Font Size:
Both Mo Yan and Guan Qi, who were present, subtly observed the Eldest Young Master’s old acquaintance.
At first glance, they couldn’t help but be astonished—Deputy General Pei was truly handsome and tall!
Even with just one eye, he still exuded an undeniable charm.
As the saying goes, “Birds of a feather flock together.”
Just as the exceptional Eldest Young Master surrounded himself with extraordinary people, it was no surprise that someone like Pei Che would stand out among the crowd.
However, after their admiration, both of them began to feel a quiet sense of concern.
Pei Che was so strikingly handsome, and if he were to become Young Master Zhen’s martial arts instructor, he would inevitably spend a lot of time under the Young Madam’s watchful eyes. This could easily make the Young Master jealous.
If the Eldest Young Master were awake, it would be a different story—who could outshine him?
But in the current situation, Pei Che was clearly overshadowing the Eldest Young Master.
As they were discussing this, someone outside came to report, “Young Madam, Scholar Shen has arrived.”
Xu Qingyi was momentarily stunned, then smiled and said, “You’ve arrived at just the right time. Please, Scholar Shen, come in and meet the Eldest Young Master.”
Who was this Scholar Shen?
Many people were puzzled.
Even Xie Yunzhi was confused. After thinking for a moment, he realized it must be Heng’s teacher, the one who was beginning his education.
Soon, the wet nurse led Shen Zhijie inside.
He was dressed in a scholar’s long robe, which looked brand new, as if it hadn’t been worn many times.
Combined with his clean, handsome face, he looked even more like a young, elegant scholar—striking and hard to ignore.
As he walked in, the maidservants and wet nurses along the way blushed.
Where did such a handsome young man come from? He really was a sight to behold.
They couldn’t help but wonder what special occasion it was today.
One good-looking man after another seemed to be arriving…
“Young Madam Xie,” Shen Zhijie said nervously, bowing slightly as he greeted Xu Qingyi.
“Scholar Shen,” Xu Qingyi replied with a smile. “I thought you’d be coming a few days later.”
Shen Zhijie flushed, feeling too embarrassed to mention that he and his mother had hurriedly packed overnight, worried that if they were late, the Marquis’s residence might not accept him anymore.
He simply said, “I didn’t want to delay Young Master Heng’s studies.”
“No rush,” Xu Qingyi nodded. “Come, meet the Eldest Young Master.”
“Yes,” Shen Zhijie replied.
He then turned his gaze solemnly toward the bed. He had long admired General Xie, and without hesitation, he stepped forward and bowed deeply. “I am Shen Zhijie, here to pay my respects to General Xie.”
His voice trembled slightly, with emotion.
Everyone present was moved. It was clear that Scholar Shen held deep affection for the Eldest Young Master.
Xie Yunzhi was taken aback, thinking to himself, “Where did Xu Qingyi find these people? Why does it seem like they all act this way…”
He didn’t like emotional displays. There was no need for them.
Fortunately, Shen Zhijie did not go on for long. After a moment, he spoke again: “I am deeply grateful to Young Madam Xie for entrusting me with the task of teaching Young Master Heng. General Xie, please rest assured, I will do my utmost to teach him well.”
Xu Qingyi smiled gently beside him.
With such an upright and kind person as Shen Zhijie guiding him, Heng would surely not stray onto the wrong path, like becoming a pirate.
A parent’s love for their child is always far-sighted.
Being a stepmother is never easy.
“Scholar Shen, you have a kind heart,” Xu Qingyi said. “From now on, please take good care of Heng.”
Shen Zhijie deeply bowed to the lady who had shown him such trust. “Please, Young Madam Xie, rest assured. I will not fail your expectations.”
Xu Qingyi nodded and made the introductions: “Mr. Pei, this is Shen Zhijie, the scholar who will be in charge of teaching the children their studies.”
Then, turning to Shen Zhijie, she said, “Scholar Shen, this is Mr. Pei, a former soldier under the Eldest Young Master. He will be teaching the children martial arts. You two will work together—one teaching the arts of the mind, the other the skills of the body.”
For a child to grow, all aspects—morality, intellect, physical fitness, aesthetics, and labor—must be balanced.
“Mr. Pei.”
“Scholar Shen.”
The two greeted each other politely, both saying in unison, “I look forward to working with you.”
They exchanged smiles, and the atmosphere was warm and friendly.
Xu Qingyi, watching these two different types of handsome men, couldn’t help but smile with satisfaction.
When she was happy, she liked to give compliments. She continued encouraging them, “Both of you are truly outstanding, and with your guidance, the children will certainly grow into exceptional students.”
“Young Madam Xie/Sister-in-law is too kind,” the two replied, embarrassed by the praise.
Then Xu Qingyi remembered that Scholar Shen’s mother was still waiting outside. She quickly said, “Scholar Shen’s mother is still unwell, and we shouldn’t delay. I will immediately have someone arrange accommodations for both of you and call for a physician to attend to her. We’ll have to leave the conversation for another time.”
Shen Zhijie was deeply grateful. “I’m sorry to trouble Young Madam Xie. I have no way to repay your kindness.”
“No trouble at all,” Xu Qingyi replied briskly as she gave orders to the servants.
She then turned to attend to other matters.
Soon, the atmosphere in the Eldest Young Master’s room returned to silence.
Mo Yan couldn’t help but remark, “Ah, our Young Madam is really efficient. No wonder Scholar Shen and Mr. Pei must be deeply moved in their hearts.”
He was a native of the household, having followed Xie Yunzhi since childhood and gotten used to the presence of high-ranking nobility. To be honest, it was rare to see someone like Xu Qingyi—so approachable, yet commanding respect. She had a way about her that made people naturally want to follow her, not out of fear, but because it felt comfortable.
“Yes,” Guan Qi agreed, “I heard from the nursemad that Young Madam found Scholar Shen in Tongluo Alley. What kind of place is Tongluo Alley, I wonder?”
Though he hadn’t been there, Guan Qi could imagine that for Shen Zhijie, it must have been like a carp leaping over the dragon’s gate.
“But Young Madam really has a good eye. Scholar Shen is clearly someone exceptional,” Mo Yan added, his mood a bit complicated. “He’s good-looking too, with rosy lips and white teeth. I heard that… older ladies really like that kind of look.”
“No way?” Guan Qi replied, massaging the Eldest Young Master’s back. “Older ladies actually prefer Mr. Pei’s kind of look—handsome, tall, and strong.”
Mo Yan said, “That means she likes both, and can’t decide between them!”
Guan Qi added, “That kind of man, like Scholar Shen, is clearly the type young ladies adore. Look at the maids in our courtyard; tsk tsk, every single one of them blushed.”
“That’s true…” Mo Yan silently prayed that the Young Madam wouldn’t take a liking to Scholar Shen, and quickly changed the subject, praising the Eldest Young Master. “But no matter how good they are, they can’t compare to the Eldest Young Master. Whether it’s appearance, martial arts, or scholarship, our Eldest Young Master is far superior.”
“Of course. The Eldest Young Master’s reputation is renowned throughout the capital; no one can compare,” Guan Qi said proudly.
The two servants then began to recount Xie Yunzhi’s illustrious achievements, from his initial rise to his current prominence, their voices filled with excitement and passion.
The more they spoke, the more reassured they seemed to feel.
Only by repeatedly recalling the Eldest Young Master’s virtues did they feel confident that the Young Madam wouldn’t be swayed by the handsome appearances of Scholar Shen and Mr. Pei.
Xie Yunzhi: “…”
He hadn’t initially given it much thought, but the servants’ incessant chatter, filled with anxiety and worry, was rather unsettling.
It made Xie Yunzhi pay more attention to the matter.
Was this Scholar Shen really that handsome?
The fact that Lady Xu had specifically gone to Tongluo Alley to invite him suggested there was something extraordinary about him.
To be honest, if his wife hadn’t had a valid reason for bringing home two handsome young men, he, as her husband, would indeed have reason to object.
However, Xie Yunzhi wasn’t a narrow-minded or overly suspicious man; he wouldn’t jump to conclusions about his wife.