Chapter 30: A Visit

Ignoring Fourth Uncle’s words entirely, Xiao Yao dismissed the notion of causing trouble. She was a sheltered young lady of the inner court, hardly the sort to stir up any significant issues. Her future would inevitably be dictated by her parents’ arrangements for marriage—she was not a man roaming freely outside. Even if she wanted to, creating trouble wouldn’t come easy.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yuan, who had been overlooked and forgotten, was carried out of Ya Yuan by hia nursemaid. He’d lost his fluffy ball and his sister’s company, so naturally, he felt compelled to go searching for them.

Seeing Xiao Yuan outside reminded Xiao Yao of her unfinished business. Blaming Fourth Uncle for distracting her with his request to fend off matchmaking attempts, she hurriedly looked for the ball with her maid. Luckily, it hadn’t rolled far and was found near the main gate. Together, they retrieved it and went back to the courtyard to play. Xiao Jingyan followed them closely; he dared not return to the front courtyard and felt safer staying with his young nieces.

In the rear courtyard, an adult leading a group of children made for a lively scene of play, while the front courtyard bustled with a lively and successful birthday banquet. General Xiao no longer needed to guard the border tirelessly, and his eldest son had been promoted—both were reasons to celebrate. The banquet lasted a long time, with the host gracious and attentive, and the guests merrily raising their glasses in toasts.

As for the minor commotions—the uninvited intrusion of Miss Yu into the rear courtyard or the drunken antics of Minister Tong as he vied for his granddaughter—they were hardly worth remembering.

The banquet concluded on a high note, with guests and hosts thoroughly enjoying themselves.

On the same day as Xiao Family’s banquet, a modest alleyway in the capital found itself surrounded by soldiers. The official explanation was that they were searching for a fugitive, believed to be hiding within the alley. All residents were required to stay indoors until further notice and could only leave after passing inspection. Among those residing temporarily in the alley was the Fang family.

Though the alley housed only a few families, the Fang family occupied nearly half of it. Initially puzzled by the situation, Fang Yufu’s confusion gave way to clarity when inspections cleared others swiftly while his family, as outsiders, was left in limbo. Watching his wife clutching a jade carving and rejoicing at not having to give it away, he couldn’t help but mutter, “Fool!” under his breath.

It was a miscalculation on his part. Preoccupied with preparations for the Xiao family’s banquet upon arriving in the capital, he had neglected to contact Steward Huang. Now, this misstep had cost him dearly. Suspecting that the Xiao family had reconsidered their earlier agreement, he resolved to act swiftly. Perhaps if he abandoned plans for them to marry his eldest granddaughter and instead proposed his younger one, it might work.

Such a delusion only underscored Fang Yufu’s lack of understanding of the Xiao family and General Xiao.

Unable to attend the banquet, Fang Yufu busied himself with other pursuits. Within just three days, he had secured the modest position of a low-ranking official.

Though this position was far inferior to the Xiao family’s, he believed the following reasons would justify his demands:

1. They had an agreement.
2. There was a family connection.
3. He had spared the Xiao family’s grandson, requesting only to marry a granddaughter. Anything less would be unreasonable.

Thus, he wasted no time in sending an invitation to the Xiao family.

Returning from the palace after receiving his reward, General Xiao glanced at the invitation and asked his eldest son, “What do you think we should do?”

“I just heard that Fang Yufu has been appointed a low-ranking official, likely through considerable effort. To avoid complications, it’s best to resolve this matter quickly. What is your plan, Father?”

“You’ve met the boy I brought back, haven’t you? His name is Xiao Lin, the grandson of a distant relative. With no other family, I’ve brought him here to stay. He’s hardworking and reliable. I intend to settle him in the capital.”

“Father, are you suggesting…” Letting Xiao Lin marry Fang’s granddaughter? While plausible, Xiao Jingkang doubted Fang Yufu would easily agree.

“This aligns with the original agreement. We are not going back on our word. What is there to object to?” General Xiao considered this the most reasonable solution. As for marrying off one of his grandsons to the Fang family, that had never been his intention.

The so-called lottery drawing for a granddaughter-in-law had merely been a tactic to spur his son and daughter-in-law into action.

“Fine, let’s confront this matter directly. If they are willing to compromise, we can offer additional compensation. Should they refuse, conflict will be inevitable,” Xiao Jingkang remarked. He wasn’t afraid of offending the Fang family but worried they might leverage his mother’s reputation or spread malicious rumors. That would be truly troublesome.

“Hmph. Do you think I’m afraid of them? Don’t overthink it. Let’s see how things unfold,” General Xiao responded firmly.

“Understood, Father.”

The next day, General Xiao and his three sons remained home, with the General declaring that he and the eldest would suffice. The younger two insisted on staying as a show of strength, even if only symbolically.

Meanwhile, Madam Qin, unaware of these developments, was chatting with her daughters-in-law in Ninghe Hall, while Xiao Jingyan played with his young nieces in the courtyard.

Ever since the banquet, Xiao Jingyan had rarely ventured outside, either spending time with his mother or indulging in painting and calligraphy in his own courtyard. When tired, he would join his nieces and nephews for some leisure. It was a carefree life.

Of all the children, Xiao Yao was his favorite—lively, witty, and quick to understand. Conversations with her required little explanation, making communication seamless.

At this moment, Xiao Jingyan, dressed in a moonlight-colored robe with a purple gauze overlay, stood beneath an osmanthus tree. Holding Xiao Yao, dressed in a white dress layered with blue gauze, they picked flowers and enjoyed their fragrance. The scene was picturesque: the elder, elegant and handsome; the child, adorable and sweet. Even passing servants slowed their steps, reluctant to disturb the beautiful tableau.

After playing under the tree, they wandered aimlessly until reaching the main gate.

Worried about tiring his niece, Xiao Jingyan paused to tuck a flower behind her ear, quipping, “You’re even prettier than the flower.”

Used to her uncle’s teasing, Xiao Yao tugged at his robe, signaling him to crouch. Mimicking his actions, she tucked a flower behind his ear and declared in her childish voice, “Pretty Uncle!” They both burst into laughter.

Steward Feng approached and bowed. Xiao Jingyan asked, “Do we have visitors?”

“Yes, sir. A guest named Fang from Xuzhou.”

Unfamiliar with the name, Xiao Jingyan turned to leave. Xiao Yao, however, recognized the Fang family and was eager to sneak a look, pleading with her uncle to stay.

“You’re endlessly curious,” Xiao Jingyan remarked. Shrugging, he ordered the steward to open the gate, indulging his niece’s curiosity. With Feng handling the reception and his father in charge, he felt no obligation to involve himself.

When the gate opened, Xiao Jingyan lifted Xiao Yao, ensuring her safety. “Can’t have her getting trampled,” he thought, though Xiao Yao would have retorted indignantly if she’d heard: “Do you think I’m an ant?”

Fang Yufu entered first, followed by six or seven others. Xiao Yao noticed a new addition—a boy of about five or six. Comparing him to others, she concluded that while he couldn’t rival her uncle or second brother, he was quite handsome among the Fang family.

After a brief glance, Xiao Jingyan nodded in greeting and turned to leave.

“Ah Heng, greet your Xiao family sister and present your gift,” Fang Yufu said warmly.

The boy, Ah Heng, seemed shy and clung to his grandmother nervously.

What was going on? Xiao Yao was perplexed by this sudden display of warmth. Meanwhile, Xiao Jingyan scrutinized the visitors, his limited experience telling him that Fang Yufu was nothing more than a schemer. Could he possibly be targeting his niece? It seemed his earlier jest about trouble might indeed come true.