After the spring outing, the rest of March was peaceful and calm.
Xu Rong would encounter Chang Shuyin every day when she paid her respects. At first, she could sense Chang Shuyin's subtle scrutinizing gaze, but Madam Xiao and Marquis Xiao acted as usual—the kind of "usual" that would cause them to stumble over after only three sentences. Xu Rong knew that Chang Shuyin had at least not reported the incident to her superiors.
Perhaps she was afraid of offending Madam Xiao, or perhaps Chang Shuyin herself judged that there was no need to say it.
After all, nothing really happened.
Xu Rong acted without realizing it.
Later, even Chang Shuyin's gaze gradually disappeared.
As spring flowers faded and greenery filled the ground, and summer began, a joyous event occurred at the Changxing Marquis's residence.
The second daughter, Xiao Qi, is getting engaged.
Master Xiao the Second was a wealthy but idle man who never held any official post, which made the second wife's presence in the household weak. In this respect, Madam Xiao the Second followed her husband's lead, always smiling at everyone and never standing out or trying to be assertive. She would only accept tasks that Madam Xiao was unwilling to do and would never complain.
This second wife, however, quietly accomplished something significant, managing to arrange Xiao Qi's marriage before Xiao Shan could.
When Second Madam Xiao arrived, Madam Xiao was also surprised: "Oh? Congratulations, Second Madam! Which family's son is it?"
“He is the eldest son of Zheng, the deputy commander of the Imperial Guard.” Madam Xiao said with a smile, “Speaking of which, it’s all thanks to my sister-in-law. Last time, when the old master held a banquet at his mansion, I took Qi’er with me. Madam Zheng happened to see us and praised Qi’er for her good looks and auspicious appearance. I thought her words sounded a bit interesting at the time, but I didn’t think much of it. However, a couple of days later, she sent someone to deliver a message, and I was quite shocked.”
Madam Xiao pressed on with interest, "And then? You agreed?" She added with a hint of complaint, "It's been so long, why didn't you tell me sooner? I could have asked the Marquis to inquire about it for you."
Arranging marriages for one's children is something that parents are most happy to handle and care about, and even Madam Xiao is no exception.
Madam Xiao smiled and said, "Thank you, sister-in-law. But it's still far from certain, so it's not good to bother the Marquis. Our master is a free man, so we should ask him to lend a hand. I asked him to go out and inquire. He asked a few families who know his family, and they all said that his eldest son is steady, filial, and has never been known to have any bad habits."
“My father told me when he came back, and I was quite fond of it. For a family like ours, we don’t care about being rich or powerful. As long as our children are doing well, that’s better than anything else.”
Madam Xiao had her own agenda, but Xiao Qi wasn't her daughter, so she didn't need to worry about her so much. Her attitude became much more tolerant, and she nodded in agreement, "That's true."
Mrs. Xiao continued, "But the most important thing is that the two children are willing. Around Qingming Festival, I took Qi'er out and let her meet with the other side."
This meeting was, of course, a good outcome.
"Qi'er is usually quite mischievous, and I always worry about her. But I never expected that she would save me so much trouble when it comes to marriage. It was settled as soon as I mentioned it." Madam Xiao couldn't hide her joy.
For every person who is happy, there is someone who is sad.
When Madam Xiao casually mentioned this incident during the morning greetings the next day, Xiao Shan's face immediately turned pale.
She didn't have any particular feelings about Xiao Qi's fiancé; he was just a junior official, a third-rank official with no title. Such a family was not even in her eyes. The problem was that she was the older sister and Xiao Qi was the younger sister, and now Xiao Qi had gotten engaged before her!
Where should she put her face?
Lord Xiao happened to be there that day and also felt it was inappropriate. He frowned slightly and said, "There has always been an order of seniority. Second daughter is only fifteen years old. Why are you in such a hurry? Besides, there are many good families in the capital. Magistrate Zheng has a good reputation, but his family background is a bit humble. You should talk to Second Madam and ask her to take a look at the family more."
Honestly, Madam Xiao didn't think much of a mere deputy commander, but she would support whatever Marquis Xiao opposed. She replied slowly and deliberately, "I think Second Madam is practical and honest. A deputy commander isn't a very high-ranking official, but at least the position can be passed down to the child. If the young master of the Zheng family is ambitious in the future, he can naturally rise in rank. Marquis, you are ambitious and say there are many good families. You should find a suitable family for your eldest daughter as soon as possible, so that she doesn't get all flustered here. If people who don't know the situation see this, they might think that I, as her stepmother, am unkind."
"You—" Lord Xiao was furious. "Shan'er was sitting quietly and didn't provoke you. Why are you dragging her into this again!"
Madam Xiao sneered: "Did I say something wrong? Instead of getting angry with me here, Lord Marquis, you should spend more time thinking about the eldest daughter. The second madam is a thoughtful person. She specifically told me that the second daughter's marriage should not be publicized beforehand. The horoscopes of both sides have been exchanged, and the family is aware of the situation. The engagement ceremony will be held next year, and the wedding ceremony will be the year after. It is rare that the Zheng family values the second daughter and is eager to arrange this marriage. They have agreed to everything."
Betrothal at fifteen or sixteen, marriage at seventeen or eighteen—this is roughly the process for noble ladies' marriages. Since the agreement had already been reached, Madam Xiao Er was able to postpone the engagement ceremony until next year, which was actually for Xiao Shan's sake. By next year, Xiao Shan will be seventeen, and her marriage should be settled by then. It wouldn't be considered improper for Xiao Qi to hold the ceremony then.
Hearing this, Lord Xiao had no further objections. He coughed lightly and said, "Since my second brother and his wife are willing, then so be it. When you have time, prepare a gift for them. Although it won't be ostentatious, the family should still offer their congratulations."
Madam Xiao glanced at Xiao Shan, whose expression remained unchanged, and replied, "It's all prepared. There's no need for the Marquis to remind me of such a small matter."
Not only Madam Xiao, but Xu Rong also needs to prepare a copy.
She was a cousin-in-law from a different branch of the family, so the gift didn't need to be elaborate; a pair of crabapple blossom hairpins would suffice. When it was delivered to the second branch of the family, Xiao Qi accepted it shyly and thanked her.
For the next two days, Xiao Shan claimed to be ill and did not come to the main hospital to pay her respects.
Putting aside whether she was truly sick or feigning illness, April was indeed a month full of joy. Perhaps it was also the time of good fortune for the Marquis of Changxing's family. Near the end of the month, another piece of good news came: Xiao Lun was promoted.
He was promoted to the position of commander in the Jinwu Vanguard.
He was only twenty years old and a fifth-rank official.
It's no wonder that the eldest son of the Xiao family looked down on the third-rank official from the Zheng family. However, since the second master of the Xiao family was from the second branch and had no title to inherit, and he himself was not ambitious, it was not a bad thing for him to be married to a relative like Zheng Tongzhi.
This was Xiao Lun's first promotion since entering officialdom, and the entire Xiao family was overjoyed and talked about it endlessly. According to Xu Rong's unintentional overhearing, it seemed that the Duke of Zheng had played a part in it, as he was in charge of the capital's guards. This showed that it was true that having someone in the court made it easier to get an official position.
Unlike her nonchalant attitude towards her niece's marriage, Madam Xiao immediately decided to hold a grand banquet. Marquis Xiao did not agree, thinking that this small step forward was enough for the family to celebrate. His intentions were good, but since it was his idea, Madam Xiao found it difficult to listen. The two sides argued fiercely, and in the end, it was Xiao Lun who intervened and persuaded her to give up.
The celebratory banquet consisted of only two tables, presented in the form of a family dinner.
People from both the eldest and second branches of the family attended. After all, it was a joyous occasion, and the atmosphere was lively. Madam Xiao the Second was especially eager to join in the fun and instructed her youngest son, Xiao Jian, to also offer a toast to Xiao Lun.
Xiao Jian, who had a robust and chubby face, stood up and loudly recited the blessing he had been taught by the adults beforehand: "May my elder brother rise to a higher position and have a bright future!"
Xiao Lun smiled and drank it.
Xiao Yi then stood up as well. He put away all his previous thoughts about Xiao Xin and, with a hint of fear for Xiao Lun, respectfully offered a toast. Xiao Lun, on the other hand, acted like a gentle elder brother, lightly clinking his wine cups with Xiao Yi's before drinking.
Xiao Xin was the last to arrive, but he finally stood up, offered a blessing, and raised his hand in respect.
Xiao Lun was a little surprised, smiled, and said, "My second brother has grown up too."
Xiao Xin didn't say much. After offering his toast, he sat down and created a unique atmosphere in his corner. He no longer paid attention to others, and others couldn't get close to him.
Lord Xiao frowned: "Second Brother's personality is still a bit too independent."
Xiao Xin seemed not to hear, and remained silent with his head down.
Before the wedding, he went to Lord Xiao to ask for help one last time.
Lord Xiao did not see him.
After that, he had nothing more to say to Lord Xiao, and he asked for nothing more.
His silence was tantamount to giving Lord Xiao no way out. Lord Xiao, who had only spoken casually and wasn't angry, turned cold upon seeing this: "Second Brother—"
“Second brother is probably tired,” Xiao Lun suddenly stepped in to smooth things over. “I heard that second brother has been studying seriously these days, and it seems he’s planning to try out the exam next month?”
Because Madam Xiao and Lord Xiao argued about whether or not to hold a grand banquet, it was delayed for a few days, so it is now early May. According to the notice posted by the Wanping County Government, the county examination will be held on the fifth day of next month.
Xiao Xincai replied, "Yes."
Xiao Yi pursed his lips and interjected, "Second Brother is really confident. Mr. Peng said that even the most exceptionally intelligent child would need at least five or six years before daring to talk about fame and fortune."
Mr. Peng was another tutor that Lord Xiao later found for him. Because he was originally from the capital, his reputation was even greater than that of Mr. Su, who came to the capital later.
Xiao Xin has been studying for ten years, but even Xiao Yi has heard from the servants how he was just wasting his time. In terms of truly putting in hard work, he hasn't even been studying for a year, yet he dares to go and take the imperial examination. Isn't that ridiculous?
The fact that Mr. Su dared to ask him to take the exam shows that he is unreliable and not as good as Mr. Peng.
Xiao Yi was a little smug.
“Having ambition is always a good thing.” Xiao Lun stepped in to smooth things over and said to Xiao Xin, “It’s getting late, second brother, why don’t you go back first, or rest for a while, or read a book, either would be good.”
This was to avoid upsetting Lord Xiao, and also to prevent him from refusing to back down and getting scolded again.
Xiao Xin glanced at another table—where Madam Xiao and her female relatives were seated. Xu Rong seemed to sense something, turned back and nodded to him, and Xiao Xin bowed and left.
Lord Xiao remained silent for a moment at the table. He had no idea how to get along with his son or how he had become like this. He didn't know either. Trying to recall was both impossible and troublesome. Did he, as the father, have to reflect on his own actions?
It's better to see each other less often and get less angry.
He didn't stop him and let Xiao Xin go.
In fact, Xu Rong also wanted to leave.
She pressed her stomach lightly and discreetly. Her period had started. The discomfort wasn't too bad, but she couldn't comfortably lie on the kang (a heated brick bed). She had to sit here and socialize, which was both unsatisfying and made her feel impatient.
But she had no excuse, and she couldn't follow Xiao Xin's example and anger Madam Xiao, that would be too risky, so she had no choice but to sit there obediently.
Fortunately, the banquet was already more than halfway over. After sitting for another quarter of an hour or so, Lord Xiao finally announced the end of the banquet. Xu Rong couldn't wait any longer, so he hurriedly helped Bai Fu up and left the flower hall to walk towards the north courtyard.
It was already late afternoon, and even a large family like the Marquis of Changxing's mansion couldn't keep all the lights burning all night. On the way home, Bai Fu had to rely on a lantern in her hand for illumination. Occasionally, servants could be seen coming and going along the way, their lanterns flickering in the distance, which was quite a sight.
Xu Rong had no interest in sightseeing at this moment; she just wanted to get back as soon as possible.
But just as they were about to encounter trouble, the North Courtyard was remote, and they wandered further and further away until there were no more lights or candles in the distance. Just then, a figure suddenly appeared from the roadside.
Bai Fu was so startled that she almost dropped the lantern.
The man took a step back, realizing he had frightened someone, and said, "It's me."
With the sound, a faint smell of alcohol wafted over.
Bai Fu was even more surprised—she recognized the voice and figured it out; it was Xiao Lun!
He must have taken some shortcut, because he ended up blocking their way.
Xu Rong remained silent, watching him quietly.
Xiao Lun said in a low voice, "Second sister-in-law, I don't mean anything by it, I just want to ask you one question: with your second brother's temper, is he really good to you?"
Xu Rongcai spoke weakly, "What if it's good, what if it's bad?"
“It would be good if it were good,” Xiao Lun paused, then continued, “but if it’s not good, as I told you before, you can come to me if you encounter any difficulties.”
Although he smelled of alcohol, he maintained a certain distance, which was undeniably gentlemanly, and his voice was undeniably sincere.
Xu Rong glanced at him again before saying, "I understand."
She found out.
Chang Shuyin may not have told Lord Xiao and Lady Xiao, but she did tell Xiao Lun.
It's inherently difficult to hide things from your spouse.
So, more than a month later, Xiao Lun stepped forward to test her.
She remained inactive to lower the other party's guard, and the same reason the other party had been inactive for so long.
The only difference is that Xiao Lun is strangely prone to self-delusion.
He actually tried to use his good looks on her.
After drinking, in the dark of night, with no one around, and having just been promoted, his power automatically enhanced his charm.
Xu Rong said lazily, "Your Highness, please come closer. I do have something I want to say to you."
Xiao Lun noticed her brows were slightly furrowed, her face shrouded in the darkness and dim light. Her thin early summer clothes made her appear even more delicate, her eyes seemingly blending into the night, yet a light shone through her pupils, revealing a hint of sorrow. This sorrow beckoned to him, and he involuntarily took two steps forward, saying, "What—"
Snap!
A crisp sound broke the silence of the night.
Bai Fu opened her mouth wide.
The lantern in her hand finally fell to the ground. She hurriedly picked it up, but luckily she was quick enough that the candle inside hadn't burned through the paper before it could burn through.
Xu Rong shook his hand.
It was her first time doing this, and she wasn't very skilled. She didn't know if she hadn't used the right amount of force or if Xiao Lun was just too shameless, but she felt her palms go numb.
I wonder how Xiao Lun's cheeks feel.
Xiao Lun: "..."
He finally snapped out of his daze, covered his face, and shouted angrily, "You—"
Xu Rong lazily interrupted him: "Young Master, go ahead and shout. Shout until you're hoarse, let everyone see how you flirt with your sister-in-law."
Xiao Lun: "..."
He swallowed back what he was about to say.
Xu Rong said, "Your Highness won't call me? Then I'll say what I want to say. I don't like hearing people talk about how the Second Young Master's temper is. Your Highness, please respect me and don't say it again, okay?"
Xiao Lun gave a pathetic, cold laugh: "You actually did it to him, you—"
"Actually, no, I did it to spite the young master." Xu Rong tilted his head. "Is this what the young master wanted me to say? There's a whole table of food here, no wonder the young master is so drunk."
Xiao Lun was only slightly intoxicated. Because he wasn't drunk, he clearly heard her sarcasm. When he looked at her again, the look in her eyes wasn't resentment at all, but rather the cold glint of a blade, freezing his heart as if a thin layer of ice had formed. The ice was then quickly broken and shattered, releasing a strange heat—perhaps anger, or perhaps something else entirely.
Xu Rong politely asked him, "Is there anything else, Your Highness?"
After hitting the person, her pent-up anger dissipated.
He didn't cause trouble, so she didn't plan to slap him again. Taking action wasn't her forte, nor was it the ultimate solution to problems.
Xiao Lun lowered his hand, remained silent, but did not move aside.
Xu Rong got impatient and stood up again, but after glancing behind him, she calmed down and a smile appeared on her lips.
At the end of the road, a lantern appeared, its light dim.
This path leads to the North Courtyard and the rear quarters. The rear quarters are where servants live, but for some reason, she was certain that she knew who was coming.
Xiao Lun seemed to sense something and glanced back in the direction of her gaze.
He frowned, hesitated for a moment, and finally said nothing before walking away quickly.
Xu Rong whispered a comforting word to Bai Fu, then led her toward the lanterns along the way they had come from.
As they drew closer, the lanterns revealed Xiao Xin's cold and handsome face.
Xu Rong smiled and asked, "Second Young Master, are you here to pick me up?"
“This road is dark, and you haven’t come back yet,” Xiao Xin said calmly. “I came out to take a look.”
Actually, it didn't take long; Xu Rong estimated it to be only half an hour.
She didn't expose him and walked back side by side with him. Xiao Xin turned to her and asked, "Weren't you the one who stopped there without moving? What were you doing?"
What he saw was a still lantern.
"It's nothing, I just swatted a mosquito."
Xu Rong brushed it off, saying that Xiao Xin was now practically a prospective examinee, and people in the family were mentioning him more and more frequently, so she didn't want to distract him.
"There are so many mosquitoes on the road, you can't kill them all. Just keep going," Xiao Xin scolded her.
Xu Rong smiled and said, "What the Second Young Master says is true."
...
**
Time flies, and May has passed in the blink of an eye. The season has eagerly moved into June.
Xiao Xin went to take the exam.
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