Qiao Chu

A Le hadn't forgotten Chu Zhao's instructions, keeping watch at the gate to observe who was visiting the Chu family.

After the Chu Garden Literary Gathering began its competitions, she became very busy, but she assigned several young maids to keep watch for her.

"Quite a few visitors have come calling these past few days, mostly ladies from the madam's side. There haven't been many guests from the master's side, but today two men suddenly arrived, claiming the surname Xiao."

"The young maids initially didn't think much of it—there are plenty of people named Xiao. But they were quite sharp; besides watching the gate, they also kept an eye on the stables. There they overheard the gatekeepers instructing the stable servants to take good care of the carriages and horses, as this was the Crown Prince of Zhongshan—"

A Le looked nervously at Chu Zhao: "Miss, this must be the one you've been guarding against, right?"

No one understood Chu Zhao's attitude toward Xiao Xun during their journey better than A Le. Having her watch the master's sons after their return was precisely out of fear they might associate with Xiao Xun.

Chu Zhao nodded: "Yes."

She had been so occupied with the competition matters recently that she'd completely forgotten about Xiao Xun. Calculating the timing, it was indeed about this period.

Never expected that despite her attitude during the journey being so clear, Xiao Xun would still dare to visit.

And even conceal his identity.

Whether Xiao Xun had concealed his identity in her previous life, she didn't know, nor did she realize that their meeting at Chu Garden and the life-saving grace had all been carefully arranged.

This wasn't something Xiao Xun could accomplish alone. That's why Chu Tang had said in that lifetime, "If it weren't for them, how could she have become Empress?"

The schemes of family members were truly difficult to guard against.

Chu Zhao held A Le's hand and shook it gently: "Fortunately, I have A Le here."

A Le sighed: "Miss, you shouldn't always praise me. Knowing he's come is nothing special. Wait until I find out why he's here, then you can praise me."

Chu Zhao smiled. Actually, she didn't need to investigate to know—he had come to scheme against her. This time, what would Xiao Xun do? Would it be the same old methods?

......

......

When the visitors named Xiao arrived, Chu Lan was half-reclining in his study, chatting with several long-unseen friends.

Mostly complaining.

"What can I possibly do?" he lamented. "This child hasn't spent a single day with us since she was young. Her father spoiled her beyond all reason."

His friends nodded sympathetically: "What can you really do? Can't beat her, can't scold her." "Can't send her back either, with only this one brother. If you don't take responsibility, who will?" "This is how all elder brothers are—there's simply no way around it."

Chu Lan heaved a long sigh: "I've made up my mind. I'll pack our things, and the whole family will go to Qiao Mountain Academy. We simply can't establish ourselves in the capital anymore."

His friends hurried to dissuade him: "It's just a child's mischief." "Every family has unruly children. Just discipline her strictly." "It hasn't reached the point of affecting the family reputation."

Moreover—

"Now that the Chu Garden Literary Gathering has gained some renown, Elder Brother, you're worrying too much," one friend said. "I heard even Old Master Zhou, who only goes out to play chess with the Emperor, has personally praised it."

"Yes, yes," others chimed in, listing more names of esteemed gentlemen from prominent families. "Everyone is still letting their children come here to socialize, which shows it's not a serious matter."

Otherwise, they wouldn't be here visiting either.

Being praised by those distinguished gentlemen gave Chu Lan some small satisfaction, which was why he had agreed to receive guests today.

"Those families' children are truly talented," he continued, shaking his head and sighing. "As for my own... better not to speak of it. Nothing but embarrassment."His friends once again laughed and praised, "Brother, you're being too modest. With your great learning, what is there to fear?" "As you said, she has been following Second Master all along. Now that she's back, you just need to teach her properly." "Under your guidance, she is sure to become exceptionally talented in the future."

Just as the group was chatting and laughing merrily, the steward rushed in and said, "There is a visitor with the surname Xiao."

Chu Lan couldn't recall any familiar friends with the surname Xiao, while the others laughed and flattered, "Brother, you can't escape the bustle—so many visitors come to see you."

Chu Lan smiled and said, "Please show them in." The steward looked somewhat troubled and glanced at the others still seated in the room.

"What is it?" one guest asked with a laugh. "Are we not fit to accompany you?"

Chu Lan also felt displeased. "We are all friends here. There's no reason to see one and not the others."

The steward had no choice but to say, "Master, the surname is Xiao."

"What about the surname Xiao?" Chu Lan asked.

The steward stamped his foot. "The surname Xiao—it's the imperial family—"

As if struck by lightning, everyone in the room instantly stood up. The imperial family? Xiao—

"This is serious!" one guest exclaimed, losing his composure. "The Third Prince has come to hold you accountable!"

Chu Lan’s face turned pale, and he swayed unsteadily. Fortunately, the steward quickly cried out, "No, no, it’s the Crown Prince of Zhongshan!"

Chu Lan steadied himself by leaning on the table, and the other guests also regained their composure. Both bore the surname Xiao, but the Third Prince and the Crown Prince of Zhongshan were as different as heaven and earth.

"Wh-why has the Crown Prince Xiao come?" Chu Lan asked.

Seeing that his master was still flustered from the scare, the steward hurriedly reminded him, "The Heir Apparent is acquainted with you, Master. Haven’t you been meaning to pay him a visit?"

Chu Lan finally came to his senses. "This, this—ah, it’s my fault. I’ve actually made the Heir Apparent come to my door in person."

The other guests asked curiously, "So Brother is actually acquainted with the Crown Prince of Zhongshan?" "Has the Crown Prince of Zhongshan also come to seek your scholarly advice?"

Chu Lan waved his hand. "Let’s not talk about the past, let’s not talk about it." He hastily straightened his clothes. "Quick, let’s go welcome him."

Chu Lan hurried out, and the other guests followed. Sure enough, outside the small courtyard stood a young man in splendid attire, accompanied by attendants. The young man was as radiant as the bright moon, instantly capturing everyone’s attention.

Was this the Crown Prince of Zhongshan?

"Heir Apparent," Chu Lan bowed. "Your esteemed presence honors us, and I apologize for not welcoming you properly."

Xiao Xun nodded. "There is no need for such courtesy, Master Chu." He then looked behind Chu Lan.

As his gaze fell upon them, Chu Lan’s guests hurriedly bowed.

Chu Lan introduced them, "We were just discussing poetry and literature with my friends. I’m afraid you’ll find it amusing."

Xiao Xun said with a smile, "It is I who have interrupted your refined gathering."

Chu Lan and the others quickly replied, "Not at all, not at all. Your presence is an honor for us."

Chu Lan extended his hand in invitation, and the others, excited, gathered around. However, Xiao Xun did not step forward. Instead, he said, "I have come this time on behalf of the Third Prince—"

Before he could finish, the joyful crowd before him took a frightened step back.

So, it was still, after all, as expected!

Chu Lan’s face turned ashen. "This, this..." He could say nothing more, sighed, and raised his sleeve to cover his face. "I am ashamed, Chu Lan."

The other guests exchanged glances and stepped forward together. "Brother Chu, we shall take our leave now." They then explained to Xiao Xun, "Heir Apparent, we were merely here to see how things were." Without waiting for Chu Lan’s response, they hastily bypassed the two and made their exit.

The small courtyard was left with only Chu Lan facing Xiao Xun. Hiding his face was no longer an option.

"Heir Apparent," Chu Lan said in a low voice, "This matter truly has nothing to do with me. There was nothing I could do—I had no control over it."Worried Xiao Xun might not believe him, the man pointed to the sky.

"If I had any control over this, her father's tragedy wouldn't have happened years ago. Both father and daughter have such willful temperaments - I'm truly at my wits' end."

Xiao Xun observed the scholar's face flushing then paling, his eyes filled with unease, and couldn't help recalling the girl's gaze toward him - that feral fierceness of a young beast.

Members of the same family, yet with completely different dispositions.

He smiled faintly. "Don't be afraid, Master Chu. I'm not here to place blame."

Honor of Kings: Manuscript Project

The collaborative Honor of Kings novel featuring the hero Galo, "Her Arrow" - created by me - officially launches today!

Due to the invasion of Degraded Demonic Seeds, Galo's father sacrificed himself to protect the City of Thousand Caves. The young Galo shouldered the responsibility of city lord in her grief. While striving to restore the Endless Library to safeguard the wisdom and glory of the City of Thousand Caves, Galo remains unaware that the Degraded Demonic Seeds have already infiltrated her surroundings...

A brief storyline spanning fifty thousand words, published in the book "Age of Kings: Heroic Tomes."

(Posting a standalone notice - regular readers can skip this haha)