Chapter 304: Meeting the Family
After waiting half a day, Gu Yanxi finally met with Wu Yong.
"Greetings, Heir."
"Dispensed." Gu Yanxi frowned at his full armor. "What's going on? Is there a battle?"
Wu Yong removed his helmet and set it aside, downing an entire pot of tea before responding. "The grasslands have been restless lately. I learned of your arrival in the city last night and originally planned to wait at the residence today, but before dawn we received reports of unusual movements beyond the pass."
"I heard there's been no rain for over three months there, with severe damage to pastures and many livestock lost."
"Indeed. I've already submitted a memorial about it."
Gu Yanxi pondered briefly. "I will report this to the Emperor upon my return. For now, act as you see fit."
"That would be most helpful." Wu Yong visibly relaxed. "I dare not deceive you—the border may become unstable."
"When has the border ever been stable? We merely hold it year after year."
Wu Yong paused, then chuckled wryly. Wasn't that the truth? Wasn't that precisely why the Wu family existed?
Gu Yanxi produced a paper from his robe. "Keep an eye on these men."
Wu Yong unfolded it and gasped—these were the very men notorious even at Yinshan Pass. "Are they disloyal?"
"Too early to say about their loyalty, but they're certainly scheming. Would you believe me if I said they're working together?"
"Together?" Wu Yong's face darkened. Some of these men were sworn enemies—he constantly heard reports of their clashes. Who were they trying to fool?!
"Just monitor them."
"Understood."
Gu Yanxi sipped his tea. "The Hua family shouldn't attract too much attention. Exercise moderation."
"Heir, their current reputation has little to do with me. Old Master Hua's capabilities speak for themselves—even casual efforts yield such results. With such talent here, how could you expect me not to utilize them?" Wu Yong grinned unrepentantly. "They've lightened my burden immensely—I was hoping to delegate even more."
"How you use them is your concern, but minimize mentions of them in your memorials. You understand the principle of going too far."
Understanding his concerns, Wu Yong nodded. "Then I'll temporarily claim some credit due to them."
"Just be discreet." Gu Yanxi observed the man's eased expression. "Fully recovered?"
"Completely. That master-disciple pair is remarkably skilled." Wu Yong's eyes flickered. "Why didn't you bring the Lady along this time?"
Gu Yanxi's gaze sharpened like blades. Just as Wu Yong prepared to change the subject under the pressure, he heard: "She'll arrive in a few days."
Wu Yong's eyes brightened momentarily before he casually shifted topics.
Gu Yanxi studied him thoughtfully. Regarding Shaoyao, he always followed her wishes—she would never lack for places to go.
&&&
As the sun set, the study door finally reopened.
Hua Bolin, standing guard, first glanced at his elder sister before reporting: "Lu Xiansheng has been waiting for some time."The father and sons all felt rather complicated emotions, but regardless of their inner thoughts, they had to meet him. To put it bluntly, the two had already engaged in private interactions without proper protocol. If others found out, who knew how they would be criticized? After this meeting, even if no formal engagement was settled, it would still have received the Hua family's official approval. Once the Hua family acknowledged it, outsiders would have no right to make irresponsible remarks.
Hua Pingyu pressed his lips into a tight line. When had the Hua family, a family of scholars, ever encountered such a situation? But Zhi Er was his daughter who had sacrificed greatly for the family. As her father, he had to grit his teeth and shoulder this responsibility for her.
Gu Yanxi waited in the main hall accompanied by a son from the second branch of the Hua family. Hearing footsteps, he went to the doorway to greet them. As soon as Hua Yizheng and the others entered, he bowed respectfully, "This junior pays his respects to the elders."
The feeling of having one's suitor come to meet the family was rather embarrassing. Hua Zhi's face grew warm, yet she also felt happy, a radiant smile gracing her features.
Noticing this from the corner of his eye, Hua Yizheng sighed inwardly, his expression softening as he raised a hand in a gesture of courtesy. "There's no need for such formality. Our humble home is rather simple—I hope Mr. Lu won't find it laughable."
"I wouldn't dare," Gu Yanxi replied with proper decorum. Though he could remain perfectly composed even before the Emperor, at this moment he felt his palms grow damp and his heartbeat quicken.
After everyone was seated according to protocol, Hua Yizheng studied this Mr. Lu whom he had met a few times before. Since Zhi Er said his identity was complicated and couldn't be revealed, he was clearly no ordinary man. His bearing indicated someone who wouldn't willingly submit to others, yet Hua Yizheng wondered when such a figure had appeared in the capital. Could he be newly arrived?
He wasn't keen on Zhi Er becoming involved with someone of complicated background, but her reasoning held merit: a man wouldn't consistently join her for meals, follow her across great distances, or show her such genuine respect unless he truly cared for her.
Their willingness to consent stemmed from another reason as well—it would be difficult for Zhi Er to find a suitable husband in the future. She was too capable. Even if someone did marry her, it would likely be for her abilities rather than for who she was. Few men could match her, and even fewer would be willing to be overshadowed by such a competent wife, making marital harmony hard to achieve.
Now here was a man who neither hindered Zhi Er from taking charge nor lacked the capability to stand as her equal. For this reason alone, they had to consider the matter carefully.
Sighing inwardly once more, Hua Yizheng said, "Zhi Er mentioned you've shown much care for our Hua family. This old man thanks you here."
"I haven't done much—it's A Zhi who is capable. In fact, she has helped me a great deal."
Hearing this, the others visibly relaxed. Not boasting about his contributions was good—what they feared was him looking down on Zhi Er because he had helped the family.
Hua Pingyu suddenly spoke up, "Mr. Lu, would the elders in your family approve of your... entanglement with the Hua family like this?"
"Uncle, you may call me Yanxi," Gu Yanxi replied neither humbly nor arrogantly. "Both my parents have passed away. I don't need to explain my actions to anyone."
His parents were already gone? Hua Pingyu glanced at his father. That meant they needn't worry about his family looking down on Zhi Er. This was actually better.
The atmosphere grew rather awkward, with both sides feeling somewhat ill at ease—Hua Zhi most of all. She simply stood up and said, "I'll go check on the kitchen."As soon as Hua Zhi left, the room grew so quiet one could hear a pin drop. Ultimately, it was Gu Yanxi who broke the silence. "My sincerity toward A Zhi is witnessed by heaven and earth. I cherish and respect her, and I will always let affection guide my actions while upholding propriety, never doing anything to tarnish her reputation. I ask for your trust."
His candid demeanor evoked goodwill. Hua Yizheng looked at the man below. Though the scar on his face gave him a somewhat fierce appearance, the moment they entered the room, his first glance had been for Zhi Er—that instant of tenderness could not be feigned. Hua Yizheng could also sense his nervousness in their presence; had he not cared about their opinion, why would he be tense?
Setting aside his reservations, this man was not lacking.
PS: Does it feel a bit awkward? If so, that's exactly right—this chapter aims for that tone. There's another chapter following this one.
OpenNovel