Chapter 236 - 237: Backyard

Chapter 236: Chapter 237: Backyard

"This is only right," Gu Sanbu said, eyeing the donkey cart the brothers had pulled back. "Seventh Wife is quite thorough. Have everyone hurry and help unload everything."

Gu Sanbu had been wondering if he should have each family go home and bring some food and drink, but now it seemed that wouldn’t be necessary.

"By the way, Seventh Wife said that this is all just for a little preliminary celebration," Gu Yuanjin announced. "We’ll hold a grand banquet when Seventh returns." Seeing so many people gathered around, he couldn’t help but marvel at how Jin Qianqian had thought ahead and made preparations.

Gu Sanbu nodded. "Seventh found himself a good wife. She’s level-headed.

Since she’s already laid out the plan, you brothers need to manage the festivities. Don’t embarrass the family."

Gu Yuanjin quickly replied with humility, "An event this large... we brothers have never managed one before. I was wondering if Uncle Shulin might be able to lend a hand."

Gu Sanbu said, "This is a joyous event for the entire clan. Of course he’ll help. But you brothers must be the ones to take charge of the details, big and small. Consider this good practice. The truly grand occasion will be when your brother becomes an Advanced Scholar."

Gu Yuanjin licked his lips, nodding in excitement. "I hope your auspicious words come true. If that day really comes, it will be a joyous occasion indeed."

"..."

***

Without the Magistrate organizing official events, the new scholars found themselves with much less to do.

They met up with a few friends for small celebrations before heading back to their respective homes.

In the Prefecture City, Ancient Wen Heng’s only real friend was Lu Ping. So, after repeated invitations from Mrs. Lu, he postponed his departure for another day to pay them a formal visit, gifts in hand.

"Truly a fine, impressive young man," Lu Tongzhi remarked. He had specifically taken half a day off work to wait at home for the visit.

"You flatter me, Mr. Lu," Ancient Wen Heng replied. He had met Lu Tongzhi once before, but only to offer a brief greeting as part of a crowd. Seeing him up close now, he thought, ’Lu Ping is his father’s spitting image. Barring any surprises, this is exactly what Lu Ping will look like when he’s old.’

"..."

Lu Tongzhi quizzed him for a while and found himself silently giving Ancient Wen Heng a thumbs-up. As a man who had also advanced through the imperial examinations, he had to admit that in some respects, he himself was not as good as the young man before him.

Looking at his own son, who was drowsing at his side, Lu Tongzhi shook his head. ’At about the same age, this young man already has a scholarly title to his name, yet my own son still hasn’t figured things out.’

Lu Tongzhi took a deep breath to keep from scolding his son in front of their guest. "Lu Ping, Wenheng has rarely had the chance to visit. Why don’t you take him for a stroll in the rear garden? Don’t be a poor host."

The moment he heard his father was dismissing them, Lu Ping’s energy returned. "Don’t worry, Dad. I know you’re busy with matters at the government office. I’ll be a good host."

Lu Tongzhi could only make a mental note of his son’s behavior. After a few more polite words to Ancient Wen Heng, he hurried off with his attendants.

"My dad was really showing you a lot of respect today," Lu Ping explained quickly, afraid Ancient Wen Heng might take it the wrong way. "Otherwise, I sometimes go for days without even seeing him."

Ancient Wen Heng, of course, wasn’t bothered. As a junior and a mere scholar, having a Sixth-rank Official take time off specifically to host him was a tremendous honor. He felt nothing but gratitude; how could he possibly find fault?

As Lu Ping led Ancient Wen Heng along, he explained, "My dad had this residence decorated bit by bit after he was appointed here. When I get the chance, I’ll have to take you to my ancestral home. Now *that* place is truly picturesque."

"Brother Lu, where is your ancestral home?" Ancient Wen Heng asked with curiosity.

"Yun Province," Lu Ping replied. "It’s like spring there all year round. You’d love it if you ever visit." Although he had come here with his parents at a young age, he had never forgotten his ancestral home.

"That sounds like a wonderful place indeed," said Ancient Wen Heng. "I must go see it if I ever have the chance."

"Brother Lu!" A clear, crisp voice suddenly called out.

Ancient Wen Heng raised an eyebrow. ’I didn’t know Lu Ping had a sister.’

"Lu Huan, why did you run in here?" Lu Ping snapped. He then rounded on a nearby servant. "Didn’t you know we have a guest? Why did you bring someone in?"

"I came to see Auntie," Lu Huan said, secretly stealing a glance at Ancient Wen Heng. "I didn’t expect to run into you here." She was disappointed to see he had turned his head away and was now intently studying the weeds by the path.

"My mother’s courtyard is that way. You should go on," Lu Ping said, frowning. He couldn’t believe Lu Huan would stand there so calmly with a man who wasn’t family present.

Lu Huan snuck another glance at Ancient Wen Heng, only to find him still completely unresponsive. She pursed her lips and, with her maid in tow, walked off in the direction Lu Ping had indicated.

"Brother Wen Heng, I had no idea she would show up here," Lu Ping said with a dry cough. "My own courtyard is just up ahead. Come, I’ll show you."

Ancient Wen Heng, of course, deferred to his host’s wishes and didn’t give the little interruption another thought.

***

"Miss, let’s hurry," Lu Huan’s young maid pleaded, nearly crying with anxiety. ’If the Madam finds out about this when we get back, she’ll skin me alive!’

"What’s the hurry?" Lu Huan retorted. "My mother knows I came. When you see Aunt Lu, you keep your mouth shut. I just accidentally ran into Brother Lu in the garden, that’s all."

The young maid nodded hastily. ’Even if she hadn’t warned me, I wouldn’t dare say a word!’

Lu Huan, however, was secretly picturing Ancient Wen Heng’s face. ’He really lives up to his title as top scorer in the provincial examination,’ she thought. ’Just as the rumors said, he’s not only handsome but also has such a graceful bearing.’

But the thought that he was already married made her heart sink.

She knew her mother encouraged her to visit so often in hopes of matching her with Brother Lu.

But she and Brother Lu Ping had practically grown up together; in her heart, she only saw him as an older brother.

"SIGH." Lu Huan sighed. As they neared Mrs. Lu’s courtyard, she instantly switched to a smiling, sweet, and gentle expression.

Seeing her mistress back to her usual self, the young maid let out a quiet sigh of relief. She quickly composed her own expression and followed silently behind.

「Shangjing」

Hua Shunming tapped his fingers on the desk. "Have you really thought this through?"

Bai Jinglie nodded. "Holy Emperor, if I wish to avoid marrying Ms. Kuang’s niece, this is my only path."

"She’s just one woman," Hua Shunming said. "If you don’t like her, marry her and just leave her in a rear courtyard. She can even fulfill your filial duties to your parents on your behalf. Why would you refuse such a convenient arrangement?"

Bai Jinglie patted his chest. "But it makes my skin crawl. Her motive for wanting me to marry her niece is perfectly clear. Knowing that, why would I willingly jump into that pit?"

"You’ve worked so hard to finally become a scholar," Hua Shunming argued. "If you just wait a few more years, there’s no reason you can’t enter the court through the official examination route. If you become an official that way, you won’t give those old diehards an excuse to attack you later on."

A flicker of emotion crossed Bai Jinglie’s eyes. It was often said that the Tian Family was heartless, but in that moment, he could feel the genuine goodwill radiating from Hua Shunming.

"But they can’t wait any longer," Bai Jinglie said softly.