Ning Dao Covered with Snow

Chapter 293 Maid
Xiao Wang was very worried about Yan Ciwan's safety, but Xiao Wenyi reassured him.

"Based on my understanding of the Sage, if he wanted to punish Ning Ci, he would have made a judgment on the spot. There was no need for him to send us all away. Just wait patiently, Ning Ci should be fine."

"I hope so."

……

After having lunch with the emperor, Yan Ciwan was escorted out of the palace by Si Buping.

They left the palace through Yanxi Gate, passed through Yongxingfang, and arrived at Anxingfang.

Anxingfang is home to many Taoist temples and Buddhist monasteries, as well as some renowned historical sites, creating a rich cultural atmosphere. The residence arranged for Yan Ciwan by the sage is named Qingpingju. It's not far from there after walking along the main street. As soon as Yan Ciwan enters, he feels a refreshing coolness wash over him. Looking closely, he sees clear spring water cascading down from a height, flowing into a pool, and the splashing water vapor forming a hazy white mist, making him feel as if he has entered a fairyland.

Yan Ciwan was enjoying the scenery before him with great interest.

A group of servants knelt before her and bowed. Si Buping introduced them, saying, "These are your servants. You can tell them anything you need."

Yan Ciwan glanced at the servants and recognized two familiar faces: Qiushuang and Dongli.

Si Buping noticed her gaze and offered an explanation.

"These past two days in the palace, Qiu Shuang has been serving you. I suppose you've both gotten used to each other. The Emperor specially bestowed her upon you, so that you'll have someone familiar by your side, and you'll feel more at ease."

Qiu Shuang tried her best to maintain a smile on her face, but inside she was completely devastated.

She had already broken ties with Ning Ci last night, and later she even secretly spat into Ning Ci's food. When she saw Ning Ci off this morning, she felt relieved, thinking that she had finally gotten rid of this jinx.

But who could have imagined that she would be packaged up and delivered to Ning Ci in the blink of an eye?

At that moment, she really wanted to scream and cover her head. What should she do? What should she do?!

Yan Ciwan asked, "Can I not have her?"

The autumn frost froze.

“Of course you can.” Si Buping paused here, his gaze lingering on Qiu Shuang for a moment, before continuing, “She’s just a maid. If you don’t like her, you can sell her off as you please.”

Qiu Shuang's body trembled slightly, and her face was as white as paper.

Si Buping asked, "Do you need me to send someone to bring the human traffickers over for you?"

Qiu Shuang could no longer hold on and collapsed to her knees with a thud.

Her lips moved as if she wanted to plead, but her throat seemed blocked, and she couldn't utter a sound no matter what she did.

In the end, she could only close her eyes in despair.

Yan Ciwan sighed: "Never mind, let's leave it at that for now."

A light, airy sentence reached Qiu Shuang's ears like celestial music, making her shudder and abruptly open her eyes.

She stared at Yan Ciwan in disbelief. Had she heard correctly? Yan Ciwan really let her go?
Si Buping was also somewhat surprised by Yan Ciwan's decision, but he did not say much.

Yan Ciwan turned to look at Dongli, who was still dressed in men's clothing, looking dashing and heroic, which was out of place with the style of the maids around him.

Si Buping said, "The Emperor said he would choose someone from the Inner Guard for you to use. There are very few women in the Inner Guard, and Dongli is one of the more outstanding ones. Although she doesn't talk much, she is thoughtful and capable in both literature and martial arts. However, she is still lacking in serving others and needs you to train her a bit more. You can use her for now, and if you feel she is not suitable, just tell me and I will find someone else for you."

Yan Ciwan smiled and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Grand Secretary."

"These are all the instructions of the sage; I am merely following orders."

Si Buping glanced at the sky and, seeing that it was getting late, decided to take his leave. Before leaving, he didn't forget to give some instructions.

"I have already sent people to investigate An Tong. We will have results soon. Do not act on your own."

Yan Ciwan had originally planned to go to the West Market to find An Tong later, but after hearing what Si Buping said, she had to temporarily abandon the idea and asked, "How soon is 'soon'? Can we have results today?"

Si Buping knew she was very worried about the old woman's safety, and after thinking for a moment, he said, "I will come to see you tonight. Wait for my news."

"Okay." After Si Buping left, Yan Ciwan told everyone to go about their business, as she planned to go out for a while.

But after taking only two steps, she noticed someone following her. Turning around, she saw that it was Qiushuang and Dongli.

"Why are you following me?"

Qiu Shuang's eyes were still a little red. She didn't dare to look Yan Ciwan in the eye. She held the hem of her clothes with both hands, looking awkward as if she wanted to speak but was too embarrassed to open her mouth.

Dongli didn't have the same reservations as her and spoke frankly.

"In addition to taking care of your daily life, we are also responsible for protecting your safety. If you want to go out, we have to go with you."

Yan Ciwan raised an eyebrow, it was the first time she had ever seen a servant girl so assertive.

She asked, "What if I don't agree to you coming along?"

Dongli remained silent for a moment, and ultimately chose to tell the truth over lying.

"Then I'll follow you secretly and try my best not to be discovered."

Yan Ciwan was amused by her straightforwardness.

"I'm going to the Xiao residence in Yongxingfang. You can come if you want."

After saying that, Yan Ciwan turned and left. Dongli immediately followed, while Qiushuang hesitated for a moment before choosing to go to the backyard.

When they reached the main gate, Yan Ciwan looked at Dongli, and Dongli looked at her in return.

The two stared at each other.

Unable to contain herself any longer, Yan Ciwan asked, "Are you planning to walk with me to Yongxingfang?"

Dongli: "..."

She then realized that she had not prepared a carriage for her master to use when he went out.

The main reason was that she was used to living alone, and she hadn't adjusted to her new identity yet. She turned to walk towards the backyard, but saw Qiu Shuang driving a carriage over.

Qiu Shuang jumped off the carriage and proactively placed the horse stools, inviting Yan Ci to board the carriage later.

After Yan Ciwan was settled, the carriage slowly started moving, swaying and wobbling towards Yongxingfang next door.

Qiu Shuang and Dong Li sat on either side of the carriage shaft. Qiu Shuang was in charge of driving. She glanced at Dong Li, who was sitting upright next to her, hesitated for a moment, and then whispered a reminder.

"You are no longer an inner guard. When facing your master, you must refer to yourself as a servant."

Dongli frowned slightly. She didn't like this way of referring to herself, but she still nodded to indicate that she understood.

After the carriage entered Yongxingfang, it stopped in front of the Xiao residence.

Upon learning the identity of the visitor, the doorman immediately opened the door and politely invited him inside.

Dongli volunteered to stay and guard the carriage, while Qiushuang followed Yan Ciwan into the Xiao residence.

As they approached the flower hall, they heard hurried footsteps behind them. She turned around and saw Xiao Wang rushing towards them.

Xiao Wang is usually elegant and composed; it's rare to see him so anxious.

He took large strides, his clothes billowing up and down with each step, his wide sleeves brushing against the red camellias beside the corridor, sweeping one of the camellias to the ground.

In the blink of an eye, he had already run up to Yan Ciwan.

Yan Ciwan noticed that there was a slight sheen of sweat on the tip of his nose, which shone softly in the sunlight.

She couldn't help but smile: "Xiao Liu, I'm alright now."