Chapter 66: Narration and Heart-Stopping Moments [Thank You for Your Support

The Zhang family’s Fifth Young Lady paused her play with the cat and whispered to Pingmei and Anmei.

“Elder sisters, the sound—it sounds like Zheng Xiao’s brother is here.”

Anmei smirked slyly: “Fifth Young Lady, how do you know it’s the Zheng family’s young master?”

Fifth Young Lady, not yet at the age of first love, didn’t catch Anmei’s teasing tone and replied openly: “Our families live close by; Xiao Brother often comes to my house to play with my older brothers, and he always keeps glancing at our horse.”

Pingmei tapped Anmei’s forehead with her finger.

The nearby cat, ignored, let out a plaintive meow.

Sweet Fifth Young Lady stroked the cat with her small hand.

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

Along the way, Zheng Xiao had already taken in the state of the Xu household: though somewhat worn, every courtyard, corridor, and window frame was clean where it should be.

Xu Zaijing’s courtyard had a grape arbor; though the weather was gradually warming, the vines had not yet turned green.

But beneath the arbor stood a large fish tank, a porcelain vessel half a man’s height, its mouth as wide as a millstone.

Its inner and outer rims were scrubbed spotless.

In the clear water, several beautiful goldfish swam back and forth, a pleasing sight.

Zheng Xiao looked at the immaculate tank and said: “Your servants are diligent.”

Xu Zaijing turned to glance at Qingcao, who followed behind him.

The little maid’s eyes curved into crescents.

Inside Xu Zaijing’s room, Zheng Xiao’s first sight was a calligraphy scroll mounted on the wall—naturally, the one written by Grand Secretary Sheng Hong: “Law Values Naturalness.”

Though the Zheng family was a military merit aristocracy, they had long employed literati and clerks, and their sons were well-cultivated in culture.

“Jing Ge’er, this calligraphy is truly excellent—its bones are open and penetrating, its brushwork brisk and as if infused with divine power. A fine character, a fine character.”

Xu Zaijing looked at Zheng Xiao; though young, he did not speak carelessly about calligraphy.

“This is a brushwork piece from an uncle of mine, now serving in Yangzhou. The writing is truly exceptional.”

“If I ever get the chance, I hope to personally seek his guidance.”

“Second Young Master, rest assured, the chance will come.”

The two spoke as they walked out of Xu Zaijing’s room.

“I’ve long heard you have a fine steed—won’t you take me to see it?”

Xu Zaijing looked at Zheng Xiao: “You, a noble son living next door to the Duke Prefecture, come to my rundown household just to look at a horse?”

Zheng Xiao’s eyes flickered: “A fine steed is like a beauty—I’m just curious to see a different kind of beauty.”

Xu Zaijing raised his thumb: “Well said. Shall we go take a look?”

“Let’s go!”

Qingyun and Zheng Xiao’s young servant followed behind, soon reaching the riding ground.

Zheng Xiao’s servant, named Niujiao, saw his master chatting merrily with the Xu family’s young master, but when they reached the riding ground, he studied the ground’s traces.

On the riding ground, several horses were sleek and glossy, neighing powerfully—clearly tended by skilled grooms.

Beside the riding ground stood a spear shaft polished smooth by daily handling; though its quality couldn’t match that of a General’s residence, its appearance was similar.

This indicated someone practiced regularly.

Then

Niujiao spotted axe marks on a solid log standing nearby.

He knew Xu Zaijing was strong, but seeing the deep axe cuts, he felt that even without piercing armor, a blow like this would cause internal injury.

To outsiders, Xu Zaijing’s master was merely an ordinary stable hand, revealing no sign of skill.

Seeing Xu Zaijing approach, the spirited Li Ju galloped over.

Zheng Xiao looked at the horse and said: “Truly beautiful.”

“How does it compare to the Duke Prefecture’s?”

“Each has its merits. I’ve seen Zhang’s elder brother’s mount—a Hualiu (a red-bodied horse with black mane and tail)—its spirit and grace are no less than yours.”

As he spoke, Zheng Xiao stroked the horse’s neck; its glossy coat was a pleasure to touch. For some reason, Xu Zaijing felt a pang of jealousy, patted the horse’s head, and Li Ju, intelligent as it was, moved away, returning to gallop freely across the field.

Zheng Xiao felt a pang of loss, then suddenly noticed a Qiji (a dark-gray steed) chasing after Li Ju—he shook his head, clearly displeased.

Then Zheng Xiao whistled softly, and a peach-colored mare galloped over—he had ridden this fine steed to the Xu household.

Though slightly shorter than Li Ju, it was more robust.

The two played for a while; since the Xu riding ground was large, they rode horses across it and swung their polo sticks a few times.

Though Zheng Xiao’s steed was stronger, Xu Zaijing’s Li Ju was far more intelligent and better coordinated with him.

After dismounting, the horses were slightly damp with sweat.

They were led aside by their respective servants for care.

The sun hung high—it was time for lunch.

Xu Zaijing’s little maid, Qingcao, came to the riding ground to call them to eat.

On the other side, Qiongzhi Pavilion.

The well-fed little cat lay dozing on the windowsill table,

especially soothed by Fifth Young Lady’s small hands.

She was now listening as Xu Pingmei recounted the events of the Lantern Festival night.

“A wicked old woman burst out of the crowd, shouting at my maid Qingxia: ‘Let go of my young lady!’”

Fifth Young Lady listened, entranced,

“Suddenly!”

The little girl startled, eyes wide with curiosity: “What happened, Elder Sister?”

The cat under Fifth Young Lady’s hand let out an indignant meow.

Fan Mama, standing nearby, was also spellbound.

Pingmei said: “Those bandits suddenly drew gleaming knives.”

“Ah? Elder Sister, what then?”

“Then, my little Wu stepped right in front of me, and I jabbed the old woman with my hairpin. When I turned back, those bandits were already lying on the ground, knocked down by little Wu.”

At that moment, Xiaoju, a maid beside Sun Shi, entered the courtyard, followed by four or five servants carrying bowls and dishes.

Seeing the girls getting along well, she lightened her steps.

She waved to Qingzhi at the gate; when Qingzhi came over, she said: “When Big Sister finishes her story, tell her dinner is ready—just wave and they can come in.”

“Yes, Sister.”

Inside, Pingmei was still speaking:

“When my parents arrived, I realized my hands were trembling—I could barely stand. If not for my maid holding me up, I would have collapsed to the floor.”

Fifth Young Lady covered her mouth and laughed: “Elder Sister Pingmei, I thought you were like Lady Li—unfazed in danger, ready to scold the bandits.”

“How could I have had the breath to scold bandits?”

“Who could be so wicked?” Fifth Young Lady asked, puzzled.

Nearby, Fan Mama noticed the maids outside and said softly: “Girls, you’ve talked long enough—have some tea and rest.”

At that moment, Qingzhi seized the chance and signaled the serving maids to enter the courtyard.

A fine meal was laid out in the main hall.

Perhaps because her mood was good, Zhang’s Fifth Young Lady ate quite a bit.

The little cat, fed alternately by Anmei and Fifth Young Lady, ate until its belly was full, tried to escape, but was promptly scooped up by Fifth Young Lady.

After a short nap at the Xu household, the three girls played toss-pot.

At the hour of Shen,

Fifth Young Lady reluctantly waved goodbye to the Xu household at the carriage, then climbed inside.

“Lady, thank you for your generous hospitality,” Fan Mama said.

“Fan Mama, you’re too kind. Fifth Young Lady visiting our home is a sign of your family’s favor.”

“Lady, then we take our leave.”

Zhang’s carriage drove out past the Xu household’s second gate, and Xu Zaijing waved goodbye to Zheng Xiao.

Outside the main gate, on the street, Zheng Xiao spurred his horse forward a few steps.

“Fifth Young Lady, you came to the Xu household too?”

As he stepped out, he noticed a horse tied to the tethering post in front of the Xu household’s main gate—he glanced curiously at the horse.

After the esteemed guest departed, the steward led a man to the outer gate.

Sun Shi had not yet returned to her courtyard; she instantly saw the steward leading a man with a white cloth tied around his head—her heart leapt to her throat, her head spun.

Thank you for your esteemed readers’ support! Grateful! Deeply grateful!





(End of Chapter)