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The Boy on the Bamboo Horse
墨書 Inktalez
In the third year of the Republic, in Jiangnan, Xingyu Town.
It was midsummer, and the back garden of the Zhou Residence was lush and green, providing ample shade. A few young girls were crouched on the ground trimming the plants. Perhaps due to the stifling heat, they couldn't help but complain a little, pausing their scissors as they began to chatter about the Second Young Master Zhou's marriage.
"I heard that Miss not only has beauty but also studied in the Provincial Capital. She's truly a rare talent."
"Indeed! She is a perfect match for our Second Young Master, both talented and beautiful," replied a girl with two braided pigtails, her face showing a hint of envy and her eyes sparkling.
"Why do I sense a hint of jealousy in your tone?"
"You’re asking for trouble! Even if you’re joking, you shouldn’t speak so carelessly. If someone else hears you, who knows how ugly it might sound?"
Feeling teased by her companion, the girl’s face flushed with anger. She stomped her foot and moved aside, only to bump into someone.
"Ah, Eldest Young Master."
Startled, the girl quickly stood up and looked up at the tall man towering over her. She couldn't help but lower her head nervously, her body trembling slightly as she wondered when he had arrived and how much of their conversation he might have overheard.
The other maids, who had been laughing just moments before, immediately stood up alertly upon hearing her exclamation. They bowed respectfully and greeted him in unison, their movements synchronized and their eyes filled with reverence.
Zhou Tangyan said nothing; he merely nodded slightly as he walked past them. His steps were steady and slow, his usually serious and gloomy face revealing no trace of a smile, his gaze cold.
Watching the tall figure walk further away, the maids finally let out a sigh of relief as if granted a reprieve. They relaxed their bodies and exchanged glances of gratitude.
This week, the Eldest Young Master was known for being taciturn and difficult to offend, unlike the Second Young Master, who was carefree, enjoyed joking around, and often mingled with the servants.
For this reason, when the servants encountered the Second Young Master, they greeted him with smiles, but when they saw the Eldest Young Master, they would take a detour, hurrying past to avoid drawing his attention.
Zhou Tangyan walked through the back garden and arrived at Mr. Zhou's study. He raised his hand to knock on the door but paused in mid-air when he heard an intense argument coming from inside.
“Father, I absolutely refuse to agree to this marriage.” It was the voice of Zhou Shiyu, the Second Young Master, filled with dissatisfaction and determination.
“Why not? I remember you two were the best of friends when you were young. Perhaps after ten years apart due to your aunt's move north, you've grown a bit distant, but after all, you are Childhood Sweethearts; it won't take long for things to return to how they were,” Mr. Zhou replied calmly, not taking Zhou Shiyu's words to heart. Just a few days ago, he had reached an agreement with Wan Xia's father regarding this marriage without consulting Zhou Shiyu at all.
“I have always regarded Wan Xia as a sister; this marriage is absolutely out of the question.”
“How can it be out of the question? The Jiang family is well-matched with ours, and we have business dealings together. Your uncle only has Wan Xia as his daughter; everything in the Jiang family will eventually belong to you.”
“That’s precisely the point! In the end, it’s all about business.”
“Regardless of the reasons, marriage is traditionally decided by parents. You must marry Wan Xia.” Mr. Zhou's tone was firm as he stood up and struck the ground heavily with his cane, leaving no room for argument.
Zhou Shiyu struggled to suppress his dissatisfaction; his face turned red as he clenched his fists tightly. “You are being outdated and conservative. This is a new era that values freedom in marriage…”
“I think your education has gone awry. What freedom in marriage? As long as you live under this roof, don’t even think about freedom.”
Zhou Tangyan listened to the argument outside, every word clear to him. He recalled the earlier discussions among the maids and Mr. Zhou's words, and couldn't help but let out a cold laugh in his heart, the corners of his mouth slightly curling up in a hint of mockery.
A rare talent? A match made in heaven?
He was curious to see how this marriage would ultimately unfold, his eyes revealing a glimmer of inquiry and anticipation.
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