Chapter 291 - Chapter 291: Chapter 260: Divination_1 (1/2)

Chapter 291: Chapter 260: Divination_1

Falling Star Courtyard.

The east wing.

On the wall hung a painting of loquat birds in a mountain, the birds flew about within the painting, and the loquat trees swayed as if caressed by the wind.

A brass incense burner sat on the rosewood table, tendrils of smoke wafted out, filling the entire room with a rich fragrance.

After bathing and changing his clothes, Xu Mu sat quietly in front of the mirror, his spine straight and eyes slightly closed.

Two young and attractive maids dressed in cyan costumes were meticulously combing his long hair with combs made from animal bones.

One of the maids was called Rou’er, and the other was called Xin’er. They were specifically selected by Li Youlan to serve Xu Mu, and he couldn’t refuse their help.

“Xin’er, why is this yard called the Falling Star Courtyard?”

Xu Mu suddenly asked.

“In response to your question, Sir, it is because…”

Xin’er attempted to answer but was interrupted by Rou’er, who laughed and said: “Sir, if you don’t mind, why don’t we wait until later? Rou’er will tell you then. Perhaps by that time, you won’t need me to explain, and you’ll understand on your own!”

“Alright!”

A slight smile played at Xu Mu’s lips as he replied.

He only thought to ask in passing; it didn’t matter whether he knew sooner or later. Even if the girls didn’t tell him, he could probably guess the origin.

Rou’er was teasing him, trying to win his favor.

Li Youlan probably had ulterior motives in sending these two girls —to seduce him.

If these girls could win Xu Mu’s favor, it would be like they had turned from sparrows into phoenixes given their status.

In terms of age, it was never an issue for cultivators.

However, compared to Xin’er, who was gentle and serene, Rou’er seemed to be more proactive and bold.

Xu Mu changed the subject and asked, “How much do you know about the other hangers-on in the mansion?”

“This…”

Rou’er stammered, seemingly hesitant to say more.

“Sir, we maids lack status and not often interact with these gentlemen. We can only offer hearsay. However, if Sir is willing to listen, I can share what I know.” Xin’er answered indifferently.

At her side, Rou’er tried to signal Xin’er to stop talking.

They did not know Xu Mu well yet. Even though he seemed kind and gentle, no one knew what he was like when their back was turned. If their words reached the ears of others, their lives could be at risk.

“Go ahead, tell me!” Xu Mu replied with laughter.

Even though his eyes were closed, he was keenly aware of their every gesture and expression.

Xin’er’s actions had indeed caused him to reassess her.

It seemed that she was not timid but simply did not like to compete.

Rou’er was still sending glances, hoping to stop her close friend, but Xin’er ignored it and continued, “Mr. Lu, the house steward, is known behind his back as the ‘Smiling Tiger.’ He is notorious for his double-dealing ways, and many servants and maids who crossed him have vanished without a trace.”

“…”

Could she really be so bold as to say these things aloud?

Xu Mu was slightly astonished. If he were in her shoes, he wouldn’t dare say such things.

However, he quickly realized why Xin’er was so daring—it was probably Li Youlan’s doing.

Li Youlan couldn’t say these things herself, so getting a maid to do it was the perfect solution.

Clueless of the situation, Rou’er looked terrified.