Chapter 26 Pretending to Love
Jiang Si returned to her home. Everything was fine and she felt comfortable and at ease. She even began to like Xie Yunshuo more.
When he arrived at the Jiang family, Xie Yunshuo, the son-in-law, became an outsider.
He remained unmoved and just followed Jiang Si silently all the way, standing quietly beside her, listening to the Jiang family's words with a smile on his face.
When he arrived in the living room, he was still sitting upright with a simple demeanor.
When asked, give a brief answer.
If others don’t know him, they might think he is a gentle and reserved gentleman.
Jiang Si's younger brothers and sisters looked at him curiously for several times.
The second sister Jiang Mi was twelve years old, and the third brother Jiang Sheng was only three years old.
The two young children had never heard of the dispute between their sister and brother-in-law, so they gathered around Xie Yunshuo.
Jiang Sheng was young but very brave. He came forward and touched the jade ring hanging around Xie Yunshuo's waist. Next to the jade ring hung a sharp tiger tooth that was nearly two inches long.
Jiang Sheng was very curious about it.
The tiger tooth was left behind when Xie Yunshuo killed a tiger at the age of sixteen. The tiger tooth was used to ward off evil spirits, so he wore it next to the jade ring.
Jiang Sheng was curious, and while Xie Yunshuo wasn't paying attention, he grabbed the corner of Xie Yunshuo's robe and pinched the tiger's tooth.
Feeling the tug, Xie Yunshuo lowered his head and met the eyes of the little boy who was looking up at him.
The child looked somewhat like Jiang Si, with dark pupils like washed purple grapes that looked innocent, and a fair face with a plump baby fat.
Xie Yunshuo stared at him in a good mood.
This child is well-behaved and likable.
But because he looks a bit like Jiang Si, he always feels a little awkward.
Little Jiang Sheng was holding his robe, so he simply handed his hand to him and held it.
On the side, Jiang Sheng's maid and wet nurse saw this situation. Although they followed Jiang Sheng, they did not dare to intervene.
The others who were talking stopped talking when they heard the commotion here.
Originally, it was Jiang's father and mother who looked over. Jiang Si was talking to her mother, but when she saw that their eyes were looking at Xie Yunshuo, she stopped talking too.
She turned slightly sideways in the armchair and looked at Xie Yunshuo who was sitting on the same side with her.
It turned out that Jiang Sheng was standing next to him, fiddling with the jade ring around his waist, and Xie Yunshuo took the opportunity to support him.
She took off the jade ring and gave it to him to play with.
Jiang Suian hurriedly apologized and said, "Children are ignorant. I hope General Xie will bear with me."
Who would have thought that Jiang Sheng, while playing with the canine teeth next to the jade ring, actually leaned his body on Xie Yunshuo's knees.
Seeing this, Xie Yunshuo simply picked him up and held him on his lap.
Jiang Si looked at this scene, her brows slightly raised, a little surprised.
How could she actually see some tenderness in Xie Yunshuo?
It just so happened that little Jiang Sheng seemed to have a good rapport with him and took the initiative to move closer to him, not at all shy.
Jiang Si loved her younger siblings very much. She asked, "What is Sheng'er playing?"
Hearing his elder sister calling his name, little Jiang Sheng grabbed Xie Yunshuo's jade ring and raised his hand: "Ya!".
This canine tooth is about an inch long and extremely sharp. It is extraordinary at first glance, so Jiang Sheng was attracted to it and became curious and wanted to play with it.
Feng Qingzhi couldn't help but smile with satisfaction and relief when he saw that his son-in-law and his youngest son had a good impression and got along well with each other.
Jiang Suian laughed and said, "Isn't the origin of Yun Shuo's tiger fangs simple? A fang this big must belong to a tiger outside the Great Wall. If that tiger stood up, it would probably be much taller than a human."
How could these scholars, who had never been to the battlefield, had never been outside the Great Wall, or hunted in the enclosure, have ever seen a live tiger?
Just by looking at this one tooth, you can tell that the tiger must be an adult male.
Talking about those ferocious beasts, everyone suddenly had a different feeling about General Xie, who was sitting quietly in front of them, holding a young child.
Originally there was no specific event, the concept was vague, and it was impossible to understand what kind of person this person was.
He said that that year, there was a severe drought and tiger plague on the border. Tigers frequently attacked villages and killed cattle and sheep in people's homes. He took more than 20 soldiers who were good at riding and shooting and went deep into the forest to hunt tigers.
The process is to shoot an arrow through the tiger's eyes, then shoot the tiger's head to make it lose its ability to move, and then dismount to fight the tiger.
This tiger fang is the testimony he left behind.
That year, Xie Yunshuo led his men to kill four tigers, which not only solved the tiger problem at the border, but also allowed the soldiers to have a full meal of meat.
Later, he won the most difficult battle of Qilin Pass and captured the newly enthroned Khan of the Turks alive.
Jiang Si didn't say anything, and listened to Xie Yunshuo's story with his parents. Little Jiang Sheng opened his mouth, tilted his head, looked at him eagerly, and listened very attentively.
After hearing this story, everyone had a more concrete feeling about the young general Xie Yunshuo and looked at him differently.
The way Jiang's father and mother looked at Xie Yunshuo was different, with a hint of new respect in their eyes.
Jiang Si still looked at him like that.
However, because he treated his third brother well, was patient and gentle, her mood also eased a bit.
Unlike before, when he saw Xie Yunshuo, he looked as if he didn't want to look at him any longer.
Xie Yunshuo did not think that what he said was particularly heroic; it was just a past event that he felt was quite successful.
Jiang's father and mother praised him, and he humbly responded.
However, when his eyes inadvertently swept over Jiang Si, he saw that she was still wary, looking at him with vigilance, especially staring at the way he held her third brother, as if she was afraid that he would hurt the child.
Xie Yunshuo held his breath and secretly advised himself not to lose his composure.
If this is true, no matter what he does, it seems that Jiang Si will never be satisfied.
This made him feel an unspeakable sense of frustration.
Whenever it comes to her, there is always a ball of cotton blocking the place where Xie Yunshuo feels frustrated. Its presence is obvious and makes people feel uncomfortable.
As if possessed by a ghost, he took off the canine tooth and handed it to Xiao Jiang Sheng.
"Since Third Brother likes it, I'll give it to him. The tiger fang can ward off evil spirits and protect him from evil spirits and suppress nightmares."
Father and Mother Jiang were naturally satisfied.
If it weren't for Xie Yunshuo, there would be no place to find this tiger fang with a unique origin.
He generously gave it as a gift, and Feng Qingzhi thanked him: "Yun Shuo is so thoughtful. Sheng'er, why don't you thank your brother-in-law?"
Little Jiang Sheng followed his mother's instructions and said in a baby voice, "Thank you, brother-in-law."
Xie Yunshuo rarely showed a sincere smile: "As long as you like it."
Then, he subconsciously looked at Jiang Si and held her gaze.
Seeing that Jiang Si's eyes were calm and without any ripples, Xie Yunshuo came to his senses and suddenly felt puzzled.
What was he doing? He actually wanted her to look at him in a favorable light. Although he had thought before about giving this fang to little Jiang Sheng who liked it, he seemed to have other intentions just now.
What's wrong with him? He actually cares about Jiang Si's reaction?
Xie Yunshuo secretly blamed himself, calmed his mind and stopped thinking about other things.
After everyone finished reminiscing and talking in the house, Feng Qingzhi wanted to arrange lunch to entertain his son-in-law, so he called Jiang Si.
"A'si took Yun Shuo for a walk in the garden and looked around."
From now on, the Jiang family will be Xie Yunshuo's in-laws, so he should be familiar with which courtyard is where and what the scenery in the courtyard is like.
Xie Yunshuo has a special status. He is an official and comes from a general's mansion. It is inappropriate to let Jiang's father entertain him. It is better to let the young couple go for a walk on their own.
Jiang Si pretended to reconcile with Xie Yunshuo in front of her parents, but they were unaware of their situation.
When my mother tells me to, I naturally have to obey.
Jiang Si stood up and replied, "Yes, my daughter will take Yun Shuo to the garden to familiarize himself with the route."
She stood up, Xie Yunshuo put down little Jiang Sheng, and stood up to follow.
The two of them only took half a step apart and left the house one after the other.
Looking at their perfectly matched backs, Father Jiang and Mother Jiang became more and more satisfied.
Jiang Suian smiled slightly and said to Feng Qingzhi, "Although there were many incidents before, and this marriage made us very worried at first, it seems that there are few people in the capital who are as compatible with our Ah Si as Yun Shuo."
Feng Qingzhi nodded in agreement.
Regardless of anything else, Xie Yunshuo's appearance and figure alone undoubtedly made him outstanding among the young men in the capital.
He was broad-shouldered and tall, and Jiang Si's figure, which easily stood out among women, matched him perfectly.
The two of them are truly made for each other, there's nothing wrong with them.
Looking at his son-in-law Xie Yunshuo today, he seems to be quite gentle and refined, not as arrogant and domineering as outsiders say.
If the two can get along harmoniously and love each other, it would truly be the Jiang family's ancestors' good deeds that allowed them to stumble upon this happy marriage.
The two parents thought happily that the current situation was very good. They looked forward to the future where their daughter and son-in-law would live in harmony, their daughter would live a happy life, and they would have many children.
But in reality, the two people who left the house returned to the state of silence.
Jiang Si led the way in front, and Xie Yunshuo followed behind. The distance between the two of them inexplicably widened.
In order to maintain the illusion of normality, they did not say anything they shouldn't have, and their expressions were kept good. However, although the two of them were walking normally, there was an invisible sense of alienation that lingered, and the gap between them gradually widened.
Xie Yunshuo noticed that the two of them were one step, two steps, three steps apart... He looked a little helpless.
Because there were servants from the Jiang family following him, he had to speed up unnoticed, take bigger steps, and catch up with Jiang Si.
Jiang Si noticed that he had changed and also realized that the relationship between them had become a little cold.
She then turned her head and said to him, "Our Jiang family house is not big, Yun Shuo, please don't despise it."
Compared with the General's Mansion, the Jiang residence was barely bigger than one of their courtyards, not to mention the various gardens within the General's Mansion.
You can walk around this house in a circle, it's incomparable.
What she said was something that ordinary people would say, but to Xie Yunshuo, she sounded sarcastic.
It seemed as if it had been assumed that he was snobbish and would look down on the Jiang family's small house.
The normal response to this statement would be to gently deny it and say, "It's no problem."
Or they would comfort him by saying, "It's already good enough for an ordinary official's residence to have three courtyards like this."
Or say something like "Madam, this is serious."
But Xie Yunshuo misunderstood, thinking Jiang Si was hinting at him, and asked, "Why do you think I would mind?"
In order to prevent others from noticing that something was wrong with the two of them, he deliberately softened his voice and kept a smile on his face.
But this sentence left Jiang Si with a difficult problem.
How should she answer him?
If no one is around, she will say, "That's just how you look."
Because Xie Yunshuo had walked dozens or even hundreds of steps without ever carefully observing every blade of grass, every brick or stone in the house.
I just followed her and pretended to be led around the garden obediently, but I didn't get involved.
Jiang Si understood that if he cared, how could he not go to see it.
Because he doesn't care, he has no curiosity and no desire to explore.
This shows that Xie Yunshuo subconsciously did not regard himself as the son-in-law of the Jiang family and did not care about this place.
It’s like Jiang Si herself faced the reality. After marrying into the Xie family, she knew her identity and was determined to be a good eldest grandson’s wife, so no matter where she went, she observed carefully.
Because she has regarded the Xie family as a place that is closely related to her.
So she could easily see that Xie Yunshuo didn't share her thoughts.
But even he himself didn't realize it.
This is the pride hidden in the bones.
This is true for all these noble young men and women.
Xie Yunshuo didn't know, nor could he have imagined that the things he was not curious about or interested in were easily discovered by Jiang Si.
He thought that he just didn't care whether the Jiang family was big or small and didn't have any plans.
Because he had already accepted the marriage with the Jiang family, he accepted the Jiang family in any situation, whether it was an ordinary official's mansion or a small family. Even if they were in trouble, dismissed from office, and their property was confiscated, Jiang Si would still be his wife.
He just felt that this house had nothing to do with him, as long as he knew the way.
After thinking for a while, Jiang Si replied, "Nothing, just joking with my husband."
She didn't want to say much and didn't want to talk to a cow.
What's the point of talking to him so much?
He would not change his innate character because of her two words.
Jiang Si's simple evasive words made Xie Yunshuo stunned.
My heart skipped a beat.
I don’t know if Jiang Si called him the wrong name or if she said the word “husband” unconsciously.
And because there was someone around, her tone was gentle and full of sweetness, which made Xie Yunshuo feel strange.
I knew she was deliberately pretending, but I had to admit that it sounded nice.
At least it sounds better than those sharp-tongued and abusive words.
Then, the two returned to silence.
For some unknown reason, Xie Yunshuo kept recalling Jiang Si's name in his mind every now and then.
After they finished touring the garden, they came to the courtyard of Jiang Si's boudoir, and she spoke to him.
"This little attic was my boudoir before I got married. Now it's occupied by my second sister, so I won't take you in."
Before she got married, Jiang Si and Jiang Mi lived together in this small building. After she got married, it became Jiang Mi's residence alone.
Naturally, outsiders are not allowed to enter a woman's boudoir.
Jiang Si didn't want to show Xie Yunshuo her boudoir in the first place, and now that she had a legitimate reason, she just didn't want to show it to him.
She said this without any affectation, and spoke it lightly, almost saying that she didn't want to take him to see it.
Xie Yunshuo felt something strange.
In fact, he didn't want to look at it at first, but inexplicably, after Jiang Si said this, a trace of curiosity arose in him, and it sprouted and took root.
He thought of the time before Jiang Si got married, when she was still a young girl, and when she was a few years old, she had arguments with him over various things.
It is totally unexpected that two people who once disliked each other have now achieved a marriage and become husband and wife.
If someone had told Xie Yunshuo back then that he would marry Jiang Si in the future, he would have refused to believe it.
However, the situation was just as expected. He and Jiang Si were at odds with each other in every aspect, their temperaments clashed, and neither of them was willing to give in.
It is not the case that just by getting married and spending time together day by day, two people’s naturally incompatible personalities can be slowly worn away like terrazzo.
If it could be changed, why would it have become known to the whole city?
Xie Yunshuo thought that no matter how good the situation was, they would just be strangers and treat each other with respect.
Not only was Jiang Si critical of him because of an old grudge, she was also stubborn, ruthless, and difficult to please.
Meeting her meant that Xie Yunshuo's life was too smooth. He needed a big stumbling block to sharpen his edge and make further progress.
Jiang Si was sent to him by God because God saw that he was having a smooth life, so he could hone his character. Perhaps if he succeeded, he could become a general.
Thinking about it this way makes me feel much better.
Then the two returned to the main hall. It was almost time to serve dinner. Feng Qingzhi had already arranged everything and even found a collar to hang around little Jiang Sheng's neck.
He used one of his original gold necklaces and made a tiger tooth into a pendant, which he wore behind his neck.
The little child was extremely happy and chattered non-stop. When he saw Jiang Si and Xie Yunshuo coming, he immediately jumped off his wet nurse and staggered towards them.
And went straight to Xie Yunshuo.
Jiang Si was puzzled. Her third brother used to be the one who was most attached to her, so why did he suddenly become so enthusiastic about Xie Yunshuo?
She saw that Xie Yunshuo didn't look like a kind person. He looked ferocious and didn't look like someone who would be liked by children.
Little Jiang Sheng ran towards Xie Yunshuo and tried to grab his robe, but Xie Yunshuo picked him up, put him on his arms and held him high.
Jiang Sheng's three-year-old son was rarely held so high. He was surprised and giggled, obviously happy.
Seeing him so happy, the Jiang family was naturally happy too.
Jiang Si looked at Xie Yunshuo and her third brother, and her eyes gradually softened.
The way he held the child in his arms, lifting him up to sit on his arms, made her feel for the first time that this man actually had such an easy-going side.
Another point for improvement.
Xie Yunshuo was a man who could hold a young child in his arms and lift him up while he sat, so his strength was not in vain.
Because Jiang Sheng liked him, Xie Yunshuo held him for a long time.
He was tall and slender, which made Jiang Sheng feel different when he was held in his arms. He also pulled Jiang Sheng under his arms, lifted him up high, and teased him.
Jiang Sheng's laughter filled the room with liveliness.
Xie Yunshuo clearly didn't say anything nice or do anything good, he just played with Jiang Sheng for a while, and he won the more satisfied looks of Jiang's father and mother.
A makeover is a breeze.
Jiang Si no longer looked at him so coldly.
At lunch, Jiang Suian really ordered someone to open a jar of osmanthus wine that Jiang Si brought back. He couldn't wait to drink it before it was even brewed.
It’s not that he is so dependent on wine, but he cherishes the gift that his daughter brought back personally.
This wine was only sealed overnight, but when it was opened, it already had the fragrance of osmanthus.
Jiang Suian filled the wine cup himself and ordered someone to pour wine for Xie Yunshuo.
During the meal, the father-in-law and son-in-law clinked glasses and talked for a while.
Before they knew it, the two of them had finished the whole jar of wine.
Jiang Sui'an's alcohol tolerance was average, but Xie Yunshuo's was a massive one, honed in the military camp. After a few drinks, Jiang's father pressed the jar and spoke his mind, "My daughter is straightforward and unyielding. If you two have any disagreements, Yunshuo, please bear with me. While most people are selfish, my daughter is genuine and sincere, and by no means a bad person. As a father, I only wish you and your wife a harmonious relationship."
After drinking, Xie Yunshuo's emotions became more sincere.
After hearing what his father-in-law said, he naturally agreed: "Yes, she is very good, please rest assured, father-in-law."
In fact, what Xie Yunshuo was thinking in his heart was that Jiang Si was indeed very nice and treated everyone well except him.
Whether the two of them quarreled or cherished each other had nothing to do with him.
It all depends on whether Jiang Si is willing to put aside some prejudice and talk to him nicely.
After lunch, the two of them returned to the general's mansion.
Because the whole Jiang family was happy and harmonious when she returned home today, Jiang Si was still happy even though she was leaving.
What she worried about did not happen. Instead, she got an unexpected gain and was overjoyed.
Jiang Sheng, on the other hand, was reluctant to leave, and in just half a day, he became attached to his cheap brother-in-law.
This made the Jiang family laugh endlessly.
When Xie Yunshuo left, he held Xie Yunshuo's legs tightly and refused to let go. Xie Yunshuo squatted down and talked to him.
"When Sheng'er grows up a little bit, I'll teach you how to ride a horse and shoot arrows."
Both Mr. and Mrs. Jiang were overjoyed.
It would be great if Xie Yunshuo, a young and famous general, was willing to teach Jiang Sheng martial arts.
If things go smoothly, perhaps the Jiang family can also produce a military general.
As a result, everyone looked at Xie Yunshuo with more satisfaction.
Before leaving, Jiang's mother held Jiang Si's hand, and the mother and daughter whispered a few words to each other.
Feng Qingzhi consoled Jiang Si, saying, "From what we've seen today, Yun Shuo is much better than we originally thought. If you two can become a good couple, Mother won't have to worry anymore."
Jiang Si responded, "Don't worry, mother. Yun Shuo is indeed a good man. As we get to know each other longer, we will definitely get better and better. My parents-in-law also treat me well. We couldn't have chosen a better marriage."
Jiang's mother was so moved that she nodded repeatedly without saying a word.
Afterwards, Jiang Si got on the carriage, and Xie Yunshuo continued to ride forward, guarding the carriage on both sides.
Father and Mother Jiang stood at the gate of the house, watching their convoy turn the corner of the alley, both of them looked relieved.
I never expected that this marriage with the Xie family would be so happy.
I never expected that these two people who were once said to be the most incompatible would become so compatible just two days after getting married.
The Jiang family returned to the yard contentedly. They had no idea that Jiang Si and Xie Yunshuo had not spoken a word and ignored each other before going out today.
Now, returning to the General's Mansion from the Jiang family, the atmosphere returned to its previous state of silence and non-involvement due to the gradual change of environment and distance from the Jiang family.
After returning to the general's mansion, Jiang Si lifted the door curtain and got out of the car, finding nothing in front of her.
After getting off the horse, Xie Yunshuo looked back but did not move, because he heard Jiang Jiangsi talking to the maid and she did not seem to want to look at him.
If we delay any longer, she will come out on her own.
She was not surprised that Jiang Si got off the car by herself.
She had never thought that a hand would appear to pick her up like when she arrived at the Jiang family. Since she hadn't thought about it, she naturally wouldn't be disappointed.
Seeing this, Xie Yunshuo realized that she didn't care whether he held her hand or not, so he turned around without any burden and walked ahead.
The people around them were at a loss.
I thought that the relationship between the two of them seemed to have eased a lot at the Jiang family. I thought that even if it was fake, it was just acting, and acting would make their relationship closer.
Who knew that after coming back, he would immediately return to his old ways, with no sign of easing in the past.
Everyone couldn't help but sigh that the two masters had the same firm character.
When I think about it this way, I feel that in some ways, they are actually quite a good match.
If either of them is easily soft-hearted, forgives the other, or wants to ease the situation, they will definitely be hurt when they see the other person being so cold-hearted.
The two of them are arguing with each other like this, and neither of them can hurt the other.
It's quite suitable.
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