CHAPTER 28: CHAPTER 28: IS THE SECOND YOUNG LADY PLANNING TO IGNORE ME FOREVER?

Mr. Fu shook his head with a serious expression, "No suspicious findings have been made. Currently, it is presumed that the other party simply made a mistake in direction, and unfortunately, Mingzhu became the target."

Fu Shinian was skeptical, "Let me ask, among those participating in the hunt today, how many have the skill to hit a target from a hundred paces? According to Little General Gu, the speed and force of that arrow meant the shooter must have been nearby, so how could they not see my sister?"

"Do you have someone in mind you’re suspecting?" Mr. Fu asked.

Fu Shinian naturally suspected Lin Qingqing, but also knew that no one would believe it if he said so.

On the surface, no one knew about Lin Qingqing’s affair with Xiao Fengxing, and she had just recently fallen out with Fu Mingzhu.

In others’ eyes, Lin Qingqing had no motive to kill Fu Mingzhu.

Fu Shinian shook his head, "No, I just think this conclusion is unreasonable."

Mr. Fu sighed, "I know you feel for your sister and are unwilling for her to face danger without redress. Since nothing can be found now, perhaps it really was just an accident, and we’ll just have to be more careful in the future."

Fu Shinian had no choice but to nod, temporarily setting the matter aside.

But since he suspected Lin Qingqing, he would keep a close watch on her in the future.

At this moment, Fu Changqin came in excitedly, followed by a servant carrying a pheasant.

"Father!" Fu Changqin called out, then noticed, "Niannian, you’re here too."

"His Majesty granted us half a wild boar, and Marquis Changping sent over half a rack of lamb, saying the Emperor bestowed it upon him and he couldn’t finish it alone." Fu Changqin said excitedly, "I’ve asked people to set up a fire outside, we’ll have a barbecue."

Initially, Fu Shinian was quite happy, but upon hearing the name Marquis Changping, he immediately felt uncomfortable.

Madam Fu, unaware of Fu Shinian’s discomfort, smiled and said, "The Marquis is too courteous, did you just accept it and let him leave?"

"How could I!" Fu Changqin replied indignantly, "I’ve read so many books, I can’t be so discourteous. I said since the Marquis is alone, I’d send someone along with Jing Lai to invite him to join us."

"The more, the merrier!" Fu Changqin, not noticing Fu Shinian’s grim expression, said happily, "Mother, this wasn’t impolite, right?"

"Not at all." Madam Fu looked at Fu Changqin with satisfaction, "My son is becoming more and more courteous. Studying at the Marquis’s residence has not been in vain."

Fu Changqin: "..."

Oh no, this means he’ll have to keep studying.

"But, the Marquis mustn’t bring Xiao Fengxing along." Fu Changqin couldn’t help but say.

"Brother doesn’t like him either?" Fu Shinian tilted his head and asked.

When the issue of breaking the engagement was discussed earlier, Fu Changqin wasn’t there and didn’t know about it.

Mr. Fu and Madam Fu had decided not to tell Fu Changqin just yet.

Fu Changqin couldn’t hold his tongue, and being straightforward, they worried he’d show it and let Xiao Fengxing catch on.

"Previously, I didn’t interact with him much, so I didn’t notice. Lately, studying at the Marquis’s residence, I see him often. He always looks down on me, like I’m some idiot." Fu Changqin thought of Xiao Fengxing’s attitude, getting so indignant he rolled up his sleeves, "If he weren’t Mingzhu’s fiancé, I would’ve already..."

"Ahem!" Mr. Fu noticed Fu Mingzhu outside the tent and quickly coughed to interrupt Fu Changqin.

Fu Mingzhu lowered her head, feeling ashamed to face her family.

The man she once thought of as her ideal match had caused her family such grievance on her behalf.

"Well... Mingzhu." Fu Changqin hurried to say, "It’s also my fault for not studying hard. Rest assured, I’ve started applying myself and will definitely achieve academic success, so you won’t be embarrassed and no one will look down on you."

"Brother has always been a good brother." Fu Mingzhu said in a deep, firm voice, "Regardless of academic achievement, he’s a good brother. Those who look down on others so easily are truly the ones unworthy."

"My lord, madam." Ting Qin’s voice came from outside the tent, "The Marquis has arrived."

After that, Ting Qin led Xiao Chengyu inside.

Madam Fu couldn’t help but quietly praise, what a handsome young man.

If not for his illness, the matchmakers would have lined up at Marquis Changping’s residence, leaving no room for Xiao Fengxing to shine in the capital.

"Mr. Fu, Madam Fu."

"Does the Marquis enjoy roasted food?" Madam Fu asked with a smile.

"I don’t eat much usually, but I quite like it." Xiao Chengyu replied with a smile.

"That’s good." Madam Fu said contentedly, "Is there anything the Marquis avoids eating? I’ll instruct the cooks to be mindful."

Considering Xiao Chengyu’s health, Jing Lai naturally couldn’t be casual about it and took out a piece of paper from his pocket, handing it to Madam Fu, "The Marquis doesn’t avoid much, just can’t overdo it on certain things. Only these few shouldn’t be used. I’ve troubled you, madam."

Madam Fu glanced at it; indeed, it wasn’t difficult, and these weren’t things typically used for roasting, so she said, "Not a problem."

She then instructed Ting Qin to give it to the cook, reminding, "Make sure everyone is careful, and there aren’t any mistakes."

"Yes."

Mr. Fu also instructed someone to serve tea to Xiao Chengyu.

Xiao Chengyu glanced subtly at Fu Shinian sitting diagonally across from him.

Previously, Fu Shinian only sent Chunmian with the foot soak packets for him, never showing up herself.

He knew the young lady was too shy to see him now, but he couldn’t help thinking about her.

Just as His Majesty had sent him half a lamb, which he couldn’t eat much of, and yet couldn’t give away all the Emperor’s gifts either.

So he asked Jing Lai to bring the lamb over.

Thinking the young lady loved good food, she would certainly want to eat it.

Unexpectedly, Fu Changqin sent someone to invite him along.

Thinking of Fu Shinian, Xiao Chengyu couldn’t help but agree.

But after arriving, Fu Shinian kept her head down, refusing to look at him, unlike before when she would be chattering away by his side.

At this moment, Fu Shinian still had her head lowered, holding a teacup and staring intently at the leaves inside as if counting each one.

Only the tips of her ears were visible, burning red.

"Marquis, Changqin and Shinian have frequently visited the Marquis’s residence, and I hope they haven’t caused any trouble?" Madam Fu asked, more as a formality.

She knew her own children well.

Fu Changqin might love fun, but he was always courteous and simple-minded, unable to misbehave easily.

Fu Shinian didn’t even need to be mentioned, who wouldn’t like her?

As expected, Xiao Chengyu smiled, "The young master and second young lady are both extremely talented and polite. The young master is now diligently studying and learning quickly, Mr. Changshan has praised him several times. The second young lady has won over my mother’s heart. In the residence, Ying Yue even competes for her time with my mother."

The son can be ignored, but upon hearing the little daughter’s popularity, Madam Fu happily found the creases at the corners of her eyes deepening.

Soon after, a servant came in to report that the barbecue outside was ready to start and asked if they would like to go out now.

Fu Changqin couldn’t stay seated any longer and clamored to go out.

So everyone got up and headed outside the tent.

Xiao Chengyu, at some unknown point, walked up beside Fu Shinian, "Is the second young lady planning to ignore me from now on?"