Vol 9 Chapter 22 (1/2)

VOLUME 9 CHAPTER 22: DON’T TELL ME THESE ARE THE CHANGES IN XIANGYANG (4)

Liu Qi POV

When I finished, I immediately inspected Yi Ji’s reaction. I cannot say if she met or exceeded my expectations as she just merely looked ahead and continued walking.

“Is that so?” She said in her usual, calm voice.

“… Is there no problem at all with this?” I felt a little awkward and could not help but to ask directly.

Yi Ji looked at me and stuck her hands in her sleeves as she replied, “To be honest, young mistress’s way of doing things is a little conceited.”

“Is that so?” I responded weakly. I understood what she meant and when I thought about it, what she said does have some truth in it.

“But,” Just as I was about to indulge in regret for my actions, she turned the conversation on its head, “But young mistress is indeed not yet ready to take over as the Governor of an entire state. Being an Administrator first is a good thing.”

Hu… I heaved a sigh of relief when she finished.

“I was thinking that it might have been a bad choice but I’m relieved at what you said.” I said as I looked at the sky with my hands at my back, “When I go to Jiangxia, I have a lot of things to learn and do.”

“I think it’s fine.” Yi Ji said as she too looked up at the sky, “As young mistress said, Cai Mao has lost her standing. It will be difficult for Lady Cai alone to prop up the second young mistress so there’s no need to worry too much about Xiangyang.”

“Yes.” I nodded. I do not know when it began but the notion of conflict with Lady Cai seems to have diminished.

Is it because I have matured? Or is it because I feel that I have already won from what has just happened? Or could it be that I trusted what Liu Cong said?

I do not know. But the me now is only thinking about how I can improve my abilities to accomplish greater things.

“Yi Ji, come with me to Jiangxia.” I said as I made my resolve and looked at Yi Ji.

“That’s fine, I am more or less young mistress’s retainer anyway.”

“Oh~ I see~” I said, doing my best to sound as calm as possible and not let my elation show.

Yi Ji has never said such a thing before after all. Of course, this is also partially due to the fact that I have never asked.

“But,” Yi Ji said as she raised her sleeve and held her chin with it, “It’s best if we leave Wen Ping here for the time being. No matter what, there must be someone here to observe the situation.”

“Un, un.” I nodded. What she said makes sense. Not having Wen Ping come along makes it a little lonely but I must keep the big picture in mind.

“Elder sister!”

Wu!

Just then, a tender voice came from behind. When this voice entered my ears, I could feel my hair stand on end.

“It’s the second young mistress.” Yi Ji turned around to look and whispered to me but I knew who it was just from the voice alone.

“I know.”

*Ta* *Ta* *Ta* *Ta*

The sound of light footsteps came closer and closer until they stopped. Then the one behind the footsteps spoke, “Elder sister.”

“What business do you have?” I coldly asked.

“Young mistress, watch yourself. We’re in public.” Yi Ji hurriedly whispered to me when she heard that my tone was not too appropriate.

“Un.” I nodded and restrained myself. My emotions and thoughts are a mess right now and her presence is only worsening things. Irritation filled my heart and it showed through my speech.

“I should have said everything that needs to be said before.” I did not turn back and suppressed the frustration I felt as I replied again, “May I ask what business you have?”

Ah… Liu Cong opened her mouth but no words came out. She did not leave either and just as I was beginning to feel really irritated at her timidity and say some nasty things, she spoke up before me.

“I, I have something to say to elder sister.”

I turned back and saw that Liu Cong was withdrawn and she held her hands in front of her chest with her eyes closed.

“Something to say huh…” As I looked at Liu Cong, I could largely guess what she wanted to say, “I’m sorry, I’m very busy so it will have wait for later.”

And because I knew what she wanted to say, I said these words and turned to leave.

“Ah, elder sister.” She yelled out from behind. I continued to walk ahead and did nit turn back. Yi Ji looked like she wanted to say something but refrained from doing so probably because she saw how unhappy I was and merely followed behind me in silence.

*Ta* *Ta* *Ta* *Ta*

Usually, Liu Cong would have been stopped by my cold shoulder and she would have stood rooted to the ground. But this time, I could hear her footsteps chasing after me.

It was light but it made me feel irritated.

I know what she wants to say. The last time she tried to explain herself was not the first time she tried to do so. But I do not wish to listen to her.

“Umm… I have something to say regarding the flower garden!”

What? Why have you started blabbing on your own all of a sudden?