Sang Wan’s heart grew even more troubled, and she managed to feign a smile at Yuanyang but said nothing.
Seeing her indifferent expression, Yuanyang felt both pity and confusion. The Young Master was treating her so well, nearly cherishing her in the palm of his hand; wouldn’t any woman be moved? But this Miss Wan is quite the opposite, her brows only seem to furrow with more worry.
Yuanyang tactfully fell silent, poured a cup of tea for her and said with a smile, "This slave will hurry the breakfast along, Miss must be hungry!"
Sang Wan was worried she would get another elaborate spread from the kitchen like last night, and quickly said, "I don’t have much of an appetite today, just ask the kitchen for a bowl of plain congee and a small dish of spicy pickles!"
Yuanyang obeyed and went to give the orders.
Before long, the congee arrived. It looked like plain congee, but it tasted of a rich and fresh chicken flavor. Seeing Sang Wan pause, Yuanyang quickly said with a smile, "This is congee made with stock from the kitchen, very light. It’s good for you, Miss should have more."
Sang Wan said nothing more and simply smiled and nodded her head.
Zhao Qi ca by again, expressing his concern, "The kitchen said you’ve lost your appetite, what’s wrong?"
"I’m fine, it’s probably just fatigue from yesterday," Sang Wan smiled.
Zhao Qi noticed her eyes were clear and she seed spirited, so he nodded and said with a smile, "That’s good! Just rest in your house today, I won’t disturb you any further. If you feel bored and want so entertainnt, let Yuanyang know. Do you like the osmanthus downstairs? When you feel better, it would be good to walk around and get so fresh air!"
"Thank you for your kindness, Young Master!" Sang Wan wished nothing more than for him to leave quickly and gave a perfunctory smile.
Zhao Qi smiled again, looked at her deeply, then indeed got up to leave. Before long, however, he sent soone to deliver a colorful parrot, claiming it to be very smart and able to learn anything said to it, specially brought over to keep her company.
Yuanyang hung the parrot by the window and kept teasing it enthusiastically. The parrot mimicked everything with its sharp voice, and its bright, beady eyes were ceaselessly looking around as if plotting so mischief, making both Sang Wan and Yuanyang laugh.
Intending to avoid Zhao Qi, Sang Wan remained upstairs for three consecutive days, but on this day, Zhao Qi ca to her door again. Upon seeing him, Sang Wan felt an inexplicable panic and forced a smile, saying, "Why is the Young Master free to visit today..."
Zhao Qi just smiled, thinking I co by under your window several tis a day, and I call on Yuanyang to inquire about you often; but since you prefer not to be disturbed, why should I tell you about it?
"I saw you hadn’t been out for a few days, aren’t you feeling stuffy in the house? Co out for a walk! The weather is good today, not too cold. By the way, frost will likely set in a few days, do you have any preferences for the style of clothes? I’ll have soone make them for you," Zhao Qi said with a gentle smile.
Sang Wan’s head echoed with his words about the approaching frost and the onset of winter. Unwittingly, she had been with Mrs. Zhao for almost a month now, every day feeling like an eternity. Fengju, was he still grieving for her, still searching for her?
Sang Wan sighed softly and said with a reluctant smile, "I don’t really want to go out, I’m not feeling very well, so I prefer to stay indoors. As for clothing, I don’t have any particular preferences; ordinary styles that keep out the cold will do. Young Master, there’s no need to trouble yourself."
Seeing her response, Zhao Qi did not insist further, only nodded with a smile and said, "Since that’s the case, I’ll give the orders. If you don’t want to go out, I can stay and chat with you! What did Miss Wan used to do for leisure? Chess, playing the zither, painting? Or perhaps pai gow, backgammon? You must find sothing to do; otherwise, isn’t it maddening to be alone? Don’t let your spirits fall before you’ve recovered!"
Pai gow and backgammon? Sang Wan couldn’t help but laugh and shook her head, saying, "I’m not good at any of those, nor do I want to think too hard. Young Master, you—"
"Is that so?" Zhao Qi smiled again, "Then perhaps you would enjoy listening to operas? I can have a troupe co over and sing your favorite pieces, or I can arrange storytelling or ballads, whichever you prefer."
Zhao Qi looked at Sang Wan with a warm and amiable smile, showing no sign of impatience or disgust. Seeing his deanor made Sang Wan feel unexpectedly guilty. She opened her mouth to speak, then said with a smile, "I’ll go out for a walk after all!"
"Good! The garden indeed has several nice views; I’ll accompany you," said Zhao Qi with a smile.
Sang Wan nodded and said, "Please wait downstairs, Young Master; I’ll join you after I’ve changed."
Zhao Qi stood up smiling, "Then I’ll wait for you downstairs. Take your ti, there’s no need to rush."
Watching Zhao Qi leave, Yuanyang was quick to instruct a maidservant to prepare tea, pastries, chairs, and cushions, then she busied herself attending to Sang Wan’s change of clothes.
"The Young Master is truly kind to Miss. Our Young Master has always had an irascible disposition, even speaking with Mrs. Zhao, he becos impatient after only a few words. How thoughtful and attentive he is to you, Miss! Ah, it’s indeed rare!" said Yuanyang, laughing while she helped Sang Wan dress.
Sang Wan responded perfunctorily with a few modest remarks and said nothing more. However, her heart grew increasingly unsettled. Yuanyang was constantly ntioning the Young Master, and Mrs. Ding often ca to check on her, invariably hinting and probing in her words. Sang Wan knew they must have been instructed by Mrs. Zhao. With Mrs. Zhao pressing her step by step, she wondered how long she could hold out?
She could feign ignorance for now, but what if Mrs. Zhao ran out of patience and applied forceful pressure? What then?
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