Chapter 312 - 197 Gratitude

Words : 954 Updated : Oct 13th, 2025

Chapter 312: Chapter 197 GratitudeBecause of the previous incident where Xiao Song intruded into Ran Yan’s bedroom uninvited, she still felt unpleasant about it to this day. She originally intended to not meet him, but considering how he rushed back to Jushui County for her sake, and then stood vigil without sleep at her bed for several days... "What does he want?" Ran Yan asked Mrs. Xing. "This old servant does not know, but Sanlang heard that Assistant Minister Xiao owes you a life-saving favor, so he specifically sent someone to invite you to express your gratitude for saving his life," Mrs. Xing replied. This was indeed proper. "Then let’s go," Ran Yan said as she left the study, casually closing the door behind her. Mrs. Xing’s eyes shifted slightly, thinking to herself that maybe her mistress didn’t care about Assistant Minister Xiao at all; otherwise, "a woman dresses up for the man who pleases her," so how could her mistress not even be willing to spend time dressing up? With this thought, Mrs. Xing felt that she had perhaps been worrying over nothing before. She glanced at Ran Yan’s attire—the outfit was casual but not disrespectful—so she said nothing further and merely called Wan Lu and Ge Lan to follow and attend to her. In the hall, Xiao Song sat cross-legged in the main seat on the left side, dressed in a deep-purple, round-collar regular wear, his black hair casually tied up, looking effortlessly lazy, which was very different from his usual shrewd and capable demeanor. His long hands held the teacup gracefully as he intermittently skimmed the floating tea foam in it, chatting with Ran Pingyu, with Ran Yunsheng sitting across him. "I heard that Shilang has encountered some troubles," Xiao Song looked towards Ran Yunsheng. Ran Yunsheng felt a jolt in his heart, as this issue had only been spoken of yesterday, and the ones aware of it were limited to three people: Ran Pingyu, Ran Yan, and Ran Yun. How could Xiao Song have come by this information? At the same time, he felt quite embarrassed, for it was indeed a disgrace for a gentleman to be trembling over such matters. Xiao Song, smile brimming in his eyes, looked at Ran Yunsheng, "Shilang need not be surprised. Who among those in office doesn’t grow a few extra pairs of eyes? I have no intention of prying into your household affairs; it was merely an accidental discovery." Ran Pingyu was the first to regain his composure and quickly bowed with hands folded, "Please, Assistant Minister Xiao, save my son!" "Uncle Ran need not be so formal," Xiao Song put down the tea cup and continued, "I’ve always disliked intervening in others’ affairs, and this matter is no exception... however..." Xiao Song’s tone shifted and with a slight smile, he said, "If Shilang wishes to stay at Xiao’s residence for a few days, I will naturally welcome him." If Ran Yunsheng stayed at Xiao’s residence for a few days, Princess Baling wouldn’t dare to snatch someone from Xiao’s household, not to mention after this affair, she would realize that Ran Yunsheng’s relationship with Xiao Song was not shallow, and she would naturally weigh her actions carefully before making a move. "Thank you, Assistant Minister Xiao!" Ran Pingyu bowed with hands folded. Ran Yunsheng also followed with a bow to express his gratitude. "Since I’ve addressed you as Uncle, if you continue with such formality, it will truly unsettle my heart," Xiao Song said half-jokingly. Ran Pingyu also responded with a hearty laugh. Xiao Song, although constantly cheerful in appearance, felt a sense of urgency within. Seventeenth Madam hadn’t appeared for such a long time; was she angry with him because of the last incident? Xiao Song had been reproaching himself for being too rash these past few days, finally choosing a suitable day to make the visit. "However, I am a person entangled in controversies; Uncle and Shilang might want to consider it before making a decision," Xiao Song spoke and his expression were earnest, making it seem as if he sincerely had the Ran household and Ran Yunsheng’s best interests at heart. Ran Pingyu was aware that although the current political situation seemed calm on the surface, underneath it was just as factious, especially with a few exceptionally prominent princes who could potentially spread rumors to attack Xiao Song. Ran Pingyu was very cautious, "Thank you for pointing this out, Assistant Minister Xiao." Just then, the light at the door dimmed, Xiao Song’s heart missed a beat, and he barely maintained his composure as he turned his head. Two women walked in side by side, one dressed in an orange-pink short-sleeved garment, with exquisite makeup; the other in a light-blue satin dress, with a bare face. The sudden brilliance in Xiao Song’s eyes, even though Ran Pingyu couldn’t see his face, was noticeable; however, it lasted only a moment. When Ran Pingyu looked at him again, that handsome face still wore a polite and distant smile, as if that dazzling expression had been an illusion. "Ayan, Meiyu, come and greet the Assistant Minister from the Ministry of Criminal Justice," Ran Pingyu cheerfully said. Ran Yan and Ran Meiyu walked up to Xiao Song and curtsied in greeting. "I am Ran Meiyu, and I pay my respects to Assistant Minister Xiao," Ran Meiyu spoke first. Ran Yan followed, "I am Ran Yan, and I pay my respects to Assistant Minister Xiao." seaʀᴄh thё NôᴠeFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "My ladies, please rise," Xiao Song’s voice was deep and magnetic, each word as if lightly grazing the bottom of one’s heart.

Chapter 312 - 197 Gratitude

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