Chapter 74: Meeting the parents? "Are you relieved now?"...
The carriage moved slowly along the streets of the capital. Inside the carriage, Liu Yeshu sat quietly on the cushions, her slender hands gently stroking the non-existent wrinkles on her skirt.
She looked through the gaps in the brocade curtains of the car window at the bustling street scene outside. From time to time, she could hear the shouts of vendors and occasionally smell the aroma wafting from a distant teahouse.
Early this morning, Liu Yeshu received a message from a servant in the mansion saying that General Qi wanted her to accompany him. When she asked where they were going, the servant just shook his head blankly.
The carriage jolted around a corner, startling a flock of pigeons on the roadside. Liu Yeshu instinctively grasped the edge of the carriage to steady herself, her sleeves swaying slightly, revealing a slender, white wrist. Qi Yu reached out to steady her, but seemed to feel uneasy. He reached out halfway, seeing that she was firmly seated, and withdrew his hand.
The carriage pulled into a quiet alleyway. The surrounding clamor gradually faded, leaving only the crisp sound of horse hooves hitting bluestone slabs. Mansions with blue bricks and green tiles passed by one after another.
Liu Yeshu noticed that this trip seemed a little unusual, and frequently cast inquiring glances at Qi Yu, but saw that he remained silent, with only a faint smile on the corner of his mouth.
A moment later, the carriage slowly stopped in front of a magnificent mansion.
Liu Yeshu lifted the brocade curtain and looked up. Above the vermilion lacquered gate hung a simple plaque, its four powerful characters "Zhengguo Jiangjun Mansion" catching her eye. Her gaze shifted from the plaque to the mansion, where she saw towering walls and deep courtyards. The bluestone path in front of the gate was neatly paved, flanked by several vigorous, ancient pines, their branches swaying, casting dappled shadows in the morning light.
After Qi Yu got out of the car, he turned around and helped Liu Yeshu up, saying to her softly, "Follow me. This is the residence of General Han, my father's best friend and my adopted husband."
Liu Yeshu nodded and followed Qi Yu through the corridors and came to the inner courtyard. There he saw an old man in a gray cloth robe sitting in front of a chessboard. Although his face showed some traces of time, his eyes were sharp and revealed his extraordinary spirit.
General Han looked up at the sound and saw Qi Yu. A smile immediately crossed his face. Although he was smiling, his aura was intimidating without even being angry. Liu Yeshu was secretly surprised. Why did he feel so much shorter than Qi Yu when they first met? Even when the old general was sitting on the soft couch, he still gave people the impression of being upright and indomitable.
"Yu'er, you're finally here," General Han said with a smile.
Qi Yu bowed and said, "My dear husband, how are you?"
The old general nodded slightly, but looked Liu Yeshu carefully for a moment before smiling and saying, "Yu'er mentioned a smart and capable girl in her letter. I think it must be you."
Liu Yeshu wore a plain long dress today, her dark hair tied up with a white jade hairpin, revealing her slender neck. The slanting sunlight cast a soft golden glow on her delicate features, highlighting her smooth skin and picturesque features. Unexpectedly being asked, she turned to look at Qi Yu, only to see a faint smile on his face.
"Miss, you usually help Yu'er with affairs. Is it hard?"
Liu Yeshu was slightly startled, and quickly replied: "It's not hard. My duties in the general's mansion are all part of my job."
General Han smiled with satisfaction, his gaze shifting to the black lacquer chessboard beside him. The board was rustic and elegant, with crisp, sharp lines, clearly a treasure of many years. He patted the board gently and said, "Since you're here, why don't you play a game with me?" He patted the board beside him.
Qi Yu agreed and said, "I have been taught by Yifu for many years. Today I would like to ask for your advice again." He walked to sit opposite General Han, his expression became calm and focused.
General Han smiled and said, "I'm not asking you, I'm asking Miss Liu."
This sudden invitation startled Liu Yeshu. She quickly bowed and said, "General, thank you for your kindness. However, my chess skills are limited, so I'm afraid I'll disappoint you."
General Han, however, was unconcerned. "No problem," he said, and began to place the chess pieces. The ebony pieces flew between his fingers, making crisp sounds.
Liu Yeshu looked at the chess board in front of her and her hands felt itchy. Go was once her favorite pastime and she had won the national Go championship during college.
At General Han's insistence, Liu Yeshu finally sat down. She gently stroked the chess piece, feeling the familiar touch, as if she had returned to the time when she was concentrating on playing chess.
"Please give me some advice, old general." she said respectfully.
General Han, playing black, made the first move. With a sweep of his hand, he placed a piece on the center of the board. The piece struck the board with a resounding sound, as if signaling the start of the game.
Liu Yeshu pondered for a moment, then gently placed the white piece on the upper right star position.
Liu Yeshu's gestures were skillful and natural, her slender fingers tapping the petals of a flower as she held the chess pieces. Her once cold face became animated by concentration, her eyes flickering with a touch of intelligence, her lips slightly pursed, a hint of earnest endearment emanating from her. As the game progressed, she gradually immersed herself in it, radiating a rare calmness and composure.
As the game progressed, the situation on the chessboard grew increasingly complex. General Han's moves were dramatic and unpredictable, like a military parade on the battlefield, full of momentum and grandeur. Meanwhile, Liu Yeshu's moves were delicate and agile, deftly neutralizing his opponent's attacks while secretly plotting his moves.
Qi Yu stood aside, watching Liu Yeshu as she lowered her eyes in thought. Her long eyelashes drooped slightly, casting a faint shadow beneath her eyes, and a pensive expression emerged on her elegant face. At this moment, she possessed her usual cool and indifferent demeanor, yet also possessed a certain agility and grace, like a moving ink painting.
Over a hundred moves passed in a flash, and the game entered its middle stage. General Han suddenly launched a fierce attack from the left, sending black pieces surging in like a tide. Liu Yeshu remained calm, tapping his white pieces gently. From a seemingly hopeless situation, he found a glimmer of hope.
When the last piece fell, the entire chessboard transformed into a beautiful painting. Black and white pieces intertwined, attacking and defending, yet it was impossible to determine the winner. General Han considered the situation carefully and couldn't help but clap his hands and laugh. "Excellent move! It's a draw!"
Liu Yeshu lowered his eyes and said, "It was just luck, all thanks to the old general's concession."
General Han shook his head and said, "No, your chess moves are very sophisticated, obviously the result of years of hard training. Even I have to praise those moves you made just now."
After the game ended, Liu Yeshu began to clean up the mess and put the scattered pieces back into the chess box. But then she heard General Han say, "I heard that His Majesty intends to grant you a marriage. Have you thought about how to play this game?"
Qi Yu looked at the gradually emptying chessboard, pondered for a moment, and said in a low and restrained voice: "Your Majesty's kindness, I am naturally grateful, but my grandson does have a lover."
General Han continued to pack up his chess pieces as he turned to look at Liu Yeshu and said kindly, "Miss Liu, Yu'er has mentioned you several times in his letters, praising you for your intelligence, ability, and determination. Seeing you today, I can see that it's true."
General Han put the last chess piece into the chess box, his eyes full of approval and consideration: "It is not easy to gain Yu'er's trust. In the future, if you are willing to assist him, I will entrust him to you with confidence." Although his words were not explicit, they were full of deep meaning, as if he had confirmed the extraordinary relationship between her and Qi Yu.
Liu Yeshu was deeply shocked, understanding the old general's implication, but he still tried to remain calm and replied, "I am grateful for your care, General. I will do my best to serve you."
General Han gently closed the chess box and turned to Qi Yu and said, "It's just that the matter of granting marriage involves court struggles, and I'm afraid it will be difficult to change for the time being." As he spoke, his fingers unconsciously tapped lightly on the chess box, as if making the final decision on the game of chess.
Upon hearing this, Qi Yu's eyes darkened slightly, a cold, resolute expression on his face. He set down his teacup and spoke in a firm, fearless voice, "Foster Father, you must understand my intentions. Your Majesty's desire to consolidate power through marriage is due to the unstable situation at court, with power surges from all sides. I have no interest in these court struggles, and even less the desire to be a pawn. As for the arranged marriage, I will never accept it."
General Han looked at him, sighed softly, a hint of worry in his eyes. This wasn't the first time he'd witnessed Qi Yu's decisiveness, but in this case, the court struggle had already reached the pinnacle of power, and the competition among the princes was becoming increasingly intense. The Second and Third Princes had each secretly amassed influence, forming two factions that had long been engaged in open and covert warfare. Now, the Second Prince was behind the proposed marriage. If Qi Yu agreed, it would quickly solidify his position at court.
General Han said slowly, "Yu'er, I understand your feelings. But you must understand that the court is currently in turmoil, with several princes vying for power. You have made great contributions at this critical juncture, making you a natural target for wooing. Princess An, who serves the Second Prince, has long harbored feelings for you. If His Majesty truly grants you a marriage, she will definitely become your wife."
A trace of disdain flashed across Qi Yu's eyes, and his tone was firm and cold: "Foster father, I know the Second Prince's intentions very well. He thinks he can use the various forces in the court to win me over, but I am not someone who can be manipulated. I have made up my mind, and I will not be swayed by the marriage."
Liu Yeshu calmly avoided their gazes and took a step back, but Qi Yu grabbed her arm and stopped her.
General Han was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Since you're so determined, I won't try to dissuade you. Just be careful. These princes' struggles involve many forces. If you're not careful, you'll be dragged into it. Even those around you might not be spared."
Qi Yu nodded slightly, his tone gentle but firm: "Foster father, don't worry, I will handle it properly. After this matter, I will try to express my feelings to Your Majesty and will not let Your Majesty be suspicious again."
General Han sighed deeply, his gaze lingering between Qi Yu and Liu Yeshu, a look that seemed to carry a deep meaning, yet also a hint of unease. He slowly stood up and patted Qi Yu's shoulder. "Yu'er, if you insist on doing this, I can only do my best to support you in secret. But you must know that this road is full of dangers and obstacles, so you must be careful at every step."
Qi Yu nodded, his eyes full of determination: "I understand, my child."
By the time they emerged from General Han's mansion, dusk had already dyed the sky red. Liu Yeshu sat in the carriage, her cheeks warming slightly as she recalled what had just happened. General Han's profound words clearly indicated he was looking for a future mistress for Qi Yu, and Qi Yu had brought her here with the intention of meeting his parents.
She quietly raised her eyes to look at Qi Yu opposite her, only to see him looking at her with a smile.
"Are you relieved now?"
The gaze was as gentle as water. Liu Yeshu's heart skipped a beat and she quickly lowered her head. Her long eyelashes trembled slightly, and her slender fingers twisted her sleeves unconsciously. Her heart beat so fast that it almost jumped out of her chest.
The carriage moved slowly, its wheels rolling over the bluestone pavement, making a regular, soft sound. The evening breeze blew in through the window, bringing a hint of coolness, but it couldn't blow away the blush on her face.
Neither of them spoke during the entire journey, but they both understood each other, as if countless emotions were flowing in the silence.
Back at the General's Mansion, dusk had already dyed the clouds red across the horizon. As I stepped into the courtyard, I saw the front hall, brightly lit. A handsome young man was waiting, flanked by several elegantly dressed attendants. The autumn breeze blew through the courtyard, bringing with it a faint aroma—I thought it was the ambergris he wore.
Liu Yeshu recognized at a glance that this man was the young man from a noble family whom she met in the tea shop, and subconsciously took half a step back behind Qi Yu.
The man was calm and composed, dressed in a light blue brocade robe, the fabric gleaming with a gentle sheen in the candlelight. His every gesture revealed the elegance of a young man from an aristocratic family. Standing there, he resembled a meticulously crafted painting, yet gave off a sense of deliberate craftsmanship.
Qi Yu frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing across his eyes. Clearly, this sudden visit was not what he expected. He glanced at Liu Yeshu beside him and saw that she looked uneasy.
"Come in with me."
Liu Yeshu was slightly startled when she heard this, and quietly raised her eyes to look at Qi Yu. However, she saw that his expression was as calm as water, but there was a trace of imperceptible coldness in his eyes.
Qi Yu strode into the front hall and said, "Mr. Han, I'm honored to be here. What can I do for you?"
Qi Yu's voice was calm, yet hinted at a sense of distance. The flickering candlelight cast a fluctuating shadow on his handsome face.
When Han Mo saw Qi Yu, he first bowed respectfully, his manners revealing the dignity of a young man from an aristocratic family. But his eyes soon fell on Liu Yeshu, and his eyes were scorching and straightforward, without any concealment.
Liu Yeshu felt uncomfortable all over when he looked at her like that.
"General Qi, I came to visit you today because I do have a favor to ask." Han Mo had a confident smile on his face, his eyes still glued to Liu Yeshu, as if admiring a precious toy. "I fell in love with this girl at first sight a few days ago. I heard that she is a maid in General Qi's mansion. I wonder if the general would give her to me?"
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