Time Travel: Pampered by the Aloof Prince
Chapter 173: Princess, do you want this fan?

Chapter 173: Chapter 173: Princess, do you want this fan?

Hearing this unfamiliar yet smiling voice, Qi Yu and Shi Zhou simultaneously turned around to see a strange man in white, gracefully arriving with a folding fan in hand.

Qi Yu noticed that the features between his brows bore some resemblance to those of Gu Jue, and she had already guessed a bit of the truth.

Indeed, she heard the servant shout, "Eldest Young Master."

Gu Ting nodded slightly to signal him to step away.

Then he turned to Qi Yu with a smile, "Miss, would you like my fan?"

Qi Yu felt that his smile was overly flamboyant, like a peacock ready to spread its feathers at any moment, not at all resembling Gu Jue’s icy demeanor.

Shi Zhou frowned and set the fan down; she really had no good feelings toward this man.

While they were at an impasse, someone came from the back yard.

Gu Fengmian, who had been supported all the way by Gu Jue, hurried over upon seeing the Jade Pendant, knowing Qi Yu had arrived. He was thrilled and walked briskly.

Gu Jue could hardly keep up with the old man’s pace.

He pulled aside the curtain, letting the old man pass, and didn’t forget to comment, "Grandfather, what’s the hurry? She won’t run away."

Gu Fengmian shot back a glare without any good humor, but as soon as he saw Qi Yu, he immediately switched to a beaming face, changing expressions so quickly that even his own grandson Gu Jue was amazed.

He just wasn’t a match.

Qi Yu quickly approached, took hold of the old man’s arm, and called out, "Grandfather."

Then, she gave Shi Zhou a signal with her eyes and introduced her to Gu Fengmian and Gu Jue, "This is my friend, Shi Zhou."

Gu Fengmian nodded and looked affectionately at Shi Zhou, warming to her with gentle inquiries.

Shi Zhou responded stiffly to a few remarks.

In Tuyun Village, she was used to the coarse tones of bandits; Shi Fuyou always shouted at her, and this was the first time an elder had spoken to her in such a gentle tone.

It didn’t make her uncomfortable, just a bit unaccustomed.

Qi Yu noticed her discomfort and subtly drew Gu Fengmian’s attention back.

The group was deep in conversation, completely sidelining Gu Ting.

Unable to bear it, he coughed twice, trying to remind them that he, too, was still standing there.

Unexpectedly, Gu Fengmian merely glanced at him and asked irritably, "What are you doing here?"

Gu Ting replied with a forced smile, "It’s my father’s birthday, and I wanted to invite Grandfather to visit."

Gu Fengmian snorted coldly, "Now you remember this old man?"

Gu Ting, embarrassed, was at a loss for words.

Seeing the discomfort, Gu Jue couldn’t stand by and spoke up, "Grandfather, it is my uncle’s birthday after all. Please deign to make a visit."

Gu Fengmian acted as if he hadn’t heard, taking Qi Yu and Shi Zhou to the backyard for tea.

As he walked away, still huffing, he grumbled, "Ignoring my words on usual days, and now he comes to invite me?"

Qi Yu, finding it amusing, comforted, "Grandfather, don’t be angry. If you don’t want to go, we won’t go."

Although she didn’t know the full story, whatever could anger Gu Fengmian like this must have been something serious caused by Gu Ting’s father.

As an outsider, Qi Yu didn’t feel it was her place to comment.

As for Shi Zhou, she was even less inclined to say anything, being naturally reticent herself.

The three of them enjoyed a leisurely chat over tea in the backyard.

The atmosphere in the front hall, however, was not nearly as harmonious.

Gu Ting sighed to Gu Jue, "It’s been so long, and Grandfather is still so angry."

This time, Gu Jue didn’t take his side and responded indifferently, "This matter was uncle’s fault to begin with."

Gu Ting was left speechless; the two exchanged looks and simultaneously sighed.

His gaze shifted to a fan nearby, and Gu Ting was struck with a sudden idea.

He picked up the fan and asked Gu Jue, "Who was that just now? Why is Grandfather so favorable towards her?"

Gu Jue chuckled, "She is the apple of the old man’s eye. I advise you not to mess with her."

Never mind that Qi Yu is the Princess, just the old man’s favoritism towards her is enough for her to do as she pleases in the Gu Family.

Gu Jue was certain that even if Qi Yu was unreasonable, the old master would unwaveringly support her.

Gu Ting understood immediately, and upon thinking about her extraordinary appearance and demeanor, his tone sounded slightly surprised, "Is she Princess Qi?"

Gu Jue did not reply and continued walking towards the back courtyard.

Gu Ting quickly followed and asked Gu Jue in a lowered voice, "If I ask her for help, would Grandfather agree?"

Gu Jue glanced back at him and snorted lightly, "You can try."

Gu Ting tapped his palm with the fan, feeling hopeful.

He deliberately sat down next to Qi Yu and, while Gu Jue was chatting with the old master, whispered to her, "Would the Princess like to have this fan?"

Qi Yu looked down at the fan and glanced at him sideways, "What are your conditions?"

Gu Ting smiled, "As long as you can get Grandfather to attend my father’s birthday celebration, I have plenty of fans for you."

Although these fans were valuable, they were not worth a fraction of the jade, and Gu Ting, not being a scholar or a poet, had no particular attachment to them.

The offer was indeed tempting, but Qi Yu did not immediately agree.

For her, the fan was a minor matter, while the old master’s mood was a major concern.

Seeing no response from her, Gu Ting became somewhat anxious, "If you find the fan insufficient, I can give you something else!"

Qi Yu looked at him suspiciously, "If my grandfather does not want to go, then let it be."

It was just a birthday celebration. If the old master truly did not attend, it was not a big deal.

Gu Ting sighed deeply and said, "My father has declared that if I cannot get Grandfather to come today, he will flay me."

While saying this, he even made a gesture of slitting his throat, his expression utterly miserable.

Qi Yu, however, was amused by this and nodded, "I will ask him for you, but if Grandfather disagrees, there’s nothing I can do."

Seeing his genuine effort, she was willing to speak on his behalf.

However, that was as far as she would go.

If the old master disagreed, she would not play the good person and persuade him.

Hearing her words, Gu Ting was nearly moved to tears of gratitude. He shoved the fan into Qi Yu’s hands, repeatedly thanking her.

Qi Yu, annoyed by his thanks, gave him a cold glance.

Gu Ting instantly behaved, quietly sitting beside her like a mute.

Gu Jue had just persuaded the old master to take his medicine. As he grew older, Gu Fengmian’s health was not great, often giving trouble.

But he could not be treated with strong medicines; he had to drink herbal tonics daily to nourish his body.

Qi Yu had just checked the prescription; there was nothing wrong with it, but it was too mild. It had some effect, but not much.

Moreover, if it dragged on, it could likely worsen these seemingly insignificant illnesses and pains.

She checked Gu Fengmian’s pulse and wrote a new prescription, instructing Gu Jue to get the herbs from the pharmacy and prepare it daily.

Gu Jue was skeptical but considering her serious expression and the old master’s approval, he nodded in agreement.

After writing the prescription, Qi Yu casually mentioned the favor Gu Ting asked of her.

Gu Fengmian looked somewhat astonished and did not respond for a long while.

While Gu Ting was anxiously waiting, he heard the old master slowly reply, "Alright, since Yuyu has asked, I will make the trip."