"Young Master Zheng, is that you?" Qin Yun asked reflexively.
This was because Xie Qianmo was still wearing a mask.
Qin Yun was judging based on his appearance.
Xie Qianmo's attire today was identical to that on the night of the lantern festival, making it impossible for Qin Yun not to recognize him.
Xie Qianmo had intentionally dressed this way, precisely so Qin Yun would recognize him as Young Master Zheng immediately.
Xie Qianmo smiled and walked up to Qin Yun. "Young Master Qin?"
"Hahaha... what a coincidence, I didn't expect you to be here too!"
Leng Ye, disguised as an old man, looked speechless.
He slightly turned his head to the side.
Leng Feng had been right before; his current master was unbearable.
It was clearly a deliberately staged encounter, yet he was pretending to… bump into someone by chance!
He should have let Leng Feng come instead.
That fellow must be off teasing the young maids in the embroidery room again!
"Young Master Zheng, why have you come?" Qin Yun asked curiously.
Xie Qianmo curved his lips. "I heard from my servants that there's a group of refugees in the northern suburbs, so I thought I'd come and have a look, and bring some food and warm bedding!"
After listening to Xie Qianmo, Qin Yun nodded in agreement.
Then, he walked past Xie Qianmo and went to the four carriages behind.
Qin Yun walked around, taking a rough count.
Food, bedding, canvas, supporting frames – everything was there!
Crucially, the last carriage contained a large pot, charcoal, and some bamboo bowls.
Seeing this, Qin Yun slapped his forehead.
She had forgotten to ask Xiao Ju to bring a large pot, and had completely forgotten about the charcoal and other items.
Without charcoal for fire and a pot, how could they cook the food?
Looking at the items beside her,
She greatly admired this Young Master Zheng; he was truly meticulous.
"Young Master Qin, how is it? Are the items I prepared adequate?"
Qin Yun gave him a thumbs-up. "More than adequate, they're perfect!"
"Is that so?" Xie Qianmo was delighted by Qin Yun's praise.
"As long as Young Master Qin is satisfied!"
Qin Yun paid no attention to Xie Qianmo's last remark.
Her entire focus was on the refugees.
Looking at the food on the carriages, she said, "Young Master Zheng, quickly have your people unload these things. Let's start the fire and cook porridge as soon as possible! Before it gets dark, let's set up more tents. That way, the refugees can sleep more comfortably!"
Xie Qianmo nodded.
He then divided all his servants into three groups.
First group: start the fire and cook porridge.
Second group: set up tents.
Third group: distribute clothes and bedding to the refugees, and tend to the injured and sick.
After assigning all the tasks,
Qin Yun nodded with satisfaction.
She found this Young Master Zheng to be very intelligent.
He handled matters clearly and efficiently, covering every aspect.
His thought process was much clearer than hers.
Qin Yun stepped forward and couldn't help but ask, "Young Master Zheng, may I ask you a question?"
Xie Qianmo nodded. "Please, go ahead!"
"What is your relationship with the General's Mansion?"
Qin Yun knew clearly that Zheng Haonan was the second son of the General's Mansion, and his elder brother, Zheng Nanjun, guarded the border for years.
As far as she knew, the General's Mansion had only two young masters: Zheng Nanjun and Zheng Haonan. So, who was this person in front of her…?
In the capital, the most famous Zheng family was the General's Mansion. She didn't know of any others.
Xie Qianmo said seriously, "I have no relation to the General's Mansion. My family is just a humble household in the capital. It's normal for a prominent figure like Young Master Qin not to have heard of me."
Qin Yun nodded, thinking it made sense.
She walked up to Xie Qianmo and patted his shoulder. "Young Master Zheng, please don't take offense. I was just curious and asked casually."
Looking down at Qin Yun's small hand on his shoulder, Xie Qianmo was stunned.
This was the first time this boy had touched him voluntarily.
Seeing Xie Qianmo looking down at her hand, Qin Yun quickly withdrew hers.
Thinking she had offended him again, she said, "Um, I didn't mean to."
Xie Qianmo smiled. "It's alright."
"Young Master Zheng, why are you wearing a mask? Could it be you have some unspeakable secret?"
Qin Yun was most curious about Xie Qianmo's face.
Why did this man always wear a mask?
Could it be disfigurement?
"Indeed, I have an unspeakable secret. I hope Young Master Qin will be discreet!"
Qin Yun gasped!
Had her guess actually been right?
She had just said it casually.
Never mind!
Since the other party had a secret, she shouldn't pry into his wounds.
"I'll go check on the refugees!" Qin Yun turned and went among the refugees, examining the injuries of the weak and infirm.
Xie Qianmo watched from a not-too-close distance.
It turned out this boy also had such a considerate side.
Half an hour later,
Xiao Ju and her group arrived at the outskirts according to Qin Yun's instructions.
Behind Xiao Ju were four carriages, most of which were loaded with food, bedding, and canvas.
"Young Master! The items you instructed us to buy have all been purchased!" Xiao Ju trotted over to Qin Yun.
Qin Yun nodded and stepped forward to inspect.
Just as she expected,
There were indeed no pots, bowls, or charcoal.
"Young Master, what are you looking for? I bought everything on your written list, and nothing is missing!"
Qin Yun smiled awkwardly. "Yes, Xiao Ju has done a good job with this."
"Young Master, that gentleman seems to be looking at us? Who is he?" Xiao Ju whispered to Qin Yun.
"And… did that gentleman bring all the items here?"
Qin Yun looked up.
She glanced at Xie Qianmo not far away.
Just then,
Xie Qianmo was also looking at Qin Yun.
Qin Yun quickly averted her gaze, feeling a little curious. Why did this Young Master Zheng keep staring at her?
"Yes, these beddings and medicines were brought by that Young Master Zheng! And the porridge being cooked over there was also his contribution!"
Xiao Ju smiled. "I didn't expect him to be so kind-hearted! But why is he wearing a mask? It's so strange."
Qin Yun shrugged and casually said, "Perhaps he's disfigured? Otherwise, why would he be hiding his face?"
Xiao Ju frowned and nodded with a sigh of pity.
The porridge was soon ready.
The servants instructed everyone to form orderly lines.
The maids and older women distributed the porridge.
The refugees were also very grateful.
Some even kowtowed in thanks.
Seeing everyone having food, clothes, and a place to sleep in tents for the night, Qin Yun felt that… it was all worth it.
"What are you thinking about?"
Suddenly,
Xie Qianmo appeared behind Qin Yun at some unknown time.
"Young Master Zheng, do you walk without making a sound? You startled me!" Qin Yun patted her chest. How could this person be so stealthy?
"My apologies, I startled you."
Qin Yun waved her hand. "It's nothing."
"Um… I've checked, and it seems the tents are almost all set up, and there are enough of them. These refugees won't have to sleep outdoors tonight."
Xie Qianmo nodded and looked at Qin Yun. "Night will fall soon. Will Young Master Qin return to your residence tonight? Or… will you stay here for the night?"
Qin Yun looked at the number of refugees and the tents that had been erected. "I'll stay here for the next few days! I'll return after stabilizing the situation with the refugees."
Xie Qianmo crossed his arms, a smile on his lips. "That was my intention as well."
"May I… share a tent with Young Master Qin?"