Fortune Across the World

Chapter 128: A Meeting with the Patriarch (Part 1)

Silver Sui, being older than Fu Ruqing and friends with many of the maids at Qingliu Courtyard, understood matters of intimacy better than Fu Ruqing. She could easily guess who was responsible for the marks on her mistress's neck. As she finished brushing Fu Ruqing's hair, Silver Sui hesitantly suggested, "Miss... shall I use some jade hairpin powder to cover those up?"

The previous night, while assisting Fu Ruqing with her bath, Silver Sui had inadvertently noticed the marks on her mistress's neck and body. At the time, she was too shocked by the realization that they had consummated their relationship to pay much attention. But today, seeing the severity of the "damage," she felt a bit worried. How could the usually gentle and refined young master be so rough, leaving so many marks on her mistress's delicate neck? Silver Sui, though knowing somewhat more about intimate matters than Fu Ruqing, still had a limited understanding. She assumed that Ding Qiyu had been overly forceful, which led to her mistress being "injured," and thus harbored a slight grievance against Ding Qiyu.

"Mm." Fu Ruqing nodded, her face turning an even deeper shade of red, silently blaming Ding Qiyu in her heart.

It was the first time Silver Sui had seen her mistress blush so deeply. As she carefully applied the jade hairpin powder to cover the kiss marks on Fu Ruqing's fair neck, she found a high-collared brocade cloak to completely conceal the marks that would otherwise make anyone blush.

When Ding Qiyu entered the room, she was immediately met with accusatory looks from both women. Seeing the high-collared cloak on Fu Ruqing's shoulders, Ding Qiyu quickly realized why they were both glaring at her. She felt a twinge of embarrassment. But why was Silver Sui unhappy with her? Was it because she had taken liberties with Qing'er before marrying her? Ding Qiyu was at a loss to understand Silver Sui's reproachful gaze.

After having breakfast with Ruqing in the room and resting for a while, Ding Qiyu was about to ask her plans regarding the copper mine when Silver Sui announced from outside, "Miss, the patriarch is here..."

Ding Qiyu nearly fell off her chair. Had her father-in-law already found out about her night with Qing'er and come for an early morning confrontation?!

Fu Ruqing also felt a twinge of nervousness but quickly realized that those who knew about the previous night's events were all trustworthy. Her father couldn't have found out so quickly. Besides, she was with Ding Qiyu willingly and had no regrets. Even if her father knew, it wouldn't change her decision. Resolving her anxiety, she turned to Ding Qiyu, who was visibly tense at the thought of meeting her father, and said, "Yu, let's go."

Seeing the unwavering resolve in her calm eyes, Ding Qiyu felt bolstered. If Qing'er could face this fearlessly, so could she. Regardless of the patriarch's reaction, she was determined to stand by Qing'er. Even if it meant facing danger, she would face it with her. Resolute, Ding Qiyu accompanied Fu Ruqing out of the room.

When they arrived, the patriarch of the Fu family was already seated in the hall. Noticing his daughter's seemingly frail appearance and her decision to wear a cloak despite the mild weather, he couldn't help but express concern, "Ruqing, are you feeling unwell?"

Fu Ruqing had anticipated many questions from her father but hadn't expected this one. Her face turned crimson beneath her veil, and she had to rely on her years of practiced composure to maintain her usual calm tone as she replied, "No, I'm well. Thank you for your concern."

Ding Qiyu blushed as well, knowing that Fu Ruqing's first experience had left her somewhat weakened. However, given the delicate nature of their relationship and needing to address the patriarch first, she resisted the urge to assist Fu Ruqing physically. She hadn't expected the patriarch to notice Qing'er's condition so easily, which left her feeling guilty, as if she'd secretly taken something precious.