Chapter 224: A Marriage Alliance

“Ah Jiu, what about me? Is it wrong for me to pursue the person I like?”

Su Jiu turned around and replied, “I don’t like that knife anymore. I’ve grown up, and my preferences have changed too. Nothing is ever set in stone.”

The sparkle in the woman’s eyes was clear and bright. Regardless of what she had experienced, the light in her eyes was always pure.

It was this pair of eyes that had enraptured him and impelled him to chased doggedly after her.

Xiao Lie retrieved something from the inner pocket of his robe and placed it in his palm. When the wind blew against it, the golden bell tinkled. “Look, it’s been repaired and is as good as new. What about us?”

This was the birthday gift that Xiao Lie had given to her the previous year at Youzhou. When she had been ambushed by Yu Long, a sword had cut it loose, and the beads had been scattered along the edge of the cliff. Evidently, Xiao Lie had retrieved all of them.

He found a skilled and capable craftsman to repair the shattered bracelet, although the slight cracks where the bracelet had been broken before were still faintly visible.

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“Ah Jiu—”

“Xiao Lie!” Su Jiu cut him off mid-sentence. “To be honest, the story of my knife wasn’t an accurate analogy, because, at the end of the day, I actually did like that knife. However, I have never had any feelings for you beyond that of platonic friendship.”

There was no statement that cut deeper into Xiao Lie’s heart than this. Hurt instantly clouded Xiao Lie’s eyes and he looked at her in pain.

“Xiao Lie, I tried really hard to, but I still couldn’t bring myself to fall in love with you. You deceived me as well. So, I guess that makes us even. I’m now the Young Mistress of the Ji Household, and that will never change. I’m also certain that one day, you will meet a woman you will like more than me. As for this bracelet…” Su Jiu took it from the palm of his hand and exerted a little force on it. It broke at the same place without much resistance. “…it’s already broken. Don’t bother repairing it anymore. Regardless of how well it was repaired, it’s nothing but an illusion.”

Xiao Lie’s complexion paled, and he slowly clenched his open palm into a fist.

Like he was trying to hold on to one last glimmer of hope. But all that he managed to grab was air.

Su Jiu looked up at him and smiled. “Xiao Lie, if you think that highly of me, we can still be friends, much like in the past when you were a prince and I was a bandit. But if you’re unable to let go, and seeing me will only bring you pain, then let’s not ever meet again.”

With that, Su Jiu spun on her heel and walked off.

“Ah Jiu!” The man pressed his lips into a thin line, his fathomless eyes darkened. “If we remain friends, will you still treat me like family as you did before?”

Su Jiu looked back at him with a pure and artless smile. “Of course!”

Xiao Lie’s face finally broke out into a smile. “Alright,” he replied.

…

At that moment, Eldest Mistress had just entered Fushou Palace, and she bumped into Empress Dowager Rong in the corridor.

Upon Xiao Lie’s ascension to the throne, Imperial Concubine Rong had been promoted to Empress Dowager Rong. The official Empress Dowager Lyu had been imprisoned because of her role in Prince Yu’s rebellion and the attempt on Xiao Lie’s life. She lost all her power and status.

Hence, although Empress Dowager Rong wasn’t the official Empress Dowager, everyone in the royal household knew that the only Empress Dowager in the palace was the Emperor’s biological mother, Empress Dowager Rong.

Although she was an Empress Dowager, the woman was barely forty years old. She had maintained her health very well and looked extremely youthful. Her hair was black, and her skin was supple. Her face was gentle, and her eyes showed no signs of aging whatsoever.

When she saw Eldest Mistress, Empress Dowager Rong hurried forward to greet her. “Sister, you’re here!”

“Empress Dowager, you’re of a more distinguished status! I cannot live up to that kind of address!” Eldest Mistress bowed respectfully and kept a polite distance from the Empress Dowager.

“So what if I’m the Empress Dowager? I would have never arrived at this position if not for you, Sister! You will always be Sister Rou to me!” Empress Dowager Rong dismissed the servants and personally helped Eldest Mistress to her feet.

“The Emperor Emeritus was feeling nostalgic recently. He was saying that since he’s free now, you should visit the palace more often and the few of us should get together,” Empress Dowager Rong said with a warm smile.

Eldest Mistress lowered her eyes. “Empress Dowager Rong, please help me pass a message to the Emperor Emeritus. I’m afraid I’m going to have to decline as family matters have been keeping me busy lately.”

Empress Dowager Rong smiled kindly and she replied, “Alright. I will tell the Emperor Emeritus.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Empress Dowager Rong!” the tone in Eldest Mistress’ voice was simple and elegant. She spoke calmly and with confidence.

“Sister, I know it was the Grand Empress Dowager who summoned you into the palace today, but there is something else I would like to speak with you about,” Empress Dowager Rong said. She paused in her steps.

“Whatever it is, please give me your instruction, Empress Dowager!”

“Don’t use such a formal tone with me. I’d just like to discuss something with you. As you are aware, it’s been three months since the Emperor ascended the throne. However, until now, he still refuses to pick a consort. Previously, there was at least Secondary Consort Lan in the harem. I have no idea what mistake she has committed, but later she was demoted as well and sent out of the palace. Right now, the whole harem is empty, and it’s pretty ridiculous. The ministers brought it up a few times, only to be reprimanded by the Emperor, so no one dared to raise the subject again after that. Instead, they came to voice their concerns to the Emperor Emeritus and me. But what can we do when the Emperor insists on his way?” Empress Dowager Rong said gently with a frown.

“Unrest in the harem will ultimately result in unrest in the court. The officials have been very anxious about this matter, to the point that it’s been distracting them from their daily duties. If this continues, what are we to do?”

Eldest Mistress smiled politely. “I’m just a common woman. I’m afraid I’m unqualified to advise you about your troubles, Empress Dowager Rong.”

“Sister, don’t you know that the person the Emperor is holding on to in his heart is Jiu’er?” Empress Dowager Rong asked straightforwardly.

The brows on Eldest Mistress’ face shot together tightly. “But Jiu’er is already married.”

“I know that! And regardless of how stubborn the Emperor is, there is no way he can simply snatch her away from the Ji Household! I like Jiu’er too, and it’s a huge pity that she and the Emperor had to separate because of Prince Zhao’s rebellion. I’m sure you’re aware of what transpired later with Princess Yu Long. But until now, the Emperor is unable to let go of Jiu’er and is unwilling to accept any other woman.”

Eldest Mistress lowered her eyes. “What would you like Jiu’er to do, Empress Dowager Rong?” she asked quietly.

Empress Dowager Rong paused for a moment. “Could you please convince Jiu’er to come to the palace to convince the Emperor? She’s probably the only person in the whole world whom he’ll listen to.”

“Jiu’er came to the palace with me today,” Eldest Mistress replied.

“Jiu’er is here to the palace?” Empress Dowager Rong was clearly surprised.

She immediately understood that Xiao Lie had arranged for it.

“Yes,” Eldest Mistress answered.

“That’s good. But would Jiu’er know what to say to the Emperor?” Empress Dowager Rong asked with a soft laugh.

Eldest Mistress looked at her solemnly. “Don’t worry, Empress Dowager. Jiu’er is in love with her own husband and she isn’t a social climber. She will make herself clear to the Emperor!”

Empress Dowager Rong laughed sheepishly. “You misunderstood me, Sister. I know what Jiu’er’s personality is like. Naturally, I have no worries about that.”

With her, her smile gentled as she hooked her arm around Eldest Mistress’ elbow. “The Grand Empress Dowager has been waiting for you for a long time, and I’ve kept you long enough. Let’s go in now!”

Eldest Mistress nodded her head.

After Su Jiu parted ways with Xiao Lie, she did not head over to Fushou Palace. She knew that it was Xiao Lie who had wanted to see her, not Grand Empress Dowager.

In any case, her mother was keeping the Empress Dowager company so her presence would be superfluous.

Su Jiu returned to the carriage and leaned against the soft pillow to wait for her mother.

When Eldest Mistress came back, she found Su Jiu soundly asleep in the carriage.

She instructed the coachman to go slowly, and the carriage made its way out of the palace.

Two days later, Lord Ruiyang and Princess Zhuo Yan from Jinli Country arrived in the Capital.

Since it was neither the New Year nor the Emperor’s birthday, a sudden visit from envoys of another country was thought-provoking event indeed, especially when the envoys were a lord and a princess.

The citizens began to speculate among themselves that since the Emperor had yet to crown an empress, the Princess of Jinli Country had probably come to seek a marriage alliance.

It was noon when the envoys entered the Capital. Su Jiu stood at the highest floor of the commercial house and watched as the entourage from Jinli Country filled up all of Zhuque Street. Gauze curtains and swaying beads adorned the princess’s golden sedan. Lord Ruiyang was carried in a huge sedan borne by eight people. Guards all around kept the watching civilians at bay as they lined the streets. The atmosphere was grand and lively.

Jinli Country?

Su Jiu suddenly recalled that Yan Shu was from Jinli Country as well. Why had Jinli Country suddenly appeared before them, seemingly out of nowhere?

Jinli Country wasn’t as strong as Daliang Country. The only advantage they possessed over Daliang was their superior navy. Their naval warriors were brave and adept at water combat. Unfortunately, their warships and weaponry lagged far behind. Hence, even though both countries were separately by sea, they were able to co-exist in harmony.

If the military strength of both countries was comparable, the peace between both nations would unquestionably be broken.

That had always been the way of the world. The strong and the weak could coexist in better harmony than two equally strong entities ever could; they would end up fighting to the death.

As the procession slowly disappeared into the distance, Su Jiu reined in her thoughts and went back to tallying her accounts.

At that very moment in Jing Qin Restaurant, two figures stood by the railings on the second floor, staring at the entourage from Jinli Country approaching from afar.

The golden sedan at the forefront of the procession was carried by eight men, and eight maidservants flanked each side respectively. The gauze curtains billowed in the wind, revealing glimpses of the princess dressed in her regal grandeur sitting within. She wore a veil over her face, exposing only her eyes.

Wu Yi sat in a chair and narrowed his eyes as his gaze fell on that very sedan. With a laugh, he said, “Lord Ruiyang is getting bolder by the day! But I have to say that this move of his is a stroke of genius!”

Yan Shu’s face expression clouded over. With a roll of her eyes, she smiled and said, “It’s good that he’s here.”

“Aren’t you worried at all?” Wu Yu asked her plainly.

The look in Yan Shu’s eyes turned murderous as she replied, “As long as he never returns to Jinli Country, I won’t have to worry.”

“Lord Ruiyang has always been cautious, and the guard that follows him at all times is very highly skilled in martial arts. I heard he doesn’t even leave his lord’s side at night. It won’t be so easy to kill him!”

“All humans will have their weaknesses. Besides, with you around, Master, I have nothing to worry about,” Yan Shu said with a smile directed at him.

Wu Yi’s eyebrows rose. “I am only an apothecary. You can’t depend on me for anything else.”

“Well, a day with you makes Master like my father for a lifetime. You’ll have to protect me.” Yan Shu blinked her eyes at him.

“That sentence is meant for the sort of respect a student ought to have for his Master! How have you managed to twist it around such that I’m now responsible for you?” Wu Yi asked with a laugh, but his eyes betrayed his nonchalance.

“That’s right! You’ll have to be responsible for me until…I find my ideal husband!” Yan Shu said playfully.

“Am I to infer from that statement that you’re going to be depending on me for life?” Wu Yi asked with a wide grin.

Yan Shu was about to reply in the affirmative when her face suddenly darkened. She glared at him and asked, “Are you implying that I’ll never be able to get married?”

Wu Yi got up and left, but not before making one final remark. “Don’t be discouraged. As long as we increase the dowry, the possible will still exist!”

Yan Shu glared angrily at the elegant silhouette of the man’s back and grudgingly followed him.

…

At night in the Ji Manor…

After her bath, Su Jiu sat on the couch, dressed in a thin nightgown to read.

Ji Yuxian’s black hair was left hanging loose, and the red night-robe he wore glowed enchantingly in the candlelight. Reaching his arm out to gather Su Jiu into his embrace, he tossed the book aside and tilted her chin up to kiss her freshly washed face.

Su Jiu leaned into his embrace lazily and mumbled, “I saw Lord Ruiyang and Princess Zhuo Yan from Jinli Country enter Shengjing City today.”

“Huh?” Ji Yuxian grunted his reply absentmindedly and continued to kiss her. The irises of his half-lidded eyes dilated, and they reflected the beautiful lady within them.

Su Jiu shifted herself in his arms and pulled back slightly from the kiss. “Is Princess Zhuo Yan really here for a marriage alliance?” she asked.

Would Xiao Lie marry a woman from another country and make her his Empress?

Ji Yuxian narrowed his eyes, and asked her with a dry laugh, “What are you worried about, Darling?”

“I heard rumors that Lord Ruiyang is a very cunning and crafty person,” Su Jiu replied.

“Still, that has nothing to do with you!” Jealousy was evident in the man’s tone. He opened his mouth and bit down on her collarbone.

Su Jiu yelped in response. It was not painful, but it tickled. She threw herself into his arms and explained with a smile, “I don’t care who Xiao Lie marries. I just find this whole situation a little suspicious. Don’t you remember? Yan Shu is from Jinli Country too.”

“Princess Zhuo Yan and Lord Ruiyang have never gotten along in Jinli Country. The fact that both of them came together does seem suspicious indeed,” Ji Yuxian concurred.

Su Jiu’s round eyes shifted in thought and she hazarded a guess, “Could Lord Ruiyang be trying to marry Princess Zhuo Yan off to Daliang Country to rid himself of his opposition in Jinli?”

A look flashed across Ji Yuxian’s eyes, but he shook his head thoughtfully. “Although that might benefit him at the moment, Princess Zhuo Yan will become a huge threat to him in the future if she were to become the Empress of Daliang Country or even an Imperial Concubine. No one would make such a move.”

Besides, why would Zhuo Yan do as he asked?

Su Jiu nodded in assent. “That’s why I feel so uneasy about them coming together.”

Ji Yuxian retrieved an invitation from the side table and said with a smile, “Wu Yi’s medical hall is opening in three days. He has invited us to the opening ceremony.”

Su Jiu took the invitation from Ji Yuxian and glanced at it. “He opened his medical hall right opposite Qingyu Commercial House?” she asked with a laugh.

Was that a coincidence?

Zhuque Street was the busiest and most prosperous market in the whole of Daliang Country, and the rent for each shop was therefore very high. The fact that a doctor was opening a free clinic on this street, and right opposite her commercial house to boot, made it more than just a mere coincidence.

“The men I sent to Jinli Country haven’t sent word back yet. But this person does indeed have dubious intentions. You have to be careful,” Ji Yuxian said.

“He’s just a witch doctor! I refuse to believe that there’s anything he can do to me.” Su Jiu’s browed knitted together in cold arrogance as she tossed the invitation aside.

If he dared to try anything, her men at the commercial house would raze his clinic to the ground in an instant!

Ji Yuxian lifted Su Jiu in his arms and carried her to the bed. “In any case,” he said, “you have to remember to keep your distance from Wu Yi and that disciple of his. Better to be safe than sorry.”

Su Jiu smiled. “I am perfectly capable of handling a germophobic doctor like him.”

Ji Yuxian chuckled and placed Su Jiu down before leaning over to kiss her gently. “Now that we’re done talking about others, it’s time to tend to our own matters.”

Su Jiu rolled further inside the bed and looked at him with wariness in her eyes. “Only once!” she warned.

Ji Yuxian agreed without hesitation. The red night-robe slipped off his shoulders and he drew the bed curtains close before pouncing on his lady.

The lady’s hair hung loose, and her thin chemise was unbuttoned, revealing more of her body than it covered. She looked extremely seductive.

Hot and passionate kisses landed on her alabaster skin, and she shuddered in response. Each touch of his lips upon her skin resulted in a sensation that spread through her body and etched itself into her bones.

Faced with the onslaught of his love, her body became increasingly sensitive, and the slightest provocation was enough for her to take leave of her senses.

The man’s lips and tongue lingered at her abdomen with unbearable tenderness, as if the fruit of their love was already within.

Su Jiu felt an impatient need growing inside her as a result of his kisses, and with a moan of protest, she arose and kissed the man on his lips…

The next day, while Su Jiu was out in the streets, she heard citizens talking. Princess Zhuo Yan, who had entered the capital the day before, had spent the night in the palace. From the looks of it, she was most likely going to become Daliang’s Empress. Even if she couldn’t be Empress, based on her prestigious status as Princess, she was guaranteed at least the position of Imperial Concubine within the harem.

Su Jiu couldn’t read what Xiao Lie’s true intentions were, but she was confident that he wouldn’t play into the hands of others so easily.

Three days later, the opening ceremony of Wu Yi’s medical hall took place. It was called Buyi Medical Hall. Naturally, Su Jiu did not attend, but from the commercial house, she heard the firecrackers going off and walked over to take a peek.

Many people gathered around to take a look out of curiosity.

At the entrance was a notice stating that medical consultation was free and that the price of medicine was subsidized by 50%.

Such an offer successfully attracted the attention of many onlookers, who proceeded to step into the medical hall.

Su Jiu glanced only for a moment before returning to her chores.

The next day, in the afternoon, when Su Jiu’s carriage stopped outside the commercial house, Wu Yi walked over. Behind him was a manservant carrying a gift in his hands.

Although Su Jiu and Ji Yuxian hadn’t attended the opening ceremony the day before, they had, nevertheless, sent a representative over with a congratulatory gift. Wu Yi was apparently here to return it.

“Young Mistress!” Wu Yi bowed in greeting to Su Jiu, his attitude warm and friendly.

“Young Master Wu! Your medical hall just opened for business and you must be so busy! What are you doing over here?” Su Jiu asked with a laugh.

“I opened my medical hall opposite your commercial house, hoping to benefit from your foot traffic. I received the congratulatory gift you sent from the Ji household yesterday. Naturally, I have to come to convey my thanks!” Wu Yi was dressed in a white robe, and his laughter was clear and easygoing.

However, Su Jiu knew that infinite coldness was hidden beneath his warm and friendly demeanor.

“That was the least we could do. You’re being too courteous, Young Master Wu,” Su Jiu replied indifferently.

“Since the medical hall isn’t busy at the moment, I prepared some tea. Would you do me the honor of coming over for a drink, Young Mistress?”

“That won’t be necessary. We’re all busy people. I’ll visit you some other day when I’m free,” Su Jiu replied before instructing Er Mao to receive the gift from Wu Yi and turned to leave.

When Wu Yi returned to the medical hall, Yan Shu was standing behind the counter picking herbs for a customer. Her face was covered in a veil.

The customer was a maidservant and when she saw the herbs that Yan Shu handed over, she asked suspiciously, “I asked for honeysuckle. Why did you give me motherwort?”

“Judging from your complexion, you seem to be suffering from a sexual complaint. Ingesting honeysuckle could make it worse. It’ll be better for you to take motherwort instead,” Yan Shu replied.

The maidservant’s face turned red immediately. Although she had engaged in sexual relations with the master of her household, other servants, gardeners, and even the chefs, she was still officially an unmarried woman. Upon hearing someone declare in public that she was suffering from a sexual complaint, she became angry and embarrassed and flung the medicine back at Yan Shu.

With her hands akimbo, she demanded, “How dare you say that I have a sexual complaint! Talk about yourself! Are you wearing a veil because you’re suffering from pockmarks and can’t face others?”

Shu Yan did not lose her cool. She picked up the bag of herbs and blew dust from it. Mumbling to herself, she said, “I can’t believe that there are men who would like such a character. The men in Daliang Country have a really peculiar taste!”

The maidservant’s temper erupted. With her eyebrows raised, she pushed her sleeves up her elbows, intending to scratch Yan Shu’s eyes out.

This was the exact point that Wu Yi decided to step in. With a frown, he darted a look laden with meaning at the assistant.

The assistant was newly hired, but he was quick on his feet and hurried forward to calm the lady down. After cajoling her extensively and compensating her with money, she finally left.

By then, a crowd had gathered outside to witness the commotion.

Wu Yi walked over to the counter and looked at the unperturbed Yan Shu. “Did you do that on purpose?” he asked plainly.

Yan Shu shrugged her shoulders innocently. “That woman had greenish shadows under her eyes, her tongue was whitish, and her footsteps were sloppy. Those were clearly the symptoms of sexual overindulgence, and they were very severe! I was trying to be kind!”

Wu Yi looked at her in exasperation. “If you continue doing this, we’ll be out of money before our goal is even accomplished!”

“Fine!” Yan Shu said with a sigh. “In the future, I’ll just do my best to give the customers whatever herbs they ask for without giving them my opinion!”

Wu Yi was at a loss for words.

He had no choice but to use his authority as her Master and demanded strictly, “You can’t just try your best. You must!”

Yan Shu leaned on the counter and rested her cheek in one hand. She looked at Wu Yu and asked, “Master, you seem unhappy. What’s wrong? You extended an invitation to Mistress Ji and got ignored?”

Wu Yi’s narrowed his eyes. “I’m doing this for you. Does it make you very happy to see someone give me the cold shoulder?”

“Not at all! It may seem like I’m laughing at you. But in actual fact, I was just born to look like that. I look the same way even when I’m crying,” Yan Shu replied.

Wu Yi rolled his eyes at her before walking off.

Yan Shu sighed deeply. She placed the bag of herbs back in their original position, resolved to continue acting on her own.

As evening came, Su Jiu put down her thick ledger and pushed her abacus aside before stretching her back.

A whole month’s worth of accounts had piled up, and the calculations were making her dizzy. Fortunately, in the month that she had been away, Master An had dropped by periodically to sort out some of the accounts for her. Otherwise, she would have been buried by the numbers!

The sky was getting dark, and Su Jiu got up to return to Ji Manor.

She knew her husband would be waiting for her for dinner.

Suddenly, someone entered the commercial house and announced, “Master Jiu, you have a guest!”

“Who is it?” Su Jiu asked in bafflement. What sort of guest came at this hour?

The door was pushed open by a slender hand, and Yan Shu appeared behind it. “How are you, Young Mistress?” she greeted.

Su Jiu smiled faintly. “So it’s Lady Yan! I was just wondering who it was!”

Yan Shu walked over. “It was impolite of me not to visit you for so long after coming to Shengjing City. I saw your carriage outside just now and decided to come in to say hello.”

“You’re being too courteous, Lady Yan.” Su Jiu ordered someone to bring tea, and asked, “Considering that you’re from Jinli Country, have you been able to get used to the capital, Lady Yan?”

“Of course! Shengjing City is a lot busier than the capital of Jinli. The citizens here are very honest and down-to-earth as well. There’s nothing difficult to get used to!”

Su Jiu’s eyes shifted, and she asked, “Two days ago, Lord Ruiyang and Princess Zhao Yan from your country came into the capital. Did you see them?”

The expression on Yan Shu’s face did not change. “It was such a huge event. Of course, I saw it!”

“I heard that Lord Ruiyang brought Princess Zhuo Yan here for a marriage alliance,” Su Jiu mentioned casually.

Yan Shu smiled and replied, “I’m just a commoner from Jinli Country. I don’t know much about what goes on within the royal family.”

Su Jiu nodded her head and did not probe her any further regarding Jinli’s state of affairs.

After exchanging a few more words of small talk, Yan Shu said, “When we were on Wushan Isle, I had wanted to show you something, but was interrupted by someone. Do you have time today?”

Su Jiu remembered the incident clearly. When she heard Yan Shu bringing it up again, her curiosity regarding the item was piqued.

“I might not recognize it, but I don’t mind taking a look at it anyway!” Su Jiu replied.

Yan Shu reached into her pocket and took out a piece of glazed glass and placed it in the palm of her hand. “Young Mistress, you have traveled extensively. Could you help me identify what this is?”

Su Jiu’s gaze fell on the piece of glazed glass, but before she could examine it in minute detail, the door suddenly swung open and a gust of strong wind swept past Yan Shu’s hand. The piece of glass was flung from the table and shattered loudly against the wall.

At the very moment the glass shattered, Su Jiu thought that she saw countless eyes falling to the ground. But when she took a second look, it was nothing but light reflecting off the pieces of glass.

Yan Shu leaped to her feet and turned to look out the door.

Ji Yuxian walked in leisurely, dressed in a light robe. His demeanor cold and elusive, his gaze dropped towards the shattered glass on the floor.

“Why did you do that, Eldest Young Master Ji?” Yan Shu’s heart ached uncontrollably at treasure being shattered. Fury surged within her and she glared at Ji Yuxian angrily.

A look flickered in Su Jiu’s eyes and she said, “Lady Yan was showing me her treasure. Why did you break it, Husband?”

Ji Yuxian smiled lightly, but his eyes were cold. “When I saw Lady Yan reaching out towards you, I thought she was about to hurt you and took action. I didn’t know she was showing you her treasure!”

He turned to look at Yan Shu fathomlessly, and said, “I’m really sorry!”

Though he was apologizing, his tone carried no hint of regret. “You must have paid a lot for that item. I shall compensate you for it with ten times its price.”

Although Yan Shu was guilty, nevertheless, she was resentful at having lost her precious item, and replied icily, “How can you measure the price of something you love?”

Su Jiu walked over to the glass pieces and said with a smile, “Let me take a look at what this is. If another piece can be found, I’ll be sure to replace it with an identical copy!”

“That won’t be necessary!” Yan Shu walked over immediately and picked up the broken pieces of glass. She wrapped the fragments in a silk handkerchief and held it in the palm of her hand. “It’s already broken. Even if you find an identical piece, it won’t be the same.”

“I’m really sorry about that!” Su Jiu said in apology.

“Forget it. Eldest Young Master Ji didn’t do it on purpose either!” Yan Shu said in a tone of grievance through gritted teeth. “I’ll take my leave first, and visit you another day, Young Mistress.”

With that, Yan Shu bowed her head slightly and stepped out of the room.