TSFLIP Chapter 61

“By the time the wind blows and it rains, the peach wood tablets might not fall off, but they could be eroded by the rainwater,” Feng Guang said, looking up at the tree. The green foliage was dotted with numerous peach wood tablets, and from a distance, the red strings looked like blooming flowers.

Qi Mu smiled faintly. “Every three days, monks come to clear the things hanging on the tree.”

“Really?”

“Otherwise, Miss Xia, why do you think so many people come to seek matches at the Temple of Inspiration, but this tree still has space left?”

“I see…” She felt a bit disappointed.

He added, “But as Miss Xia said, having a beautiful hope is enough.”

“Yes.” She quickly regained her spirits. “Regardless of the outcome, putting up this tablet, even if just for fun, is worthwhile.”

“Miss, I’ve managed to get the peace charm,” Yun’er said, running up with the charm.

“Yun’er, thank you for your hard work.” Feng Guang looked at Qi Mu and paused for a moment before saying, “Heir, I should be heading back now.”

“Safe travels, Miss Xia.”

“When we meet next time…” She paused for a moment and then smiled brightly, “Could you tell me what the sound of the wind is like?”

Qi Mu’s eyes, as dark as obsidian, reflected her delicate figure. Even though he couldn’t see her, he knew he was “watching” her. After a long pause, he let out a short, low laugh. “Alright, I’ll tell you when we meet next time.”

With his confirmation, Feng Guang said her farewells and left with Yun’er. As soon as she departed, Lady Xiao arrived.

“Mu’er, her figure has already disappeared.”

“I know.” After a moment, Qi Mu turned his attention to Lady Xiao. “Mother, have everything been packed?”

“Guan Mama has already moved everything to the carriage. Mu’er, don’t change the subject. Which family does that young lady belong to?”

“Why do you ask, Mother?”

“The young lady I mentioned to you earlier, isn’t she the one?” Lady Xiao said with deeper meaning, “You seem to be familiar with her. Do you know if she is already engaged?”

Since his mother had asked so directly, Qi Mu, known for his calculating and ruthless reputation, understood immediately. “She recently ended her engagement. Is this answer satisfactory to you, Mother?”

“If Mu’er can tell me which family this young lady belongs to, I would be even more satisfied.”

“If Mother knew, she might not just be dissatisfied but truly unhappy,” Qi Mu said.

Lady Xiao responded with a puzzled, “What do you mean by that?”

“That young lady’s surname is Xia, and she is the daughter of the Xia family in the city.”

She was taken aback. “Is it that Xia family?”

“Yes, the one from the richest family in Luo City,” Qi Mu replied calmly.

Lady Xiao’s expression changed, and she tightened her grip on the Buddha beads. She knew that Qi Duan and the Xia family’s daughter had been betrothed since childhood, a match made due to the past connections between Xiao Wang and the Xia family. The Xia young lady had visited the Wang Mansion several times, but each time, Lady Xiao was either out on errands or visiting the temple. Additionally, as the Xia young lady’s health deteriorated, she ventured out even less. Therefore, Lady Xiao had never had a formal meeting with her. This is why neither had recognized the other during their recent encounter at the temple.

“Mother,” Qi Mu’s voice brought her back to reality.

Lady Xiao said coldly, “I don’t care what feelings you have for her. From today on, I won’t allow you to have any contact with her.”

“I understand you’re thinking of me, but…” Qi Mu’s lips curled into a charming smile. “This is my matter.”

“Mu’er,” Lady Xiao’s face turned serious, and her hand holding the Buddha beads trembled slightly. “Have you forgotten that your father and the late Concubine Min also had a marriage arrangement?”

“I am not my father, and she is not Concubine Min,” Qi Mu said, his tone respectful but firm. “Mother, you should not worry too much.”

The mother’s concern, masked by formality, now seemed distant. His current attitude was even more distant than that.

Lady Xiao opened her mouth but was left speechless. Her eyes flickered with pain, but in the end, she didn’t say anything more.