After returning to the courtyard, Xue Rui fell ill.
The early spring lake water was chilly, and it was nighttime—naturally, it was easy to catch a cold.
Xue Qi had it even worse. Having just recovered from a serious illness, he now suffered another ordeal, leaving him half-dead. The doctor could only shake his head in dismay.
With such a major incident occurring, the Xue family naturally launched a thorough investigation.
But Xue Qi remained unconscious, Xue Rui kept his lips sealed, and Lady Xue, the matriarch of the household, had no idea where to begin unraveling this bizarre affair.
What was even more baffling was that Xue Rui’s wheelchair, which he never left even for half a step, was found hundreds of paces away from where he had fallen into the water.
Lady Xue simply couldn’t believe that Xue Rui had stood up on his own and walked all that way.
Lost in thought in her room, Lady Xue had just summoned Huahua for questioning.
Yet, Huahua’s account struck Lady Xue as utterly unbelievable.
Huahua claimed that when Xue Qi fell into the lake and cried for help, the kind-hearted young master rushed to save him, forgetting that he couldn’t swim.
In the end, she managed to pull Xue Rui out with great effort, while Xue Qi was rescued by other passing servants.
Huahua painted Xue Rui in far too noble a light, but Lady Xue knew her son’s true nature all too well—after all, he was her own flesh and blood.
After Huahua left, a maid lifted the curtain and entered to report to Lady Xue.
“Madam, Miss Jiao is here.”
“Let her in,” Lady Xue said, rubbing her temples, her head aching.
As soon as Chen Jiao entered, she began sobbing behind her handkerchief, which only annoyed Lady Xue further.
Frowning, Lady Xue sat down. “Jiaoniang, I’m rather tired today. If there’s nothing else, you may return to the Chen residence for now.”
Chen Jiao immediately stopped crying, her teary eyes fixed on Lady Xue. “I… I suspect that the maid by cousin’s side is a bewitching vixen!”
Chen Jiao told Lady Xue how Xue Rui had seemed possessed, rising from his wheelchair in a daze and walking to the lakeside, then jumping into the water under Huahua’s seduction.
In truth, Chen Jiao had seen nothing—this was all her speculation. Yet, Lady Xue listened with a furrowed brow, her heart aching.
She even failed to notice the glaring hole in Chen Jiao’s story: she never once mentioned Xue Qi’s presence.
“Madam, that Huahua must not be allowed to stay by cousin’s side any longer!” Chen Jiao said earnestly, patting her chest as if still frightened.
Lady Xue nodded, her heart in turmoil.
The thought that such a dangerous creature had been lurking beside her son left a bitter taste in her mouth.
Recalling Huahua’s beauty, she felt Chen Jiao’s words were likely close to the truth.
Ever since her son had promoted Huahua to his personal maid, she had sensed a change in him—though she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.
That maid could no longer remain with Xue Rui.
Seeing Lady Xue deep in thought, Chen Jiao smiled and continued, “Madam, why not send Huahua to one of the estates and marry her off to some farmer? A simple, stable life would be good for her.”
Lady Xue hesitated. “Only maids who’ve made mistakes are sent away. This Huahua…”
“Madam, hasn’t Huahua made a mistake? She failed to take proper care of cousin, causing him such suffering—that’s an unforgivable crime!” Chen Jiao clutched her chest dramatically, as if pained by Xue Rui’s ordeal.
Lady Xue’s eyes flickered as she fell into contemplation.
===
Yao Zuizui had sensed something off about Xue Rui from the moment she saw him that morning.
Though he had caught a chill, it wasn’t severe—just a mild headache and fever.
The doctor had confirmed that Xue Rui’s mind was unharmed.
But Yao Zuizui couldn’t help wondering if his brain had been damaged by all the water he’d swallowed…
Because from the moment she lifted the curtain and entered his room that morning until now, nearly mealtime, Xue Rui’s gaze hadn’t left her for a single second.
Normally, he would have been fast asleep, and with his illness, he should have been even sleepier.
Yet the moment Yao Zuizui stepped inside, his eyes flew open.
Then his pupils followed her every move, up and down.
Yao Zuizui had no choice but to glance at him, wondering if he needed something.
But the moment she looked his way, Xue Rui would snap his eyes shut, leaving only his long, delicate lashes fluttering slightly.
Confused, Yao Zuizui busied herself with chores, deciding not to pay him any more attention.
If he needed something, he’d speak up.
She waited all morning, but Xue Rui didn’t utter a single word—just watched her silently, his expression unreadable.
Yao Zuizui suddenly felt an inexplicable guilt, as if she’d somehow wronged him, and he was too afraid to speak up, silently watching her like a resentful young wife.
At lunchtime, Yao Zuizui brought in the meal.
Feeding Xue Rui had always been her duty.
“Young Master, the doctor said you must avoid spicy foods while recovering from your chill, so today’s dishes are rather plain,” Yao Zuizui said apologetically, eyeing the bland spread on the tray, worried he might refuse to eat.
Fortunately, Xue Rui wasn’t picky. He obediently opened his mouth whenever she offered him food.
But his gaze remained downcast, avoiding her eyes, never once landing on her face.
“Young Master, this pickled mustard green was made by my own hands. It’s been fermenting for three days—crisp, fresh, and delicious,” Yao Zuizui rambled, trying to ease the awkward silence by praising her own cooking.
Xue Rui’s lashes fluttered slightly as he took a small bite of the mustard green, his expression growing even more aggrieved, like a wronged young bride.
“Young Master, this water celery was blanched in salted broth, then sun-dried. It’s tender and can even be brewed into tea—very fragrant,” Yao Zuizui continued, desperately searching for conversation topics.
Xue Rui’s head drooped lower, nearly dipping into his bowl.
Yao Zuizui could even see the tips of his ears turning red, translucent in the light.
What on earth was he so shy about?
She couldn’t make sense of it.
“…Young Master.” Are you planning to eat that bowl?!
Yao Zuizui didn’t dare ask outright, so she tiptoed around the question. “Young Master, have I done something wrong? Tell me, and I’ll correct it immediately. Don’t just sulk in silence!”
At this, Xue Rui finally looked up.
He stared at her intently, his eyes dark and unreadable, flickering with emotion.
Yao Zuizui grew uneasy under his gaze, unsure what he meant.
Xue Rui blinked twice, and the atmosphere grew even more stifling.
Finally, his lips moved.
“You kissed me yesterday.”
A statement, not a question.
Xue Rui remembered last night vividly—the scene, the sensation, the warmth against his lips amidst the icy lake water.
He had been unconscious.
Yet he had felt it all clearly.
Truly miraculous.
Yao Zuizui froze, stunned by his blunt declaration.
How was she supposed to respond?
Xue Rui’s wounded expression made it seem like she’d taken advantage of him.
Of course, he wouldn’t understand the concept of artificial respiration.
But she had to explain, lest he think she was some scheming maid trying to climb into his bed.
So Yao Zuizui met his gaze firmly and said with conviction,
“I was saving your life.”
Xue Rui clearly didn’t believe her. He pondered for a few seconds before murmuring, “It’s fine.”
He knew Huahua had kissed him on purpose but was too embarrassed to admit it, hence the strange excuse.
But it didn’t matter. He would forgive her—after all, she’d liked him for so long.
Watching Xue Rui’s reddening ears, Yao Zuizui couldn’t begin to guess what was going through his mind.
She repeated firmly, “Young Master, I have no such intentions toward you!”
She couldn’t risk saying the wrong thing and getting herself dismissed.
Xue Rui’s eyes darkened. He didn’t like that at all.
After a moment’s pause, he looked at her again.
“You have to take responsibility.”
For him.
“…” Yao Zuizui was stunned by this turn of events. After a long silence, under Xue Rui’s expectant gaze, she finally uttered a single word.
“Okay.”
===
After lunch, Xue Rui drifted off to sleep, thoroughly satisfied.
This morning had been exhausting.
He hadn’t closed his eyes once.
But…
It was worth it!
With infinite contentment, Xue Rui smiled faintly, sinking into the soft bedding.
Yet no sooner had he lain down than Lady Xue arrived.
“Rui’er, just rest like this. The doctor said you need bed rest,” Lady Xue said gently, tucking the blankets around him.
Xue Rui murmured, “Mother,” and settled back comfortably.
Lady Xue surveyed Xue Rui and his bedroom, somewhat reassured.
That maid hadn’t been taken by Xue Rui yet—there was still a good chance to persuade him.
She reached out to stroke his forehead. “Rui’er, you’re grown now. It’s time to marry.”
“…” This time, Xue Rui didn’t refuse.
He did want to marry.
That little maid named Huahua.
“Rui’er, young Wang from the estate who oversees our fields came by recently and happened to meet your maid, Huahua. He fell for her at first sight and begged me for her hand. Seeing how honest and loyal he is, I agreed. In a few days, he’ll come to take Huahua as his bride.” Lady Xue spoke in one breath, watching Xue Rui’s expression closely.
Sure enough, at the words “fell for her at first sight,” Xue Rui’s face began to change, and by the end, he looked utterly horrified, as if he might throw off the covers and protest any second.
When Lady Xue finished, Xue Rui gritted his teeth and said coldly, “I don’t agree.”
Huahua was his maid. Her fate was his to decide.
“Rui’er, you’ll marry eventually. Once you do, Huahua will have to marry too. She’s served you faithfully all this time—you should think of her future. Don’t wait until she’s old and withered before letting her go.” Lady Xue stroked his forehead, trying to smooth the frown from his brow.
Xue Rui glanced at her, then said calmly,
“I want to marry.”
Lady Xue’s face lit up like a blooming flower.
“My Rui’er has grown up! Wonderful! I’ll arrange it at once—we’ll propose to the Chen family soon!” She stood excitedly.
“Not Chen Jiao.” Xue Rui wrinkled his nose in disgust.
“Fine, fine! If you don’t like Jiaoniang, we won’t marry her. Tell me, which family’s daughter do you fancy? I’ll look into it and propose as soon as possible.” Lady Xue patted his chest lovingly.
“I want to marry Huahua.” Xue Rui’s lips curved slightly, his dark eyes brimming with tenderness.
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