Jiang Xuanjin returned to his residence, his expression sour throughout the journey. The servants who passed by him trembled and quickly stepped aside, avoiding his gaze.
“Young Uncle.” Jiang Yan had just finished his studies for the day and was passing by the corridor when he noticed Jiang Xuanjin’s troubled demeanor. He approached and bowed respectfully. “What’s the matter with you? Are you unwell?”
Jiang Xuanjin turned his head and saw Jiang Yan, with his rosy lips and bright smile, clad in a splendid azure silk robe with a satin headband adorned with a white jade gem, emitting a gentle glow.
With such a handsome appearance and charming demeanor, anyone who laid eyes on him would praise his dragon-like grace and phoenix-like elegance, his beauty unmatched. It was truly a pity for him to marry someone as frivolous as Fourth Miss Bai.
Coughing lightly, Jiang Xuanjin lowered his gaze. “I’m fine. Where are you off to?”
Jiang Yan smiled. “I just left Master’s place and was going to pay my respects to Grandfather. But… seeing Little Uncle like this, perhaps I should accompany you back to Moju first.”
Jiang Xuanjin didn’t refuse and continued walking forward, lips pressed together.
“Has something troubled you, Young Uncle?” Jiang Yan asked as they walked. “I haven’t seen you this agitated in a long time.”
Or perhaps, he had never seen him so agitated before. Even if Mount Tai were to collapse before him on a regular day, he would be thinking about how to save the country and its people, without leaking a hint of worry. But now, he seemed enveloped in hostility.
Upon Jiang Yan’s reminder, Jiang Xuanjin was slightly startled, realizing he wasn’t quite himself. He quickly composed himself.
“…Nothing troubling,” he diverted, “I just paid a visit to the Bai residence.”
“The Bai residence?” Jiang Yan paused, his expression darkening. “Why did you go there?”
Hearing the sudden displeasure in his tone, Jiang Xuanjin furrowed his brows slightly. “Your eighteenth birthday is approaching. What do you think I went there for?”
Jiang Yan’s face turned grim. “Young Uncle, I don’t want to marry Fourth Miss Bai.”
“That’s not up to you.”
Stepping into Moju, Jiang Xuanjin settled on the soft couch, accepting the tea offered by a servant and taking a few sips. “This marriage was arranged by your mother before she passed away. If you want to break it off, be prepared to lose half your life under your father’s wrath.”
“I don’t care if he beats me to death!” Jiang Yan tossed his robe aside and sat beside him. “I’d rather die than marry a fool!”
A fool? Jiang Xuanjin sneered inwardly. If Bai Zhuji were a fool, there would be no intelligence left in this world. Look at how she seduces men, embracing and flirting with them, even getting involved with Lu Jingxing. It’s a good thing he never believed a word she said; otherwise, he might have mistaken her for sincere!
Jiang Yan, frustrated, turned to see his young uncle’s expression, and immediately stood up in alarm. “I… I’m sorry, please don’t be angry! I didn’t mean to gossip behind your back!”
Jiang Xuanjin glanced at him, his brows furrowing slightly. “Which eye of yours saw me angry?”
Both eyes did! Jiang Yan felt flustered, standing before him with his hands behind his back, resembling a guilty child.
Observing quietly, Jiang Cheng finally couldn’t hold back and whispered, “Young Master, don’t worry, the Master isn’t angry with you.”
Hmm? Not angry with him? Jiang Yan felt a weight lift from his heart but remained puzzled. “Then who is he angry with?”
Glancing at the silent Master, Cheng Xu smiled faintly. “Who can say? Perhaps it’s due to still being unwell. If Young Master has no other business, it’s best to pay respects to the Old Master first.”
“I was just about to do that.” Jiang Yan nodded, then turned to Jiang Xuanjin. “Young Uncle, my birthday is in a few days. Please take care of yourself and prepare a gift for me.”
“Sure.” Jiang Xuanjin nodded in acknowledgment.
“In that case, I’ll take my leave.”
“Wait.” Jiang Xuanjin stopped him. “Have you delivered the invitation to the Bai residence?”
At the mention of the Bai residence, Jiang Yan’s expression fell again. “Yes, I did. How could I not? My father personally delivered it.”
“You delivered just one?”
“Of course.”
With half-closed eyes, Jiang Xuanjin played with the Buddhist beads in his hand and said softly, “Send another one, separately to Fourth Miss Bai.”
Jiang Yan was startled. “Why?”
Normally, one invitation for a family was sufficient. He hoped that Fourth Miss Baiwould have some excuse not to attend. Why the need for a separate invitation?
Jiang Xuanjin glanced at him, his icy gaze enough to make Jiang Yan obedient. Clenching his fists, he said, “I’ll have someone deliver it tomorrow.”
“Go ahead.”
“Yes, I’ll take my leave.”
As Jiang Yan left, Cheng Xu couldn’t help but whisper, “Young Master seems opposed to this marriage.”
“So what?” Jiang Xuanjin loosened his cloak, preparing to rest. His voice was hoarse and heavy. “Ultimately, he has no say in the matter.”
Cheng Xu glanced at him and whispered, “There’s still room to maneuver, as long as you say a few words to the Old Master…”
Jiang Xuanjin looked at him coldly. “Why should I bother?”
It was a long-settled marriage arrangement. Even if the bride wasn’t the best match, it was his elder brother Jiang Chong who had the final say. Why should he get involved?
Cheng Xu fell silent, not daring to speak further, and simply brought out the nightclothes to help him change.
Early the next morning, Huaiyu opened her eyes and saw Lingxiuo sitting by the table, embroidering clothes. The lamp on the table had been burning dimly all night.
“You stubborn girl.” Huaiyu sat up, supporting herself. “Why are you so persistent?”
Lingxiuo was startled, nearly pricking her finger with the needle. She looked up, her eyes bloodshot. “Miss, you’re awake? I’ll go and fetch your breakfast.”
“You should take a break.” Huaiyu got out of bed impatiently, dressing herself. “Are you sure you can walk steadily now? Don’t spill the bowl halfway and then act like you’re about to cry.”
Lingxiuo pursed her lips, wanting to retort, but Huaiyu moved quickly, dressing in just a few moments. She washed her face and mouth and headed out.
After some thought, Lingxiuo picked up the clothes and continued embroidering.
The Bai residence was already bustling with activity early in the morning. Huaiyu made her way through the twists and turns and found the kitchen. The cook smiled when she saw her. “Congratulations, Fourth Miss. I heard you’re feeling much better.”
Huaiyu smiled politely at her. “I’m here to get breakfast.”
The cook immediately turned around and filled two bowls with porridge, along with several small dishes, placing them on a tray and handing them to her. “It’s time for breakfast. Fourth Miss, please take it.”
Glancing at the simple dishes, Huaiyu couldn’t help but sigh. Ba Dezhong ng was indeed an upright official; even the food his daughters ate was so simple. He was truly a good example of integrity.
However, with a slight tilt of her head, she saw a large pile of exquisite dishes on the stove behind. Eight-treasure porridge steamed fresh fish, and colorful steamed buns—all of which made her mouth water.
Raising an eyebrow, she asked, “Whose breakfast is this?”
The cook hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward to block her view, smiling apologetically. “Who else could it be? Only the Master can have these.”
“Is that so?” Huaiyu nodded, not intending to pursue further. But as she turned around, she collided with a maid walking behind her. The two bowls of hot porridge spilled all over her.