Seeing the person approaching, Yu Tingwan’s expression remained unchanged, with not a ripple in her eyes.
No surprise, nor any intention to greet.
Liu Yan felt inexplicably uneasy.
Anyone with eyes could tell that He Yushi was here for Yu Tingwan.
Could it be? Had Yu Tingwan already offended him?
This was indeed sothing she might have done.
She could be really aggravating at tis.
But... He Yushi didn’t seem angry on the surface, and his eyes held too many emotions for Liu Yan to dare look closely.
She figured it out!
It must be Yu Tingwan’s face!
It’s already a rare beauty, making even won like her feel itchy just looking at it.
No matter how unattainable this Lord Imperial Censor is, he’s still a man.
Liu Yan didn’t dare to think too much, quickly paying her respects. Noticing Yu Tingwan next to her remained unresponsive, she tugged at her sleeve.
Yu Tingwan lowered her eyes perfunctorily, "Lord Imperial Censor, greetings."
The young lady started to bow but was stopped by a voice.
He Xuran’s voice was a bit hoarse, "No need for formalities."
Yu Tingwan stood up imdiately, without courtesy.
Yang Weiweng caught up just then.
"Mrs. Wei."
He smiled at Yu Tingwan, "Mr. He isn’t so rigid with rules, no need to be so constrained."
Yang Weiweng, considering himself to have so acquaintance with Yu Tingwan, couldn’t help but exchange a few words.
"Are you here for the market?"
Seeing his attire still as shabby as ever, Yu Tingwan wasn’t surprised: "I went to the end of East Street to have a look, and handle a few things, only to find the stalls extended all the way out here."
Yang Weiweng glanced at the empty basket behind her, about to ask sothing when soone beat him to it.
He Xuran: "Haven’t bought anything?"
Yu Tingwan: "Haven’t seen anything I fancy."
Without passing a ssage to the Gu Family, He Xuran couldn’t bluntly say, I’m your uncle, truly.
He also feared alarming Yu Tingwan.
He Xuran thought, no rush for the mont.
So, he steadied himself, speaking gently: "Girls your age should love jewelry and rouge. It was my oversight visiting empty-handed last ti. If you see sothing today, just put it on my tab."
"Weiweng and I are coincidentally planning to stroll the market, experience Ze County’s customs, may we join you?"
Yu Tingwan looked up, eting his gaze.
Her smile carried a semblance of friendliness, but the reluctance was deeply concealed.
Yu Tingwan was unwilling.
He Xuran’s closeness made her very uneasy.
She was never one to wrong herself.
"I have money."
Yu Tingwan’s voice was soft: "Inconvenient."
Her refusal was straightforward and decisive.
Liu Yan: ???
Her eyes widened, signaling Yu Tingwan.
Be more tactful!
Yu Tingwan acknowledged.
She slowly replied: "What do you think?"
Yang Weiweng: ...
He Xuran never liked dealing with young won either.
Found it too troubleso.
Yet, now things were different.
Being refused by Yu Tingwan, He Xuran was sowhat satisfied.
"It’s good to be cautious outside."
He said gently, "There are many with deceitful intentions, especially among the powerful. Should anyone approach with intentions to get close, you should respond like this, just ignore them."
He Xuran added: "But I’m different."
Yang Weiweng: ...
How are you different?
You’re no better either.
Yet, he had to smooth things over.
"Yes, the Lord is such an honorable figure, naturally not one with ulterior motives."
The last few words were said with a heavier tone. It’s unclear whom it was reminding.
"The Lord, although in Ze County for so ti, hasn’t found ti to stroll around. He’d like you two to show the way. Don’t be modest with the Lord, if anything catches your eye, he’ll pay, consider it your reward."
The explanation was well-rounded.
Sufficient to fool passersby.
But among them, who wasn’t shrewd?
Liu Yan: ...
If He Xuran had no designs on Yu Tingwan, she’d write her na backward.
Yu Tingwan: "Mr. Yang jests."
"Sixty percent of the townsfolk on the street are visiting the market, just follow the crowd."
He Xuran: "I’d like to inquire about your husband’s health on Wei Zhao’s behalf."
Yu Tingwan: ...
The Wei Zhao you ntioned probably doesn’t need your inquiry.
But since he put it this way, it’s hard for her to refuse.
So, under Yu Tingwan’s reluctant consent, they moved forward together.
However...
There was an advantage.
There wasn’t as much pushing and shoving.
Wherever they went, people made way for them.
He Xuran matched his pace with Yu Tingwan’s, walking slower than usual, asking softly: "So ti ago, Military Doctor Ge left Ze County. He was treating Wei Shen, theoretically, he wouldn’t leave hastily. But Wei Shen’s condition..."
He paused slightly.
The words "beyond dical treatnt" were left unsaid.
Was it appropriate to ask if the Wei Family was preparing for a funeral?
"I can find so skilled doctors to check on him."
Yu Tingwan held the sugar-coated hawthorn Liu Yan bought, biting it, her words sowhat muffled: "My husband’s health has improved, no need to trouble the Lord."
She wore no makeup, yet her lips were a rosy hue. She spat out the seeds onto her handkerchief.
This act wasn’t exactly elegant, at least the noble won of Shangjing wouldn’t do so. Won from prestigious families rarely ate snacks from outside, and even if they did, they’d have the seeds removed.
But in He Xuran’s eyes, his niece looked good in whatever she did.
Unpretentious.
She seed quite fond of eating.
Slowing her pace at the sight of food she wanted.
He rembered the Gu Family’s chef was from Jiangnan, once apprenticed under a palace chef, with exceptional cooking skills.
The He Family...
The He Family was not indulgent in food, but the cook’s skill in making pastries was unmatched.
While thinking this, He Xuran frowned slightly.
Uncertain about the reason.
He turned to look at Yu Tingwan.
The girl seed unaware of his scrutiny, or perhaps, she didn’t mind it.
An absurd thought flashed by.
He was worried Yu Tingwan wouldn’t want to return.
Yang Weiweng’s joy was hard to hide on his face.
"Really?"
"That’s great news!"
Yang Weiweng: "After strolling around, why don’t I accompany you ho for a look?"
Even though Wei Shen wasn’t quite willing to associate with him.
He strangely liked being around him.
Yu Tingwan: ??
He Xuran pondered for a mont.
He was actually a bit busy.
But, it could be postponed.
"I’ll co along too."
Yu Tingwan: "I spoke incorrectly."
The girl paused slightly, appearing calm: "He hasn’t truly recovered, but his life isn’t in danger, just a bit unpresentable."
Yang Weiweng: "Un... unpresentable?"
Could it be worse than his entirely bandaged face last ti?
Yu Tingwan: "I ask the two of you to protect..."
"My husband’s dignity."
"I appreciate your intentions, and will inform my husband, he will personally visit to express gratitude once he recovers."
Whether it’d frighten anyone, she didn’t care.
He Xuran asked: "You care for him a lot?"
"Of course."
He Xuran confided: "If sothing were to happen to him, you could remarry."
Don’t hang yourself on just one tree.
As a mber of the Gu Family, she’s suited for the best gentlen.
However...
The one He Xuran considered the best in Shangjing had long perished.
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