The tightly closed door keeps out the sweltering summer heat outside.
Madam Xiao had already sat down at the tea table, looking at him with a smile on her face. She said frankly, "Mother met two good girls today, and she specially asked someone to bring them their portraits for you to see."
Xiao Yunchen had guessed it when he saw the scroll in Mrs. Xiao's hand, and he was not surprised at all.
He walked slowly to the tea table and sat upright opposite Madam Xiao. His eyelashes drooped, and his slender fingers leisurely fiddled with the teacup on the table. His voice faded into the mist, "Mother, please don't waste your thoughts. My son has no intention of getting married now."
Upon hearing this, Madam Xiao's smile instantly vanished, and she spoke with a hint of anger, "You're saying the same thing again. Are you going to say next that you want to pursue your ambitions in your official career and bring honor to your family, and that talking about marriage will only distract you from your focus?"
With unwavering conviction, she continued, "As the ancients said, one must first establish a family and a career before one can build one's career. Having a virtuous wife by your side will not only take care of your daily life but also help you resolve any troubles you may encounter. This will also be beneficial to your career. Of these two girls, one is well-educated and well-mannered, proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. The other is gentle and virtuous, having learned to manage the household before she even reached the age of 15. Either one would be a perfect match!"
Xiao Yunchen listened to Mrs. Xiao's chattering in silence, picked up the teapot, gathered his sleeves, and poured tea for her slowly.
Madam Xiao pushed away the teacup he offered her: "Oh, I don't drink tea!"
Xiao Yunchen paused holding the teacup, his face still showing that calm and gentle expression. Then he picked up the teacup and lightly skimmed off the floating leaves before taking a sip.
Madam Xiao unfolded the scroll in her hand and said, "Look at these two girls. They are beautiful, dignified and elegant, much more beautiful than that Chen Fu..."
"Bang!" The teacup suddenly fell on the table with a dull thud.
The scalding water overflowed and meandered onto the back of Xiao Yunchen's hand, burning it red, but he seemed to be completely unaware.
Mrs. Xiao's heart skipped a beat, and she regretted that she had spoken too hastily and touched her son's sore spot.
A startled voice said, "Chen'er, your hand!"
Xiao Yunchen waved his sleeves nonchalantly, "No problem."
Madam Xiao looked at him cautiously and lowered her voice, "It's not that Mother is forcing you, but if you just listen and go meet some girls, I won't bother you all the time."
Xiao Yunchen's dark eyes watched as the tea that should have been in the white porcelain teacup was conspicuously spilled onto the table. He spoke in a clear and gentle voice, "The situation is complicated now. If I can't devote myself to it, the slightest mistake will lead to a complete failure. Mother, please don't talk to me about marriage again."
Madam Xiao refused to give up: "You are already nineteen years old. Many young men your age have already married and had children. You should also do something to help your mother have a grandchild sooner."
"Besides, we are from an aristocratic family. You just need to follow everyone's footsteps, so why would you have so many troubles?" Thinking of her son who had always been obedient and sensible but now became more and more opinionated and refused to listen to their elders at all, Mrs. Xiao became annoyed again.
"You insisted on taking that narrow path without support, going against the aristocratic families. Now you're in this predicament, isn't it all your own fault? It's not too late for you to turn back. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is the heir apparent, so it's only natural for you to follow him."
As soon as Mrs. Xiao said this.
Xiao Yunchen's eyes suddenly turned cold: "If the mother likes the child, the father is still strong and healthy."
Madam Xiao was stunned for a moment, then realized what he meant: "Xiao Yunchen!"
The angry shouts echoed in the study.
Xiao Yunchen stood up, his figure straight and tall, like a pine tree standing tall in the morning light: "My son is busy with official duties. If mother has nothing else to do, she will go back and rest early."
Mrs. Xiao was so angry that her face turned red, but she had already beaten and scolded her own son who insisted on doing so, and now she had no way to stop him.
Xiao Yunchen looked at Mrs. Xiao who left in anger, and his eyes gradually became cold and gloomy.
"Like a willow."
Ru Liu, who was waiting outside, immediately pushed the door open and entered the room. "What do you want, sir?"
Xiao Yunchen said coldly, "Go check whose banquet the old lady attended today, and which ministers' families she came into contact with, and write down their names and backgrounds."
"Yes!" Ru Liu responded and left in a hurry.
Xiao Yunchen's face was tense, and his gloomy eyes were filled with coldness.
These people are really omnipresent and don't miss any opportunity to get around him.
————
Unlike the pervasive sweltering summer heat in Beijing, although the sun is scorching hot during the day in the northwest, you can still enjoy a bit of coolness as long as you stay in the shade.
The hibiscus flowers in the Pei family yard are blooming again, and the bright red flowers hanging on the branches are very beautiful.
The Pei family's front door was also painted a new coat of paint, and neighbors came one after another to congratulate them.
Aunt Pei changed her usual blue linen clothes and wore an emerald green long skirt today. After putting on some makeup and making herself look a little more like an official's wife, she looked more like an official's wife.
Only the kind smile on his face remained the same as before, as if the words "I am very hospitable" were written on his face.
"Congratulations! Your Yanli is now the garrison commander!"
"I've always said that Yanli has been diligent and studious since he was young, and he will definitely achieve great things in the future."
Aunt Pei listened to the blessings from the neighbors and couldn't stop smiling: "Oh, no, no, it's all good luck."
"There are so many high-ranking officials on our street now!"
Aunt Pei blushed slightly at what she said: "No matter how high an official my Yanli becomes, he will never forget the kindness we once showed you."
An old woman looked around privately and said, "Who's the chef for your Yanli's promotion banquet? It looks like the eldest daughter from the Li family is there, and there's also a man."
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