Zora saw that Madam Bai was no longer angry, so she added fuel to the fire: "Mother, I've promised him. If he passes the exam in a month, I'll propose marriage to him."
Madam Bai felt her daughter truly inherited her wisdom—knowing when to act and how to seize the moment. Very good, indeed!
"Alright, then you should study well. I'll recommend you for the exam next month."
"But remember, a man's reputation is important. Don't talk carelessly. Just say you're going to the study house to learn from scholars."
"I'll also tell others I'm personally guiding you when I have time."
Zora nodded. After discussing and agreeing on what to say with her mother, she returned to her room.
"Ana, prepare more hot water. I want to take a good bath today."
"Yes, Miss. The water's been boiling. We'll bring it right away."
The two maids quickly got to work. Soon, two large tubs of hot water were ready in the bathing room.
Zora waved them away. She just wanted to bathe and wash her hair in peace.
She took out shampoo, hair mask, body scrub, shower gel, face mask, and a bunch of bath products...
She suddenly remembered Sean. She forgot to give him a toothbrush and toothpaste today. Tomorrow, she'd secretly repackage some shampoo and shower gel for him. He'd definitely like it.
An hour later, Zora smelled fresh and clean, completely satisfied. Ana helped her dry her hair and change into clean clothes. Ana thought her lady smelled especially nice today—her hair was soft and fragrant.
After everything was tidied up, Zora reviewed her lessons for the day and soon fell into a deep sleep.
At the Grand Chancellor's residence—
Sean had just entered the estate and was taken to the second hall. A very handsome man sat in the main seat, bearing a strong resemblance to Sean—this was his biological father, Mr. Bo.
Mr. Bo didn't greet him, sipping his tea silently.
"Greetings, Father," Sean said quietly, lowering his head.
Mr. Bo didn't respond. The room was silent.
Sean sighed and asked directly, "Is there something you need to tell me?"
Only then did Mr. Bo raise his eyes to look at his second son, full of impatience and irritation.
"You've become more and more unruly. Fine, sit down. I called you here to talk about your marriage."
"The Grand Matron wants to marry you to the Third Princess. I think Lady Ping'an is more suitable. What do you think?"
Sean kept a calm face. "You know I won't live past a year. If you marry me to someone with power, and I die young, you won't be gaining allies—you'll be making enemies."
Mr. Bo raised an eyebrow. He knew Sean didn't have long. He simply wanted to make the most of it—using Sean's remaining time to bring the family more benefit.
Mr. Bo continued as if he hadn't heard him. "Lady Ping'an is gentle and has been widowed for some time. She's the Empress's cousin and holds strong influence in Mingzhao County. Your sister is also there. I believe you know what to do."
"Father, Lady Ping'an already lost a husband. If I marry her and die too, she'll gain a reputation for bringing bad luck. That wouldn't be fair to her. I won't agree," Sean said firmly.
"You're so considerate of others."
"What if I say you have to marry her?"
Mr. Bo stood and walked toward Sean, staring him down.
"I won't."
"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
Sean nodded slightly, turned around, and left.
As he walked out of the hall, Mr. Bo angrily slammed his teacup to the ground. The sound of breaking startled the servants nearby.
"Jian'an, don't you think that ungrateful brat is getting more and more out of line?"
"No need to be angry, sir," said Jian'an, signaling the servants to clean up. He gently helped Mr. Bo sit. Having served him for over twenty years, Jian'an understood him better than anyone.
When Sean was born, Mr. Bo's wife was severely injured and couldn't have more children. This caused a rift between them. Mr. Bo saw Sean as a thorn in his side and never cared for him. He was sent to the countryside shortly after birth to be raised by a servant, Mr. Shi.
Later, Mr. Bo took in a daughter from a concubine, raising her under his own name as the legitimate daughter—giving her all the love and favor, far more than he ever gave Sean.
"He's dying, yet still unwilling to make the slightest contribution to the family."
"Ungrateful wretch."
Mr. Bo's anger still hadn't cooled.
Jian'an gently massaged his temples. "He's stubborn, yes. But forcing him may backfire. It could hurt your daughter's future."
Mr. Bo fell into deep thought, then decided to drop the matter for now.
Sean returned to Qingya Garden, washed up, and went to bed.
Outside, heavy rain began to pour.
Lightning lit up the night sky, flashing across Sean's pale face.
His eyes were cold, filled with murderous intent.
A loud clap of thunder followed.
Sean clutched his blanket tightly. His eyes were wide, his expression twisted and disturbed. He was terrified of thunder.
He curled up, mumbling to himself:
"Why do they have to push me like this? I was going to let them live a little longer..."
"I had softened…"
"Father is still as handsome as ever, even after ten years. As a child, I always wished he'd stay with me during storms…"
"I could skin him and turn his hide into a lamp. Then, with that lamp lighting the room, maybe I wouldn't be afraid anymore…"
Zora had a restful night. The next morning, she woke up feeling refreshed. After washing up, she playfully applied a light natural-looking makeup and admired herself in the mirror.
"Lixia, prepare the horses. I'm going to Lillian's study house. No one needs to follow me today."
Zora smiled brightly through breakfast, then set out.
As she arrived at the study house, Lillian was already waiting outside. When she saw Zora, she quickly stepped forward to greet her. "Miss Zora, welcome. Please, to the third floor."
"Wait, Manager Lillian, who is she? Why does she get to go to the third floor?" asked a young lady in white standing nearby. She looked at Zora, noticing how stunningly beautiful she was—more than most men she knew—and stepped forward to block her path.
"That's Miss Zora from Mr. Bo's residence. She's one of our honored guests," Lillian explained.
"If there's been any offense, I hope you'll forgive us, Miss Lisa. I'll have a servant guide you to a private room on the second floor, and I'll personally serve your tea shortly."
Lisa noticed how respectful Lillian was and didn't argue. Still, she wondered why a so-called useless beauty like Zora was treated as a guest of honor. Later, she just took it as a joke to laugh about.
Zora didn't say a word. She was focused on learning now and had no time for small talk.
She nodded casually and followed Lillian upstairs.