Page 730 of Doted By The Regent King

Spring had arrived, and with the second month of the lunar year, the snow accumulated during winter gradually melted away, stimulating busy scenes of plowing and weaving, a sight of thriving prosperity.

Wufu’s home was bustling as well because, on the second day of the second month, it was the coming-of-age ceremony for the young lady of the house—a momentous occasion in a woman’s life that naturally received great importance.

Thus, on the first day of the month, Qiu Xiang, who served Madam Zhou, was busy directing the servants to sweep and decorate the Floral Hall and prepare for the banquet and reception of guests for the coming-of-age ceremony the following day.

From the masters to the servants, everyone had tasks to keep them occupied, except for the guest of honor herself, who leisurely engaged in designing.

She was about to leave the house and intended to take her jewelry design sketches for the Hundred Treasures Silver Building; she also wrapped the exquisitely finished Peach Blossom Spring Jade Bell, planning to deliver it as well.

Otherwise, holding the title of consultant for the establishment and doing nothing wouldn’t have been right.

"Miss, Ninth Master has arrived," Purple Jade announced as she entered.

"What’s he doing here?" Wufu laid down her charcoal pencil.

Ever since she had revealed her feelings to him the last time, she hadn’t seen Ah Jiu. Why would he suddenly come now?

"Why don’t you see him and find out!" Purple Jade suggested with a smile.

With no choice, Wufu dressed appropriately and made her way to the Floral Hall. Sure enough, a certain someone was already there, leisurely drinking tea, with Xiao Li and Yuan Ye each holding something beside him.

"To what do we owe the honor of Ninth Master’s visit?" Wufu asked, raising an eyebrow as she sat down in a chair next to the tea table beside him.

"Can’t I see you without a reason?" Ah Jiu countered.

Wufu looked sidelong at him.

"Tomorrow is your coming-of-age ceremony. I can’t well attend the celebration, but you can’t expect me not to acknowledge such an occasion," Ah Jiu said calmly, before gesturing with his hand.

Xiao Li stepped forward first, handing over a large box: "This is a token of our master’s esteem for Miss He’s coming-of-age."

Yuan Ye also handed over a Purple Sandalwood Box.

Curious, Wufu let Purple Jade take the large box while she took the smaller Purple Sandalwood Box from Yuan Ye.

"May I look?" she inquired, lifting it slightly.

With a sip of tea, Ah Jiu responded, "It’s a gift for you; how could you not look?"

Wufu smiled, thanked him, and opened the box only to be momentarily taken aback.

Inside, on the snow-white Snow Brocade, lay a Peach Blossom Hairpin—the very one she had carved, wasn’t it?

She looked at Ah Jiu, raising an eyebrow as she picked up the hairpin with a look that demanded an explanation.

"I hope that Wufu, at her coming-of-age ceremony, will wear this hairpin. It suits you well," Ah Jiu said, his eyes sparkling with pleasure as his lips curled into a smile.

Wufu couldn’t quite describe what she was feeling, but she knew it was joy.

"Did you do this on purpose?" When she had asked him initially, his response was evasive and he did not answer. She hadn’t expected him to wait for this moment!

"Surprise. Don’t you like it, Wufu?" Ah Jiu asked.

Wufu pursed her lips, feigning indifference, "Hmm, it’s alright, just that and nothing more."

That little bit of pride, if not for the upward curve of her lips and the joy brimming in her eyes, Ah Jiu might really have thought her reaction was lukewarm.

But her unhidden sense of triumph greatly pleased Ah Jiu.

Wufu turned her gaze then to the large box in Purple Jade’s hands.

Ah Jiu hurriedly said, "That one, you can look at it back in your room."

At his words, Wufu suppressed her curiosity, wondering what could be so secretive.

"Hmm, I see that your estate is particularly busy today, so I won’t be a disturbance. Since I can’t attend the ceremony tomorrow, Wufu, may I visit tonight to celebrate your birthday?" Ah Jiu inquired tentatively.

Giving him a sidelong glance, Wufu replied, "As Ninth Master, who has scaled walls and traversed rooftops, even ventured into a lady’s boudoir at night, how could I possibly block your path?"

At this, Ah Jiu’s eyes brightened with laughter as he stood up: "Then I’ll come over tonight."

The servants attending the two of them took care to focus on their own affairs, feigning ignorance to the bold invitation, as if they had heard nothing at all.