If Liu Tián Qǔ would have heard his thoughts, she would have screamed her innocence. This time she really was innocent. She had thought of these two requests off the top of her head. Liu Tián Qǔ saw how uncomfortable the powerful couple felt about accepting such extravagant gifts from her. That was not her intention, so she thought of something she really needed that they could help her with, that cost them nothing at all. She didn't want to cause them any burden because of her gifts.
All of this flew over Wang Fèn Yǒng's head. He was lost deep in contemplation as he stared at the bronze box that Liu Tián Qǔ had sat in front of him. He had yet to touch the box. He just sat there staring at the box lost in thought while his forefinger continuously traced the rim of the teacup he held in his hands. Wang Fèn Yǒng's family was used to his oddities, so they paid him no mind.
Little Dumpling eyes were larger than a shocked owl. They seemed to have remained in a perpetuated state of shock ever since his parents entered his courtyard.
"What is the second request?" the Grand Prince asked with eyes filled with mirth.
"The Chen Family left me with a massive beautiful library. However, right now, it's currently empty. Not one scroll or book remains in it. Over the next several years, I wish to slowly fill the library with good books. I request that if you happen to run across any good or interesting books. Please send them to me? I will instantly reimburse you for the expense you make in purchasing the books you send." Liu Tián Qǔ made her final request.
The Grand Prince waved away her offer of reimbursement. "We will do that, no need for reimbursement. I thank you for your generosity and kindness. We will use your gifts well."
"You're more than welcome. There is just one thing." Liu Tián Qǔ said as she met the gaze of the powerful couple.
"When you are sending any books or gifts, make sure the person delivering it specificities that the gift or delivery is from Wang Royal Manor. Otherwise, no servant or guard in my residence will receive it. All gifts are turned away at the gate of my residence. If they do not specify it's from Wang Royal Residence, then it will be turned away." Liu Tián Qǔ informed the couple.
The Grand Prince's gaze grew sharp, and so did the gaze of his wife. Wang Fèn Yǒng finally looked up from the bronze box. He looked at Liu Tián Qǔ with a sharp, piercing gaze.
"Is that so?" Was all the Grand Prince asked.
"Yes," Liu Tián Qǔ simply answered with a firm voice and a nod of her head.
"Then, I will have to make sure that anything delivered from Wang Royal Manor is announced as so." The Grand Prince said just as there was a knock on the door.
"Enter," The Grand Prince commanded.
Butler Huang bowed as he entered and said. "The message is for My Lord, My Lady, and the Heir. Eunuch Rong arrived with a message from the Emperor. He is waiting for everyone in the Library."
T/N: Eunuch Rong is of no relation to the Duke of Rong of the Fief of Rong that was annihilated with his whole family. Eunuch Rong surname is 融- Róng: to melt, to thaw, to blend, to merge, to be in harmony. The Duke of Rong surname was 荣- Róng: glory, honor, thriving. They are two different surnames.
"I understand," The Grand Prince said, dismissing the Butler. The Lord and Lady of the Manor rose from where they sat. Liu Tián Qǔ and Little Dumping rose with the couple as well leaving only Wang Fèn Yǒng who remained seated lost in thought. No one paid any attention to the fact that Wang Fèn Yǒng had remained seated.
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Liu Tián Qǔ felt his gaze on her. She looked over to see Wang Fèn Yǒng looking at her with the strangest look in his eyes. For some reason, Liu Tián Qǔ heart skipped a beat. Why? She didn't know why. It just did. Quickly she looked away, looking back over to the Lord and Lady of the Manor.
Wǔ Gāng Huā looked at Liu Tián Qǔ as she rose. "Young Master Liu, once again, I would like to extend our thanks. However, duty calls so we must depart. It was a pleasure meeting you. The doors of the Wang Royal Manor are always open to you. Feel free to come at any time. After Wang Jǐng Jiè's punishment is complete since you are only next door. We will allow him to visit you as he please as long as it does not hinder his lessons. You may also rest assured that as soon as his punishment is over, his lessons in martial arts will begin." The Lady of the Manor said with a slight smile.
Returning Wǔ Gāng Huā's smile Liu Tián, Qǔ said, "Thank you for your grace, My Lady."
Liu Tián Qǔ met the Grand Prince gaze, the Lady of the Manor gaze, Little Dumpling and Wang Fèn Yǒng's gazes as she said, "My residence doors remains open to the residence of Wang Royal Manor as well. I had the courtyard next to mine converted for the personal use of the residence of Wang Royal Manor. I named the courtyard Wang Royal Manor Courtyard. Feel free to come whenever you please." Liu Tián Qǔ said in a serious voice with a serious face.
Wang Fèn Yǒng was still staring at Liu Tián Qǔ with the most oddest expression in his eyes. Liu Tián Qǔ was careful to only glance at him and not hold his gaze when she looked at him. She couldn't understand why his gaze was affecting her so. Liu Tián Qǔ felt slightly confused. Everything was fine before. Now her heart was beating fast from just meeting his gaze. She quickly tried to brush it off and focus back on his parents.
The Grand Prince sudden released a low chuckled and said mysterious, "Yes, the Emperor conveyed your message to us as well."
The tone in the Grand Prince's voice as he said that told Liu Tián Qǔ all she needed to know. Liu Tián Qǔ winced as she looked over to see the big grin on the face of the Lady of the Manor. Liu Tián Qǔ scratched her head and smiled sheepishly as she said, "Yeah, maybe I shouldn't have sent that message back. That wasn't one of my finest moments."
Wang Fèn Yǒng finally retrieved the gift Liu Tián Qǔ gave him from the table. As he rose from the table, the Grand Prince burst out in laughter at the sheepish look on Liu Tián Qǔ's face, "I will take my leave now. Farewell Young Master Liu."
Liu Tián Qǔ bid farewell to the couple as they made their way out of the receiving room of Little Dumpling courtyard. Wang Fèn Yǒng approached her as the Grand Prince and Lady of the Manor departed. His gaze was once more cold and blank. Liu Tián Qǔ breathed a sigh of relief that Wang Fèn Yǒng was back to normal.
Wang Fèn Yǒng looked at Liu Tián Qǔ with a deep look and said, "Thank you for the gift. I will use it well."
Liu Tián Qǔ smiled warmly at his and said, "Your welcome, Big Brother."
"I will come over to the residence within the next few days. We must talk." Wang Fèn Yǒng said.
"Okay, Big Brother." Liu Tián Qǔ said in her normal low husky voice.
With a nod, Wang Fèn Yǒng turned and left Little Dumpling's Courtyard as well. He left Liu Tián Qǔ, staring at his retreating back with a troubled gaze. For some reason, she was sure Wang Fèn Yǒng didn't mean he wanted to talk to her regarding her house guards. His voice held a deeper meaning.
Liu Tián Qǔ shook off her worries. What will be, will be. Worrying about it now would be useless and a waste of time. Liu Tián Qǔ turned to see a spaced out Little Dumpling. Little Dumpling stood staring in space with glazed-over eyes. Liu Tián Qǔ noticed that Little Dumpling was strangely silent for most of his parents' visit. Liu Tián Qǔ looked at Little Dumpling carefully. He looked shellshocked.
Liu Tián Qǔ walk around the long low table and approached Little Dumpling. "Little Dumpling, are you okay?" Liu Tián Qǔ asked three times. Yet didn't get a response. Liu Tián Qǔ reached over and gently shook Little Dumpling shoulder before she was able to gain his attention. Snaping out of whatever zone he was in. Little Dumpling finally looked up at Liu Tián Qǔ who stood beside him.
His gaze made Liu Tián Qǔ feel very uncomfortable. His eyes held complete hero-worship in them.
Little Dumpling finally broke his silence and said, "At first, I was a bit upset with big brother for breaking your promise."
Liu Tián Qǔ cocked an eyebrow at Little Dumpling. Cutting him off, Liu Tián Qǔ asked, "What promise I broke? I have never broken any promises I've made to you."
Little Dumpling blinked and said," You promise you wouldn't have a talk with my parents, but you did anyway."
"No, Little Dumpling," Liu Tián Qǔ said, shaking her head. "I promised I wouldn't have a talk with your parents about why you couldn't understand the consequences of your actions of running away from home. I've kept that promise. I never said that I wouldn't voice my concern on why you are unable to learn self-defense or at least learn how to escape danger."