Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Zheng Ning ultimately stayed.
At that time, Liu Fangyi and the He Family were desperately trying to keep him, while the old man and Wen Qingyue kept persuading him.
Qing Wu, with a worried expression, said, "Sir, my birthday is just a few days away. Do you really have to leave?"
Perhaps it was the sincere pleas of the Liu Family couple or the reasonable words from the Marquisate's Grandfather and Grandson that made Zheng Ning hesitate for a long time, but in the end, he decided to stay at the Liu Residence.
After confirming several times that he really wasn't leaving, Qing Wu's face lit up with joy. She couldn't care less about her image and ran out, lifting her skirt to call Dou Mama to add more dishes in the kitchen for the celebration.
"…Add a few more dishes. If there's no time, just go buy some from the restaurant. How many? At least eight, preferably sixteen. Also, find some good wine; it should be aged for a while, at least three years. I don't drink, but you can! Don't delay, hurry up!"
Faintly, the girl's voice floated from the courtyard into the house.
The He Family couldn't help but chuckle and apologetically said to the others inside, "This child has been spoiled by me. Sometimes when she's happy, she loses her composure."
"Spoiled? I think it's great! When you're happy, just be happy; why hide it?"
Master Wen laughed heartily. When Qing Wu turned back around, he raised his large hand and patted her shoulder. "Not bad, not bad. The girl is wonderful."
Qing Wu had no idea what was happening. After giving her grandfather a sweet smile, she ran over to Zheng Ning.
"What do you want to eat, Sir? I'll have someone make it for you."
"What do I want to eat?" Zheng Ning smiled. "Whatever you want to give me?"
"Of course!"
Zheng Ning paused, "Aren't you afraid that I might want to buy all the most expensive things, and you'll have to buy everything for me?"
"I'm not afraid!" The girl replied without hesitation, her eyes sparkling with anticipation, the joy in her expression hard to conceal. "As long as you stay, I'm happy. Even if I have to spend all my savings, I'll buy it!"
After saying this, she gently whispered in his ear, "I've saved quite a bit of money over the years. Just don't tell anyone else."
Since her childhood, he had taught her how to draw and practice calligraphy, even imparting the principles of being a good person.
She grew up little by little, blossoming into a charming and beautiful young woman. Throughout all those days and nights, he had always been by her side.
Her feelings for him were marked by years of closeness and trust.
Zheng Ning lowered his gaze slightly, "No matter how much money there is, it can't cover everything I want. Aren't you afraid of running out?"
"If it's for buying things for you, then even if I run out of money, so what?"
The corners of Zheng Ning's lips tightened for a moment before he gently ruffled her hair with a soft expression and sighed, "Silly girl."
He blinked and looked out at the blue sky outside. After a moment, he returned to his usual demeanor and said to her, "I don't want to buy anything. How about you make me a snack instead?"
Qing Wu loved snacks. Dou Mama made them well. When they were in the Northwest, Qing Wu often watched Dou Mama make snacks and occasionally helped out. Over time, she learned to make a few delicious treats herself.
Hearing Zheng Ning say this, Qing Wu quickly asked, "What flavor do you want?"
"Anything is fine. As long as it's made by you." Zheng Ning pressed his lips together, his brows relaxing as he revealed a casual smile and said, "If you want me to stay and teach you, you need to show some sincerity, right?"
"Yes! Sir!"
Qing Wu happily ran outside, but was called back by Master Wen's loud voice.
"Addressing someone as 'Sir' at every turn, how can that be! This is your Zheng Ge, you... hey, come back! Don't just smile! I'm not done yet!"
...
In the blink of an eye, it was the day of the banquet held for Qing Wu at the Zhenyuan Marquis Mansion.
This day was Chuyi.
Now, there was a habit in the school where Teachers liked to assign several topics for students to write about on Chuyi. They would then collect and review them. They called it a way to assess the students' efforts and learning outcomes over the past month.
After learning about this habit from the school, Qing Wu's parents praised it. However, the students found it quite distressing. Every month-end, they would be extremely nervous, clutching their books all day long, afraid that they might miss reading a single line that could end up being on the Teacher's test.
On the second month of Chuyi, it was once again the school's assessment day.
Under normal circumstances, the boys might find an excuse to take a leave from school to attend their sister's birthday banquet. Unfortunately, this was the day in the month when taking leave was most discouraged. They could only read while hastily eating breakfast. After a quick meal and a bowl of Longevity Noodles, they rushed to wish their sister a happy birthday before grabbing their books and hurriedly heading to school.
Watching their retreating figures, the He Family called out, "Don't forget to come over at noon."
Liu Anfeng shouted back "Got it," while Liu Anzhi and Liu An Ting waved their hands behind them.
In no time, the three had run far away.
The He Family sighed, "These kids," then looked up for a while longer until they confirmed they could no longer see them before turning with Qing Wu to head to the West Courtyard.
Today, Qing Wu's attire had been prepared early in advance. Among the several boxes that Huo Yun'ai had sent over that day, one box was specifically prepared with jewelry and clothing for her.
Qing Wu had seen this outfit before.
To be honest, it was very exquisite and beautiful.
It was still made of precious Cloud Brocade. The light pink top and skirt were embroidered with colorful butterflies in gold and silver threads, covered by a Crimson outer garment. As always, it was delicate and charming.
Qing Wu felt somewhat puzzled. Since everyone said she looked good in purple or light purple clothes, why did Huo Yun'ai prepare a dress for her to attend the banquet that was still predominantly pink?
Could it be that… on the sixteenth day, when they dressed her up so beautifully, it was just to deceive her?
The more Qing Wu thought about it, the stranger it seemed. She secretly decided to ask more questions when she returned to the palace. At this moment, however, it was more important to hurry and get ready.
Today Liu Fangyi was on duty, and since this was truly her daughter's birthday banquet, she naturally couldn't take leave to attend.
Before leaving, she specifically came to the West Courtyard to see Qing Wu, even giving her a Birthday Gift, before reluctantly leaving with lingering glances.
After saying goodbye to her father, Qing Wu turned around and saw her mother lost in thought. She hurriedly asked, "What's wrong? Is there something amiss?"
He Family held the ribbon in her hand, feeling somewhat uneasy for some reason.
This ribbon should have been tied around Qing Wu's hair after she styled it. It was in a matching and elegant begonia red.
Generally, even if someone used living creatures for embroidery on a girl's clothing, they would mostly use butterflies like those on Qing Wu's skirt. Moreover, they wouldn't use gold for the embroidery.
Yet, the embroidery on this ribbon featured golden auspicious birds.
Seeing her mother hesitating, Qing Wu leaned over to take a look. Noticing He Family stroking the golden auspicious bird embroidery with her fingertips, she curiously asked, "Is there something wrong?"
He Family looked around. Liu Fangyi had just left, and there was no one else present at the moment, so he half-covered his mouth and asked Qing Wu: "Why do I see this as a Phoenix? Could it be that His Majesty has taken the wrong item?" After thinking for a moment, he felt something was off. "It seems there are no consorts in the palace yet?"
Since there were no consorts, no one would use the Phoenix design. How could there be a mistake?
"Phoenix?" Qing Wu took a careful look and wasn't too sure. "Is this the Vermilion Bird?"
"Even if it is the Vermilion Bird, ordinary people cannot use it."
He Family suddenly remembered something and instantly understood. "It must be that His Majesty knew your identity and specially ordered this to be made for you."
The Vermilion Bird represents one of the Four Spirits, only usable by nobles.
But Qing Wu is now the legitimate granddaughter of the Zhenyuan Marquis, which makes her status different from before.
Moreover, today is the birthday banquet that the Marquis is holding for his granddaughter. Although it cannot be made public, the old man's intention should not be let down.
He Family sighed, "His Majesty is quite thoughtful."
Not thinking much more about it, he carefully wrapped the hairpin around Qing Wu's hair. Fearing that the design might attract attention once discovered, he made sure to leave almost no tail end while tying it up, wrapping it all around her braid.
Today, Zhenyuan Marquis held a birthday banquet for Qing Wu at the villa of Minister Shen.
Minister Shen and Master Wen were old friends who had known each other for many years. When the old man mentioned wanting to host a banquet, Minister Shen readily offered his villa for use.
Since the old man hadn't mentioned what the banquet was for and only wanted to invite more young ladies from Capital City, Minister Shen saw that the still-single Heir Apparent of the Zhenyuan Marquis Mansion was present and assumed that the old man wanted to find a good match for his grandson. He didn't ask further and cheerfully took charge of preparing the guest list.
Without needing the old man to mention Qing Wu, Minister Shen included her name on the list.
Wen Qingyue inquired about the reason, and Minister Shen said, "This girl is intelligent and talented, and has been appointed by His Majesty as the First Female Official, which is excellent."
Only then did the Grandfather and Grandson realize that Minister Shen's granddaughter was also present at the Floral Banquet that day. Miss Shen greatly admired Qing Wu's painting, which should have won first place but did not. Under her influence, the entire Shen Family grew fond of Qing Wu.
Master Wen could not get enough of the praises for his granddaughter. He encouraged Minister Shen to recount the events of the Floral Banquet.
On this day, when Wen Qingyue welcomed Qing Wu at the villa, the first thing she mentioned was the matter concerning the Shen Family.
Qing Wu did not expect such a situation; she laughed and said, "Will Miss Shen be coming over later? I must meet her."
"Of course she will come," Wen Qingyue replied. "When she arrives, I will let you know."
While they were talking, they arrived at a quiet courtyard.
At this time, it was still early.
The He Family had not yet finished their household chores, so Qing Wu had come over early to spend more time with her grandfather and brother. However, upon arrival, she found that both were busy entertaining guests and had little time to spare.
With nothing to do, Qing Wu asked Wen Qingyue to help her find this courtyard so she could read alone for a while.
But not long after, Wen Qingyue returned to inform her that Second Brother had arrived and would soon be in the courtyard, urging her to go meet him.
Qing Wu found it strange. The Brothers clearly had school today and could not spare any time. They could only rush over for a quick meal during lunch.
At that moment, when the three of them discussed this matter, they sighed in regret. Qing Wu remembered it vividly. How could Second Brother have already arrived at the banquet?
Once Wen Qingyue finished speaking, he hurriedly left.
Qing Wu stepped out of the house, filled with confusion. As she looked outside at the entrance, she saw a person standing in the courtyard with their hands behind their back.
The figure was tall and straight, exuding an air of elegance, cold yet proud.
Hearing the footsteps, the young man slowly turned around. Upon seeing her, the frost on his face suddenly melted away.
He smiled faintly, and the originally distant gaze in his eyes was tinged with warmth.
Qing Wu did not expect to see him today. She hurried a couple of steps forward, but then recalled Wen Qingyue's words, causing her to stop abruptly.
This was not her Second Brother.
Clearly...
Clearly it was someone who should have been in the palace...
Comment 0 Comment Count