Chapter 11
“I should have come to see you earlier, but I’ve been busy with matters and haven’t had the time.”
“I brought some pastries and snacks. See if you like them.”
You Lingxiao, the second son of the You family, handed the packages he was carrying to Ji Taoyu.
“Thank you, second brother.”
Seeing the two of them getting along so well, Ji Yangzong’s face was filled with the gratified smile of a doting father.
He then remembered Huo Xu, who was still standing in the courtyard, and approached him. “May I ask what brings Sir Huo here?”
Huo Xu glanced at Ji Taoyu and replied, “It’s nothing major. The village chief has guests. I’ll talk to you another time.”
With that, he cupped his hands and took his leave.
It was the first time You Lingxiao had seen Huo Xu. As the man passed by, he brought with him a gust of wind. You Lingxiao was already tall and slender, but he found himself half a head shorter than this man.
He couldn’t help but ask, “Uncle Ji, who was that just now?”
“Aren’t there many soldiers returning from border defense recently? This is Zhao Changsui’s comrade. Changsui is gone, and he specifically came to deliver Changsui’s belongings to the Zhao family.”
Ji Yangzong was somewhat surprised by Huo Xu’s visit and his subsequent departure without saying anything. When You Lingxiao asked, he answered without mentioning that Taoyu had fallen into the water and Huo Xu had saved him.
You Lingxiao’s brow furrowed slightly. “He seems like a loyal and righteous person.”
After speaking, he turned to Ji Taoyu and said gently, “However, I see that this person has a stern countenance, suggesting he’s seen his fair share of bloodshed on the front lines. Such people are often heartless. Moreover, soldiers are rough and impetuous. If you see him again in the future, it would be best to avoid him to prevent any unwanted intentions.”
Ji Taoyu’s brow furrowed slightly. He was somewhat surprised that You Lingxiao looked down on the border guards so much. He couldn’t help but say, “I know you care about me, second brother, but those who guard the borders protect our homes and country. And delivering belongings for a comrade, they must be loyal and upright people.”
You Lingxiao chuckled, finding Ji Taoyu a bit too naive.
“You haven’t met many people, so you don’t understand how treacherous the human heart can be. These border guards are illiterate and uneducated, generally rough and uncivilized. Even the civil and military officials in the imperial court are mostly inferior to the civil officials. They gain their fame through brute force and bloodshed, with no trace of integrity.”
“If those in official positions are like this, how much more so are the soldiers at the lowest rung?”
Ji Taoyu’s brow tightened further. Just as he was about to speak, Ji Yangzong interrupted, “Alright, let’s go inside and sit. I know you two haven’t seen each other in a while and have a lot to talk about, but it’s not proper to stand outside and talk.”
Seeing this, Ji Taoyu gave a somewhat forced smile. “Second brother, please come in.”
You Lingxiao, full of spirit, flicked his sleeves. “Good.”
Huo Xu had just reached the entrance of the Zhao family’s house when a few raindrops began to fall.
The autumn rain wasn’t heavy, but the fine drizzle carried by the wind felt chilling on his skin.
In the courtyard stood a peach tree as thick as a forearm. Its sparse leaves rustled in the wind.
Huo Xu stood in thought, pondering Ji Taoyu’s words from earlier that day.
If he were to stay, he would indeed have to consider Zhao Changsui’s mother’s reputation. Ji Taoyu’s suggestion was undoubtedly a solution.
However, he was accustomed to the freedom and independence of being alone. To suddenly form a bond, he lacked the firm resolve.
As he pondered, You Lingxiao’s face and his conversation with Ji Taoyu kept flashing through his mind.
The two were of similar age and both good-looking. Standing together, they indeed looked quite well-matched.
No wonder Ji Taoyu was so meticulous about etiquette and concerned about his engagement.
He felt an inexplicable sense of irritation.
“Ah Xu, did you go out?”
Huo Xu turned his head at the sound and saw Zhao’s mother, holding two bolts of cloth, hurrying towards his courtyard gate.
“Fortunately, I took the ox cart back, otherwise the rain would have gotten heavier.”
Seeing this, Huo Xu held open the courtyard gate, waiting for Zhao’s mother to enter the house with him.
“I bought two bolts of cloth today. The fabric shop said it’s the most fashionable material this year, and it really looks good.”
Zhao’s mother placed the cloth on the table and then went to unpack her full basket.
“I also bought some firewood, rice, oil, and salt. I only felt like I bought a few things, but I didn’t expect the basket to be so full.”
Huo Xu watched Zhao’s mother’s cheerfully chattering, reminiscent of how his own mother looked when she returned from the county town when he was young.
He hadn’t responded. Suddenly, he said, “Auntie, there’s something I want to tell you.”
Zhao’s mother paused as she was unpacking the salt wrapped in oiled paper. She put down her things, straightened up, and looked up at Huo Xu.
“What is it? Are you… are you going back?”
She had said she was used to being alone these past few years, but during festivals and holidays, seeing other families gathered together warmly, even if poor, there was still a family.
How could she not feel a pang of sadness every time she saw this?
Zhao Changsui had been sending no news for years, and her husband’s health was deteriorating year by year. She had long known that her son was likely gone, and her husband wouldn’t last much longer.
Until this day truly arrived.
At night, she didn’t know how many times she had tossed and turned. If this situation continued, she feared she might die by the roadside without anyone to collect her body.
It wasn’t until Huo Xu arrived that the house had a little more life, she had something to do, and she had a little bit of reliance.
However, she also knew that Huo Xu was from the north and would eventually leave.
She hadn’t expected him to leave so soon.
“With autumn passing, winter will soon set in. It will be difficult for you to travel on the road then. Why not spend the New Year in the south before you leave? The roads will be better when spring arrives next year.”
Yuan Huiru earnestly advised.
Huo Xu shook his head. “I’m not talking about that. Someone told me today that the villagers gossip a lot, and it’s not appropriate for me to live here like this.”
“What I mean is, if you are willing, Auntie, I would like to recognize you as my godmother.”
“Although I am from the northern regions, my parents passed away long ago. My hometown has now fallen into enemy hands. I never intended to return. The world is vast; after the war is over, I can settle down anywhere. My comrade-in-arms relationship with Changsui compels me to care for you in your old age and perform funeral rites.”
He had suddenly made up his mind, seeing that Zhao’s mother had been preoccupied and hadn’t fully understood.
Tongzhou was indeed a good place. Although there were many rules and rituals, it was peaceful and leisurely.
Zhao’s mother had no children now, and as a lonely widow, remarriage was unlikely.
Even an old widower’s later years could be bleak, let alone a woman’s.
Even with money in hand, she might attract malicious people. Moreover, Zhao’s mother had treated him very well.
If he were to settle down here, it might not be impossible.
At the very least, if he genuinely wanted to travel, he could still leave after Zhao’s mother passed away.
He was not indecisive. Although he considered matters, he made his decisions decisively.
The situation had taken such a sharp turn that Yuan Huiru hadn’t reacted immediately. “You, are you serious?”
“Yes.”
Yuan Huiru’s hesitant face suddenly broke into a smile. “Good, good.”
She nodded repeatedly. “I’m very happy that you have this intention, Auntie.”
Yuan Huiru was so happy she could have wept. “When the weather improves, we’ll renovate the house. You’ll live here well from now on.”
“Towards the end of the year, I’ll go find some land to buy. No, according to your wishes, if you’re willing to farm, I’ll buy a few more acres. If you want to find work in the city, or if you have any other business you’d like to do, that’s fine too!”
Huo Xu saw that Zhao’s mother had already started planning for the future and was genuinely happy, which touched him.
He couldn’t help but recall Zhao Changsui in the army, missing his parents, and how he had comforted him by saying that his parents would be his parents from then on.
“These are not urgent matters. We can invite the village elders to be witnesses.”
Yuan Huiru said, “Alright, I’ll go invite them now. We’ll also need the village chief to register the household and make announcements. There are still many things to do.”
She hurried to the door and looked at the rain that had intensified outside. Suddenly, she realized, “Look at me, I’m so foolish. Everyone is preparing lunch. How appropriate is it to go now? I’d better finish preparing lunch before inviting people.”
Huo Xu comforted Yuan Huiru not to rush.
The autumn rain was lingering, and after lunch, the eaves water at the Ji family’s house was already streaming down in straight lines.
Water from all four sides converged in the middle, and the courtyard had already accumulated a shallow layer of water.
“Uncle and Auntie, it’s getting late, and I have a lot of things to attend to at home. I’ll be going back to handle them. I hope Uncle and Auntie will come to drink a cup of wine and celebrate at the banquet in a couple of days.”
Ji Yangzong heard this and said, “Are you leaving already? The rain is heavy. Why don’t you go back when it’s lighter?”
“It’s only a few steps in the village, and the rain doesn’t matter. However, I have a lot of trivial matters lately. Among my classmates, there are also those who have passed the imperial examinations. I need to prepare gifts to congratulate them.”
Since he had stated his case, Ji Yangzong couldn’t keep him any longer. He said, “Then I’ll escort you out.”
“Where is Taoyu?”
After the meal, the young man and Huang Manjing went to the kitchen to clear the dishes and hadn’t returned. You Lingxiao couldn’t help but ask.
Ji Yangzong had initially thought You Lingxiao had come to discuss marriage, but he hadn’t mentioned it at all.
Ji Yangzong thought he should bring it up if You Lingxiao didn’t, but before he could speak, You Lingxiao took his leave.
Seeing this, he already had some reservations.
Now that he even wanted Xiao Taozi to see him off, Ji Yangzong did not comply with his wish. “The rain is heavy, and Xiao Taozi is afraid of the cold. He had a cold a few days ago and has already gone back to his room. Otherwise, I can call him out to see you off.”
You Lingxiao heard this and felt it would be impolite to have Taozi see him off. He changed his words, “No need, Uncle. Let Taozi rest well. It wouldn’t be good if he caught another cold.”
“Alright.”
Ji Yangzong saw him out and returned, feeling somewhat displeased. His steps quickened.
“Having achieved fame truly makes a difference. He’s so busy, coming and going. It’s been days since he passed the provincial exam, and he’s only coming to report the good news today, which is understandable. As for what kind of banquet his family needs him to attend, the You family’s uncles and elders would have arranged everything for him perfectly.”
He had been here for quite some time, but he hadn’t mentioned marriage. Instead, he kept trying to talk to Taoyu. He was clearly trying to take advantage.
“With the academy, relatives, and the officials in the prefectural government hosting banquets for the new scholars, it’s normal for You Erlang to be busy. I doubt he wants to rush into discussing marriage so hastily.”
Huang Manjing comforted him. “In a couple of days, when we go to the banquet, both families will be there, and the announcement will likely be made then. Wouldn’t that be more proper? Why are you in such a hurry?”
“I’m not particularly anxious to marry off the young master. If he could stay at home, I’d be delighted. But that’s not practical. It’s good to be protected by the scholar and not pay taxes this year, but it’s alright if that’s not the case. After all, it’s not just this year that we’ve been paying taxes; we’ve gotten through it year after year.”
Ji Yangzong’s expression softened upon hearing his wife’s words. “I’m just worried that things will change at this critical juncture. If the You family doesn’t show their stance, even though Xiao Taozi is still young, he can’t keep waiting like this indefinitely. I wonder if it’s because Xiao Taozi had an accident recently; I haven’t been sleeping well at night.”
Huang Manjing said, “You’ve watched this child grow up since he was little. And I see that he treats Xiao Taozi well; they must have feelings for each other. Erlang wouldn’t turn his back on him just because he’s achieved fame.”
“Who can say for sure in this world? Let’s wait and see. In a couple of days, the villagers will gather. Whether this marriage works out will depend on that day.”
Ji Yangzong’s tone softened as he was about to enter the house when the long-term laborer’s voice came from outside. “Village chief, Mrs. Yuan from the Zhao family says she’s asking you to come to her house.”
“What’s the matter? In this heavy rain.”
Ji Yangzong called back.
“She says she wants to acknowledge kinship and asks you to be a witness.”
“Acknowledge kinship?” Ji Yangzong’s brow furrowed. He remembered Huo Xu’s earlier fruitless visit. “Then I must go and see.”
The autumn rain was chilly. On rainy days, there was usually nothing to do.
Ji Taoyu pestered Huang Manjing to stew him a bowl of warming lamb soup that night, and then he retreated to his room. Wrapped in a thick quilt, he lay on the bed and flipped through the difficult medical cases he hadn’t finished reading a couple of days ago.
However, he couldn’t concentrate.
After seeing You Lingxiao today, Taoyu found that he seemed even more refined. They had a rare opportunity to talk a lot, and normally, he should have been happy, but he couldn’t feel very happy.
In the past, when You Lingxiao had days off, he would return to the village to see him, and his parents hadn’t deliberately prevented them from meeting. Once they entered the house, they could sit together, drink tea, and eat some fruit after closing the courtyard gate. However, they had never eaten a meal together after drinking tea like they did today.
Despite having such a long time together, they hadn’t gotten along well. Taoyu realized that after You Lingxiao passed the imperial examinations, he seemed less humble and polite than before. He wasn’t sure if it was his imagination.
During the banquet today, he said, “Recently, many merchants in the city have wanted to host banquets and have sent invitations for calligraphy. Even the shopkeeper of that Ten Mile Fabric shop in the city sent an invitation. I thought their silk was good, and I wanted to bring you a few bolts, but then I thought that although these were wealthy families, they were still merchants, not worth associating with, so I didn’t send any replies. When I come, I will buy you silk with my own money.”
He also said, “There are many literary gatherings in the city in autumn, and many invitations. I will take you to see them then, and it will be lively. I heard that many officials from the prefectural government will be there, so you can broaden your horizons. I have also prepared a lot of poetry for you. You can read them in advance and prepare, so don’t flip through your medical books.”
In short, he said a lot, and it was somewhat biased and pedantic.
Ji Taoyu didn’t know if it was because they had met infrequently before and knew each other less, or if his disposition had changed slightly due to his recent success, or what.
He lay in his quilt, not having turned a single page, his mood somewhat jumbled.
Just as he was about to close the book and go to sleep, he heard his father shouting to the laborer outside, talking to him.
Ji Taoyu’s brow slightly raised, and he poked his head out from under the quilt.
Did he go to do it so quickly?
Hearing his mother tell his father to wear his straw cape, Taoyu thought of the wet rain and shivered involuntarily, then retreated back into his quilt.
That person seemed cold and stubborn, but he didn’t expect him to be quite receptive to advice. He had just mentioned it, and he was already rushing to get things done. He felt a little bit of relief.
