Chapter 340: Chapter 318, Angering Me to Death_1
“What, do you think I’m not worthy of being your sister?”
Daohua looked at Xiao Yeyang with a dangerous glint in her eyes.
Xiao Yeyang fell silent, “…That’s nonsense, don’t spout such things.” Having said that, he quickly left under the pretense of finding some rope.
Watching Xiao Yeyang hurriedly depart, Daohua curled her lip, “Hmph, this guy must think he, as a member of the Imperial Family, isn’t suited to call a Magistrate’s daughter his sister. As expected, he still looks down on people deep down.”
Behind her, Wang Manman wanted to say something but hesitated. After a moment, she couldn’t help but speak up, “Miss, I don’t think the Little Prince is like that.”
Daohua turned around, “Then why did he react like that just now? If not disdain, then what is it?” She finished, kicking the swing’s railing in frustration.
“Bang!”
The newly repaired railing was kicked straight to the ground.
When Xiao Yeyang returned with the rope, he saw this scene, “Yan Yiyi, what are you doing?”
Daohua, realizing she had done something wrong, hurriedly smiled sheepishly, “I was just checking if it was sturdy.”
Xiao Yeyang was furious, “I just fixed it, sturdy my foot!”
Daohua took a few steps back, “We can just fix it again, what’s with the anger? Oh right, Brother Xiaoliu said my estate is ready, I should go down and check it out. You can handle this.”
Having said that, she quickly took off with Wang Manman in tow.
Xiao Yeyang looked at the fallen railing, took several deep breaths to calm himself, and then resignedly went forward to set it up again.
Dé Fú watched from the side and once again couldn’t help but sigh.
Only Miss Yan would dare to do something like this. If it were someone else, just try!
At lunchtime, Xiao Yeyang stealthily cornered Gu Jian at the entrance to the dining hall.
Gu Jian frowned, “What are you doing?”
Xiao Yeyang glanced at Gu Jian, then looked back at Daohua busy in the kitchen, and asked in a low voice, “Master Gu, do you want to take me as your disciple?”
Gu Jian was startled, “Who told you that?”
Xiao Yeyang, “Daohua said it.”
Fearing that Gu Jian might say yes, Xiao Yeyang hurriedly clarified his stance, “Master Gu, I know you care for me, but I cannot become your disciple. Of course, I will treat you with the respect due to a master.”
Anyway, he didn’t want to be anything like siblings with Daohua.
Gu Jian looked at Xiao Yeyang with a strange expression, speechlessly saying, “Who wants to take you as a disciple? Don’t flatter yourself.” With that, he pushed past Xiao Yeyang and walked into the dining hall.
Hearing this, Xiao Yeyang immediately breathed a sigh of relief and a brilliant smile spread across his face.
“What’s with the silly grin, come help serve the dishes!”
“Oh, right away!”
…
In late April, Daohua’s estate was fully completed, with furniture also being added progressively.
With the Dragon Boat Festival approaching, Madam Li sent people to Madam Yan and Daohua’s place, and Xiao Yeyang also received a letter from Governor Guo, indicating it was time for him to leave as well.
“Grandmother, Master, I will visit you often in the future, don’t miss me too much.”
“Master, it’s inconvenient to use water up on the mountain, so I’ve already told the people in the estate to bring water up every morning. Also, you shouldn’t have to go out to buy food anymore, I will arrange to have fresh vegetables and fruits delivered to you regularly.”
…
Taohua Temple had been lively for over a month, and as the time for the trio’s departure drew near, Granny Gu and Gu Jian truly felt a bit of reluctance.
Seeing the old folks smiling through their emotions, Xiao Yeyang felt a pang of compassion and cheerfully said, “I will come to see Granny and Master Gu when I have time.”
Granny Gu’s eyes brightened as she nodded with a smile.
Gu Jian gave him a sideways glance, “Never make promises you can’t keep. Once words are spoken, you must follow through. Don’t just say things to curry favor with us.”
The sister takes things to heart; if this lad doesn’t show up, she will be disappointed.
Xiao Yeyang quickly assured them, “I truly mean no deceit.”
Seeing Xiao Yeyang’s earnestness, Granny Gu immediately soothed, “Granny believes in you, pay no mind to Master Daohua, his bark is worse than his bite.”
Gu Jian ‘hmphed’ once, and said no more.
After the farewells, Master Daohua and the other two prepared to descend the mountain.
Before descending, concerned by the fact that only Granny Gu and the master would remain on the mountain, Daohua spoke again, “Master, should I arrange for someone to come up and take care of you?”
Gu Jian shook his head, “No need, I can still move around.”
Daohua then looked towards Granny Gu.
Granny Gu also smiled and shook her head, “If we need anything, we will ask for your help.”
Daohua, helpless, had to comply with the two, “Granny, Master, if you ever tire of living on the mountain, you are welcome to move into my house. I’ve prepared your rooms already…”
“Alright now, are you leaving or not? You’re endless chatter is too much!”
Impatient, Gu Jian waved his hand dismissively at Daohua, “Go on, if you return too late, you won’t even catch dinner time.”
“Elder sister, we’re off then!”
Madam Yan smiled, nodded at Granny Gu, and then led her granddaughter and Xiao Yeyang down the mountain.
…
As Daohua and Xiao Yeyang boarded the boat, they looked back towards Taohua Mountain, where they could still see Granny Gu and Gu Jian standing in the pavilion, gazing out at them.
Seeing this, Madam Yan sighed.
Granny Gu and Master Gu are pitiful, such an old age with not a single child by their side, it’s truly a bitter thought.
“You all must visit them often in the future.”
Daohua nodded, “Of course.” Walking over to Madam Yan, she took her arm, “Grandmother, let’s come here more often for short stays.”
Madam Yan shot her granddaughter a teasing look, “Is that what you’ve been thinking about all along? You’ve always loved to wander ever since you were young, and it seems you haven’t changed a bit, have you?”
Daohua shrugged her shoulders, “This trait is innate, I’m afraid I can’t change it!”
Madam Yan spoke in exasperation, “It’s fine now while you’re at home, but what about after you get married?”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yeyang quickly glanced over, his grip on his fan tightening.
Daohua pouted, “Then I’ll find someone who indulges me. If they can’t accept this, then I won’t marry.”
Madam Yan glared at Daohua, “What nonsense!” Seeing Xiao Yeyang nearby and reluctant to say more, she shook her head and entered the cabin.
Once the elder lady left, Xiao Yeyang approached Daohua and asked, “Has your family started talking about your marriage prospects?”
Daohua shook her head, “Not at all, I’m only twelve years old, still so young. What marriage talks could there be? The elder brothers above me haven’t even been betrothed yet, there’s plenty of time.”
Hearing this, Xiao Yeyang’s expression relaxed. Seeing Daohua acting like a little child, he couldn’t help but smile, “Not so young anymore, you’ll be thirteen this year.”
At thirteen, in some large families, they were already discussing marriage prospects.
Daohua immediately said, “Thirteen is also very young, alright? My mother said she wants to keep me around for a few more years, I’m in no rush to marry.” Pausing, she turned to look at Xiao Yeyang.
“You’re about to be sixteen, aren’t you?”
Xiao Yeyang nodded, “Right!”
Daohua asked curiously, “Has your family started talking about your marriage prospects?”
Xiao Yeyang’s mouth twitched slightly, and he raised an eyebrow, “Why do you ask?”
Daohua, “Just finding out the situation.”
Xiao Yeyang couldn’t help but chuckle, “Why do you need to know about my situation?” Could it be that this fellow had thoughts about him?
Daohua, “So I know when you’re returning to Beijing, and I can see you off!”
Xiao Yeyang’s smile stiffened, and he glared at Daohua before turning away, fanning himself vigorously.
Seeing his reaction, Daohua was at a loss for words, continuing, “If you get betrothed, you must let me know, so I can prepare a gift for you.”
Xiao Yeyang ‘hmphed’ and said through gritted teeth, “Thank you very much.” With that, he shook his fan and also went into the cabin.
“What’s the matter, are you unhappy about receiving a gift?”