Lin Shuanghe had found a house for He Yan, but there had been no news for several days. Since returning to Shuojing, Lin Shuanghe had been acting as if he didn't exist. He Yan couldn't just go to him, as it wasn't good to ask someone to do something for her. After a while, He Yan began to wonder if this person was doing it on purpose.

Xiao Jue still left early and came back late, no one knew what she was busy with. He Yan would appear during the day, and she had not been to Xu's house since she had last visited Fu Wang. She had to leave Fu Wang alone. Fu Wang would definitely give up the idea of ​​pushing and pulling with her when he saw He Yan was slow to show up, fearing that he would let go of this cash cow. In order to prove his worth, he would only work harder to find useful information at Xu's house.

He Yan was not in a hurry.

In the past few days, she met He Yunsheng again in secret and spent a few days at the gate of "He's house". I don't know if it's because of He Rufei, the guards outside the gate of He's house have more than doubled. He Yan can't expose herself and can only hide in the dark to observe. He Rufei didn't do anything except go to court every day. He and his colleagues mostly socialized in restaurants and never brought anyone home. In addition, he went to Xu's house once, carrying the so-called supplements for visiting his cousin, but was he really visiting He Xinying? He Yan didn't think so.

But in the eyes of outsiders, He Rufei's action just showed that he had a close relationship with his sister. Some people even said that because of the accident of Grandma Xu, He Rufei took extra care of his sister, and in the end, it gave He Rufei a good reputation.

He Yan just thought it was a little funny, and felt that the He family's ways of putting on a show were endless.

Autumn has come, and the heat of summer has completely faded. On this day, He Yan just came back from outside the mansion and unexpectedly found that the courtyard was much busier. She left early in the morning and didn't know what happened. But Bai Guo ran over happily and whispered, "The eldest lady is entertaining guests in the courtyard. Young master, you should also wash up and go over to take a look." She moved closer and spoke mysteriously, "There are many young ladies here today, and the second young master is also here."

She was young, so when she said these words, she was not shy or coy, but full of childish innocence. However, these words did not sound very pleasant to He Yan's ears.

Bai Rongwei had told her before that a banquet would be held before the Mid-Autumn Festival. On the surface, it was to entertain the ladies, but in reality, it was to matchmake Xiao Jue. Unexpectedly, it happened so quickly. He Yan thought to herself, Xiao Jue usually came back late, sometimes she had already gone to bed and Xiao Jue hadn't come back yet, but today he came back so early because the girl was here. Ha, what a coincidence.

Bai Guo saw He Yan was silent and asked, "Young Master?"

He Yan came back to his senses and forced a smile, "I won't go. I've been running around outside all day and I'm really tired. I want to go back to my room and rest first."

Bai Guo: "But..." She noticed that He Yan was in a bad mood and felt strange for a moment. This Mr. He was gentle and kind, and he was not arrogant. He would take the initiative to clean up the dishes, and sometimes, when he saw that she was hungry, he would secretly leave the snacks in the meal for her. Bai Guo felt that, apart from the eldest master and his wife, this Mr. He was the best master she had ever met. But today, he was clearly unhappy on his face. After all, they had been master and servant for these days. Bai Guo thought, could it be that he had been wronged outside?

Before she could figure it out, she saw He Yan walking quickly along the corridor with his head down.

He Yan thought so, out of sight, out of mind. However, the corridor was connected to the pavilion in the main courtyard. Bai Rongwei saw him at a glance and called him, "Mr. He!"

It would be too deliberate to pretend that he didn't hear it, so He Yan had no choice but to turn around and look at Bai Rong and said with a smile: "Grandma Xiao."

Bai Rongwei stood up and walked towards her. "I was just asking Huai Jin when you would be back. I was afraid you would miss today's autumn banquet. You came at the right time. We haven't even started yet."

The host is so kind, it would be impolite to leave now. He Yan had no choice but to walk over and bow to her, "Grandma, you are so thoughtful."

The Xiao family's house was specially renovated according to the preferences of his wife when General Xiao was still alive. Xiao Jue's grandmother was from Suzhou, so the Xiao family's courtyard in Shuojing was particularly elegant and unique. Bai Rongwei didn't have many guests at the banquet, only four or five in total. It was not known whether they were her friends or what, but the four girls sitting there were beautiful in their own ways, which was very attractive.

Xiao Jue sat next to Xiao Jing. The two brothers were famous handsome men in Wei. For a moment, they made the courtyard look like a fairyland.

The Wei Dynasty had strict rules for men and women, and the rule that men and women should not sit together after the age of seven was abolished shortly after Emperor Wenxuan ascended the throne. Emperor Wenxuan admired the elegant and romantic manners of the celebrities in the past and believed that they should not be bound by old etiquette. Therefore, the Wei Dynasty was not as strict as the previous dynasties in terms of unmarried men and women.

Bai Rong smiled and explained to the others at the banquet, "This is Mr. He, Huai Jin's good friend. At such a young age, he has already been personally conferred the title of Wu'an Lang by His Majesty." She ordered the servants to add a set of bowls and chopsticks for He Yan, but for some reason, they were placed next to Xiao Jing. Bai Rongwei sat next to a round-faced lady and said to He Yan, "Today, we have invited a few friends to our house to try the newly made chrysanthemum cakes. Everyone, just treat it as a normal family dinner. Don't be polite. Just be casual."

Having said that, apart from Xiao Jing and his wife, the older ladies, and the indifferent Xiao Jue, the rest of the people could not really be called casual.

He Yan sat next to Xiao Jing and looked towards Xiao Jue, who sat on the other side of Xiao Jing. He seldom picked up his chopsticks and mostly just sat there. Although he concealed it very well, a closer look revealed impatience between his brows.

The girls were different. They sat on the long seat opposite Xiao Jue. The timid ones glanced at Xiao Jue from the corner of their eyes, their affectionate feelings could not be ignored. The bolder ones stared at Xiao Jue directly, their beautiful eyes filled with admiration that could make one's bones melt.

Good guys, He Yan thought to herself. Bai Rongwei knew that Xiao Jue didn't like Shen Muxue, so the four girls he brought here didn't have the same cold and arrogant temperament as Shen Muxue, but they looked about the same as Shen Muxue. She was already sitting here and wanted to turn over the table and leave. If Shen Muxue was here, she would definitely be pissed off.

But even though he thought so in his heart, he couldn't show it on his face. He Yan lowered his head to eat. At this time, he didn't talk while eating or sleeping. He just treated it as a normal meal, except that there were four more beautiful girls opposite him.

This meal was extremely embarrassing.

Not only He Yan was embarrassed, but by the end of the meal, even Xiao Jing and Bai Rongwei were a little overwhelmed. After all, although Xiao Jue's personality was not as gentle as Xiao Jing's, his face was still very attractive, and Xiao Jing was already married, so the four girls all turned their eyes to Xiao Jue.

They were all noble ladies who were carefully raised in Shuojing, and they were very knowledgeable about etiquette. However, beyond that, the four of them would still find some topics to talk to Xiao Jue, such as "Does the Second Young Master Xiao like autumn?", "What do you do on weekdays?", "Will you stay in Shuojing from now on?" and other meaningless questions.

Xiao Jue did answer, but he would only answer in one word, never two. Most of the time, Bai Rongwei and Xiao Jing would come out to fill in the gaps.

He Yan was quite happy in his heart, but when he thought about it, he felt boring. He was actually happy about such a thing. Was he possessed?

As night fell, the ladies said goodbye to Xiao Jing and his wife. He Yan and Xiao Jue stood aside. The four girls looked reluctant to leave, almost seeing through Xiao Jue. A brave lady looked at Xiao Jue and asked with a smile: "When the second young master Xiao was in the hunting ground, his grace was unmatched. If you have some free time in the future, can you practice archery with me?"

Xiao Jue looked at her expressionlessly for a long while, then pulled the corner of his mouth and said, "I have a habit of sparring."

The girl was looking forward to it.

"Don't worry about life or death."

"Ahem, ahem—" Xiao Jing interrupted in time and said with a smile: "Huai Jin is joking. He likes to joke."

However, as soon as the words came out, just these one sentence made the girl's mother's face change drastically, and she quickly pulled her daughter away.

Bai Rongwei was both angry and amused. After the people left, he said to Xiao Jue, "Why are you still the same as before, kid? If you don't like it, then don't like it. Why bother to deliberately scare others? Miss Tian has also learned martial arts, has a cheerful temperament, and is generous and generous. I think she is a good person."

Seeing that Xiao Jue didn't say anything, Bai Rongwei continued, "What about Miss Li? She's the one sitting opposite you just now, the one who looks so gentle and frail. But she can write beautifully and speak eloquently. She's very gentle and calm."

Xiao Jue still didn't say anything.

Bai Rong raised his eyes slightly, saw He Yan, and asked He Yan: "Mr. He also met the four young ladies today. You come to judge, isn't it great?"

He Yan: “…”

What does this have to do with her? It was really a disaster that came from the sky. However, in front of several people, He Yan had to ask himself and slowly spoke, "The four young ladies are all very good. Their temperaments and appearances are all first-class. Whoever marries them will be blessed in his previous life..."

Probably because of the approval from Xiao Jue's friends, Bai Rongwei felt that she had also received half of Xiao Jue's approval, and said, "Huai Jin, look, even Master He thinks it's good..."

Xiao Jue suddenly spoke in a calm voice, "If the elder sister-in-law thinks it's good, why don't you bring it back and give it to elder brother. With elder brother's temperament and appearance, they shouldn't feel wronged."

The words were harsh, and Xiao Jing, who was always gentle and polite, couldn't help but warn him, "Xiao Huaijin!"

Xiao Jue was unmoved. He glanced at Xiao Jing and said calmly, "Brother, you might as well think about what you did when your mother wanted to choose a wife for you. You should know the principle of not doing to others what you do not want others to do to you better than me." After saying that, he left without caring about Xiao Jing and Bai Rongwei's reactions.

He Yan stood here, feeling awkward for some reason, and whispered to Xiao Jue, "The governor may be in a bad mood today, Madam, please don't take it to heart."

"I don't have any plans." Bai Rong was stunned for a moment, as if she had just come to her senses, and looked at her husband, "But, Huai Jin was just... angry?"

No matter how people outside spread rumors about how unkind, mean and cold the Right Army Commander was when training soldiers, Xiao Jue was rarely seen in the mansion when he was angry. Most of the time, he just didn't bother to pay attention. It seemed like many years ago that the words "I'm angry" were clearly written on his face.

"I've done this before, why are you so angry this time?" she asked puzzled.

…..

There is a knock on the door.

He knocked repeatedly, with perfect measure and without giving in. Even though the people inside were too lazy to pay attention, the people outside were not discouraged at all, as if they would knock until the end of time if the door was not opened.

In the whole yard, the only one who had such courage at this time was the heroine.

Xiao Jue paused and said, "Come in."

He Yan poked his head in from behind the door.

She also knew that Xiao Jue was in a bad mood, so she put a flattering smile on her face, closed the door with her hand, and walked forward, "Commander, are you okay?"

Xiao Jue sat on the chair and said, "Very good."

Judging from the expression on his face, he doesn't look "fine".

What he said to Bai Rongwei just now was really a bit too much. But He Yan was quite happy to hear him say that. But she soon blamed herself in her heart. How could she do that? When other families have conflicts, she, an outsider, cheers here for a little selfishness. What's the difference between her and those villains? During the days she lived here, Bai Rongwei took care of her a lot. It was reasonable for her to help make peace, not add fuel to the fire.

He Yan ran to the opposite side of him, half of his body was lying on the table, looking at him, "Commander, Grandma Xiao also had good intentions. What you did just now was a bit hurtful."

Xiao Jue's eyes moved to her face, his eyes slightly cold, "Miss He, then what do you think I should do?"

He had called her "Miss He" many times, sometimes in a teasing way, sometimes in a harsh way, but this time, he called her coldly and even with a hint of anger.

He Yan carefully considered his words, "At least, you should be more tactful."

Xiao Jue sneered, "On what basis?"

He Yan choked.

"If it were Miss He, would she be so tactful?" he suddenly asked.

He Yan was puzzled, "I am a woman."

"If your father and brother had brought a few young masters with outstanding appearance and character to you like they did today," he said sarcastically, "wouldn't you have refused them directly?"

He Yan thought, if it was in the past, she would have to be polite to save everyone's face. But now, she has someone she likes, and it is a bit difficult for her to force herself.

But she couldn't say this to Xiao Jue, and the man in front of her ignored her evasion and stared at her, asking again, "Miss He, what should you do?"

Meeting his gaze, He Yan couldn't speak against her conscience. After holding it in for a long while, she slammed the table and said, "I thought about it. If it were me, I would probably make the same choice as the governor, and maybe say something even more unpleasant. Governor, you are right, well said! If you don't like it, just reject it. There is no need to give others the wrong hints. Sometimes politeness becomes flirting in the eyes of the other party, and flirting makes others unable to sleep at night, but you don't mean that at all, isn't that just deceiving people!"

At the end of the conversation, there was a hint of complaint in the tone, and it was unclear who he was talking about.

Seeing her indignant expression, Xiao Jue softened a little and curled his lips, "You have come to realize something."

Seeing that he was in a better mood, He Yan took out a sachet from his sleeve and gave it to him, "This is for you."

Xiao Jue took it and looked at it, then raised his eyes and asked, "Did you do this?"

"How is that possible?" He Yan replied without thinking, "How can I make this? It was made by Grandma Xiao. She also made one for me, but I forgot to give it to you before." She took out her cloud-patterned sachet, "I heard that it contains incense and amulets for concentrating the mind."

Seeing Xiao Jue holding the sachet without saying anything, she moved closer: "I didn't expect Grandma Xiao would prepare a share for me, Governor. Grandma Xiao is gentle and kind, and she is thinking of you wholeheartedly. Although the method... is not to your liking, you should talk it through with her. There is no need to hurt the harmony between you. Why should family members care so much..."

She kept talking non-stop, her head getting closer and closer. Xiao Jue laughed and put his fingers on her head and pushed it back, "Stop, I'm not angry."

He was angry at first, but not because of Bai Rongwei... This person didn't know anything yet. He felt helpless. Being angry at someone he didn't know, this anger was destined to be unable to be vented.

"Really?" He Yan looked at him.

"Really." He lowered his eyes, thinking of something, and spoke after a while, "I will be out of town in the next few days. Is it okay for you to stay here alone?"

He Yan was startled, "Do you need my help?"

Xiao Jue had been leaving early and returning late these days, and He Yan could sense that he had something important to do. She thought it was related to Xu Jingfu and Xiao Zhongwu's affairs. Although she was also busy with the affairs of the He and Xu families, if Xiao Jue needed her, He Yan would not refuse.

"No, I can do it myself."

He Yan nodded, "When will you come back?"

"Not sure," Xiao Jue looked at the burning wick, "try to do it before Mid-Autumn Festival."

…

At this moment, the lights in Prime Minister Xu's mansion in the capital were brightly lit.

Xu Xiang was a scholar. He usually held banquets at home and did not like women dancing. At most, he would find two musicians to play the piano. A few minutes ago, Chu Zhao knelt and looked at the teacup in front of him. The hot air rising from the teacup was like a layer of gauze, covering his expression and making his face look unclear.

Xu Jingfu didn't like to drink alcohol, he only drank tea. People who came to the Xu family to give gifts also knew how to cater to his tastes, and even the tea given to the servants could be sold at a good price.

The servants stood on both sides, respectfully. Xu Jingfu had no son, and everyone in the Xu family knew that Xu Jingfu treated this proud student as his own son. And Xu Jingfu's only daughter, Xu Pingting, was deeply in love with Chu Zilan... Sooner or later, the teacher and student would become father-in-law and son-in-law.

"You went to Jiyang this time, and things went smoothly." Xu Jingfu smiled. He was handsome and gentle when he was young, and kind and gentle when he was older. Just looking at his appearance, you would think that he was an old man who was easy to be friendly to. He took a sip of tea and said, "But why did you stay a few more days in Rundu?"

Chu Zhao replied gently, "The people of Rundu were starving and suffering. Zilan could not bear to leave alone, so she wanted to stay in Rundu to help and see if she could get reinforcements. Unexpectedly, the general of Yan led his troops to help, and solved Rundu's urgent need."

A little inquiry would reveal that he was not lying. Xu Jingfu continued to smile amiably, neither saying that he was right nor wrong.

The atmosphere was somewhat stagnant.

Just when the stalemate was about to begin, suddenly, a woman's voice was heard: "Dad! Brother Zilan is here, why didn't you call me!" The next moment, a girl in a yellow skirt flew in like a flower and sat down next to Chu Zilan.

The girl was very pretty, as delicate as a white porcelain doll, with a proud look in her eyes. She looked only about seventeen or eighteen years old, and her clothes and jewelry were all rich and expensive. The ruby ​​hairpin in her hair made her look even more radiant, like a rose.

This is Xu Jingfu's only daughter, Xu Pingting.

Xu Jingfu was old when he got such a precious girl, and he spoiled her to the extreme. Even the princesses today are probably not as particular as Xu Pingting. As soon as Xu Pingting arrived at the banquet hall, the atmosphere suddenly eased. Xu Jingfu shook his head and laughed, "You came and started to blame me, and you even ignored your father. People say that girls are outgoing, really..."

Xu Pingting heard this, not only was she not embarrassed, but she raised her eyebrows and said in a sweet voice: "I see Dad every day, but I haven't seen Brother Zilan for a long time. Dad, can you please not let Brother Zilan go too far away from Beijing next time?" She naturally took Chu Zhao's arm, looked at him and said: "Brother Zilan, Pingting was scared to death when she heard that you went to Jiyang. How could Dad do this? Fortunately, you are fine. When you were away, Pingting prayed to the Bodhisattva every day for your safe return. It seems that the Bodhisattva heard Pingting's prayers and is protecting you."

Xu Jingfu said sarcastically, "I've never seen you pray for your father."

"father!"

"Alright, alright, little ancestor, I won't say anything more, okay?" Xu Jingfu said, looking at Chu Zhao, "But, Zilan came at the right time, I just have something to say."

Chu Zilan looked at Xu Jingfu and said, "Please speak, teacher."

"I heard that today, Xiao Rubi's wife invited several young ladies from her colleagues' houses to visit the Xiao residence. They said they were visiting, but it was nothing more than choosing a wife for Xiao Huaijin. You and Xiao Huaijin are about the same age, and since I'm your teacher, I should also worry about these things for you."

Xu Pingting was stunned, her face immediately turned red, and she said, "Dad, what are you doing..."

"Are you shy now?" Xu Jingfu joked with a smile, and then said: "Zilan, you are my most outstanding student, and you grew up with Pingting. We are childhood sweethearts. I planned to marry Pingting to you when you grow up. Now it seems that the time has come. What do you think?"

The servants in the hall all lowered their heads to hide their surprise. Although they had known that this day would come, they were still surprised when they heard it. After all, for Chu Zhao to marry the daughter of Prime Minister Xu was really marrying up.

Chu Zhao stood up, lifted the corner of his robe, knelt down in front of Xu Jingfu, and bowed deeply to him.

"The student thanks the teacher for his kindness. It is the student's blessing to marry Pingting. The marriage matter is entirely up to the teacher."

－－－－－－－A side note－－－－－－－

Dudu who was forced to go on a blind date: Don't get close to me.JPG