Back in the resting tent, Gu Sinian, as usual, took Qi Zhenzhen's reply letter to read.
The edges of the letter paper were frayed, indicating that these letters had been read repeatedly.
Gu Qing entered with hangover soup, pursing his lips, "Young Master, you know Miss Er's letters by heart, and you're still reading them?"
Gu Sinian took the hangover soup and drank it down. "Has there been any news from the capital?"
"I see you're not really interested in the situation in the capital, but rather whether Miss Er has sent a letter?" Gu Qing teased. "Unfortunately, Young Master, you'll be disappointed. There are only letters from the Qian family and the Duke's mansion, no letters from Miss Er."
His thoughts exposed, Gu Sinian felt no embarrassment. "What would a bachelor like you know about the joy of waiting for letters? Hand them over."
Gu Qing presented the letters, and Gu Sinian read them one by one.
The disaster had been brought under control, largely thanks to the Qian family's efforts. The imperial court had offered few viable policies. There were also those who profited from the disaster, with prices for relief supplies being extremely high. In his letter, Qian Yuanbao mentioned that he had noted down the names of those families and would settle accounts with them in the autumn. Additionally, Qian Yuanbao mentioned Qi Zhenzhen, saying she was very generous and conducted herself exceptionally well compared to those pretentious young ladies from official families.
Gu Sinian's lips curled. How could the person he favored be anything but good?
After finishing Qian Yuanbao's letter, Gu Sinian picked up the letter from the Duke's mansion. The handwriting on the envelope was unfamiliar, and Gu Sinian guessed that his mother had likely asked someone in the household to write it on her behalf.
As he opened it, a faint fragrance wafted out.
Unfolding the letter, Gu Sinian frowned.
This letter was not from his mother. He patiently read it to the end, finding that it was signed by Xu Miaoniang.
Although the content did not contain anything presumptuous, Gu Sinian felt uncomfortable reading it. They had no connection, and he had clearly stated his position to his grandmother. Under these circumstances, why would Xu Miaoniang eagerly write to him? What were her intentions?
"Burn it," Gu Sinian said, stuffing the letter back into the envelope and handing it to Gu Qing.
Gu Qing was a bit bewildered. This was a letter from the Duke's mansion; he had thought it was from his mistress. But judging by his young master's attitude, it clearly wasn't. If it were his mistress's letter, would his young master bear to burn it?
Recalling how someone in the mansion had been preparing soup and pastries for his young master daily when they were in the capital, Gu Qing guessed who had written the letter.
How sad that Miss Xu would be if she didn't receive a reply. For some reason, Gu Qing felt a pang of discomfort. Compelled by an unknown force, after taking the letter outside, he did not burn it as Gu Sinian had instructed. Instead, he carefully brought it back to his own tent and placed it in the hidden pocket of his unworn inner garments.
Gu Sinian, thinking that Qi Zhenzhen would have to interact with Xu Miaoniang after their marriage, and wanting to avoid unnecessary trouble later, spread out the letter paper and meticulously introduced Xu Miaoniang. He detailed how she had come to the Duke's mansion, how she had made soup and pastries, and how she had now written from a thousand miles away, all clearly explained.
Qi Zhenzhen received Gu Sinian's letter on the twenty-eighth of the twelfth lunar month.
The entire letter was about a woman.
From the events described, it was evident that the young lady brought back by the old madam of the Duke's mansion had taken a liking to Gu Sinian.
It was truly a case of unrequited love, a willing flower and a heartless stream.
Qi Zhenzhen felt a bit sympathetic towards the girl. She had fallen for him without knowing his inclinations. Wouldn't she be devastated when she found out later? She decided that if she had the chance, she would offer some guidance. After all, the girl's medical skills were excellent, and she had been kind to Madam Qin. As the nominal daughter-in-law, she felt it was appropriate to show some consideration.