The next morning, Shujian was urged to get up by Wei Qinglou.
After the coming-of-age ceremony of the third young master of the Sheng'an Marquis's mansion, Shujian began to worry about Wei Qinglou.
He used to think that his young master was both scholarly and martial, and had exceptional intelligence, so there was nothing he couldn't do. But ever since that day at the Sheng'an Marquis's mansion, when he witnessed firsthand how his young master spoke nonsense and lied through his teeth in front of Miss Zhu, he suddenly began to doubt his own judgment.
Can such a young man truly win Miss Zhu's heart?
Although Young Master Yan looks like a complete idiot, I always feel that his son isn't much better than Young Master Yan.
"You're afraid of scaring Miss Zhu away, so you're unwilling to directly express your feelings. You always want to slowly boil the frog in the water and take things one step at a time. But you can't create opportunities for the two of you to spend time together. After all, Miss Zhu seems to be someone who is destined for great things. If you keep inviting her to tea or music, she might even ask you if you don't have anything to do?"
"Therefore, I think the best way is for you to get to know Master Zhu first and develop a deep relationship with him. Then, you see that you are handsome, talented, and unmarried. At that time, wouldn't Master Zhu see you as a perfect son-in-law?"
This was the most effective strategy Shujian devised against Wei Qinglou after reading a stack of romance novels.
He felt that if the young master followed his plan, even with his proximity, he wouldn't be able to get the moon first; perhaps then the young master and Miss Zhu were simply not meant to be.
After considering it, Wei Qinglou also felt that the plan was feasible.
So after becoming close friends with Master Zhu despite their age difference, her daily thoughts shifted from "how to gain favor with Zhu Jiayu" to "how to gain favor with Uncle Zhu".
That's why he got up early this morning to retrieve his books and sword.
"Can you help me decide which of these two robes better highlights my refined, elegant, gentle, and dignified demeanor, making me a worthy son-in-law?" Wei Qinglou held up the two robes, comparing them back and forth, struggling to make a decision for a long time.
Shu Jian's lips twitched.
The phrase "a son-in-law destined for greatness" at the end could be removed, young master!
Besides, what's the difference between the two blue robes you have?
“Of course there’s a difference,” Wei Qinglou said seriously. “This one is a lighter color, which makes me look younger and more handsome, and the sea and cliff patterns on it make me look more mature and ambitious. The other one is a darker color, but when I wear it, it makes me look more like a handsome man, and the silver thread embroidered cloud patterns make me look dignified and elegant. Can’t you even tell the difference between these two clothes?”
That's what he said, but Shujian assured him with the deep friendship he had built with the young master over the past ten years that the young master would next ask whether his idea was actually useful.
Shu Jian could swear that even when his son and Grand Tutor Chang met on a narrow road after court, he had never dealt with them so seriously.
If even his young master cannot win over Master Zhu's favor under such circumstances, then it is truly an injustice from Heaven and an injustice against Heaven.
"I think you should go with this one. The darker color might make you look more composed," Shujian sincerely suggested.
He wasn't saying it outright, but the other color was indeed too light and bright; he couldn't guarantee that the young master wouldn't look like an old cucumber painted green when he wore it.
Wei Qinglou pondered for a moment, then said, "Okay, I'll listen to you."
Book and Sword: ...
Young master, if you could to tone down that look that says, "If Uncle Zhu doesn't like this, see how I deal with you," I would be even more touched!
...
After leaving the Xie residence, they took a carriage to the Chunyin River. Wei Qinglou had Shujian put down the fishing gear, and then personally carried two small stools to the riverbank. He then sat on the stools and began to watch the fishing rods while waiting for Zhu Congjian.
Zhu Congjian arrived a little late today. When he got to Chunyin River, he saw that the well-behaved and sensible Xiao Wei had already saved a spot for him, and he couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.
The Chunyin River is known for its abundant fish and clear water year-round. Every day, a line of people fish along the riverbank. If you arrive early, you're fine, but if you arrive late, you'll have to squeeze into a corner.
Zhu Congjian squeezed through several times.
But since he met Xiao Wei, he has never suffered such injustice again.
Thinking of this, his smile deepened. After walking over and quietly greeting Xiao Wei, he began to cast his line and start fishing.
It wasn't until noon that he got up, stretched, and asked Xiao Wei where they were going to eat today.
Xiao Wei is a native of Yujing and knows many hidden private kitchens in the streets and alleys. Since the two met, Xiao Wei has taken him to eat there every day at noon. There is only one drawback to these private kitchens: they don't allow takeout. Otherwise, he would like to pack some food for A Yu so that she can taste what delicious food is like.
Wei Qinglou smiled and said, "Let Shujian take you first. I'll pack up my fishing gear and be right back."
Zhu Congjian nodded: "Alright, then you'd better hurry up, don't waste time."
Wei Qinglou readily agreed.
After Shujian and Zhu Congjian walked away, the servants who had been waiting nearby hurriedly came over with buckets and poured the fish from one bucket evenly into the small buckets that the two had brought.
After the servants left, Wei Qinglou got up to chase after Zhu Congjian and Shujian.
Today, Wei Qinglou took Zhu Congjian to eat crab noodles.
The noodles are pre-cooked until half-done and then cooled until slightly dry. When needed, they are simply boiled briefly in water. The crab, however, requires much more effort. First, the seasonings are prepared: star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, peppercorns, scallions, ginger, garlic, and Sichuan chili peppers are stir-fried in oil. Finally, a special chili sauce and Shaoxing wine are added to thicken the sauce. Then, the crab is deep-fried, placed in a noodle bowl, and finally, the sauce is poured over it.
"Did you enjoy the crab noodles today?" Wei Qinglou asked earnestly after Zhu Congjian had taken his first bite.
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com