Country Maiden: Fields and Fortune

443, Worry (2 more)

Xie Zhinuan nodded slightly, “Considering the grandmaster’s capabilities, you must be an extraordinary senior, but sir, I really do not wish to take up another mentorship. If you are willing, you may stay in my residence, perhaps offer me occasional guidance. I can provide silver if you need it, and I will ensure your food, clothing, shelter, and travel are well taken care of!”

“So, everything is fine except for taking me as your master?” Dugu Zhen asked huffily.

Xie Zhinuan nodded.

Yes.

Basically, everything was fine, just not taking him as her master.

“Fine, girl, you said it yourself, don’t come to regret it later!” Dugu Zhen grunted.

Xie Zhinuan was unwilling, but he was insistent on taking her as a disciple.

This girl, her comprehension seemed quite good.

If it weren’t for the Sect Leader’s younger apprentice taking on a new disciple last year, he wouldn’t have returned, and if he had not returned, maybe at that time…

A miscalculation, indeed.

Regret?

Xie Zhinuan felt she wouldn’t.

She arranged for a courtyard to be tidied up for Dugu Zhen to move in.

But she did not trust Dugu Zhen, always feeling that the old man had ulterior motives.

However, she only mentioned a few words to Xiaoyue, instructing Aunt Chen to never let Xie Yi out of her sight, and to have the men left by Li Hengyi protect them in secret.

As Dugu Zhen seemed highly skilled, Xie Zhinuan contemplated and, for Xie Yi’s protection, gave each of the six guards a medicine pill.

They somewhat understood the preciousness of the medicine pills. After thanking her, they went down to take the pills and practice their martial arts.

The thirteenth day of the first lunar month.

News from the Governor’s Office arrived; those three had escaped.

“Escaped?” Xie Zhinuan was surprised.

But she also heightened her vigilance.

The fact that those three managed to escape indicated that they were skilled in martial arts.

Lord Liu hurried over anxiously, “Miss Xie, I am terribly sorry, that Xiaoyue escaped before, and now these three have fled too. Do you think they could be with the same group?”

After some thought, Xie Zhinuan replied, “Whether they are from the same group or not makes no difference to me, it’s all the same!”

“You can’t just say that; it’s quite clear these three were targeting you, Miss Xie. You really should be more cautious!”

Xie Zhinuan nodded, thanking Lord Liu for the reminder.

She indeed needed to be cautious.

At present, there were only those six guards in the house who knew martial arts, Xiaoyue and Aunt Chen knew some, while Grandma Chen knew almost nothing.

“What do you plan to do, miss?” Xiaoyue asked.@@novelbin@@

Xie Zhinuan thought for a moment before saying, “I don’t care much about gold, silver, or treasures. Birds are just animals; nobody will target them. The most important thing is Ayi!”

Xie Zhinuan’s face showed concern, “The people I can rely on are still too few!”

Even fewer were wholeheartedly devoted to protecting Xie Yi.

She wasn’t afraid; if real danger came, to save herself, her sword was not for show.

“Then, miss, you can let people know that you are only raising Ayi, not particularly fond of him. That way, he will face less danger!”

“…”

Xie Zhinuan was silent.

Only after a while did she shake her head, “You make sense, but what about Ayi? How would he think of it? He’s very clever and sensitive. Look at him, he hasn’t cried or made a fuss since he’s been with me. He eats what’s given, wears what’s provided, but often, there’s a look of melancholy and sadness in his eyes!”

Whenever she looked into Xie Yi’s eyes, she couldn’t help but love him a bit more.

Even more.

“So, what do you plan to do, miss? Bring him everywhere you go? That would put him in even greater danger. It’s safer to leave him at home, with Uncle Wang, and others to protect him secretly, than to follow you around outside!” Xiaoyue said softly.

Chapter 445