A’Le hadn’t forgotten Chu Zhao’s instructions to watch the gate and observe who came and went from the Chu household.
After the competitions at Chu Garden began, she was very busy, but she had several little maids watch in her place.
“These past few days there have been quite a few visitors, mainly female relatives on the madam’s side. The master hasn’t had many guests. Today two people suddenly came, saying their surname was Xiao.”
“The little maid didn’t think much of it at first—there are many people surnamed Xiao. But they were very alert. Besides watching the gate, they also watched the stables. There they overheard the gate servants instructing the stable servants to take good care of the carriages and horses, saying this was the heir of Prince Zhongshan—”
A’Le looked at Chu Zhao nervously: “Miss, he’s the one you’ve been guarding against, isn’t he?”
A’Le was very clear about Chu Zhao’s attitude toward Xiao Xun throughout the journey. Having her watch the great master and young masters upon returning was also out of fear of dealings with Xiao Xun.
Chu Zhao nodded: “Yes.”
During this period of being busy with the competition, she had forgotten about Xiao Xun. Calculating the time, it was indeed about now.
She hadn’t expected that despite her attitude on the journey being what it was, Xiao Xun would still be able to call at their door.
And concealing his identity.
In her previous life, she didn’t know whether Xiao Xun had concealed his identity, nor did she know that their meeting at Chu Garden and the life-saving grace had all been arranged.
This wasn’t something Xiao Xun could accomplish alone, which was why in that life Chu Tang had said “If not for them, how could she have become Empress?”
Family schemes were truly too difficult to guard against.
Chu Zhao grasped A’Le’s hand and shook it: “Good thing I have A’Le here.”
A’Le sighed: “Miss, don’t keep praising me. Knowing he’s come doesn’t count for much. Wait until I find out what he came for, then you can praise me.”
Chu Zhao smiled. Actually, she didn’t need to inquire to know—he had come to scheme against her. This time, what would Xiao Xun do? Would it be the old method?
……
……
When the guest surnamed Xiao came to visit, Chu Lan was half-reclining in his study, chatting idly with several good friends he hadn’t seen in a long time.
Mainly complaining.
“What can I do?” he said with a sigh. “This child hasn’t been by our side for a single day since childhood, spoiled by her father until she’s lawless.”
His friends nodded sympathetically: “What can you do? You can’t beat her or scold her.” “You can’t send her back either. With only this one brother, if you don’t manage it, who will?” “Being the eldest brother is always like this. There’s no choice.”
Chu Lan let out a long sigh: “I’ve made up my mind—I’ll pack up and take the whole family to Qiaoshan Academy. There’s no way to maintain a foothold in this capital anymore.”
His friends hastily consoled him: “Children just cause mischief.” “Every family has naughty children. Just be stern in disciplining her.” “It’s not serious enough to implicate the family.”
Moreover—
“Now the Chu Garden literary gathering has gained some fame. Elder Brother, you’re overthinking,” one friend said. “I heard that even Old Master Zhou, who only leaves home to play chess with the Emperor, has personally praised it.”
“Yes, yes.” The others nodded one after another, listing out more aristocratic family names. “Everyone is letting their children continue coming to play, so it’s clearly not a big deal.”
Otherwise they wouldn’t come here either.
Being praised by those aristocratic family elders, Chu Lan felt a bit proud, which was also why he had come out to receive guests.
“Other people’s children all have real talent,” he continued shaking his head and sighing. “As for mine, better not mention her—she only brings shame.”
His friends again laughed and praised him: “Elder Brother is being modest. Your learning is so good, what’s there to fear?” “You also said she’s been with Second Master all along. Now that she’s back, just teach her properly.” “Following you, Elder Brother, in the future she’ll surely be overflowing with talent.”
Everyone was talking and laughing merrily when the steward ran in saying: “There’s a visitor with the surname Xiao.”
Chu Lan couldn’t think of any familiar friends surnamed Xiao. The others smiled and flattered him: “Elder Brother can’t escape from activity—so many visitors.”
Chu Lan smiled and said to invite them in. The steward’s expression was somewhat complex as he glanced at the people still seated in the room.
“What is it?” one guest asked with a smile. “Can’t we keep him company?”
Chu Lan was also displeased: “We’re all friends. There’s no seeing one and not seeing another.”
The steward could only say: “Master, the surname is Xiao.”
“What about the surname Xiao?” Chu Lan said.
The steward stamped his foot: “Surnamed Xiao—he’s from the imperial family—”
Like a thunderbolt striking down, everyone in the room instantly stood up. Imperial family? Xiao—
“This is serious!” one guest cried out. “The Third Prince has come to condemn us!”
Chu Lan’s face turned pale and he swayed unsteadily. Fortunately the steward called out in time: “No, no, it’s the heir of Prince Zhongshan!”
Chu Lan steadied himself against the desk. The other guests also returned to their senses. Though both surnamed Xiao, the Third Prince and the heir of Prince Zhongshan were as different as heaven and earth.
“Why has the heir come?” Chu Lan asked.
Seeing the master was so frightened he was somewhat confused, the steward hastily reminded him: “The heir is previously acquainted with you, Master. Haven’t you always wanted to pay the heir a visit?”
Chu Lan finally came to himself: “Oh, oh, ah, it’s my fault for actually making the heir come in person.”
The other guests asked curiously: “So Elder Brother is actually acquainted with the heir of Prince Zhongshan.” “Is it that the heir of Prince Zhongshan also seeks Elder Brother’s instruction in learning?”
Chu Lan waved his hand: “Let’s not mention past matters.” He hastily straightened his clothes. “Quickly go welcome him.”
Chu Lan walked out rapidly. The other guests also followed. Sure enough, outside the small courtyard stood a young man in fine clothes with attendants. That young man was like a bright moon, immediately attracting everyone’s gaze.
So this was the heir of Prince Zhongshan?
“Heir,” Chu Lan bowed. “Your honored presence graces us—I failed to welcome you from afar.”
Xiao Xun inclined his head: “Mr. Chu need not be overly courteous.” He looked behind Chu Lan.
Seeing him look over, Chu Lan’s guests hastily bowed.
Chu Lan introduced them: “I was just discussing poetry and prose with friends. I’m afraid we’ve given the heir cause to laugh at us.”
Xiao Xun said with a smile: “It’s I who have disturbed your elegant gathering.”
Chu Lan and the others hastily said not at all: “For the heir to come is our honor.”
Chu Lan extended his hand in invitation. The others also crowded around with excited expressions. But Xiao Xun didn’t step forward. He said: “I’ve come this time on behalf of the Third Prince—”
Before he finished speaking, the people before him who had been delighted suddenly retreated a step in alarm.
So, still, as expected!
Chu Lan’s face turned green then white: “This, this.” He couldn’t say anything, sighed and raised his sleeve to cover his face. “I am ashamed.”
The other guests looked at each other, then stepped forward together: “Brother Chu, then we’ll take our leave first.” They explained to Xiao Xun: “Heir, we also just came to see what the situation was.” Having said this, without waiting for any reaction from Chu Lan, they hurriedly bypassed the two and took their leave.
Only Chu Lan remained in the small courtyard facing Xiao Xun. He couldn’t keep hiding his face.
“Heir,” Chu Lan said in a low voice. “This matter truly has nothing to do with me. I have no choice either. I can’t control her.”
Speaking to this point, fearing Xiao Xun wouldn’t believe him, he pointed to the sky.
“If I could control her, there wouldn’t have been that matter with her father back then. These father and daughter are both arrogant and willful in temperament. I truly have no way.”
Xiao Xun looked at the middle-aged scholar’s face turning red then white, his eyes full of unease. He couldn’t help but think of the way that girl looked at him—like a fierce little beast.
A family, yet with completely different temperaments.
He smiled slightly: “Mr. Chu, don’t be afraid. I’m not here to condemn you.”