She had said before that even if Helian Duo simply stood in a crowd in plain clothes, he would surely stand out from the ordinary, easily distinguishable at a glance. And it was the same now.
However, today he was not dressed in plain clothes but in the attire of a knight-errant.
The newly rising sun outlined a golden silhouette for him, adding a touch of warmth to his lake-blue satin robe. Even though he wore a veil hat, through the thin gauze, Cheng Xiran still met his deep, unfathomable eyes.
The carriages rumbled and the people flowed ceaselessly. Cheng Xiran was so startled that she didn't dare to blink, fearing that he would disappear in an instant.
She was certain it was him. His tall and imposing figure and the regal aura emanating from his whole body all testified to her thought. Even though there was a long sword hanging by his side and he shifted his gaze the moment he met hers, it must be him.
But according to Zuo Yan, he should still be on his way back from Yangzhou in the south. Why would he appear here at this moment? Even if he had rushed back at the fastest speed, it shouldn't be this time.
Cheng Xiran's eyes got tired from being wide open for so long, so she relaxed them a bit. But when she looked up again, that cold figure was long gone from her sight.
It was as if everything had just been an illusion in her mind.
Then, Qian Youliang's shrill voice like a drake pulled her wandering thoughts back. "Zhiyue, I've brought you your favorite gerberas. Gerbera, what a wonderful name. You must be hinting at something to me, right?"
Cheng Xiran felt like vomiting but managed to hold it back in time.
Liu Shi, who had been waiting anxiously in the front hall, was extremely worried. The situation was developing completely beyond her expectation. She had just sat down to drink tea with relief, but then this big trouble came knocking again. She really couldn't handle it.
Nanny Wang beside her suggested, "Madam, why don't we go and plead with the old madam? Or I can send someone to fetch the prime minister back from the backyard. We have to solve this matter, don't we?"
Liu Shi, who was in a fit of anger, was just looking for someone to vent her frustration on. Naturally, she wouldn't let Nanny Wang off. She raised her hand and gave her two slaps. "Is this the solution you've come up with? Don't you know what kind of temper the old hag has? How could she possibly step in? And as for the prime minister, this matter was caused by me in the first place. He was already a bit unhappy. Now that I've shot myself in the foot, do you think he'll treat me kindly when he finds out?"
Nanny Wang trembled all over and knelt down on the ground with a thud. She quickly kowtowed and pleaded for forgiveness. "It's the maid's fault. The maid is stupid and thoughtless. Please forgive the maid, madam. The maid just wanted to share your worries."
Liu Shi thought Nanny Wang was an eyesore in front of her, so she kicked her away abruptly. "Get out of my sight. If you keep whining, I'll give you to Young Master Qian and let him take good care of you!"
This was the way a mistress of the house behaved. From her words, it was obvious that Liu Shi still couldn't shake off her status as a concubine's daughter.
Nanny Wang staggered back to the side in fear. Seeing that it was getting more and more lively outside, if they didn't make a decision soon, something bad might happen. If the news reached the prime minister, she would surely be scolded by him.
It was really a case of trying to steal a chicken but losing the rice.
"Sister Zhiyue, please let me have a look at you, okay? I know you're sick, and I don't want to bother you... But since I met you at the embroidery workshop that day, I've fallen in love with you at first sight! Please believe me. If you agree to be with me, I'll surely treat you wholeheartedly from now on and never dare to disobey you!"
Qian Youliang shouted several times at the top of his voice. Some onlookers who were eager to see more excitement suggested that he just lead his men to break into the house, which would be in line with his usual style. But Qian Youliang remembered what Cheng Xiran had told him before.
Even a lecher should have his own bottom line. Even though he had good conditions, he should learn to treat others with courtesy and never make a girl feel the slightest bit offended.
Little did he know that what he was doing now was already offensive.
So, he declined the kind advice of others and continued to pour out his heartfelt words in front of the red-lacquered gate of the Cheng Mansion.
Liu Shi couldn't stand it any longer. She gritted her teeth and said, "Nanny Wang, take Zhiyue back to the backyard first. I'll handle this here!"
Nanny Wang took the order and helped Cheng Zhiyue, whose eyes were swollen from crying, to the backyard.
Liu Shi ordered the gate to be opened and saw Qian Youliang leading a dozen or so people and a dozen pots of gerberas coming towards them.