Chapter 406: Asking Mother for a Favor

Mrs. Chen thought about what Er Lang had just said and grew worried again. ’Having a daughter this beautiful is actually a problem. Now she has to wear makeup every day just to hide it.’

Gu Fei turned and called to Er Lang, "Second Brother, take me back to the city."

Er Lang hurried to the front courtyard to hitch the carriage, while Mrs. Chen took Gu Fei’s hand. "My dear girl, why don’t you stop staying at that inn? Can’t we just hire a Shopkeeper?"

Even if her daughter wouldn’t admit it, Mrs. Chen knew in her heart. ’My daughter was the one who caused that commotion. It’s not safe for her to be at the inn every day.’

Gu Fei thought for a moment. "Mother, I’ll see how it goes. If it really becomes an issue, I’ll hire a Shopkeeper."

Gu Fei got into the carriage and headed back to the city.

Just then, Xiao Yu arrived at the side gate of the Prince Qi Mansion.

As luck would have it, he ran into Su Chen’s carriage, which was also about to enter.

Hearing the sound of hooves, Su Chen lifted the curtain.

He saw Xiao Yu on horseback, his features relaxed and a faint smile playing on his lips. He was a world away from the usual Xiao Yu, who always looked down his nose at people.

The phrase "flushed with success" flashed through Su Chen’s mind. Then he looked again, and his fists clenched violently. Xiao Yu was wearing a black, cloud-patterned brocade robe with a slanted placket, and tucked into his chest, the top of a white silk fan was visible.

He could even make out the pale pink peach blossoms on its surface.

’Isn’t that the very fan Gu Fei was holding today?’

It was as if Su Chen had swallowed a lemon. Forcing down the sour taste of jealousy, he asked, "Brother Yu, is she—?"

Xiao Yu turned to look at Su Chen, held his gaze for two seconds, and said, "I took her home."

’I know it’s a pointless question,’ Su Chen thought. ’Since my cousin rescued her, of course she’s safe. But I couldn’t rest easy without asking.’

Having answered, Xiao Yu rode on, Zhaoye’s hooves going CLIP-CLOP, CLIP-CLOP past the carriage.

Su Chen lowered the carriage curtain, his gaze falling.

Back in his own courtyard, Su Chen sat before the window and began to grind ink.

As the ink in the inkstone grew thick and dark, he spread out a sheet of paper, picked up a brush, and began to write a letter.

With a fire seemingly burning in his heart, Su Chen finished the letter in a single, fluid motion. He sealed it and summoned a servant. "Take this to the post station. Send it to West Qin County by express horse."

The servant acknowledged the order and left with the letter. Su Chen paced around the room a few times, then suddenly strode out the door.

When Su Chen arrived, Xiao Min was taking her afternoon nap.

The attending maid wasn’t sure if she should go in and wake her mistress. After serving tea, she stood in a corner, her eyes darting between the door to the inner chamber and Su Chen.

Su Chen simply sat there, the very picture of patience.

Finally, a soft voice called from within the room, "Chunying—"

Only then did Chunying lift the curtain and enter. As she helped Xiao Min get up, she whispered, "The young master is here. He’s been waiting for quite some time. It seems he has something on his mind."

"Oh!" Xiao Min exclaimed softly. "Hurry, then. Tell Xia Cao to come in and do my hair."

Chunying lifted the curtain and called out, "Xia Cao, Qiushuang—" The two maids entered together.

Su Chen sat with his hands on his knees, his eyes downcast, listening to the sounds from the inner room.

"Xia Cao, do my hair in a Serpentine Coil today."

"Chunying, where is that ruby lotus hairpin I bought the other day? Find it, quickly. It will go perfectly with the Serpentine Coil."

"Qiushuang, I want to wear the madder red embroidery silk surcoat. See what kind of skirt you think would go well underneath."

A moment later, her voice came again: "And my ruby lotus bracelet? That’s the only thing that will match the ruby lotus hairpin."

Su Chen listened for nearly an hour before Xiao Min finally emerged from the room.

Su Chen bowed low. "Mother."

Xiao Min languidly settled into the seat of honor and laughed delicately. "Chen’er, what brings you to see me today?"

Su Chen kept his eyes lowered. "I’ve come to ask a favor of you, Mother."