FBC – Chapter 333 Master is Angry

The next day.

Two carriages were stationed at the main gate of the Wang residence.

Gu Hua saw Wang Lanyi and her two younger brothers onto the carriage, carefully giving them instructions along the way.

“Keep the recommendation letters safe. If anything happens, make sure to write back. If it’s really urgent, go to the Pei family shop; once they see you’re from the Wang residence, they will help.”

Wang Lanyi nodded in acknowledgment.

“One carriage is left for your daily use, but for safety, it won’t bear the Wang crest.”

Gu Hua spoke softly, “I’ve already arranged for the Pei family to book an inn for you in advance. Their shop will also help select a suitable courtyard for your stay—at least a two-section courtyard with a garden, quiet and suitable for studying. I’ve also arranged for the best cook specializing in noodles to follow you; she matches your taste. I’ve only given you 200 taels of silver—bringing more would be unsafe on the road. Any additional money you need, the Pei family bank will provide upon arrival.”

Wang Lanyi listened, her eyes growing red.

Seeing her like this, Gu Hua hurriedly asked, “What’s wrong?”

Wang Lanyi could no longer hold back her tears.

“Child, I’ve never properly cared for or loved you since you were born, and now I’m letting you take care of me everywhere… I… really am useless.”

Gu Hua smiled: “We’re family, don’t say that. Just taking good care of my two little brothers helps me a lot.”

Looking at Gu Hua’s pregnant belly, Wang Lanyi felt full of guilt. “When you give birth, I won’t be by your side. Please take every precaution.”

Gu Hua knew she felt guilty and quickly explained, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of myself. I’m having you accompany my brothers to study for safety—you’ll understand later.”

Tears welled in Wang Lanyi’s eyes as she looked at her daughter, who had grown from a weak, helpless little girl into a capable princess capable of shouldering half the world. She felt deep regret for failing her.

Unable to help, she could at least not be a burden.

Wiping away her tears, Wang Lanyi smiled and nodded: “Alright. I’ll follow your wishes. I’ll make sure the two brothers study well and pass their exams next year.”

Gu Hua said no more and sent them off in the carriage, watching them disappear into the distance.

Returning to the residence, she saw Min Dongsheng walking toward the Fulutang Hall.

“Mr. Min,” Gu Hua called hurriedly.

Min Dongsheng turned and, seeing her, quickly saluted: “Greetings, Princess.”

“No need for formalities, Mr. Min, please, follow me.”

Gu Hua walked with him toward Fulutang Hall, listening as he explained his plans for educating the two little ones.

“Today, I’ll first chat with the children to observe their natures and characteristics, then plan their education accordingly.”

Gu Hua smiled: “Mr. Min, being a top scholar yourself, tutoring a bunch of little kids seems like a waste of your talent.”

Min Dongsheng’s face flushed at the compliment. “It’s my honor to guide such prodigious children.”

“I’ll have Dong Qing make you two kinds of pastries later. She’s really skilled.”

“Not necessary, Miss Dong Qing is very busy. Anything simple is fine.”

“If Dong Qing knows you’re here, she’ll drop everything to make pastries for you.”

Min Dongsheng was taken aback, looking at Gu Hua with some confusion.

Gu Hua smiled: “Dong Qing always speaks of you with great admiration. She even wants to become your disciple. I wonder if you’d accept a female student?”

Min Dongsheng sensed something unusual but couldn’t pinpoint what.

“I wouldn’t dare; Dong Qing is very intelligent. Whenever I lend her books and test her, she always answers correctly.”

Gu Hua sighed along with his words: “It’s a pity. Dong Qing is excellent not only in cooking but also in needlework. She’s the most studious among the palace maids. Such a talented girl… if only she weren’t of servile status, she could marry a scholar.”

Min Dongsheng instinctively said, “A true scholar would not disdain a woman’s background if she is well-read.”

Gu Hua’s eyes lit up as she glanced at him. Suddenly, she noticed his robe was frayed along the edge, threads sticking out.

A small hole had even formed on the hem.

For someone as particular about clothing as him to overlook this meant he was truly busy and had no one to help maintain his garments.

Gu Hua felt a surge of excitement—not just wanting a good match for Dong Qing, but realizing she wanted Min Dongsheng to have a good wife.

Thinking this, she immediately instructed Yun’er to tell Dong Qing that Mr. Min had arrived and have her make pastries.

Min Dongsheng was about to refuse when Yun’er had already dashed off.

Gu Hua smiled softly: “Our Dong Qing is ambitious. When Mr. Min has time, guide her along the way.”

Min Dongsheng had no choice but to agree.

Gu Hua thought: since Min Dongsheng hasn’t realized it yet, I’ll just build the bridge—whether they’re destined is up to them.

Love cannot be forced; both hearts must reciprocate.

Suddenly, Gu Hua wondered when she and Mu Junyan first felt mutual affection.

From memory, it seemed she had always been the one trying to approach and entice him. When did Mu Junyan start feeling for her?

On the way, she recalled countless moments with him and realized that Mu Junyan had quietly captured her heart without her noticing.

A sweet smile spread across Gu Hua’s face.

She chatted happily with Min Dongsheng, radiating joy.

Mu Junyan, stepping out from Fulutang Hall, saw this scene.

The refined, gentle Min Dongsheng smiled tenderly, occasionally glancing at Gu Hua walking beside him, her face brimming with happiness.

They would smile at each other from time to time, Gu Hua holding a round fan to her lips, her eyes shining like spring sunshine.

Then, like a cold mountain, Mu Junyan suddenly blocked their path.

Gu Hua’s eyes lit up: “My lord, I thought you’d already left the residence.”

Mu Junyan smiled with a trace of mockery: “I just happened to be here; otherwise, I would’ve missed seeing you so happily chatting with the scholar.”

Min Dongsheng, sharp as he was, immediately sensed something amiss.

Though feeling ridiculous, he stepped back quickly to keep distance from Gu Hua.

Respectfully, he bowed to Mu Junyan: “My lord, I was going to check on the little master and little miss to see how much they’ve learned.”

Gu Hua, lost in sweet memories, didn’t notice the tension and gently tugged his sleeve.

Softly, she said: “I just sent my mother and brothers off.”

Mu Junyan looked down at the smiling little woman, the faint melancholy in her eyes softening his heart.

He wrapped his arm around her waist: “Feeling sad?”

Gu Hua shook her head: “No. It’s a great thing that they can go to Yuelu Academy. I must thank you for sending guards to escort them.”

Her soft, delicate voice instantly soothed the man’s pride.

“Mm, that’s good.”

Mu Junyan looked at Min Dongsheng: “Mr. Min, we have urgent matters to discuss today. Go quickly and return.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Gu Hua wanted to move, but her waist was held.

She looked up at him: “…”

Mu Junyan glanced at Min Dongsheng.

“…”

Min Dongsheng suddenly understood: “I’ll go first, I’ll go first.”

Watching him hurry off, Gu Hua was surprised: “Mr. Min has changed a lot.”

Mu Junyan looked down at her: “You’re paying that much attention to him? How has he changed, hmm?”

Gu Hua recalled: “He used to care a lot about appearance. Even wearing old robes, they’d be perfectly pressed. Hair combed neatly even without pins. And he never left a beard on his face.”

As she reminisced, she hadn’t noticed the man above her starting to flare with anger.

His expression clearly spelled four words: Master is angry!