The Qin family matriarch was very pleased. While she did want her son's position to be unshakeable, which made choosing a noble lady from a well-matched family important, she also wished for her son to choose someone he truly loved. She didn't want him to suffer the pain of unrequited love, as she herself had been bound by that very emotion for half her life and did not wish for her son to tread the same path.
When Qin Shi snapped back to reality, Gu Sinian was already gone. She hadn't even noticed when he had left.
"Granny Li, when did the young master leave?"
"He left a while ago. Seeing as you were lost in thought, he didn't want to disturb you," said a round-faced nanny waiting by her side, a smile on her lips. "The small kitchen is simmering some shredded chicken congee, the heat is just right now. Shall I bring you a bowl? You've had so many snacks, you might get an upset stomach."
Qin Shi nodded. The head maid in the room walked out and returned shortly with a steaming bowl of congee. The tray held a delicate, fine white porcelain bowl. Though called a bowl, it held perhaps only two or three mouthfuls.
With Granny Li's assistance, Qin Shi drank a small bowl and waved her hand for the items to be taken away. "If I eat too much now, I won't be able to eat lunch. This shredded chicken congee is quite good; send some over to the young master's quarters. Oh, right, send some to Zhang Xiaoniu at the training grounds too. That child eats a lot, so make sure the portion is larger."
"Madam is truly kind to that Zhang Xiaoniu," Granny Li said softly. "That boy must have accumulated much merit in his past life to earn the favor of you and the young master in this one."
"I enjoyed these little snacks very much; they were all brought back by that child. Besides, that child is genuine and spirited, a talent worth nurturing. Keeping him by the young master's side will be an asset, and it's rare that I find someone to my liking." Qin Shi smiled. "Granny, don't you find that child rather interesting?"
Granny Li appeared to be recollecting. "Now that Madam mentions it, it does seem so. Previously, there were others the young master favored. When Madam bestowed gifts upon them, they all appeared overly cautious, but only Zhang Xiaoniu showed such joy, speaking to Madam without restraint, and he's so quick-witted."
Qin Shi picked up her teacup and took a sip. "That's why, you see, there's always a reason for being good to someone. As for me, I simply feel this child is unpretentious and valued by A Nian, which is why I've grown to like him a bit more."
Over at the training grounds, a buzz had erupted. While the Duke's wife had bestowed gifts before, this was the first time she had sent freshly made congee. Especially since the maid carrying the food box explicitly stated that the Duke's wife found the congee delicious and had sent it over. This was a great honor!
Zhang Xiaoniu truly had some skill. Not only did Gu Qing, who was by the young master's side, take good care of Zhang Xiaoniu, but the young master also treated him well. Now, even the Duke's wife showed him special consideration, which truly made others envious.
Zhang Xiaoniu had a hearty appetite, and the shredded chicken congee was incredibly fragrant, its aroma detectable even before the food box was opened. He accepted the food box with a look of delight and thanked the maid who delivered it. "Thank you for making the trip, sister. Please wait a moment, I'll empty the food box for you."
Zhang Xiaoniu was quick. He returned with the food box and a small bag of five-spice melon seeds. "These are made by my sisters at home; they're quite good. Please take them back to eat. For Madam, please convey my regards. When the martial arts hall has a holiday, Xiaoniu will come to pay his respects to Madam."
The maid smiled, her lips pursed, and accepted the food box and the small bag of melon seeds. "Alright, I'll pass on your message. Thank you for the melon seeds; I heard from Madam they are very delicious, I didn't expect to get to try them."
After the maid left, several boys from the training hall crowded around. "Not bad, Zhang Xiaoniu, you've got some skills! The Duke's wife is such a noble person, and she actually sent someone to bring you congee. Don't forget your brothers when you make it big!"
Zhang Xiaoniu spat playfully. "I owe this to the young master's favor, don't I? When I returned for the New Year, I brought some small snacks back for the young master, and I suppose that's what earned Madam's favor."
"Oh, come on. What kind of snacks are there in the capital that your sisters' cooking can't match, let alone those from century-old shops?" someone teased.
Zhang Xiaoniu nodded very seriously. "They really aren't inferior to those. You don't need to provoke me. I only brought that much back; if I share it with you, what will I eat?"
Zhang Xiaoniu saw through the intentions of the few scoundrels and said slowly.
"Tch~"
Getting no benefit, the boys were dejected. Seeing their expressions, Zhang Xiaoniu took out a silver coin and tossed it to them. "However, I can treat you to some from a century-old shop. Go buy it yourselves."
After the commotion died down, everyone dispersed. Zhang Xiaoniu happily returned to his room to eat his congee.
In Qingquan Courtyard, Gu Sinian finished his congee and called for Gu Qing. "Go and summon Zhang Xiaoniu."
Today was the ninth day of the first lunar month. After the fifteenth, he would be going to Jiangnan to pick someone up. This trip would take many days. A thought occurred to him: he wanted to visit Xinghua Village. His purpose...
Gu Sinian's mind conjured the slender figure of Qi Zhenzhen, and her peach-petal-like eyes that always sparkled. He couldn't quite articulate his feelings, but whenever his mother mentioned his marriage twice, he unconsciously thought of Qi Zhenzhen.
However, Qian Yuanbao had said that liking someone meant your face would turn red when you saw her, your heart would race, and you'd do foolish things. But when he saw Qi Zhenzhen, he felt a sense of peace. Eating the food she made gave him a feeling that he could eat it forever without getting tired of it. Regarding this, Gu Sinian really wanted to ask Qian Yuanbao what was going on, but he worried Qian Yuanbao would laugh at his peculiar taste for liking a plain-looking girl who still seemed like a child.
Gu Sinian felt somewhat troubled, hence his urgent desire to understand his own feelings.
Unable to figure it out in a short time, Gu Sinian thought he should meet her more often. Perhaps after a few more encounters, he would experience the blushing and racing heart that Qian Yuanbao spoke of? That way, he could confirm if he liked her.
Gu Sinian was completely unaware that he had dug a hole for himself, already setting the outcome and now merely seeking various means to prove that outcome was correct.
"Young master, what do you need from me at this hour?" Zhang Xiaoniu entered the room, cupped his fists in a salute, and asked respectfully.
Gu Sinian waved to Gu Qing, who understood and quickly withdrew.
"I haven't asked you yet, when you brought those things to Miss Qi last time, what was her reaction?"
Zhang Xiaoniu pondered. "She didn't seem to have any particular reaction. She just... put them away."
No reaction? Did that mean she didn't like them? No, if she didn't like them, why would she have drilled a hole in the little stone and threaded it onto a string? That looked like something worn close to the body. He had thought she would like them.
"Young master, young master..." Zhang Xiaoniu looked suspiciously at the person staring blankly before him, calling out twice before the man snapped back to attention.
"You're coming with me to Xinghua Village. We're leaving now." Gu Sinian picked up a bundle and walked out first.
Zhang Xiaoniu was taken aback and quickly followed. He didn't think much of it, but he was still a little excited. His family and friends were all there, and he would have a chance to see them upon returning. Perhaps he could even go to Zhenzhen's place for a meal.