“Yes.”

Xing’an replied.

After a moment, he was filled with doubt.

In theory, this Miss Su was Second Master’s mistress, and she was bought. He had her indenture in his hands. Even if he really wanted to bring Miss Su into the mansion and make her a concubine in the future, it wouldn’t be a problem.

Why go through all the trouble of finding Miss Su’s family?

Finding someone was not such an easy thing…

If it were really that easy, he wouldn’t have been unable to find his own younger brother for so many years.

Thinking of his own younger brother, Xing’an sighed.

At dinner, Su Yujin made several home-style dishes.

Shredded pork with garlic sauce, Kung Pao chicken, home-style tofu, stir-fried mixed vegetables, rice (a combination of white and millet rice), and soup (winter melon and river shrimp soup).

After He Yanxiu finished his medicine, Su Yujin brought him a cup of pomegranate juice.

The pomegranates, freshly picked and ripe in autumn, were sweet and sour, just right to relieve the bitterness of the medicine.

He Yanxiu sipped the medicine slowly, trying to wash away its bitterness. “I have urgent business in the capital, and I must return tomorrow.”

“Then I’ll prepare the rest of the medicine for you later, Second Master.”

Because plans often change and unexpected events occur, Su Yujin was too lazy to make pills for He Yanxiu this time. She simply prepared the medicinal herbs for the decoction, packed them into portions for each meal, and had He Yanxiu take them back to brew himself. She would also prepare some food for the journey, and that would be enough.

“I’ll be busy in the capital for some time and probably won’t be coming back. The weather is cold, so make me two new winter coats.” He Yanxiu handed her a silver note as he spoke.

“Yes.” Su Yujin accepted it with a smile. “Thank you, Second Master.”

“Prepare an even more lavish spread for tomorrow’s meals!”

“Oh, right. Earlier, you asked me for the deeds of sale belonging to Aicao and Nanny Liu. That reminded me that I still have your deed of sale. I’ll bring it with me the next time I come. If I forget, remember to remind me.”

As soon as He Yanshuo finished speaking, Su Yujin’s eyes widened in astonishment.

Second Master was going to return her deed of sale?

This…

Was rather sudden!

But it was a good thing!

With the indenture, she would be a free person. Although nominally still He Yanxiu’s mistress, she could register her household at the government office, making things much easier in the future.

More importantly, this was a crucial leap, a vital stepping stone to leaving He Yanxiu and living a free, carefree, and wealthy life.

Indeed, happiness always comes unexpectedly.

Su Yujin was overjoyed, but quickly calmed down.

Why did the Second Master suddenly bring up returning her indenture?

She had originally been a shield for the Second Master, so did this mean that he wouldn’t need her as a shield anymore?

Was it because the Second Master was getting married, and this was preparation to get rid of her later?

But according to the wedding customs of this era, the formalities of matchmaking and betrothal were absolutely crucial. Given the He family’s status, if the Second Master were to marry, word would likely have already spread; it wouldn’t be done quietly.

Besides, there was no need to hide such a thing from her, an outsider. After all, to the main family, she was not worth deliberately concealing.

Therefore, Su Yujin felt that the possibility of the Second Master getting married was unlikely.

Then that left only one other possibility…

Second Master might be about to come out of the closet.

To appear hand in hand with the man he loved, announce it to the world, and bravely pursue his own love!

If that were the case…

Wow, Second Master was amazing!

Three cheers for Second Master!

The only question was, what kind of person could make someone as noble and refined as Second Master so utterly devoted that he was willing to face something society simply would not accept in this era?

Her curiosity was running wild.

He Yanxiu: “…”

Why did it feel like Su Yujin was looking at him rather strangely?

She was clearly happy, but why did that smile seem tinged with malice?

Even the light in her eyes was gleaming, like a wolf eyeing meat?

For a moment, He Yanxiu felt a tiny bit of regret, regretting ever having the thought of giving Su Yujin a contract of servitude. He had a feeling something bad was about to happen…

With these doubts, He Yanxiu couldn’t fall asleep for a long time that night, tossing and turning.

Xing’an couldn’t bear to watch any longer, “What’s wrong with Second Master?”

Is this bed a frying pan, and you’re a pancake, needing to be fried evenly on both sides?

“It’s nothing.” He Yanxiu rested one hand behind his head, and after a moment, sat up halfway, looking at Xing’an. “If I were to return your indenture to you now, would you leave the He residence immediately, or would you continue to stay by my side?”

“Of course I would stay.” Xing’an answered without hesitation.

“The truth?” He Yanxiu was somewhat skeptical.

Everyone should yearn for freedom.

“More real than real gold.” Xing’an nodded vigorously. “I’ve been with Second Master since I was a child. The bond between us is unmatched. Even if I get my own indenture, Second Master is still Second Master, and I’m still me. Nothing has changed. Why would I leave?”

“Besides, Second Master is kind to his servants, and I’m very grateful to him. To put it bluntly, I’d definitely find work to do. Even if I were free, I’d be eager to do any job that’s respectable, pays well, and sometimes even gets me some rewards.”

“Even if Second Master chases me away, I won’t leave. Why would I think of leaving Second Master?”

Yes, firstly, it was about the bond, and secondly, it was about the substantial pay. Anyone with common sense would know what to do.

Moreover, matters of friendship were somewhat subjective, and the most crucial thing was the reward…

He Yanxiu thought for a moment, “After returning to the capital tomorrow, take stock of the profits of each shop and collect the silver that should be collected.”

“Yes.”

“In addition, prepare more Xuan paper and paints in the study.”

“Yes…”

Was Second Master going to paint again?

Why did it feel like Second Master was getting more and more greedy lately?

…

Before He Yanxiu left, Su Yujin packed two large bags of pastries and gave them to Xing’an to put in the carriage.

Osmanthus white sugar cake, brown sugar steamed sponge cake, fermented rice cake, red date and peanut cake, milk and red bean cake…

Fearing that these pastries were all sweet and might become cloying after eating too much, Su Yujin also prepared boneless pickled pepper chicken feet, boneless braised duck feet, smoked duck neck, pork jerky, spicy strips, etc., which were spicy and fragrant, enough to pass the time on the journey.

So much so that Xing’an kept praising the generous amount of snacks Miss Su gave him along the way, while munching on duck necks. “There are so many snacks!” he exclaimed.

“Not only enough for the journey, but probably enough for several days back home.”

He Yanxiu looked at the delicious braised duck feet in his hand, lost in thought.

This time, the snacks were more plentiful than usual. Aside from the indenture, the biggest reason was probably the three hundred taels of silver he gave Su Yujin last night…

The reward had to be sufficient!

Author’s Note: Ahem, title to avoid censorship. Also, in chapter 152, the painting sale earned eight thousand taels, which I changed to three thousand taels. As I wrote, it felt a bit too high… three thousand taels would be more appropriate.

(End of Chapter)

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