"Master, Lord Wu from the Ministry of Works has arrived."
The writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, along with the memorial documents, were all moved away. The spacious desk was filled with congee, soup, and pastries. Xie Jiang tasted a bit of each before putting it back.
"Go to the front hall."
Yi Yan Gen left the study to Xie Jiang.
"Young Master, please try this noodle. Master Ruan's skill with noodles is something you've praised before." Steward Zhang served with great care and attentiveness.
Xie Jiang picked up a bowl of congee. "Speak your mind directly, don't beat around the bush."
Steward Zhang chuckled awkwardly. "I just wanted Young Master to try Master Ruan's skills..."
Xie Jiang looked up at him.
Cold sweat dripped from Steward Zhang's forehead.
"I heard from Yuan Liu that you have matters to attend to in the capital, Young Master. I wonder what your plans are, and if you require carriage arrangements?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Steward Zhang wanted to slap himself!
Heaven as his witness, he truly meant well and had absolutely no intention of rushing the guest away!
Xie Jiang glanced at him nonchalantly.
Steward Zhang was terrified, completely unable to fathom the thoughts of this troublesome guest. His back was already drenched in sweat.
Why did he have to open his mouth! How could he be so impatient!
Was he afraid this troublesome guest would overstay his welcome! But, it wasn't his place to decide whether someone stayed or left! If his Master found out he was the one who made the person leave, then he…
This wasn't what he meant to say at all.
He just wanted to know if she had truly forgotten their Master.
If she had truly and resolutely forgotten him and didn't want any further entanglement with their Master, then he would kindly remind her.
Stay far away from their Master.
That was her own intention, wasn't it?
He was truly being kind.
Steward Zhang felt this was the end and began to imagine when he would be declared dead from illness.
Xie Jiang continued to eat.
She specifically tasted the noodles made by Master Ruan.
Xie Jiang nodded. They were indeed good.
Steward Zhang became even more anxious.
Xie Jiang ate to her heart's content and decided to stay for lunch.
Mooches meals, yet acts as if she's bestowing a favor… Yes, yes, it's a favor, a favor.
Since she was going to have lunch, she wouldn't leave until later, and that wouldn't be his concern.
Finally, he didn't have to die from illness.
Steward Zhang wiped away the cold sweat, his heart still pounding.
...
Xie Jiang woke from her nap, feeling too lazy to move. She rolled on the bed. "What time is it?"
Steward Zhang spoke cautiously, "It's already Shen Shi (3-5 PM), Young Master. Are you planning to go out today?"
"Is the horse ready?"
"It has been prepared."
"Where is Yi Yan Gen?"
"Master has been summoned to the palace."
Through the curtain, he vaguely saw her scratch her head. Steward Zhang, fearing that this troublesome ancestor would throw another tantrum, quickly signaled to the servant girls waiting in the outer room.
Although they were hired on the spot, they were absolutely meticulous and trustworthy.
Xie Jiang didn't care who served her, as long as it was to her liking.
Besides, she wasn't always picky; it depended on her mood.
Steward Zhang and Shan Bai accompanied her out.
Shan Bai hesitated for a moment, then couldn't help but ask, "Young Master Xie, do you know the Poison Doctor?"
"Do you want to seek medical advice for your Master?"
"You can state any requirements you have."
Steward Zhang nodded vigorously. As long as their Master could be cured, anything was negotiable.
Xie Jiang stopped and thought seriously. "The first time we met, your Master played the game of 'playing hard to get' with me and acted all prim and proper. It was quite interesting. I'd rather not see him die so easily."
Shan Bai: "..."
Steward Zhang: "..."
Who was playing hard to get with whom?!
But thinking about their Master's behavior, they really couldn't refute it.
Their Master was not living up to expectations, and as his servants and subordinates, they couldn't hold their heads high.
"So, you agree to introduce the Poison Doctor to our Master?"
"It's me."
"..." Please stop joking, didn't you say you'd rather not see the Master die?