Chapter 1067 When to Hold the Wedding

Song Chunxue put away the horn comb. "I really like this. Thank you."

"It's been so long, and you're still thanking me? That's too formal." Xie Zheng didn't like hearing such words. "Find a different way to say it."

"Well, thank you for your trouble?"

Xie Zheng placed the freshly served fish in front of her and tapped her forehead in disgust.

"This doesn't count. You don't need to thank me later. I hope you accept my kindness with a clear conscience."

They even took it seriously.

"Well then, thank you for your kindness, Xie Lang."

"..."

"..."

Ahhh, Song Chunxue felt goosebumps all over her body after she finished speaking.

There was a moment of silence, then she quickly waved her hand, "Thank you, sir, for your kindness."

Xie Zheng suddenly grabbed her hand, "Say it again?"

"Go away, you're not a kid anymore, aren't you ashamed?" Song Chunxue felt uncomfortable all over and said with a stern face, "Sit down and eat properly."

"Is Madam shy?" Xie Zheng said, sticking out his tongue. "Isn't this just a common way for ordinary couples to address each other? Why do I feel a chill run down my spine even after saying it?"

Song Chunxue laughed heartily, "Perhaps, we are not suitable for this. Let's stick to the old way. After all, we are Daoist partners."

“Yes,” Xie Zheng poured her a glass of wine. “Sister Song, have a couple of drinks.”

"Okay." Song Chunxue held the cup in her hand. "The fish here is indeed delicious. You have good taste."

They chatted and laughed, drank and ate, just like usual, as if they had endless things to talk about.

Despite being a Taoist nun from the countryside and a well-read official of the imperial court who was knowledgeable in astronomy and geography, they shared many of the same interests.

Neither of them likes crowded places; unless it's a spur-of-the-moment thing, they don't like joining in the fun.

During the meal, when the wine was finished, Xie Zheng went out and asked someone to bring him another pot.

Unexpectedly, I ran into an acquaintance again.

This time, the acquaintance was Xie Zheng's second uncle, Xie Erye.

He learned that Song Chunxue was also there, so he went to the side room.

His attitude changed considerably when he saw Song Chunxue again.

"Second Master Xie, how have you been lately?"

"Hmm, not bad." Master Xie leaned on his cane, with two attendants standing outside the door.

He looked at Song Chunxue and suddenly paused.

Then, pointing at Song Chunxue, he said to Xie Zheng, "How come she... looks even younger than before?"

"Second Uncle, this is the reward she earned through her focused cultivation and diligence." Xie Zheng poured a cup of wine. "Second Uncle, let me toast you. Recently, quite a few people have come to the manor. If they can't find me, they'll probably bother you instead. I apologize in advance."

Master Xie looked much older than before, but he was still sharp of hearing and sight, only his hair was whiter.

He took the wine and drank it. "You should indeed apologize to me, but who told you to raise such a good daughter? She comes to visit me often, she's even more filial than my own granddaughter, and she brings me all sorts of gifts."

At this point, he nudged Xie Zheng's foot with his cane.

"You're such an unreliable father! You just disappear like that. I heard you were leaving, and you didn't even come to play chess with me." He pinched Xie Zheng's ear. "Are you determined to go with her to cultivate?"

“It’s not just because I follow her lead. Otherwise, I would have resigned from my post a few years ago to fulfill my wish and stop interfering in those matters.” Xie Zheng held up the small wine cup with both hands. “Please understand, Second Uncle.”

“You’re still trying to figure it out? You’ve disappeared with her,” Master Xie said irritably. “If Yun’er’s mother had let you go like that back then, your career wouldn’t have been so bad. You’ve been demoted repeatedly. There was clearly room for maneuver. If you had done a little more work and said a few more words of appeasement, we would all have benefited from your efforts.”

Xie Zheng remained silent.

"Alright, it's fate. Let's not dwell on the past." Master Xie looked at Song Chunxue. "Don't you two plan to get married before leaving the capital?"

"We have no plans for marriage," Xie Zheng said seriously. "We plan to become Daoist partners."

"Hmph, what kind of Daoist partner? She doesn't want to come into the Xie family with you, and you're making excuses for her." Second Master Xie said irritably, "We won't talk about having children, but what's wrong with a proper marriage, an official title, to be Xie Zheng's wife and take over the Xie residence?"

Song Chunxue was a little embarrassed. "It is good, but we feel that Daoist couples have more freedom."

"Freedom?" Master Xie sneered. "Freedom my foot! Even birds aren't free. They still obediently go back to their nests at night. But you guys, you wander the world, leaving for half a year at a time without a word."

Xie Zheng served him some food, saying, "Second Uncle is right. Why don't we eat and chat at the same time?"

“I’m not eating anymore. I’m in the side room next door catching up with some old acquaintances who are about to pass away. It’s rare for me to come out, and I have a lot to say.” Master Xie stood up and said to Song Chunxue, “I know you’re no ordinary person. I underestimated you before. I hope you can take good care of my nephew in the future. He’s a stubborn old man. It would be good if you could tame him.”

"..." Xie Zheng was stunned. "Second Uncle?"

"Hmph, did I say something wrong?" Second Master Xie patted his shoulder. "Go home tonight. What kind of talk is it to stay out all the time? Your cousins ​​all want to see you."

"yes."

“Oh, right, I left you some good tea. Come back and get it later. Bring your favorite tea with you so they can see something rare.” He said half-jokingly, “In the children’s minds, your later cultivation of Taoism is a rare thing, not to mention that you were bewitched by a Taoist nun. If you want them to change their minds, you have to show up in person.”

Xie Zheng knew that his second uncle was doing it for his own good.

"Yes, thank you, Second Uncle."

"Remember to stay overnight, so the Xie family can all get together." He sighed, "Your parents are gone, but I'm still here. Consider this a farewell for you."

Xie Zheng nodded solemnly, "Mm."

Thinking of his parents, this was the regret of his life.

If they live a little longer and see him stop obsessing over trivial matters, they will surely be very gratified.

After leaving the restaurant, they bought some things the children liked and returned to Xie Zheng's house.

Before she even stepped into the courtyard, Song Chunxue heard someone talking about her.

"Is your father senile, or does he still think he's a hothead in his early twenties, leaving you, his only daughter, at home? It's really outrageous."

"That Song Chunxue is average-looking, and her social status is even more ordinary. She's had a bunch of kids. Is she blind or something...?"

"Ahem." Xie Zheng stepped into the courtyard, interrupting his second sister. "Second sister's here."

Song Chunxue then saw the person who was cursing her so vehemently, her head stiffened for a moment, and she slowly turned her head to look in this direction.

"Yes, you're back." The man smiled. "Where have you been these past few days?"

"Sightseeing, eating, drinking, and having fun," Xie Zheng said expressionlessly. "I finally resigned from my post and regained some peace and quiet. But if I stay at home, people will always come to my door asking questions. Don't I dare to hide away and enjoy some leisure?"

"Yes, yes, I was just chatting with Yun'er." Xie Erjie smiled awkwardly. "I'm relieved that you're back. Actually, I just wanted to ask, since you two are so devoted to each other and can't bear to be apart, shouldn't you get married?"