Exchange Fate! She Saved the whole family and the Short-Lived Marquis!-Chapter 110: Xiao Chengyu Steps Out from Behind the Desk and Stands Before Fu Shinian
Fu Shinian was not the kind of person who would demand that he put aside important business.
However, Fu Shinian would still watch to see how late Xiao Chengyu stayed busy.
By the second quarter of the Hour of the Boar, hearing from Shaoyao that Xiao Chengyu was still working, Fu Shinian muttered to himself, "If you don’t keep a close watch, the marquis might just work straight through till dawn."
"You can’t blame the marquis; his official duties are simply too numerous and must be completed by today," Shaoyao said.
"How is the marquis’s spirit?" Fu Shinian asked.
"Because he has been sleeping on time the past few days, his spirit is quite nourished. But also due to his improved habits, he cannot quite endure staying up late now. Earlier, he even asked me to burn some awakening incense," Shaoyao said.
"Did the marquis mention how much longer he needs to be busy?" Fu Shinian inquired.
"The marquis knew the young lady would surely ask, so when I came over, he asked me to tell the young lady that it would be about an hour or slightly more, at most two quarters past that."
"Isn’t that nearing the Hour of the Rat?" Fu Shinian shook her head, "Fortunately, I expected the marquis couldn’t keep such a good rest schedule for long, and a day of working late was inevitable."
For someone accustomed to working hard on official duties for years, allowing them to rest well for a few days is possible, but over time, they can’t maintain it.
Fu Shinian had long prepared a food box, "Inside are peppermint candies, ordinary candies with added mint, sweet and cool and slightly spicy. If the marquis gets drowsy, he can eat one to refresh himself, but make sure not to let the marquis have too many, as too much candy is not good."
"This is double-skin milk, a southern snack made with cow’s milk," Fu Shinian said. "Uncle from the Cheng Family once went to Guangdong and Guangxi for business, ate this, and brought the recipe back for the cook to make."
"The marquis doesn’t like the fishy smell of cow’s milk, but this double-skin milk is made sweet, rich, and removes the milk’s odor. The marquis should try it to see if he likes it," Fu Shinian said. "It’s just made and still warm; if the marquis doesn’t eat it right away, keep it warm on the stove."
"A few bites before sleep are good too, good for sleep," Fu Shinian said as she showed the contents of the box to Shaoyao, then closed it and handed it over, "Please take it over, Miss Shaoyao."
Shaoyao remembered the old madam’s advice and said, "Could the young lady come with me?"
"The marquis only listens to the young lady’s advice," Shaoyao said. "No matter how people persuade, it’s useless. If the young lady goes to the marquis, he will certainly listen."
Fu Shinian looked at the sky, "But it’s so late."
"At this time, it’s indeed inappropriate." Shaoyao sighed, "The maid originally thought this was within the marquis’ residence, with no outsiders, so no one would know. But I wasn’t thoughtful enough; the young lady should just ignore what I said earlier."
Shaoyao saluted and prepared to leave with the food box.
"Wait." Fu Shinian called Shaoyao, "I’ll go with you."
"You’re right; within the marquis’ residence, who will speak of it?" Fu Shinian took Chunmian and Chunyu along and followed Shaoyao to Xiao Chengyu’s study.
Despite carrying a hand warmer, it was still quite cold at night.
After walking for a while, she felt the chill seep into her body.
Until entering Xiao Chengyu’s study, where the fully burning charcoal warmed the room, instantly dispelling the cold from Fu Shinian’s body.
Fu Shinian let out a long comfortable breath in the warmth.
Xiao Chengyu looked up and saw Fu Shinian’s nose, cheeks, chin, and ears all reddened from the cold.
Xiao Chengyu slightly frowned, "Why did you come when it’s so cold at night?"
"I heard the marquis might be busy until the Hour of the Rat, so I came to check," Fu Shinian stepped forward and placed the food box aside.
Xiao Chengyu sighed helplessly, "I asked Shaoyao to tell you so you wouldn’t have to come here."
"Marquis, don’t worry, I didn’t come to urge you to rest early," Fu Shinian said. "You have important official duties and explanations for his majesty. I can distinguish between priorities."
"But working so late, you need to replenish yourself from time to time. I heard from Shaoyao that you’ve even lit awakening incense due to exhaustion," Fu Shinian said, "Though this incense is effective, remember to change it before resting, or smelling too much will keep you awake."
"Also," Fu Shinian opened the food box, "this is double-skin milk made with cow’s milk; I know you don’t like its odor, but this way it’s fragrant and sweet."
"Have Shaoyao keep it warm by the stove," Fu Shinian said, "Don’t let it get too hot, or it will melt. If the marquis is hungry, have some."
"Additionally, these are peppermint candies; if drowsy, have one, its spicy taste is similar to herbal pills and refreshing," Fu Shinian said, "But since it’s candy, don’t eat too many."
Fu Shinian quickly finished, "Then I won’t disturb the marquis further. Marquis, finish up quickly and rest earlier."
"Wait." Xiao Chengyu looked towards Fu Shinian.
Her care towards him, coming over so late once more.
Xiao Chengyu didn’t believe the words she said to the old madam during the day.
If there is truly nothing in her heart for him, why does she care for him so thoroughly, knowing his tastes, coming to care even so late?
Xiao Chengyu told Shaoyao and Jing Lai, "You should leave for now."
Shaoyao wanted to speak but stopped, glancing at Xiao Chengyu, wasn’t this inappropriate given the hour?
However, was the marquis finally unable to keep from revealing his feelings to the second young lady?
If so, it really wouldn’t be appropriate for them to remain here.
In the time Shaoyao hesitated, she caught Jing Lai giving her a look, nearly straining his eye.
"Yes." Shaoyao responded, exiting with Jing Lai to stand guard outside.
Outside, it was a bit cold; Jing Lai rubbed his hands and said to Shaoyao, "Why didn’t you hurry out earlier, what were you hesitating for?"
"Leaving the second young lady alone with the marquis so late could harm her reputation," Shaoyao said.
Seeing Jing Lai about to speak, Shaoyao knew what he wanted to say, "Of course, I know the marquis wouldn’t do anything improper, but the timing and place aren’t favorable for the young lady."
Shaoyao glanced back at the study’s light and murmured, "Thankfully, only you and I are in the marquis’ courtyard. If you and I don’t speak of it, no one will spread it."
"Exactly," Jing Lai said, "As long as we don’t spread it, it will be fine."
Shaoyao nodded, "I hope the marquis can express his intentions."
Jing Lai nodded.
Inside the study, Fu Shinian asked, "What does the marquis wish to say to me?"
Xiao Chengyu circled around from behind the desk, standing before Fu Shinian.
In the softly yellow lamp light of the study, Fu Shinian’s fair face took on a light warm glow.
