Chapter 48: Idle Talk

She looked exactly as she did in his memory, not a single detail out of place; upon closer inspection, she was even more beautiful than a flower in bloom, unparalleled in her loveliness. Her eyes sparkled with intelligence, her soft pink lips parted slightly, reminiscent of peach blossoms opening in spring, and the slight wave in her hair by her temples only added to her allure. Her skin was flawless, delicate and fair with a hint of rosy shyness, making her all the more captivating.

Zhou Fuyun only took a single glance at her, and it was as though his soul had been seized; he stood rooted to the spot, unable to look away.

Xue Ao was about to reply, but seeing Zhou Fuyun’s dazed state, he refrained, merely touching his nose and curling his lips into a knowing smile.

Han Shujing understood his meaning, but she had already stolen a glance at Zhou Fuyun earlier and found him no different from before, though perhaps a shade darker. Now, as the third daughter of the Han family, she could not allow herself to lose composure in front of outsiders, so she raised her voice slightly: “Second Master Xue, we are ready. If you have no other matters, let us set out.”

Zhou Fuyun had thought she might at least glance his way, but she didn’t spare him even a sidelong look; she simply issued her instructions to Xue Ao in a cool tone and let down the curtain.

Xue Ao glanced at Zhou Fuyun’s crestfallen face and helplessly spread his hands: Brother, I’ve done what I could, but it seems your bride-to-be has little interest in you.

Zhou Fuyun was at a loss, unable to utter a word. He stood there in a daze, watching as Xue Ao turned his horse and led the procession away.

Could it be that Han Shujing did not care for him? Wouldn’t even look at him? That was truly a heart-piercing thought.

Was it that she did not think him worthy?

If he were to propose, would she agree? When his mother had previously sent a matchmaker, the second lord of the Han household had indeed declined. If he were to go himself, would Han Ruogu drive him out with a stick?

Fortunately, the second lady of the Han household was reasonable and praised him repeatedly as an upright and honorable young man.

His mother had visited the Han residence several times afterward, even sending word to Old Madam Han. She had reassured him, though he wasn’t sure exactly what was said. Perhaps he ought to return home and ask his mother if there was any progress regarding his situation with Han Shujing.

If the Han family agreed, he must make haste to marry her. If she was not yet fond of him, he would find a way to win her favor. He must not let things drag on and end up following in Xue Ao’s footsteps.

Zhou Fuyun clenched his fists in determination. Seeing that his shift was over, he greeted his colleagues with excitement and hurried back home.

When Xue Ao escorted Liu Chuyan and the others to the Marquis of Wukang’s residence, he found the second lady and the second lord of the Han family waiting eagerly at the door.

As soon as Han Shujing and Han Shuwei alighted from the carriage, the second lady rushed forward, calling out “my dears, my dears,” in a voice full of affection. Han Ruogu, whose face had been stern all day, finally softened and gently called for his daughters.

Han Shuwei immediately nestled close, calling him “Father” in a tearful voice, as if she had suffered some great grievance.

Han Shujing, amused, patted her sister’s cheek. “Crybaby, you’re crying again! Aren’t we all home safe now?”

Liu Chuyan stood quietly aside, saying nothing, her expression unreadable.

Others had fathers and mothers who cared for them, who worried when they entered the palace. Only Liu Chuyan had no one; Xue Ao felt a sharp pang in his heart.

The eldest lady of the Han family’s second branch found the affectionate display almost nauseating, goosebumps rising on her arms. With a cold snort, she sashayed through the doorway, but not before bumping into Liu Chuyan.

Unprepared, Liu Chuyan nearly fell, but Song Ling and Qing He caught her in time.

Xue Ao clenched his fists, biting back his anger. This woman dared bully Chuyan even in his presence; next time, he would make her apologize to Chuyan face to face.

Han Ruogu, seeing his daughters safely returned, noticed Liu Chuyan standing quietly by and offered her a gentle smile. “Chuyan, today we have you to thank.”

“Second Uncle, it was only what I ought to do,” Liu Chuyan replied, lowering her eyes and curtseying, unable to accept his gratitude.

Han Ruogu acknowledged her and then suddenly asked, “Your birthday falls on the tenth of next month, doesn’t it?”

“It does.”

“You’ll be coming of age soon, then.”

This was common knowledge throughout the household. Liu Chuyan hesitated before replying, “Yes.”

Han Ruogu stroked his beard, thoughtful for a moment, then turned to Xue Ao with a broad smile. “Second Master Xue, thank you for your help today. Also, regarding my daughter and my niece, please convey our thanks to Lord Guo of Xin. I shall call on him soon to express my gratitude in person.”

“You are too kind, Uncle,” Xue Ao replied, standing beside his black-maned horse. He tossed the whip to Qin Yan, who had accompanied him, and clasped his fists. “It was only my duty.”

At this, Han Ruogu laughed inwardly. Xue Ao was indeed interested in Chuyan. Just now, he had seen the young man gazing at her with undisguised admiration. Rumor had it that even Lord Guo of Xin held her in high regard; such a gentle and composed young woman had clearly stirred his heart.

His niece was indeed a rare beauty. It was no wonder the Xue brothers had both fallen for her.

So he showed her extra affection, partly to test Xue Ao’s reaction. As expected, Xue Ao’s attitude toward him immediately changed.

This young man, barely past twenty, already held the position of Left Censor-in-Chief and was tutor to Prince Xin. In both rank and influence, he surpassed Han Ruogu himself, making him a valuable connection.

Now, with the court aligning itself for the future of the Dashun Dynasty, Han Ruogu knew he must choose his alliances wisely. If he chose correctly, a glorious future awaited him. Today was an excellent chance to befriend Xue Ao and glean some insight into Prince Xin’s camp.

His younger daughter, too—he’d heard that she and the prince had met twice, both times with good results. A hero rescuing a beauty was a tale as old as time, and Prince Xin, though two months younger than Han Shuwei, could be won over with a little effort. Then, his daughter would be a princess, perhaps even an empress one day.

If that came to pass, he would no longer have to live in the shadow of the Marquis of Wukang, nor bow to anyone. Even Han Ruyu would have to lower his head before him.

However, his younger daughter, spoiled by her mother, still lacked a certain composure; she would need proper guidance.

Xue Ao met his gaze, and a spark seemed to pass between them. They spoke almost simultaneously.

“Uncle.”

“My good nephew.”

They both paused, and finally Han Ruogu raised his hand. “Nephew, dusk has fallen and the air is thick with mist; it’s time for supper. Why not stay and dine with us at the Han residence?”

The second lady, hearing her husband’s words and sensing he had important matters in mind, stepped forward and smiled warmly. “Second Master Xue, you have done our family a great service today. Please, come inside and share a meal with us. Otherwise…” She glanced at her daughters and laughed, “Otherwise, my girls will be too embarrassed to visit the Guo of Xin’s residence in the future.”

Han Ruogu, never known for his skill in winning people over, was already being unusually hospitable; the second lady’s efforts to keep their guest were even more pronounced. Liu Chuyan, puzzled, twisted her handkerchief and curbed her curiosity.

Xue Ao was famous for his pride and arrogance, rarely deigning to speak kindly to others. How would he respond to such warmth?

But, contrary to expectations, Xue Ao bowed humbly. “Then I must trouble Uncle.”

Uncle?

Liu Chuyan realized that Xue Ao had deliberately lowered himself in rank, currying favor. If not for his repeated and increasingly deferential “uncle,” Han Ruogu would not have dared address him as “good nephew.”

So Xue Ao was the one currying favor; there was something strange about this man. He was clearly trying to draw closer to Han Ruogu for reasons unknown. She would have to warn Han Shujing to remind her second uncle not to fall into Xue Ao’s trap.

“Please,” Han Ruogu said, pleased, as he ushered Xue Ao inside, glancing at Liu Chuyan from the corner of his eye. There was something odd about his niece’s demeanor toward him. Not only was her face expressionless, she showed not a hint of shyness at meeting a young man. Could it be they had already met?

Ah, yes. Liu Chuyan had visited the Guo of Xin’s residence several times; they must have met before. That would explain why Lord Guo was so willing to help his daughters. With this, Han Ruogu considered himself practically allied with the Guo of Xin’s household.

When Xue Ao entered, he deliberately passed in front of Liu Chuyan, turning to fix her with a look. But she kept her head bowed, not even glancing at him, and he silently berated himself. The impression he had left on her was far from favorable; if he told her they had shared a bond in childhood, she might not believe him. Even if she did, she would likely deny it, for how awkward would that be? Better to wait for a more opportune moment.

He needed to rein in his temper and make a better impression on her.

“Chuyan, when you come of age, your uncle will prepare you a great gift,” Han Ruogu declared as the group from the second branch headed for the west wing and Liu Chuyan made her way to her own quarters. As they parted, he spoke deliberately.

Liu Chuyan did not know what he intended, but as a junior, she could only bow in gratitude.

Xue Ao, however, felt as though a window had opened in his heart. That was it—on her birthday, he would present her with a grand gift.

Yes, he must prepare something special. But what did young ladies like these days? In past years, for Huai Jin and Huai Yu’s birthdays, he had simply sent them trivial trinkets, never caring whether they liked them or not. He had never given such matters much thought.

But this was different; Liu Chuyan was nothing like his sisters. He needed to ask them for advice.

No, he couldn’t. If he asked, they would tease him mercilessly.

But if not them, then who?

Nervously, Xue Ao rubbed his hands together.

From the corner of his eye, Han Ruogu noticed Xue Ao’s excitement mingled with anxiety and guessed that his hint had been received. A clever young man, indeed.

His eldest daughter's future was already arranged by his mother. Soon, he would send his younger daughter to the prince’s palace, his niece to the Guo of Xin’s residence, and then enjoy a life of wealth and honor.

He could almost see the glorious, flower-strewn road ahead.

Xue Ao, absorbed in thoughts of Liu Chuyan, did not notice Han Ruogu’s subtle change in expression. Once Liu Chuyan departed and supper was served, Han Ruogu began to probe about Prince Xin under the guise of casual conversation, and Xue Ao realized he had found a potential ally. He straightened up inwardly, though his expression remained unchanged.

Over food and wine, the two quickly became confidants, exchanging secrets and tacitly forming a silent accord.

Recalling that Han Ruogu had once voiced objections to his eldest daughter’s marriage, Xue Ao spoke a few words in Zhou Fuyun’s favor.

Learning that Zhou Fuyun was one of Prince Xin’s men, Han Ruogu considered for a moment before agreeing with a wave of his hand. “Let him come to propose tomorrow, and I shall consent.”

“Thank you, Uncle. But is tomorrow not a bit too soon?” Xue Ao hesitated. Zhou Fuyun had said not even the first step had been taken; he would surely be unprepared. Yet with a few words, Xue Ao had persuaded Han Ruogu, whose sudden willingness to accept a proposal was more surprising than rain on a clear day.

Han Ruogu was unbothered, his words slurred with wine. “If tomorrow is too soon, then the day after, or the day after that. There’s always a day that’s convenient.”

Han Shujing, having heard from Liu Chuyan, was about to see if her father and Xue Ao were done talking, only to overhear these words. Instantly, her face flushed with embarrassment.

Liu Chuyan, following behind her, was equally shocked—Xue Ao was seeking Han Shujing’s hand for Zhou Fuyun, and Han Ruogu, setting aside his former stubbornness, agreed so readily that his attitude toward Zhou Fuyun transformed at once. It was as if a stone had bloomed.

“My good nephew…” Han Ruogu, noticing shadows moving in the hall—surely Han Shujing and Liu Chuyan—smiled drunkenly, squinting his eyes and exhaling a breath that smelled of wine. “Tell me, what do you think of my niece Chuyan?”