Chapter 41

 The sun peeked over the roof, casting a golden sheen over the land.

Baoning and Pei Yuan sat inside the house having breakfast.

The meal prepared by Granny Liu was elaborate, perhaps upon specific instructions: she meticulously catered to Baoning's preference for river delicacies and Pei Yuan's fondness for meat. Although it was just breakfast, the table was filled to the brim.

Baoning watched Pei Yuan concentrate on his meal. He scooped a spoonful of meat soup over his rice, jabbing the chopsticks a few times, ensuring the meat chunks went into his mouth.

"Is it delicious?" Baoning asked softly.

Pei Yuan paused. "It's average, far inferior to what you cook."

Hearing this, Baoning felt somewhat pleased. "There's no small kitchen in the courtyard, and the main kitchen is too far for me to conveniently access. When I get the chance in the future, I'll cook for you."

For seven or eight days straight, Pei Yuan would leave at dawn and return late at night. They hardly exchanged more than a few words throughout the day. Despite being in the Qiu Manor for so long, this was the first time they could leisurely share a meal together.

Baoning, however, didn't know what to say to him anymore.

She was never one to speak much. Initially, when Pei Yuan took the initiative, she could easily follow along. Now that he was busy, there seemed to be a slight distance between them, not as intimate as before.

"I've been neglecting you lately," Pei Yuan seemed to sense her unease and put down his chopsticks, reaching for her hand. "After this period passes, I'll take you back to your mother's home to see your aunt. How does that sound?"

Baoning smiled faintly.

"I'll try to come back early tonight," Pei Yuan peeled a shrimp for her expertly, leaving the tail intact, then dipped it in sauce and fed it to her.

As Baoning swallowed it, Pei Yuan stood up. "I'm off."

"So soon?" Baoning felt a bit disappointed. She got up to see him off and noticed someone already waiting outside. Suddenly, she remembered something and called out, "Pei Yuan..."

Pei Yuan waved back without turning around, meeting up with the person and disappearing around the corner.

Granny Liu approached quietly, asking in a low voice, "Young Madam, should I still send the kitchen's restorative soup?"

Baoning shook her head. "No need." She stood at the doorway, glanced in the direction Pei Yuan had left, then returned inside.

In truth, Baoning had already anticipated this situation.

Pei Yuan couldn't possibly stay by her side forever, attending to trivial matters she enjoyed in their little courtyard. He was a man with his own pursuits and career, his own thoughts—they were inherently divergent.

She just hadn't expected it to come so soon. Just a few days ago, they were still lingering together, exchanging everyday conversation. Now, even sharing a meal was rushed and brief.

Baoning understood this was something she needed to balance, yet it was a challenge.

What worried her more now was Pei Yuan's health. He seemed utterly unconcerned about it. When he wasn't experiencing pain, it was as if nothing was wrong. But in his current state, who could predict when his condition might worsen unexpectedly? Moreover, his legs weren't suited for prolonged walking.

And deeper still, there were emotions she wanted to ignore, hidden deep within her heart.

Pei Yuan no longer seemed to need her as much. They weren't the couple they once were, mutually supportive and inseparable. Baoning understood the shortcomings of men, much like her father, Duke Rongguo. She couldn't be sure Pei Yuan wouldn't become like that in the future. If he were to take a concubine, how could she refuse? Could she refuse?

If that day ever came... Baoning thought, she wouldn't stay by Pei Yuan's side any longer.

Ah Huang's soft bark interrupted Baoning's thoughts. She looked down into its damp eyes.

"Are you full?" Baoning smiled, bending down to embrace it, pressing her nose against its forehead.

"Very full," Granny Liu said from behind. "This morning, Ah Huang had minced meat porridge with cooked chicken liver and an egg. It ate a big bowl!"

"Did you enjoy it?" Baoning rubbed Ah Huang's head. "Are you happy?"

Ah Huang barked twice.

Baoning fell silent.

Since she arrived here, her mood had been consistently low. Perhaps, as Pei Yuan suggested before leaving, she had eaten too many sunflower seeds, causing some internal discomfort. Without her beloved courtyard, she felt listless and lacked motivation for anything.

Moreover, there wasn't much for her to do. Qiu Mingshan was wary of neglecting them, so someone came daily to clean and deliver meals. Aside from eating and sleeping, she had little else to occupy her time.

Granny Liu stood by, wanting to chat with Baoning. Pei Yuan had instructed her to keep Baoning company and help alleviate her boredom, but Baoning clearly wasn't in the mood to talk, so she let it be.

Baoning took Ah Huang for a stroll around the small courtyard, glanced at the pomegranate flowers for a while, but still felt indifferent.

It wasn't until she passed the woodshed and saw a pile of stacked firewood that she finally found something to do. She sent Granny Liu away and stayed alone in her room, carving wood.

Baoning had some skill in this area. Back in Duke Rongguo's mansion, Chef Zhang's husband was a carpenter who excelled at woodworking. Baoning had learned from him for several years behind her aunt and uncle's backs.

Besides being naturally talented, she enjoyed figuring things out and soon became proficient.

Granny Zhang once said it was a pity she was a girl. If she were a boy born in the countryside, she could have made a fortune with her skills and married several wives. She was a prodigy.

Baoning focused on her work. She didn't have anything specific in mind to carve, so she followed her instincts, making each cut decisively.

In the blink of an eye, two hours had passed, and the wood in her hand began to take shape—a man's back, broad shoulders and narrow waist, dressed in a dark robe with a sword in hand. Baoning didn't recognize who it was at first. As she examined it carefully, the wooden figure gradually resembled Pei Yuan's departing figure from that morning. Baoning paused, feeling a sudden heat rise to her face. Why was she thinking of him again?

She must be idle!

Baoning threw the wood carving out the window and selected another piece of wood, this time choosing to carve Ah Huang.

Ah Huang lay sleeping lazily on the window sill, a perfect subject. Baoning linked it with the pomegranate tree in the courtyard. After half an hour, she finally finished.

The scene was beautiful—a dog sleeping under a pomegranate tree.

Baoning smiled satisfactorily, holding the finished piece in her palm, studying it intently. Suddenly, she heard a pleasantly surprised voice behind her, "Sister, you're so talented!"

Baoning was startled and quickly turned around to see Granny Liu covering the little girl's mouth. "Seventh Miss, I told you not to speak. Behave and just watch quietly. Look at you, disturbing Madam!"

The Seventh Miss looked timid. "Granny, I didn't mean to..."

Granny Liu apologized to Baoning. "Madam, this servant used to be the Seventh Miss's wet nurse. She often comes to play with me. Today, seeing you doing this, she was curious. I took the liberty of letting her watch for a while. Please forgive us."

Baoning smiled and reassured them it was fine. Granny Liu sighed with relief and led the little girl away.

Baoning didn't entertain guests. She still had reservations about the people in the General's Manor.

It couldn't be called vigilance, just a desire not to engage. She was a cautious person, most afraid of unnecessary trouble, and befriending the General's daughter wasn't particularly beneficial.

The Seventh Miss looked quite upset but didn't say much. She quietly bid goodbye to Baoning and followed Liu Mama out.

As she turned, Baoning noticed her face. Liu Mama had been covering it with her large sleeves, but when she lowered her arm just now, Baoning saw a large, vivid birthmark on the right side of the Seventh Miss's face.

She was a very pretty girl, appearing to be only eight or nine years old, but this birthmark marred her entire face.

And it shattered her confidence.

"Oh, wait." Baoning called out to them on impulse.

She really was a soft-hearted person. Seeing the pitiful side of the girl, she felt compassion and cast aside her earlier thoughts.

The Seventh Miss looked towards her, eyes brightening. "Sister?"

Baoning waved to her. "Do you like this little toy? If you do, I'll give it to you."

The Seventh Miss and Liu Mama exchanged joyful glances and ran over to Baoning.

With the company of the Seventh Miss, Baoning spent a relaxed afternoon. Her name was Qiu Lingyan, the youngest daughter of General Qiu's legitimate wife. She was a very gentle girl, shy when she smiled, but underneath she harbored some insecurity due to her facial birthmark.

When they sat side by side, she would always position herself on Baoning's right side, keeping her left cheek turned away. Baoning had reassured her many times that it didn't matter, but she remained accustomed to it.

Perhaps due to her appearance, despite being a legitimate daughter, she wasn't particularly favored in the household.

Baoning felt that, in some ways, they were a little similar.

"Sister, my little bracelet broke. Could you help me fix it?"

After dinner, Qiu Lingyan was still reluctant to leave. She hesitated for a while before timidly making this request as she watched Baoning tidy up the wood chips on the table.

"What kind of bracelet is it?" Baoning was patient with this little sister. "If it's jade, I might not be able to."

"It's gold. Can you?" Qiu Lingyan widened her eyes. "It was given to me by Daddy when I was very young, just after my full month. But recently, it got scratched by Sister."

Baoning was surprised. "Why would your sister damage such an important thing?"

"It was because I broke her things first..." Qiu Lingyan sniffled sadly. "Recently, His Majesty arranged a marriage, and Sister Six wasn't happy about it but had no choice. In a bad mood, when I went to play with her, I accidentally broke a porcelain vase in her room, so Sister Six got angry and scratched my bracelet."

Baoning sighed. But this was a matter within Qiu Mingshan's family, and she couldn't comment. She patted Qiu Lingyan's head. "Bring it over. Let Sister take a look."

The bracelet was indeed quite damaged, as if it had been scraped against a stone, the patterns were already fragmented and blurry. But one could still make out some intricate patterns, resembling geese, something rare on the market.

Baoning examined it for a while, frowning. "I'll have to melt it down and remake it."

Qiu Lingyan looked hesitant. "If that's the case, can it still be restored to its original state... Daddy's already back. I'm afraid if he asks about this, he'll scold me."

"I can trace the pattern onto paper and carve it back in. I'm eighty percent confident." Baoning asked, "Would you like to try?"

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