Chapter 126 Facts are Facts
After speaking with his two aunts for a while, the Duke of Chu came to summon people. The news that Jiang Yu had passed the official recommendation examination and that the emperor had personally bestowed upon him an official position was naturally already known to all the powerful and influential families in the capital.
Regardless of their true feelings, Jiang Yu's entry into officialdom significantly eased the signs of decline in the Chu State Duke's mansion. Various families sent congratulatory gifts, some from outstanding younger members, which Jiang Yu was obliged to receive.
After a day of welcoming and seeing off guests, Jiang Yu, with her exceptional physical and mental fortitude, didn't feel particularly tired. The Duke of Chu was even more pleased to see her. Everyone says that women are inherently weak, but Jiang Yu showed none of that weakness.
In the evening, after most of the guests had been received, Jiang Yu and the Duke of Chu thought that no one else would come today. The Duke of Chu's chess addiction kicked in again, so the two of them played chess under the osmanthus tree in the courtyard.
But shortly after, the steward Li Zhong arrived carrying two gift boxes, sent by Princess Wenxin and Prince An. Jiang Yu opened them and saw that Prince An had sent a conventional jade ruyi, while Princess Wenxin had sent a red whip inlaid with gemstones, which was unusually ostentatious.
However, Jiang Yu fell in love with it at first sight. She had never practiced with a whip before, but after she whipped Xie Lei last time, she felt that the whip was a really good weapon.
She picked up the whip and played with it incessantly, saying to the Duke of Chu, "I'll be more low-key next time."
She liked the whip, but it didn't suit her style. Something more understated and practical would be better.
When the Duke of Chu saw her holding the whip, his face lit up with a smile, like a child seeing a favorite toy. Even the most powerful and self-disciplined person has their own little hobbies. These hobbies can relieve stress, but of course, they shouldn't lead to neglecting one's duties.
"Have someone hunt some wild animals later, and you can choose what kind of hide to use for the whip," said the Duke of Chu.
Jiang Yu's eyes lit up. "When I have time, I'll go hunting myself and give it a try."
Riding a horse with a bow and arrow, galloping through the mountains and forests chasing prey—just thinking about it is exhilarating.
The Duke of Chu laughed heartily, "Good."
He no longer had any concept of what girls should or shouldn't do with Jiang Yu; she could do whatever she liked, regardless of gender.
Jiang Yu smiled, put away the whip, and told Xia He, who was standing to the side, to put it away as well. She then continued playing chess with the Duke of Chu. Half an hour later, the game ended with the Duke of Chu narrowly winning. The Duke of Chu laughed heartily again; the smile on his face hadn't faded all day.
At this moment, Li Zhong came over and said that Xie Ning'an from the Xie family had come to visit. Jiang Yu and the Duke of Chu exchanged a glance, and Jiang Yu said, "Please come in."
The feud between the Duke of Chu's mansion and the Xie family is, so far, only known to the two families themselves; normal interactions between them won't attract attention. In fact, if the two families were to completely sever ties, it would certainly draw attention from others.
A short while later, Li Zhong led Xie Ning'an over. Today, Xie Ning'an was dressed in a purple robe, which, compared to her usual elegance, gave her a more radiant appearance. It must also be said that Xie Ning'an was quite beautiful.
"Greetings, Duke of Chu." Xie Ning'an bowed respectfully to the Duke of Chu. Neither his attitude nor his expression revealed the life-or-death relationship between their two families.
When it comes to putting on a show, the Duke of Chu is naturally no less adept. He smiled kindly and said, "Please, no need for formalities. How is your grandfather's health?"
"Thank you for your concern. My grandfather is in good health," Xie Ning'an said with a smile.
The Duke of Chu nodded, "That's good."
After exchanging pleasantries, Jiang Yu and Xie Ning'an greeted each other. This time, there was no tension between them; instead, they smiled and exchanged greetings.
After sitting down, Xie Ning'an presented his congratulatory gift and said to Jiang Yu, "Miss Jiang is very knowledgeable and talented. I admire her."
Jiang Yu smiled and accepted the gift from his hand. "You're too kind. Young Master Xie has achieved fame at a young age, which is truly admirable."
"I'm ashamed," Xie Ning'an said modestly.
A maidservant brought over tea, and Xie Ning'an looked at the chessboard outside the hall and said, "May I have a game of chess with Miss Xie?"
After speaking, he clenched his hands tightly under his sleeves and turned to look at Jiang Yu. Today, Jiang Yu was different from the sharp and fierce woman they had met last time. Today, she was composed, dignified, and even more radiant.
"I was just about to ask you for advice too."
Jiang Yu's clear voice rang out, and Xie Ning'an slowly loosened her grip on his hand. Jiang Yu stood up, gesturing for Xie Ning'an to join him. Xie Ning'an also stood up, and the two walked to the chessboard and sat down. Jiang Yu played black, and Xie Ning'an played white, and the two began their back-and-forth battle.
Despite the polite smiles and friendly exchanges during the conversation, everyone knew the true nature of their true feelings. Therefore, no one held back on the chessboard, even though Xie Ning'an harbored different feelings for Jiang Yu.
The game of chess lasted a long time, and then it got dark. The Duke of Chu had lanterns lit. After a while, Jiang Yu placed a chess piece on the board and said to Xie Ning'an with a smile, "Thank you for the handicap."
Xie Ning'an sat there stunned for a moment, then smiled wryly and said, "It is because my skills are inferior to others."
He stood up to take his leave, and Jiang Yu escorted him to the gate. As Xie Ning'an was about to get into the sedan chair, she turned back to look at Jiang Yu and said, "Whether Miss believes it or not, the Xie family has never intended to be an enemy of your esteemed household."
Jiang Yu's smile remained unchanged as she said, "Whether it was against my will or not, the fact is the fact."
The implication is that you shouldn't make up so many ridiculous excuses; don't you have any idea what you've done?
Xie Ning'an stared intently at her. The young woman was dressed in a simple, clean light-colored robe, yet she exuded an aura of decisiveness and ruthlessness. And damnably, he couldn't look away.
Xie Ning'an pursed her lips, cupped her hands in a respectful gesture towards Jiang Yu, and said, "Goodbye."
Jiang Yu smiled warmly, "Goodbye."
Xie Ning'an turned and got into the sedan chair. Jiang Yu watched his sedan chair leave, then turned away, her smile fading. When they arrived at the Duke of Chu's courtyard, the meal was already laid out. She washed her hands and sat down opposite the Duke of Chu.
The Duke of Chu served her some food and said, "There's no need to care about the Xie family's attitude. When the opportunity arises that can put them to death, just do it."
Jiang Yu hummed in agreement. "Xie Ning'an probably didn't come today to make any gestures of goodwill. It was just a normal visit to avoid attracting attention."
The Duke of Chu also held this view.
Xie family
After returning to the Xie residence, Xie Ning'an went to Xie Yun's place. Xie Yun was having dinner when he saw her arrive. He asked someone to add more chopsticks and bowls and asked, "Why are you so late?"
Xie Ning'an took a sip of tea with a calm expression, "I played a game of chess with Jiang Yu."
Xie Yun frowned slightly. "Who won?"
Xie Ning'an's expression remained unchanged. "Jiang Yu."
Xie Yun was stunned for a moment, then put down his chopsticks. "This Jiang Yu is truly a person not to be underestimated!"
Xie Ning'an didn't respond, keeping her head down as she ate. Xie Yun glanced at her, sighed, and said, "In the future, don't go against the Duke of Chu's mansion unless absolutely necessary."
These words made Xie Ning'an silently breathe a sigh of relief. "Yes."
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