Chapter 171: Past Tales of Brother Qingyun and Going to the Sheng Family [Many thanks for everyone's support

Seeing Qingcao was already carefully applying the ointment when Xu Xu Zaijing, upon hearing Brother Qingyun's words after he knelt, sat up straight in sheer surprise.

Seeing Qingcao had not anticipated Xu Xu Zaijing's movement; the collision caused Xu Xu Zaijing to cry out in pain.

Hearing Xu Xu Zaijing's pained cry, Seeing Qingcao hastily stammered, "Young M-Master??? This humble servant..."

"It's not your fault; continue applying it."

Seeing Qingcao glanced at Brother Qingyun, her eyes holding a hint of reproach toward this older brother figure, as well as some surprise.

As Xu Xu Zaijing's personal attendant, three or four years older than his master, Brother Qingyun's body had already begun to mature; daily diligent practice of martial arts also kept him full of vigor and quite robust.

Quite a few female servants in the Hou Fu held favorable feelings toward Brother Qingyun, and even some elderly nannies from the household had tried to matchmake their daughters or granddaughters with him, but Brother Qingyun had never taken a liking to any of them.

Yet today, he unexpectedly knelt down immediately and declared he already had someone in mind?

Looking into Brother Qingyun's sincere and earnest eyes, Xu Xu Zaijing asked, "Could it be... that Miss who was kneeling at the gate today?"

Brother Qingyun nodded.

After pondering what decision his master might make, he said, "Brother Qingyun, stand up first."

"Yes, Young Master."

"You came to beg me first because you feared Master would disagree, so you didn't go to her directly?"

Brother Qingyun nodded, then lowered his head with some dejection.

"You wanted me to report to Father and Mother, get their approval first, and then speak with Master?"

"Yes, Young Master."

"Hmm! But over these many years, Master has taught me with great care, and Father also regards Master as a close friend. Brother Qingyun, do you guess that after I speak up, I'll receive a combined beating from Father and Mother? As a disciple, how can I make decisions on behalf of my master?"

After hearing this, Brother Qingyun remained silent, sighing with a lost heart.

Xu Xu Zaijing continued, "I think it would be better if you explain the whole story clearly to me, and we go together to speak with Master."

Brother Qingyun bowed respectfully and, looking softly at the leg of the table in the room, said:

"Young Master, it was the winter of the second year of Jiayou. I was begging for my life near Zhou Wansheng Gate. All the sunny, wind-sheltered, and crowded spots were occupied by stronger beggars, so I could only huddle in a dark alley. I don't remember how many days I had gone without food; I only recall being so hungry and cold that I felt I was about to die beneath that chilly wall... But suddenly, half a steamed cake with bite marks was thrown down from the roof. I looked up and saw that face with the birthmark."

"That day, I ate the most delicious steamed cake of my memory. For the next two days, I squatted beneath that wall, and whenever the smoke from cooking fires drifted by, I would always receive half a cake."

"On the fourth day, I remember keeping my head raised toward the roof, yet I never saw anyone appear... When I went around to the front gate to ask, I learned that the house's roof repairs were finished and the masons had already left. I wanted to go bask in the sun, but I was still driven away. Returning to the alley, I saw a rather tall person standing there; upon seeing me, they handed me a whole steamed cake... It was then that I told her my surname was Yin and that I would surely repay this life-saving grace, and I also clearly saw the birthmark on her face! But..."

Brother Qingyun shook his head and continued, "Later... my uncle found me."

"Did you look for her?"

Brother Qingyun nodded and said, "Yes. After entering the Hou Fu, I also went to that area to search, wishing to repay her kindness. I originally intended to ask which masonry team had repaired the roof for that household, thinking that following that lead would surely help me find her! But by the time I arrived, that family had already moved away, cutting off the trail."

"I also kept searching for a male mason with a birthmark on his face, but Bianjing's population exceeds a million; even with the clue of the birthmark, finding someone was like looking for a needle in a haystack. It was only today that I learned my benefactor was actually a young lady!"

"It was also today that I learned this benefactor has always been working in the Southern City; previously going to Zhou Wansheng Gate was just for odd jobs paid in cash, specifically taking on dangerous work that others were unwilling to do."

Listening to Brother Qingyun's words, Seeing Qingcao finished applying the medicine to Xu Xu Zaijing and wrapped the wound, after which Xu Xu Zaijing said, "Let's go to Master's place; it shouldn't be a big problem."

"Young Master, but... that Miss is six years older than me!"

Xu Xu Zaijing paused, then scratched his head.

By evening, Xu Minghua was sitting at the dining table in the main hall, wiping his hands, when he asked, "Eh? Where is Jing'er?"

Sun Shi took the bowls and chopsticks from Xiao Zhu's hands, placed them on the table, and said, "He said he went to drink with his master."

"Hmm, quite filial! Come, let's eat. By the way, Zhang'er, take a day off from the academy tomorrow; we will all go to the Sheng family together."

Xu Xu Zaizhang hastily put down his bowl and chopsticks, nodding in agreement.

Imperial Palace

The Emperor stayed at Consort Rong's quarters tonight,

In the Empress's sleeping quarters, a cool breeze blew in from outside the window; sitting in a chair, the heavily pregnant Empress looked at the fruit on the nearby table and said, "I heard today that the eunuch Eunuch Huai Bao was whipped?"

A female official nearby hastily bowed and replied, "Replying to Your Ladyship, yes! The Great Eunuch by His Majesty's side personally administered the punishment."

"Hmm?"

Hearing the Empress's query, the maid hastily bowed and said, "Your Ladyship, His Majesty did not intend to hide anything from you; he said that when you asked, I should say one thing before reporting the matter."

"Hmm."

The female official hastily said, "The Xu family's Fifth Young Master is fine; the old imperial physician has examined him, and he only suffered some superficial injuries."

The Empress frowned and said, "Eunuch Huai Bao getting whipped, what does that have to do with the Xu family's Fifth Young Master?"

"Replying to Your Ladyship..."

"Never mind, let Eunuch Huai Bao come and explain himself."

"Yes."

Eunuch Huai Bao, who had been whipped in the afternoon, painfully put on his clothes, knelt outside the Empress's sleeping quarters, and recounted the matter in detail.

"Hmm, this matter was not your fault; why were you whipped then?"

"Replying to Your Ladyship, the Great Eunuch said this humble servant failed to spot the hidden danger; although the incident was caused by fireworks, this humble servant still bears responsibility for inadequate inspection."

"Hmm, remember the details clearly; you may withdraw."

"Thank you, Your Ladyship; this humble servant will keep it in mind."

After Eunuch Huai Bao withdrew, the Empress ordered, "Send someone to have the imperial physicians list prescriptions for nourishing the internal organs, prepare the medicinal ingredients in the palace, and send them to the Xu family."

"Yes."

Early the next morning.

In the courtyard of the Xu family's matriarch.

Sun Shi was helping Xu Minghua get dressed,

"Her Ladyship is truly good to our little Fifth; she sent so many things over last night, and in a few days, she will even send an imperial physician to examine him."

"Hmm, Eldest Brother Cao also mentioned that his sons are somewhat jealous of little Fifth, stating outright that they intend to teach him a lesson on the polo field," Xu Minghua said with a smile.

"Husband, since the lady of the Duke of Qi's family will also be going today, please wear this jade belt."

"It's not about showing off; this belt is just fine!"

"Husband, you!"

Two quarter-hours later,

At the second gate of the Xu household, Xie Shi watched her father-in-law, wearing a beautiful jade belt, enter the carriage alongside her mother-in-law.

After waving to Xu Anmei in the second carriage and to her husband, Xu Xu Zaiduan, who was mounted on horseback, and after Xu Xu Zaizhang and Xu Xu Zaijing both nodded to their sister-in-law, the three brothers followed the convoy out of the Xu Fu main gate, heading toward Jiying Lane.

Supported by her personal nursemaid, Xie Shi walked and exercised in the courtyard for quite some time; upon returning to her room and sitting down to take just a few sips of warm water, a female servant arrived at the door and reported, "Lady, a steward from the Hai family has presented a visiting card outside the main gate."

Xie Shi, looking puzzled, turned to ask the nursemaid beside her, "The Hai family?"

The nursemaid nearby shook her head and said, "Their family has served as officials for generations, a lineage of upright scholars; our two families have no connection with them."

"Hmm, since my mother-in-law is not home, we must not treat them discourteously! Go, set up a screen at the entrance and invite them in," Xie Shi instructed.

Soon, a middle-aged steward arrived outside the gate; presumably, the female servant had mentioned along the way that the mistress of the house had gone visiting relatives, so now, as the eldest daughter-in-law was managing affairs, the steward bowed at the entrance and stated his purpose:

"My master and his Da Da Niangzi, grateful for the righteous act of your family's Young Master, have sent me to deliver some nourishing medicines, and they have also ordered me to arrange a date with your honorable household so that my master and Da Da Niangzi may come to pay a visit."

After exchanging a glance with her personal nursemaid, Xie Shi said, "Then, please wait a moment, Steward, while I send someone to inquire."

Jiying Lane

The street outside the Sheng family gate had been swept clean and sprinkled with water.

Sheng Hong and his wife, along with Sheng Changbai and Sheng Changfeng, had been waiting in the front hall long beforehand; upon hearing the steward's report, they came to the entrance to wait quietly.

As the Xu family's convoy of carriages arrived at the gate, Xu Minghua and Sun Shi disembarked, and Xu Anmei hurried to Sun Shi's side; while they were exchanging pleasantries with Sheng Hong and his wife, the three Xu brothers also dismounted, bowing deeply with clasped hands in salute.

"Elder brother, sister-in-law, having troubled your household several times previously in Bianjing, today I invite you to see my home; please, come in!"

"What words are these, younger cousin? Please!"

Speaking thus, Xu Minghua and Sheng Hong led the way, with Sun Shi and Wang Shi arm-in-arm in the middle, and the children following behind as they all entered the Sheng residence.

Xu Xu Zaijing gazed at the scenery in the courtyard; in his memory, the Sheng family compound in Jiying Lane had been purchased by Sheng Hong's grandfather, who bought two adjacent courtyards and later acquired another neighboring garden, breaking through the walls to connect them, making the compound larger than those of ordinary noble families.

It was said that at the time, Xu Minghua's grandfather, seeing that the Sheng family possessed such property and were not a family of empty reputation, had reluctantly agreed to his only daughter's plea and consented to this marriage.

Upon reaching the second gate, Sheng Hualan, leading her three younger sisters, saw the arrivals and each squatted to offer a bow.

Except for Sheng Hualan, whom Xu Anmei was holding by the arm and who called out "Jing Jing Biao Ge Xu Zaijing," the other three Lan sisters all began calling out "Elder Jing Jing Biao Ge" and "Elder Sister."

Xu Zaizhang stood beside his family; hearing Sheng Hualan address him as "Elder Jing Jing Biao Ge," his own brothers and sisters all glanced at Xu Zaizhang, some even nudging his shoulder,

And although the three Sheng Lan sisters were most familiar and relaxed with Xu Xu Zaijing, next with Xu Zaiduan, and found Xu Zaizhang the most unfamiliar due to his busyness with imperial examinations and studies,

Yet after greeting everyone, the eyes of all three Lan sisters fixed themselves upon Xu Zaizhang.

Forcing down his shyness, Xu Zaizhang nodded as he looked starting from Minglan; when he reached Seeing Mo Lan, it was tolerable, but when he finally looked at Sheng Hualan, he glanced once and immediately lowered his head.

This sight caused Hearing Rulan and Minglan to exchange a glance, and then, together with Seeing Mo Lan, they covered their mouths and burst into laughter.

Xu Minghua and Sheng Hong stopped ahead and waited for the children for a while,

Waiting until the children had finished acknowledging everyone,

Wang Shi also cast a satisfied glance at Xu Zaizhang before saying, "Quickly, let us go inside; the Old Lady is waiting."

As soon as Wang Shi finished speaking, Xu Anmei took Sheng Hualan's hand.

Sun Shi said, "Children, let us go."

Subsequently, a large group of nannies and female servants proceeded toward the rear courtyard.

Walking within the crowd, Minglan suddenly felt something amiss on her head; it turned out Xu Xu Zaijing had rubbed the two small buns atop her head, so she immediately pouted, shot him a sideways glare, quickened her pace for several steps, and moved out of reach of his hand-patting,

Coming near Sheng Hualan and Xu Anmei, Minglan looked at the two of them with evident affection, and then Xu Anmei pinched her cheek.

At the very rear, Xiao Xiao Xiaotao happily approached Seeing Seeing Qingcao; after exchanging a glance, the two happily followed behind the crowd.

Arriving outside Shou'an Hall, the young female servants hurriedly lifted the bamboo curtains that kept out mosquitoes and insects.

The Old Lady of the Sheng family stood smiling by the Luo Han bed, watching the entering crowd; Sheng Hualan walked to her side, while Minglan went to Mama Fang's side to have her hair tidied, speaking as she did so, which drew a smiling glance from Mama Fang toward Xu Xu Zaijing.

Upon entering, a chorus of "Aunt" and "Great-Aunt" greetings arose; the Old Lady pointed for Xu Minghua to sit on the Luo Han bed beside her, Sun Shi took the seat below Xu Minghua, below her sat Xu Zaiduan, and below him sat the three on embroidered stools.

Sheng Hong and his wife sat opposite Sun Shi, with Sheng Changbai and the other three seated in the places of honor below them.

As everyone conversed, after Sun Shi explained that her daughter-in-law could not come due to pregnancy and the Old Lady assured her it was no matter, the Old Lady beckoned to Xu Xu Zaizhang, saying, "Child, come here and let me see you."

Xu Xu Zaijing, however, stood up directly, leaving Xu Zaizhang so embarrassed that he sat back down.

Xu Xu Zaijing walked to the center of the main hall with some helplessness and said, "Great-Aunt, you have already looked at me for three months before; why are you still like this?"

Waving her handkerchief at Xu Xu Zaijing, the Old Lady said, "You little rascal! I was calling your elder brother; go, go, sit back down!"

Seeing this scene, everyone in Shou'an Hall burst into laughter.

"Elder Brother, please go ahead."

Speaking thus, Xu Xu Zaijing walked back to the embroidered stool.

After adjusting his clothes, Xu Xu Zaizhang approached the Old Lady's side.

"Brother Zhang, sit."

Saying this, the Old Lady took Xu Xu Zaizhang's hand, examined him closely, and asked, "I hear from your elder brother that you have passed the county examination?"

"Yes, Great-Aunt!"

"Good child; since your brothers have all received gifts from this old woman, you cannot be left out."

Saying this, the Old Lady took a jade bead bracelet and placed it in Xu Zaizhang's hand; upon close inspection, each jade bead on the bracelet was smooth and lustrous, clearly no Ordinary item.

Subsequently, she also presented Xu Anmei with a unique style of red gold hairpin set with rubies.

Sun Shi also began distributing gifts; after giving presents to the Sheng children, Sun Shi asked:

"Sister, younger sister-in-law, where is the youngest little brother?"

Hearing Sun Shi's words, Sheng Hong hurriedly said to Wang Shi, "Quickly, have the wet nurse bring the child over for the relatives to see."

Wang Shi lifted her chin slightly toward Mama Liu as a signal, and Mama Liu hurriedly went out.

"By the way, I heard that yesterday the banner pole outside the western city collapsed, and Brother Jing saved someone and was injured; is there nothing serious?" Speaking thus, Wang Shi looked at Xu Xu Zaijing with concern.

Xu Xu Zaijing smiled at the concerned looks from everyone in the hall and said, "Auntie, it's nothing; I just scraped a bit of skin."

"That's good, that's good," Wang Shi hurriedly replied.

"I heard that yesterday there was also a wom—"

"Ahem," Sheng Hong coughed, cutting off Wang Shi's question.

Sun Shi, however, exchanged a smiling glance with the Old Lady before saying, "Younger cousin, it's fine; actually, there is some story behind that woman."

"Oh?" Sheng Hong looked at Sun Shi with a face full of surprise.

Glancing at her husband, Sun Shi said, "Brother Qingyun, the young attendant by Jing-ge'er's side, previously suffered a calamity..."

Listening to Sun Shi's words, the entire Sheng family was completely engrossed.

"In that case, will there be another happy event in your household?" Wang Shi asked with a smile.

"Brother Qingyun knows how to repay kindness with gratitude, so the Marquis and I naturally agreed." Regarding the matter of Xu Xu Zaijing's master, nothing was revealed.

Just as she finished speaking, a young maid outside called out, "The Seventh Young Master has arrived."

Immediately after, a wet nurse with a plump figure and Bai Xi skin entered the main hall carrying an infant.

Meanwhile, Mama Fang had already been standing at the doorway and took the infant from the wet nurse's hands.

The members of the Xu family gathered around Mama Fang one after another to get a look at this Seventh Son of the Sheng family.

"Aunt, has the child's name been decided?"

Hearing Xu Minghua's question, the Old Lady nodded with a smile and said, "It has been decided; your younger cousin named him."

And also

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(End of Chapter)