99: Back to the City Lord's Mansion

The setting sun, like molten gold, slowly sank in the west. Its remaining glow poured over the towering roofs of the City Lord's Estate, plating the glazed tiles with a layer of flowing gold and dyeing even the bronze bells beneath the eaves a shade of amber.

Situ Jun stood before the estate's entrance, gazing at the familiar vermillion gates. The exhaustion from ten days of traveling vanished in an instant, replaced by a trace of warmth in his heart.

Entering the City Lord's Estate and passing through the winding corridors, the unique and tranquil atmosphere of the West Courtyard greeted him.

Situ Jun's pace quickened unconsciously, the spots of golden light scattered on the bluestone path seemingly leading the way for him.

Seeing the "Yunxiang Courtyard" plaque glowing softly in the twilight from afar, the corners of his mouth rose involuntarily.

Just then, the courtyard gate opened slightly, and the maidservant Qiu Lan walked out gracefully, carrying a stack of embroidered handkerchiefs.

Seeing Situ Jun, who looked travel-worn yet still as gentle as jade, she was first stunned, then joyfully set down her things and hurried forward to meet him.

"Steward Situ, you're finally back! Madam has mentioned you several times."

Situ Jun's eyes were filled with smiles, and his gaze was gentle.

"I haven't seen you for a few days, and Sister Autumn Orchid has become even more beautiful."

Before his voice had even faded, he had already taken out an exquisite hairpin from his Storage Pouch.

The head of the hairpin was wrapped with silver wire into a blooming magnolia flower, with fine pearls embedded in the stamens, flickering slightly in the twilight.

Qiu Lan took the hairpin and examined it with great affection, her eyes full of joy. "Thank you, Steward Situ. This hairpin is truly beautiful! Madam is in the backyard; please go in quickly."

Situ Jun nodded slightly and stepped over the threshold.

The scenery of the backyard had a different charm under the setting sun. Su Yunniang, in a lake-blue dress, stood beneath the old locust tree, her fingertips lightly brushing the blooming flowers as if she were deep in thought.

Hearing footsteps, she suddenly turned her head, and a brilliant light instantly lit up her eyes.

In the next moment, Su Yunniang had already flown over and plunged into Situ Jun's arms without hesitation.

The familiar scent lingered around his nose. Situ Jun's heart was filled with tenderness as he gently patted her back.

After a long while, Su Yunniang raised her head, her eyes slightly red, with a hint of reproach.

"You were gone for ten days and didn't even send me any news."

"It was just some trivial matters. As soon as everything was handled, I rushed back without stopping."

As Situ Jun spoke, he pulled an exquisite brocade box from his robe.

Opening the box, a string of crystal-clear bracelets lay quietly on the soft silk. Each bead glowed with a warm luster, a charming aura swirling around them in the twilight.

A flash of surprise appeared in Su Yunniang's eyes, and she said reproachfully:

"You always know how to make me happy."

The two sat side by side on stone benches, detailing every bit of the days they were apart. Unknowingly, more than an hour passed, and the last trace of the evening glow gradually faded away.

Su Yunniang said reluctantly:

"Go see Sister Nangong and the others. You still have to report the shop's matters to Younger Sister Liu later, so I won't delay you any longer."

Situ Jun nodded, stood up, and took his leave.

When he arrived at Nangong Xue's courtyard, Aunt Xu had just placed the steaming hot food on the table.

In the warm little courtyard, the three of them sat together, sharing interesting stories from the estate, their laughter never-ending.

By the time he left Nangong Xue's place, the night was already deep.

The lanterns along the corridors were lit one after another, their dim yellow glow casting mottled shadows on the gray brick floor.

As Situ Jun was walking, he bumped into Zhuang Xian and Zhuang Lei.

In an instant, Situ Jun's eyes flickered slightly, and he pushed his Breath Concealment Technique to its limit.

Seeing Situ Jun, Zhuang Xian's expression immediately became strange. He wanted to greet him but was wary of Zhuang Lei beside him, his face turning red from holding back.

Situ Jun chuckled inwardly, stepped forward with cupped hands, and said solemnly:

"I am the West Courtyard Steward, Situ Jun. Greetings, Young Master Zhuang."

Zhuang Xian coughed dryly, hesitated for a moment, and turned to Zhuang Lei.

"Uncle Lei, you go back to the Side Courtyard first; no need to follow me. I'm going to see Liu Xuaner in a bit."

Zhuang Lei gave a series of wretched, lewd laughs before turning to walk toward his quarters in the East Courtyard.

Once Zhuang Lei was far away, Zhuang Xian immediately bowed respectfully. "Master!"

Situ Jun waved his hand and said:

"Just call me Steward Situ in front of outsiders. It's already dark; what are you doing in the West Courtyard?"

Zhuang Xian glanced around, and after seeing no one, he took out a document and said:

"This is Bei Batian's letter of divorce for Liu Xuaner. Master told me not to touch the women of the Northern Border, so I'm giving it to Master. As for coming to the West Courtyard, it was just a random stroll, haha."

Situ Jun was startled. He took the Divorce Letter and looked at it; it was indeed a letter of divorce for Liu Xuaner. This caused Situ Jun's gaze toward Zhuang Xian to carry a hint of amazement and mockery.

How long had this fellow been in the Northern Border? He had managed to get two Divorce Letters, and the subjects weren't just any beauties. In the end, both letters had ended up in his hands; this guy was practically his lucky star.

Zhuang Xian felt uneasy under Situ Jun's gaze and gave a dry laugh.

"Does Master have any other instructions? If not, I'll take my leave."

Situ Jun withdrew his gaze and said with a smile:

"You did well. Next time there's something good like this, keep it for me. By the way, leave the North City Estate tomorrow and return to the Xihua Sect. Don't stay here and keep everyone on edge."

Remembering what Nangong Xue had said about Zhuang Xian frightening the women in the estate, Situ Jun decided to let him leave as soon as possible.

"Understood, Master. I'll leave first thing tomorrow morning. I'll head back now, lest someone sees me with Master and causes trouble for you."

Zhuang Xian said, checking the surroundings.

Situ Jun nodded and folded Liu Xuaner's Divorce Letter before putting it away.

After looking around, he headed toward Liu Xuaner's "Rose Courtyard."

By now, the lanterns in the corridors had been lit, and the dim yellow light cast on the path created a unique Concept.

Arriving outside Liu Xuaner's courtyard, he discovered two Guards standing at the gate. It seemed that during the days Zhuang Xian had been in the estate, he had truly frightened this proud woman.

Situ Jun smiled to himself and stepped forward.

"I have business with Madam Liu. Do I need to be announced?"

Seeing it was Situ Jun, the Guard immediately bowed.

"Steward Situ must be joking; who in the West Courtyard doesn't know you? Madam Liu should be reading and drinking tea right now. Please go in, Steward Situ. Miss Green Bamboo inside will announce you."

Situ Jun nodded and walked in.

Entering the front yard, Cui Zhu was leaning against the doorframe, looking out. Seeing Situ Jun, she trotted over to meet him.

"Steward Situ, you gave me a fright! I thought it was... By the way, Steward Situ, when did you get back?"

As she spoke, her beautiful eyes glared at him reproachfully.

"I just arrived at the estate this evening. I've come in a hurry to report the shop matters to Madam." Situ Jun smiled as he followed Cui Zhu into the main hall.

Cui Zhu poured him some tea. Situ Jun picked it up and took a small sip. "By the way, where is Madam? Aren't you going to announce me?"

"Madam is bathing. You'll have to wait a while." Cui Zhu glanced at him sideways and sat down nearby.

Situ Jun was taken aback, feeling that his timing was a bit too coincidental.

With nothing to do, he began chatting with the young girl, making her blush with laughter until she forgot to cover her mouth.