Xiao Zhi glanced at his attendant Zhao Fu beside him.
Zhao Fu understood his meaning and trotted over near the rockery, clearing his throat a few times.
The sounds from within the rockery ceased, replaced by faint muffled noises, clearly from someone whose mouth had been covered.
Zhao Fu ran back to Xiao Zhi’s side, bowing as he urged him to continue forward: “Marquis, it’s freezing cold. Let’s head back early.”
Xiao Zhi raised his eyes toward the rockery, his cool voice colder than the night wind: “Call that scoundrel over here.”
Zhao Fu gave Xiao Zhi a troubled look: “Marquis, this…”
Who in the Wu’an Marquisate didn’t know that Daye’s current status was awkward? Fortunately, both Daye and Eldest Mistress were filial, and the Old Marquis was a straightforward man, often testing Daye’s studies and praising him in front of the servants every now and then.
Thus, the servants of the Wu’an Marquisate dared not slight this master.
Wouldn’t summoning Daye out right now be embarrassing him?
Seeing Zhao Fu hesitate, Xiao Zhi raised an eyebrow.
Zhao Fu knew this was a sign of his anger and dared not delay any longer. He trotted back to the rockery: “Daye? It’s stuffy in the cave. Why not come out for some fresh air? The Marquis has something to say to you.”
Inside the cave, Xiao Yujue broke into a cold sweat, and as the night wind blew over him, his mind suddenly cleared.
He lowered his voice to warn Wan Tang: “Do you know what to say and what not to say?”
Wan Tang, whose mouth was still covered, nodded repeatedly.
Only then did Xiao Yujue release her, feeling his way out of the cave. As soon as he emerged, he stumbled forward and was caught by Zhao Fu.
Wan Tang raised a hand to tidy her appearance but reconsidered, simply wiping away her tears before stepping out.
The three of them approached Xiao Zhi one after another.
Xiao Yujue’s heart pounded with fear, but he steeled himself and pretended to be drunk.
He hiccupped, looking around blindly: “Fa… Father?”
Zhao Fu chuckled: “Marquis, Daye is drunk.”
Xiao Zhi’s distant gaze passed over them and settled on Wan Tang behind.
Her hair was disheveled at the temples, her eyes red-rimmed and filled with terror. Her hands clutched tightly at her collar, and her body trembled incessantly, just as it had that day. It was clear she was terrified.
Xiao Zhi snorted coldly: “Others drink to practice socializing, but you drink to practice audacity?”
Xiao Yujue’s breath hitched. He waved a hand drunkenly, as if pushing something away: “You… go away. I have a wife. I… I can’t betray her. I’m not… not interested in you.”
Wan Tang looked at him in disbelief, tears of grievance welling up and spilling over.
Zhao Fu chimed in: “Listen, Marquis. It must be this maid trying to climb up and become a mistress, deliberately seducing Daye. Please return soon, Marquis. It’s cold outside.”
Wan Tang shook her head repeatedly: “I didn’t… This servant didn’t. Please judge fairly, Marquis.”
Tears fell in streams. How could she not know Xiao Yujue’s ruthlessness? But she had long since found out the usual time Xiao Zhi returned to the inner residence, which was why she had deliberately taken another maid’s place to deliver a cloak to Xiao Yujue.
She had anticipated that Xiao Yujue would make advances. No matter how frightened she was, she had to take the risk.
According to the course of her previous life, Song Zhiyun would discover her pregnancy in two months, and not long after, she would have Xiao Yujue take Wan Tang as a concubine.
She refused. She absolutely could not walk the same path again!
Xiao Zhi watched Wan Tang expressionlessly for a moment, then said to Zhao Fu: “Take him back.”
Zhao Fu glanced at his expression, then stole a look at Wan Tang before quickly supporting Xiao Yujue and leaving.
In the cold wind, Wan Tang stood in place, silently shedding tears.
Xiao Zhi felt inexplicably irritated. That day, she had cried just like this—biting her lip, not daring to make a sound, swallowing even the greatest grievances.
Wan Tang quickly composed herself, turned around to pick up the lantern that had fallen on the ground, and cautiously walked over to Xiao Zhi. “Marquis, allow this servant to hold the lantern for you,” she said.
Every word carried a sob, and her shoulders still trembled slightly.
Xiao Zhi frowned and glanced at her twice. “Mm.”
Wan Tang walked slightly ahead, occasionally sneaking a hand up to wipe the corners of her eyes.
Every time Xiao Zhi looked down, he saw this scene, and his frown deepened.
As soon as they returned to Meiyuan, Wan Tang tactfully prepared to withdraw.
Xiao Zhi stopped her. “This marquis doesn’t eat people. Come here.”