Yun Shu's expression was calm, showing no trace of anger or resentment.
In comparison, Gu Zhiruo and Ruan Xi appeared somewhat agitated.
The two of them realized this and exchanged glances.
At this moment, Jing Heng also shot a cold glance at Ruan Xi. He had always felt that if Ruan Xi's mouth were sewn shut, he would be a perfect person, not as detestable as he was now.
Sensing Jing Heng's chilling gaze, Ruan Xi immediately looked back, warning Jing Heng with his eyes not to harbor any foolish thoughts!
Jing Heng rolled his eyes.
Ruan Xi, quick-witted, directly changed the subject, talking about what had been prepared for dinner that evening, including many of Yun Shu's favorite dishes and some specialties from the Ruan manor.
A moment of laughter ensued.
As Yun Shu entered the Ruan manor, passers-by widened their eyes in surprise at her appearance.
What a beautiful woman!
Who is she?
She seems to be on excellent terms with Miss Gu, and the young master is even doting on her.
A moment later.
Someone informed Wu Xue Wei, who was sulking, of Yun Shu's arrival.
Wu Xue Wei was already troubled by Gu Zhiruo's presence, and now hearing that another woman had arrived, she could no longer sit still and immediately stood up, "Do you know who that woman is?"
"The young master and Miss Gu call her Yun Shu," the servant replied immediately.
Upon hearing this, Wu Xue Wei bit her lip. "This name sounds familiar. I've heard people mention it often lately. Yun Shu... could it be the second young lady of the General's manor? The second young lady known as the Divine Physician?"
The servant looked astonished. "Divine Physician?"
"The people serving the young master say that the young master has known the Divine Physician for many years."
Wu Xue Wei suddenly understood. "Indeed, I've heard that Gu Zhiruo and the second young lady are also acquainted?"
The servant shook her head. "This servant does not know."
Wu Xue Wei felt a sense of crisis she had never experienced before. She wasn't afraid of other women outside; she knew they couldn't enter the Ruan manor, and their position in Ruan Xi's heart was different.
However, this Gu Zhiruo knew people whom Ruan Xi knew.
From any angle, this was highly disadvantageous to her.
For a moment, Wu Xue Wei was consumed by anxiety. "Let's go, accompany me to see the Madam."
"Yes, Miss."
Time passed quietly, and before they knew it, the people who had reunited were chatting happily.
This continued until dinner.
The dinner was elaborately prepared, filling an entire large table.
They dined under the moonlight.
Gu Zhiruo, after arriving at the Ruan manor, had eaten as quickly as possible. She had little appetite alone, and if she ate with Ruan Xi, she would have to eat even faster, as she didn't want to spend too much time with him.
But today was different; Yun Shu had arrived.
Yun Shu knew Gu Zhiruo was worried about her. She had eaten some fruits and pastries on the way and wasn't very hungry, but she still ate many dishes and even a few mouthfuls of rice.
Seeing Yun Shu eat a good amount of food, everyone sitting around the table let out a sigh of relief.
After the meal concluded.
Ruan Xi pulled Jing Heng away to discuss matters, likely wanting to find out from Jing Heng if Yun Shu had been heartbroken during this time.
Qiu Lu went to feed the horses.
A Cha was tidying up the bedding in a room.
Gu Zhiruo and Yun Shu strolled through the Ruan manor.
They chatted as they walked.
"Yun Shu, you..." Gu Zhiruo hesitated but decided to speak. If she kept avoiding the topic, she would never know Yun Shu's current state of mind.
Yun Shu smiled. "No need to worry about me. Prince Ye suddenly went silent, and I was indeed a bit angry and sad. However, there must be some secret behind this matter, and I will find it."
Hearing this, Gu Zhiruo's worried heart eased considerably. "That's good. Although I know you are always firm in your heart and won't be easily defeated by anything, I'm still worried about you! Yun Shu, I don't think Prince Ye is a heartless person. As you said, this matter must hide some secret."
"Yes, that secret should be getting closer and closer to me." Yun Shu suddenly lost her smile.
Could she not guess what they could guess?
Gu Zhiruo knew it was time to change the subject. She looked around, and when she saw no one nearby, she lowered her voice. "These past few days I've been staying at the Ruan manor, I discovered something. Ruan Xi must have suffered a severe but minor injury, which is why he is so dissolute outside. Years ago, he had a beloved woman, but they were separated."
Yun Shu raised an eyebrow. "He had a woman he liked?"
How had she never heard of this?
She seemed to have never specifically explained the true reason for Ruan Xi's dissolute behavior to Gu Zhiruo.
Besides being naturally flamboyant, he was also poisoned.
Gu Zhiruo nodded repeatedly, speaking somewhat mysteriously. "That woman is here, in the manor. She's his cousin, named Wu Xue Wei. She's a beauty with an ethereal and elegant appearance. They were childhood sweethearts, inseparable since they were little. Think about it, such deep affection was broken apart. He must have been unable to bear the blow! After that, he did some outrageous things, which now seem understandable. I suspect he is cooperating with me for Wu Xue Wei."
After listening to Gu Zhiruo's speculation, Yun Shu's lips twitched, and she chuckled. "Do you think he's someone who is easily hurt by love?"
The Ruan Xi she knew was the one who made others heartbroken; he could always stay out of it.
"Isn't he?" Gu Zhiruo asked back.
"In your eyes, what kind of person is he?" Yun Shu suddenly asked.
Gu Zhiruo frowned, her expression revealing a hint of displeasure. "He's one of the few dissolute men I've met, but I can also tell he's very heartless. Don't let his usual cheerful demeanor fool you; he's actually extremely cruel."
"The woman he likes, and has kept in his heart for so many years, must be Wu Xue Wei and no one else. The world can change, but it must go through some great hardship. He, perhaps he's still a passionate lover!"
Listening to Gu Zhiruo's description of Ruan Xi, Yun Shu let out a light laugh.
"What if he doesn't like Wu Xue Wei?" Yun Shu asked.
Gu Zhiruo's face was full of certainty. "Absolutely impossible. I can confirm that their hearts are in sync. Before you were brought here, Wu Xue Wei came to the manor, wanting to have a good talk with Ruan Xi. I suddenly felt an urge to leave the Ruan manor immediately and complete their union."
"It seems Ruan Xi hasn't told you some secrets, Zhiruo. I can tell you that Ruan Xi absolutely does not like his cousin." Yun Shu said with certainty.
She knew Ruan Xi's character very well.
She also knew some things about Ruan Xi.
Ruan Xi's cousin had always wanted to gain a foothold in the Ruan family through Ruan Xi, but Ruan Xi had never fulfilled her wishes.
"Did I misjudge him?" Gu Zhiruo replied thoughtfully.