Allure of a Country Maiden-Chapter 1278 - 1275_1

Upon hearing that the Empress Dowager had sent gifts for the children’s birthdays, Shangguan Xuanyi instructed his servants to bring the presents inside the room.

It was Zhang Qingqing’s first time setting foot in the Wang Mansion, and as she walked from the front yard through the exquisitely picturesque garden, she was utterly mesmerized by the enchanting scenery!

If the Imperial Garden in the Imperial Palace represented magnificent opulence and affluent luxury, then the garden here portrayed an everywhere-present ethereal charm, teeming with life, that lifted the spirits.

What a joy it would be to live here all my life, Zhang Qingqing thought.

She strolled around for nearly half an hour before stopping, finding her eyes insufficient to take in all the beauty around her, and felt somewhat unfulfilled.

Then she saw the figure standing in front of the room and her eyes lit up!

Today, Shangguan Xuanyi was dressed in white, tall and upright, like a celestial being, overshadowing the entire garden with his presence.

Zhang Qingqing’s heart pounded nervously, her face flushed as she approached and curtseyed, "Your humble servant pays her respects to Prince Rui..."

Her presence simply annoyed Shangguan Xuanyi. His face instantly turned cold with an intimidating aura that made it hard to breathe, "Since when are dogs allowed into the mansion?!"

Did she come intentionally to irritate him? Shangguan Xuanyi was infuriated to see Zhang Qingqing in his territory!

Zhang Qingqing was in the middle of her curtsey when she froze in shock!

Dog? Was that an insult at her?

However, Prince Rui’s anger was terrifying to behold. She dare not speak further and remained half-squatting, with her head bowed.

The Empress Dowager’s eunuch, stood petrified, wishing he could flee.

Prince Rui’s infamous ruthlessness was truly intimidating! He would openly disregard anyone’s feelings when angered, even the Emperor’s!

The eunuch, however, braced himself and spoke, "Your humble servant pays his respects to Your Highness, Long Live Your Highness! I am here to deliver the birthday gifts to the young prince and princess on the Empress Dowager’s orders."

Presenting gifts had never been so nerve-wracking before!

They were initially hoping for some reward, but now they considered escaping punishment as a fortunate outcome!

Shangguan Xuanyi merely grunted in acknowledgment, "Hmm..."

Then Shangguan Xuanyi said nothing more.

Shangguan Xuanyi glanced at Yang Liu, signaling her to see the guests off.

It was then Yang Liu spoke, "Thank you for your efforts, eunuch! On behalf of the young master and mistress, I thank the Empress Dowager!"

The eunuch understood that Prince Rui was extremely angry! He did not dare to linger, hastily arranged for the servants to unload the gifts, and then hurriedly took his leave, "Your Highness, I will take my leave now. The Empress Dowager is waiting for me to report back."

Shangguan Xuanyi remained silent. He did not have to personally see the eunuch off.

He didn’t drive them away right then and there, a concession made in consideration of the gifts given by the Empress Dowager. At least he left some face for the Empress Dowager, otherwise, he would have turned away both the people and their gifts!

"Eunuch, please! Let me show you out," Yang Liu offered.

The eunuch nodded, "Thank you, Miss Yang!"

Just as they were about to leave the Wang Mansion, Zhang Qingqing mustered her courage and said, "Your Highness, I came specifically to visit Princess Rui."

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Xuanyi sneered at her, "And who are you? What makes you deserving of seeing her? Is my wife someone you can meet whenever you wish? Leave!"

Was this woman unaware that his maid was comatose? How could she see her? Her duplicity was disgraceful! Even if Xiao’er was conscious, she wouldn’t have the privilege to meet her. She was not going to be another burden for Xiao’er!

Zhang Qingqing paled instantly, whether from fright or anger, she didn’t know.

Yang Liu and Yang Mei despised her in their hearts: What a lame excuse! Obviously, she was here to annoy the Princess! Their master showed great restraint by merely driving her away!

Having said that, Shangguan Xuanyi turned around and went back into the room.

Then, a matron from the gate approached Yang Mei and said, "Miss Yang, an old man waiting outside wishes to see the princess, claiming to be an acquaintance of hers."

On hearing this, Shangguan Xuanyi stopped in his tracks and asked, "Did he mention his name?"

Zhang Qingqing seized this opportunity and replied, "Your Highness, I have seen the old beggar earlier. He was dressed in coarse clothes, clearly a refugee! I had already driven him away once, but he came back. I will go and get rid of him right away!"

This response cast a shadow on Shangguan Xuanyi’s face. Infuriated, he kicked Zhang Qingqing and stormed out.

Zhang Qingqing, clueless about her transgression, was kicked, and fell to the floor, losing consciousness.

The eunuch from the Cining Palace was terrified and didn’t dare to breathe.

When Prince Rui passed by, he trembled in fear and didn’t even dare to breathe!

It wasn’t until he left as swiftly as a gust of wind that they finally sighed in relief.

Yang Liu glanced at the Emperor’s eunuch, "Eunuch, you should take her away immediately. If Prince Rui comes back and sees her here, who knows how furious he would be!"

After voicing her thoughts, Yang Liu hurriedly followed after, the person outside might be Master Yunfa, the only hope for the Princess’s recovery!

Zhang Qingqing dared to turn Master Yunfa away!

She has grown tired of living!

If it is indeed Master Yunfa, their master might kick her once again when he returns.

She is already gravely injured, another kick might just finish her off.

Even though Prince Rui wouldn’t mind, after all, she is a servant from the Empress Dowager’s side. If she ended up dead, it wouldn’t sit well with the Empress Dowager!

It would be better not to let such a trivial person ruin the relationship between the Wang Mansion and the Empress Dowager!

It’s not worth it!

So, Yang Liu ordered someone to take her away.

The eunuch was so frightened he couldn’t believe what happened!

He’d never anticipated that Prince Rui would kick someone out of anger! Terrifying!

They were here only to deliver birthday presents to the princelings!

Yang Mei read the eunuch’s thoughts and said, "This lady took it upon herself to turn away a guest invited by Prince Rui! So, you better leave quickly! Prince Rui’s anger is not something you can handle!"

The eunuch understood why Prince Rui had lost his temper on learning this.

He quickly instructed the junior eunuchs, "Quick! Take Miss Zhang away!"

The junior eunuchs snapped out of their daze, having been frightened to the core!

Yang Mei summoned a young maid to avoid Master Yunfa seeing this scene. They skirted the route that Shangguan Xuanyi would take.

....

Once Shangguan Xuanyi stepped outside the mansion, he saw an elder dressed plainly, standing calmly at the front gate, seemingly very pleased.

Even though dressed modestly, the old man exuded a feeling of gentle breeze in spring.

A real enlightened man would naturally embody a composed aura and an honest vibe, this must be his celestial aura!

The elder, on seeing a person of distinguished and lofty demeanor walked out, immediately knew he was a nobleman of high rank from his visage alone.

He calmly bowed and greeted, "This old man greets Prince Rui!"