[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-i-am-the-xu-family-s-son":3,"chapter-i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-chapter-741":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","I Am the Xu Family's Son",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2308519,4510,"Chapter 741: Ru Lan Exhausts Her Mind [Thank You! Again! 36 Chapters Owed]","i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-chapter-741",741,"\u003Cp>Outside the room,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Ruo Fu, smiling, walked beside Lady Sheng, glancing around the courtyard and saying, “Mother, look how many distinguished guests have come to the Hou Fu today! Several courtyards along the way have been repaired and refurbished.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old lady nodded with a smile on her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Mama, following behind them, looked at the young maid smiling by the door and felt a deep sense of emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although when Hua Lan came here to give birth, Fang Mama had already realized that this Yongyi Hou Fu was no longer the place it had been when she first entered as a servant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But seeing familiar objects, remembering the past, always stirred a quiet sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, that spot by the door was one where Fang Mama herself had once stood, when she was still a young maid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they drew closer to the door,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lady Sheng and Lady Wang have arrived.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Wang Ruo Fu turned and smiled at a noblewoman strolling in the courtyard, the Xu family’s maid announced their arrival at the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning back, Wang Ruo Fu and the old lady stepped together into the main hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the quiet hall and the many eyes turning toward them,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Ruo Fu froze, her smile stiffening on her face as she sensed the atmosphere inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Ruo Fu had been in the capital for years and had attended many such full-moon banquets before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though her father’s spirit was enshrined in the Taimiao and her husband held a post in the Ministry of Personnel, at such gatherings she had always been merely a bystander—never once had she been the focus of so many stares.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gazes in the hall carried different meanings, and after a moment’s hesitation, Wang Ruo Fu realized they weren’t fixed on her—but on her mother-in-law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This eased her slightly, and she reflexively pressed her lips into a small smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Sheng, beside Wang Ruo Fu, also paused slightly at the sight of the opulent, jewel-adorned women in the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, as if long accustomed to such attention, her demeanor remained unchanged,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only her smile grew a touch more genuine in that instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she smiled, her gaze swept across the faces in the hall; when she spotted someone familiar, she nodded slightly with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The women in the hall,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>all either titled ladies or noble consorts,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>yet somehow, whenever Lady Sheng’s gaze passed over them, many instinctively straightened their spines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several ladies whom Lady Sheng had nodded to even showed a faint glimmer of delight and pride in their eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh my! Old Lady, you’ve finally arrived!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Wu, beaming, stepped forward with a handkerchief in hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Sheng turned to her and smiled, nodding: “Lady Wu, it’s been a long time!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Ruo Fu’s smile now faltered, and her gaze toward Lady Wu was as if seeing a savior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Bai and Madam Chai followed behind Lady Wu, approaching with smiles: “Old Lady, you’ve come.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Sheng nodded with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the elders speak in the distance, Gu Tingyi frowned and asked Rong Feiyan, “Feiyan, why did you suddenly sit up straight just now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rong Feiyan gave a dry laugh: “Your old lady’s eyes reminded me of Kong Mama’s—I just automatically sat up straight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go over,” Zhang Jia Wu Niang smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nearby, Wang Ruo Fu scanned the hall, and when she spotted Zhang Jia Wu Niang approaching, said, “Ah, has the Duchess of Yingguo arrived? I see Zhang Jia Wu Niang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Wu nodded: “Yes, she’s in the back courtyard talking with Sun’s younger sister.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh oh!” Wang Ruo Fu smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Bai smiled at Lady Sheng: “Old Lady, how has your health been lately?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fairly well, thank you for your concern,” the old lady replied with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Gu Tingyi arrived with Chai Zhengzheng, Rong Feiyan, and Zhang Jia Wu Niang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Greetings, Old Lady. May you enjoy long life and peace.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Tingyi led with a respectful bow, smiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three noble girls behind him followed suit with their own bows and greetings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good, good!” Lady Sheng nodded with a smile, yet her gaze lingered slightly in confusion on the girls beside Tingyi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Wu’s eyes flickered, then she smiled: “Old Lady, you’ve met Yi Jie before—this is Zhang Jia Wu Niang of the Yingguo Duke’s family, Chai’s third daughter, and Rong’s third daughter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each girl bowed again as Lady Wu introduced her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Mama, standing behind Lady Sheng, gazed at Zhang Jia Wu Niang with a distant look—though their faces differed, she faintly saw the shadow of Lady Sheng’s youth in her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Sheng, however, looked at Chai Zhengzheng and Rong Feiyan with unmistakable admiration, sighing with pleasure: “These are truly daughters of noble families, high-born maidens! Excellent! Truly excellent!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Old Lady,” the noble girls replied with smiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Tingyi glanced toward the door and asked, “Lady Wu, haven’t Ru Lan and the others come yet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Ruo Fu smiled indulgently: “They’re still in the back, chattering with their eldest sister. They’ll be here soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you for clarifying, Lady Wu,” Gu Tingyi smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Ruo Fu smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Lady, aren’t you going to visit Sun’s younger sister in the back? When you return, let me know—I’ll come find you to chat,” Lady Wu smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good,” Lady Sheng nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Ruo Fu also nodded and smiled: “I’ll wait for you, Lady Wu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Sheng smiled, nodded, then led Wang Ruo Fu toward the back door leading to Sun’s courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around the screen, as they walked toward Sun’s courtyard, the old lady sighed softly: “The girls I saw today are truly beautiful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Ruo Fu nodded eagerly: “Especially the girls from the Chai and Rong families—they look like fairy maidens from operas! I wonder which family’s son will be lucky enough to win them!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they spoke,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>amid the maid’s announcement, Lady Sheng and Wang Ruo Fu entered the main chamber of Sun’s courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Auntie, you’ve come!” Sun Shi stepped forward smiling, wearing a headband, and took Lady Sheng’s hand, then turned to Wang Ruo Fu: “Sister-in-law.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping Mei, holding Liu Niang in her arms, smiled and bowed: “Great-aunt, Auntie.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Sheng smiled and nodded to the Duchess of Yingguo, who had risen to her feet,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>then everyone sat. After a few words, the Duchess of Yingguo rose and smiled: “Sun’s younger sister, I’ll go ahead to the main hall and chat with Lady Wu and the others. Old Lady and Lady Wang, please remain seated.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Shi offered polite resistance, then escorted the Duchess to the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Returning inside, Sun Shi leaned close to Lady Sheng, who held her infant daughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Ruo Fu, beside Lady Sheng, gazed fondly at the baby in the swaddling clothes: “Sister-in-law, this girl looks just like you—she’ll grow up as beautiful as her two older sisters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I’ll take your good wishes, sister-in-law!” Sun Shi laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking, Wang Ruo Fu glanced around the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Ping Mei smiled and said: “Auntie, the children are playing in other courtyards. When the banquet begins, I’ll have them brought over.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh oh!” Wang Ruo Fu smiled: “Did your son and daughter both come?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes! My mother-in-law and I each brought one,” Ping Mei laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking outside, Wang Ruo Fu smiled: “I saw how happily you and the Duchess of Yingguo were talking—her joy nearly spilled from her eyes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping Mei nodded: “Yes, the Duchess specifically spoke with Mother about matters to watch for after childbirth at this age.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh! The Duchess—” Wang Ruo Fu cut herself off, saying, “She’s thoughtful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Liu Mama, standing behind Wang Ruo Fu, let out a deep breath of relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Mama had feared her mistress might say something like, “The Duchess has experience.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, both ladies had given birth to daughters late in life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Sheng, meanwhile, didn’t look up—her eyes filled with affection as she gazed at the baby in her arms: “Did your parents come today?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Shi nodded: “Auntie, my parents came—they’re resting in the side chambers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Sheng smiled at Ning Mei in her arms, then handed the swaddling clothes to Sun Shi: “Good. I’ll go greet them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the hour arrived,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the household began the banquet,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>with the Four Offices and Six Bureaus managing everything—there was little for anyone to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In one side chamber,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Lan, exhausted from the long day, sat with her sister-in-law Xie Shi on chairs, resting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After sipping a throat-soothing drink, Xie Shi said: “Why didn’t Zhong Ge come to find you today?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Lan leaned back, eyes closed, smiling: “Cui Chan took him to meet my mother-in-law.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He was so delighted to see his maternal grandmother—he clung to her. Why would he come looking for me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Shi nodded: “It’s clear Lady Wang truly dotes on Zhong Ge. Earlier, in the men’s courtyard, I saw Qi Lang talking with Zong Ge.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Lan opened her eyes in surprise: “Lord Lu? What were those two boys talking about?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Something about calligraphy?” Xie Shi replied uncertainly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Lan sighed in relief: “Qi Lang has been practicing calligraphy for a long time. My grandmother says his writing is even better than his sister’s—he can certainly exchange thoughts with Lord Lu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way!” Xie Shi suddenly perked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Hua Lan look over, Xie Shi gestured to her personal maid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the room was empty, Xie Shi whispered in a low voice: “Hua Lan, which girl do you think will enter our family?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Lan’s eyes darted, her expression hesitant, and she whispered: “Hard to choose. Earlier, Xiao Wu saved Feiyan from the Feng family—there seems to be deeper fate there. But the Chai girl has superior talent and lineage. Whoever it is, she’ll be far more refined than we are.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Shi nodded eagerly: “Yes, I recall Lady Sheng’s fourth daughter has reached her coming-of-age ceremony, hasn’t she?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Lan hummed in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Shi chuckled: “With you as such a big sister, I suspect someone will be going to find Wu Da Niangzi today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Lan smiled without comment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The full-moon celebration banquet,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>guests and hosts alike were delighted,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>after the hour of Shen (4 p.m.), most guests had already left Quyuanjie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After helping their two sisters-in-law with many tasks, Pingmei and Anmei finally set off home with their respective mothers-in-law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sun slanted westward,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>in Sun Shi’s courtyard,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing and his brothers and sisters-in-law sat inside the house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing and Zai Zhang drank detoxifying soup; Xie Shi and Hua Lan sipped mild herbal tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master, I heard today that Lord Lu Xiao Gongye and Seventh Young Master discussed calligraphy?” Hua Lan asked Zai Zhang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Xu Zaijing smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zai Zhang nodded: “Yes, this morning Chang Bai took Seventh Young Master and the others to play in Fifth Young Master’s study. Seventh Young Master saw the characters inscribed by Father-in-law and proudly showed them off to Chang Bai—but Zong Ge heard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Lan nodded with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The curtain at the door stirred,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Mama walked in carrying an account book, followed by several maids holding gift boxes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Madam.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Mama handed the account book to Sun Shi, who sat on a Luohan chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After reviewing it, Sun Shi held a heavy gold long-life lock, glancing at her youngest son who was still speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Madam Sheng appeared at the Hou Fu, returning noble ladies often mentioned her in conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Overall, praise outweighed criticism—after all, the Xu family was currently in high demand, and the Sheng family’s descendants were doing well: one son had passed the imperial examination, and even the younger grandchildren were juren.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Chai family,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chai Zhengzheng linked arms with Madam Chai, walking toward the back courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Madam Chai tightened Zhengzheng’s cloak and said: “Zheng’er, you just slept in the carriage—be careful not to catch a chill.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After seeing Zhengzheng fasten the hood of her cloak, Madam Chai whispered: “I’ve subtly asked Lady Bai and Wu Da Niangzi—they both said the Xu boys hold Madam Sheng in great respect!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhengzheng nodded: “It must be due to Sun Fu Ren’s influence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at Madam Chai, Zhengzheng asked: “Mother, what’s wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zheng’er, several ladies of excellent family background asked me about you today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhengzheng pursed her lips and raised an eyebrow, saying nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Madam Chai exhaled: “Fine, Mother understands.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm!” Zhengzheng tightened her grip on Madam Chai’s arm and rested her head on her shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiyin Alley,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the Sheng household,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the three Lans had each returned to their own courtyards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shou’an Hall,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the exhausted old lady dozed lightly on one side of the Luohan bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other side of the Luohan bed sat a delicate bamboo basket filled with needles and thread,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ming Lan sat on a cushion beneath the Luohan bed, holding a needle threaded with silk, and whispered to Xiao Tao: “What did you say? That Jing Biao Ge refuses anything handmade—he only wants things you can buy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Tao nodded vigorously: “Yes, Yun Xiang told me and Xi Que herself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ming Lan looked at the needle and thread in her hand, sighed, and put them into the basket: “Then… what on earth should I buy for Jing Biao Ge?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Weirui Pavilion,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>in Ru Lan’s room,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ru Lan’s eyes sparkled as she stared at Xi Que: “Huh? Jing Biao Ge doesn’t want anything I made myself?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xi Que nodded in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was going to ask Ming Lan to help me! Now I don’t need her—so what should I give him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ru Lan propped her chin on her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half a quarter-hour later,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xi Que helplessly watched Ru Lan nodding off and said: “Fifth Young Lady, you—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sliiiip.” Ru Lan wiped drool from her mouth, blinking dazedly at Xi Que: “Huh? What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Have you decided what to give Fifth Young Master Xu?” Xi Que asked, lips pressed tight with resignation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ru Lan snapped awake: “Right! How did I fall asleep thinking about this? Quick—give me an idea!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xi Que hesitated: “Perhaps… give him the most precious thing you own in your room?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Clap!” Ru Lan snapped her hands together and laughed: “Perfect! That’s a great idea!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing stared, innocent, at Ru Lan’s tear-filled, reluctant face and the cricket cage Xi Que held in her hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2382,"2026-06-20T10:32:41.888Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","8147af78eb77e51dfbe586ec81a173dde8d25c4b7ac135557ac8ebccd6a691de","i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-chapter-742","i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-chapter-740",790,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fi-am-the-xu-family-s-son-cover.jpg"]