Chapter 41 Elegant Gathering [VIP]
Chapter Summary: A True Case of Husband Fear.
Ever since that night when Xu Luchuan and Liu Shiyu broke the ice, the two of them have wanted to be together every single day. Xu Luchuan has even stopped having time to socialize with his friends.
Everyone assumed he was heartbroken because of Liu Qinglan's rejection of his marriage proposal, so they chose a day at dusk and sent Zheng Luo and Xia Xubin to guard the gate of the Court of Justice.
Just then, Xu Luchuan, who was leaving the Court of Judicial Review, stepped out the door, and Zheng Luo and Xia Xubin rushed at him. Xia Xubin, being quicker, grabbed him and said, "Xu Luchuan, where do you think you're going?"
Xu Luchuan tried to hide, but he was already surrounded by the two men and had nowhere to escape. He could only force a smile and say, "Brother Zheng, Brother Xia. What a coincidence! What brings you two here?"
"Don't play dumb," Zheng Luo spoke up from the side. "How many days has it been since the Liu family broke off the engagement? Do you really have to be so dejected? You even had to decline our gathering? Are there no other girls in Jinling City?"
Zheng Luo's words were all reasonable, prompting Xia Xubin to nod in agreement: "Zheng Luo is right. Is it really necessary? Although that Miss Liu is nice, why should we hang ourselves on her tree?"
"Brother Zheng, Brother Xia, is there some misunderstanding? I really don't care about the refusal of the marriage proposal."
Xu Luchuan was taken aback by what he heard and quickly denied it.
The more he denied it, the more Zheng Luo and Xia Xubin felt there was something wrong with him. They stared intently at Xu Luchuan, not letting their guard down for a moment.
"It doesn't matter? Since it doesn't matter, then you'll come with us to the gathering today." Zheng Luo pressed his advantage, and Xia Xubin tightened his grip on Xu Luchuan's hand. "Yes, no matter what, we two must take you to Xiaoting Mountain today. You can't go on like this."
Xu Luchuan had agreed to make winter wine with Liu Shiyu today, but who knew these two would suddenly appear out of nowhere. Judging from this situation, he was doomed.
Xu Luchuan was unwilling to give up and resolutely declined, saying, "I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you both today. I really have something to attend to and cannot accompany Brother Zheng and Brother Xia to Xiaoting Mountain. Next time! Next time for sure."
Xu Luchuan was about to slip away when Xia Xubin pulled him back. Zheng Luo joined in, grabbing his other arm.
It seems they are determined to take Xu Luchuan away to relax.
"Brother Zheng, Brother Xia, I didn't lie to you, I really have something to do." Xu Luchuan explained, his voice weak and tearful.
He was thus helped onto the carriage bound for Xiaoting Mountain by the two of them.
Lian Xing, who routinely "staking out" outside the Court of Justice's residence, drew his sword without understanding the situation. Xu Luchuan, startled, quickly and secretly waved his hand to signal him. The sword was drawn and then sheathed, and Lian Xing stood there, watching the carriage drive away into the distance.
After hesitating, he decided to go to Xiaoting Mountain with Xu Luchuan.
Along the way, Zheng Luo and Xia Xubin flanked Xu Luchuan from both sides. No matter how he explained, the two wouldn't believe him. Seeing that Xiaoting Mountain was approaching, Xu Luchuan gave up struggling and could only go with them first and then think of a way to escape.
...
Outside Xiaoting Mountain, Zheng Luo and Xia Xubin helped Xu Luchuan down from the carriage.
Xu Luchuan looked around and couldn't help but speak up: "Brother Zheng, Brother Xia, why don't you consider letting me go first? I promise I won't run away."
Xia Xubin glanced at Zheng Luo upon hearing this. But Zheng Luo didn't respond; instead, he continued to lead the man into Xiaoting Mountain.
Once inside, the proprietress saw Xu Luchuan, whom she hadn't seen in a long time, and leaned over the counter, squinting and smiling, "Lord Zheng and Young Master Xia, what kind of trouble is Young Master Xu causing?"
"We call this 'catching a turtle in a jar'!" Xia Xubin said wittily, making the proprietress laugh repeatedly.
The three of them made their way up to the second floor, heading towards their private Qiuming Pavilion. The servant quickly opened the door for them, and the people inside, seeing that they had indeed brought their guests, all rose to speak.
"You two are really something, you actually managed to drag our Right Supervisor here."
...
"Hey? Xu Luchuan, you're really not being fair. So many of us have been pleading with you for so long, and you haven't given us any face at all!"
...
"Alright, alright. We all know about Brother Lu Chuan's situation. Just say less, and don't forget what Zheng Luo's group is up to today!"
Xu Luchuan stood there, looking at the crowd gathered around him because they were worried about him, feeling both moved and helpless.
He really has something to do today.
Zheng Luo turned around and gestured for Xia Xubin to let go. Xia Xubin released Xu Luchuan and then led him to a seat.
After Xu Luchuan sat down, he looked around at the people around him and, recalling their conversation, asked, "So this game was organized by Brother Zheng. May I ask what Brother Zheng's intention is? Is there anything you wish to discuss?"
Zheng Luo didn't respond, but turned to call the servant to bring the dishes. After seeing the group go upstairs, the proprietress in the kitchen began to instruct the preparation of dishes for Qiuming Pavilion, so in no time, the dishes were served in abundance.
The banquet began, and everyone toasted and drank. Only Xu Luchuan remained, restless and uneasy.
After three rounds, Zheng Luo, seeing that it was about time, finally spoke up: "Brother Lu Chuan, do you have any plans for the winter solstice holiday?"
Upon hearing this, Xu Luchuan looked up and asked, "Brother Zheng, is there something you need?"
“Of course there is.” Zheng Luo smiled. “Liu Shuangshuang, the third princess of the Guangcheng Prince’s family, holds a Cold Mountain Banquet at the Prince’s Mansion every winter solstice. At that time, all the prominent young men and noble ladies of Jinling City will attend. A few of us will also attend the banquet. How about Brother Luchuan comes with us? It’s a good way to relax.”
The Cold Mountain Banquet? It was just a bunch of talented young men chatting away. Xu Luchuan thought to himself that he had to get to his princess's residence before he could waste time fooling around with them.
Before he could even refuse, Xia Xubin made the decision for him.
“Since he’s on leave, what could a bachelor like him possibly have to do?” Xia Xubin said, looking at Xu Luchuan. “It’s settled then. If you don’t go, a few of us will come to your house and carry you out.”
"Xu Bin, this matter still needs Brother Lu Chuan's own agreement. Don't make things worse." Zheng Luo appeared to be advising against it, but in his heart he agreed with Xia Xu Bin.
One of them had a red face, and the other had a white face.
Ultimately, they were all doing it for Xu Luchuan's own good; they were afraid that he would be depressed because of Liu Qinglan.
Xu Luchuan could easily see their meaning; it was clear there was no room for negotiation. If he didn't agree, he probably wouldn't be able to leave Xiaoting Mountain tonight. "Since you've extended such a warm invitation, I can't refuse any longer. I'll go with you. But I really have something to attend to today, so please allow me to go ahead first."
Xu Luchuan took the opportunity to get up. Xia Xubin was about to stop him when Zheng Luo raised his eyes to signal him.
"We haven't been able to keep you here today as we agreed with Brother Lu Chuan. But since you promised to hold the Cold Mountain Banquet on the Winter Solstice, Brother Lu Chuan, please don't go back on your word."
"Definitely," Xu Luchuan replied with a smile. "Gentlemen, I shall take my leave now."
As soon as he finished speaking, Xu Luchuan left Qiuming Pavilion without exchanging pleasantries with everyone.
Seeing Xu Luchuan hurrying along, the landlady downstairs couldn't help but ask, "Young Master Xu, why are you leaving so early again today? What's the matter that requires your haste?"
To everyone's surprise, Xu Luchuan completely ignored her and focused solely on walking towards the door. Seeing his reaction, the proprietress clicked her tongue, thinking that she would definitely ignore this person next time.
As Xu Luchuan left Xiaoting Mountain, Lian Xing came to greet him. He looked at the man before him and asked, "What time is it?"
Lian Xing, holding his scabbard, replied, "7 PM."
"Damn it." Upon hearing how late it was, Xu Luchuan turned and hurried away. Lian Xing quickly followed, "Your Highness, we were waiting for you. Why are you here? You stood me up? I'll kill you!"
Xu Luchuan sneered and did not reply.
He thought to himself, why should I need Lian Xing to kill me? Once I arrive at the princess's residence, Liu Shiyu will surely be the first to cut me into a thousand pieces.
The two hurried along, Xu Luchuan's henpecked nature fully revealed. He had put in his utmost effort today, rushing for what seemed like an eternity to finally arrive at the tavern within a quarter of an hour.
Xu Luchuan was already panting heavily, but he dared not delay for a moment. He quickly passed through the tavern and entered the secret passage, heading towards the princess's residence.
But as the stone door of the secret passage slowly opened, Xu Luchuan saw a pair of resentful eyes guarding the door, which instantly gave him a fright.
Liu Shiyu stood outside the door, arms crossed, fuming. Her pouting lips were taller than the camellia tree behind her. Her resentful gaze swept over Xu Luchuan from head to toe.
Xu Luchuan stood inside the door, his mind blank. He tentatively asked, "Ayu, what a coincidence. What are you doing here?"
"Coincidence? What a coincidence!" Liu Shiyu had been waiting outside the secret passage for over an hour, and hearing him speak like this, his anger had reached its peak. "Xu! Lu! Chuan! The Court of Justice closes at 5 PM! Look at what time it is now! Tell me, are you deliberately getting back at me for making you wait so long last time?!"
"Ayu, it wasn't me, I didn't. Let me explain!" Xu Luchuan stepped forward and took Liu Shiyu's hand.
The cold touch stirred a pang of heartache and guilt in Xu Luchuan's heart. He shamelessly tucked Liu Shiyu's hand into his robes, saying, "It's all my fault, making you suffer like this. I was wrong, I promise it won't happen again! Your Highness, please forgive me this time, okay?"
Xu Luchuan's sudden show of weakness left Liu Shiyu somewhat at a loss. She blushed and gently withdrew her hands, saying, "Don't try that."
"You'd better explain yourself why you're late today! If you can't convince me, you'll be in for a world of hurt tonight!"
Upon hearing this, Xu Luchuan suddenly pressed his advantage, moving closer to her. He whispered with amusement in Liu Shiyu's flushed ear, "Oh? Your Highness says that? I'm suddenly curious... I wonder how Your Highness will make me look bad?"
When Xu Luchuan looked up at Liu Shiyu again, the redness around her ears had quietly spread to her palms.
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