Eight Treasures Trousseau

11

Chapter Eleven: The Omnipresent Rumors

Ever since she saw Hua Xi Wan, Hua Yi Liu was slightly inattentive. She looked at her mother who was looking meaningfully at her. She hesitated and then forced a smile. She said, "Something has happened to my maternal grandfather's family recently. Seeing you live well, I have something to be happy about."

Hearing this, Hua Xi Wan's hand which held her teacup stilled. Then she smiled and said, "My days in the junwang fu are very good. Eldest Sister, you do not need to worry." She slowly took a sip of tea and the smile on her face did not change.

"That's good." Not having received the proper response, Hua Yi Liu's smile became even more awkward. She turned and coincidentally found that Hua Chu Yu was looking at her. She felt her face flush. She was angered that Hua Xi Wan was not receptive and disliked Hua Chu Yu's gaze that seemed to be omniscient. She was angry for a long while, and only when Zhang shi started to speak did she recover.

"Junwang Fei, these words should not be said today, but I really do not have any other resource." Zhang shi saw that Hua Xi Wan did not understand what was implied, and since her daughter had a thin face, she couldn't resist speaking directly. "My parents only got this one son when they were close to middle age. Even though they have spoiled this idiotic brother in the past, they did not raise him to be a wastrel, and he is extremely hard-working. A few days ago, this idiot brother disappeared. My parents have searched through all of Jing but have not found him. Even the government was notified, but there has still not been any news. I heard that His Highness Xian Junwang has many friends. Please help say a few words for us in front of His Highness Xian Junwang, and have him help my Zhang Family."

"Nonsense!" the old taitai shouted. "Xian Junwang is not part of the government offices. Where would he go to help you search? Shut up now!" This Zhang shi was really dislikeable. She did not use her brains before she spoke. What was "Xian Junwang has many friends"? Did she imply that Xian Junwang was allying with some people in Jing?

Zhang shi also realized that her words were not appropriate, but after the old taitai shouted at her, she was unable to let it go. Her expression changed and she stared pitifully at Hua Xi Wan, saying, "Junwang Fei, this subject-wife has misspoken. Please forgive me."

"Second Aunt, what are you saying. We are one family—there is no forgiveness to be spoken of." Hua Xi Wan put down the teacup. Looking at the weather outside, she stood. "The time is not early. I should be returning to the junwang fu."

Zhang shi saw Hua Xi Wan had no intentions of helping and said urgently, "Third Niece..."

"Second Sister-in-law, if you have some secrets to share, you can remain and tell us sisters. The time is late. If Junwang Fei stays too long here and is late to return to the junwang fu,that would not be good." Lu shi walked in front of Zhang shi and smiled insincerely as she gripped Zhang shi's wrist. "Don't you think so, Second Sister-in-law?"

Zhang shi's expression was white as Lu shi held her wrist in a painful grip. She was unwilling, but she did not dare to oppose Lu shi. She could only close her mouth with an ugly expression.

Seeing the other was wise enough to stop speaking, Lu shi turned and looked reluctantly at Hua Xi Wan a few times. She smiled and went forward to neaten Hua Xi Wan's clothes, saying, "Live well, do not neglect yourself."

"Daughter knows, don't worry." Hua Xi Wan clasped Lu shi's hand, then stepped back and made a deep curtsey to Lu shi before turning and leaving with Bai Xia and the other servant girls.