Chapter 48: Brothers in Conflict

The young servant quickly returned, inviting the two of them inside. Lu Ziqian frowned and then relaxed; perhaps it was because they were at the family gate, and Xie Yunzhao didn’t want to send them away alone.

Gu Kaizhi was pleasantly surprised and shot Lu Ziqian a glare, marching in with a swagger.

As soon as they entered the Linfeng Residence, they were startled by a few boxes in the courtyard and, after inquiring with Qingzhu, learned that they were preparing to leave.

“What brings you both here?” Xie Yunzhao greeted them as they sat down.

Lu Ziqian stayed a bit farther from Gu Kaizhi, “I ran into you at your family’s gate.”

Gu Kaizhi’s bright eyes were fixed on Xie Yunzhao, “I’ve come every day this week and finally caught you at home, Heir.”

Xie Yunzhao pulled the corners of his lips, thinking Gu Kaizhi was a fool. Why didn’t he just write to him? Although his previous letters were useless.

But now it was different; Rongrong had begun to manage his friendships. She trusted this foolish boy, so he was willing to take him along, “I’ll be leaving soon. Do you want to come?”

“I have to ask my father first,” Lu Ziqian hesitated, “Where are you going?”

“I’m going. As long as you take me, I’ll go,” Gu Kaizhi didn’t even think twice.

Lu Ziqian glared at him, “He didn’t ask you!”

Gu Kaizhi retorted, “He did ask me; he was looking at me when he asked.”

Lu Ziqian was just sipping tea and hadn’t really paid attention. “Stop daydreaming…”

“It’s him,” Xie Yunzhao slapped Gu Kaizhi on the shoulder, “But you need to keep your distance from me; I want to accompany the Junzhu.”

“No problem! I’ll definitely stay far away and won’t disturb the young master and his wife’s time together.”

Hearing Gu Kaizhi call Shen Shurong “wife” made Xie Yunzhao feel better about him. “Go back and pack your things. Bring more people along for the trip south.”

“Alright!” Gu Kaizhi jumped up and dashed off, fearing Xie Yunzhao might change his mind.

“Wait, you really want to bring him?” Lu Ziqian questioned, suspecting Xie Yunzhao had lost his mind.

Pointing at the door, Gu Kaizhi shouted, “Lu San, don’t stir up trouble! Young Master said himself he would take me!”

“Wait a minute! Remember to bring your token.”

“I know, Young Master, don’t worry!” Gu Kaizhi rushed out.

Xie Yunzhao thought about how Gu Kaizhi had always excelled at everything since childhood, being the most daring. It was always fun and exhilarating to be with him. Now that he was finally bringing him along, he had to perform well and not get sent back.

Lu Ziqian didn’t understand; Gu Kaizhi only had brawn but wasn’t good at archery, throwing, polo, or cuju. “Are you really bringing him along to be a nuisance?”

Xie Yunzhao spoke nonchalantly, “What if we encounter a landslide…”

Lu Ziqian understood; it would indeed be suitable to have someone to carry his burdens. “I’ll go with you; I’ll return to tell my father now.”

“Don’t say anything; stay in the capital. What if I need you to handle something?”

Lu Ziqian thought about it and agreed, “Then make sure to come back early.”

“Yeah, I’m not playing today. I need to pack my things. You can head back first.”

Seeing that his attitude hadn’t changed from before, Lu Ziqian finally felt a sense of relief.

In the evening, the whole family waited for Xie Yunzhao to have dinner, wanting to give him some parting advice, but he didn’t show up, claiming he wanted to avoid suspicion.

Duke Lu and Xie Yunzheng didn’t understand; what was there to avoid suspicion about? Who was he avoiding?

Li Shuang’s eyes turned red again, and after eating just a few bites, she returned to her courtyard.

The Duchess felt awkward and couldn’t discipline her son, so she had to pretend not to see.

That night, Xie Yunzhao lay on his bed with his hands behind his head, a smile playing on his handsome lips. They would be leaving the capital tomorrow.

It would be just the two of them. For Rongrong’s safety, he was determined to protect her closely, day and night.

Just thinking about it made him so excited that he couldn’t fall asleep.

The scene of their kiss on the boat lingered in his mind for two days, urgently needing to be expelled.

As he turned over to snuggle into the blankets, a knock came at the door.

“Who is it?”

“It’s me.”

“Why are you here?”

Xie Yunzheng? What was he doing here?

“I was asleep.”

“While you’re out, don’t just focus on having fun; keep an eye on the Junzhu!” A voice from outside carried a hint of helplessness.

Xie Yunzhao jumped out of bed, hurriedly throwing open the door. “Are you out of your mind?”

“And also pay attention to her reputation. Even though there are servants, rumors can be frightening. Don’t be alone with her.”

Xie Yunzheng felt restless; he couldn’t sleep, thinking about how long they had been alone outside together. His heart felt like it was being fried in a pan.

Xie Yunzhao kicked the door, feeling that he was being disrespected. He wasn’t going out with Li Wan’er.

Xie Yunzheng retreated while blocking, looking for an opportunity to retaliate. He was just as frustrated.

The two brothers, one wearing an outer robe and the other only in an inner garment, began to tussle in the courtyard.

Xie Yunzheng was no match for Xie Yunzhao; with one punch to his stomach, he instantly lost his strength and bent over, unable to straighten up.

“Get someone to send the Heir back to the Zhaohui Courtyard; he’s sleepwalking.”

“No need! If I find out you’re taking advantage of her while I’m away, I won’t spare you!” Xie Yunzheng turned to leave.

Xie Yunzhao wanted to draw his sword but was stopped by Qingzhu and Qingying. “Second Master, don’t!”

Xie Yunzhao squinted his eyes; he was typically good at pretending and would never do something this foolish.

Besides, it was late, and he must have struggled for a long time before coming to this decision.

Unexpectedly, he hadn’t yet grasped the reality of their situation; he hadn’t accepted that his fiancée was now his sister-in-law.

“Qingzhu, let others spread the word that Deputy General Pei’s son couldn’t be promoted to a thousand households. The Heir deserves the credit.”

“Yes, Second Master.” The Heir had no business being so free.

Deputy General Pei had initially supported elevating Xie Yunzheng to Heir, and he understood the need to return the favor by discreetly promoting others.

Xie Yunzhao lay back on his bed, Shen Shurong’s face reappearing in his mind, as if she had the power to drive away all his frustrations. He had just been angry at the man and was now smiling.

The next morning, Xie Yunzhao didn’t want to have breakfast, but his mother personally summoned him, “Your cousin is having her meal in her own courtyard and hasn’t come.”

Xie Yunzhao nodded in satisfaction, “Mother, she’s clearly harboring ulterior motives.”

The Duchess frowned, “Yesterday I heard your reasoning. Since you’re observing her closely, have someone keep an eye on her. I haven’t seen any signs of her harboring feelings for your elder brother.”

Xie Yunzhao pulled his mother’s attention toward himself, “Mother, do you not remember that you have two sons?”

The Duchess was surprised, her eyes widening, “You’re talking about yourself? No way, Li Shuang isn’t that shallow.”

Xie Yunzhao found it amusing, “I don’t care whether you believe me; she can’t enter my courtyard and can’t sit at the same table as me.”

“Except for the Junzhu, no other women are allowed, right?”

“Correct, except for the Junzhu and you.”

“What about the Commandery Princess?”

“Are you joking with me?” Xie Yunzhao raised an eyebrow and laughed, “She can stay as long as she behaves.”

…

At this moment, Xie Yunzhao still had no idea what his future mother-in-law had arranged for him.

Shen Shurong’s carriage was spacious enough; the seat had been widened and equipped with soft cushions, ensuring that a long journey wouldn’t be too tiring.

Xie Yunzhao also had a carriage but chose not to ride in it. He picked up Shen Shurong, riding his horse while feeling quite pleased as they left the city.

The Commandery Princess and the Commandery Prince saw them off, noting his respectful demeanor with satisfaction.

“Qian Mama.”

“Here, my lady.”

The Commandery Princess spoke to Qian Mama but cast a glance at Xie Yunzhao, “Stay close to the Junzhu; remember?”

Xie Yunzhao felt that glance carried profound meaning.