Chapter 31: Chapter The moment Su Yueqing stepped through the gates of Xi Wenzhe’s residence, she felt her already fragile mood sink even further.
The residence was undeniably beautiful. Elegant pavilions stood beside carefully maintained gardens, winding stone pathways curved through blooming flowers, and small streams flowed peacefully beneath decorative bridges. Everything was arranged with the kind of refinement that only a powerful family could afford.
Unfortunately, Su Yueqing was in no mood to appreciate any of it.
Ever since breakfast, only one thought had been repeatedly tormenting her.
[Living here.]
[With Xi Wenzhe.]
[Every single day.]
[Whichever genius thought this was a good idea deserves to be investigated.]
The maid escorting her remained respectfully silent as she led her deeper into the residence.
Soon they arrived at the main courtyard.
The moment Su Yueqing stepped inside, she immediately sensed something was wrong.
The courtyard was unusually lively.
Servants stood waiting on both sides.
Several maids were already gathered nearby.
And right in the center of the courtyard, beneath the shade of a large flowering tree, sat an elegant chair that seemed to be waiting specifically for her.
Su Yueqing slowed her steps.
Her eyes moved from the chair to the servants.
Then from the servants back to the chair.
A terrible feeling suddenly appeared.
[Why does this look like I’m about to preside over a court case?]
The maid beside her smiled politely.
"Young Madam, please take a seat."
Su Yueqing looked at the chair again.
Then she looked at the maid.
Then she looked at the chair once more.
Despite her growing suspicion, she eventually walked forward and sat down.
The moment she settled into the seat, she became painfully aware that every servant in the courtyard was looking at her.
Her discomfort immediately doubled.
[Why are they all staring?]
[Am I supposed to know what’s happening?]
[Was there a meeting scheduled that nobody told me about?]
The maid beside her stepped forward before she could ask.
Then she raised both hands.
Clap.
Clap.
Clap.
The sound echoed throughout the courtyard.
Almost immediately, movement appeared near the entrance.
One group of maids entered.
Then another.
Then another.
Soon servants began filing into the courtyard from every direction in orderly rows.
Some looked young and nervous, while some appeared older and experienced.
Before long, dozens of people had gathered.
The once spacious courtyard suddenly felt crowded.
Su Yueqing’s eyes widened slightly.
Then widened again.
The more people that arrived, the more alarmed she became.
By the time everyone had assembled, rows upon rows of servants stood neatly before her.
The entire courtyard fell silent as everyone looked toward her.