The next day, early in the morning, Pei Qingfeng woke up early and prepared to visit the general"s residence. Before he left, he gathered a ton of medicinal ingredients. If Bai Luochu was really angry at him, it would be for the best if he took it all out as compensation.
In the residence beside the Second Prince"s residence, Ling Xian"er was packing up some items in the stargazing pavilion.
The other two young ladies who shared a great relations.h.i.+p with Ling Xian"er asked, “Xian"er, where are you going?”
Ling Xian"er looked at them. She wanted to bring the two of them along but after thinking about how overprotective Pei Qingfeng was of Bai Luochu, she changed her mind. Even if Honored Tian Yun realized something, she would be able to hide it from him. If the two of them went, they would definitely spill everything they knew. As such, Ling Xian"er decided to conceal the fact from the two of them.
“Nothing much. I am simply going out for a stroll with Big Brother Qingfeng.”
Their lips started twitching and they started to make fun of her, “Fine! Leave us alone here and go out with your Big Brother Qingfeng!”
To avoid the two of them from spoiling her plan, she quickly made a promise to placate the both of them. “Can the two of you calm down? I am touring around the capital city with Big Brother Qingfeng now in order to bring you to the best spots!”
After thinking about it, the two of them allowed her to leave.
Ling Xian"er heaved a sigh of relief and she started making her way to the general"s residence.
Bai Luochu was in the general"s residence as she ate her breakfast. From time to time, she would ask Cai Ling, “Did you inform the kitchen about my instructions?”
Cai Ling"s lips twitched and she almost sighed in disappointment. “I have already reminded them to prepare some light dishes for the guest this afternoon.” Before Bai Luochu could nod, Cai Ling piped up. “Mistress, I do not understand. How can Mistress continue to act as though nothing is wrong when the Second Prince is treating you like this?!”
Bai Luochu naturally understood that Cai Ling was feeling unjust for her, thus, she immediately explained, “Cai Ling, you can"t say that. His Second Highness might really be facing some difficulties. Weren"t you aware of how well he treated me in the past? You little servant girl, why are you always so fast to react without thinking your actions through? All visitors are guests and since he is coming, we need to act like proper hosts. Calm down and let him explain himself.”
Cai Ling knew that it was useless no matter what she said. She had no choice but to stand at the side quietly.
There was still 15 minutes before the agreed time and the guards sent someone to inform Bai Luochu, “Young Lady Luo Chu, His Second Highness is here. Do you want us to bring him to the reception pavilion?”
Bai Luochu nodded, “Invite him to the reception pavilion and remember to inform the kitchen. They can serve the refreshments now.”
A manservant immediately ran off to relay Bai Luochu"s orders.
“Let"s go, we shouldn"t allow our guest to wait.” Bai Luochu stated.
Cai Ling was rather reluctant but she still followed behind Bai Luochu.
By the time Bai Luochu arrived at the reception pavilion, Pei Qingfeng was already waiting for her.
Pei Qingfeng sat upright the moment he noticed Bai Luochu walking over. He gestured to Bai Luochu and said, “Luoluo, hurry up and take a seat.” As soon as this statement came out from Pei Qingfeng"s mouth, he felt rather vexed. Putting aside the fact that Bai Luochu had a negative impression on his actions these past few days, just his behavior alone was enough to give people a poor impression of himself. After all, he was acting like the host when he was the guest. Pei Qingfeng became even more dispirited.
Bai Luochu was a person who never bothered about etiquette and when Pei Qingfeng called out to her, she didn"t feel that it was inappropriate. Instead, Cai Ling was the one cursing at Pei Qingfeng.
When Bai Luochu saw Pei Qingfeng"s expression, she thought that the refreshments weren"t good enough. As soon as she sat down, she tasted some of the dishes and realized that there was nothing wrong with them. She was puzzled and turned to ask Pei Qingfeng, “Are the refreshments not suited to your taste? If they aren"t, I will ask someone to take it away and prepare something else.”
When Pei Qingfeng saw how Bai Luochu was concerned for him, his mood took a turn for the better. “It doesn"t really matter, there isn"t a need to go through the trouble.”
Bai Luochu thought that Pei Qingfeng was embarra.s.sed to say it so she quickly spoke up. “There isn"t need to be so courteous. I cannot be rude to my guests.”
When Pei Qingfeng heard that Bai Luochu was treating him as a guest, he felt a little sad.
Ling Xian"er was currently lying on the tree outside the general"s residence as her heart started to race. She scratched her ears and cheeks like a monkey.
“This Pei Qingfeng… did he even read the stories? Did he just use them to support his table? Whatever… Let alone clearing up this misunderstanding… Without me, he won"t be able to bring her home even if his hair turns white.”
Pei Qingfeng remained silent for quite some time. When he finally broke the silence, he stammered and tried to explain himself, “There should be rumors about me in the capital city. However, they are just rumors and you can"t treat them seriously…”
Bai Luochu sipped her tea and replied, “That is true. Rumors are just rumors and shouldn"t be treated seriously. However, when I was meeting His First Highness, I looked out of the window and saw a certain someone having a great time with a young lady approximately my age. I wasn"t able to see her face but she seems rather lively and cute. I think you two are made for each other.”
Bai Luochu poured herself another cup of tea and wondered why her mouth was so dry.
Cai Ling stood at the side and felt that there was something wrong with the atmosphere. It was as though there was a sour smell in the air. However, she didn"t dare to say anything and she could only hold her thoughts in her heart. She felt that she should ask her mistress after Pei Qingfeng left.
Pei Qingfeng had an expression as though he was struck by lightning. He never expected his personal guard"s inauspicious remark to be so accurate. The scene of him strolling the streets with Ling Xian"er had actually been caught by Bai Luochu.