Chapter 25 Ex-husband
After drinking for more than thirty minutes, the women went outside to see the night view.
Baili Yunzhou grew bolder and offered a toast to Zhao Yan. "To be honest, sir, before meeting you, I was still wondering if another corrupt official would come and demand money from my Baili family. Today, I see you leading the charge, fearless of the storm. I sincerely thank you for all you have done for the people of Quanzhou."
After saying that, he drank three cups.
Zhao Yan said, "Mr. Baili, you are too polite. This is my duty."
Baili Yunzhou saw that he was handsome and had a cold but natural temperament. He said seriously, "I had heard that the governor was a gentleman of noble character. I didn't believe it, but now that I have seen him, I know there are better people than you. Quanzhou is blessed to have an honest official like you."
Zhao Yan remained calm, "You're welcome. I just stick to my heart when serving as an official."
Baili Yunzhou diligently filled the glass with wine and offered it to her. "I heard Huatang say before that you are different from other officials and love the people like your own children. I didn't believe it, but now that I see you, I know she wasn't lying."
Zhao Yan finally couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Baili and Miss Yu are..."
Baili suddenly became excited, afraid that others would not know, so he answered loudly, "To be honest, sir, I fell in love with Huatang at first sight. The first time I went to the Lantern Master's Hall to buy lanterns, she walked down the spiral staircase, she was like a fairy in a painting. From then on, my heart was set on her, but who knew that she had been married to a man before, who was said to be an official in the capital. That bastard must have treated her very badly, and she returned here heartbroken. Don't worry about being laughed at by sir, I have been pursuing her for three years, and she has never eaten a meal with me..."
After saying this, he suddenly recalled some sad things and drank a few more cups. "I think since you are well-read, you should understand the pain of not being loved by the one you love."
"But your Excellency is so handsome and graceful, it must be that the women are unable to love you, making you a laughing stock."
Zhao Yan felt irritated for no reason, but his expression remained calm.
Baili didn't notice and continued, "Since you have a calm demeanor, I believe your family is harmonious with your wives and concubines, and your sons and daughters are lovable."
Zhao Yan finished his drink and suppressed his discomfort. "I don't have any wives or concubines, and I don't have any children at home."
Baili was surprised. "That shouldn't be the case. Could it be that the Master also has a lover in his heart, but cannot get it..."
After saying this, he felt that he was so bold as to explore the private affairs of an official appointed by the court. "Please forgive me, sir, I have drunk too much..."
Zhao Yan looked at the beautiful figure outside the window in silence for a long time and said, "It's okay."
Yan Quan, who had been paying close attention, started joking when he saw Baili coming to his aid. "It's good to be free from all worries. We are not afraid to use our skills. You are the kind of official the people need."
The officials on the side were busy responding.
Baili suppressed his suspicions. Could it be that this gentleman had a hidden illness? Otherwise, it would be surprising that he had no wife, concubines, or children at such an age.
After figuring it out, I felt pity for this gentleman again. His face was so charming and haunting, but he was not...
I couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. Huatang definitely wouldn't like this kind of show...
…………
Since that incident, Zhao Yan has become increasingly silent.
On the day of moving, he remembered something and asked Anfu, "Should I say hello to my neighbors when I move into my new home?"
Anfu couldn't figure out the young master's thoughts, so he said truthfully, "Ordinary families are indeed like this, but you are not an ordinary family, so there is no need to greet our neighbors..."
After saying this, he looked at his master's face and he became even more silent.
He immediately changed his tone and said, "But we are in Quanzhou now, so we should follow the customs of the people. Who do you want to give a gift to, sir?"
Zhao Yan ignored him, took out the pastries he bought in the morning and went across the street.
The courtyard was neat and elegant. During his rare break, Yu Huatang was fiddling with things in his room. He heard someone knocking on the door. He stood up and asked in confusion, "Who is it?"
"It's me, Zhao Yan."
The door opened from the inside, revealing a pretty face that looked vaguely haggard.
Zhao Yan felt a little distressed. Seeing her looking at him with doubt, he remembered the purpose of his visit today. "We just moved here, and we want to treat our neighbors to some cakes."
Yu Huatang saw a large box of cakes and shook his head, refusing to take it. "Your Excellency is too polite. I can't finish all of this by myself. Please distribute it to the people next door."
After saying this, he sent the guests away and closed the door.
Zhao Yan pursed his lips and said nothing, staring at her intently.
"My Lord, is there anything else?"
He was not wearing official uniform today, but his aura could not be ignored. Yu Huatang keenly noticed that he was a little angry.
Zhao Yan looked towards her courtyard and remembered something. "Master Yan mentioned earlier that you were researching lanterns for use at sea. As the governor, I also want to contribute to the people. Starting tomorrow, Miss Yu will come to the governor's mansion and focus on your research. The government will cover all lost wages at the Lantern Master's Hall. If you need help, you can bring it with you. The fee will be the same."
She was a little surprised that he changed the subject, but this matter really couldn't be delayed any longer. "Okay, I'll tell my senior brother tomorrow."
When Zhao Yan heard the result he wanted, he didn't say anything else and said, "That's tomorrow's matter. Today is my housewarming day. Take the cakes." He stuffed them into her hands without saying anything. Yu Huatang was afraid that the cakes would fall and be wasted, so she held them with her hands.
Zhao Yan took the opportunity to pull his hand away, "Goodbye."
Yu Huatang was helpless and did not return the pastries in his hand.
When the lights came on, Anfu set the table and called in.
After waiting for a long time and seeing that the young master didn't come out, Anfu came to the door again.
Seeing that his son stared at the window for a long time, he reminded him again, "Sir, the meal is ready."
Zhao Yan sat down, looked at the food but didn't eat it, and asked, "Where does Miss Yu usually eat?"
Anfu thought for a while and said, "I should make it myself. I saw Miss Yu raising a few big dogs the other day. Even if she doesn't eat it, the dogs will eat it."
"Big dog?"
"Yes, I heard that Master Baili helped find it. I guess he was worried that Miss Yu would be unsafe at home alone."
Yes, she was alone at home, with no one to cook for her and no one to accompany her. How miserable she must have been, Zhao Yan thought, and her food lost its taste in her mouth.
"From now on, you should take care of her every day. If you buy food or daily necessities on the street, buy an extra portion and send it to her."
He looked through the window at the closed door opposite, wondering if she had eaten.
Anfu was surprised, but he didn't dare to make up a story about the young master, so he just asked, "I'm afraid Miss Yu won't accept it."
"Just say it's a pity to throw it away, and then stuff it into her hand and leave." He has figured out how to get along with her these past few days, so this method should be feasible.
An Fu was helpless and said, "I will listen to you, Master."
The next day, Yu Huatang told Li Ruotong that he was going to the governor's mansion.
Xu Fu was listening on the side and also expressed his desire to go, saying that he would take care of his senior sister at the same time.
Li Ruotong was very worried about him going with her, and warned him, "Don't talk nonsense in the government office. Serve your senior sister tea and water, and supervise her meals."
Xu Fu nodded his chicken-like head and made repeated assurances.
As he boarded the government carriage, he couldn't help but blurt out, "Senior Sister, I feel like Senior Brother is just like our father. He nags endlessly."
Yu Huatang was also amused, but he still warned, "Don't make up stories about me. If my sister-in-law finds out, she'll skin you alive."
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