Chapter 165: First Encounter - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter
Chapter 165: First Encounter
Elder Xu leaned in conspiratorially and whispered to Bai Xiang, “He’s got his eye on your Feng girl but doesn’t know how to bring it up. He’s also worried her future brother-in-law might encounter danger in Jiangnan, so he sent his best man, Xu Lin. You see?”
Bai Xiang raised an eyebrow, “Did he tell you this himself?”
“Not exactly, I guessed it myself. You should have seen it; last time, he sent so many gifts to your girl through me. Ginseng as long as your arm, just like that! I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. And the life-saving purple jade ointment, he had it ready to send over. Without it, do you think your son-in-law’s injury would have healed so quickly?”
Elder Xu spoke with a mix of envy and admiration, quietly cursing Xiao Tingyi for prioritizing women over friends. Elder Xu had been ill many times, but Xiao Tingyi never sent him anything. Yet, he was so generous to that girl. What a lecher!
Meanwhile, Bai Xiang remained calm, seizing the opportunity to capture a large portion of elder Xu’s chess pieces, prompting elder Xu to call him 'shameless.'
“This isn’t something you can decide. As long as Prince Ding doesn’t speak up, the Bai and Feng families won’t take this seriously. Just because he likes Ah Yao, doesn’t mean we have to marry her off to him. Have you seen the wolves and tigers around him? As her grandfather, do you think I’d send my granddaughter into a wolf's den?”
Bai Xiang was indignant, righteous in his stance.
Elder Xu shook his head, “You’re truly noble! As expected of someone from a prestigious family. I’ll wait and see if this Feng girl ends up marrying into that wolf's den! Ha ha ha.”
Though he laughed, there was a hint of bitterness. He liked someone, but they didn’t like him back. Such misfortune!
Outside, Bai Chaohai knocked on the door, carrying a freshly brewed medicine. To prevent leaks, Bai Chaohai and Bai Sifu personally attended to Bai Xiang, not letting others see him. Only Madam Bai and close friends were allowed brief visits.
Entering with a steaming bowl, Bai Chaohai apologized to elder Xu, “Forgive me, Grand Secretary. It’s time for my father to take his medicine.”
“Isn’t he pretending to be ill? Why does he need medicine?”
“This is a prescription from Doctor Zhang. It’s beneficial regardless. We have to brew it to maintain appearances, so my father has been drinking it.”
Bai Xiang took the bowl and drank it all. Doctor Zhang’s medicine was indeed peculiar, without bitterness and with a sweet aftertaste. Drinking it for a few days had made him feel more energetic.
Elder Xu watched, genuinely impressed by his swift action.
Once the bowl was empty, Bai Chaohai spoke, “Ah Xu sent word back. They’ve reached Xuzhou and plan to stay a few days before heading to Jinling. He plans to investigate in Xuzhou for a while.”
“Did he find something?”
“He didn’t say. The message was sent through Prince Ding’s secret guards, encrypted, and translated by Yang Zhao.”
This implied they weren’t sure if Feng Jinxu didn’t say anything or if Prince Ding’s mansion intercepted the message.
Bai Xiang understood, “No matter. When Ah Xu returns, we’ll know everything.”
“Yes, father.”
Bai Chaohai respectfully replied, “There’s another matter. Ah Yao is outside and says she needs to discuss something important with you. Is it convenient with the Grand Secretary here?”
“Convenient, convenient. I haven’t seen this Feng girl yet. Perfect chance to see who’s captivated Prince Ding!”
Prince Ding? Captivated by Ah Yao?
Bai Chaohai was startled by elder Xu’s words, while Bai Xiang glared at elder Xu, “Grand Secretary, mind your words. Rumors shouldn’t be discussed so openly.”
Elder Xu hummed, his mustache twitching. Bai Xiang was too rigid, unlike him, who was more knowledgeable and interesting.
Bai Xiang then instructed Bai Chaohai, “Let her in.”
“Yes.”
He fetched Feng Jinyao, then stood guard at the study door, vigilant.
Seeing elder Xu, Feng Jinyao wasn’t surprised. However, it was her first time seeing him in two lifetimes, so she was curious.
“Granddaughter greets Grandfather and Grand Secretary.”
“Rise, rise. Let me take a look.” elder Xu, more excited than Bai Xiang, abandoned the chess game to happily scrutinize her.
Her long, ink-black hair was styled in a simple bun adorned with a white jade orchid hairpin, giving her an elegant and ethereal look. Her slender figure was full of vitality and her eyes were especially beautiful, bright and wise beyond her years.
“I heard from Mingyue that you’re not yet of age?”
Feng Jinyao was taken aback. Why ask this on a first meeting?
She glanced at Bai Xiang, who looked displeased at elder Xu, as if scolding him for being disrespectful.
“I will come of age this April.”
“Ah, good, good. The age gap isn’t too big then.” Elder Xu seemed very satisfied. What did he mean by that?
Feng Jinyao was puzzled, but Bai Xiang understood. Prince Ding would turn 27 this September, making them only 11 years apart.
“Grand Secretary...” Bai Xiang’s threatening tone made elder Xu reluctantly close his mouth and cheerfully change the topic, “No matter. What do you need to discuss with your grandfather? Feel free to speak, don’t worry about me.”
Elder Xu’s familiarity was puzzling. His sister was dignified and composed, suggesting he took after Madam Xu.
Feng Jinyao glanced at Bai Xiang, hesitating. What she needed to discuss involved the Canal Transport Department. Was it really okay with elder Xu here?
But seeing elder Xu looking unconcerned, and Bai Xiang allowing it, she understood they must have already discussed this.
“Grand Secretary Xu also cares deeply for Jinxu. Speak freely, no need to avoid him.”
“Yes.”
Understanding this, she recalled her brother’s serious conversation with her before leaving the capital.
Comments
Post a Comment