Chapter 410

Chapter 410 The Daughter of the Guardian General

“Eunuch Ji Hai, this is the osmanthus cake I made for His Lordship. Please deliver it to him,” Liu Lanxin said softly, accompanied by two maids.

Passersby who recognized Lady Liu showed great respect, especially upon hearing that she had been injured while fighting against the enemy. This only increased their admiration for her. Not every lady had the privilege to accompany her father stationed at the border, let alone participate in battles.

“Lady Liu, I’m always grateful for your effort in bringing these pastries every time,” Ji Hai said, his smile widening, as he hurriedly approached her.

“It’s no trouble at all. I simply worry that His Lordship may not be accustomed to other flavors. Although my baking skills are not exceptional, I have prepared them in the style of the capital.” Liu Lanxin replied gently.

Her veil was narrow and short, serving merely to shield her eyes from the sun, revealing her strikingly beautiful face with well-defined features and a touch of elegance.

“Lady Liu, you are too kind. On behalf of His Lordship, allow me to express gratitude to you,” Ji Hai stepped forward to receive the food basket from one of the maids. The maid, glancing at her mistress, discreetly moved her hand back.

Ji Hai’s hand was left awkwardly extended.

“Is His Lordship available today?” Liu Lanxin inquired, seemingly oblivious to Ji Hai’s uncomfortable hand gesture.

“His Lordship is currently reviewing military affairs and is unable to meet visitors. Please understand, Lady Liu,” Ji Hai chuckled, retracting his hand slowly, yet his friendly smile remained unchanged. It was as if the awkwardness belonged to someone else entirely; as long as he remained at ease, the discomfort of others had no impact on him.

“Even in the midst of a military emergency, His Lordship should prioritize his own well-being. I have brought some medicinal wine infused with herbal remedies. I wonder if I can meet His Lordship and give it to him directly?” Liu Lanxin asked with a smile. When she arrived, she had dressed meticulously, even with a veil covering her eyes, every expression and smile exuded an exceptional charm.

She wore a flowing wide dress that danced in the wind. It was already autumn, and it had become slightly colder on this side of the border. There were few people on the streets wearing such elegant and voluminous attire. Liu Lanxin’s appearance made people perceive her as a beauty as radiant as jade, with a graceful and enchanting demeanor.

“Well… I’m afraid that won’t be possible,” Ji Hai hesitantly shook his head.

Liu Lanxin’s face darkened. This was not the first time she faced rejection. However, she couldn’t accept it. While she might not be unparalleled in terms of appearance, she believed she surpassed ordinary young ladies. Moreover, she felt she possessed a certain boldness that those women lacked. Not to mention, she was her father’s only legitimate daughter. Just based on this, no other woman could compare to her.

But why couldn’t Lord Yun see it?

Even a counterfeit caught Lord Jing’s attention, and he repeatedly sent letters expressing his affections. Yet, when Liu Lanxin, the genuine one, stood before Lord Yun, vivid and alive, he ignored her, even treating her with such indifference. Liu Lanxin was both heartbroken and resentful.

Was she destined to become the concubine of Lord Jing?

Compared to Lord Jing in the distant capital, she admired Lord Yun more and was more willing to become his consort.

“When will His Lordship be available?” Suppressing her displeasure, Liu Lanxin asked softly. She was well aware of her lack of influence in front of Lord Yun.

“His Lordship needs to meet with the general to discuss matters. Lady Liu, if you have time, you can join the general for the discussion,” Ji Hai said with a cheerful smile.

Last time, she also came with her father and met Lord Yun. However, her father’s presence made it inconvenient to speak freely or ask questions. When they finally left, they hadn’t exchanged a few words. Would she have to come with her father again this time?

But when she thought about it, besides coming with her father, she seemed to have no chance of meeting Lord Yun. With this in mind, Liu Lanxin furrowed her brows tightly, her face showing a touch of severity.

But there was no other way!

Nodding to the maid by her side, and the maid took two steps forward and handed the food basket in her hand to Ji Hai. Another maid behind her also carried one and placed it in front of Ji Hai.

Ji Hai reached out and accepted them one by one, thanking Liu Lanxin with a smile. “Thank you, Lady Liu. His Lordship will enjoy these delicacies again this time.”

“You’re welcome. If there’s anything else His Lordship doesn’t like, please let me know. I’ll always find a way,” Liu Lanxin replied with a smile.

“Thank you, Lady Liu.” Ji Hai placed the two food baskets down and bowed his head once more.

Liu Lanxin also nodded, then turned around and left with her two maids. Along the way, anyone who saw this young lady quickly moved aside to avoid her.

Ji Hai let out a soft tsk. Miss Liu was truly skilled at creating a favorable impression for herself. She turned an unexpected incident into her own accomplishment. Judging by the looks of it, the people in the borderlands genuinely believed in her.

However, even so, what difference would it make? His master’s nature couldn’t be coerced. Otherwise, the Lord Yun Mansion wouldn’t have been without its lord and lady for so many years.

Ji Hai sighed once again; fate was truly something that could not be sought after.

Some people tried every means and strategy, but in the end, achieved nothing. Others didn’t even put in half the effort, yet they obtained the best results.

Of course, there was another crucial point—never underestimate others, especially when that person happened to be his own master. Otherwise, there might be a risk to one’s life. His master had never been a person to pity or value fragility…

“My lady, I have gathered all the information about last night’s incident. It was done by the chief maid of Furong House. After being taken away by Second Master’s men, she was severely beaten and sold off. The entire family was also sold off,” Yu Dong reported as she entered with lunch.

“My lady, you’ve guessed it right again. This Qing Mei is indeed unharmed,” Yu Chun put down the tea cup and curiously asked, “With everything that’s happening, why is this Qing Mei safe while the chief maid encountered trouble? I heard that the she was once the trusted aide of the Second Madam.”

The chief maid who managed Furong House was sent by Yu and was once her confidante. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been assigned to take care of Qu Qiuyan’s affairs.

Such a person needs not only to be capable but also loyal.

It was interesting that all this trouble was because of this Qing Mei. She was so important that Qu Mingcheng was willing to get rid of Yu’s people but keeps her around.

“However, I’ve also heard that Qing Mei was beaten yesterday and still cannot get out of bed. The beating was quite severe,” Yu Dong took out the lunch from the food basket and mentioned it.

“What did Qing Mei do?” Qu Moying asked with a smile.

“They say Qing Mei offended the Second Young Master in some way. He was very angry. As for the rest, I couldn’t find out. Right now, everyone is focused on the position of the chief maid at Furong House. I’ve heard that many women are interested in the position. I wonder who Third young lady will choose in the end!”

Yu Dong explained.

The kitchen was buzzing with discussions about this matter. The position itself was quite desirable.

“Is it chaotic?” Qu Moying raised an eyebrow and inquired.

“Yes, it’s chaotic. I heard that the salary for this position is considerable. It’s one of the best positions in the mansion. Many people used to envy the maid in this role. They just didn’t expect it to suddenly become vacant like this,” Yu Dong said. She had deliberately gathered more information in the kitchen and had a clear understanding of what people were focused on.

“What are they thinking in the kitchen?” Qu Moying seemed to become interested, smiling slightly as she asked.

“It’s hard to say. Many people are eyeing this position, but it’s not something an ordinary person can handle. Some say that the Second Madam’s approval is necessary. The previous maid was also chosen by her. Although she doesn’t handle matters now, Third Lady is still her own daughter.”

Yu Dong replied.

Qu Moying pursed her lips lightly, a ghostly glimmer appearing in her eyes. “Lord Jing came to our house today. Is he still in the front yard?”

Qu Moying had already learned about Lord Jing’s visit beforehand.

“Yes, Second Master and Second Young Master are accompanying Lord Jing. They should be having lunch in the front yard. I don’t know about Third Lady’s situation, but I think she may not have gone there. I heard that she had a minor incident in her own courtyard, possibly spraining her foot. It doesn’t seem too serious, but she needs some rest.”

Yu Dong explained. “Could it be that she was so angry yesterday that she accidentally sprained her foot?”

Qu Moying’s heart stirred, her gaze shifting. “Go and fetch Granny Miao.”

Granny Miao was experienced in handling such matters, and being a Granny, she had more convenience compared to a maid.

After Yu Dong left for a while, Granny Miao entered the room. “My lady, what can I do for you?”

“Granny Miao, go and deliver a message to Lord Jing. Inform him that Third Lady has injured her foot and it’s quite serious. She’s unable to get up from bed.”

Qu Moying instructed.

“You want Lord Jing to visit Third Lady?” Granny Miao immediately grasped the implication in Qu Moying’s words.

“If Third Sister hadn’t injured her foot, she would definitely have gone to see Lord Jing. So many things happened yesterday, some of which may have gone against Third Sister’s wishes. We must give her an opportunity to speak,” Qu Moying smiled faintly, hinting at her intentions.

Having experienced many things, Granny Miao understood Qu Moying’s meaning in an instant. She clapped her hands and said, “My lady, I will go and find one of the eunuchs by Lord Jing’s side. He brought quite a few eunuchs today, so it will be convenient to pass on the message.”

Qu Moying nodded slightly. Qu Qiuyan’s foot injury had impeccable timing. When she left yesterday, everything was fine. Was it truly an accident?

So many things had happened that it didn’t seem like a coincidence. Since Qu Qiuyan was so suffocated, Qu Moying could give her a push. Now, she wondered if Qu Mingcheng’s final plan would fall through.

Was this a disagreement between the two siblings?