Chapter 52 Dust and Light (XI) Song Zhirou, are you trying to keep me here? ...

Ever since Wei Yuanzhan made the agreement with the Marquis, Xu Yueqing was more anxious than anyone else. She knew that the Marquis was a man of his word, and although Wei Yuanzhan was unruly, he was like his father—always keeping his promises.

Two days had passed since the half-month deadline, and Wei Yuanzhan continued to visit the Song residence and Qiyun Garden as usual, showing no sign of tension whatsoever. Judging from his appearance, perhaps he considered going to Jiangdong a joyous occasion and was eagerly anticipating it?

Xu Yueqing could no longer contain herself. Upon Wei Jingfan's return to the manor, her first question to him was, "My lord, Yuan Zhan..."

Before he could finish speaking, Steward Qin came over to report something to him. He nodded, stepped into the room, and while taking off his official robe, glanced at Xu Yueqing indifferently: "Has Yuan Zhan already dealt with the matter that's been rumored?"

He wore a sliver of light on his face, spoke in a flat tone, and then turned the question around to ask her.

Xu Yueqing frowned: "What's there to deal with? Yuan Zhan is still so young. Is the Marquis really comfortable letting him face all those rumors alone?"

Wei Jingfan smiled and said lightly, "Isn't he capable?" He put his robe on the rack and changed into a set of casual clothes for his private life.

Xu Yueqing's expression remained calm, but she raised her voice, a rare occurrence, and called out, "My Lord."

It harbored a hint of suppressed resentment.

Wei Jingfan looked at her for a while and said in a gentle tone, "Madam is worried about Yuanzhan, and so am I. It's just that he should have curbed his temper a long time ago. It's good for him to suffer a little outside."

Judging from his tone, it was clear that he wanted to see Yuan Zhan run into a wall before he could have a good time.

"Does the Marquis want him to suffer a bit and come back begging for forgiveness, or does he want him to go south to serve his mother, so you can have some peace and quiet for a while?"

Given Yuan Zhan's personality, how could he possibly bow down to him? If Yuan Zhan doesn't handle this matter well, and the deadline arrives, wouldn't he have to leave the capital as agreed?

Previously, when Yuan Zhan wanted to learn martial arts, she had always refused.

Yuan Zhan had a deep affection for the old Marquis, and from a young age, he had told him that when he grew up, he would surely follow in his grandfather's footsteps and become a great general who protected the people and the country. But the old Marquis spent his entire life as the king's sword, and what did he gain in return?

He was plagued by illness, suspected by sages, and brought upon himself a bad reputation.

To prevent Yuan Zhan from following in the footsteps of the old Marquis, after the old Marquis passed away, she locked up all the weapons in the mansion and forbade Yuan Zhan from practicing martial arts.

Therefore, when she first heard that he had taken a wandering swordsman as his master and was practicing swordplay in his mansion every day, she was so angry that her head throbbed. She turned around and told the Marquis about it, thinking that the Marquis could stop him. Who would have thought that Yuan Zhan would use sweet words to persuade the Marquis to allow him to take a master.

Ultimately, isn't the Marquis partly to blame for Yuan Zhan's current temperament? He's already found him unruly and wants to send him to his grandmother's.

That makes no sense.

Hearing the resentment in her words, Wei Jingfan frowned slightly: "Does my intention not make sense to you, Madam?"

Before she could speak, he calmly withdrew his gaze and returned to his seat. All the servants in the room had been dismissed, leaving only the two of them in the room.

Wei Jingfan said, "My aunt intends to let Mingying take the position of Crown Prince's Consort. Yuanzhan accidentally helped his sister this time."

Xu Yueqing clipped her eyelids and turned to him: "Then the Jiangdong matter... doesn't count?"

"A promise is a promise; how can it be broken?"

Xu Yueqing's expression darkened again: "What exactly does Your Excellency mean?"

Sunlight streamed through the windowpanes, illuminating Wei Jingfan's refined and elegant face.

Thinking of Wei Yuanzhan, he shook his head and chuckled before speaking.

After saying that, he looked at Xu Yueqing and said, "Doesn't Madam not want him to join the army? Let's see. He's used to a life of luxury. Just leaving the capital will be enough for him to complain. Do you really think he can make it to Jiangdong?"

Upon hearing his words, Xu Yueqing felt a surge of irritation, as if Yuan Zhan were some spoiled brat. She muttered, "If he really leaves, who can catch up with him?"

June is always rainy; heavy curtains suddenly fall, drizzling into the windowsill.

Sheng Xingyun looked at the drizzling plum rain and said to Zhi Rou, "Don't rush off. This rain won't stop anytime soon. Here, eat more."

Zhi Rou watched him serve her food, but she really couldn't eat anymore. She put down her chopsticks, took a sip from her cup, and asked leisurely, "Your father doesn't discipline you anymore?"

Sheng Xingyun grinned: "My older brother is getting married, he's busy, how could he have time to look at me?"

After thinking for a moment, he said, "I hope my future sister-in-law is good at handling things, so that the house will be lively and no one will have time to keep an eye on me."

"You're so filial," Zhi Rou teased, glancing out the window as if about to leave.

"My older brother is getting married, are you coming?"

What am I supposed to do there?

"To support my older brother! Anyway, Yuanzhan promised me he would come and give my older brother a generous gift."

Zhi Rou was silent for a moment, then her voice, like a muffled thud from a tea stove, said, "I'm not Wei Yuanzhan." She pushed the table aside, stood up, and said, "I'm leaving."

She stopped at the door, turned around and glanced at him: "How long will it take at the latest for the matter Wei Yuanzhan asked you to handle?"

Sheng Xingyun replied, "We should be able to find some clues by tomorrow at the latest."

She nodded slightly, then smiled at him and said, "Thank you."

This caused a momentary pause. Sheng Xingyun, holding her chopsticks, slightly hesitated, raising an eyebrow playfully at her: "Are you thanking me on Yuan Zhan's behalf?"

She held a bamboo umbrella in her hand and twirled it around, as if to say: Thank you for the rain gear provided by your restaurant.

Stepping outside, the sky was a dark blue, the rain was still falling, and the ground was covered with fallen petals.

The rain showed no signs of abating all the way to Qiyun Garden, and an occasional clap of thunder made it even heavier.

Zhi Rou folded her umbrella and went inside, leaving wet footprints with every step she took, like a drowned cat. Seeing this, she frowned, then quickly retreated, leaned against the door for a while, and kept her gaze fixed on Wei Yuanzhan without saying a word.

He was playing chess with his master, the dim light casting shadows on his clear profile, everything seemed so ordinary, as if nothing had ever happened.

Xue Nan was so focused on playing chess that she didn't even glance at him.

Whether Wei Yuanzhan noticed her gaze or not, his hand movements slowed slightly, and then he curled his fingers, hiding a hint of unease.

But he never turned his head toward the door.

Only Lan Ye stood by the table with his arms crossed, watching her, probably feeling indignant for his master, and didn't say a word to her.

Zhi Rou decided not to go inside. She turned her back and watched the rain falling in the courtyard. Every now and then, she would take out an umbrella, hold it up, and then gently toss it, cleaving a trail of water like a sword dance.

Inside the room, Wei Yuanzhan turned his head to look at her. She was still the same as when she was a child, able to play happily by herself.

After a long silence from his opponent, Xue Nan looked up from the chessboard and fixed his gaze on Wei Yuanzhan's face. Following his gaze, she looked at Zhi Rou.

Outside, the rain was pouring down.

Xue Nan chuckled softly: "Did you two have a fight?"

The sound of rain drowned out all whispers, but Zhirou, oblivious, remained with her umbrella.

Wei Yuanzhan cut off his gaze, turned back, and said, "We didn't argue." He then nimbly moved away.

Xue Nan glanced at him for a moment, then suddenly asked, "What do you want for your birthday this year? Your teacher is not as skillful as Rou'er's hands; I can't make anything too exquisite or unique."

"I will accept whatever my master gives me."

His tone was indifferent, respectful yet neutral, as always.

Xue Nan sighed twice, and at the end, a hint of a smile appeared in her voice: "Rou is the best after all. Every year when I ask her for a birthday gift, she always asks me for wine without hesitation."

A friend once joked with Xue Nan by sending her a pot of "Top Scholar Wine" with a letter that read: "Nourishing Heart Tea."

Wei Yuanzhan secretly tasted a cup, his brows furrowed. Zhi Rou, seeing this, was curious and reached out to pour some more, but he immediately stopped her, forbidding her to drink.

From then on, whenever Xue Nan asked Zhi Rou what she wanted, her answer was always three words: "Nourishing Heart Tea".

She didn't know it was wine; she just felt it was unfair that Wei Yuanzhan had tasted it but she hadn't.

Someone came out of the rain, his robe soaked through. He almost stumbled when he appeared under the eaves, but Zhi Rou was quick-witted and caught him with her umbrella.

Chang Huai steadied himself, thanked Zhi Rou, and then glanced at her suspiciously a few times, wondering why the Fourth Miss wasn't going in. Without saying a word, he announced loudly, walked into the room, and whispered in Wei Yuanzhan's ear.

In the silence, Wei Yuanzhan raised his thick eyebrows slightly, and after a moment, a mocking smile appeared on his lips.

He Tingzhou. It's him again.

Seeing that Changhuai had gone inside and was definitely not going to play chess anymore, Zhirou put her umbrella against the wall and took the food box to the table.

Xue Nan glanced at her sideways: "What did you bring over this time?"

"It was given to me by Sheng Xingyun," Zhi Rou said. "Master."

Lan Yexiao is a food connoisseur and diligent in setting out meals.

Wei Yuanzhan glanced at her with an unreadable expression, but did not get up.

Xue Nan went to the side to brew tea, and Zhi Rou sat down opposite Wei Yuanzhan, separated by a chessboard.

The candlelight flickered softly, casting gentle shadows in the south wind, and the air was filled with a faint, grassy scent.

"It's raining," Zhirou said softly.

Wei Yuanzhan looked at the face in front of him, who was trying to make conversation, and hummed in agreement, glancing outside: "I know."

Zhi Rou continued, "I've heard that the rainy season in Jiangdong is very long, damp and cold, which is not conducive to practicing martial arts."

That's utter nonsense. Before today, she hadn't had much interest in Jiangdong, so where would she have gotten all this information from?

Wei Yuanzhan was slightly surprised to hear this.

Did Sheng Xingyun tell her that? He stared at her for a long while, then suddenly smiled: "You've been to Jiangdong?"

Intentionally or unintentionally, he seemed to reveal a hint of teasing to her again.

Under his unwavering gaze, Zhi Rou immediately felt flustered, her eyelashes fluttering awkwardly.

"Luozhou is close to Dancheng, and their climates are roughly the same."

Wei Yuanzhan disagreed: "It rains everywhere, it's not a desolate desert. Besides, Jiangdong is a place where elite troops come from, a land of outstanding people and resources, how can it be bad?"

Zhi Rou was getting anxious: "Who said it's not good? I mean..."

“Song Zhirou,” Wei Yuanzhan interrupted her, his expression focused, his eyes seeking confirmation.

Are you asking me to stay?

As soon as the words were spoken, Zhi Rou replied, "Of course I was keeping you here. You only just realized that?"

She raised her eyebrows slightly and, without a second thought, frankly and openly revealed her thoughts.

Wei Yuanzhan paused slightly.

There are always a few moments when a casual word or gesture from Song Zhirou can easily make his heart race. His Adam's apple bobs on his neck, and he hesitates for a long time before finally finding the right words.

"Don't worry, how could I bear to give my master to you alone?"

Zhi Rou felt somewhat relieved after getting confirmation from him, but after a short while, she frowned again: "Then what about your bet with your father..."

"Isn't there still more than ten days?" Wei Yuanzhan got up and walked to the table, then added very softly, "That's enough."

Originally, it was thought that the Marquis's mansion would not hold a grand celebration for Wei Yuanzhan's birthday this year, but unexpectedly, Xu Yueqing still went to great lengths and set up a private banquet.

Early that morning, before dawn, Wei Yuanzhan was awakened by the noise outside. He put on his clothes and got out of bed, where two servants were hanging colorful curtains at the door.

"Your Highness." Upon seeing him, the two men gave him a simple, honest smile and ushered him, Changhuai, and Lanye into the house to serve him.

Wei Yuanzhan glanced at them sideways: "What's going on?"

“Master forgot, today is your birthday. These customary gifts are done every year, and remember to eat the red jade balls. Madam specifically instructed me to do so.” Lan Ye said, pulling out his robe.

Wei Yuanzhan stretched out his arms, somewhat puzzled, and let him do as he pleased.

After he finished paying his respects to his mother, Wei Mingying walked with him on the corridor. She said disdainfully, "Does your sixteenth birthday really need to be handled like this? Just give me two red envelopes."

After saying that, she glanced at him twice, then raised an eyebrow: "Is Mother... sending you away?"

Not a single kind word came out of his mouth. Wei Yuanzhan gritted his teeth and said, "Wei Mingying."

Wei Mingying stopped and turned her head to look at him.

Because it was a private banquet, only the Song and Xu families were invited. This was the usual practice, but the second branch of the Song family always only sent their elders, with few of the younger members present.

Wei Mingying can understand.

Song Qiyu was unwilling to come; Song Hanjin followed her eldest brother's example; Song Zhirou listened to her third sister.

Wei Yuanzhan glanced back at her, raising one of his thick eyebrows: "You're asking me?"

Even so, I had a little expectation in my heart, but she never came, even though I looked forward to her every year. She simply followed the lead of the Song siblings.

Thinking of this, Wei Yuanzhan's expression suddenly turned pale. He parted ways with Wei Mingying and headed towards Zhuoyun Courtyard.

Upon entering, just as he was about to ask Chang Huai and He Tingzhou if they had collected enough evidence, Lan Ye came in with a red invitation card: "Master, there's an invitation card."

Wei Yuanzhan's gaze lingered briefly on his hand, gesturing for him to open it. Lan Ye looked at it for a moment, somewhat surprised: "It's a gift list. Prince You knows it's your birthday and specially sent a congratulatory gift."

"Isn't Prince You... mentally deficient?" Chang Huai frowned and pondered. Prince You's mansion had no dealings with them. Where did they find out about the prince's birthday and pull such a stunt?

Without hesitation, Wei Yuanzhan said, "Go back, all of you."

Lan Ye accepted the order, but after taking only two steps, he was called out from behind, "Wait."

He broke his leg, and then heard Wei Yuanzhan ask, "Did you see who sent it? Did they leave a message?"

This was handed over to him by Steward Qin. Although he hadn't seen the man, he thought for a moment and realized, "Oh, right, he left a message saying, 'My master invites the young master to meet him at Chang Le Lou tomorrow.'"

The sunlight after the rain was cold and white, falling on the boy's face, almost making the word "dislike" appear sharp.

Lan Ye was unaware that it was sent by Jia Yang, and was startled when he heard his instructions.

"My lord, this... he is, after all, a prince..." Even if our Marquis's mansion has an iron certificate, we would not dare to reply like this.

Lan Ye's voice was extremely low, almost pleading. Wei Yuanzhan glanced at him indifferently: "Aren't you going?"

Helpless, Lan Ye took on the arduous task, his back hunched several inches lower, as he shrank back as he walked outside, pondering how to polish the message for his master.

As the congratulatory gifts were being returned to the Prince You's residence, the Marquis Yining's residence received an uninvited guest.

Also appearing was the figure that Wei Yuanzhan had longed for.