Chapter 467: 0286 Still like it? (2-in-1)
"Ms. Yun, we meet again."
In this world, very few people have the courage to like Yun Qian, yet here stood one before her... of course, the Rowing Maiden knew this affection wasn’t like the romantic feelings between the women at the Flower Moon Building, but more akin to admiration.
"..."
Watching the girl’s hand tremble slightly as she held the oar, Yun Qian blinked and nodded as a sign to acknowledge her greeting.
She remembered this young woman.
Back then, the girl had said she liked Xu Chang’an, and upon hearing from her that she didn’t mind being a concubine, Yun Qian confirmed the absence of jealousy within herself, instead finding the girl perceptive.
Though later this child grew a bit peculiar, now with the assurance from Xu Chang’an that he wouldn’t be angry even if others liked him, Miss Yun found herself at peace with being admired by women.
"...?" Xu Chang’an, standing nearby, watched the Rowing Maiden gazing at Yun Qian, her eyes shining with admiration, blushed crimson across her cheeks, and felt utterly stunned.
Miss Yun could still recall this girl?
What a marvel.
Had they spoken before?
Xu Chang’an was bewildered.
He did remember this Boatman Maiden.
She would row around the Flower Moon Building, ferrying both male and female guests inside, just like now. Xu Chang’an had enjoyed many free rides on her boat.
Additionally, she was quite close with Liu Qingluo. Back when Liu Qingluo was in trouble, locked by a gentleman inside a tavern, it was she who came to him for help.
To Xu Chang’an, she was just a slightly familiar passerby.
Yet when this passerby stared at his wife with a flushed face, the admiration in her eyes about to overflow, Xu Chang’an found himself at a loss for words.
He was no fool, this kind of sentiment shown by the Rowing Maiden was not unfamiliar to him, he had encountered it many times.
Most simply, at Muyu Peak, there were young maidens who gazed at Senior Wen with similar eyes.
Fervent, but certainly not romantic.
He was curious about how Miss Yun managed to win over this girl, considering they might have met only once?
Yet contemplating Yun Qian’s allure, Xu Chang’an believed it was only natural for her to be admired.
Thus, instead of feeling jealous or angry, he thought this girl was indeed discerning, to recognize Miss Yun’s charm so early on.
He appreciated perceptive people.
——
Rain fell on the small boat.
As Xu Chang’an and Yun Qian entered the cabin, the maiden came back to her senses, put her straw hat back on, gently propelled the boat forward.
The boat slowly progressed along the narrow river.
The Rowing Maiden held the long oar, longing to glance back at the veiled lady.
She pressed her lips together.
She once thought she’d never see her again.
"Did you say earlier that Ms. Zhu... the Class Leader is waiting for me?"
Xu Chang’an’s voice echoed from the cabin.
"..." The maiden’s hand trembled briefly before regaining her composure, turned the boat a corner and replied, "Young master, Ms. Zhu knew you would come, had me wait early here."
Xu Chang’an responded.
Though he hadn’t announced his visit, Zhu Pingniang having her own information channels seemed utterly reasonable, and knowing this eased his mind.
Having someone to receive him, his visit at least wouldn’t feel abrupt, and he needn’t worry about disturbing the seniors.
"One more thing." The Rowing Maiden wore a somewhat anxious expression: "Young master, Ms. Zhu said... that she would only see you alone later."
"Hmm?" Xu Chang’an was taken aback.
What does that mean?
"I... I don’t know what Ms. Zhu means," the maiden sensed Xu Chang’an’s surprise and quickly added, "Heard Miss Lu say... Ms. Zhu needs to prepare."
She could comprehend Zhu Pingniang’s intention.
To meet Miss Yun, one naturally needs to be well-groomed; otherwise, it would be impossible to face Yun Qian directly.
As for herself, upon knowing she would be attending to Xu Chang’an and Yun Qian, she incidentally applied some makeup, though being a mere common worker, even with makeup, she couldn’t muster the courage to look Yun Qian in the eye.
"Is that so...?" Xu Chang’an mused.
Senior Zhu would not see Miss Yun, wanted to meet him privately first... Xu Chang’an thought perhaps there’s something to be discussed.
Any matter, he would ask Senior Zhu directly when they met.
"Also," the Rowing Maiden suddenly remembered, explaining, "Ms. Zhu instructed to have a resting place arranged in the East Garden, wants me to take... Miss Yun there first."
She wished desperately to call her Ms. Yun again, but had exhausted her courage in the initial greeting, and feared receiving Xu Chang’an’s odd gaze.
"Thank you." Xu Chang’an glanced at Yun Qian sitting quietly beside him and nodded at her.
This was quite normal.
He would go upstairs to talk with Zhu Pingniang, couldn’t have Yun Qian just wait on the boat, it’s raining after all... arranging a resting place seemed rather sensible.
Hmm...
Xu Chang’an suddenly realized, if he left, the Rowing Maiden taking Miss Yun away alone... could it lead to trouble?
Not that Yun Qian would face any issue, but seeing the girl so nervous she could hardly speak to Yun Qian.
If he wasn’t there, would she perhaps stumble and fall into the river?
It felt entirely possible.
——
After completing the task given by Zhu Pingniang, the Rowing Maiden skillfully steered the small boat deeper into the waters.
Rain fell down gently, while the scenery on both sides was exquisite, not to be missed.