Chapter 24 What Can I Rely On? "Young master, would you... marry me?"...
Aunt Shen naturally understood what she meant, but after thinking for a moment, she hesitated and said, "But you and he have only met once. Isn't it a bit too fast to do this?"
Meng Yu didn't care about anything else. The thought that Lu Xiuyi might come looking for her sent a chill down her spine. She quickly raised her hand and said, "Jiang Xuanli is a good man. It would be much better for my daughter to marry him than to become Lu Xiuyi's concubine."
Upon hearing the words "become a concubine," Aunt Shen's last shred of hesitation vanished instantly. She frowned and nodded repeatedly: "Yu'er's words make sense. When should I go and tell Madam?"
"I heard from my older brother that Jiang Xuanli will be visiting the manor again tomorrow. I'll go and find out what he thinks before making a decision."
Aunt Shen nodded with a worried expression.
***
Upon hearing Lu Xiuyi's name at Ci'an Hall, only Meng Yin among the room felt joy.
Ever since Lu Xiuyi saved her at Xiazhen Pavilion that day, she has been unable to forget him. Now, hearing her father say this, she naturally assumes that Lu Xiuyi has also fallen in love with her at first sight. After returning home, he had someone investigate her identity, which is why he made a special stop today to greet her father.
She was lively and lovely, with a beautiful face. Although she wore a veil on the day they met, it didn't stop Lu Xiuyi from falling in love with her at first sight, which is not surprising.
If you want to be her husband, you should cultivate a good relationship with her father.
Thinking of this, Meng Yin immediately went to Meng Yanqing's study, leaving the maidservant with her outside while he sneaked in.
Since Lu Xiuyi is so proactive, she should lend a helping hand from behind.
Meng Yanqing was sitting in a round-backed chair, intently flipping through the scrolls in preparation for Tan Pei's questioning the next day, when Meng Yin suddenly appeared beside him, making a face and half-squatting down, calling out loudly, "Father."
Meng Yanqing was startled and quickly put down the scroll, helped her up, and exclaimed with a laugh, "Yin'er, what brings you here?"
Meng Yin poured a cup of hot tea and handed it to Meng Yanqing. She then moved a round-backed chair over and sat down next to him, saying in a soft, sweet voice, "I'm Father's little ray of sunshine. I came here today because I didn't see Father smiling!"
Her soft, sweet voice sounded like honey, which cheered Meng Yanqing up a bit. He reached out and pinched her nose. "You little rascal, last time your father bought two bolts of cloth and had your mother make you two new outfits. Why haven't you worn them yet?"
Meng Yin held his arm, smiling broadly: "Father has such good taste. The clothes made from those two bolts of cloth are absolutely gorgeous. I can't bear to wear them on ordinary days. I'll wear them when I have the chance to go out and meet people, so that I can save face for Father."
Meng Yanqing was amused by her coaxing: "It's just two sets of clothes. If you like them, Father will have someone make you another set."
"Thank you, Father," Meng Yin said, then lowered his head dejectedly. "It's easy to get clothes, but it's hard to repay kindness."
Meng Yanqing frowned slightly: "What do you mean by that?"
Meng Yin took a deep breath, paused for a moment, and then seemed to make up her mind before saying, "There is something I want to tell you, Father, but I don't know if I should."
Seeing that her expression was off, Meng Yanqing thought something had happened to her and quickly said, "Your father's daughter should also tell her father if anything happens."
“A few days ago, my daughter and Yao Yao went to Xiazhen Pavilion to pick out jewelry. When they were leaving, she tripped and almost fell to the ground. Luckily, Young Master Lu happened to be passing by and saved my daughter.”
Meng Yin lowered her eyes, but when she mentioned this, she suddenly looked up and hurriedly said, "But Father, don't worry. I was wearing a veil at the time, so I don't think he could see my face clearly."
Upon hearing this, Meng Yanqing's tightly furrowed brows slowly relaxed.
Meng Yin seized the opportunity, saying, "Since he was able to come to my rescue, he must not be a bad person. Father, you don't need to worry about this. The reason he greeted you is probably just because we clicked."
Her implication was that her time had come to pass.
After some thought, Meng Yanqing realized that since Lu Xiuyi hadn't recognized Meng Yin, his initiative to greet him this time was probably not because of Meng Yin.
Unable to figure it out no matter what, Meng Yanqing simply relaxed. After all, he had been working diligently since his promotion and had never made any major mistakes. Even if he had ulterior motives, he certainly wouldn't be able to find fault with him.
Thinking this way, Meng Yanqing felt even better and patted Meng Yin: "Yin'er is Father's good daughter, Father knows."
"Is Father happy now?"
Meng Yanqing raised his hand again and pinched the tip of her nose, and said with a smile, "With Yin'er, this little bundle of joy, it's hard for Daddy not to be happy."
Upon receiving Meng Yanqing's affirmation, Meng Yin smiled, her heart filled with joy. As long as her father could overcome his prejudice against Lu Xiuyi, he would certainly not refuse if Lu Xiuyi came to propose marriage in the future.
***
The sky was a clear, deep blue, without a single cloud. Meng Yu had slept restlessly and got up early to pay her respects at Ci'an Hall and Zhenhua Studio. Hearing Madam Yuan say that Meng Zhangzhou was receiving guests in the front hall, she took the opportunity to find an excuse and gestured, "Mother, the other day my eldest brother said that he has a lot of books in his study and asked me to go and get them to pass the time."
Aunt Shen translated it to Madam Yuan for her.
Back in Xuzhou, Meng Zhangzhou often asked Meng Yu to come to his study to pick out books, so when Madam Yuan heard this, she didn't think much of it and just smiled gently and said, "Go ahead! Just two months ago, Brother Zhou bought several boxes of books and he was still talking about the Third Miss."
Suppressing her excitement, Meng Yu quickly stood up, bowed, and left.
The Pillow Flower Studio is separated from Meng Zhangzhou's study by two long corridors. After turning the last corridor and walking along the lush path, you will arrive at Meng Zhangzhou's study.
A clump of banana trees grows in front of the study, its leaves broad and thick, half in the sunlight and half in the shade. Beside the platform, two clumps of bamboo grow, their cold green leaves straight and upright, standing tall like snow pines.
The pageboy, Arong, was sweeping the bamboo leaves in front of the door. He used to serve Meng Zhangzhou, so he naturally knew that Meng Yu and his master had a good relationship. Moreover, Meng Zhangzhou had just mentioned to him that Meng Yu would be picking up the books soon. Therefore, he did not stop Meng Yu from coming this time. On the contrary, he was very interested in going in to introduce her to the new books and tell her which ones were novel and interesting and which ones were old-fashioned and boring.
To avoid arousing suspicion, Meng Yu naturally let him do as he pleased, and carefully selected one chronicle, two biographies, and two seasonal records.
Just as she opened one of the biographies, she faintly heard two voices outside the door. Meng Yu knew that it must be Meng Zhangzhou and Jiang Xuanli who had come over.
Hearing the sound, Huaiyin, fearing that Mengyu was too engrossed in watching, quickly reached out and poked her arm. Mengyu turned to look at her.
Huaiyin immediately understood and casually picked up a book, pretending to read it.
Having followed Meng Yu for so many years, she was fortunate enough to learn to read. The knowledge in the books was vast and astonishing.
As expected, all the man's desires were good, and she understood Meng Yu to some extent because of this. Compared to the country and the world, the jealousy and rivalry among women in the inner quarters was really too boring. She did not want Meng Yu to be confined to such a world and to be depressed all his life.
The auspicious door was gently pushed open, and a ray of light pierced through the clouds and streamed into the room. The newcomer exclaimed in surprise, "Oh!" and raised her voice slightly, "Third sister, what brings you here?"
Upon hearing this, Meng Yu paused deliberately before looking up at the person and waving the book in her hand. She then placed the book aside and gestured, "Didn't you say, big brother, that I could take any of the books here? Well, I'm free today, so I've come to get them myself."
While she was using sign language, she glanced at the person behind Meng Zhangzhou out of the corner of her eye and saw a hint of surprise flash in his eyes.
Meng Zhangzhou was completely oblivious to the changes in their expressions. He simply walked up to Meng Yu, tapped her on the forehead, and said with a doting look, "Don't you know what books you love? Just send someone over to let me know, and I'll have them all moved over for you. Why bother making a special trip?"
Meng Yu rubbed her sore forehead and glared at him, pretending to be annoyed: "How many times have I told you, big brother, you need to get rid of this habit of hitting people on the forehead. I've picked out my books, I'm leaving now."
After saying that, Meng Yu didn't wait for him to speak, picked up the books, and left.
As they left the study, Huaiyin caught up with them, saying anxiously, "Miss, didn't you say you wanted to sound out Young Master Jiang's opinion? Are we just going to leave like this?"
Meng Yu smiled and raised her hand: "Don't worry, he'll catch up."
Just as Huaiyin was wondering why she was so sure, she turned the corner of the covered walkway and heard Jiang Xuanli calling out hurriedly from behind, "Miss Meng, please wait a moment."
Meng Yu stopped and turned around to see the person she expected, but still pretended to be puzzled.
The person who arrived was covered in sweat and was panting slightly when he stopped, clearly having rushed over.
Jiang Xuanli stretched out his hand to her, his calloused palm holding two copper coins: "A few days ago, you bought some loofah and eggplant from my vegetable stall. I still owe you two coins. This is to repay you."
He was bathed in half sunlight and half shadow, his handsome face brimming with stubbornness. Meng Yu glanced down at his palm, but didn't take it. Instead, she raised her hand and said, "Young master, have you thought carefully about why I changed my clothes and went to your stall to buy vegetables?"
Huaiyin translated it exactly as she had said.
Her words came so suddenly that Jiang Xuanli was caught off guard and stood there dumbfounded.
Seeing that he didn't speak and his eyes were filled with astonishment, Meng Yu continued, "May I ask a presumptuous question? Would you... marry me, young master?"
The turn of events came too quickly. Huaiyin hadn't expected Mengyu to ask so bluntly. Although her gestures hadn't stopped, she was so surprised that she paused for a moment before she could finally translate it.
***
"Bang!"
Before the words were even finished, the telescope was smashed to the ground and shattered into pieces.
The June sun shone brightly, the sky was a clear blue, and the wind blowing from the high platform was unbearably hot and humid, yet it seemed to come from a distant winter, making Chuze shiver with cold.
The soldier who was translating for Lu Xiuyi, holding up the telescope, was also stunned for a moment. He subconsciously put down the telescope and turned to look at him.
To everyone's surprise, Lu Xiuyi flew into a rage when he saw him put down the telescope: "Who told you to put it down? Keep watching and keep talking."
The soldiers were startled and dared not delay any longer. They quickly raised their binoculars and stared intently at the people in the distance.
Fortunately, Chuze had the foresight to prepare several telescopes when he asked others to do so.
Lu Xiuyi was so angry that it felt like his chest was stuffed with cotton. It took him a long time to catch his breath. With a dark face, he took the new telescope and looked over again.
He had some free time today, so he thought he'd come and see her, but little did he know he'd witness this scene.
He was absolutely furious.
Why? Why should he bow down to her so humbly, while she grovels before a poor man who has nothing to offer, showing no trace of a woman's dignity or her former pride?
She didn't know what that fool had said, but her expression darkened. She then gestured, and a soldier immediately translated, "I want to know why you rejected me, young master? If you think I'm just a pampered young lady who never lifts a finger, then you're mistaken. I can train animals, I can fire kilns, I can brew wine, I can make fan carts, I know herbs, I'm knowledgeable in medicine, I..."
Before she could finish making the gesture, Jiang Xuanli moved his lips.
A hint of surprise flashed across Meng Yu's face, and her hand gestures seemed to subconsciously change direction: "Young Master... do you have someone you admire?"
Jiang Xuanli nodded, his lips moving as if to say "sorry," and then he walked away, leaving her standing there in a daze.
Her expression held surprise, doubt, disappointment... and a hint of unspeakable fear...
For some reason, Lu Xiuyi felt that her expression was truly beautiful, and even the person who had just been angered by her and fallen into the valley instantly returned to the sky.
very good!
Jiang Xuanli saved his life.
But then Lu Xiuyi thought about it again and was very puzzled. What was she afraid of? Was she afraid that Jiang Xuanli, that idiot, would be snatched away? How ridiculous.
She had such a delicate face, yet she knew so much, but she didn't use it on him; instead, she used it as a bargaining chip to please a fool.
He truly couldn't imagine anyone in the world with worse taste than her. She'd rather forgo a dignified prince like him than marry a poor man.
That's absolutely stupid.
***
Jiang Xuanli left for quite a while before Meng Yu came to her senses. Under Huai Yin's worried expression, she returned to Qingli Courtyard in a daze.
Aunt Shen, with her sharp eyes, understood what Meng Yu was doing. She didn't dare to ask her, but sent Zhi Mian and Yan'er away. Then she secretly pulled Huai Yin aside and asked her in a soft voice.
With a pained expression, Huaiyin recounted the whole story to Aunt Shen. Aunt Shen was utterly astonished: "He has someone he likes? Then why haven't I seen him getting along well with any young lady?"
Huaiyin sighed and agreed, "Who says otherwise? I've asked around, but I haven't seen him associating with any girls."
“Who can say for sure what one’s heart desires?” Meng Yu suddenly appeared beside them, using sign language, which startled the two of them. She continued, “Perhaps he has a crush on that girl and is secretly watching her, which is why we haven’t been able to find out.”
Her expression was the same as usual, and she spoke clearly and logically, as if she had returned to normal.
Aunt Shen didn't listen to her words and looked her up and down with concern: "Yu'er, are you alright?"
Meng Yu asked in confusion, "What could possibly be wrong with me?"
"Young Master Jiang..."
Meng Yu knew what she wanted to say and smiled bitterly: "Of course I was sad when he rejected me. But it's only because without him, I don't know where I can find someone as suitable as him. If I'm not careful and Lu Xiuyi comes knocking on my door, I will be powerless to resist."
Meng Yu's few words sent chills down Aunt Shen's spine. The thought that if Lu Xiuyi came looking for her, Meng Yu might be forced to become a concubine and follow in her footsteps made her break out in a cold sweat.
Seeing that Aunt Shen's face turned pale instantly, Meng Yu knew that her words must have frightened her. She quickly changed the subject and comforted her instead: "Aunt, don't worry. There are always more solutions than problems. Even if he comes knocking on our door, I will have my own way of dealing with it."
What could she possibly do?
But they couldn't think of any other way at the moment, so Aunt Shen could only secretly pray that Lu Xiuyi wouldn't discover their true identities.
After a long silence, Aunt Shen hurriedly instructed her, "Yu'er, unless it's something extremely important, don't go out these days."
Meng Yu nodded.
If it weren't for the daily visits to Ci'an Hall and Zhenhua Studio, she wouldn't even want to step out of Qingli Courtyard. The fewer people she saw and the less she did, the less danger she would face.
Author's note: Tomorrow's update time will be 11:27 PM, after which it will be changed back to 8:27 PM.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
