Chapter 947: Handkerchief
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Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The lady and servant appeared startled by Shao Yunduan’s presence. The servant instinctively shielded his mistress and cast a menacing glare in his direction.
Shao Yunduan, taken aback, quickly comprehended the situation. These individuals were not handsome men as he initially thought; rather, they were likely a lady accompanied by her maid. Having spent time with Qiao Xuan, who occasionally disguised himself as a man, Shao Yunduan was well acquainted with women dressed in male attire. He even believed his own wife outperformed the figure before him in masquerading as a man, although she too could not endure close scrutiny.
The maid seemed to perceive Shao Yunduan as a troublemaker, emitting a disdainful snort and fixing him with an aggressive gaze. “None of your business. Step aside!”
Frowning, Shao Yunduan felt a sense of revulsion. However, considering the circ.u.mstances—a woman and an unfamiliar man of unknown background and character—it was reasonable for them to exercise caution.
If the handkerchief truly belonged to this lady, he could return it to her.
Shao Yunduan straightforwardly voiced his intention, “I came across a handkerchief earlier. Could you inform me…”
“Where is it? Show it to us immediately!” The two maids turned pale, and before Shao Yunduan could finish his sentence, the maid snapped at him, perceiving a threat in his words.
Disgust mounting, Shao Yunduan retained his composure and calmly replied, “Apologies, but I am unaware of the handkerchief’s owner. If it belongs to you, kindly describe its embroidery. If your description matches, I will gladly return it.”
The maid became furious. “You…”
“Hmph!” The lady interjected, her laughter tinged with intrigue, as she cast an appraising glance in Shao Yunduan’s direction. “Young Master, you are quite bold. My handkerchief bears an embroidery of peony flowers, with the word ‘Shan’ adorning the side. Would you like to verify?”
Her final statement clearly carried a playful tone.
Without scrutinizing the handkerchief closely, Shao Yunduan returned it to the lady. “No need, I believe it is yours.”
He nodded at her and proceeded to depart.
“Young Master!” the lady called out, halting his departure, and chuckled. “Might I inquire about your name, Young Master? Are you also partic.i.p.ating in the spring examination?”
Shao Yunduan paused momentarily, deliberately ignoring her, and walked away swiftly, soon disappearing from their view.
The lady, Tian Shanshan, found even greater amus.e.m.e.nt in the encounter. She chuckled gleefully, her beautiful phoenix eyes reflecting her genuine interest. She murmured to herself, “This person is quite intriguing. It’s rare to encounter such an interesting and well-mannered young Master…”
The handkerchief was crafted from palace-grade incense figurine, a material discernible to anyone, even those unaware of its significance. Its embroidery exemplified exquisite artistry, requiring several days for even the most skilled embroiderers to complete.
Being a Recommended Man, Shao Yunduan possessed astuteness. He could discern that the person owning such a handkerchief undoubtedly hailed from an exceptional family. If the handkerchief were to be found in someone else’s possession, it would pose a significant inconvenience.
With the approaching spring examination, everyone sought advantageous connections. A great opportunity might have presented itself right before him, yet he disregarded it entirely, not even entertaining a conversation.
This man proved to be truly captivating!
As Tian Shanshan pondered, his handsome countenance, tall and slender like bamboo, and his captivating black gem-like eyes resurfaced in her mind. Heat tinged her cheeks, and her heart skipped a beat in response.