Chapter 197: Mutual Understanding
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Lin Shuanghe, who was searching for a house for He Yan, had no news for several days. Since returning to Shuojing, Lin Shuanghe seemed to have disappeared, and He Yan hesitated to visit him directly. Pushing the intermediaries too hard might not be a good idea. As a result, He Yan started to suspect whether this person was deliberately avoiding her.
Xiao Jue still followed the same routine, coming and going early and late. He Yan would appear during the day, and since the last visit to the Xu family to see Fuwang, she hadn’t gone to the Xu family again. She wanted to let Fuwang simmer for a while; if he noticed that He Yan wasn’t showing up, he would probably put more effort into finding useful information for her.
He Yan wasn’t in a hurry.
During these days, apart from secretly meeting He Yunsheng once again, she spent time around the “He family” residence. Perhaps due to the influence of He Rufei, the number of guards outside the He family’s residence had more than doubled. He Yan couldn’t easily reveal herself, so she had to hide in the shadows and observe. Except for attending court sessions during the day, He Rufei didn’t seem to be doing much else. His socializing with colleagues mostly took place in restaurants, and he didn’t bring anyone home. In addition to this, he had visited the Xu family once, carrying so-called supplements for his niece. Did he truly visit He Xinying? He Yan doubted it.
However, in the eyes of outsiders, He Rufei’s actions seemed to indicate a close relationship with his sister. There were even rumors that due to the incident with the Xu family’s past Madam Xu, He Rufei became more careful in taking care of his sister. In the end, he gained a good reputation.
He Yan found it somewhat amusing and thought that the He family’s theatrical techniques were truly diverse.
Autumn had arrived, and the summer heat had completely faded away. One day, He Yan returned from outside and unexpectedly found the courtyard bustling with activity. She had left early in the morning and didn’t know what had happened. Baiguo cheerfully ran over to her and whispered, “Madam is entertaining guests in the yard. Sir, you should freshen up a bit and go take a look.” She leaned a bit closer, adding mysteriously, “Today, many young ladies came, and Second Young Master is also there.”
Being young, Baiguo didn’t feel embarrassed speaking such words. Instead, she sounded innocent and romantic, like a child. However, to He Yan’s ears, the words were far from pleasant.
Bai Rongwei had previously mentioned that there would be a banquet before the Mid-Autumn Festival, ostensibly to invite ladies and madams, but it was actually a matchmaking event for Xiao Jue. He Yan hadn’t expected it to happen so quickly. Considering that Xiao Jue often returned home late, there were times when she had already fallen asleep by the time he returned. Today, he came back unusually early because there were young ladies present. How coincidental.
Seeing He Yan silent, Baiguo said, “Sir?”
He Yan came back to her senses, forced a smile, and said, “I won’t go. I’ve been running around all day and feel quite tired. I want to rest in my room first.”
Baiguo: “But….” She hesitated, sensing that He Yan’s mood was a bit off today. This gentle and approachable Young Master He, who would even wash dishes herself and occasionally leave some snacks for Baiguo, seemed visibly upset today. Although Baiguo was young, she felt curious. This Young Master He, who had been a good master for these days, was probably upset because of something that happened outside?
She hadn’t figured it out yet when she saw He Yan walking quickly past the long corridor.
This was He Yan’s thought: out of sight, out of mind. Unfortunately, just outside the corridor was connected to the main courtyard’s pavilion. Bai Rongwei noticed her and called out, “Young Master He!”
If he pretended not to hear, it would seem too deliberate. He Yan could only turn around, smiling at Bai Rongwei, “Madam Xiao.”
Bai Rongwei stood up and walked towards He Yan, saying, “I was just asking Huaijin when you would come back, afraid that you might miss today’s autumn banquet. Your timing is perfect; we haven’t started yet.”
Out of courtesy to the host, leaving at this point would seem impolite. He Yan had no choice but to walk over and bow to her, saying, “Madam, you are very considerate.”
The residence of the Xiao family was renovated according to the preferences of General Xiao’s wife during General Xiao’s lifetime. As Xiao Jue’s grandmother was from Suzhou, the courtyard of the Xiao family in Shuojing appeared particularly elegant and charming. The guests invited by Bai Rongwei were not many, only four or five people. He Yan wasn’t sure if they were her friends or something else, but the four young ladies sitting there each had their own unique beauty, making them enchanting.
Xiao Jue sat beside Xiao Jing, the two brothers renowned for their handsome looks in Great Wei, creating an almost celestial scene in the courtyard.
The rule that prohibited unmarried men and women from sitting together was abolished shortly after the ascension of Emperor Wenxuan. Emperor Wenxuan admired the free and easy demeanor of the literati of the past and believed that clinging to outdated etiquette was unnecessary. Therefore, Great Wei was not as strict about unmarried men and women as the previous dynasty.
Bai Rongwei smiled and explained to the others at the banquet, “This is Young Master He, a good friend of Huaijin. He is young but has already been personally appointed as Wuan Lang by His Majesty.” She instructed the servants to set another place for He Yan, but for some reason, they placed it next to Xiao Jing instead. Bai Rongwei sat beside a round-faced lady and said to He Yan, “Today, we invited some friends to taste the newly made chrysanthemum pastries. Consider it a casual family banquet; there’s no need to be formal, just relax.”
Although she said so, except for Xiao Jing couple and a few older ladies, including the indifferent Xiao Jue, the others couldn’t be described as relaxed.
He Yan sat beside Xiao Jing, looking towards Xiao Jue. Xiao Jue sat on the other side of Xiao Jing, rarely using his chopsticks. Most of the time, he just sat there, and although he concealed it well, there was a hint of impatience between his eyebrows.
The other young ladies were different. They sat on the long table opposite Xiao Jue. Some shyly glanced at Xiao Jue with a hint of affection, while others boldly stared at him with adoration, their beautiful eyes making one’s bones go weak.
He Yan thought, Bai Rongwei knew that Xiao Jue didn’t like someone like Shen Muxue, so the four girls she brought here were completely different from Shen Muxue’s cold and arrogant temperament. However, in terms of looks, they were no less attractive than Shen Muxue. Sitting here, He Yan already felt like flipping the table and leaving. If Shen Muxue were here, she would undoubtedly be infuriated.
Although she felt this way, she couldn’t show it on her face. He Yan lowered her head to eat. At times like this, eating without speaking and remaining silent was like an ordinary meal. It was just that there were four beautiful girls on the opposite side.
The atmosphere during this meal was extremely awkward.
Not only He Yan felt awkward, but by the end of the meal, even Xiao Jing and Bai Rongwei found it challenging to cope. Although Xiao Jue’s personality was not as gentle as Xiao Jing’s, his face was quite attractive, and since Xiao Jing was already married, the four girls directed their gazes towards Xiao Jue.
All carefully raised noble girls from Shuojing were well-versed in etiquette. However, beyond courtesy, the four girls found various topics to talk to Xiao Jue about, such as whether “Second Young Master Xiao likes autumn days,” “What does he usually do,” or “Will he stay in Shuojing after this.”
Xiao Jue did answer, but he kept his responses brief. If one word was enough, he wouldn’t say two. Most of the time, Bai Rongwei and Xiao Jing had to supplement the conversation.
He Yan was secretly pleased, but then she felt bored and wondered if she was being ridiculous to be happy about such trivial matters.
As night approached, after the banquet, the ladies bid farewell to Xiao Jing couple. He Yan and Xiao Jue stood on the side. The four girls’ reluctant gazes almost pierced through Xiao Jue. One bolder young lady looked at him, smiling, “Second Young Master Xiao, back in the hunting field, your grace was incomparable. Can you spare some time in the future to exchange archery skills with me?”
Xiao Jue looked at her expressionlessly for a while, then pulled the corners of his mouth, “I have a habit when sparring.”
The girl looked expectant.
“I don’t care about life or death.”
“Cough, cough, cough—” Xiao Jing timely intervened, laughing, “Huaijin is joking. He likes to joke.”
However, with just this sentence, the complexion of the girl’s mother changed drastically, and she hastily pulled her daughter away.
Bai Rongwei, both angry and amused, spoke to Xiao Jue after the guests left, “You, this child, why are you still the same as before? If you don’t like something, just say so. Why deliberately scare others? Miss Tian has also practiced martial arts, has a cheerful temperament, and is graceful. She seems very nice.”
Seeing that Xiao Jue remained silent, Bai Rongwei continued, “And Miss Li? The one who was sitting across from you just now, delicate and weak in appearance. She writes beautifully, can speak eloquently, and is gentle and calm.”
Xiao Jue still didn’t speak.
Bai Rongwei raised her eyes and saw He Yan. She asked He Yan, “Young Master He, you also saw the four young ladies today. Give your opinion. Aren’t they exceptional?”
He Yan: “…”
What does it have to do with her? This was truly an unexpected disaster. However, in front of everyone, He Yan had to admit, “All four young ladies are excellent. In terms of temperament and appearance, they are outstanding. Whoever marries them will have accumulated blessings from past lives…”
Probably because she received affirmation from Xiao Jue’s good friend, Bai Rongwei felt that she had also gained half of Xiao Jue’s approval. She said to Xiao Jue, “Huaijin, you see, even Young Master He thinks they are excellent…”
Xiao Jue suddenly spoke in a calm voice, “Big sister-in-law thinks they are excellent, why not invite them back to give to big brother? Considering big brother’s temperament and appearance, they should not feel wronged.”
This remark was sharp, and even Xiao Jing, who was usually gentle, couldn’t help but warn, “Xiao Huaijin!”
Unmoved, Xiao Jue’s gaze swept past Xiao Jing, and he said lightly, “Big brother might as well think about how you behaved when Mother was choosing a wife for you. Understand the principle of not imposing on others what you yourself do not desire. Big brother should be clearer about this than me.” With that, he didn’t care about Xiao Jing and Bai Rongwei’s reactions, and he left with a sweep of his sleeves.
He Yan stood there, feeling inexplicably awkward. She softly defended Xiao Jue, “Commander, maybe he’s not in a good mood today. Madam, please don’t take offense.”
“I’m not offended.” Bai Rongwei was stunned for a moment, as if just regaining her senses, she looked at her husband, “However, Huaijin just now… Was he angry?”
Despite the rumors circulating outside about how the commander of the Right Army was harsh and indifferent in training soldiers, inside the mansion, almost no one had witnessed Xiao Jue losing his temper. Most of the time, he simply ignored things. It seemed like a thing of many years ago when he would openly display the words “I am angry” on his face.
“Before, I did the same thing. Why… why are you so angry this time?” she felt puzzled.
…
Someone knocked on the door.
One after another, the knocks were well measured, relentless, and determined, as if conveying the message that they would keep knocking until the end of time.
In the entire courtyard, the only person with such courage at this moment was the female hero.
Xiao Jue paused and said, “Come in.”
He Yan’s head peeked in from behind the door.
She knew Xiao Jue was not in a good mood. With a smile that aimed to please, she closed the door behind her and approached, “Commander, are you alright?”
Xiao Jue sat on a chair. “Great.”
But looking at his expression, it didn’t seem like he was doing “great.”
The words he said to Bai Rongwei just now were a bit excessive. However, He Yan felt secretly happy hearing him say that. But soon, she scolded herself inwardly. How could she be happy about this? Family conflicts were none of her business, and for her to cheer for personal gain was no different from those petty individuals. Having lived here for these days, Bai Rongwei had taken care of her in many ways. Out of both emotions and reason, He Yan should help mediate instead of adding fuel to the fire.
He Yan ran to the other side of the table, leaning half of her body on it, looking at him. “Commander, Madam Xiao meant well. Your actions just now were a bit hurtful.”
Xiao Jue shifted his gaze to her face, his eyes slightly cold. “Miss He, what do you think I should do?”
The address “Miss He” had been used many times by him before. Sometimes it was teasing, sometimes it was sarcastic, but this time, the phrase was uttered coldly, with a hint of anger.
He Yan carefully considered her words. “At the very least, you should be more tactful.”
Xiao Jue sneered, “Why?”
He Yan hesitated.
“If it were Miss He, would you be more tactful?” He suddenly spoke.
He Yan was puzzled. “I am a woman.”
“If your father or brother invited several outstanding young men with both appearance and temperament to stand in front of you today,” he said with sarcasm, “wouldn’t you directly refuse?”
He Yan thought to herself that in the past, she would have definitely maintained politeness to save everyone’s face. However, now that she had someone she liked, forcing herself to do so seemed somewhat beyond her capability.
However, she couldn’t say such things to Xiao Jue. The person in front of her paid no attention to her avoidance and stared at her insistently, asking again, “Miss He, what would you do?”
Faced with his gaze, He Yan couldn’t speak with a clear conscience. After hesitating for a while, she slammed the table, “After giving it some thought, if it were me, I would probably make the same choice as the commander, and my words might be even more straightforward. Commander, you’re right, and you said it well! If you don’t like it, just reject it. There’s no need to give others misleading hints. Sometimes politeness can be interpreted as flirting by the other party, keeping them awake at night, while you have no such intention. Isn’t that deceiving people!”
By the end of her words, there was a hint of complaint in her tone, and it wasn’t clear who she was talking about.
Seeing her indignant appearance, Xiao Jue’s expression softened a bit. He smirked, “You’re showing some understanding.”
Seeing that his mood had improved a bit, He Yan took out a sachet from her sleeve and handed it to him. “This is for you.”
Xiao Jue took a look and raised an eyebrow. “Did you make this?”
“How could I?” He Yan replied without thinking. “I can’t make this. It was made by Madam Xiao. She made one for me too, but I forgot to give it to you earlier.” She then took out her cloud-patterned sachet. “I heard it contains calming herbs and protective talismans.”
Seeing that Xiao Jue was holding the sachet without saying anything, He Yan approached a bit closer. “I didn’t expect Madam Xiao to prepare one for me. Commander, Madam Xiao is gentle and considerate, which is why she did this. Although the method… may not suit your taste, you should talk it over with her. There’s no need to ruin the harmony between you two because of this. Why fuss so much among family members…”
She rambled on incessantly, her head getting closer and closer. Xiao Jue couldn’t help but smile, and he pushed her head back with a finger. “Stop, I’m not angry.”
He was angry at first, but it wasn’t because of Bai Rongwei… He felt a bit helpless about someone that didn’t know anything. He felt a bit annoyed but couldn’t express that anger towards someone.
“Really?” He Yan looked at him.
“Really.” He lowered his gaze, thought about something for a moment, and then spoke, “In the next few days, I will leave the city. Is it okay for you to stay here alone?”
He Yan was taken aback. “Do you need my help?”
Xiao Jue had been leaving early and returning late these days, and He Yan could sense that he had important matters to attend to. It was probably related to Xu Jingfu and Xiao Zhongwu. Although she was busy with affairs between the He and Xu families, if Xiao Jue needed her help, He Yan wouldn’t refuse.
“No need, I can handle it myself.”
He Yan nodded, “When will you be back then?”
“I’m not sure,” Xiao Jue looked at the burning lamp wick, “I’ll try to be back before the Mid-Autumn Festival.”
…
In the mansion of the Xu family in the capital city, the lights were brightly lit.
Xu Xiang was a literary man who, during ordinary family banquets, disliked women dancing. At most, he would invite two qin players to come and play the instrument. In front of a small table, Chu Zhao knelt, gazing at the tea cup in front of him. The rising steam in the teacup was like a thin veil, concealing his expression and making his face appear less vivid.
Xu Jingfu didn’t like drinking alcohol; he only drank tea. Even the tea leaves given as gifts to the servants could fetch a good price.
The servants stood on both sides, respectful and courteous. Xu Jingfu had no sons, and everyone in the Xu mansion knew that he treated this favorite disciple as his own son. Xu Jingfu’s only daughter, Xu Pinting, had deep affections for Chu Zilan… Sooner or later, the teacher-student relationship would turn into a marriage.
“This time you went to Jiyang, and things went smoothly,” Xu Jingfu smiled. In his youth, he was handsome and refined, but as he aged, he had a benevolent appearance. Just by looking at his exterior, one would feel a warm connection with the elderly man. After sipping some tea, he said, “However, during your stay in Rundu, why did you linger for a few more days?”
Chu Zhao replied gently, “The people in Rundu are suffering from hunger. Zilan couldn’t bear to leave them alone. I intended to stay in Rundu to help and see if I could request reinforcements. Unexpectedly, General Yan led his troops to rescue, relieving the urgent situation in Rundu.”
This information was easily obtained, and he didn’t lie. Xu Jingfu continued to smile amiably, neither confirming nor denying.
The atmosphere became somewhat stagnant.
Just as it reached a standstill, a female voice suddenly rang out, “Dad! Brother Zilan is here, why didn’t you tell me!” In the next moment, a young girl in a yellow dress flew in like a flower and sat down next to Chu Zilan.
This girl was very beautiful, like a delicate porcelain doll with an air of pride in her brows and eyes. However, at the age of seventeen or eighteen, her clothes and accessories were all luxurious and expensive. The red gemstone hairpin in her hair was particularly dazzling, making her appear even more radiant, like a rose in full bloom.
This was Xu Jingfu’s only daughter, Xu Pinting.
Xu Jingfu had only gained this pearl in his old age and spoiled her. Today’s princess probably couldn’t match up to the extravagance of Xu Pinting. As soon as Xu Pinting entered the banquet hall, the atmosphere immediately eased. Xu Jingfu shook his head and laughed, “You come and scold me as soon as you arrive, not even bothering about your father. Others say that girls are turned outwards, it’s true…”
Xu Pinting, instead of feeling embarrassed, raised her eyebrows and said coquettishly, “I see Dad every day, but I haven’t seen Brother Zilan for a long time. Dad, can you not let Brother Zilan go to places too far away next time?” She naturally took Chu Zhao’s arm, looking at him and saying, “Brother Zilan, I heard that you went to Jiyang. Pinting was so scared. Dad, how can you do this? Fortunately, you’re fine. On the days when you were away, Pinting prayed for your safe return in front of the Bodhisattva every day. It seems the Bodhisattva heard Pinting’s prayers and protected you.”
Xu Jingfu sarcastically said, “I haven’t seen you pray for your father.”
“Dad!”
“Alright, alright, little ancestor, I won’t say it anymore, okay?” Xu Jingfu pleaded, looking at Chu Zhao, “However, Zilan is here just in time. There’s something I need to discuss.”
Chu Zilan looked at Xu Jingfu, “Please go ahead, teacher.”
“I heard that today, Madam Xiao Rubi invited several young ladies from colleagues’ mansions to visit the Xiao Mansion. It’s said to be a visit, but it’s nothing more than choosing a wife for Xiao Huaijin. Since you and Xiao Huaijin are of similar age, and I am your teacher, I should also worry about such matters for you.”
Xu Pinting was stunned, her face blushing. She said, “Dad, are you…”
“Now you know how to be shy?” Xu Jingfu laughed and teased, then continued, “Zilan, you are my most outstanding student and have grown up together with Pinting since childhood. Childhood sweethearts. I planned early on that when you grow up, I will marry Pinting to you. Now it seems that the time has come. What do you think?”
All the servants in the hall buried their heads, covering their surprise. Although they had known that this day would come, hearing it for real still made them feel astonished. After all, with Chu Zilan’s identity, marrying the daughter of Xu Jingfu was considered a high climb.
Chu Zilan stood up, lifted the hem of his robe, and formally knelt down in front of Xu Jingfu, bowing deeply.
“Thank you for your kindness, Teacher. To be able to marry Pinting as my wife is the blessing of three lifetimes. Regarding marriage matters, I entrust Teacher to decide.”
－－－－－－Side Note－－－－－－
Being forced into a blind date: Don’t mess with me.JPG
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