Teasing

"Your father's doing well." Madam Wen said with a smile: "His wounds have healed a lot over this time, and he can even get up and walk now. The doctor says he should just avoid getting too worked up or stressed."

Wen Yuan put his mind at ease and asked: "How about my sister?"

"Your sister's afraid your father might get bored by himself, so she's there talking to him right now! If she knew you two were back, she'd be over the moon." Madam Wen replied.

Xu Wenwu's heart was touched when he heard that.

"Wenwu, I really think this Miss Wen is perfect for you." Su Chenyu said with a playful shoulder nudge: "She's good-looking, comes from a decent background, and she's gentle and well-mannered. It's hard to find such a great girl these days."

Wen Yuan said: "I'll go tell my father and sister we're back. They probably don't know yet that we've arrived! Mother, let's have the kitchen make some extra good food for lunch. We've been rushing nonstop for days, and I haven't had a proper meal in ages!"

Madam Wen smiled: "I understand. You two go rest for a bit. I'll take care of lunch."

Wen Yuan said: "Mother, please arrange a room for this aunt, and then find her a doctor. She is still injured."

Madam Wen had noticed the woman earlier and assumed she was someone Su Chenyu had arranged to serve them. Only now did she realize her misunderstanding.

The woman stepped forward and bowed: "It's good to meet you, Madam. My name is Yan Shuxiang. I'm sorry for the trouble I'm causing."

Madam Wen nodded, her eyes flashing with surprise at the long, bloody wound on the woman's face. Yet she maintained her composure: "I heard from Yuan'er that you are still injured. I'll ask the maid to arrange a room for you so that you can recover first."

"Thank you for taking me in, Madam."

Madam Wen arranged for the maids around her to take the woman away and went to arrange a room for her.Wen Yuan took others to report his safety to his father.

Before they'd even entered his room, they heard the father and daughter talking.

"Father, we're back!" Wen Yuan called out.

When the father and daughter heard the shouting, they turned to look at the door. Seeing that it was indeed his son and Master Su who had returned, Magistrate Wen immediately got up from the bed.

"Greetings, Master Jing, Greetings, Master Su! I was not able to get out of bed before, and I am really rude for not thanking you two for coming all the way to see me."

Watching his father's deferential stance as he bowed with hands cupped, Wen Yuan could tell this went beyond ordinary courtesy. From his words and expression, there seemed to be a hint of respect as well.

It wasn't just Wen Yuan who noticed, even Qibao and Xu Wenwu picked up on it.

"Mr. Wen, you're too kind!" Su Chenyu responded. "The Su and Xu families have been friends for years. Since your Wen family and the Xu family are close, you're practically family too."

In other words, if you're good to the Xu family, then you're one of them.

"Yes, yes! My Lord... I understand." Magistrate Wen was a smart man. He naturally understood what he heard and once again secretly rejoiced for his original decision.

"Big Brother Xu, you must have had a hard time on the road! Did you encounter any danger?" Wen Die observed Xu Wenwu's weary face and spoke with genuine concern.

"I'm fine, the trip was safe." Xu Wenwu assured him, his voice gentle, noticing the worry in Wen Die's eyes.

"Sister! Who is your real brother? Is Brother Xu the only one in your eyes?" Wen Yuan said, pretending to be sad.

Wen Die's face turned bright red as she stammered: "Big brother, Big Brother Xu is only doing this for Father. I'm just checking up on him out of concern."

"Then aren't Master Su and Master Jing also here for our father? Why don't I see you showing concern for them? Seems like you're all talk!" Wen Yuan teased intentionally.

Now even Wen Die's pale neck had turned pink alongside her reddened face. Annoyed, she stamped her foot and ran out.

"Haha! Girls should not be kept at home when they grow up! Wenwu! You also know my daughter's true feelings!" Magistrate Wen patted Xu Wenwu on the shoulder.

"Yes, I do." Xu Wenwu replied softly. He did have feelings for Wen Die, but previously, he wasn't sure. This time, when he first saw her after returning, it felt like something unknown filled his heart. At that moment, he realized what he wanted to express.

"Great, great, great! Finally, I can rest easy!" Magistrate Wen looked overjoyed. Dreaming of having Xu Wenwu as his son-in-law had always been his fondest wish.

"Brother Xu, my sister's shy. She's probably blushing and hiding somewhere right now! Aren't you going to go see her?" Wen Yuan asked with a grin.

"Master Xu, I know where the young lady is! I'll take you there!" The maid beside Wen Die, said with a smile.

Xu Wenwu nodded and followed the maid out of the room.

Qibao also likes Wen Die very much, and it would be nice to have her be her sister-in-law. What's more, Wen Die's scholarly and quiet aura is very suitable for her elder brother.

Others also noticed it, and it seemed that this couple was made in heaven.

Magistrate Wen was also worried and said: "Yuan'er, did you and Master Jing find anything when you went to Xuanyang City this time?"

"Mm-hmm!" Wen Yuan replied: "Father, those Feng Manor people sure are daring! If it wasn't for Master Jing and Master Su, we'd probably still be stuck in Xuanyang, not knowing what to do!"

Magistrate Wen nodded: "True. These two young masters are real standouts among the young masters. They're undoubtedly much more capable than you."

Wen Yuan was speechless. He knew he couldn't compare to Su Chenyu and Jing Chen, but did his father have to say it so bluntly? It was a huge blow to his young heart.

"Governor Wen, you're being too harsh." Su Chenyu interjected: "Young Master Wen is actually much better than those other rich kids. You've certainly taught him well!"

"Thank you, Master Su, your praise is too kind." Magistrate Wen responded with a bow. Whew, that was close, he thought, relieved. His son had no idea about the true identities of these two guests. If he'd said or done something to offend them, it could have had serious consequences.

This could be a game-changer for his family, he mused. If my son can become true friends with these two...

"Father, we discovered something really important during our time in Xuanyang." Wen Yuan excitedly told his father.

He then explained everything they had found out in Xuanyang to Governor Wen.

After listening, Magistrate Wen's face hardened: "That Magistrate Feng sure is brave! Collaboration with bandits is a capital offense worthy of beheading!"

Su Chenyu said: "The reason we didn't take action this time is twofold: first, we haven't received any orders from above, and we can't decide on our own. Second, I don't think it's as simple as it seems. I've already written to my grandfather, and I believe we'll resolve this threat soon!"

Magistrate Wen agreed: "Young Master Su is right! Such a person is not worthy of being the parent official of the people of the town, he must be severely punished!"

Meanwhile, the maid brought Xu Wenwu to a small hospital room. As they passed through the half-round archway, they saw Wen Die sitting on a stone bench in the courtyard.

"Miss! I've brought Master Xu here! I have other matters to attend to, so I won't stay for your conversation!" The maid said with a smile before hurrying off.

Wen Die turned at Yuan'er's(the maid) voice. She saw Xu Wenwu slowly approaching, wringing a handkerchief and keeping her head down, looking very ashamed.