The Fourth Young Lady's Intentions

Xiao Qing knelt to curtsy, calling out "Young Master," but Lin Xing Cheng did not react, his back still turned to her as he watched the parasol tree leaves fall outside the courtyard.
Xiao Qing dared not call him again, lowering her head respectfully as she continued to stand to one side.
After about the time it took to drink a cup of tea, Lin Xing Cheng finally turned around, his gaze indifferent as he looked at her.
He did not even need to open his mouth to ask, as Xiao Qing immediately stated the purpose of her visit. She then placed the bundle of winter clothes on the table, opened the lid of the food box, and took out a plate of mooncakes, also placing them on the table.
Lin Xing Cheng looked at the two items on the table without speaking. After a moment, he opened his mouth and asked directly, "Are these two sets of winter clothes made by Xue Qing Ning's orders?"
The Third Branch and the First Branch were separated by a courtyard, so how could Madam Xu, as the wife of Earl Yongchang, even notice someone like him? Yet, every season, when clothes were made for the residents of the manor, his share was never missing. Whenever Xue Yuan Shao and Xue Yuan Qing received their allowances, someone would also be sent to deliver a similar portion to him.
The first time he received these allowances, he found it strange, so he used silver to send someone to inquire. It was easy to find out that Xue Qing Ning had reminded Madam Xu each time. After that, he arranged for Xiao Qing to be placed in Madam Xu's main chamber, making it even easier to inquire about everything.
Xiao Qing replied, "Yes, this servant inquired two days ago. This time, Madam and Nanny Sun were indeed discussing making winter clothes for the masters in the manor. The Fourth Young Lady, hearing this from the side, reminded Madam not to forget your share. Even the choice of colors for these two sets of clothes was suggested by the Fourth Young Lady. She said that since you often wear blue clothes, choosing colors similar to blue would surely not be wrong, and Madam followed her advice."
Lin Xing Cheng said nothing.
In fact, he and Xue Qing Ning had not met many times over the years, yet he had not expected Xue Qing Ning to notice that he often wore blue clothes.
After a moment of silence, Lin Xing Cheng looked at the plate of mooncakes and asked, "What about these mooncakes?"
Xiao Qing stood beside the table, holding the empty food box, her expression utterly respectful.
"When this servant left, Older Sister Xiao Tao told me to bring them to you."
Xiao Tao?
Lin Xing Cheng knew that Xue Qing Ning had two close maidservants, one of whom was named Xiao Tao. In other words, this plate of mooncakes was, in fact, also given to him by Xue Qing Ning.
For a moment, Lin Xing Cheng was somewhat confused as to what Xue Qing Ning's intentions truly were. For years, she had always remembered to remind Madam Xu not to forget his share when distributing allowances. Tomorrow was the Mid-Autumn Festival, and today she had not forgotten to send a maidservant to bring him a portion of mooncakes. It was clear that she was treating him well, yet Xue Qing Ning had never said a word to him in person or shown any expression. Even when they met, she acted as if she barely knew him, speaking very politely, like someone doing good deeds without leaving a name. But was there truly anyone in this world who would treat others purely out of kindness like that? Especially someone like him.
Lin Xing Cheng chuckled softly, mocking himself.