[{"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-767":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},2308545,4510,"Chapter 767: The Colorful, Lively Turn of Events [Thank You! Again! I Owe You!]","i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-chapter-767",767,"\u003Cp>Many days after the spring rain passed,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the fifteenth day of the third month,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An auspicious day,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sheng family academy was on holiday,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the afternoon,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xingguo Lane\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On a couch inside the Duke Prefecture courtyard,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Pingning sighed deeply, still with her eyes closed: “What’s going on outside?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The attendant mother bowed and replied: “Your Highness, it’s the Ningyuan Marquis’s household sending out a bridal procession.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Pingning slowly opened her eyes: “A bridal procession? Oh, I remember. Was the gift delivered?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, Princess Pingning prepared to rise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The attendant mother hurried forward to assist her, saying: “It was delivered early this morning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm! Didn’t Buwei and Li Chong from Yuanruo’s side go to help?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Highness, they did not go. I heard Buwei had some interest in the bride, but nothing came of it—his going now would only cause trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh?” Princess Pingning glanced at her with mild surprise, paused thoughtfully, then nodded: “That little rascal has some sense after all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, Princess Pingning took the fresh towel offered by the Guo family attendant and wiped her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After handing the towel back to the attendant, Princess Pingning took the round fan presented by the head steward: “Let’s go see Heng’er.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stepped toward the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The female attendants and old maids inside followed closely behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The afternoon sun was fierce, and the courtyard had grown quite warm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walking under the covered corridor, Princess Pingning, feeling slightly hot, fanned herself as she walked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Passing through corridors and gates,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group arrived at Qi Heng’s courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the plants and trees in the courtyard, Princess Pingning said: “Send word—pay close attention to the flowers and trees here. Don’t let Heng’er see any sparse or unhealthy greenery; it might affect his mood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your handmaid remembers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.” Her gaze left the plants, and she continued toward Qi Heng’s chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The female attendants in the courtyard stepped aside upon seeing Princess Pingning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she passed, they all bowed their heads in respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Pingning gave them not a single glance, continuing forward with her chin slightly raised, eyes fixed ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Pingning halted, frowning as she studied a female attendant standing nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a few breaths of observation, she asked: “Didn’t the household issue you spring clothing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Highness, this handmaid—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The head steward mother snapped: “Don’t babble! Just answer: was it issued or not?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, yes! It was issued, Your Highness.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Pingning frowned: “Then why aren’t you wearing the household uniform today? Why are you dressed in such garish, gaudy colors? The fabric’s good, and it’s fitted at the waist—whose attention are you trying to catch?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The attendant glanced nervously at Princess Pingning and bowed: “R-returning Your Highness, both spring gowns issued by the household were stained, so I changed into this one—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If your clothes are stained, is your hair dirty too? How did you style your bun? Can’t you even smooth it back properly?” Princess Pingning said coolly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“N-no!” The attendant hastily pushed her hair behind her ears, eyes darting in panic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Pingning took a deep breath, paused, then said: “Remember—in the Duke Prefecture, no one is allowed to wear these flashy, brothel-style outfits! Especially not that hairstyle!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, yes, Your Highness, this handmaid will remember.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Pingning glanced at Qi Heng’s chamber and added: “I’ll let you off this time. Next time I see you dressed like this, don’t blame me for being harsh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, yes!” The attendant bowed repeatedly, head lowered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Pingning waved her fan; the attendant, as if freed from prison, hurried to the side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Entering Qi Heng’s chamber,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Buwei, standing in the outer room, quickly bowed: “Your handmaid greets Your Highness.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where is your young master?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Returning Your Highness, the young master is completing the lessons left by the tutor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Pingning stepped toward the study, parted the pearl curtain, and saw Qi Heng bent over writing. She smiled: “Heng’er, still studying hard?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Heng looked up and smiled: “Mother, why are you here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Pingning smiled: “Have you finished your lessons? Are they difficult?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother, the tutor explained everything clearly—I find them not difficult at all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Pingning nodded, her gaze sweeping the room until it settled on a sheet of paper nearly fallen off the table, held in place by a weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Clings to robe—about to dampen? Are you copying Xu’s Jing-ge’s two lines of poetry?” Princess Pingning smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Heng froze, then quickly nodded: “Mother, you’ve heard these lines too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Pingning smiled: “Two days ago, the Empress praised them in the palace. I must say, Jing-ge’s poetic talent is truly exceptional.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh! So that’s what Mother means.” Qi Heng nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Pingning looked at Qi Heng: “In your free time at school, you should ask Jing-ge for advice. Perhaps you can write poetry just as fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your son understands.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Pingning nodded: “Just now, the attendant in your courtyard—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother, what about the attendant?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Qi Heng’s confused expression, Princess Pingning smiled: “Nothing. Keep studying. If you want anything to eat, tell the kitchen to prepare it for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Pingning rose and walked out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside, the head steward mother said: “Your Highness, should we dismiss that attendant?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s wait and see. Besides, Yuanruo hasn’t even noticed that little vixen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later that evening,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quyuanjie,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A wedding procession, with gongs and drums resounding, draped in red banners and ribbons, turned into the street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leading the procession, the groom wore a bright red wedding robe and rode a tall steed, followed by Qingyun and other personal servants from the Marquis’s household.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind the groom came a carriage adorned with red silk; behind it, thirty-six chests of dowry were carried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arriving at the Yongyi Marquis’s gate,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bride, holding a round fan, was escorted by a full-fortune woman and entered the house with the groom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Alaan had no relatives in the capital, neither did Qingzhi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After bowing to Sun Shi and the two senior ladies of the Marquis’s household in the front courtyard, receiving four fine gifts, the groom and bride were escorted to a small courtyard on Quyuanjie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Red silk hung everywhere in and around the courtyard, radiating joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guests at the wedding banquet were mostly old servants, maids, and old maids from the Marquis’s household.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the Marquis’s household,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the back courtyard,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anmei, who had come back to her natal home under the pretext of bringing her son Huyan Bi, sat beside Hualan and smiled: “Little Wu, your personal servant is getting married—and you gave such generous gifts?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing said nothing, only smiled: “Sister, I suppose Lady Pan is a kind soul—she let you come back just because my personal servant is marrying.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course!” Anmei beamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, Mother, will Qingzhi stay working here permanently, or return to Second Sister’s side?” Anmei asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Shi replied: “She’ll return to your sister’s side. The Gu household is complicated, and Qingzhi has served there long enough—she’s efficient.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anmei’s eyes flickered: “The Gu second son is married too...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hualan smiled beside her: “Little Fourth, you know the character of Lady Yu’s eldest daughter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“True.” Anmei nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zaizhang set down his teacup and glanced at the nephew held by his sister-in-law Xie Shi: “Has your brother-in-law said when he’ll return to the capital? Could he come back by Mid-Autumn or year-end?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anmei’s smile faded slightly as she shook her head: “He’s sent several letters—says affairs up north are busy; he won’t return before year-end at the earliest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing said: “Sister, Brother is worried that little Da’er might miss his father.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s fine—after all, you two uncles are here.” Anmei glanced at Hualan and added: “I heard from your cousin-wife Zhu that someone sent you another gift, Little Wu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hualan glanced at Xu Zaijing; upon hearing this, Xu Zaijing’s face flushed slightly, and he nodded: “Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anmei turned to her younger brother, eager: “And what did you say? I heard there was some amusing scandal—but your cousin-wife won’t tell me anything, no matter how I ask.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others in the room, especially Hualan, grew slightly awkward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Shi waved her hand: “An’er, if your cousin-wife doesn’t want to speak, don’t press her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anmei said nothing, only stared at Xu Zaijing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing sighed helplessly: “Sister, I just had those two go chat with Madame Ren for a moment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh? Just a quick chat with Madame Ren? What’s so awkward about that?” Anmei asked, puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing pressed his lips together, stood up, and said: “Sister, think about it for now—I’ll go check on Alan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked out of the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, Xiao Wu, explain yourself properly!” Anmei called after him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sun sank toward the west.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the escort of her mother and sister-in-law, Anmei walked toward the outer courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Shi and Xie Shi walked ahead, holding the child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anmei linked arms with Hualan, her eyes pleading: “Sister-in-law, tell me—otherwise I won’t be able to sleep tonight. That little Wu, always speaking in half-sentences, is so annoying.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hualan glanced at her mother-in-law and sister-in-law ahead, sighed helplessly, and leaned close to Anmei’s ear to whisper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? After being married so long, how could that lady still not know?” Anmei whispered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hualan murmured: “Back then, the Wei family’s old matriarch’s eyesight had already failed. Some things were left unsaid, some marital illustrations and objects weren’t properly prepared. The couple were too busy with livelihood to attend to it—and so years slipped by.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anmei’s expression turned vividly astonished: “No wonder Xiao Wu was so embarrassed today. Hmm, how did he even find out?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hualan sighed: “Xiao Wu assumed that since the lady had been married so long without children, her gift-giving was just a formality—he thought it unlikely to yield results, so he sent someone to Madame Ren.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh! Madame Ren asked and found out no one had ever properly explained it to them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Unbelievable—how could such a thing be misunderstood? That couple is truly rare,” Anmei shook her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Early morning,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sky was bright,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next to the Qingyun Courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the gate, remnants of yesterday’s firecrackers still littered the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the courtyard, a young maid carried a wooden basin of water toward the main house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Entering the room, the maid smiled at Qingzhi, whose hair was styled as a married woman’s: “Greetings, Madam.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingzhi smiled and nodded: “Just set the basin aside—I’m here to serve others, not to be served like you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Madam, don’t say that—you’re registered as a free woman.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingzhi smiled: “Listen to me—go rest for now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The maid said nothing more, smiled, set down the basin, and replied: “Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the maid exited and closed the door, Qingzhi turned her gaze to the hanging scroll above the main hall’s altar table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The painting depicted a young boy standing beside a magnificent steed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The artist had rendered the boy’s gaze toward the horse with striking liveliness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This was painted for me by Fifth Young Master—Xunshu has a copy too,” Alan said, stepping out of the bedroom with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingzhi smiled at her husband and said: “Fifth Young Master captured your love for horses perfectly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alan nodded, her eyes filled with nostalgia: “Madam is right. Neither I nor Xunshu ever imagined we’d one day have our own portraits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingzhi smiled, feeling the same wonder: “Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back in her village, she never imagined she’d come to Kaifeng, endure so much, and return to Quyuanjie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come, I imagine Young Master has already gone to the Sheng household—let’s go pay our respects to Lady and the senior Madams,” Alan said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving the courtyard,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the two entered the Hou Fu through the side gate, the gatekeeper bowed and offered several congratulations, leaving them both slightly embarrassed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After paying respects in the inner courtyard’s main hall,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingcao and Huaxiang stood nearby, their eyes bright with joy as they looked at Qingzhi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Shi and Hualan had given additional gifts of jewelry and fabric.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they left, Hualan’s personal maid, Cuichan, accompanied them out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the way,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cuichan smiled: “Alan, several high households in the capital sent wedding gifts. I’ll have someone deliver the gift list and items to you soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing their surprised expressions, Cuichan added: “Just keep the goodwill in your hearts. When others face troubles, our Hou Fu will naturally lend support.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Sister Cuichan,” Qingzhi smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cuichan added: “By the way, the two senior Madams specifically instructed me! You two are different from Qingyun and Xunshu—they have their in-laws’ help. You have no relatives in the capital. Besides the current maid, you’ll need more servants once you have children.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alan receives court salary and household stipends—Qingzhi, don’t be stingy with spending.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, I understand,” Qingzhi said, glancing shyly at Alan: “When we have children, they can play with Qingyun’s and the others’ children.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cuichan laughed: “That’s only once the child learns to walk and run!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having lived in the Hou Fu for so long, Alan had learned many characters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back in their own courtyard, Alan stood by the table, studying the gift list in Qingzhi’s hands: “The gifts from the Chai and Rong households and others seem generous. It must be because Madam has been by the senior Madam’s side, cultivating good relations.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After putting away the list, Qingzhi turned her head and looked at Alan with an unreadable expression: “Husband, you don’t often accompany Fifth Young Master on outings, do you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How did Madam know?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingzhi smiled: “Come, let’s go see what you won in your gambling games? I’ve heard so much about them—I’ve never seen them myself!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several days later,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingzhi returned to the Ningyuan Marquis’s residence to meet Pingmei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In a few days, Third Lady will marry—make sure you come back to help,” Pingmei said with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry, Madam,” Qingzhi smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time passed gently, and April arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jinming Pond had closed its grounds a few days prior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afternoon,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minglan, returning from school, did not go to Shou’an Hall but headed to her mother’s Jīn’ān Study.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the room,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother, is Auntie well?” Minglan asked with deep concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Shuyi smiled and shook her head at the equally concerned Changzhen: “Ming’er, Zhen’er, your aunt is fine. But in a few days, you’ll have a new cousin—boy or girl.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Minglan blinked in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2386,"2026-06-20T10:32:41.888Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","9b8365e30eb01f387979e4725d82d7ba891b9360109f86b4bda8a1640d929afa","i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-chapter-768","i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-chapter-766",790,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fi-am-the-xu-family-s-son-cover.jpg"]