Сhарtеr 9 (14/20)
Gong Shangjuе rаrеlу sрoke this much with hеr. Тhe light in his eуes brightenеd slightlу, уеt it rеmаined as сold and distant as a silent mооn. Desрite his iсу ехprеssiоn, Shаngguаn Qiаn’s faсe blossomеd intо a smilе.
He had аlways bеen inscrutаblе, his еmоtiоns hiddеn bеhind an unreаdаble mаsk. Тhis wаs the first timе Gong Shаngjuе had revеаled his рreferenсes to her.
“It sееms I stumblеd upоn it by acсidеnt…”
“I thоught Miss Shаngguаn оnlу knеw hоw to соok аnd tend tо flowers. I didn’t еxресt yоu tо bе wеll-versed in literаture as well.”
Shangguan Qiаn paused in hеr ink-grinding.
“You neеdn’t troublе уoursеlf with kitchen matters. Just follow my usual habits,” Gong Shangjue turned to her. “Staying in the kitchen is somewhat beneath you.”
“If Young Master dislikes chicken and fish, I can prepare other dishes…”
“I do indeed dislike them. I dislike chicken and fish, and I dislike gardens overflowing with flowers and plants.”
Shangguan Qian grew somewhat flustered. “Then why did Young Master allow me…”
Gong Shangjue set down his brush. Whether it was her leniency toward the servants or her efforts to fulfill her duties as the lady of the manor, he had seen through it all. “You’ve just arrived at Jue Manor and are eager to establish your authority. Naturally, I couldn’t easily undermine your standing—you are the bride I personally selected, the future mistress of Jue Manor. However, I hope you understand propriety, know when to advance and retreat, and stay clear of trouble.”
Shangguan Qian pursed her lips. “…Nothing escapes Young Master’s eyes.”
“Hmm, you’re right.” Gong Shangjue abruptly changed the subject. “Did you go to Yu Manor earlier?”
Whether someone had informed him or he had sensed something, Shangguan Qian was momentarily caught off guard by the sudden question. But she quickly composed herself, her expression betraying nothing. “Sister Yun mentioned she would teach me a few embroidery patterns. I learned several and wanted to show them to Young Master to see which you prefer…” As she spoke, she retrieved several embroidery patterns from her collar—the very ones she had obtained in Yun Weishan’s room. Her smile was flawless.
“No need to look. You should rest first.” Gong Shangjue waved his hand.
Shangguan Qian bowed her head and retreated, her tone humble. “Yes.”
Outside the window, flowers and leaves rustled, filling the air with a subtle fragrance. Gong Shangjue suddenly called out to her again. “You only plant azaleas in the courtyard, no other flowers or plants. Do you know the meaning of azaleas?”
Shangguan Qian blushed and answered softly, “I do.”
That day, as she directed the servants to plant flowers in the courtyard, they too found it strange.
A maidservant asked her, “Why does Miss Shangguan only choose azaleas?”
“Because the meaning of azaleas is ‘always belongs to you.’”
“Ah, how thoughtful and romantic of you, miss. I hope Young Master Jue understands your feelings.”
Shangguan Qian flushed with shyness. “Second Master Gong is well-versed in poetry and literature. He will surely understand.”
Always belongs to you—that is loyalty.
Gong Shangjue looked at Shangguan Qian, who met his gaze bravely and openly, and suddenly changed his mind.
“Stay a while longer. Grind some more ink for me.”
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