After Xiao Yi finished speaking, the room fell into dead silence.
Shitou knelt there, not answering immediately.
Duoduo had initially looked full of expectation, but as the wait dragged on, her expression turned to disappointment.
A satisfied smile appeared on Xiao Yi's face.
Ling Yu! See our guest out!
Just as Ling Yu was about to move, Shitou kowtowed three times to Xiao Yi.
This commoner is willing!
The smile vanished from Xiao Yi's face, while Duoduo broke into a bright grin.
This commoner's life was saved by the princess!
This commoner is willing to work like a horse for the princess and swear to protect her to the death!
After saying this, Shitou kowtowed once more.
Duoduo jumped up.
Father, he agreed! You have to keep your promise!
Xiao Yi kept a straight face. Rest assured, I am a man of my word. You may take him away.
Remember our three-day agreement!
Duoduo paused for a moment, then nodded firmly.
Okay! I remember!
Father, I'm going to class now!
Duoduo curtsied to her father. Shitou, let's go.
Shitou hurriedly kowtowed to Xiao Yi once more before standing up and following behind Duoduo.
Xiao Yi watched Shitou's retreating back, his face pulled into a long scowl.
Your Highness, since you did not want to keep that boy, why not just drive him away directly?
Beside him, Ling Yu was quite puzzled.
Xiao Yi kept a stern face and looked at Ling Yu.
How is the tracking of the steward that I asked you to handle going?
Ling Yu restrained his expression and immediately reported.
The steward secretly left by boat yesterday. Our people split into two groups.
One group is chasing him on land, and the other found a boat to follow behind him.
Keep a close eye on him. You absolutely must not lose him this time! If he escapes, I will hold you accountable!
Yes! Ling Yu answered very carefully.
Duoduo skipped out with Shitou, who walked behind her with his head lowered.
Halfway there, Duoduo suddenly stopped.
Just now, did you not want to stay?
Shitou kept his head down. Yes.
Duoduo was stunned.
Then why didn't you refuse just now? You could have completely walked away!
Besides, Father has already returned your indenture contract to you!
Shitou still kept his head lowered.
Princess, please do not misunderstand. The reason this commoner did not want to stay is that I do not want to cause you trouble.
Just now, Shitou had been stunned by the words of the Prince of Pingyang.
He wasn't exactly brilliant, but he wasn't stupid either.
The Prince of Pingyang's underlying meaning was that he was solely the princess's servant and had nothing to do with the prince's estate.
All his expenses would have to be borne by the princess.
When he entered the estate, he had already made up his mind to work hard.
He knew that the servants in the prince's estate all received a monthly allowance.
When the time came, he could give his monthly allowance to his mother to subsidize their household expenses.
However, the words of the Prince of Pingyang shattered his dreams.
The princess was even younger than him; how could he rely on her?
The princess had saved his family's lives; he could not possibly take silver from her to subsidize his family.
But he could not go back on his word either.
His teacher had once taught him that the most important thing in life is to keep one's promises.
Since he had said he would serve the princess for a year, he had to do it.
Princess, please rest assured. This commoner has already thought it through.
You do not need to give this commoner a monthly allowance. Also, this commoner only needs a small steamed bun per meal to be full.
This commoner knows how to read. When the time comes, I will go to the bookstore to take on some copying work. The silver I earn will be enough to support myself.
So, Princess, you do not need to worry. You will not have to spend a single copper coin on this commoner.
The more Shitou spoke, the firmer his tone became.
Just now, after hearing the words of the Prince of Pingyang, he had figured it all out in his heart.
After hearing Shitou's words, Duoduo tilted her head.
So that's what you were worried about!
Hearing Duoduo's relieved tone, Shitou curiously raised his head.
He saw Duoduo's bright eyes looking right at him, and he hurriedly lowered his head again.
You don't need to worry about that. That is an agreement between me and Father, and it has nothing to do with you.
Since you are my servant, everything about you is naturally my responsibility. You don't need to worry.
You just need to remember that you can only be loyal to me!
Whatever I tell you to do, you must do it. Got it?
Towards the end, Duoduo's tone became somewhat strict.
Yes, this commoner will remember.
Duoduo looked at Shitou, whose head was still bowed.
Let's go. You also need to learn some etiquette.
After saying that, Duoduo turned and walked briskly towards the Bamboo Pavilion.
Shitou raised his head in curiosity. He needed to learn etiquette?
Why would a servant like him need to learn etiquette?
As Duoduo entered the Bamboo Pavilion, she saw Nanny Li standing in the courtyard with a stern face.
Nanny Li, I am sorry. I am late. Please punish me!
Duoduo walked up to Nanny Li and apologized.
Then, she held out both her hands towards Nanny Li.
Nanny Li looked Duoduo up and down, then looked at Shitou behind her.
Wait outside and do not wander around.
Princess, please come with this old servant!
Nanny Li didn't ask anything and turned to enter the room.
Duoduo stuck out her tongue, quickly put on a serious face again, and followed Nanny Li inside.
An hour later, Nanny Li finally let Duoduo go.
Alright, the princess may rest for a while. This old servant will go outside to take a look.
Yes.
Seeing Nanny Li go out, Duoduo immediately collapsed onto a stool.
It had been a long time since she practiced, and it was really tiring!
Duoduo suddenly remembered, why hadn't Yingniang come?
Duoduo lay back down again.
Forget it. It was enough for her to suffer alone; she shouldn't drag others down with her.
In just the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Nanny Li walked back in.
Duoduo hurriedly sat up straight, but Nanny Li pretended not to notice.
Is the one outside an errand boy for the princess? Nanny Li asked seemingly casually.
Nanny, he is a servant I bought! My very own!
Duoduo's eyes sparkled.
Nanny Li glanced at Duoduo. And the princess's intention in bringing him here?
Nanny, I want you to teach him the rules.
Nanny Li jutted her chin outwards.
His manners are quite good.
Huh? Duoduo was stunned for a moment.
She was just about to jump down when she felt Nanny Li's stern gaze.
Duoduo slowly stood up from the chair and took small, quick steps to the door.
She saw Shitou standing in his original spot, motionless.
Nanny, how can you tell that his manners are good?
Duoduo turned back to look at Nanny Li.
Just now, this old servant went out and told him to follow me, but he didn't even move.
He politely replied to this old servant that without the princess's word, he could not leave.
Hearing this, Duoduo showed a happy smile.
Because I just told him to wait for me outside!
Nanny Li shook her head.
It's not the same. If you don't believe me, this old servant will show you how it is different.
Duoduo was very curious. Okay.
Nanny Li walked out and went up to Lüluo.
You, follow me!
