“Husband, I heard that the second young master of the household is about to get married. You said you were closest to him. Will you go to offer congratulations?”
What was this about? Was she trying to send him away? Xu Wanzhi paused his chopsticks and glanced at her, wiping the light oil stains from his lips with a silk handkerchief. He leaned back casually, supporting his head with one hand, and raised his tone from low to high: “You want me to go?”
Qu Xiaojue’s brow furrowed: “Entirely up to my husband’s wishes.”
“Not going.” He pushed himself up, giving this answer. Noticing the person opposite had no intention of rising, he prepared to take his leave.
“I’ve already ordered appropriate gifts.”
It’s fine if you don’t go. Wancheng has been experiencing a severe drought these days.” She quickly grabbed his arm, but Xu Wanzhi immediately frowned and struck her hand away. Qu Xiaojue naturally withdrew her hand first.
“Husband, please sit. I have more to say.”
Say it then, don’t touch me! With a cold, warning glance, he sat back down, waiting for what was to come.
At this moment, tea was served. She took a slow, deliberate sip: “In a few days, I’m going to Huancheng. The climate there is most suitable for cooling off. You’ve been at the Qu family for three years and must be bored. Would you like to come along?”
So, was she inviting him to travel?
Xu Wanzhi gave her a strange look and asked, “What if I don’t go?”
“No matter. My father has been feeling restless lately and remembers the previous misunderstanding between you two. He suggested bringing you to visit various families, to chat with acquainted lords about the ways of being a husband, to temper your youthful spirit, and to truly become a son-in-law of the Qu family. Such meditation might help pass the time.”
Xu Wanzhi twitched and was speechless. Did this woman always have to speak so circuitously? He coldly retorted, “Do you think I would listen to your father’s words?”
“I wouldn’t dare. My words are, in your eyes, no more than a breeze in passing… I’m just stating the facts.” Qu Xiaojue added a perfectly measured bitter tone, then continued, “Huancheng’s scenery is universally praised.
