As Su Xiaoqi reminded him, Liang Jingchen realized his lapse in composure.
He quickly composed himself, his eyes, as still as ice peaks, scanned the surroundings without revealing his emotions.
Fortunately, the location was secluded enough that no one had arrived yet.
His gaze deepened, and he immediately reverted to his usual detached coldness, though a close observer might still detect a lingering trace of affection for Su Xiaoqi in the corners of his eyes.
"Sister Xiaoqi, Brother A'chen, someone's coming," Baoge'er, who had been largely ignored, quietly tugged at their sleeves, his eyes darting about rapidly.
Upon hearing this, Su Xiaoqi realized she and Liang Jingchen were standing too close.
This would be considered normal personal space in modern times.
However, here, it could easily lead to gossip. She quickly stepped back, creating distance between them.
Seeing her deliberately distance herself from him, Liang Jingchen’s heart ached.
He couldn't help but think that one day, he would make it so she didn't have to do this.
"Brother A'chen, I've found Sister Xiaoqi. You should go back quickly before your uncle can't find you."
Liang Jingchen glanced at Su Xiaoqi and tentatively said, "Xiaoqi, don't be afraid. If you need anything, just send someone to find me nearby."
The garden was vast, divided into two sections for men and women to enjoy the scenery separately.
Artificial mountains and strange rocks provided natural barriers.
Only robust maids were stationed at key intersections to prevent male guests from wandering into the women's areas, which would cause offense and break etiquette.
Su Xiaoqi acknowledged him, a strange emotion stirring within her.
It felt like not long ago, the young man before her was someone she needed to care for like an older sister.
But in such a short time, he had grown into a self-reliant young man, even vowing to protect her.
She smiled and thanked Liang Jingchen, but also considered that his situation might not be entirely smooth, given he had only recently arrived. The imperial family was, at any time, the most ruthless and cruel.
"Xiaoqi, it's not convenient today. I will visit you in a few days," Liang Jingchen said, looking around as sounds began to drift in.
Someone was approaching, and he couldn't linger any longer lest it damage Su Xiaoqi's reputation.
Su Xiaoqi wanted to ask Liang Jingchen about his experiences during this time, and then check his throat again, as well as remind him of a few things. Hearing his words, she readily agreed.
She even gave him the address of her home in Mao'er Hutong.
As they chatted, Baoge'er felt neglected.
He pouted and tugged at Su Xiaoqi's clothes, acting spoiled, "Sister Xiaoqi, Sister Xiaoqi, you're not paying attention to me anymore."
Su Xiaoqi waved goodbye to Liang Jingchen and crouched down, looking at the sulking Baoge'er with a smile.
She took out the building block design blueprints she had prepared from her sleeve.
She asked him if he had received the building blocks she sent him previously.
"I received them, they're so fun! But, but I've forgotten how to assemble the puzzle cube you taught me last time."
Su Xiaoqi chuckled. Baoge'er was just like this. Despite his noble birth, and the short time she had known him, he was truly an easy-going and easily appeased child.
No matter how upset he was, as long as she distracted him with a toy, he would immediately set aside his emotions and immerse himself in the toy.
"Look, these are blueprints for building blocks. You can build many things with them, like trains, cars, and even a Ferris wheel..."
"Sister Xiaoqi, what are trains and cars..."
Su Xiaoqi was momentarily speechless. She had gotten too carried away and hadn't realized she had brought over things built with modern LEGO blocks.
"Oh, these are just toys, toys from my hometown.
Alas, do you have your puzzle cube with you? Perhaps we should play with that instead."
Su Xiaoqi saw that it was difficult to hide the truth. If she wanted to conceal this matter, she would have to tell more lies.
But looking at the innocent and adorable Baoge'er, she couldn't bring herself to lie, so she awkwardly changed the subject.
Fortunately, Baoge'er's interest in the puzzle cube remained undiminished. Upon hearing that Su Xiaoqi would play with him, he was happier than anything.
The two, one big and one small, sat in the pavilion leaning against the railing, turning a brightly colored hexahedron in their hands.
"This step, do it like this. No, not like this, it should be like this..."
"Oh, Sister Xiaoqi, you've successfully completed one side, two sides. Ah, four sides.
You're almost there, keep going..."
As they were playing enthusiastically, an old wet nurse hurried over, bowed to both of them, and then said to Su Xiaoqi,
"Miss, our Old Madam has arrived and requests to speak with you. " Su Xiaoqi looked up and saw that the person was indeed Lin Mammy, who was by the side of the Old Madam of Duke Yu's mansion.
"Alright, I'll be there immediately," Su Xiaoqi replied, her fingers moving extremely quickly as she twisted the puzzle cube. Soon, with a dazzling display of manipulation, the cube's six faces were solved.
"There, all done."
"Ah... Sister Xiaoqi, you've already solved it. But, but I haven't learned yet." Baoge'er looked a bit embarrassed.
Was he very stupid? Sister Xiaoqi had taught him several times, but he still hadn't learned.
"No, you're not. You're very smart. It's just that this kind of thing requires a lot of practice. The more you play, the more proficient you become, and you'll know how to twist it just by picking it up.
If you play less, you naturally won't be familiar with it."
After comforting him, Su Xiaoqi told Lin Mammy that she would take him back to the Princess's residence, and then they would go find the Old Madam.
Lin Mammy was not in a hurry. After agreeing, she silently accompanied Su Xiaoqi.
Su Xiaoqi took Baoge'er to the Princess, apologized briefly, and then followed Lin Mammy deeper into the garden.
"Hey, Mammy Lin, where are we going?"
Su Xiaoqi, being severely directionally challenged, had tried to memorize the way, but now she was lost in this garden filled with exotic flowers, strange plants, and artificial rocks.
However, Lin Mammy was good at remembering paths. She led Su Xiaoqi through left and right turns to a lavishly built mansion.
She bowed and invited Su Xiaoqi inside.
Su Xiaoqi looked around. Before she could even cross the high threshold, she heard a contemptuous scoff.
"Hee hee, who is this servant girl, barging into our mansion?"
The person's words seemed to be a reprimand, but they held a greater degree of mockery.
Su Xiaoqi was puzzled and turned to look, immediately recognizing an old acquaintance.
She tilted her head and said gently, "It's you. What a coincidence."
"Yes, it is a coincidence. But have you perhaps come to the wrong place? This is the inner residence of the Liu family. Ordinary people are not allowed entry without an invitation."
Zhao Xiaohua was wearing a rose-red, wide-sleeved, gold-embroidered long skirt and a delicate turquoise hairpiece. She exuded an air of nobility.
At this moment, her smile was radiant, and she appeared spirited, shedding the timid demeanor she had in the countryside, appearing dignified and wealthy.
It seemed she had not only come to the capital but was also doing quite well.
She could casually enter and exit a family like the Liu family and speak of it as "my family."
Su Xiaoqi was curious about her relationship with the Liu family.