Chapter 34. He took her hand and led her outside, his steps...
Just as Ji Jinghe said, Chu Zhuoan would return in two days.
Yu An stood at the door to greet them early, and when she saw the person getting off the carriage, her eyes still welled up with tears.
Half a year had passed since they last met. Chu Zhuo'an had grown much taller and was more mature than before. As soon as he got off the carriage and saw her figure on the steps, he excitedly ran to her.
"sister."
Yu An patted him on the shoulder and said with satisfaction, "You are indeed a good prospect for martial arts. You are even taller than me now."
The Chu family fell too quickly, without even a chance to survive. So much so that when she hurriedly sent him away, she only cared about giving him some money and didn't have time to care about anything else.
"How was your stay at your maternal grandfather's house?"
Chu Zhuoan nodded: "Everything is fine. My maternal grandparents asked me to pass on a message to you, saying that they are in good health and that you shouldn't worry about them."
It was cold outside. After the siblings exchanged a few words, Yu'an took him to Banmu Courtyard, treated him to a hearty meal, and chatted for a long time until evening before finally letting him go back to his own room to rest.
Baozhu tidied the clothes in the wardrobe and said with a smile, "Don't worry, young lady, the young master will stay at the mansion for at least a month."
As Yu-An thought about it, she realized that she had made the wrong choice back then.
If she weren't afraid of implicating him, she really wouldn't have been willing to send him back to Jiangling alone.
The next day, Yu'an took Chu Zhuo'an to Rongshou Hall. Chu Zhuo'an was sweet-talking and soon made Ji's mother laugh. As a result, Ji Suyi also paid more attention to him.
"Have you taken care of everything with the Li family?" asked Madam Ji.
Yu An was taken aback, but considering that Chu Zhuo'an was still beside her, she could only nod vaguely without going into details.
Ji's mother nodded as well, without saying anything.
After chatting, Yu'an led Chu Zhuo'an back, and Chu Zhuo'an couldn't help but ask about what Ji's mother had said earlier.
He wasn't stupid; there were already some rumors circulating in the household, and with the old lady's question, he had a vague idea of what was going on.
"Sister, are you really going to..."
Yu An chuckled: "It's only human nature, no need to make a fuss."
Chu Zhuo'an protested, "Wouldn't that make your life even harder? Brother-in-law is too..."
Yu An didn't seem to mind and offered a few words of comfort.
It seemed that everyone except her was concerned about Ji Jinghe's concubine-taking, and even Ji's mother rarely asked about it.
She had only met Li Yueru a few times and hadn't even spoken to her much. You can know a person's face but not their heart, and she couldn't figure out what kind of person she would be working with in the future.
It was too late for regrets now. In six or seven days, it would be the day Li Yueru was brought into the family, and she couldn't stop it.
As luck would have it, just as she was sending people to prepare the funeral decorations, news came from Wanfang Courtyard that Madam Ji had fallen ill and the date for Li Yueru's arrival had to be postponed until after the New Year.
Yu An wondered, "How did the old lady suddenly become so seriously ill?"
Madam Ji was used to staying at home and not getting involved in worldly affairs. Even if something happened, she rarely alarmed others. How could it be such a coincidence this time?
Baozhu didn't take it seriously: "It's normal for the old lady to get sick easily as she gets older. I just went to Rongshou Hall to ask, and Granny Li said it's an old ailment that will get better in a while."
Yu-an: "It's precisely because of this old ailment that I'm even less likely to disturb others..."
Baozhu sighed: "Girl, don't worry about the old lady anymore. You should be glad that the old lady has postponed the date for taking a concubine, so we still have room to maneuver. This time, keep this matter in mind and think it over carefully, or you may regret it later."
There's no set date for overturning the verdict, and they have no idea when they'll be able to leave the Ji residence. That's why they need to think things through carefully, lest they regret it later.
Yu'an had only half-finished his calculations when Baozhu's few words completely disrupted his train of thought, forcing him to revert to his original plan.
Baozhu's words made sense. She also wanted to test the waters, but the other party was behaving themselves and keeping to themselves. She didn't want to go out of her way to cause trouble. In any case, there was still some time to go, so she might as well let things take their course.
Yu couldn't settle down and couldn't find a solution. He had too many concerns, which only trapped him in a predicament.
Fortunately, Chu Zhuo'an was with her, telling her to temporarily stop thinking about these random things.
The emperor was nearing the end of his life, and there were many affairs of state to attend to. It wasn't until the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month that the ministers were given a holiday, and Ji Jinghe finally had time to visit Chu Zhuo'an, who had returned from Jiangling.
The two didn't meet often. Considering all the things that happened, Chu Zhuo'an didn't have a good impression of his brother-in-law. It wasn't because of the time he was beaten, but mostly because he felt that Ji Jinghe was just so-so from Yu'an's perspective.
If Chu Zhuo'an could have foreseen the future, he would never have told Chu Xingjian that Yu'an liked Ji Jinghe.
If his sister hadn't married into the Ji family, her life might have been much better than it is now.
Chu Zhuoan bowed to him.
Ji Jinghe glanced at the list of successful candidates in the imperial examinations on his desk and casually asked, "Have you been settling in well these past few days?"
Chu Zhuoan put away the lantern on the table. "Everything is fine."
Seeing his actions, Ji Jinghe added, "I have some trendy articles over there. I'll have someone send them to you later. If there's anything you don't understand, you can come to my study to find me."
"Thank you, brother-in-law," Chu Zhuo'an replied. "Actually, I'd rather join the army than take the imperial examinations. There's nothing wrong with fighting bravely on the battlefield and achieving fame and success."
His tone carried a youthful arrogance, which at first glance even sounded a bit rude.
The stubbornness he displayed at the Imperial Academy that day was still vivid in his mind. Considering his young age, Ji Jinghe didn't care and said seriously, "Anyone who is famous for a skill is mediocre. If you really want to master a good martial art, that would be good, and it would also comfort your sister."
“Of course… I will naturally tell her to comfort me.”
Chu Zhuo'an knew very well what kind of status the Chu family held in the Ji family. Living under someone else's roof, there were some things he really couldn't say. He felt stifled and dejected.
After settling things over for a few minutes, Ji Jinghe found himself at a loss for words. He looked at the lantern that had been put away and said in a gentle tone, "Since you've made up your mind to make something of yourself, then focus your attention on important matters and don't let any time slip by."
Just as he was about to leave, he heard Chu Zhuoan shout from behind.
"The 29th of the twelfth lunar month is my sister's birthday, and I want to make a lantern to make her happy... She really likes these things."
His tone carried a hint of complaint, and his piercing eyes seemed to want to say something but couldn't. Before he could react, Chu Zhuo'an added, "Be nicer to my sister."
Ji Jinghe paused for a moment, then turned and left.
He then learned that her birthday was the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month.
*
Yu'an's birthday was on the 29th of the twelfth lunar month, but unfortunately it was on the eve of the Lunar New Year. Managing the huge Ji family estate left her with no time to celebrate. If it weren't for Baozhu and Chu Zhuo'an keeping an eye on her, she wouldn't even have been able to eat a bowl of longevity noodles.
Seeing that she spent all her time either doing accounts or making sachets, Baozhu couldn't help but worry: "Girl, we're not that short of money yet. If you keep working like this day and night, you'll turn into an old man wearing an sachet sooner or later."
Yu-An: "I'm just in a hurry. Once I finish embroidering this petal, I'll stop."
As Baozhu cut the fabric in her hands, she said, "Today, the master suddenly ordered people to prepare a lot of lanterns, which are more beautiful than the ordinary lanterns on the street. When you have nothing to do later, Miss, go out and take a look."
"Lanterns?"
Yu An was intrigued, but remembering Ji Jingping's usual stern demeanor, she realized he didn't seem like the type to waste his time on such trivial matters.
Baozhu nodded: "Really, we've hung several in the corridor of our courtyard. They'll look beautiful when it's completely dark."
Yu An glanced out the window and vaguely saw the light under the eaves.
The master and servant chatted casually. Yu'an said she would only do it for a short while, but once she picked up the embroidery frame, she couldn't put it down.
Baozhu urged her a couple of times, but seeing that she still didn't move, she had no choice but to stop talking and go outside to get her hot water to wash up before telling her to rest for a while.
Yu'an had to get up early for New Year's Eve, so after washing up, she took off her hair and planned to rest early. Just as she was about to turn off the lights, there was a knock on the door.
Baozhu went to open the door, only to find Ji Jinghe standing there.
Yu An turned around and saw him walking straight toward her, wearing a fur cloak. "Come on, I'll show you something."
Yu'an was only wearing a moon-white undergarment. Baozhu, with her sharp eyes, immediately took out a thick fur cloak from the closet, which Ji Jinghe naturally took and put on Yu'an.
"Sir, you..."
Ji Jinghe's eyes held a hint of a smile as he said in a deep voice, "Just for a moment."
He took her hand and walked out, his steps quick and light, filled with barely suppressed excitement, as if he were riding high, a stark contrast to his usual somber demeanor.
As the wind and snow lashed their faces, Ji Jinghe noticed that the person beside him was struggling to walk, so he gradually slowed down.
He led her up to the attic in the front yard, where preparations had likely been made in advance, and a charcoal fire had been lit to keep warm.
"What exactly does the old man want?"
Yu An was not comfortable with his enthusiasm, just as he sometimes showed inexplicable closeness.
A faint smile appeared on Ji Jinghe's lips. Suddenly, a loud bang rang in his ears, and thousands of golden stamens bloomed in the darkness.
A series of dazzling streaks, like thunderclaps, swept across the clouds and appeared before her eyes, like a fleeting dream, captivating her completely.
She watched the fireworks, and he watched her.
The beautiful scenery in the sky was transformed into countless stars in his pupils, becoming a unique sight in his eyes.
Gentle, serene, pure... After studying for more than a decade, he wanted to use all the beautiful words to describe her.
For the first time in his life, an extraordinary feeling welled up inside him, even making him inexplicably nervous, and his breathing became lighter, even though the fireworks had drowned out all other sounds.
"Happy Birthday".
Yu An vaguely noticed that Ji Jinghe opened his mouth to speak, but when she turned to look at him, he only had a smiling expression on his face. Then he turned her head back and told her to continue watching the fireworks.
Yu An was puzzled. His actions had greatly dampened her enthusiasm for watching the fireworks.
The fireworks that followed became increasingly complex and spectacular, the most beautiful fireworks she had ever seen in her life.
About half an incense stick later, it finally ended. Yu An, with her ears ringing from the shock, looked at Ji Jinghe, called him "Grandpa," and asked him what he had just said.
Ji Jinghe shook his head: "Nothing much."
She could tell that Ji Jinghe was unusually happy today. Before she could think any further, he pulled her hand up and led her back.
She tried to struggle, but the strength in her wrist remained as great as ever, making it impossible to shake her.
The hand seemed to sense her struggle, and its palm tightened around her wrist. In contrast to the cold outside air, the warmth was particularly clear.
"How could the old man know there would be fireworks today? Logically speaking, such a grand fireworks display should only be held tomorrow night..."
Ji Jinghe replied, "It was probably done by someone from the palace. I only found out from Qingque."
Yu An was skeptical, but after Ji Jinghe escorted her back to Banmu Courtyard, she had a chance to take a closer look at his appearance.
They are all the same, yet they are different in every way.
He sighed softly, raised his hand and gently stroked her brow, his gaze carrying a subtle tenderness that was hard to discern as genuine or feigned. "We have to get up early tomorrow, so go back and get some rest."
Yu An nodded, speechless.
Ji Jinghe left only after seeing her enter the room with his own eyes, satisfied. Yu An went back to her room, took off her cloak, and looked at the charcoal fire at her feet, feeling a mix of emotions.
Baozhu tidied the bed for Yu'an and said with a smile, "Miss, why don't we use the same trick again and test the bottom line of the young master? That Miss Li is determined to enter the family. She clings to the madam every day and doesn't even let go of the old madam. I feel that she is not a good person."
"Testing the limits..."
Yu'an muttered to herself, and Baozhu echoed, "That's right. Before, when the Lin family provoked us, the young lady only had to goad them a couple of times before they showed their true colors. It's the same this time. The young master hasn't made a clear statement, and the Li family's young lady hasn't shown any reaction either. If we don't test them, how will we know if they're real or fake, ghosts or demons?"
After her experience with the Lin family, Baozhu no longer trusted Shen Qiulan's judgment. Having not interacted with her for long, she dared not judge a person's character solely based on appearance.
From Xu Jingshu to Lin Qiaoyan, every single one of them.
Compared to the roar of the fireworks, the time she spent sleeping alone felt even quieter, so quiet it was almost suffocating, clinging tightly to her and making it hard for her to fall asleep.
If he really wanted to take a concubine, then why did he look at her like that? Was it just his imagination?
A jumble of thoughts swirls in my mind. As soon as I close my eyes, recent events flash before my eyes, like a pebble dropped into a calm pond, creating ripples that linger for a long time...
On New Year's Eve, Ji Jinghe and Chu Zhuo'an got up early to pay their respects and decorated the mansion. Yu'an, on the other hand, sat with Ji Shu and chatted and laughed to pass the time.
Ji Shu placed next month's custom order on the table and said with satisfaction, "Business is getting better and better. In just two months, we've already earned over a hundred taels of silver."
Yu An smiled, her needle and thread still moving.
Ji Shu was genuinely worried, afraid that she might go blind one day.
Yu-an: "Why aren't you with your mother-in-law right now? Why are you here with me? Do you want to learn something on New Year's Eve?"
Ji Shu waved her hand, "That's not true... That Li Yueru has been flattering Mother all day long, and she can't stand me anymore."
Hearing her say that, Yu An finally realized what was going on.
Li Yueru was brought by Ji Suyi, but it was rare to hear of the two of them together. Ji Suyi mostly stayed in Rongshou Hall with the old lady and rarely went out.
"Logically speaking, shouldn't Miss Li be closer to her aunt?" Yu'an asked.
Ji Shu: "You don't know, my aunt has always been at odds with the uncles and aunts of the Li family, let alone this niece of a minor official. If it weren't for my mother insisting that my aunt find a wife for my brother... well, I wouldn't have brought Li Yueru here."
Mentioning this, Ji Shu got excited and leaned closer to Yu An, carefully observing her expression. "Sister-in-law, you really don't mind if my brother takes Li Yueru into the family?"
“The Ji family has never taken a concubine in generations, starting with my great-grandfather. They have only had one wife, whether in life or in death. Do you and my brother have to be an exception and set a precedent?”
Ji Shu spoke as if it were perfectly reasonable. When Yu An looked up at her, she had already buried her head in peeling and eating oranges.
“We don’t have much contact with the Li family. I think Li Yueru is no pushover either. But all the elders in the family who have met her like her. But I don’t like her. She’s the daughter of an official from a humble family. She’s too spoiled.”
Just then, the person in question arrived.
When Baozhu opened the door to announce her arrival, Li Yueru followed behind Baozhu and lifted the curtain to enter.
"elder sister."
The lovely girl with rosy cheeks and dewy hair called out "Sister" in a sweet and charming voice, her indescribable intimacy seemingly touching the very core of one's heart.
Yu'an hurriedly entertained them, instructing Baozhu to serve tea.
Li Yueru held a treasure box in her hands, her face beaming with smiles. "Sister Ji Shu is here too. If I had known, I should have brought her share as well."
Ji Shu smiled and said, "It's alright, you can send someone to deliver it to me."
Li Yueru: ...
Yu'an pulled her to sit down first, and Li Yueru opened the box, inside which was a gold-inlaid jade hairpin.
"It's Chinese New Year, this is a gift for my sister, I hope she won't mind it."
Yu'an didn't want to accept it, but she couldn't refuse, so she asked Baozhu to find the corresponding jewelry and reluctantly gave it to her as a return gift.
"Take it. Who knows, we might be family in the future. There's no need to be so polite."
Ji Shu frowned, her face showing undisguised disgust, and muttered to herself. Yu An secretly patted her leg, which finally silenced her.
Li Yueru pretended not to notice, her smile undiminished, "Sister is right, we might become family in the future."
Ji Shu interjected, "My mother has been giving you a lot of things lately, hasn't she?"
Li Yueru smiled faintly and replied evasively, "Madam treats me very well. She is afraid that I will miss home and thinks of me in every way."
She added, "I heard that last night, the old man and my sister went to the attic to watch the fireworks."
Before Yu An could speak, Ji Shu retorted, "How do you know things I don't even know?"
Li Yueru smiled bitterly: "To be honest, I've been at the Ji residence for a month and haven't seen the master even once."
Upon hearing this, Yu'an immediately understood why she had come.
They also had doubts. Ji Jinghe had agreed to meet them, so why hadn't he even seen them once, leaving them standing there unattended?
-----------------------
Author's Note: Ji Jinghe: My wallet is burning... [doge emoji]
Yu'an: He's having another episode... [eye roll]
Ji Shu: What are you doing? You're making me so anxious! [glasses]
① Ancient eyeglasses.
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