Chapter 8 The scheme

　　There were four kinds of delicate dished on the table as well as a small pot of porridge.

　　The porridge was very fragrant. It was just that Shu Huan didn't seem to have much appet.i.te. She poked with the chopsticks in the bowl of porridge with a frown on her face. Suddenly, she put her face closer to Gu Xiran's and whispered, "Your excuse was so bad. Would old madam and mistress believe?"

　　Gu Xiran swept disapprovingly over her and asked, "Do you have a better excuse?"

　　"No," Shu Huan shook her head.

　　"Then, isn't it enough?" Gu Xiran pushed the empty bowl to her. "Pour another bowl for me."

　　Shu Huan looked at the bowl twice but didn't move.

　　Gu Xiran looked at her and added a word, "Please."

　　Shu Huan was helpless, she could only pick up the bowl and got up to get the porridge for him. She didn't expect that concubine Yun who was standing at the side would rush over immediately and took the bowl over from her. She smiled slightly, "Second young mistress, be careful of burning your hands. Let me do it."

• Concubines couldn't sit on the table when the masters are eating. They have to stand on a side and serve. However, if the master likes her very much, an exception could be made.

　　She didn't object that someone was willing to do her work. She sat down and continued to eat her porridge. Just now, Gu Xiran had said that they consummated their marriage just out of the blue and didn't prepare the handkerchief of consummation. What kind of bad excuse was that…?

　　While she was thinking, her head was knocked by chopsticks, "Still thinking? If they don't believe it, no matter what you say they won't believe you. Or are you planning to do it on spot for them to see?

　　How could that be?!

　　Shu Huan's face got red and glared at him.

　　Gu Xiran was unconcerned. He picked up a side dish and whispered, "Even if they think I'm lying, what can they do?"

　　It could only be like this!

　　However, when old madam left, the gaze she looked at her with was like looking at a fox (temptress). Lin s.h.i.+ instructed for her to be more careful since second young master's body wasn't well.

• s.h.i.+: clan

　　She got blamed for no apparent reason. She really couldn't accept it. Now, when she recalled the things from last night, everything seemed to have an explanation. He expected she would be in trouble. Was that why he prepared in advance? The maids could also testify and say that she bathed and slept in the main wing last night.

　　This kind of careful protection made Shu Huan feel grateful. She whispered, "Thank you."

　　Gu Xiran didn't understand, "Thank me for what?"

　　"For today's matter."

　　A basin of cold water poured down on her.

　　"No need to thank me. Whether I divorce my wife or not is my business. I don't like it when others intervene."

　　She mistook his affection.

　　Shu Huan then lowered her head and silently ate the porridge.

　　After the two of them finished eating, concubine Yun was able to sit down and eat.

　　Shu Huan looked at the c.u.mbersome rules of this wealthy family and felt sick and tired. Just when she wanted to go take a walk outside, Xiangqian came in with tea. She was studying what kind of tea it was, when she heard Gu Xiran ask faintly, "Who went out of the yard early in the morning?"

　　Xiangqian didn't know and shook her head.

　　Concubine Yun put down the chopsticks and said awkwardly, "When I woke up in the morning, I found out that there was no more of the bird nest that second young master used to eat, so I sent Qiaoyun out to get some. Is there something wrong?"