as anxiously waiting outside, immediately poked her head out from her hiding place after hearing the signal. She scanned the area to make sure no one was nearby. Once she confirmed it was safe, she sw...Ripple said ambiguously:

"I don't know, let's see what happens next."

At this time, the carriage also slowly stopped, and the guards from Gu Mansion behind also caught up.

Liàn Yī turned to Gu Di'er and placed a veil over her face, allowing only her full forehead, the peach blossom markings between her brows, and a pair of clear and bright eyes to be visible. He lowered his voice and instructed,

"As a woman, you should be reserved and maintain an air of mystery. Remember to always leave yourself room for maneuver in your actions."

As Gu Die'er nodded, she smoothed her veil and whispered:

"Ripple, don't worry, I understand!"

Ripples put a veil on herself, then opened the carriage door and jumped out first. She bowed to Xin Yuan, then spoke:

"Many thanks, young master, for your timely assistance. My young lady has been saved from a terrible calamity. I would be honored to know your name and where you reside so that our family can visit and express our deepest gratitude."

Xinyuan's gaze met Lianyi's, a pair of eyes as calm as ripples. His eyes lit up, then he rolled over and jumped off the horse that had already been subdued, politely bowing his hands:

"My dear, you're too kind. It was just a small gesture, no need to thank me."

Ripples listened to the other party's words and continued:

"My lord is too kind. Since you dislike visiting, please tell me your name so that our family can remember this favor."

"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Xin Yuan, and I hail from Kyoto. I am currently studying here. Having heard tales of the beautiful peach blossom grove outside Youzhou City, I came alone to admire its splendor."

"What a coincidence, my young mistress is here to admire the flowers too. Since that's the case, we can travel together."

Ripple suggested.

"Miss invited, Xin Yuan would never refuse."

Xin Yuan immediately bowed.

He came here with the sole purpose of meeting Miss Gu, and this first step was very successful. Therefore, he didn't bother to pretend to decline. After all, there was only one way leading to the Peach Blossom Forest outside the city. If he insisted on avoiding it, he would appear too deliberate.

The ripples, after receiving a blessing again, inquired about the coachman's situation. After changing horses, the two teams set off towards the peach blossom forest, one after the other.

When Lian Ri had gotten into the carriage, Gu Die'er finally spoke:

"This Master Xin Yuan is handsome and dignified. He looks young but very mature. There's an aura about him that's different from ours."

The ripple nodded, indicating that the little girl had sharp eyes. Just a glance through the curtain was enough for her to see everything clearly. Xin Yuan's aura was naturally extraordinary; he was like a celestial being in the heavens and a noble prince among mortals.

"What kind of gifts would be appropriate to express our gratitude"

Gu Die'er then asked.

Judging from Xin Yuan Gongzi's bearing, he must come from a wealthy family. The horse he rides is a fine steed, worth at least a thousand taels of silver at the very least. Therefore, we cannot dismiss him with mere silver.

However, since his family is well-off, he should be a refined gentleman. When you go to the peach orchard to admire the flowers later, send some snacks and grilling tools prepared at home in his name. Send him some of our marinated beef and also a jar of peach wine you personally brewed. That should be enough.

"Gu Die'er listened to Lian Yi's words, counted with her fingers, and felt that this should be about right. It seemed very sincere, so she smiled and said:"

Then I'll do it your way.

Two hours later, the two teams had arrived at Taohua Forest. Because after all, men and women are different, so the two teams went to different places.

Gu Die'er naturally went to places where young ladies and wives gathered. These places were also divided into small groups, such as Gu Die'er's kind with a fortune and connections in the court had one group, official daughters another, and there was yet another group of noble family misses. Everyone had their own little circle, not interfering with each other, playing their own games.

The servant of the Gu household had set up a small barbecue stove, prepared wine and snacks, then Ripples, with a wave of her hand, took the gifts and went to where the young masters were gathered.

As a newcomer, Xin Yuan only interacted with his own companions. However, due to his excellent temperament, many young gentlemen would approach him and try to make his acquaintance. Xin Yuan readily accepted their invitations.

When ripples arrived at Xin Yuan's place with her gift, several young gentlemen were already surrounding him, shaking their heads and composing melancholic poems. She politely stepped forward, paid her respects, stated her purpose, and then waved for her servant to present the gift to one of the men near Xin Yuan.

"Master Xin Yuan, thank you for your help just now in subduing the frightened horse. You saved my young lady from a disaster. This is a gift prepared by her, Master Xin Yuan, please don't find it too shabby."

After finishing, he handed over another piece of paper and continued:

"This is a post from my family. If Master Xin Yuan needs help, please take this post to any branch of Gu's store for assistance."

After finishing his words, he bowed once more and then left with his people.

Xin Yuan looked at the exquisite gilded notice in his hand, a hint of joy flashing in his eyes. It seemed things were going more smoothly than he had expected. Immediately, under the curious gazes of several young masters, he had his personal eunuch take the notice and put it away, never mentioning helping the Gu family.

A young man in purple robes said sourly:

“Mr. Xin Yuan, you acted at just the right time today. Miss Gu is about to reach marriageable age. I hear she is graceful and beautiful, intelligent beyond measure, skilled in everything from music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and most importantly, capable of managing a household and earning money.”

"Brother Fu, please be careful with your words! This concerns a woman's reputation. Today, I only managed to stop the horse from running away. I didn't even get to see Miss Gu, just her maid a moment ago."

After hearing Xin Yuan's explanation, another knowledgeable young man in blue said calmly:

"Master Xin Yuan, that woman just now wasn't really a servant girl from the Gu household. She was Madam Gu's adopted daughter. She only grew up in the Gu household from a young age and is like a sister to Miss Gu."

Don't be fooled by her appearance as a woman, for she possesses extraordinary skills. Ordinary men couldn't even get close to her, and with just one hand, she could subdue a charging horse.

Xin Yuan heard the Qingpao Gongzi's words, his eyes flashed, and then he pretended to be surprised and said:

“Is this true Xin Yuan really didn't see it. It seems Youzhou is indeed a place of hidden dragons and crouching tigers. I was ignorant all along.”

"Since Young Master Xin Yuan has only arrived a few days ago, it is normal that he doesn't know about these things."

Then, under Xin Yuan's deliberate guidance, the topic revolved around Gu Family.

Although Lian'er returned to Die'er's side, her divine sense did not retract. With her current cultivation at the early stage of foundation building, every word of Xin Yuan and the young masters' conversation reached her ears.

The more ripples listened, the tighter her brows furrowed. She felt that this time, Xin Yuan and Gu Die'er's relationship would have some twists and turns, but since things hadn't happened yet, she couldn't interfere. She could only take one step at a time.

Gu Die'er was carefree, having a great time with her female companions. She had a little peach blossom wine, and her already rosy face became even more alluring. When she went to the restroom accompanied by a maidservant, she ran into Xin Yuan again.

This time, Xin Yuan saw Gu Die'er's true face, and he was even more determined to have her. However, he still followed the proper etiquette, introduced himself after learning about her family background, and then kept a distance away.

Gu Die'er also politely returned the salute, and after returning, she told Lian Yi:

"This Xin Yuan is definitely up to something, he's after me."ose each other.The elderly woman, seeing the ripples turn her gaze towards their mother and daughter duo, stood up first and bowed with a martial arts greeting before speaking.“My name is Lu, and my f...