignificant and only performs her duties properly. I would never dare to upset the Second Young Lady!"
Heaven be my witness! I've been doing everything to avoid Xiao Lingxi—she's the one constantly picking fights for no reason!
Seeing her eager to distance herself, practically ready to swear to the heavens, Xiao Jingxuan's curiosity grew even stronger.
This reaction… wasn't quite what he had expected.
He suddenly leaned in closer, lowering his voice: "Hey, tell me the truth—does my eldest brother… always keep that stern face when he's with you? Is he ever… well, slightly more approachable?"
He was utterly curious about how his eldest brother behaved in private—it was practically the Ministry of Justice's unsolved mystery of the year!
Su Xiaoyu was caught off guard by his sudden question.
She answered instinctively: "Young Marquis… is naturally dignified."
Approachable? Did Xiao Jingheng even belong in the same sentence as that word? Every time he visited, she hardly dared to breathe!
Xiao Jingxuan rubbed his chin, half-convinced.
His younger sister had claimed she saw their eldest brother personally steady this maid.
But he distinctly remembered how his brother had always despised women getting too close since childhood—back when noble young ladies would swoon right in front of him, he wouldn't even spare them a glance.
His eyes darted craftily as a brilliant idea struck him. He decided to test his theory.
"Enough, forget delivering the lotus seed porridge," he straightened up, waving a dismissive hand.
"You're coming out of the estate with me."
Su Xiaoyu's eyes widened in alarm as she frantically waved her hands. "I can't! If the Second Young Lady blames me, this humble maid couldn't bear the responsibility!"
Though leaving the estate sounded tempting, reason prevailed and Su Xiaoyu refused.
If she just followed the Second Young Master like this, she'd never be able to explain herself clearly later.
Xiao Jingxuan remained nonchalant, his tone brooking no argument. "Stop fussing. I'll send word to Lingxi later—just tell her I'm borrowing you for the day. Would she dare refuse?"
Without waiting for further protest, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward the side gate.
"Wait! Second Young Master! This isn't proper—!"
Terrified, Su Xiaoyu struggled immediately.
But how could she match the strength of a martial-trained youth? She was practically dragged along half-resisting.
At the side gate, an inconspicuous blue-curtained carriage stood waiting. Xiao Jingxuan unceremoniously bundled Su Xiaoyu inside and produced a neatly folded set of servant's clothing.
"Hurry up, change into these before we leave."
With that, he dropped the curtain and turned his back.
Su Xiaoyu stared in stunned silence!
He'd clearly prepared this in advance.
Clutching the clothes, she hesitated to change: "S-Second Young Master, where are you taking this maid?"
Xiao Jingxuan glanced back, flashing a mischievous grin with his little canine teeth showing.
"From now on, you're my attendant. These clothes are for convenience—stop dawdling and change already."
Su Xiaoyu felt like crying but had no tears.
Well.
It seemed there was no escaping today.
Since that's how it was…
She might as well resign herself. What say could a mere maid have anyway?
Finally, with much grumbling, she changed into the slightly oversized servant's outfit and tied her hair into a male attendant's bun.
From a distance, she truly resembled a pale, delicate page boy who hadn't quite grown into his clothes—the loose sleeves and trousers billowing emptily, making her appear even more petite. Her face still carried traces of panicked bewilderment, creating a rather comical sight.
Xiao Jingxuan rubbed his chin and gave a slight nod:
"Good, good. Once we're on the street, you'll follow behind me. Do whatever I say and don't speak out of turn, understand?"
Su Xiaoyu pouted and replied softly, "Understood, Second Young Master."
The carriage rocked along the way, eventually coming to a stop at the entrance of a bustling street market.
"Get down." Xiao Jingxuan was the first to jump off the carriage, turning back to beckon her.
Su Xiaoyu quickly followed him off the carriage and was immediately captivated by the sights and aromas before her.
Shops lined both sides of the street, selling all kinds of goods, with the most numerous being various snack stalls.
There was the aroma of freshly baked sesame cakes, the sweet scent of sugar figurines, the rich fragrance of stewed delights…
Su Xiaoyu's appetite was instantly awakened.
[Heavens! It's the West Market! So much food, wow!]
Her eyes instantly lit up, all her previous anxiety and unease vanishing into thin air. Her gaze wandered among the various snack stalls, nearly overwhelmed by the dazzling array of options.