Chapter 51: Making Friends

By the time Qin Zhao returned, it was already noon. Cao Xi was tidying up the courtyard.

Qin Zhao: “Why didn’t you wait for me to come back to do this heavy work?” He then took the hoe that Cao Xi had placed aside.

Cao Xi: “Did Director Xu look for you?” He stood to the side, arranging the vegetables.

Qin Zhao: “Nothing special, he just asked about today’s plans.”

Cao Xi: “Oh, so you’ve finished with the garden?”

Qin Zhao: “Not yet, we’ll tidy up the house in the afternoon.” Qin Zhao put the weeds into a pile and washed his face by the well.

Cao Xi: “Okay, the two rooms will be tidied up quickly.” Just as he finished speaking, he caught sight of Qin Zhao’s resentful look.

Qin Zhao: “Why do you think I’m saying this? I’m just asking because I want us to live in the same house.”

Cao Xi held back a laugh and spoke in a teasing tone, “I’m silly, right? I thought we were going to turn your room into a study.”

Qin Zhao’s face turned red from embarrassment. For a moment, he felt a little foolish.

The two tidied up the rooms together, organizing their new wedding items.

Qin Zhao took the invitation card and walked over to Cao Xi, holding him close. “Let’s set the date.”

The warmth of the embrace almost made it hard for Cao Xi to think. “How about we set it for the fifteenth of this month?”

Qin Zhao tightened his hold on him, his head resting against Cao Xi’s neck. His breath was hot against Cao Xi’s ear, and his voice was low and hoarse, “Let’s talk more about it later.”

Qin Zhao’s face brushed against Cao Xi’s neck, and he nipped at his earlobe. The heated breath made Cao Xi feel weak, almost unable to stand. He reached out and held Qin Zhao’s arm, turning to wrap his arms around his waist.

“Let’s not change it. We can write the invitations, buy the ingredients, and arrange the furniture. It won’t take much time.”

Qin Zhao was a little disoriented from the embrace. He took a deep breath, trying to think. How should he respond to Cao Xi? After all, they were already getting married. He wasn’t sure how to argue with him.

That evening, Qin Zhao personally wrote each invitation, carefully addressing them. By the end of the second watch, he had already finished sending them out.

Cao Xi wasn’t familiar with most of the people Qin Zhao knew. In total, there were fewer than twenty people invited, and it didn’t take long to distribute the invitations.

Due to limited time, Cao Xi quickly went about buying the necessary ingredients.

During these two days, Qin Zhao was kept busy with invitations and various social gatherings.

The gathering today was different from usual. It was organized by Director Xu, and the guests were prominent scholars and influential figures in Qizhou City.

Qin Zhao and Qi Qige had been invited due to their connection with Director Xu.

At the event, they didn’t dare to speak out of turn. Instead, they sat in a corner, quietly listening to the conversation. It was surprisingly educational.

Just as they were getting absorbed in the discussion, a man in purple robes and a jade belt, tall and elegant, approached them.

“Two brothers, I’ve heard from Director Xu that you are the top two scholars of the local examination this year. Truly impressive.”

The man speaking was none other than Xu Mao, a well-known scholar in the region. He had personally arranged this gathering with Director Xu, hoping to meet these two rising stars.

Qin Zhao and Qi Qige both stood up and greeted him. Qi Qige smiled, “Brother, you flatter us. We were just lucky.”

“Too modest! The top scholars wouldn’t need to take the exams again.” Xun Mao gestured for them to sit down and continue talking.

“I don’t know where you two are from. Which academy did you attend in Qizhou?”

Qi Qige, at 25 years old, had been mingling in the streets and alleys of Qizhou for quite some time. He could tell at a glance that the person in front of him was definitely not from Qizhou.

“I’m from the capital. I came this time on my father’s behalf to visit Director Xu.”

Xun Mao smiled warmly, his eyes clear and bright. Qi Qige immediately thought that this person’s temperament and character were likely not bad.

“Ah, you’re from the capital? Qizhou is a beautiful city, with pleasant weather and excellent food. You must take a walk around; it’s definitely worth it.”

In just a few words, Qi Qige’s true nature showed. He started talking cheerfully, his voice growing louder.

Perhaps influenced by his upbeat mood, Xun Mao also relaxed, and his gaze unintentionally shifted toward Qin Zhao. It seemed that Qin Zhao had been quiet and reserved, a person who was meticulous and serious.

Xun Mao asked, “If you two have time, would you be willing to let me guide you and show you more of Qizhou’s scenery?”

Qi Qige immediately responded, “What’s difficult about that? Tomorrow, you two can follow me, and I’ll make sure you feel at home!”

He patted his chest in a gesture of confidence, full of bravado.

Upon hearing this, Xun Mao was visibly surprised and leaned toward Qin Zhao, asking, “Is this brother truly from Qizhou?”

Qin Zhao greeted him with a slight bow. “I’m sorry, but we are getting married this month, and there are many things that still need to be arranged.”

Xun Mao was taken aback, a hint of regret in his expression. If the wedding were held a bit later, perhaps there would be even better matchmaking opportunities.

However, his face lit up with delight, “Is that true? Congratulations! If I’m lucky enough to experience Qizhou’s wedding customs, it would be worth the trip.”

Qi Qige grinned, “It’s nothing difficult. Once he’s married, I’ll bring him along.”

Qin Zhao, feeling a headache coming on, thought to himself: We’ve only exchanged a few words, and Qi Qige has already spilled the beans.

“Hahaha, then we’ll all attend Qin Brother’s wedding together!”

Xun Mao liked Qi Qige’s boldness. He could tell the man was smart and clever, someone who didn’t beat around the bush—ideal for the Ministry of Rites.

Then he glanced at Qin Zhao. This person was cautious and not easy to approach, making him well-suited for the Ministry of Personnel. Xun Mao smiled inwardly.

That evening, Qi Qige dragged Xun Mao out to admire the night scenery of Qizhou, while Qin Zhao went back to the courtyard alone.

When Qin Zhao entered the courtyard, Cao Xi was picking jujubes from a tree. Seeing Qin Zhao’s tired expression, his face weary and his clothes slightly disheveled, Cao Xi smiled and asked, “Were you standing outside for a long time?”

Cao Xi didn’t quite understand this social gathering. Everyone wasn’t standing in the wind or on a mountain peak, but rather under a pavilion, so he couldn’t really understand why it would be so tiring.

Qin Zhao, however, looked a bit resentful. He hadn’t wanted to attend the gathering, but since it was organized by the Director, he had no choice.

Seeing the look on Qin Zhao’s face, Cao Xi couldn’t help but laugh. He walked over, holding the jujubes he had just picked, and offered one to Qin Zhao’s lips. “Here, eat one. It’ll sweeten your mouth.”

Qin Zhao opened his mouth and bit into the jujube, mumbling, “I haven’t washed up yet.”

Cao Xi chuckled, looking at Qin Zhao’s flushed face. Without thinking, he wrapped his arms around Qin Zhao’s waist. Qin Zhao felt his face redden, his eyes wandering nervously.

He grumbled sweetly, “This is really too much. I can’t resist you.”

Cao Xi didn’t let go, making it hard for Qin Zhao to stay calm. In the end, Qin Zhao gave a soft sigh and muttered, “I didn’t mean that… ahem… Let’s talk about it later.”

Before he could finish his sentence, Cao Xi gently pressed his waist, pulling him into a hug. Qin Zhao’s face turned even redder, but he didn’t push Cao Xi away. Instead, he playfully pinched his cheek.

Cao Xi’s face immediately turned scarlet, and he stammered, “I… I didn’t…”

He couldn’t finish his sentence, and Qin Zhao gave him a teasing look before heading back to his room.

As Qin Zhao walked away, Cao Xi couldn’t believe what he had just witnessed. Was this really Qin Zhao? It didn’t seem like him at all!