This could be considered a confession, couldn't it? Li Man'er hadn't expected someone as reserved as Qi Yihan to do such a thing, to express his feelings to her so many times. It was quite a passionate gesture.
Li Man'er felt a little shy, especially since they were so close and had just kissed. Their eyes meeting made the situation feel overly intimate.
She petulantly turned her head away, refusing to look at Qi Yihan. As long as she couldn't see his face, which could overthrow kingdoms, she wouldn't feel awkward.
Fortunately, the carriage soon stopped in front of the manor. Ah Wu's steady voice announced, "Master, we have arrived."
Qi Yihan was the first to step out, extending his hand to Li Man'er.
Li Man'er wasn't a girl who threw tantrums at the drop of a hat. Moreover, with someone as high and mighty as Qi Yihan saying such things to her, how could she still be angry?
She gracefully dismounted the carriage.
The steward of the manor had already received the news and came out to greet them. "This humble servant greets His Highness the Prince and the County Princess."
Li Man'er curiously observed the steward for a few moments, thinking how could anyone be so uniformly plump!
The steward wasn't old, appearing to be in his early thirties, but he was extremely fat. He had a round face, no neck, and a belly like a woman four or five months pregnant. However, he moved with surprising agility, as if he were not at all clumsy, walking with a brisk pace.
Still, judging people not by their appearance had always been Li Man'er's basic principle. How could someone entrusted with important matters by Qi Yihan be incompetent?
Qi Yihan led Li Man'er to the main gate. "This residence appears unremarkable, but within, there is a world of wonders. Let us enter."
Li Man'er looked up and saw the plaque inscribed with the characters 'You Ran Yuan' (Leisurely Garden).
It seemed like a good place to relax and clear her mind.
As soon as she entered the garden, Li Man'er was captivated by the scenery. It actually resembled the landscape and layout of gardens in Jiangnan. Rich people in ancient times were quite ingenious. Living in the north but favoring the scenery of Jiangnan, they simply built a Jiangnan-style garden.
However, this kind of extravagant display didn't seem like Qi Yihan's style.
"At this time of year, the scenery is at its least impressive. When spring arrives and flowers bloom, the garden is quite beautiful."
Li Man'er offered no comment and followed Qi Yihan's steps deeper into the garden. The upturned eaves, the arch bridges over flowing water, the pavilions and towers – everywhere exquisite craftsmanship and thoughtful design were evident.
"What do you think, not bad, right?"
"But this isn't your style!" Li Man'er said, "Did you acquire this garden from someone else?"
Qi Yihan paused at her words. "You believe this garden isn't my style?"
Li Man'er stated matter-of-factly, "You aren't the type of person who likes to put on such a grand show."
Qi Yihan's throat moved slightly. "You think so?"
"Yes! Did I guess wrong?"
They talked as they walked, ascending to a pavilion on a nearby artificial mountain.
"You guessed correctly. This residence was a gift from His Majesty." Qi Yihan explained, "When Prince Liang rebelled, I led the troops to quell the rebellion and captured Prince Liang alive. His Majesty then bestowed this entire estate upon me."
So that was it.
Li Man'er suspected that this residence might have belonged to some high-ranking official before. It was better to have fewer troubles, so she decided to ask no more questions.
"From here, we can see many sights as we gaze into the distance." Qi Yihan pointed to the mountain range in the distance. "Along with the residence, the mountain behind it was also granted. It was there that hot springs were discovered, and a bathhouse was constructed. Several greenhouses were built at the foot of the mountain, some for growing vegetables, others for flowers. If you wish to see them, we can go take a look."
The weather hadn't fully warmed up yet, and after standing in the wind for a while, both of them felt cold, so they went down.
"Let's rest for a bit first, and then I'll take you to eat something warm."
Although they were both martial artists and had stronger physiques than ordinary people, neither of them wanted to be exposed to the cold wind.
Qi Yihan led Li Man'er into the main courtyard. "This is the most spacious and best-located area. Everything here is new and complete. If you like anything, tell the steward, and he will arrange it for you."
"I... it doesn't seem appropriate for me to stay here, does it?" This was the main courtyard, a place meant for the owner. She wasn't married to Qi Yihan yet.
"You'll be living here sooner or later, so why bother moving back and forth?" Qi Yihan pushed open the door. The interior was tastefully furnished and impeccably clean. A hint of satisfaction flickered in his eyes.
What he said...
Li Man'er conjured images of her and Qi Yihan living here after marriage, then shook her head, bursting those soap bubbles in her mind.
Too infatuated, she reminded herself. Modern people should maintain some composure.
"Okay, I'll tidy up first." Just as she was about to speak, she saw the plump steward leading more than a dozen servants.
"Your Highness, County Princess, these are the servants I carefully selected to attend to the County Princess. Please review them."
More than a dozen? That's too many!
Li Man'er looked to Qi Yihan for confirmation, and he instantly understood her unspoken question.
"If you don't like so many people, just pick a few who catch your eye to serve you."
Li Man'er casually pointed, selecting two maids and two older women.
It had to be said, the plump steward had a knack for choosing people. He understood Qi Yihan's preferences well. The maids he chose were all clean-looking and unassuming. The older women, though elderly, were neatly dressed, their hair meticulously styled, and they appeared to be capable individuals.
The plump steward first waved for the others to withdraw. "Why don't you hurry and express your gratitude?"
The four quickly knelt to offer their thanks.
"Rise!" Qi Yihan said with a stern face, "The County Princess is like this Prince. You must serve with diligence and show no negligence."
"Yes, your servants will remember."
The plump steward added, "Your Highness, rest assured. These servants are all carefully chosen by me. They are all diligent and honest, and will never cause the County Princess any trouble."
"You are thoughtful."
The plump steward then said somewhat obsequiously to Li Man'er, "County Princess, these two older women are fine, but these two maids will be serving you in the future. Please bestow names upon them."
The two maids knelt proficiently. "Please, County Princess, bestow names upon us."
This stumped her. She couldn't possibly call them names like "Peach Blossom" or "Willow Green." Moreover, she had carefully studied the names of the maids in the Li manor; they seemed to be all derived from poetry.
An idea struck her.
"You shall be called Jin Feng, and you, Yu Lu! 'When Jin Feng and Yu Lu meet, they are worth more than countless earthly encounters.'"
The two maids quickly knelt to express their gratitude.
The plump steward was also a man of culture. Upon hearing the poem, he found it brilliant. He then shrewdly ushered the two maids out, and also called away Zi Yan and Ah Wu.
"When Jin Feng and Yu Lu meet, they are worth more than countless earthly encounters?" Qi Yihan smiled faintly, feeling a warmth in his chest. "These two lines are superb. Are there any others?"
"No more," Li Man'er felt his smile was peculiar. After a moment's thought about the meaning of those two lines, she understood.
Had she, in a roundabout way, confessed her feelings back to him?