Chapter 20 : My lady, I’m still looking forward to the banquet later

Being insulted by Huo Tan, Cui Xu’s smile to gradually fade.

“Yes.”

Cui Xu replied coolly, “Thirty years in the east , thirty years in the west.”

“That makes sense, but there is no such thing as a general who always wins.”

Huo Tan responded, “I’ve learned something today.”

He Lan Shi had already gone off to busy herself, leaving Cui Xu to guide the young couple toward the inner courtyard.

Perhaps unwilling to waste words with them, he pointed down a path and said, “The banquet is set up in the Qingfeng Pavilion. The other relatives are there. Your fifth cousin and third cousin are waiting for you in your room. You should go greet them and then make your way to the Qingfeng Pavilion.”

Cui Xu said this with a warm smile at the corner of his mouth.

“You haven’t forgotten the way home after being away for just three days, have you?”

Cui Yunzhao smiled back, “I wouldn’t forget. Uncle, you should go ahead with your business.”

Cui Xu waved his hand and walked away briskly.

Once he left, a maid came forward to greet them.

Although Cui Xu had told them to find their own way to the room, he had sent a maid to ensure they wouldn’t wander around the Cui residence.

Cui Yunzhao did not show any clear signs of frustration.

She knew well that after her father’s death, this was no longer their home.

She addressed the maid, “Mother Xia, thank you for your trouble.”

Mother Xiareplied cautiously, “Miss, you flatter me.”

Cui Yunzhao followed her along the familiar path.

The Cui residence was indeed a grand sight.

Entering through the flower-laden gates between the front and back courtyards, one could see the winding corridors, all white columns and gray tiles, presenting an elegant and simple view.

Where they had parted from Cui Xu was a landscape of artificial hills and bamboo groves. Even in the depths of winter, the bamboo remained lush and green.

Beyond the bamboo grove, there were exquisite gardens and pavilions.

The various pavilions stood quietly among the bamboo and rocks, gazing upon the centuries-old glory of the Cui family.

In such a large estate, one could easily get lost if they were unfamiliar with the layout.

Cui Yunzhao said to Huo Tan, “Look over there, that pavilion when I was young, I lived there.”

Huo Tan looked over and saw that the pavilion was spacious and impressive, with a beautifully arranged garden below. It was clearly the quarters of a young lady from a distinguished family.

“Where did you move to later?” Huo Tan asked gently.

Mother Xia’s heart skipped a beat as she heard the Second Miss’s clear and melodious voice.

Cui Yunzhao said, “Later, I moved to that small pavilion over there.”

She extended her hand and pointed to a small pavilion in the corner.

The pavilion was partially obscured by the eaves of the corridor, but even the visible part showed that it was significantly smaller than the previous one. The roof tiles appeared old and less clean than those of the grand pavilion.

Cui Yunzhao glanced at Mother Xia, who was sweating profusely, and calmly said, “When my parents had just passed away, Uncle and Aunt were afraid I would be saddened by the surroundings, so they moved me to the Lianxing Pavilion in the back. They said it was next to the pond and had a better view, hoping it would help me forget my grief.”

Huo Tan’s expression remained unchanged, but he remarked, “It seems that Uncle and Aunt truly care for you.”

Cui Yunzhao smiled, “Yes.”

Mother Xia, who was following behind, kept wiping her sweat and did not dare to say another word.

Cui Yunzhao looked at her and suddenly asked, “Mother Xia, how have Fifth Miss and Young Master Ting been these days?”

Mother Xia was startled by the unexpected question. She knew that the Second Miss had a good temper and would not easily get angry, so she hesitated for a while before speaking.

As Lianxing Pavilion came into view, she hoped to evade the topic, but Huo Tan’s imposing presence made it clear that evasion was not an option.

Mother Xia’s legs felt weak, and she glanced around to ensure there was no one else before she quietly said, “Yesterday, Fifth Miss and Young Master Ting went to pay respects to the Second Madam. I’m not sure what was said inside, but I do know that the Second Madam ended up breaking a cup.”

“Later, word spread that Young Master Ting had been disrespectful to the elders and nearly made the Second Madam ill.”

“The Master was very angry and decided that Young Master Ting should suspend his studies and spend three months reflecting at home.”

Cui Yunzhao furrowed her brow.

This incident seemed to have happened in her previous life as well. At that time, when she returned home, she appeared unhappy, and her siblings only mentioned that they were fine and asked her to take care of herself.

From the look of it, life at home had been quite difficult for her siblings after her marriage.

Cui Yunting was already twelve years old and would be eligible for the provincial exam next spring.

But with the punishment from Cui Xu, he would miss the final crucial period before the exam, which meant he would be unprepared.

No wonder Cui Yunting’s performance was poor in the spring exam.

Cui Yunzhao had tried to care for him, and he had mentioned his own faults, but now she saw there was more to the story.

Mother Xia, being an elder in the household, clearly understood the importance of the provincial exams. From what she had said, Cui Yunzhao understood that her siblings were not faring well at home.

After Mother Xia quietly relayed this information, she pleaded with Cui Yunzhao, “Second Miss, this matter should not be spoken of outside. Please don’t say it was I who told you.”

Cui Yunzhao sighed heavily.

Her face showed some sadness as she said, “The household is now under the control of Uncle and Aunt. There is no place for us sisters to speak up anymore.”

Mother Xia dared not respond.

Cui Yunzhao lowered her gaze and said, “Don’t worry, I won’t say it was you. Just telling me this much is already very difficult for you.”

Mother Xia responded with a low, subdued acknowledgment.

“Second Miss, the late Madam treated me very well. By rights, it is not for someone like me to question the Master’s decisions, but Fifth Miss and Young Master Ting are still young.”

“I feel deeply pained.”

Cui Yunzhao nodded and gently supported her: “I understand. You’ve done well.”

Mother Xia looked up at her and then cautiously glanced at the stern-faced military officer, quickly averting her gaze.

“Second Miss, Young Master Ting is more tolerable, but you must pay close attention to Fifth Miss’s marriage. She has a soft nature and does not have the decisiveness you possess.”

Cui Yunzhao felt a shiver in her heart.

In her previous life, Cui Yunlan married at seventeen, which was still four years away from now. Cui Yunzhao had many pressing matters at hand, so she had planned to address the marriage issue once things were more settled. However, from Mother Xia’s words, it seemed that Uncle and Aunt were already scheming about it.

Cui Yunzhao narrowed her eyes and exchanged a glance with Huo Tan. Huo Tan gave her a nod.

Cui Yunzhao sighed in relief.

Although it was just a return visit and she was still unfamiliar with the Cui family, Huo Tan understood her intentions with just a glance, without asking or waiting.

Today, Cui Yunzhao was not simply returning for a visit.

Since she had mobilized so many soldiers, it was clear she had something she wanted to accomplish.

The look in her eyes was asking him if it was possible.

Huo Tan did not know her plans or whether it would affect him, but he nodded without hesitation.

Her matters were his matters. Whatever she wanted to do, he would support her.

Huo Tan gave her a reassuring smile.

“My lady, I’m still looking forward to the banquet later.”

Huo Tan said,”Let’s go to see my sister-in-law.