11 The Day of the Competition
Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and it was already time for the competition to begin.
During this time, Yu Lihua would visit Yuan Qiyuan every few hours in hopes for a new order, but he would only send her away without empty-handed.
Zhen Xiang also came to visit and would ask him to join them for dinner, but he refused, continuing to use his sickness as an excuse.
She was also surprised when she noticed the change in Yuan Qiyuan, who seemed to have become more handsome with each day. But of course, Yuan Qiyuan would only shake his head helplessly, looking as though he was clueless about the changes.
In the end, Zhen Xiang could only stay and talk for a few minutes before being told to leave by Yuan Qiyuan.
Xian Chen has been seen visiting the Medicine Hall more often lately, and only the Alchemists in the family knew why.
He probably wanted to catch the hidden expert.
Besides being busy with their own things, the entire family also prepared for the journey to the Chu Residence, where this time's competition was being held.
The Chu Family owned the Chu Residence and is also one of the Four Great Family within the Yin Province. They are ranked 3rd among the four families and is only below the Xian Family in terms of their family's Alchemy.
Early on this day, Zhen Xiang went to Yuan Qiyuan to let him know of their departure time, and she didn't leave until he acknowledged it.
Yu Lihua also reminded him of the competition today.
"Young Master, what do you think of this competition?" she asked him out of curiosity.
"What is there to think about it? It's just children playing around." Yuan Qiyuan revealed his honest thoughts to the competition.
"Child's play, huh…" Yu Lihua has been getting more comfortable when around Yuan Qiyuan as of lately, so her interactions with him have become more relaxed and less alert.
"It's almost time for departure," said Yuan Qiyuan.
"Oh, right… Here, hold this."
He hands her a piece of folded paper.
"This is…?"
"Do not open it for now. When the time comes for you to open it at the competition, I want you to read it out loud."
"Eh?" Yu Lihua seemed to be dumbfounded at his words.
"What is it?"
"Y-Young Master… I am also going to the competition?" she asked in a surprised tone.
"Of course, you are going with me. Do you want to stay back?" he asked in return.
"B...But… the competition is only meant for the most important ones in the family and not something servants can attend, and I am a mere maidservant…" Yu Lihua lowered her head, "I'd only be troubling the Young Master if I followed…"
"You're the only maidservant serving the Young Master of the Xian Family. If that does not announce your importance, then what does? Have more confidence and be proud of your role. Not just anyone can become my maidservant, right?"
Yuan Qiyuan's words not only made her speechless but also gave her confidence and pride. Having the need to always to deal with negativity due to her position as his maidservant, his words were something that greatly impacted her emotions.
"Y...Young Master…" Yu Lihua mumbled with tears in her eyes.
"A little girl indeed…" Yuan Qiyuan smiled.
"Follow me, I am not afraid of trouble."
Yu Lihua nodded, and they left the mansion and headed for the carriage outside.
Waiting outside the manor was 10 beautifully crafted carriage, each large enough to hold at least 6 people.
The one in the front, however, was smaller than the rest and also obviously superior to the others, and standing beside it was a beautiful middle-aged woman.
"Yu-er!" Zhen Xiang waved at him from beside the carriage in the front.
"You really came! Your father went ahead of us and is already at the Chu Residence," she said in an excited tone. It's been forever since they last went anywhere together, after all.
"Why wouldn't I? This is important to the family, right?" Yuan Qiyuan said as he climbed into the carriage.
"Good morning, Mistress…" Yu Lihua greeted her with a courteous bow.
"Hm? What are you doing here?" Zhen Xiang asked her.
"I…" Yu Lihua felt as though there was something stuck in her throat when she thought of telling her that she was also going to the competition.
"She's coming with us to the competition." Yuan Qiyuan said, "What are you waiting for? Get in."
"But this carriage is meant for…" Yu Lihua was troubled by his words.
"Yu-er… I can allow her to follow us, but to ride in the same carriage is a bit too much…" Even Zhen Xiang couldn't help but frown.
To let a mere maidservant ride in the same carriage as them, the main family, was the same as lowering their position.
"Is that right?" Yuan Qiyuan sighed as he walked out of the carriage.
"Yu-er?" Zhen Xiang couldn't comprehend why he'd step out of the carriage.
"Young Master?"
"Since it is that offensive to let a servant into the carriage," Yuan Qiyuan said as he began walking, "I will just walk there with her."
"Huh?"
His words left Zhen Xiang shocked and Yu Lihua dazed.
