Chapter 282

Ning Si listened with sadness and was somewhat shocked and angry.

"This method is too sinister, using human sacrifice to appease the disaster. If the famine could pass by doing this, what more can people do, what more can the court do? It's a pity that treacherous officials were in power at that time. The money and food for saving lives were all embezzled to fill their own pockets. These officials, they really are utterly hateful!"

Gu Ying pursed her lips and turned over another page. The sparse words recorded made her heart thump loudly and the unease in her heart grew stronger.

"Young Lady, Princess, the Master has returned!" Cai Xiu happily rushed in, suddenly interrupting the conversation in the room.

It had been so long since Grandfather finally came back. The front yard quickly became lively.

Ning Si was delighted. Grandfather was back, so Zhou Yan must have come too.

She turned to look at Gu Ying, "Ying, I—"

Gu Ying knew what she wanted to do and nodded encouragingly, "Go on, I'll go with you."

Ning Si pressed her rosy lips into a line, trying her best to calm herself down. But she was still somewhat nervous inside, "Cai Xiu, please ask Master Zhou to wait a moment, I'd like to see him."

Cai Xiu looked puzzled for a moment but didn't say anything. She turned and walked out.

The elegant carved lanterns under the covered walkway swayed gently in the cold wind. Cai Xiu quickly disappeared from sight.

Gu Ying put on her embroidered peach blossom cape over her tea-colored dress, wrapping herself up tightly. Her belly had already slightly swollen in the last three months.

Yin Lan handed over a lantern, "My Lady, are you really not letting us maids accompany you?"

Gu Ying shook her head with a smile, "No need, I'll go with Sister Si."

Ning Si clutched the pouch she made in the shape of an ingot in her palm. Although she didn't dress up elaborately, her fair and smooth little face under the cape, bright eyes, white teeth, rosy cheeks and delicate mist-like eyebrows were extremely beautiful.

Gu Ying smiled at her warmly and led her out of the yard, lantern in hand.

The two first went to see Grandfather Ning. The Nings were a prestigious clan in Yueyang, but they didn't hold any court positions after all. So there wasn’t much for them to be busy about except logistical supplies.

The Ning family assets ran deep, being a centuries-old prominent household since the previous dynasty. This time, the main reason why the Yueyang government kept tirelessly asking Old Master Ning for help was that they had their sights on the Ning’s wealth.

Old Master Lin knew what the government was up to, but he was willing to take out supplies and a large amount of silver to purchase grain, medicine, timber and more.

After working hard these past few days, exhaustion was written all over Grandfather Ning's face. But when he saw the two girls come to greet him, he smiled lovingly at them and told them not to stand on ceremony.

Gu Ying wanted to ask about the Crown Prince’s condition.

The old master only said, "The Crown Prince has been staying in the infirmary with the physicians. Changan and I have been busy preparing other things these days so we haven't seen the Crown Prince for days already. Don't worry Ying, nothing will happen to the Crown Prince."

Gu Ying smiled without saying anything, but her heart sank involuntarily.

The infirmary was filled with patients who had contracted the plague...

How could she not worry?

Ning Si arranged for tea, meals, and tidying up of the yard. People came in and out in an orderly manner.

When Ning Changan saw this, he praised her for being capable these days.

Ning Si smiled. "It's all thanks to Ying's teachings."

The few men in the flower hall looked towards Gu Ying. Everyone knew that the Crown Prince was exhausting himself for Yueyang and currently had no time for her at all.

They felt heartache, remorse, and mostly sympathy for her. After all, the Crown Prince was leading by example. If he accidentally caught the plague... Forget Yueyang being rendered leaderless, this young wife had just married and gotten pregnant—to lose her husband so soon would be unbearable pain that ordinary people could not withstand. She was truly pitiful.

Grandfather Ning said solemnly, "Ying, just stay peacefully in the Ning household waiting for the Crown Prince to come get you. Our Ning family will definitely not stint on your meals."

The corners of Gu Ying's lips turned up amusingly. "Don't worry Grandfather Ning. Ying will definitely not stand on ceremony with Sister Si. When the time comes, don't complain that I eat too much."

"This girl, silver-tongued as always. Can you really eat our Ning family out of house and home?"

"That's hard to say. Ying now has two mouths to feed and a huge appetite without stopping at all."

Her words made everyone laugh.

The atmosphere in the flower hall instantly lightened up greatly.

After chatting for a while and taking their meal, it was time to disperse.

Seeing Grandfather Ning and the others off, Gu Ying then saw Zhou Yan who had been sitting quietly finally get up. He seemed to be discussing something with Ning Changan at the door.

Today, he wore a long black robe at his waist tied with a jade belt, appearing noble and outstanding with a refined scholar's air. Ning Changan was cheerful and handsome. The two noblemen were once classmates and quite close.

Customs weren’t as strict in Yueyang City, allowing men and women to dine together.

In terms of seniority, Ning Si was Zhou Yan’s martial aunt.

During dinner, although Zhou Yan was sitting upright and still as a mountain, his gaze couldn’t help landing on Ning Si from time to time. Others may not have noticed, but Gu Ying kept her eyes on his expression this time.

Repressed and restrained, yet silently attentive.

It was evident he had feelings for Ning Si.

Not waiting for Ning Changan to finish speaking, Gu Ying pulled Ning Si to the place Zhou Yan would inevitably pass—under the artificial hillside—to wait for him.

Gu Ying held the carved lantern in her hand. Its dim glow swayed gently. The cold moon hung high, stars twinkling faintly hidden amongst the thick clouds.

Ning Si fidgeted nervously. "Ying, what should I say later?"

Gu Ying slowly curled her lips. "Of course, directly tell him your thoughts. We're only asking for his help, it's not absolutely necessary for him. If he's unwilling, we won't force him. I can help you choose another groom."

Ning Si knew her actions this time were shockingly unconventional.

But things had already reached this point and there was no use hesitating anymore.

She anxiously waited for a while and soon saw Zhou Yan walking over from the direction of the great hall, alone as usual.

His tall, slender figure somehow gave a very reliable feeling.

Gu Ying patted Ning Si's shoulder, signaling her to wait behind the artificial mountainside to keep watch.

Ning Si nodded. "Alright..."

She then mustered her courage, stepped forward and blocked Zhou Yan's path.

Zhou Yan's expression was very indifferent. Seeing Ning Si obstruct his way, he was only puzzled for a moment before greeting her calmly, "Eldest Young Lady, did you need me for something?"

Ning Si was somewhat nervous originally, but when she stood so close to Zhou Yan, she strangely calmed down instead.

Zhou Yan had come to the Ning Mansion tutor house to study since he was young and was quite close with Cousin Changan and the others. She had often seen this beautiful, quiet boy when she was little, though they didn't interact much.

While the other boys would play with her and curry her favor, he was different. He always quietly read in a corner, barely even glancing at her.

Even as a child he was upright and solemn, naturally keeping others at a distance.