“Jue’er!” Lin’s wife stared directly at her: “Are you not even listening to me for the sake of this man?”
“Father, he is my husband of three years.”
Qu Xiaojue sighed inexplicably, showing determination to Lin’s wife, who was startled. Then she turned to Lin Lan: “Cousin, I won’t drink the soup today. You’ve traveled far, go to my father’s courtyard and rest, and chat a bit.”
This was clearly a dismissal. Just as Lin’s wife was about to explode, Lin Lan didn’t want to embarrass himself further. He turned and held Lin’s wife’s hand: “Uncle, my father asked me to bring some fox fur, which will be perfect for winter. I almost forgot to give it to you. Since my sister-in-law is busy, we won’t disturb you.”
Lin’s wife looked at his slightly pleading expression, which was completely different from the current Xu Wan’s lack of propriety. She couldn’t help but like him more. Lovingly patting his hand, she said: “Very well. You came to see your sister-in-law and haven’t rested for a moment. You should restore your energy.”
“Yes, uncle. Sister-in-law, Blue will take his leave.”
Lin’s wife glared at her daughter again and was helped back to her courtyard by Lin Lan.
Qu Xiaojue looked at the soup on the table, coldly sinking. Qu Shan immediately came in to take it away. She called her and asked: “Where is the master?”
“The master is resting in the Lotus Pavilion.”
The Lotus Pavilion was still the same scenery as a few days ago, with lotus light sparkling and water rippling. Xu Wanzhi liked to sit here because the pavilion was spacious with an open view, the air was fresh and pleasant, and there were fewer people.
From far away, he noticed Qu Xiaojue walking over through the winding stone corridor.
Qu Xiaojue sat down beside him, glanced at the lake surface from a different perspective and mood, but she remained calm and didn’t speak, sitting quietly with him.
“Here, can women marry multiple husbands?”
“Yes.”
“Your cousin – a second marriage candidate?”
“Husband, do you think I have the energy to deal with other men under the current circumstances?” Qu Xiaojue laughed and sighed: “Rest assured, you are my only one in this lifetime.”
Xu Wanzhi asked: “Will your cousin stay until An’er’s birthday?”
“My cousin is from Lan City. Coming here takes a lot of time. He will probably stay for a while.” Qu Xiaojue added: “You don’t need to worry. He will mostly stay in my father’s courtyard and won’t come to disturb you…”
“I’ll go to Huancheng with you.” Interrupting her comforting words, Xu Wanzhi stated definitively. Although he was currently dependent on the Qu family, he decided it was a good opportunity to see the world.
Unexpectedly turning to this topic, Qu Xiaojue looked at him steadily and raised her eyebrows: “Okay.”
“If Jue’er is willing, I will teach her husband well. If he can’t even do these basic things, won’t people look down on the Qu family because of me?”
“Father, why do you say this? Regarding A’wan’s matter… Many have already said he has been depressed since his illness. I truly do not wish to hear such words again. Moreover, he is my only husband, and we have grown distant from being apart for years. I was just thinking of taking this opportunity to—”
Xu Wanzhi finally put down his chopsticks and gave her a cold glance. He saw Lin Lan blush and lower her head. Lin looked back and forth between the two, then suddenly waved her hand: “You are so young, and without a servant by your side. Forget it, just be proper, and focus on important matters.”
Qu Xiaojue pursed her lips: “Thank you for your understanding, Father. I have already instructed Qu Lu about household matters, so please take care of your health, and I can be at ease.”
Lin said: “I want Lan’er to stay here a bit longer. With him accompanying me, it will be fine.”
“Then I’ll trouble my cousin. Please forgive any inconvenience.”
If there’s anything needed, just ask Qu Lu to do it.”
“Lan’er understands.” Lin Lan glanced at Qu Xiaojue, blushing slightly and lowering her head. Though disappointed that her cousin-in-law would be leaving for a month, she was happy about these caring words. After all, she had never asked him to leave, right?
An’er cried out: “Mother, I’m sleepy.”
His eyes were half-closed, clearly unable to stay awake. Xu Wanzhi quickly picked him up, nodding to those at the table: “I’ll take him back. Please continue eating, excuse me.”
An’er was nestled in his father’s embrace and fell asleep. Shortly after Xu Wanzhi left, Qu Xiaojue bid farewell to the others and dispersed the gathering.
She walked slowly back through the night wind. At the fork in the road ahead, a lamp flickered, and Qu Xiaojue stood alone, apparently waiting for some time.
His eyelids flickered, his pace unchanged, walking directly towards her: “What is it? Something else?”
“Are you angry?”
Qu Xiaojue looked directly at his expressionless face. Xu Wanzhi’s brow darkened, slightly raising an eyebrow: “Although your words were subtle, I understood them. In the future, you should be more careful around the person involved.”
He was annoyed, retreating from her side and walking straight to the obvious destination—the inn. Qu Shan and the others came down from the carriage behind and followed in.
As guests entered, the second waitress skillfully came forward to greet them. Seeing the man in front dressed simply yet in expensive fabric, she was slightly stunned, then turned to Qu Xiaojue with a flattering smile: “Honored guests, would you like to have a meal?”
Qu Xiaojue directly ordered: “Serve a few light dishes, no cold plates. One pot of clear tea.” She sat with Xu Wanzhi in a corner, while Qu Shan and Qu Yao first went to the counter to whisper instructions before sitting at another table.
The innkeeper took the order, and the waitress first served tea before heading to the kitchen to prepare the dishes.
This inn had a ground floor dining hall, seemingly not intended for an overnight stay. Qu Xiaojue poured a cup of tea and handed it to Xu Wanzhi, who lowered his head and drank.
She smiled: “Regardless of windows, my husband seems to prefer sitting against the wall?”
“Habit,” he answered, then suddenly praised: “This tea tastes quite good.”
“Eagle tea. Rich yet refreshing flavor, reasonably priced.” As she spoke, she sipped her own cup slowly. Xu Wanzhi nodded, glancing at the guests who entered with large bags, and asked: “Is this a town? Will we stay after the meal?”
“Is my husband asking because he wants to buy something?” Xu Wanzhi raised his eyes: “Recreational items.”
The hall wasn’t crowded, and the dishes weren’t served quickly, but after their bumpy journey, none of them were impatient. They quietly drank tea, exchanging occasional idle chat.
When the first dish arrived, he finally asked: “Do you always sit at a separate table from your subordinates?” At home he could understand, but out traveling, Qu Xiaojue didn’t seem like someone with so many formalities.
She was stunned, suddenly picking up chopsticks to serve him a small dish: “It’s not a wilderness. It’s fine for me, but there should be some distinction between us.” It was more appropriate to be somewhat reserved.
Xu Wanzhi nodded silently and continued eating. Qu Xiaojue knew he would understand at a hint—saying it once was enough.
More guests gradually entered the hall, mostly heroic-looking women, some accompanied by one or two men who sat timidly, blushing and keeping still.
Someone like Xu Wanzhi, sitting casually and eating comfortably, was rare, though Qu Xiaojue’s composure was also noteworthy. Fortunately, they were mostly curious, with no ill intentions.
Qu Xiaojue secretly broke into a sweat. Though she had been eye-catching before, she felt even more conspicuous traveling with her husband. Yet, he seemed even less concerned.
