She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 374 - 373

Chapter 374: 373

Ye Xinyan stood in the courtyard, watching the bustling adults and children for a while. She exchanged a few words with Qi Sanshun and Qi Jiaer, who were chasing after her, then glanced at the half-closed door of the main workshop. Hesitating for a moment, she ultimately did not enter. She turned and walked toward the guest room.

The guest room was lively. Not only were Jinrong, Guan He, and Jiang Yifan there, but Qi Younian and Cheung Wusi were present as well, all of them chatting merrily about something. When Ye Xinyan came in, Jiang Yifan, who was speaking, suddenly stopped. The lively atmosphere abruptly stilled in the moment his words ceased.

Ye Xinyan, having already entered, stood inside the door, feeling somewhat awkward from the sudden cold silence that greeted her. It seemed like she had walked into a place she shouldn’t have, disrupting the previously joyful atmosphere.

With an embarrassed expression, Ye Xinyan was unsure whether to continue walking forward or to simply turn around and leave.

Seizing the opportunity quickly, Qi Younian jumped into the conversation just moments after Jiang Yifan’s pause, saying, "Ye Zi has returned from inspecting the workshop? More than half the year has already passed; how are the cattle farm and the workshop doing?"

"All is well," Ye Xinyan replied, pausing before adding, "I just came in to see how things were, to greet the Sixth Master and... Lord Jiang. I don’t have any business. Please, continue your conversation; I will take my leave." Damn it, facing the awkwardness brought on by Jiang Yifan, she even had to include him in her greetings.

Ye Xinyan gave a perfunctory curtsy and stepped back, turning to leave.

Behind her, Jinrong hurriedly said, "No need, we are just chatting idly, not discussing anything important. Ye Zi, you don’t need to excuse yourself."

Ye Xinyan pretended not to hear, stepped over the threshold, and closed the door behind her, feeling extremely disheartened. That’s how things often are in the world—one thing goes wrong, and then everything seems to go wrong.

Inside the room, Jinrong looked at Jiang Yifan and complained, "Look at what you did. You were speaking just fine, so why did you stop when she entered? You made it seem like she shouldn’t stay in the room."

Jiang Yifan was also somewhat annoyed. His abrupt halt had been instinctive, without any intention to drive anyone away. "What are you talking about? I had no such intention. It was just a slight pause in my speech, but who knew all of you would fall silent, making her take it to heart."

Qi Younian chimed in with a smile, "It’s all right, no harm done. It was my hasty response that caused the misunderstanding with the Sixth Master. Ye Zi doesn’t care about that; she’s busy, just came to pay her respects to the Sixth Master and Lord Jiang, and now she needs to get back to work."

Jinrong’s gaze shifted between Jiang Yifan and Qi Younian, sensing something off with their expressions. Could it be his imagination?

"Nothing has happened these past few days, right? Ye Zi doesn’t seem quite right. Is it related to Miss Zhou’s visit?" Jinrong asked.

Qi Younian waved his hand dismissively with a laugh, "What could happen? Doesn’t the Sixth Master know Ye Zi well? That girl, as long as she has someone to rely on, she’s happy. No, she’s just too busy, in a hurry to get back to work."

"That’s good to hear," Jinrong replied, realizing that Qi Younian was trying hard to cover something up, he did not press further, instead continuing with the previous topic, "So, as I was saying about grilling meat, deer meat really is the best, chewy but not dry. Let’s go hunting again in April or May, when the grass is lush and the water abundant; certainly, there will be plenty of game, and the flavors should be excellent."

Cheung Wusi laughed, "Who will have time for that then? Lord Jiang might be in a critical phase of road construction, and Ah Qiao will be building courtyards in Yuyuan Prefectural City. By that time, it might only be Master Guan and the Sixth Master’s guards accompanying him, unless the Sixth Master finds someone else."

After thinking for a moment, Jinrong shook his head with a wry smile, "True, we’ll have to make time then. Hunting is more fun with more people. And there’s Wong Qiao—having him around means we could stay outside for ten days or half a month without worrying about accommodations."

"That’s true," Cheung Wusi said with a smile, "Ah Qiao has always been quick-witted and quick to act. If anyone wants something, they just need to explain to him what it’s for, and before long, Ah Qiao will have crafted something up for you."

"He would make a fine master carpenter," Jinrong nodded.

Jiang Yifan held the teacup in his right hand, sipping it bit by bit, and said no more.

Hong Wu came in to report that the wood, utensils, condiments, and food ingredients for the barbecue were all ready outside, and he asked if they should start the fire now.

It was already the end of Si Hour, and Jinrong glanced at the water clock, saying, "Let’s light it now. We might as well start early, since everyone is free at the moment. We can take our time: barbecue, drink, and talk. There’s no rush. This time we should drink to our heart’s content; we must not stop until we’re thoroughly satisfied."

Qi Younian stood up first and said, "I’ll go see if Ye Zi can spare some time to join us for the barbecue. The child hasn’t had proper rest even during the New Year. It might do her well to relax a bit."

Nanny Liu came in to help tidy up the teapot and table, and upon hearing Qi Younian, she agreed, "It would be nice if the young lady could come out and join us. Second Miss Zhou has been inquiring since long ago, asking when we’re having the barbecue. It seems she wants to be part of it, to join in the fun."

Qi Younian smiled and said, "Exactly. This way, Ye Zi will have some company."

Bi Ning came in to report that while the elderly gentleman was waiting in the Flower Hall, Ye Xinyan was still working on the record charts for the dairy fermentation workshop. She was curious what brought her grandfather to the backyard at this time, "Isn’t it time for the barbecue now? Why has grandfather come to the backyard instead of keeping the guests company?"

Bi Ning said with a smile, "The old master has come to invite the young lady for the barbecue. He says it’s a good opportunity to chat and relax."

Ye Xinyan frowned, struggling to speak for a long moment. Relax what? Hadn’t her grandfather always agreed with Nanny Jin that she should maintain the grace and propriety expected of a lady, to avoid criticism for when she remarried? Why would he now want her to have barbecue with so many men?

Bi Ning too found the old master’s words puzzling, and she urged with a smile, "The old master is waiting. Whether you’re going or not, at least give him an answer, young lady."

Ye Xinyan stood up—how could there be any reason not to go when her grandfather had come to find her personally? She just didn’t understand why he had come over personally.

As Ye Xinyan entered the Flower Hall, Qi Younian was already holding his tea, sipping lightly. Upon seeing Ye Xinyan enter, he gestured for her to sit at the opposite side of the table, "Sit down first. Let’s have a chat before we go over there."

"Oh," Ye Xinyan obediently sat down and asked, "Is there something you wish to discuss, grandfather?"

Qi Younian addressed Bi Ning and Song Ping’s household, "You may leave us now. I have something to ask the young lady."

The two looked at Ye Xinyan, who nodded, "Please leave us." Watching them go out and close the door, Ye Xinyan asked, "Is there an urgent matter, grandfather?"

"Nothing too serious, just not suitable if overheard by others," Qi Younian said. "As I was concerned with Sixth Master and Lord Jiang not returning on time, along with other matters, I haven’t had the chance to ask you about Miss Zhou’s situation."