Chapter Fifty-Eight: Pairing Lovers at Random

All morning until school was dismissed, Liu Qin didn't see Lei Hu again, and as for the minor disagreement between herself and Xiao Wu, it was nothing but a drizzle—easily evaporated under the sun. Besides, she had something to be happy about: Fang Nuo’s talent. The thought that, in the future, she would have a skillful accountant like Fang Nuo to tally her ledgers as her financial director made her inexplicably excited. She could almost see herself waving her hand as her business flourished, everything taken care of without her worrying, a mere gesture commanding the capable crowd behind her to settle matters.

The more she thought, the happier she became. As soon as the teacher left, Liu Qin ran to Fang Nuo, patting his shoulder and praising him as an adult would a child, “Ah Nuo, not bad, not bad. Keep striving.”

Originally sitting, Fang Nuo hurriedly stood up, smiling somewhat shyly. His eyes squinted in delight, making him look even more like a little fox.

Jiang Li and Chang Xing came over as well. Jiang Li laughed, “Ah Nuo was taught by his father from a young age, immersed in it daily. Naturally, you all can’t compare. I thought my sister was upset after hitting her head, but it turns out she’s just happy for Ah Nuo.”

Liu Qin replied confidently, “I wanted to knock myself smarter, to be as clever as Ah Nuo.”

Everyone burst into laughter at her words. Fang Nuo, praised for his intelligence, had sparkling eyes and blushed as if he’d drunk wine. Only Xiao Wu stood at a distance, neither leaving nor approaching, watching Liu Qin surrounded by everyone, his gaze revealing an uncommon trace of warmth.

That afternoon, she finally saw Lei Hu again at the martial grounds, but Lei Hu didn’t come near her, nor did he even exchange glances, leaving Liu Qin without a chance to gossip about his private life.

While Liu Qin entertained her mischievous thoughts, the others groaned in misery. Unexpectedly, her prediction came true: Master Mu declared that since everyone had energy to run so fast yesterday, today they would continue with the same standard as before—horse stance without pause or rest, any violations would be doubly punished.

Liu Qin, claiming her injury was still unhealed, received another exemption. This time, however, she didn’t rest indoors but grabbed Lei Hu’s task, wielding a willow switch and acting as overseer. She would snap it against one person’s leg, then another’s, her little face stern as she scolded, “Squat properly, no slacking, understood?”

The others wanted to laugh but didn’t dare. Chang Sheng, grimacing, braved a suggestion, “Miss, you must be tired. Why not rest in Master Mu’s room?”

Liu Qin rolled her eyes and silenced him with a lash.

Master Mu kept his promise. After Jiang Li completed his hour, he called him aside and taught him a set of boxing techniques. Liu Qin, curious, joined in and learned a couple of moves. She found it somewhat similar to Tai Chi—slow, fluid movements with continuous breath. Tai Chi is a health-preserving martial art, cultivating mind and body, and Master Mu’s set seemed to have the same effect, beneficial for Jiang Li’s health.

Jiang Li caught on quickly; after three rounds, he had memorized it and performed an entire sequence. Though some parts lacked smoothness, overall it was impressive enough for Master Mu to nod repeatedly. As for Liu Qin, she was merely a bystander—after a few tries, her interest waned and she returned to being overseer.

That afternoon, others suffered while Liu Qin was elated, even Xiao Wu secretly wondered why foster father was so lenient toward this girl.

After dinner, back at Plum Courtyard, Liu Qin finally stopped, sprawled on the couch, complaining of exhaustion. Cui Yu had to sit by her side, kneading her arms and legs. Liu Qin secretly chuckled—Cui Yu truly believed she was tired from practice and was so considerate; if she knew it was from playing, she’d surely drop it and offer a sarcastic remark instead.

Seeing only the two of them in the room, and Cui Liu outside instructing the maids, Liu Qin beckoned Cui Yu over and whispered, “Cui Yu, what do you think of Brother Lei?”

Cui Yu didn’t understand, puzzled, “What about him? Nothing much.”

“So dense.” Liu Qin poked Cui Yu in exasperation and pointed to the door.

After thinking for a while, Cui Yu finally realized, “Miss, you mean him and sister…” Her voice grew too loud, and Liu Qin quickly covered her mouth, “Keep it down.”

“Yes, yes.” Cui Yu nodded, lowering her voice, “Miss means him and sister? I think it’s feasible. Brother Lei is a good man, worthy of sister. But I don’t know about her…”

“Affection can be cultivated. We need to create opportunities for them.”

“How?”

“I’ve already planned it. You just cooperate. Remember, only you and I know about this—don’t let it slip.”

“Rest assured, I understand.”

The two plotted quietly, still murmuring when Cui Liu entered, carrying a stack of fabrics. She said the eldest mistress had sent them that afternoon, for Liu Qin to choose patterns for new clothes.

Liu Qin flipped through casually. The fabrics for women’s clothes were indeed excellent—bright colors, soft textures, beautiful to see and pleasant to touch. But since she didn’t wear women’s attire, she set them aside. At the bottom were three plain pieces, clearly meant for men’s robes. It seemed her sister-in-law knew her well. Liu Qin pointed, “That one.”

Cui Yu regretfully caressed the lovely fabrics, reluctant to let go. “Miss, this material is so fine. Why not make a couple of outfits? You’d look stunning.”

“If you like them, take them. I’ll give them to you.” Liu Qin generously handed the fabric over.

“I can’t, how can I wear them?”

Though Cui Yu wasn’t clever, she knew her place—after all, as a maid, she couldn’t dress better than her mistress. Cui Liu smiled and began to pack the fabric into a box. Liu Qin, as if recalling something casually, said, “Cui Liu, pack up the pastries made this afternoon and send them to Brother Lei tomorrow. Oh, no, prepare two portions—one for Brother Lei, one for the teacher. Be sure to deliver them yourself.”

Cui Liu froze, her heart racing. Did Miss know? Impossible—how could she? She felt anxious, fearing she’d betray herself, and quickly replied, “Yes,” before hurrying to the side room with her things.

Liu Qin and Cui Yu exchanged a knowing smile, celebrating their cleverness in their hearts. Cui Yu leaned in, quietly laughing, “Miss, you truly are remarkable.”

Praised thus, Liu Qin felt even more pleased, believing herself truly wise. It seemed she was a matchmaker without equal, and her first assignment was about to succeed.

Meanwhile, Xiao Wu had been wanting to ask since dinner, always glancing at Mu Qing. At last, unable to bear it, he spoke, “Foster father, why are you so indulgent toward her?”

Xiao Wu knew foster father well. His whole life was dedicated to martial arts and its advancement; he was always strict and serious in training, never tolerating laziness. Though the people in Liu Manor weren’t his official disciples, his temperament would still make him a stern teacher. Yet now…