Madam Xiao acted very quickly. After Xu Rong and Xiao Xin returned to the North Courtyard and had dinner, someone from the Main Courtyard came and delivered the apprenticeship gifts that Madam Xiao had prepared.
It wasn't particularly valuable, but there were quite a few different kinds of items, including celery, lotus seeds, red beans, red dates, longan, and cured meat—six kinds in total. This was an ancient custom, so it seems that Madam Xiao had actually inquired about it.
Xu Rong, unaware of the historical allusion, found it somewhat amusing: "Why are there red dates and longans? It's like a wedding."
Xiao Xin was inspecting the items one by one when he heard this and looked up at her: "Jujubes represent early success in the imperial examinations, and longans represent perfect merit."
"Then celery represents diligence, lotus seeds represent hard work, and red beans—what are red beans?"
"Good fortune shines upon you."
"oh!"
Xu Rong couldn't help but laugh. This was similar to forwarding lucky koi fish images, but with a stronger sense of ritual.
In addition, there was cured meat and a red envelope. Xu Rong understood the cured meat; that's how Confucius accepted disciples. She opened the red envelope and saw that it contained a twenty-tael silver note.
After reading it, Xu Rong put the silver notes back and carefully wrapped them up again. Even she couldn't find fault with these gifts, which showed how eager Madam Xiao was to have Xiao Xin become her apprentice.
The maids were all curious and puzzled, wondering how they had managed to cause such a mess when they had clearly run into Madam Xiao's anger. Not daring to ask Xiao Xin, they surrounded Xu Rong and asked him instead.
Since they were on the same side, Xu Rong didn't hide anything and simply said, "—Madam wanted to vent her anger, so I handed her the knife."
This statement was rather brutal. Hong Liu shuddered and exclaimed, "You're really something, girl."
Xu Rong thought she was a brainless braggart, chuckled, and casually stuffed a red date into her hand.
Hongliu dared not eat it and quickly put it back: "The Second Young Master needs it for his apprenticeship."
Bai Fu thought more deeply: "Miss, does that mean we're on Madam Xiao's side from now on?"
The power structure of the Marquis of Changxing's mansion was very clear. Given Madam Ruan's status, she was not originally qualified to stand on the opposite side of Madam Xiao. However, Marquis Xiao's love for her never waned, and he supported her with all his might, managing to elevate her to the position.
Those who enter the game later must therefore face the choice of choosing sides. The inner quarters are also a kind of martial arts world, and once you're in it, you're not in control of your own destiny. It's impossible to remain unaffected.
After Xiao Xin finished checking the apprenticeship ceremony, he was about to go into the east side room when he heard this, so he stopped and looked over.
His gaze was indifferent, but it wasn't indifference; he was simply waiting for her answer.
Xu Rong said, "Who said that? We're not standing here."
Xin Cheng, eager to learn, chimed in: "What about Aunt Ruan's side? We've offended her this time, haven't we?"
Although Xiao Xin went after Xiao Yi was rejected, Aunt Ruan and even Lord Xiao certainly wouldn't think that way.
Xu Rong said bluntly, "I won't help. What's the point of helping her?"
Xin Cheng: "Huh?"
Bai Fu also looked puzzled.
"These silly girls." Xu Rong shook her head and pointed to Xiao Xin standing by the curtain: "Can't you see the Second Young Master? He's a grown man! I'm standing with him!"
The alliance was formed long ago. What's most important in cooperation? First, mutual trust; second, shared goals and interests. Madam Xiao and Aunt Ruan satisfy neither. No matter which side she sides with, the best outcome will be that she helps one side defeat the other. And then what? What benefit will she get?
You can hand over the knife, but it would be foolish if you ended up with the knife in someone else's hand.
Only Xiao Xin could give her what she wanted.
The maids looked at Xiao Xin following the movement of her finger, and their expressions all changed to one of sudden realization.
Xiao Xin smiled slightly, then turned and lifted the curtain to go inside.
The curtain fell, and the maids looked a little bewildered.
"The Second Young Master just now—" Xin Cheng said uncertainly, "was he smiling?"
Bai Fu said, "It should be—"
He hesitated for a moment, then went to see Xu Rong.
Xu Rong was also stunned for a moment, but after regaining his senses, he nodded and said, "Yes."
She couldn't recall ever seeing Xiao Xin smile. Even if she did, it was probably an angry, cold laugh. This was the first time she'd seen him smile so innocently.
"So the Second Young Master can smile after all," Hongliu couldn't help but whisper.
"The Second Young Master has a rather handsome smile," Qingzao, another maid who was much quieter than her, couldn't help but say.
Xu Rong thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.
Xiao Xin's appearance was similar to that of Lady Wei, with clear and narrow eyes, a high nose bridge, fair skin, and a slightly pointed chin. He should have been gentle, but he usually seemed so unapproachable, making the maids afraid to speak to him, entirely because of his cold and fierce temperament.
When he laughs, he can't hold it in anymore, as if his composure has been broken, a contrast that even Xu Rong finds somewhat surprising.
It's pretty flashy, to put it simply.
Like the golden rays of sunlight shining on the snow-covered eaves after a winter snowfall—cold, yet brilliant.
Xin Cheng blurted out, "It's not a bad deal for the young lady to marry the second young master."
Xu Rong understood what she meant. Judging by appearance is a human instinct, and no one is exempt from it.
She smiled and praised, "He's a handsome young man."
Her description was so amusing that the maids couldn't help but giggle. They then lowered their voices and, after laughing, went back to carrying hot water and making beds, preparing to rest.
The night passed peacefully. In the morning, someone came to Madam Xiao's place again to deliver a message: "Madam said that the Second Young Master does not need to go over to pay his respects. He can go and attend to his own affairs."
What's the matter? I want to become your apprentice.
Only after formally becoming an apprentice can this knife be considered sharpened and ready to be used.
Xu Rong didn't need to go today. She found a beautifully crafted box, packed all the gifts, and handed it to the neatly dressed Xiao Xin: "Second Young Master, may you achieve your goal soon."
Xiao Xin nodded, turned around and strode away.
After seeing him off, Xu Rong turned around and snuggled back into her warm bed. Madam Xiao didn't explicitly say that she didn't need to pay her respects, but taking a break was perfectly acceptable, and Madam Xiao wouldn't pick on her at this time.
She took another nap peacefully before lazily getting up, dressing, and going out to the main room.
The courtyard was quiet, and as expected, Madam Xiao did not send anyone else.
Hongliu was just coming in from the courtyard gate. When she saw her, she ran over to report: "Miss, Sister Baifu asked me to go for a stroll in the manor. I inquired and found out that nothing happened today. The Madam and the Marquis did not quarrel again."
She's small, and when she goes out, people usually don't notice her. Even if they see her, they assume she's just playing around and don't think it's necessary to make things difficult for her.
Xu Rong nodded: "Okay, I understand."
Madam Xiao has some control over things; keeping the news under wraps for a day or two is no problem. As for yesterday, that was purely an accident. Who knew that Marquis Xiao would say whatever he wanted without considering the occasion?
Xu Rong was unaware that Lord Xiao had included her in the list, but she didn't care even if she did. After leisurely washing up, she ate breakfast and lunch together.
After finishing their meal, they went into the warm pavilion to digest. As soon as they entered, Xu Rong saw the red glazed flower vase by the kang (a heated brick bed), which brought back memories: it was still empty inside.
It seems Xiao Shan won't be sending the promised plum blossoms anymore. Xu Rong went out and asked Hong Liu, "Did you see any flowers blooming while you were walking around the manor?"
“There’s a small garden on the west side!” Hongliu said cleverly right away. “I saw plum blossoms inside when I passed by outside; some were red and some were white.”
Xu Rong laughed and said, "Alright, let's call your sister Bai Fu and go pick flowers."
Red Pomegranate answered crisply and turned to run away.
In the early afternoon, people in the mansion were either having lunch or taking a nap, so there were far fewer people walking around, and the area outside the courtyard was also quiet.
Xu Rong led two maids, one big and one small, leisurely strolling to the West Garden. Compared to the Ji'an Marquis's residence, this garden was smaller, which was determined by the population. The Changxing Marquis's residence had more people, so naturally, the living quarters occupied more space. However, Madam Xiao's ability to manage the household was better than Madam Xu's, so although this garden was small, it was well-maintained, with flowers and trees of varying heights. Due to the season, only plum blossoms were currently in full bloom.
"Miss, would you like red plum blossoms or white plum blossoms?" Bai Fu asked.
Xu Rong thought for a moment and said, "White is fine."
White flowers with a red vase also look good; she'd been looking at so much red for days and was getting tired of it.
"Miss, how about this one?" Bai Fu stood on tiptoe, smiling as she pressed down a branch to show her.
Xu Rong wasn't picky. She looked it over and said, "Okay, this is it."
“Girl, look at this branch, it’s blooming beautifully too.” Hongliu hopped around, pointing to a branch she couldn’t reach, despite her small stature.
Xu Rong smiled and said, "Okay."
I folded it myself.
"Girl," Hongliu suddenly called out softly.
"Hmm?" Xu Rong was focused on folding flowers and didn't look down.
"The young lady is here," she announced.
Xu Rong paused for a moment, but persisted until he broke off the white plum blossom before turning around.
Xiao Shan had already walked up to her.
"Second Sister-in-law," she curtsied, a hint of sorrow in her eyes, "I promised to bring you plum blossoms, but the plum blossoms in my aunt's courtyard are blooming much better than here."
"..."
Xu Rong was a little unsure how to respond. What did she mean? This young lady was so delicate that she would cover her face and leave after being scolded by Madam Xiao. How could she be so flexible and adaptable?
She could only say, "I thought these were nice too, so I just picked one while I was walking around."
Xiao Shan bit her lip: "Then I'll send it to my second sister-in-law in a few days. Does she still want it?"
Xu Rong honestly said, "Forget it, young lady, you might change your mind tomorrow."
Xiao Fu wouldn't be able to tolerate it for long. If she didn't return this humiliation to Lord Xiao, she probably wouldn't be able to sleep peacefully.
This time, Xiao Shan didn't understand: "...What?"
Xu Rong said, "It's nothing. Young lady, it's cold outside, and you're not well, so you should go back soon. We're going back too."
Before Xiao Shan could react, she hugged the plum blossoms and left with her maid.
Xiao Shan didn't know how to pursue her, so she could only stay there in doubt. After thinking for a while, she couldn't figure it out, so she left reluctantly.
**
The afternoon was also very peaceful. After Xu Rong returned and arranged the plum blossoms, she had nothing to do. She continued to sort through the dowry in the side room in a daze. What was a little strange was that Xiao Xin had not returned.
Xu Rong had traveled the same route before; it was just a trip to become an apprentice, it really didn't take that long.
As dusk fell, Xiao Xin finally appeared at the courtyard gate.
After entering the room, he explained, "The teacher said I couldn't delay any longer, so he started teaching me today."
Wow.
Xu Rong said with relief, "He is truly a good gentleman, decisive and efficient."
She noticed that Xiao Xin looked a little tired, not physically, but in his expression—as if he had been overloaded by too much stuffing into his body.
In short, it suffered a blow from knowledge.
She didn't say anything more, and while sending someone to report to Madam Xiao, she also arranged dinner.
After quietly finishing his two bowls of rice, Xiao Xin's complexion improved considerably. He sat for a while afterward before heading over to the east side room.
Seeing his expression, as if he were about to study hard again, Xu Rong sighed inwardly—but before she could voice her sigh, Bai Fu suddenly tugged at her sleeve: "Miss, have you forgotten?"
Xu Rong snapped out of her daze: "What?"
"Second Young Master should come and stay here." Bai Fu looked at her with a hint of reproach, but the reproach was not directed at her, but at Xiao Xin. "Second Young Master, really, how can you always leave Miss here alone?"
"The Second Young Master should have come yesterday," Bai Fu muttered. "I thought taking a master was a big deal, so I didn't dare to say anything. Who knew it would turn out like this today?"
Xu Rong said "Oh," and remembered that there was such a thing.
If it exists, it needs to be addressed.
She reassured Bai Fu, "It's alright, let the second young master study first, and we'll invite him over before he goes to bed."
Bai Fu was relieved to hear this, but also a little excited and nervous: "Miss, should I go and say it? How should I say it?"
To be too direct would be embarrassing for her young lady; to be too subtle would risk the second young master's disapproval.
Xu Rong didn't make things difficult for her, saying, "No need, I'll go and tell them."
She didn't think there was any need to organize her thoughts on this. They weren't a real couple, and she wasn't asking Xiao Xin to do anything; it was just part of the performance.
Around 9 PM, Xu Rong finished tidying up and felt sleepy, so he went over, lifted the curtain, and greeted him: "Second Young Master."
Xiao Xin, who was bent over the desk, slowly turned his head with surprise.
It was so late, he hadn't expected anyone else to come.
Everything fell silent. The lights in the courtyard outside were all extinguished, except for one still burning on his desk, its glow spreading to the doorway, now dim and soft. In this dim light, a girl with fair cheeks and flowing black hair leaned in and said to him, "Second Young Master, shall we sleep in the bridal chamber tonight?"
Xiao Xin: "..."
Xu Rong looked at him and blinked uncertainly.
Was it the lighting? Why did she feel like Xiao Xin looked like he was blushing?
Xu Rong tried to convince herself that she was mistaken, but Xiao Xin's skin was fair, and the contrast when he turned red was very obvious, even under the light.
She fell silent: "..."
No—why is he blushing?
It was as if she had made some extraordinary request.
Xu Rong couldn't help but ask, "Second Young Master, it's not like you've never slept with anyone before—?"
She couldn't continue, because she saw that Xiao Xin's ears had turned red.
...
Xiao Xin finally stood up and said, forcing himself to speak, "Don't say anything more, I'll go over there."
Xu Rong responded with an "Oh".
She didn't know what had happened, but she felt it wasn't appropriate to talk anymore, so she lifted the curtain and waited for him to come out.
Xiao Xin was about to leave when he paused, turned back, and blew out the lamp. As he passed by her, he suddenly glanced at her again and said, "By the way, I am not the young master."
Xu Rong was stunned for a moment, then realized what she meant: "You heard that? Wasn't that what was said yesterday—"
She looked at Xiao Xin with his lowered gaze, her voice lowered, and muttered, "I didn't hold it against him back then."
She knew Xiao Xin didn't like being looked down upon for his age, but a casual joke shouldn't warrant any repercussions.
Xiao Xin didn't answer her, and walked away.
He didn't care yesterday, but he wants to care today.
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