Chapter 438: A Maiden’s Secret Thoughts

The mischievous little boy leaned back, patting his belly so full that it stretched the fabric of his clothes, a satisfied burp escaping him. His eyes still lingered on the table, where roasted duck and plump shrimp remained in generous portions, but his stomach had already declared defeat. With a reluctant sigh, he turned to the sugar-coated hawthorn skewer in his hand, licking it with an air of unwilling resignation.

In his eyes, today was a blessing born of misfortune. His father had given him a good spanking, yes, but in return, he had enjoyed a sumptuous meal. A fair trade, he decided. If every punishment came with such a feast, enduring a few more spankings would be more than worth it.

“Let’s clear it up,” Li Shu finally said.

Seeing the little boy sated and content, Zhu Ping’an had no appetite left either. Li Shu then nodded toward the maid and housekeeper waiting nearby.

When other young maids were around, Baozi, her personal maid, rarely needed to do the chores. As Li Shu’s closest attendant, Baozi held the highest status among the servants. Only when other maids were absent did she handle such menial tasks.

“Yes, Miss,” a small voice responded, and together with the housekeeper, Baozi began efficiently clearing the table. Their movements were swift and precise, a testament to careful training.

“Wait—stop!” the little boy exclaimed suddenly, his pudgy hands pressing down on the plate holding the last sugar-coated hawthorn.

“You still want more?” Baozi’s mouth formed a tiny “O” of surprise. The boy had already eaten so much. Could he truly be so greedy? His belly would burst if he kept going.

“I’m keeping this for my little sister,” he said stubbornly, hugging the plate to his chest.

Zhu Ping’an raised an eyebrow, a small surprise flickering in his gaze. The boy, despite all his faults, still remembered the little girl. In his core, he wasn’t a bad child; in fact, he carried a sense of responsibility. Just from these glimpses, it seemed there was hope to shape him into someone capable.

Of course, if the old matriarch and the other ladies of the Hou residence continued to spoil him without oversight, it was just as likely he would grow into a useless, indulgent scion.

Yet, having served as his temporary tutor, Zhu Ping’an couldn’t bear the thought of letting him stray completely.

Well, that could wait for another day.

After finishing his meal, the little boy clutched another sugar-coated hawthorn and went off to find his “little sister,” leaving a housekeeper to follow him. The elder ladies of the household had entrusted him to their care—after all, no one wanted an accident to befall this mischievous child.

Once the boy left, Li Shu made no move to follow him. Instead, she settled at Zhu Ping’an’s table, picking up the handwritten notes he had left behind, curious to see if he had written anything new or amusing.

Sunlight bathed the room, casting a warm glow on the girl as she sat in quiet contemplation. Her slender hands were pale and smooth as jade, delicately holding the scroll. Her long, dark eyes lowered in focus, serene yet intent.

The sunlight played across her features, making the darkness of her hair shimmer like ink. Her lips were soft and rosy, and for a moment, if Zhu Ping’an had glanced her way, he might have felt his eyes seared by her beauty, lost in a brief daze. She was captivating to an almost dangerous degree. Yet, thinking of Li Shu’s nature, he swiftly withdrew his gaze, respect and restraint mingling in equal measure.

Li Shu felt a twinge of disappointment at the retreating glance. How could he not spare a second look today? She had freshly adorned herself: dark ink to define her brows, a dab of color on her lips, nails tinted with pink from the touch of balsam flowers. Did he not notice the bracelet on her wrist, which complemented her skin? The earrings, the delicate swan embroidery on her outfit—she had even added ribbons and refined the embroidery’s colors. And the hairpin—yes, the very peachwood hairpin he had gifted her. Did he see none of it?

“Men are impossible,” she muttered inwardly, holding the scroll in her hands, her gaze fixed on the parchment while her mind wandered, cheeks warming with frustration and longing.

“Brother-in-law! Brother-in-law!”

Suddenly, a voice called from outside, followed by a heavy thudding of footsteps. The man approaching was stout, and his gait reflected it.

Soon, the sounds reached the doorway, and the portly figure of Zhou Pangzi appeared, slightly out of breath.

“Ah, Fifth Sister, you’re here too! Cough, cough… I’ll just speak quickly and leave, won’t disturb you.”

Upon entering, Zhou Pangzi’s eyes caught Zhu Ping’an as he was about to speak, but then fell on Li Shu seated at the table. His round face shifted from surprise to understanding, his small eyes squinting with amusement.

“What nonsense are you talking? I just brought Rui Ge’er to eat here. Didn’t you see I brought the maid and housekeeper? How could you slander me?” Li Shu shot him a sharp look, like a kitten whose tail had been stepped on. “If you speak nonsense again, I’ll tell Uncle immediately.”

“I—I was just joking!” Zhou Pangzi scratched his nose, looking sheepish as he apologized. Li Shu had brought four maids and two housekeepers precisely to avoid any misunderstanding. There was nothing improper between her and Zhu Ping’an.

“This time I’ll let it slide. Next time, I won’t be so forgiving,” Li Shu said with a faint huff.

“Yes, yes, yes,” Zhou Pangzi nodded vigorously, well aware of her temper after his experiences in the household.

“Brother Li, what brings you here?” Zhu Ping’an interjected at the right moment, easing the tension.

“Oh, yes… I nearly forgot why I came. Since Fifth Sister is here, there’s no need for Second Sister to explain,” Zhou Pangzi said, recalling the purpose of his visit.

“Here’s the situation: tomorrow, the families of the Duke of Wei, the Founding Duke, and several other noble households have arranged a spring outing together. The men will ride and hunt, the ladies will enjoy strolling among the flowers and greenery—a lively occasion for everyone. My father has agreed. Since you won’t be departing south for another two days, tomorrow will be the perfect opportunity for some excitement, and for introducing friends and relatives to you, Brother-in-law.”

“Oh, and aside from our noble families, other sons of officials will also be there. Meeting more people could be helpful for you in your official duties,” he added eagerly.

“Second Sister and the others will be attending, so Fifth Sister shouldn’t miss this. Opportunities for women to enjoy outings like this are rare.”

Zhou Pangzi practically spilled all the details at once, his face glowing with excitement, clearly anticipating tomorrow’s event.

Such gatherings were clearly a way for noble families to strengthen ties. Perhaps today’s excursion by the Marquis of Linhuai was connected to this very event, Zhu Ping’an mused.

“All right. It’s not like I have anything better to do at home,” Li Shu said, nodding with bright eyes, clearly pleased.

Zhu Ping’an was slightly surprised but understood; in these times, girls rarely ventured beyond the family gates. Finally, an opportunity to go out freely was a source of genuine joy.

“Then thank you for the trouble, Brother Li,” Zhu Ping’an said politely, acknowledging the invitation.