Chapter 11

“I should have come to see you earlier, but things have been busy these days.”

“I brought some pastries back to eat. Take a look and see if you like them.”

Yu Er Lang handed over the several packages he was carrying to Ji Taoyu.

“Thank you, Second Brother Yu.”

Seeing the harmony between the two, Ji Yangzong’s father had a pleased smile on his face.

Turning his head, he remembered that Huo Shu was still standing in the courtyard, so he approached and asked, “I wonder if there’s something you need, Mister Huo?”

Huo Shu glanced at Ji Taoyu and said, “It’s not a big deal. There are guests inside; I’ll talk to you next time.”

With that, he bowed and took his leave.

This was the first time Yu Lingxiao had seen Huo Shu. The man exuded a certain aura as he passed by, and despite Yu Lingxiao’s already tall stature, he found himself half a head shorter than this man.

He couldn’t help but ask, “Uncle Ji, who was that just now?”

“Recently, there have been many soldiers returning to their hometowns from the border. He is Zhao Changsui’s comrade. Since Changsui passed away, he came specifically to deliver something from Changsui’s belongings.”

Ji Yangzong was somewhat surprised that Huo Shu had come and gone without saying much, and he didn’t mention the incident where Taoyu fell into the water and Huo Shu saved him when Yu Lingxiao asked.

Yu Lingxiao’s brow furrowed slightly. “He seems like a man of great loyalty and righteousness.”

After speaking, he turned his head to look at Ji Taoyu again and said gently, “But I can see that he has a cold and stern demeanor. He must have shed a lot of blood on the frontline. Such people are inevitably ruthless. Moreover, soldiers are often rough and crude. If you encounter him again in the future, it’s best to avoid him to prevent any misunderstandings.”

Ji Taoyu’s brow furrowed slightly in surprise at Yu Lingxiao’s disdain for border soldiers. She couldn’t help but say, “I know Second Brother Yu is concerned about me, but the soldiers guarding the border protect our homes and defend our country. Moreover, he also delivered items on behalf of his comrade. I believe he is also a man of loyalty and integrity.”

Yu Lingxiao laughed, feeling somewhat amused by the simplicity of Ji Taoyu’s thoughts.

“You rarely interact with people, so you don’t understand how complex human hearts can be. These soldiers stationed at the border are ignorant and uncultured. Most of them are reckless and lack manners. Even those military officials in the court are often inferior to civilian officials. They rely solely on brute force and bloodshed to gain fame and success, lacking any sense of integrity.”

“If officials in the court are like this, what more can be said for the lowest-ranked soldiers?”

Ji Taoyu furrowed her brows tighter, about to speak, but Ji Yangzong interrupted, “Alright, let’s go inside and sit down. You two haven’t seen each other for a while and there’s no reason to stand outside chatting.”

Seeing this, Ji Taoyu reluctantly pursed her lips and said, “Second Brother, please come inside.”

Yu Lingxiao, on the other hand, confidently flicked his sleeve and said, “Sure.”

As Huo Shu walked to the Zhao family’s door, a few raindrops began to fall.

The autumn rain wasn’t heavy, but the drizzle mixed with the wind felt chilly.

In the courtyard stood a small peach tree, its sparse leaves rustling in the wind.

Huo Shu was lost in thought, pondering the words Ji Taoyu had spoken to him earlier.

If he were to stay, he would indeed have to consider his mother’s reputation. Ji Taoyu’s suggestion was undoubtedly a solution.

However, he had grown accustomed to being independent and free. It wasn’t easy to suddenly tie himself down without a definite determination.

As he contemplated, scenes of Yu Lingxiao’s face and his conversation with Ji Taoyu flashed through his mind.

The two were of similar age and decent-looking. Standing together, they did make a good match.

No wonder Ji Taoyu was so concerned about propriety and his engagement.

He felt inexplicably restless.

“Ar Shu, are you going out?”

Huo Shu turned around at the sound of the voice, seeing Zhao’s mother holding two pieces of cloth, hurrying towards their courtyard gate.

“Thankfully, I came back in a cart, otherwise, I would have been caught in the rain.”

Seeing this, Huo Shu held the courtyard gate, waiting for Zhao’s mother to enter the house.

“I bought two pieces of cloth today. The fabric shop said they’re the newest materials this year, and they do look good.”

Zhao’s mother placed the cloth on the table and went to empty the filled basket.

“I also bought some firewood, rice, oil, and salt. I thought I didn’t buy much, but it seems like I filled the basket.”

Seeing Zhao’s mother happily chatting away, Huo Shu couldn’t help but be reminded of his own mother when she returned from the county town during his youth.

Without replying, he suddenly said, “Aunt, there’s something I want to discuss with you.”

Zhao’s mother paused her actions of wrapping the salt in oil paper. She put down the items and straightened up, looking at Huo Shu.

“What’s the matter? Are… you leaving?”

These years, she had grown accustomed to loneliness. During festivals, seeing families gather happily, even if they were poor, they were still together. Every time she witnessed this, it brought a sense of sadness.

Year after year passed without news. Her husband’s health deteriorated with each passing year. She knew her son might not make it, and her husband might not last much longer.

Until this day finally arrived.

At night, she tossed and turned, fearing that they might die on the road, wondering if anyone would even find their bodies.

Until Huo Shu returned, bringing some life back into the house. She had something to do, something to hope for.

But she also knew Huo Shu was from the north and would eventually leave.

She just didn’t expect it to happen so soon.

“Autumn is passing, and winter is approaching. It might not be easy to travel then. Why not stay in the south until after the new year? The roads will be better in the spring.”

Yuan Huiru earnestly advised.

Huo Shu shook his head at her words. “That’s not what I meant. Today, someone told me that there’s too much gossip in the village, and it’s not appropriate for me to stay here like this.”

“What I mean is, Aunt, if you’re willing, I want to recognize you as my godmother.”

“Although I’m from the northern region, my parents have long passed away. My hometown has become enemy territory, and I never planned to return. With the world being so vast, I can settle anywhere after the war is over. I want to repay your kindness and spend my remaining years with you.”

With this sudden decision, Huo Shu saw Zhao’s mother suddenly understand.

Tongzhou was indeed a good place, albeit with more customs, it was peaceful and enjoyable.

Now that Zhao’s mother had no sons or daughters, as a lonely person, remarrying was probably out of the question.

Even for an old widower, the later years were still bleak, let alone a woman.

Even if she had money, in the end, she might attract the attention of unscrupulous people. Moreover, Zhao’s mother had treated him well.

If he were to settle down here, it seemed entirely plausible.

Looking at it from another perspective, even if he truly desired to wander and travel south, he could always leave after Zhao’s mother passed away.

He wasn’t indecisive. While he considered things carefully, once he made a decision, he acted decisively.

The sudden turn of events caught Yuan Huiru off guard. “Are you… serious?”

“Yes.”

Yuan Huiru’s hesitant expression turned into a smile. “Good, good.”

She nodded repeatedly. “I’m very happy that you have this intention, Aunt is very happy.”

Yuan Huiru was on the verge of tears with joy. “When the weather gets better, we’ll renovate the house a bit, and from now on, you’ll live here comfortably.”

“At the end of the year, I’ll go buy a few more acres of land. No, according to your wishes, if you’re willing to farm, I’ll buy two more acres. If you want to find work in the city or do something else for a living, that’s fine too!”

Seeing Zhao’s mother already planning for the future, genuinely happy, Huo Shu was also touched.

He couldn’t help but think of the past when Zhao Changsui, missing his parents in the military, was comforted when he heard that his parents would also be his parents.

“These things can wait. We can invite the elders in the village to witness it.”

Yuan Huiru said, “Alright, I’ll go invite people. We’ll have to announce it properly, and there’s still a lot to do.”

She hurried to the door, looking at the pouring rain outside, and said to herself, “I’m so silly, everyone is preparing to eat, how inappropriate to go now. I’ll quickly prepare lunch and then go invite people.”

Huo Shu reassured Yuan Huiru not to worry.

The autumn rain persisted for quite some time. After lunch, the water on the eaves of the Ji family’s house had straightened out a bit.

The water from all sides gathered in the middle, and there was already a shallow layer of water in the courtyard.

“Uncle and Aunt, it’s getting late, and there’s a lot to do at home. I’ll go back and take care of things. I hope Uncle and Aunt will come over for a drink in a couple of days.”

Hearing this, Ji Yangzong said, “You’re leaving already? It’s raining heavily, why not wait until it’s lighter?”

“The village is just a few steps away, the rain doesn’t matter. However, there are many trivial matters lately. There are also classmates who have passed the imperial examination, and I need to prepare gifts to congratulate them.”

With that said, Ji Yangzong didn’t feel right keeping him any longer and said, “Then I’ll walk you out.”

“What about Taoyu?”

After lunch, neither Ji Taoyu nor the child had returned after clearing the dishes. Yu Lingxiao couldn’t help but ask.

Ji Yangzong originally thought Yu Lingxiao came to discuss the marriage, but unexpectedly, he didn’t mention it at all.

Ji Yangzong intended to ask him about it himself, but before he could, Yu Lingxiao excused himself and said he had to leave.

Seeing this, he felt a bit dissatisfied.

Now he even wanted Taoyu to accompany him. Ji Yangzong didn’t follow his suggestion. “It’s raining heavily, Taoyu might catch a cold. She had a fever a few days ago and has already gone back to her room. Otherwise, I’ll call her out to see you off.”

Yu Lingxiao, feeling embarrassed, said, “No need, Uncle. Let Taoyu take care of herself. It wouldn’t be good if she caught another fever.”

“Alright.”

After seeing him off, Ji Yangzong returned with a somewhat displeased feeling, his steps quickening.

“Having achieved fame is different indeed. He’s busy coming and going, and it’s been days since the imperial examination results were announced. He only comes today to report the good news. With so many distinguished guests, it’s not necessary for him, a Jinshi, to worry about the arrangements. The uncles in the Yu family will take care of it.”

It had been so long, and not a word about the marriage had been mentioned. Instead, he kept wanting to talk to Taoyu, taking advantage of the situation.

“With the academy, relatives, and the officials in the state government hosting banquets for these newly promoted scholars, it’s understandable that Yu Erlang is busy. He probably doesn’t want to rush into discussing the marriage.”

Huang Manjing comforted him, “When we go to the banquet in a couple of days, both families will be present. Presumably, they will announce it on that day, which would be more appropriate. Why rush for a day or two?”

“I’m not in a hurry to marry off my son. If he can stay at home all the time, I’d be happy. But it’s not practical after all. It’s good that he’s exempt from taxes this year as a Jinshi. If not, it’s okay. It’s not like we haven’t paid taxes every year. We’ve come through it every year.”

Ji Yangzong’s expression softened upon hearing his wife’s words. “I’m just worried that things might change at this critical juncture. If the Yu family doesn’t take a stance, Taoyu, although still young, can’t endure waiting like this indefinitely. I also don’t know if something happened to Taoyu recently, but I can’t sleep well at night.”

Huang Manjing said, “This child has grown up under your care since childhood, and I’ve seen how he treats Taoyu, which is good. There seems to be affection between them. Erlang won’t turn his back on people after achieving fame.”

“In this world, nothing is certain. Let’s wait and see. In a couple of days, when the villagers gather, whether this marriage will happen or not depends on that day.”

Ji Yangzong’s tone softened as he was about to enter the house, but the voice of a servant came from outside, “Master, Madam Yuan from the Zhao family said she wants to invite you to their house.”

“What’s the matter? It’s raining heavily.”

Ji Yangzong turned his head and shouted.

“She said it’s about recognizing kinship and wants you to be a witness.”

“Recognizing kinship?” Ji Yangzong’s brows furrowed, remembering Huo Shu’s wasted trip earlier. “Then I’d better go and see.”

The autumn rain was chilling. Rainy days were generally uneventful.

After coaxing Huang Manjing to make him a bowl of lamb soup to warm up later that evening, Ji Taoyu retreated to his own room. Wrapped in a thick quilt, he lay on his bed, trying to read some unresolved medical issues from the past few days.

But he couldn’t focus.

Today, when he saw Yu Lingxiao, Taoyu found him even more handsome than before. They rarely had a chance to talk so much, which should have made him happy, but he couldn’t muster much joy.

In the past, when Yu Lingxiao came back to the village during breaks, he would visit Taoyu. His parents didn’t deliberately stop them from meeting, and after entering the house, they could sit together and have tea and snacks. However, today was different; they didn’t just have tea together, they also had a meal.

After finally having such a long time together, it didn’t go as well as expected. Taoyu noticed that since Yu Lingxiao passed the imperial examination, he seemed less humble and restrained than before, but he wasn’t sure if it was just his perception.

During the banquet, he said, “Many merchants in the city want to host banquets and have sent invitations. Even the manager of the Ten-Mile Cloth Shop in the city sent an invitation. I thought their silk fabrics were good and wanted to bring back a few rolls for you, but I thought that although they are wealthy families, they are ultimately merchants, not worth befriending, so I didn’t accept the invitation. When I return, I’ll buy silk fabrics for you with my own money.”

He also said, “With many gatherings in the city this autumn, there will be many invitations. I’ll take you to see them and experience the excitement. I’ve heard that many officials from the state government will attend. It’ll broaden your horizons. I’ve also prepared many poems for you to read in advance, so don’t read your medical books for now.”

In short, he spoke a lot, and some of it was biased and sarcastic.

Ji Taoyu didn’t know if it was because they hadn’t met often in the past, so they didn’t know each other well, or if Yu Lingxiao had become more arrogant lately due to his success. He lay in bed without flipping through a single page, feeling a bit confused.

Just as he was about to close the book and sleep for a while, Ji Taoyu heard his father’s voice mingling with the sound of rain, talking to the servant outside.

Ji Taoyu’s brows slightly furrowed, and he peeked his head out from under the covers.

He’s going so soon?

Listening to his mother calling his father to wear his raincoat, Taoyu thought about the damp rain, shivering involuntarily, and retreated back into the warmth of his blankets.

That person seemed quite stubborn and difficult to deal with, but surprisingly, he seemed to listen to reason and agreed to go so quickly. Knowing that things were being taken care of, Taoyu felt a slight sense of relief in his heart.