Climbing on the Sparrow Branch – CH 141

Chapter 141: Sulking

“Gift?” An Zhi saw the box was exquisitely carved and made of high-quality mahogany. But with so many people she could think of, she asked Binglu to open it first.

Binglu brought the box to her young lady and opened it. Inside was an exquisitely crafted hairpin made of oriental pearls and glass inlaid with a gold tassel. “Miss, this tassel hairpin is so beautiful.”

An Zhi had seen many fine things, but this was the first time she had seen a tassel hairpin as finely crafted as the one before her.

“But who sent this?” Binglu asked.

An Zhi was also pondering when she saw the word “Pei” engraved on the inside of the box and instantly understood.

Binglu also saw the word “Pei,” and, seeing the young lady’s cheeks gradually blush, she knew who had sent it.

“Miss, this Fourth Master Pei is truly thoughtful.” After spending some time together, Binglu’s impression of Pei Que had completely changed. In fact, from the beginning, she had actually been quite supportive of both the young lady and Fourth Master Pei. “Such a fine tassel hairpin. I’m sure Fourth Master Pei put a lot of thought into finding someone to make it. Do you like it?”

Hearing this, An Zhi glanced at the tassel hairpin in the box. It was indeed beautiful, noble yet not too ostentatious, and it suited her perfectly.

She hummed softly and took the tassel hairpin out of the box. She liked it.

“Put it in front of the dressing table and keep it.” An Zhi stood up and walked out of the house, taking Cuisi and a few other maids who had nothing else to do to pick mulberries in the garden.

Elsewhere, Shunzi returned to the Pei residence after delivering the box and reported to his master.

“Did she accept it?” Pei Que was writing a memorial.

“Yes, and Sister Binglu even gave me a silver ingot,” Shunzi said with a smile.

Pei Que glanced up at Shunzi. Seeing him return empty-handed, his brow furrowed in displeasure. “You’re coming back just like that?”

“Yeah.” Shunzi, still unaware of his master’s hidden meaning, assumed his master would be pleased if Young Lady An accepted the gift. He smiled and said, “Master, if you have nothing else to do, I’ll go change my clothes.”

He had been out and about and was sweating. His master was a stickler for cleanliness, and if he waited on her while still reeking of sweat, he would be in for a rough time.

Pei Que snorted, “Go, go.”

Only then did Shunzi realize his master was unhappy. He carefully looked up at him. “Master, why do you look unhappy?”

Pei Que slammed his pen down. “I went to great lengths to give her the hairpin, but I didn’t get anything in return. Even you got a silver ingot. Do you think I’d be happy?”

Shunzi shook his head and asked tentatively, “Then I’ll ask Young Lady An to prepare something for you?”

He was most afraid of his master being unhappy. Given his temper, if he got angry, everyone in the capital would have to cower in front of him, let alone a servant like him.

“Prepare what?” Pei Que glared at Shunzi with disapproval. “Can a gift I asked for still be considered a gift?”

“Not really?” Shunzi was two years younger than his master and unmarried. His master was strict with his subordinates, so he had no chance to learn about courtship and, therefore, was not very knowledgeable about matters between men and women. Even when he attended banquets with his master in the past, those high-ranking officials would directly ask women about their feelings.

Pei Que was nearly driven to death by Shunzi’s vacant mind.

He emerged from behind his desk and, as he passed Shunzi, without stopping, poured himself a large cup of cold tea.

“Master, it’s cold,” Shunzi reminded him.

“I know.” Pei Que finished it in a few gulps; he just wanted it cold to cool down.

Shunzi uttered an “oh,” knowing his master was angry that Young Lady An hadn’t reciprocated. “Master, since you’re so displeased, perhaps we shouldn’t give her the pearl earrings you prepared for her tomorrow. I’ve heard that with women, you have to play it coy; if you keep her waiting for a few days, she might reconsider and give you a gift in return.”

Shunzi’s thinking was simple: Young Lady An wasn’t being polite this time and had accepted the gift, which meant she had some feelings for her master. Since she was interested, if they used some tricks to flirt with her, wouldn’t Young Lady An be even more interested in her master?

In this way, the master will be in a good mood, and his life will be easier.

Upon hearing this, Pei Que turned and kicked Shunzi, who dodged out of habit. He glared at Shunzi and asked angrily, “What are you messing around for? If she ends up running away, I’ll demand your head as compensation!”

“Then…what should we do?” Shunzi didn’t understand.

“Keep giving her gifts! I’ve prepared a set of Dongzhu jewelry. I’ll send her one piece a day.” Pei Que snorted, “I don’t believe she will accept them all without giving anything in return.”