Qi Yunruo rose to his feet and patted his clothes of dust. Rubbing his forehead, Qi Yunying said, "I couldn't see the path clearly. Sorry."
To which Qi Yunruo merely shook his head.
Although Su Ge had heard the commotion, as he was standing far away, he could not discern what had been said.
Returning inside, Su Ge turned to Li Chen. "The three young masters of Count Ziyang's estate are conversing."
"It's cold out there. Tell them to come back inside," Li Chen said casually.
Originally, Qi Yunruo was about to make his leave. But as soon as he heard Su Ge's invitation, he went over a bit unhappily, taking his time to do so. He and his brothers spoke not a word. Once Li Chen saw them, he realized his mistake.
Qi Yunruo's unwillingness was clear on his face. Count Ziyang coughed once. "Child, I haven't seen you in a while."
Recently, Qi Yunruo's joy had been hard to ignore, yet now he was sitting without a word. Count Ziyang felt increasingly awkward. He gestured for his two sons to break the ice.
Su Ge quickly understood the situation. He broke into a smile. "Young Master Little Qi, are you a.s.sisting Fengyuan?"
"Yes."
Su Ge said to Li Chen, "Your Highness may not know, but Young Master Little Qi is very patient and has beautiful calligraphy. These days, he helps Fengyuan in the storeroom."
"It must have been hard for Little Qi," said Li Chen. "Did you see anything you like among the gifts sent today?"
A moment of thought. "I really liked the set of seven crystal cups of varying sizes."
Li Chen glanced at Su Ge. With a nod, Su Ge said, "In a little while, this slave will have the storeroom send them to Young Master Qi."
Shortly after, Li Chen shifted his gaze to Qi Yunruo. "It seems Little Qi has grown taller. Back then, you were much shorter than your brothers. Now the difference in heights has decreased."
"These days, I've eaten well."
Meanwhile, Qi Yunshan watched as Li Chen and Qi Yunruo conversed, one asking a question and one answering. They seemed to get along well. Something Qi Yunshan would be lying to say he approved. On the other hand, Qi Yunying wore a neutral expression.
The sky grew darker. Countess Ziyang prepared to leave. This time, when Qi Yunruo caught sight of her, Countess Ziyang was shocked at first. Then her expression darkened.
Qi Yunruo lowered his head. Softly yawned.
The countess said, "After staying at the prince estate for so long, you still don't follow protocol. Your legitimate mother is standing right in front of you, yet you act in such a manner?"
It were as if frost had grown around Qi Yunruo, layer upon layer covering every inch of his body. He kept quiet.
Seeing this, Count Ziyang acted as the mediator. "My lady, do not blame him. Little Qi has always been quiet."
The countess smiled. "So it was like that. I almost thought that since Third Young Master is managing the estate and very capable, you won't put anyone in your eyes."
Such words caused a slight furrow of Li Chen's brows. Was the countess' words meant for him?
At this point, Qi Yunruo resembled a quail covered by frost, shrunk into a ball at the side. Countess Ziyang's heart burned with fury. But she didn't have the right to say any more. With a toss of her sleeve, she left.
