Chapter 62: Narration and Shock [Thanks for the Support! Many Thanks!]

Zhang Family's Fifth Miss, who was teasing the cat, paused and whispered to Xu Pingmei and Xu Anmei,

"Two elder sisters, judging by the sound, it seems Brother Xiao from the Zheng family has arrived."

Xu Anmei smiled cunningly and said, "Fifth Miss, how do you know it is the Zheng family's young master who has come?"

Fifth Miss was not yet at the age where romantic feelings bloom; she did not grasp the teasing intent in Xu Anmei's words and spoke generously, "Our two families live close together; Brother Xiao often comes to my home to play with my several elder brothers, and he is always staring at our horses."

Xu Pingmei tapped Xu Anmei's forehead with her finger.

The leopard cat nearby, seeing no one paying it attention, let out several delicate, coquettish meows.

Adorably, Fifth Miss stroked the leopard cat with her small hand.

On the other side, Xu Xu Zaijing and Zheng Xiao had arrived at Xu Xu Zaijing's courtyard.

Along the way, the condition of the Xu household had long been taken in by Zheng Xiao's eyes; although somewhat old, the courtyard, corridors, and window lattices were clean wherever they ought to be clean.

In Xu Xu Zaijing's courtyard there was a grape trellis; although the weather was gradually warming, it had not yet turned green.

However, beneath the grape trellis stood a large vat of goldfish; this porcelain fish tank was over half a person's height, and its mouth was the size of a millstone.

Both the inner and outer rims had been wiped spotlessly clean.

In the clear water, several beautiful goldfish were swimming back and forth, a delight to the eye and heart.

Looking at such a clean fish tank, Zheng Xiao said, "Your servants are indeed conscientious."

Xu Xu Zaijing turned his head to glance at Seeing Qingcao, who was following behind him.

The little girl's eyes curved into crescent moons.

Upon entering Xu Xu Zaijing's room, the first thing Zheng Xiao saw was a framed piece of calligraphy; naturally, it was the work inscribed by the honorable Lord Sheng Hong, bearing the words 'The Law Values Innocence'.

Although the Zheng family was a noble house transmitting its status through military merit, the household had accumulated years of advisors and clerks, so it did not lack scholars, and the children of the state duke's household were also deeply cultivated in literary matters.

"Brother Jing, this piece of calligraphy is truly well written; its bone structure is penetrating, vigorous and refreshing as if endowed with divine power; excellent characters, excellent characters."

Xu Xu Zaijing looked at Zheng Xiao; though not yet old, he did not speak about calligraphy lightly or without basis.

"This is the ink treasure of an uncle in my family, who now serves as an official in Yang Zhou; these characters are indeed extremely fine."

"If there is an opportunity, I hope to be able to seek instruction from this uncle in person."

"Rest assured, Yuan Erlang, there will certainly be an opportunity."

As the two spoke, they walked out of Xu Xu Zaijing's room,

"I have long heard your family possesses a fine steed; will you not take me to see it?"

Xu Xu Zaijing looked at Zheng Xiao and said, "You, a noble young master living adjacent to the Ling Ling Guo Gong's Manor, come to my dilapidated household just to look at a horse?"

Zheng Xiao's eyes darted as he said, "A fine steed is like a beauty; what harm is there in me experiencing a different kind of beauty?"

Xu Xu Zaijing raised his thumb and said, "Well said; shall we go and take a look then?"

"Let's go!"

Brother Qingyun and the Zheng family's young attendant followed behind; soon they arrived at the horse racing ground.

Zheng Xiao's young attendant was named Niu Jiao; while his young master and the Xu family's young master were chatting joyfully, he, upon arriving at the racing ground, was examining the marks on the field.

On the horse field, several horses were raised to be sleek and glossy, neighing powerfully, clearly indicating that horse officials were attending to them with care.

Moreover, by the edge of the racing ground were long spear shafts that had been grasped and rubbed day and night; though their quality naturally could not compare to those of the General's Manor, their outward appearance was similar.

This indicated that someone practiced frequently.

Then,

Niu Jiao saw the axe marks on the solid log standing to one side.

He naturally knew that Xu Xu Zaijing possessed great strength, but looking at the deep axe marks, Niu Jiao felt that even without cutting through armor, a blow like that striking the body would cause internal injuries.

In the eyes of outsiders, Xu Xu Zaijing's master was merely an ordinary groom, showing not the slightest sign of any special ability.

Seeing Xu Xu Zaijing approach, the black horse that had been frolicking in the horse field ran over.

Looking at the horse, Zheng Xiao said, "Truly beautiful."

"How does it compare to those of the Ling Ling Guo Gong's Manor?"

"Each has its own merits; I have seen the mount of Elder Brother Zhang, which is a Hualiu (a fine steed with a red body and black mane and tail), no less divine and handsome than this horse of yours."

As he spoke, Zheng Xiao stroked the horse's neck; it was sleek and glossy, simply a delight to touch. For some reason, Xu Xu Zaijing felt a pang of jealousy, patted the horse's head, and the black horse, showing great spirit, left this spot to continue frolicking in the horse field.

Zheng Xiao felt a sudden sense of loss, then suddenly spotted a Qiji (a dark greenish-black fine steed) in the horse field chasing after the black horse; he shook his head, appearing quite dissatisfied.

Shortly after, Zheng Xiao blew a whistle at his lips, and a peach-blossom horse ran over; Zheng Xiao had ridden this fine steed when he came to the Xu family.

Although it was slightly shorter than the black horse, it was even more robust.

The two played in the horse field for a while; since the Xu family's horse field was large enough, they even rode horses on the field for a time and swung their polo mallets a few times.

Although Zheng Xiao's horse was more robust, Xu Xu Zaijing's black horse was smarter and coordinated better with Xu Xu Zaijing.

After leaving the field, both horses were slightly sweating.

They were led aside by their respective family servants to be groomed.

The sun hung high in the sky; it was time for lunch.

Xu Xu Zaijing's little maid, Seeing Qingcao, came to the horse field to call the two to dine.

On the other side, in the Qiongzhi Pavilion,

The little leopard cat, full from eating and drinking, lay on the table by the window, already drowsy,

especially since Fifth Miss's small hand made the leopard cat feel extremely comfortable.

At this moment, she was listening as Xu Xu Pingmei recounted the events of the Lantern Festival night.

"A thieving old woman burst out from the crowd, shouting at my female servant Qingxia, 'Let go of my young lady!'"

Fifth Miss listened, completely captivated,

"Suddenly!"

The little girl gave a start, opened her eyes wide, and asked curiously, "What happened, elder sister?"

The cat under Fifth Miss's care let out a dissatisfied meow.

Fan Guan Pozi, who was attending nearby, was also listening with rapt attention.

Xu Pingmei said, "Those thieves actually drew their gleaming knives."

"Ah? Sister, and then what?"

"Then, my little Fifth directly blocked in front of me, and I also stabbed that thief woman with my hairpin. By the time I turned my head back, those thieves had already been knocked to the ground by little Fifth."

At this moment, Xiao Ju, who was beside Sun Shi, came into the courtyard, followed by four or five servants carrying bowls and dishes.

Seeing the several Misses getting along so harmoniously, she lightened her steps.

She waved to Sister Qingzhi at the entrance, and when Sister Qingzhi approached, she said, "After the Eldest Miss finishes telling her story, tell her the meal is ready; a wave of the hand is all it takes to enter."

"Yes, Sister."

Inside the room, Xu Pingmei was still narrating,

"It was only when my parents arrived beside me that I felt my hands trembling, unable to even stand steady; if not for the female attendant supporting me, I would have collapsed onto the ground."

Fifth Miss covered her mouth upon hearing this and laughed, "Sister Xu Pingmei, I thought you were like Lady Li, fearless in the face of danger, and would even angrily rebuke the thieves."

"Where would I have had the leisure to angrily rebuke thieves?"

"What kind of people could be so wicked?" Fifth Miss asked in confusion.

Fan Guan Pozi nearby spotted the female attendants and old women outside the door and said softly, "Miss, you have been chatting for quite a while; have some tea and rest a bit."

At this moment, Sister Qingzhi seized the opportunity and signaled the old women setting out the meal to enter the courtyard.

A fine meal was set out in the main hall.

Perhaps because she was in such a good mood today, the Fifth Miss of the Zhang family ate quite a lot.

Fed one mouthful by Xu Anmei and one by Fifth Miss, the little cat ate until its belly was stuffed; it tried to escape, but Fifth Miss scooped it up in her arms.

After resting for a while at the Xu residence during the midday break, the three Misses played pitch-pot again.

During the Hour of the Monkey,

Fifth Miss, reluctant to part, waved goodbye to the people of Xu Fu before the carriage and climbed inside.

"Da Da Niangzi, thank you for your generous hospitality," Fan Guan Pozi expressed her gratitude.

"Fan Guan Pozi is too polite; for Fifth Miss to visit our home is an honor bestowed upon our household."

"Da Da Niangzi, then we shall take our leave."

As the Zhang family's carriage drove out of the second gate of Xu Fu, Xu Xu Zaijing also waved to Zheng Xiao.

After exiting the main gate and reaching the street, Zheng Xiao urged his horse forward a few paces.

"Fifth Miss, you also came to the Xu residence to play?"

Upon exiting, he saw a horse tied to the hitching post in front of the Xu family's main gate; Zheng Xiao glanced at the horse with some curiosity before dismounting.

After the honored guests had departed, the steward led a person to the outside of the second gate.

Sun Shi had not yet returned to her courtyard when she immediately spotted the steward leading a person with a white cloth strip tied around their head; her heart instantly leaped to her throat, and her mind spun with dizziness.

Thanks for the support of our esteemed readers! Many thanks! Bowing again!

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(End of Chapter)