Chapter 6 The Clumsy Masterstroke_2

Shi Fengju paused, looking at the beautiful woman whose eyes were brimming with anticipation, subconsciously wanting to tell Gu Fangzi about his secret agreement with Sang Wan. However, with great difficulty, he ultimately held back. It wasn't that he didn't trust Gu Fangzi, but he firmly believed that there were no walls in the world that didn't let some secret slip through. Since it was a secret, the fewer people who knew, the better. After all, a year or a half would pass quickly, and it wouldn't matter much in the scheme of things.

It wouldn't be bad to give her a surprise in the future!

With this thought, Shi Fengju forcefully suppressed the urge to speak and said softly to Gu Fangzi with a gentle smile, "It's still the same promise, I will not let you down."

"Mhm!" Although Gu Fangzi felt a bit disappointed, she was still happy at heart. She nodded vigorously, smiling radiantly like a blossoming flower.

After sharing intimate feelings for a while, Gu Fangzi said half seriously and half jokingly, "Well, as the big cousin-in-law has just entered the household as a new bride, shouldn't you go back and keep her company?"

Her hesitant tone conveyed her reluctance and unwillingness, while her gentle words demonstrated her magnanimity and sense of the big picture, all designed to showcase her good qualities to him.

"No need," Shi Fengju shook his head and replied without a second thought. He and Sang Wan were not truly husband and wife, a fact both were well aware of; he believed she probably didn't want him hovering around her anyway, right?

Gu Fangzi was naturally pleased with his response, but she had to play her part well, so she furrowed her delicate brows and softly persuaded, "That's... not very proper, is it? After all, the big cousin-in-law has just entered the household, and the servants tend to show deference to the high and disdain for the low, won't this—"

Shi Fengju was struck with a sudden realization, as if enlightenment dawned on him.

Indeed, she would have to live in the mansion for a year and a half; not too long, but not too short either. If he "neglected" her from the moment she entered the door, especially since she didn't have the backing of a powerful natal family, how would she spend her days here in the future?

The image of Sang Wan's gentle and serene face tinged with a trace of helplessness sprang to Shi Fengju's mind. He remembered her voice calling out "big brother" with a plea as she left his mother's side, her interrupted words when she sprained her ankle with a cry of "Ouch," and the speech she made ahead of him upon entering Ningyuan!

Shi Fengju suddenly understood! She had thought of this issue too but was in no position to bring it up directly with him. And since he encountered his cousin in the main hall, his mind had been so preoccupied that he had completely overlooked this point!

A complex mixture of feelings welled up inside him, and Shi Fengju felt somewhat guilty.

She was so sensible, proactively solving a thorny issue that had plagued him for years. On that alone, he could not fail to acknowledge her kindness! Giving up the position of Grandma Shi meant what she knew best, yet she still went ahead and did it. While Shi Fengju felt guilty, he couldn't help feeling a bit annoyed; had he known about her willingness earlier, he would've strongly insisted that his mother agree to cancel the marriage arrangement! That could have spared them the current situation.

However, Shi Fengju shook his head and sighed lightly.

The instructions left by his grandfather had been passed to his father, and before his father's passing, he had reiterated them to his mother. Knowing her character, there was no way she would agree.

"Big cousin brother, what's... what's wrong with you?" Seeing his expression turn complex after hearing her words and his face changing repeatedly, Gu Fangzi couldn't help feeling remorseful.

Why did she have to speak out of turn? Now she's stepped on her own foot as a result!

"It's nothing! I still have some account books to check. Go accompany mother and talk to her for a bit! See if she needs any help with anything," Shi Fengju smiled and said.

After the joyful event, there were more or less matters in the mansion that needed to be sorted out.

"Okay, I'll go first then," Gu Fangzi nodded and added before leaving, "It's almost noon, don't get so busy that you forget to eat!"

"Mhm. You go," Shi Fengju nodded and smiled.

With no option but to leave, Gu Fangzi felt a bit forlorn. In the past, he would have asked her to stay for a meal and then they would visit the aunt together to chat!

No sooner had Gu Fangzi left than Shi Fengju hesitated briefly before calling for the young servant Chang Huan, "Go to Ningyuan and tell them, I'll be back for lunch."

Chang Huan froze, surprised, and looked at him, only to be frightened into quickly averting his gaze by the stern look in his eyes, "Yes, yes!"

After leaving the study, Gu Fangzi took her maid Lan Xiang on a detour through the garden, lost in thought as they slowly walked. Suddenly, she turned and headed towards Ningyuan.

"Miss..." Lan Xiang turned pale, looking both nervous and excited.

Was the miss going to Ningyuan to show off to the big cousin sister-in-law? After all, the other woman held the title of the official wife. Was it appropriate for her to go like this? Could she be at a disadvantage? Well, with the great lady and young master's backing, even the young masters and misses in the mansion had to give her way. She probably wouldn't be at a disadvantage, right?

"With the big cousin sister-in-law entering the household, as a younger cousin, I ought to visit and express my greetings," Gu Fangzi curved her lips, a proud smile adorning her beautiful face.

Sang Wan had been talking with Liu Ya for quite some time and had just lain down not long before Xingzhi came in and calmly informed her about the young master coming back for lunch.

Sang Wan was somewhat surprised, but since her "husband" had said so, of course, she had to show some respect. She couldn't remain so disregardful and lie there indifferently. Sang Wan gently smiled and got up, instructing Xingzhi, "In that case, tell the kitchen to prepare a few more dishes that the young master likes to eat. There's no need to rush to serve them; wait until the young master comes before doing so."

Xingzhi responded appropriately with a look at Sang Wan and added, "I'll have someone attend to the big lady for combing and washing your face right away!"

"That would be good," Sang Wan smiled and nodded, resolutely stopping herself from saying the words "thank you." Saying 'thank you' to the servants would not only fail to earn their gratitude but would also make them look down on her. It would then be difficult to assert her authority as the master in the future! This was the strictly hierarchical Shi Mansion, not her Sang family's residence in Yangliu Town.