Chapter 2: Intentional Difficulty

"Miss Nine, I've been waiting for you for quite a while," the old woman said with a smile. Looking at her appearance, her delicate features and elegant temperament were completely devoid of any vulgarity, truly a beautiful sight. Especially her bright, black eyes, one glance and it felt as if one could be drawn into them.

Seeing this, Xiaochun hurried to look behind her and saw a dozen or so plain-dressed servants carrying seven or eight heavy boxes. Her eyes lit up, "I've already arranged for these items to be transported for you." With a wave of her hand, about twenty strong young attendants came over and effortlessly carried the boxes away.

Xiaochun was slightly annoyed, while Lin Yuesheng looked worriedly at Su Fu, but she remained composed, "Thank you for your trouble, ma'am."

The old woman, seeing Su Fu's attitude, thought she was simple-minded, but the simpler the better.

The old woman's guard was still up, and she personally helped Su Fu onto the carriage before stopping Lin Yuesheng from mounting his horse.

"Why is this young gentleman following our Miss Nine so closely?" The old woman eyed him with a hint of sarcasm in her tone.

Lin Yuesheng never engaged in confrontations, only explaining, "My father and Su's father are close friends. Since Su is entering the capital, I am coincidentally also going to the capital to visit old friends, so I thought it would be good to travel together and provide some care."

"No need for care. The reputation of the young lady is the most important, and we are also prominent figures in the capital. If any rumors spread, it would ruin Miss Nine's life..." The old woman was about to continue her tirade when she heard Su Fu's voice from behind, "I and Lin Yuesheng have long been engaged. Ma'am, there's no need to worry."

As soon as Su Fu spoke, the old woman froze, then exaggeratedly exclaimed, "Engaged? When was this decided? Have you exchanged birthdates and made a formal agreement?"

Su Fu found it strange, "What's the matter?"

The old woman didn't answer her, only turned to look at Lin Yuesheng, straightened her body, and forced a smile, "May I ask where the young gentleman resides and what official rank he holds?"

Lin Yuesheng's attendant couldn't bear it, "You're interrogating him as if you've forgotten your manners..."

Lin Yuesheng stopped his attendant, dismounted, and lightly smiled, "My father currently holds the rank of sixth-grade military officer, and I am preparing to take the imperial examination next spring to seek official titles."

"Hmph, just a sixth-grade officer, barely a fifth-grade official in the capital. Even our steward at home would have to bow to him..." The old woman seemed quite pleased, and her words were full of sarcasm.

Xiaochun was itching with anger, but before she could intervene, Su Fu took out a pearl from her sleeve and carefully wrapped it in a piece of silk, "Give this to her."

Xiaochun looked at the pearl, the size of a thumbnail, with excellent luster, and was surprised, "Miss, you only have ten of these pearls in total."

"It's fine." Su Fu smiled faintly, the coldness in her eyes made Xiaochun shiver, and she quickly left with a mischievous smile.

After coaxing her with sweet words, the old woman accepted the pearl and stopped causing trouble. She only let Lin Yuesheng follow at the end of the procession before setting off.

Su Fu met Lin Yuesheng's gaze, and he didn't feel embarrassed, but rather worried for Su Fu.

Su Fu's lips curled slightly, indicating that everything was fine, but her heart was hanging in the balance. This old woman's concern about whether she was engaged, could it be that the people in the capital, apart from her mother's dowry, had also set their sights on her?