Chapter 39: A Chance Encounter
Yuan Heng had just entered the corridor of Quyuan when he spotted a familiar figure ahead, though her attire and styling were quite different.
Thinking back to that day when he invited her to be his guard, her surprised expression hadn't seemed like she was shocked at the job offer itself.
Rather, it seemed as if she was shocked that he would even make such a request.
Naturally, Yuan Heng guessed that the young girl was likely hiding her true identity. Therefore, for reasons he couldn't explain—as he was not typically a reckless man, he spoke up impulsively today.
When the young girl before him turned around, Yuan Heng froze for a moment. He had rarely seen such a stunningly beautiful girl.
At first glance, she was exquisitely pretty beyond words, her brows were like distant mountains, her eyes like autumn pools, and the surrounding jewels and emeralds were mere embellishments.
Only her dazzling beauty was eye-catching, making it impossible to look away.
Her entire aura was one of noble elegance and cold pride.
Such a temperament could never be cultivated unless one were raised in a family of immense wealth and status.
'Beautiful as a heavenly immortal' was an understatement.
However, she was not that "Young Lady Bodyguard."
Though that girl had been spirited, she did not possess such peerless beauty.
Yuan Heng’s daze lasted only a second before he quickly regained his composure. He bowed his head in apology: "Pray forgive me, Young Lady. I mistook you for an acquaintance and have offended you."
Yu Lingzhao, on the other hand, recognized Yuan Heng at a single glance. She was about to speak, but upon hearing his apology, she suddenly remembered she had been in disguise during their last meeting.
Since he was apologizing, Yu Lingzhao didn't intend to reveal her identity so soon. She merely gave a faint nod, turned, and headed back to her private room.
As she walked, she pondered that Yuan Heng’s identity seemed a bit complicated as well. Luo Chuan was quite capable, yet he hadn't been able to find out who this person was. Following that logic, he was likely using a fake identity too.
Yu Lingzhao didn't care much, as she was also using a false identity.
By the time she returned to the private room, she was the only one who hadn't arrived yet.
Seeing that her Second Brother had brought back the steamed milk cake from the neighboring Yechun Tea House, Yu Lingzhao instantly cheered up and sat down to feast with everyone.
Now that their stomachs were satisfied, He Xuan asked when they would be meeting the Qin family. Yu Lingzhao replied that they had to wait for news from the manager of Jifang Garden.
Only then did He Xuan realize it wasn't certain the Qins would show up. She was slightly surprised. "Zhaozhao, aren't you afraid the Qin family won't come?"
Yu Lingzhao smiled, clearly full of confidence. "They will definitely come. Qin Baiwan dotes on his daughter like she is his very life, and since the Eldest Miss of the Qin family took over their shops, the Qin family's businesses have seen growth to varying degrees. She will want this opportunity."
Speaking of which, it was both a coincidence and a heaven-sent opportunity. If it weren't for the struggle to become Imperial Merchants, the Eldest Miss of the Qin family might not have been willing.
"But isn't this exactly the case of perfect timing?"
Yu Qizhi’s eyes darkened slightly, it turned out Zhaozhao had already made so many preparations in places he couldn't see.
Seeing the posture his sister had taken in her preparations, Yu Qizhi no longer doubted the truth of that dream.
He Xuan was unaware of the existence of the Zhiyu Guards, she only knew that there were people in the capital capable of gathering information.
However, He Xuan also knew that even with informants, it all depended on how the master used them, and clearly, Zhaozhao was using them very well now.
He Xuan didn't have the slightest thought that Yu Lingzhao should hand over her information sources to her as the Eldest Sister-in-law; instead, she felt that Zhaozhao was brilliant, which was a great blessing for the family.
Since it was still early, Yu Lingzhao had previously sent Zhaoxing to reserve a spot at the theater, so she prepared to leisurely stroll over. In an era with few pastimes, going to the theater to watch a play was one way to pass the time.
Since it was still far from the appointed time, she was naturally at ease leaving Guan Xiao to keep watch.
To her surprise, she ran into Yuan Heng at the theater as well, he happened to be on the balcony on the other side of her position.
Yuan Heng also saw the beautiful young lady he had mistaken earlier and gave a slight nod as a gesture of politeness. Seeing her return the nod, he knew she hadn't taken the matter to heart.
The play began—a classic repertoire of the troupe, a birthday celebration play. It involved an old matriarch acting as a matchmaker for her daughter and a new son-in-law ranking first in the imperial examinations. In short, it was a very harmonious and happy drama.
Yu Lingzhao was nodding off with sleepiness. He Xuan, knowing she was tired, only smiled. Yu Lingzhao felt a bit embarrassed, remarking that while she didn't dislike these 'happily ever after' stories, this one was simply a bit too perfect.
"How can everything be so smooth-sailing?
There are far more heartless and ungrateful men in the world. This top scholar has enough integrity, but there are many more who turn their backs on everyone once they achieve success, even abandoning their devoted wives or causing the deaths of their in-laws. Such petty men are the majority."
Yu Lingzhao was speaking from the perspective of the web novels she used to read, most of which followed this trope.
One only had to look at how much literary men loved this theme—take the classic "scumbag" Chen Shimei, for example.
But to Yu Qizhi’s ears, these words sounded like a clap of thunder. Could Zhaozhao’s words mean she still had lingering feelings for that Fifth Prince?
Yu Qizhi’s heart immediately went into his throat.
Yu Lingzhao had no idea her Second Brother would misunderstand so wildly, she was purely expressing her own sentiments.
Just then, Guan Xiao arrived. He stepped forward respectfully, nodded to Yu Lingzhao, and said softly, "The Qin family has arrived. It is Qin Baiwan and the Eldest Miss of the Qin family together."
Yu Lingzhao tilted her head to look at Yu Qizhi and blinked. "Guard Yan, care to accompany me on a trip?"
Yu Qizhi was still lost in thought when he heard her words. He snapped back to reality and nodded solemnly.
"Mhm."
Yu Lingzhao’s lips curved upward. She said to He Xuan, "Sister-in-law, I'm heading to Jifang Garden first. I'll come pick you up when I'm finished."
The play wasn't over yet, and He Xuan knew exactly what Yu Lingzhao was going to do, so she nodded immediately.
Yu Lingzhao rose gracefully, and with Guan Xiao and Yu Qizhi guarding her in front and behind, she walked out of the theater.
Yuan Heng looked sideways at the now-vacant seats on the balcony with an unreadable expression.
His confidant returned and whispered something in his ear. He became thoughtful; so, it was the Little County Princess of the Prince of Zhennan’s Mansion.
Yu Lingzhao was unaware her identity had been exposed. When she reached the private room at Jifang Garden Teahouse, Qin Baiwan and Qin Fangdai had already arrived, along with Qin Qiuniang. Seeing Yu Lingzhao enter, they all rose to pay their respects.
Yu Lingzhao smiled and raised her hand. "Master Qin, Miss Qin, there is no need for such formality. Please, take a seat."
Qin Baiwan was a somewhat plump middle-aged man who looked very amiable, like a Maitreya Buddha, with a constant smile on his face.
Qin Fangdai stood behind her father. Seeing this Little County Princess walk in with such an imposing aura and noble bearing that could not be ignored, she was momentarily stunned—especially by that face, which was simply too beautiful.
Yu Lingzhao took her seat first. Feiyu stepped forward to pour tea for her. Qin Baiwan and Qin Fangdai only sat down after she gave the word.
Yu Lingzhao focused on watching Feiyu brew the tea.
Qin Baiwan didn't dare to observe the Little County Princess too closely; the two guards behind her each had an aura fiercer than the other.
Qin Baiwan was certain that these two were definitely hardened men from the Prince’s Mansion who had seen blood.
This made him a bit uncertain—what did this Little County Princess want?
The Qin family's property?
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