Zhu Xiuxiu was quite generous, directly holding out a large silver ingot worth ten taels.
Xie Si couldn’t help but widen his eyes; this could cover his food expenses for two years at Luming Academy. But then he thought of his sister, whom he hadn’t seen for several years...
"I’m sorry, Madam," he said, "the gift for my sister is about the sentint, not just dividing a duck. Look, I’m only back for a little while today and then I have to return to the Academy. How about you co with to the Academy, and I’ll roast a whole one for this young lady? What do you think?"
This was indeed a good idea, Zhu Xiuxiu thought, and she agreed, directly giving the silver ingot to Xie Si.
"That’s excellent. It’ll be just in ti for Suisui’s dinner."
Then she instructed Yunxiang, "You go with this young brother, and when the Roasted Duck is ready, bring it directly back to the Mansion."
Yunxiang nodded in agreent.
Xie Si hurriedly returned the silver ingot. "There’s no need, Madam. You don’t have to give this money. Please have this attendant go to the market and buy two live ducks—don’t kill them. I’ll take them to the Academy and exchange them for one of the Academy’s ducks, and I’ll personally roast it for you."
At the Academy, this was the rule for the many wealthy young masters who wished for Chef Zhou to prepare a Roasted Duck exclusively for them. Chef Zhou didn’t accept extra silver; he only required two ducks in exchange for roasting one.
"Is this a rule at Luming Academy?" Zhu Xiuxiu asked. "How truly strange!"
She handed the silver ingot to Yunxiang. "Do as this young brother says. Buy the ducks and then find..."
Zhu Xiuxiu quickly turned to Xie Si. "Where do you live? And what’s your na? Where should my maid find you?"
Xie Si quickly pointed at the courtyard gate before them. "I live right here."
Zhu Xiuxiu and Huo Xing’Er were both quite surprised. They rembered soone shouting "Pan’Er" earlier and wondered if this young man was Xie Pan’Er’s brother.
Seeing their surprised expressions, Xie Si felt a bit ashad, lowered his head, and said, "I am a mber of the Xie Family, and this is the Xie Family’s Courtyard. We opened a side gate here for convenience. We generally don’t use the main entrance!"
Seeing his deanor, Zhu Xiuxiu and Huo Xing’Er both understood. After all, they were aware of the Xie Family’s internal situation. They nodded and were about to leave when they heard Xiaosuisui exclaim with a soft "HUH?" "This big brother looks so familiar."
Huo Xing’Er and Zhu Xiuxiu couldn’t help the corners of their mouths twitching. "Sweetheart, don’t worry," Zhu Xiuxiu said. "If you want to eat Roasted Duck, just wait a few more hours." This little girl, trying to get close to soone just for a Roasted Duck, is truly adorable, they thought.
Xie Si also found Xiaosuisui quite adorable and couldn’t help but look up at her. When he saw the scar on her face, however, his expression stiffened, and a pang of pity welled up in his heart. Such a young child, with such a large scar on her face. She must have suffered a terrible injury for it to be like this.
He couldn’t help but think of his own sister. When they were young, his sister often took beatings for his sake, so her body was also covered in injuries. Yet, she always managed to protect her face and hands well, precisely so he wouldn’t see them and feel distressed.
"Little sister, go ho with your family for now!" Xie Si said gently. "Big brother promises that you’ll eat the most delicious Roasted Duck tonight."
As Xie Si raised his head, his gaze t Xiaosuisui’s eyes.
Looking into his eyes, the feeling of familiarity beca even clearer to her.
"EH! Your eyes look just like the baby in the Pretty Sister’s father’s mories!"
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