Xie Chen spoke with a hint of self-mockery.
He was on good terms with Emperor Chongwen, but having been emperor himself for many years, he had developed the inherent suspicion of those in power.
Li An was guilty.
So were Gu Changwei and Gu Siya.
However, he still worried about acting out of personal vendetta.
Old Madam Qin understood Xie Chen's meaning instantly and said with a smile, "Then it's good for you to take this opportunity to rest. Xiao Xue is making snow crisp today. Do you want to go take a look?"
Old Madam Qin was delighted with the relationship between Xie Chen and her daughter.
She did not believe her daughter was no longer entitled to happiness.
Gu Changwei's blindness did not mean everyone else was blind.
Xie Chen happily agreed.
Old Madam Qin personally led him to the backyard.
This was also for her daughter's reputation.
With her present, there would be no impropriety.
Qin Tingxue was as elegant as ever, her grace undiminished even while cooking.
She greeted Xie Chen calmly. Xie Chen immediately went to wash his hands and stepped forward to help Qin Tingxue.
"You shouldn't lift a finger, you'll get flour all over yourself," Qin Tingxue said.
"Underestimating me? I can make a few pastries, you know," Xie Chen rolled up his sleeves, took the dough from Qin Tingxue's hands, and began kneading it with practiced ease.
Xie Chen's movements were very skilled, not like someone kneading dough for the first time.
Qin Tingxue watched his actions, lost in thought.
Old Madam Qin watched the two of them standing side by side with satisfaction. They were a perfect match, truly.
Xie Chen was such a fine young man.
How many men were willing to enter the kitchen?
Moreover, she could tell that Xie Chen was doing it willingly and with joy, not just putting on an act.
"Gu Changwei came by just now," Old Madam Qin said casually.
Qin Tingxue responded absently, her movements not slowing down at all, "Did he come to beg me for mercy?"
Qin Tingxue had guessed Gu Changwei's intention immediately.
Having been married for many years, she considered herself to understand Gu Changwei very well.
"Don't be foolish," Old Madam Qin said sternly.
"Mother, can't I be foolish just once?" Qin Tingxue replied. "Don't worry, if anyone comes again, just turn them away. If no one in the household can handle him, arrange for A'nian to send some people."
"Why bother asking A'nian? I have people here. I'll have them report to Steward Qin shortly," Xie Chen said. "He is A'nian's father, after all. If others find out, it will affect A'nian's reputation."
"Yes, yes, Xie Chen is right. We shouldn't ask A'nian for people. Xie Chen, is it convenient for you? If not, I'll ask Steward Qin to hire someone," Old Madam Qin asked feigning concern.
"Hiring people on short notice won't get us anyone suitable. Besides, they are to be guards, so we need to know their background. Otherwise, it's not safe," Xie Chen reasoned.
"You make a good point," Old Madam Qin agreed. "Then I'll trouble you."
"You are too kind, Old Madam," Xie Chen replied. "It is my duty."
Qin Tingxue found their exchange amusing.
"Since Gu Changwei came to me, he must have gone to A'nian as well?" Qin Tingxue asked.
"He did. If he could humble himself to come to you, it's only logical that he failed to get what he wanted from A'nian," Xie Chen said. "Before I came, I also went to the palace. His Majesty sent for A'nian. And even if His Majesty hadn't summoned him, A'nian would never have agreed to Gu Changwei's request."
"As for Gu Siya..."
"Her crime is not a capital offense, but the kind of hard labor she receives will depend on His Majesty," Xie Chen said.
As for whether Gu Changwei would focus all his efforts on getting Gu Siya acquitted, that was hard to say. He was probably pondering now what Gu Siya had confessed under torture.