"Oh? Miss Shi has already left?" Zhao Tian murmured as he leaned back on the plush couch, swirling the glass of juice in his hand before taking a long sip.
The sunlight streaming through the ornate windows cast a warm glow over the room, accentuating the luxurious furnishings.
Li Jia, who was seated beside him with her legs casually crossed, rolled her eyes in mild exasperation "Don’t tell … were you trying to court her last night? Is that why she disappeared this morning?"
Zhao Tian raised an eyebrow at her accusation, his lips curling into a smile "No, idiot. We just had drinks and a good conversation. Nothing more, nothing less."
Li Jia’s expression softened as she leaned forward and gently lay across his lap, her silky hair spilling over his legs like a waterfall.
"By the way Tian, Sect master and Elder Jing said that they need to leave soon as they have their own duties within the Sect."
At this, Zhao Tian frowned as he set the glass of juice on the table with a soft clink. "Then I guess I’ll stay here for a while longer,"
With a lazy roll, she turned over, wrapping her arms around his waist and burying her face into his abdon. "Then too…" she murmured, her voice muffled yet affectionate.
With a chuckle, he patted her head as she snuggled into his abdon.
A warm chuckle escaped Zhao Tian’s lips as he glanced down at her. "Clingy as ever," he muttered, gently patting her head.
Li Jia, content in her position, let out a pleased hum.
However, after a few monts, she raised her head and rested her chin on his abdon, her expression turning serious. "Tian, if you really want to make progress with Hanyue, you need to start by building a good relationship with her maid."
"She’s always by Hanyue’s side. If anyone knows her habits, her preferences, or even her vulnerabilities, it’ll be her maid. Gain her trust, and you’ll gain valuable insight into Hanyue."
Zhao Tian leaned back. "Hmm… that does make sense and the maid seed… different. Loyal, but not entirely hostile toward . Perhaps I can work with that."
Li Jia grinned, propping herself up on her elbows. "See? I’m not just a pretty face, you know."
Zhao Tian let out a chuckle, flicking her forehead gently. "Oh, I’ve always known you’re more than just a pretty face. You’re also a pain in my ass."
Li Jia gasped, feigning offense as she swatted his arm. "How rude! Here I am, offering you brilliant advice, and this is the thanks I get?"
"Hahaha..."
...
Knock, knock.
Lan Shuqin, who had just finished tidying her modest quarters, froze at the unexpected sound.
She wasn’t used to visitors, especially not here in the maid quarters.
Her brows furrowed in confusion, and she hesitated before calling out cautiously, "Who is it?"
A familiar voice answered from the other side of the door. "Zhao Tian."
Lan Shuqin’s eyes widened in shock ’Master Tian? Here?’
Panic set in as she quickly glanced around her small room, her heart racing.
She hurriedly straightened her maid uniform, tying the last knot on her sash.
Her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted her hair in the mirror.
"P-Please wait a mont, Master Zhao Tian!" she called out nervously.
After ensuring she was presentable, Lan Shuqin opened the door hesitantly.
Standing before her was Zhao Tian, his presence seed to fill the narrow hallway, and Lan Shuqin couldn’t help but notice the curious gazes of the other maids peeking from around the corners.
She blushed, feeling self-conscious about the attention, and quickly stepped aside. "Please co in, Master Zhao Tian," she stamred, bowing slightly as she gestured for him to enter.
Zhao Tian stepped into the room as he glanced around at the modest but tidy quarters.
The room was small, with simple furnishings... a single bed, a wooden table with a few neatly stacked books, and a vase with the starlace violets he gave her earlier.
Lan Shuqin wrung her hands nervously. "Forgive , Master Tian. This place may not be to your liking. I-"
Zhao Tian raised shook his head and smiled softly. "Don’t worry, Shuqin. Your hospitality is more than enough."
With a sigh of relief, Lan Shuqin nodded "Would you like sothing to drink or eat, Master Zhao Tian? I can-"
"There’s no need," Zhao Tian interrupted gently.
He took a seat on the couch and gestured for her to do the sa. "Please, sit. And you can call Tian."
Lan Shuqin’s eyes widened in surprise. "I couldn’t possibly-"
"Please," Zhao Tian insisted.
After a mont’s hesitation, Lan Shuqin reluctantly sat down on the chair opposite him, her hands folded neatly in her lap.
She kept her head slightly lowered, unsure of why Zhao Tian had co to her quarters personally.
Breaking the silence, Zhao Tian asked, "How long have you been serving Zhou Hanyue?"
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Lan Shuqin’ blinked her eyes ’So that’s why he’s here… He wants to ask about Lady Hanyue.’
"For about forty-two years, Master Tian."
Zhao Tian nodded thoughtfully, "Then you must know her better than anyone. Tell … what can you share about her? And the curse that surrounds her?"
Lan Shuqin’s breath hitched and she lowered her gaze, her fingers tightening slightly around the fabric of her skirt.
"The curse… It’s not sothing she likes to talk about. Few people even know the full truth."
Zhao Tian leaned forward, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I’m not ’few people.’ I’m her husband now. If I’m to help her, I need to know everything."
Lan Shuqin glanced up at him, surprised by the determination in his tone.
For a mont, she hesitated, torn between her loyalty to Zhou Hanyue and the earnestness she saw in Zhao Tian’s eyes.
Finally, she sighed and began to speak "Her curse is real... and she actually believes it."
Hm? Zhao Tian had a thoughtful gaze as he asked "The three deaths of her previous Husbands might just be a coincidence right?"
"Why would she believe that she is cursed?"
With a shake of her head, Lan Shuqin began to explain "No.. not just her Husband. She lost everyone who is close to her."
"Her mother, her two little brothers, a big sister, her close friends and Husbands... all of them died."
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