Yang Ruxin frowned slightly, cursing "shit" in her mind. Why did this guy show up? However, she couldnât display her feelings outwardly, so she hurriedly pulled up her signature smile: "This girl greets..."
"Xinxin, congratulations on coming of age!" Qi Jingyun quickly composed himself, stepped forward, and presented an ornate box, simultaneously blocking Yang Ruxinâs attempt to bow in greeting.
This clearly suggested he wanted to keep his identity concealed.
"Thank you, Third Master." Yang Ruxin straightened herself instantly. Though unwilling, she had no choice but to accept the gift, handing it off casually to Du Man beside her.
The villagers were well aware that Yang Ruxin knew many esteemed figures, so the arrival of one more guest didnât surprise them. They quickly resumed eating and drinking. Yet, a few people in the courtyard recognized Qi Jingyunâsuch as Fang Dehua and Wei Bingyi.
Fang Dehua didnât think much of it. Having met both the Emperor and the Crown Prince, a mere Third Prince wasnât a big deal to him. Moreover, he understood his alignment with the Crown Prince, meaning he naturally saw the Third Prince as an adversary. As a result, he didnât greet Qi Jingyun overly warmly.
Wei Bingyi, on the other hand, felt different. The entire purpose of his visit today was to build a good relationship with Yang Ruxin. He already knew she was connected to the Eighth Prince, but recognizing that she was evidently acquainted with the Third Prince as well was a revelation. Clearly, he had come to the right eventâYang Ruxin was a woman who could maneuver easily between opposing factions. Truly remarkable.
Yang Ruxin didnât concern herself with other peopleâs thoughts. After her initial shock, she composed herself. Since he had shown up of his own accord, she couldnât simply chase him away. She quickly instructed someone to prepare a seat for him. No matter how much she disliked him, she couldnât afford to appear discourteous.
"Not going to open my... your gift to have a look?" Qi Jingyun remained where he stood, fixing his gaze on Yang Ruxin as he spoke.
"Uh..." Yang Ruxin wanted to swear aloud, but her smile grew ever more radiant. "Third Masterâs gift must be extraordinarily valuable. Iâm afraid it might astonish everyone here..."
Qi Jingyunâs eyes flickered momentarily as he stared at Yang Ruxin, then suddenly broke into a smile. He didnât press her further and simply turned to take his seat.
Yang Ruxin twitched the corner of her mouth. This guy really had issues.
Just then, more people arrived at the entrance.
Two servant-like individuals entered first, carrying a large chest between them.
"You..." Du Chengfeng quickly stepped forward to meet them.
"A birthday gift for Lady Xinxin." The two servants bowed respectfully and then retreated to the side.
Yang Ruxin approached, but before she could say anything, another person strolled in from outsideâa man dressed head-to-toe in flamboyant red.
"Why is it you?" Yang Ruxin frowned.
"Today is Lady Xinxinâs grand day. As someone whose life youâve saved, how could I possibly not show up?" Song San flashed a seductive smile and gestured toward the chest. "A small token of gratitudeâinsignificant, really."
The servants carrying the chest quickly opened it, prompting a wave of exclamations. Inside sat a crimson Coral Tree more than one foot tall, adorned with gemstones of various colors that sparkled brilliantly under the sunlight.
"Are you trying to attract thieves to my door?" Yang Ruxin scoffed lightly. "Still, Iâve saved your life twice now, so such a gift barely counts as extravagant." Saying that, she signaled to Du Chengfeng.
Du Chengfeng hurriedly summoned two attendants to carry the chest away.
Qi Jingyunâs eyes flickered againâsaved his life twice? His gaze toward Song San now grew dark and inscrutable.
Song San, who recognized Qi Jingyun perfectly well, cast a smile in his direction and even nodded subtly.