Blushing

Wen Die playfully stamped her foot and gently nudged Xu Wenwu's chest: "What are you saying! Who misses you like that?! Shame on you!"

Turning away from Xu Wenwu, she placed the jade pendant in her palm, her heart filling with a sweet warmth.

Xu Wenwu wrapped his arms around Wen Die's waist from behind. Leaning close, he whispered softly into her ear: "Die'er, take good care of this. This jade pendant was always with me, just waiting to be given to my future wife." 

Her ear was her most ticklish spot. Feeling his warm breath against it, Wen Die blushed from her ears down to her neck. She shrank back a bit, a soft giggle escaping her lips.

Her face grew even redder, realizing the sound she'd made wasn't quite right. She broke free from Xu Wenwu's embrace, lifted her skirt, and fled outside.

Xu Wenwu was left chuckling to himself—his Die'er was really so shy! He took a deep breath, the girl's fragrance lingering in the air like the delicate scent of orchids.

"Brother-in-law, why do you look so frivolous?" Wen Yuan had come to find them, expecting to see both his sister and her lover in the courtyard. Instead, he found Xu Wenwu alone, wearing a self-satisfied expression. This puzzled Wen Yuan, prompting him to speak up.

"Oh, it's you, Big Brother." Xu Wenwu said with a dismissive air: "I'm not trying to poke any fun, you just don't get it!" He patted Wen Yuan's shoulder and strolled away, clearly unconcerned.

Wen Yuan scratched his head, confused by the comment. He quickly chased after Xu Wenwu, calling out: "Hey! Explain what you meant. What don't I understand?"

Meanwhile, Wen Die had returned to her room. She closed the door behind her and buried her face in a handkerchief. What an embarrassing day! she thought. I wonder what Big Brother Xu thinks of me now. The more she dwelled on it, the more tangled her feelings became. Her fingers nervously tugged at the handkerchief, feeling a mix of shame and frustration.

After a long while, she finally managed to calm herself down. She wetted a towel with cold water and gently washed her face, hoping to cool down the burning sensation that lingered there.

"Miss, it's almost time for dinner. Madame is calling you to the main hall!"

"I'll be there soon. Could you tell my mother I'm on my way?" Wen Die responded to Yuan-er's call.

"Yes, Miss."

Wen Die let out a deep breath. She straightened herself out, fixing her hair and clothes before heading toward the main hall.

By the time she arrived, the servants were setting the table and most guests had already taken their seats.

"Die'er, my dear, are you going to keep our guests waiting?" Madam Wen scolded, shaking her finger at her daughter while pulling her aside.

"Aiya! in-law, what are you saying? Die'er is a girl, getting dressed and ready takes time. Besides, she's not late at all, we've just sat down ourselves!" Mrs. Zhang said with a smile. She stood up, took Wen Die's hand, and led her to the empty seat next to Xu Wenwu.

"Wenwu, Die'er is sitting by your side. You have to take good care of her, understand?" Mrs. Zhang instructed.

Xu Wenwu smiled: "I know, Mother!"

Madame Wen laughed: "Look, our Die'er is truly blessed. At home, she's doted upon by her parents, and once she joins the Xu family, she'll have so many relatives to spoil her. No other girl could be luckier!"

Mrs. Wang smiled: "With Die'er being so understanding and thoughtful, she'd be cherished in any family. Die'er, don't worry. If Wenwu ever mistreats you, come to me. Grandma will take care of things."

Wen Die nodded, looking bashful.

Everyone in the room burst out laughing.

Magistrate Wen smiled: "All right, let's start eating. Although it might not compare to the Xu family's dishes, our kitchen has put great effort into preparing this meal."

The old man replied: "Not at all! The food looks beautiful, smells delightful, and there's so much variety. I was already craving it as soon as I caught the scent."

"Dig in! Dig in!"

A servant standing by promptly filled glasses for everyone at the table.

Xu Wenwu slid his hand under the table and took Wen Die's hand in his own.

Wen Die was worried that Xu Wenwu's little trick might be noticed by others. She wanted to pull her hand away, but her body wouldn't obey. She shot Xu Wenwu a playful glare.

Xu Wenwu just laughed softly, refusing to let go.

Helpless, Wen Die could only pretend nothing was wrong.

"Xu Wenwu, quickly toast your future in-laws." Said the old man: "In the future, you must treat them with the same respect and care you would your own parents."

Xu Wenwu finally released Wen Die's hand and stood up. He held his cup in both hands and said: "Uncle and Aunt Wen, allow me to toast you. Thank you for letting me marry a wonderful girl like Die'er. I assure you, I will keep my promise. Die'er will be my only wife, and I'll never take another woman into my home."

Magistrate Wen nodded with satisfaction: "Good. You have my trust. I'm confident Die'er will be well-cared for." He drained his cup in one gulp.

Madame Wen, clearly pleased with Xu Wenwu's vow, did the same with her wine.

As the Xu family's future daughter-in-law, Wen Die also stood up to make her rounds with a toast. Though it was only fruit wine, girls are more prone to its effects. After half a cup, her face showed signs of mild intoxication.

Seeing this, Xu Wenwu immediately said: "Die'er, would you like me to help you back to your room?"

Wen Die let out a soft laugh: "No need. I'm doing just fine!"

Xu Wenwu nodded, but from then on, he made sure Wen Die didn't touch another drop of wine.

The meal was a joyful affair for all. After eating, the two families met again to set the wedding date for May of the following year. By then, Xu Wenwu would have finished his exams, and the weather would be mild, neither too cold nor too hot.

This was the first visit to Qingyun for Mrs. Wang's family, so her father planned to stay a couple extra days. He wanted his wife and three daughters-in-law to go out, have a look around, and do some shopping.

Once Madam Wen learned they'd be staying, she quickly said with enthusiasm: "Please, you must stay here at the manor during your visit. Inns are never as comfortable, and it'll be good to have you around for some chat. I can take you out and show you the town."

"Good idea." Added Magistrate Wen: "I can even play some chess with your grandfather while we're at it. Make yourselves at home."

The old man agreed: "Splendid. Since the formal business is handled, we can relax the rules a bit. We'll be taking up your hospitality, then."

And so, the Xu family ended up staying.

At the same time, a modest carriage entered Qingyun town. Inside, a middle-aged man with a short beard rested his eyes, sitting in contemplation.

"Sir, we've arrived at Qingyun." A soldier outside the carriage reported, cupping his hands in respect.

The middle-aged man slowly opened his eyes and said: "Find an inn and stay the night."

"Yes, sir!"

"Also, send someone to Qingyun City's Magistrate with a message." He spoke again.

"Yes, sir!

The middle-aged man sighed and closed his eyes, resting.

...

Qibao rose early that morning and rushed to school, eager to see how the embroidery shop was faring. Su Chenyu and Jing Chen decided to join her, curious about the commotion.

As they stepped out, they spotted a woman in a long, jade-blue dress approaching from a distance, accompanied by a maid.

The trio paid little attention at first. But as they passed, the woman suddenly lunged towards Su Chenyu with a thud.

"Help me, young master!" She cried out, her face pale with panic.

The sudden attack startled them all. Su Chenyu instinctively jumped aside, barely avoiding being knocked over by the woman. He quickly patted his chest, relieved to have escaped harm.