Yes, I Do(n't)

Chapter 30: The arrival of Xiao Ke Ai (The Dumpling) [2]

Once they have arrived at the intended place, Xingxing is the first one to come down from the carriage. The third young master, Xiao Fuyuan, is the second one to come from the carriage before the second young miss, Xiao Ke Ai, come down rather carefully from the carriage due to her weight. But one has to be thankful to have 3 strong brothers who are more than willing to assist her from her predicament. The second young master, Xiao Yingyong, immediately dismounted from his horse before he helps her with ease.

"As expected from the prized apprentice of General Shen Jilie." First young master, Xiao Zhengzhi, said with a smile on his lips.

"Thank you, third younger brother." Xiao Ke Ai said as she looks at him in amazement. For someone with a lean body, her third younger brother is quite strong.

"Third young master Xiao is quite amazing indeed... For a lean and pretty looking man like him, he is indeed a strong man. Isn't that right, Moli?" A melodious voice suddenly chimes in.

"Baiyu! You're here!" Xiao Ke Ai immediately runs out to greet the veiled eldest miss, Shen Baiyu.

"Of course. I have been waiting for your arrival, lovely Dumpling. Baiyu greets the young masters from Xiao family. Please come in... My family have been waiting."

Xiao Zhengzhi and Xiao Yingyong stare at Shen Baiyu with fascination. They heard that the eldest miss Shen is quite a timid individual but, seeing her coming out on her own accord to greet them and then teased Xiao Yingyong without any refrain obviously shows her bold nature, unlike any other young misses they have ever encountered. Their beloved Dumpling is another story though.

Xiao Fuyuan is watching Moli as he gently smiles. Moli seems to ignore this but Shen Baiyu realized that the youngest master Xiao is quite interested with her personal maidservant.

"Fourth young master Xiao, have you found the one that you have been looking for?" She asked as she stands in front of the brothers.

Xiao Zhengzhi and Xiao Yingyong then look at their younger brother who is now slightly blushing because of her words.

"Moli, bring the young masters to the waiting hall. I will be bringing both Ke Ai and her maidservant to my courtyard first. Tuzi, Hell us to carry these things please..."

The Xiao siblings including Xingxing saw how one of the guards standing next to the main door gate suddenly blushes when eldest miss Shen called his name, "Yes, eldest miss. Rest assure that all boxes will be sent to your courtyard shortly. Luzi, call 2 male servants to assist me carrying these boxes."

The younger guard immediately runs inside and within seconds, brought along 2 sturdy male servants with him. Seeing that eldest miss Shen is there, both male servants respectfully bow at her.

"Luzi, you are such a gem. We are counting on the three of you then. Bing Zi... Jing Li... Assist Tuzi in carrying these boxes to my courtyard. Meiyan will show you guys which room second miss Xiao will be staying in. Ke Ai... Come with me. Lianhua is waiting for us in my courtyard."

The brothers are watching at the graceful figure walking next to their sister. Eldest miss Shen is indeed unlike no others. She treated their sister without any malicious intent whatsoever. Second miss Shen is much more careful in her interaction towards others, but this eldest miss seems to interact with those who are below her status with much more warmer attitude. Seeing how the guards and male servants are looking at her earlier made them think that this eldest miss Shen is definitely not one without a presentable appearance.

"Young masters, please follow me..." Moli says before she walks in front of them.

Xiao Zhengzhi then says, "Your eldest miss treats the guards and male servants with warmth and kindness."

"First young master Xiao, in this manor, the relationship between the masters and servants are unlike any other household. General Shen always treats us not only with kindness, but we are respected too. The rest of the family members are following his example." Moli explained.

Xiao Yingyong then adds, "I have heard that your eldest miss rarely socialize herself with others... But she is not like that."

Moli then sighs before she answers, "Eldest miss used to act quite distant with others including her family members. She prefers to spend her time in solitude. After what had happened, her attitude changes for the better much to the relief of master and madam. She interacts with us servants more and more too these days."

Xiao Fuyuan smiles while he listened to her voice, "You are quite attached with her aren't you, Moli..."

"Of course, fourth young master. She is quite distant and cold before but, 10 years ago, she saved me from the street. I vowed to serve her loyally since then. Without her help, I would still be living on the street begging for food."

Xiao Zhengzhi nods his head, "She is indeed the right candidate to be the future crown princess..."

"Too bad that my fourth royal brother is an idiot."

Moli and the 3 young masters immediately turn to greet First Princess Nangong Rouran, "Greetings, your highness."

"Rise. In this manor, I am just a daughter-in-law of the Shen family. Formality is not needed. As I have been saying, it will be this kingdom's lost once the engagement has been annulled. My brothers are such an i***t anyway. Only my second royal brother deserves to be respected. He is obviously besotted with second miss Xiao. They are such an adorable pair! Baiyu and fourth royal brother can be a heavenly pair as well... Oh, well."

"One man's trash is another man's treasure..."

"You are so right, first young master. Rouran greets father, mother and husband. The young masters are here too." First Princess Nangong Rouran then sits next to her husband.

General Shen Jilie smiles and says, "Deputy Prime Minister Xiao please be seated. Yingyong... Junior Doctor Xiao. Do take your seat too."

Concubine Li Xiyin then says, "Moli, do call the young misses to join us."

Moli reply, "Noted, madam. This servant will go now."

Xiao Fuyuan watches her with a sad glint in his eyes that did not go unnoticed by Concubine Li Xiyin and First Princess Nangong Rouran. Both of them look are each other with a smile on their respective lips.