Chapter 268: Good Matches Are Always in Demand

Chapter 268: Good Matches Are Always in Demand

In Daqian, a man's status in the household is absolutely revered. Even those few who are henpecked maintain their dignity in public, never letting others know of their plight. Phrases like "listen to the wife" are definitely not uttered in public.

But now, Xiao Huai had spoken so openly and without the slightest awkwardness. Xie Erye’s impression of him changed drastically.

Unexpectedly, this was the kind of man Xiao Huai was.

However, the surprise on Xie Erye's face lasted only for a moment. Realizing his lapse in composure, he quickly reverted to a light smile and said, "The affection between the Duke and his wife is truly enviable!"

Xiao Huai replied with a faint smile, "An alliance as solid as that of Qin and Jin can stabilize the relationship between two families, but a discordant couple can be problematic."

Xie Erye nodded, "The Duke speaks wisely."

Having reached this point in the conversation, they naturally did not continue discussing the marriage alliance. Instead, they talked about the princess from Rouli Kingdom. Xiao Huai had already reported to the Emperor that the princess had a feud with Xie Liuye, and the Xie family wished to deal with her personally.

The Emperor, on such a trivial matter, would naturally grant face to both Xiao Huai and the Xie family and had agreed. The two discussed the details of the Xie family collecting the person the next day.

…………

In the back garden of the Duke’s mansion, Xiao Yuzhu was strolling leisurely with Xie Xihua. The winter garden was desolate with little to see. But it had snowed two days ago, and Xiao Yuzhu, along with her maids, had built several snowmen here. Later, seeing her enjoyment, Tang Shuyi had people build more, including snow figures of puppies, horses, and tigers.

After playing indoors for a while, Xiao Yuzhu took Xie Xihua to see the snowmen. However, as it was winter and there had just been snowfall, both of them were walking very carefully. As they passed a rockery, suddenly, a snowball flew over from behind it.

Both were startled. Instinctively, Xie Xihua pulled Xiao Yuzhu, who was younger than her, behind her. The snowball landed on her shoulder, then broke apart, and some of the snow slipped inside her collar. The icy sensation made her involuntarily let out a gasp.

Seeing this, Xiao Yuzhu quickly asked how she was. Xie Xihua shook her head, and Xiao Yuzhu examined her from head to toe. Seeing that she was indeed alright, she shouted angrily towards the rockery, "Who's there? Come out."

In fact, she had already guessed who it might be. In the entire Duke's mansion, who else would dare to throw a snowball at her besides her second brother?

As expected, as soon as she finished speaking, Xiao Yuming emerged from behind the rockery, his face a mix of embarrassment and regret. He flashed a conciliatory smile at Xiao Yuzhu, then approached Xie Xihua and offered a bowing salute, saying, "I, Xiao, have been rude and startled Miss Xie."

He had been behind the rockery and saw Xiao Yuzhu approaching. Due to the angle, he hadn't seen Xie Xihua walking alongside her. Used to playing pranks on Xiao Yuzhu, he rolled a snowball and tossed it at her, not expecting it to hit Xie Xihua instead.

Xie Xihua looked at him with a calm expression, but inside she was quite angry, even wanting to hurl ten or eight snowballs at Xiao Yuming. However, she had to maintain the dignity befitting a young lady, "I am unharmed, Second Master Xiao need not be overly courteous."

Xiao Yuming, seeing she wasn't going to make a big fuss, breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to himself that Miss Xie from the Xie family was quite generous. But then Xiao Yuzhu said, "How can it be nothing? It is something."

Xiao Yuming, with a helpless expression, asked, "What would you have me do then?"

Xiao Yuzhu didn't speak, just stood there pouting at him. Xiao Yuming, feeling a headache coming on, suggested, "Then throw snowballs at me, a few more times."

As he said this, he even pointed at his own head and said, "Aim here."

His antics looked rather silly, causing Xie Xihua to let out a chuckle. Seeing her laugh, Xiao Yuzhu also laughed and then said, "Remember, you said this."

Xiao Yuming nodded, "Mhm."

Seeing this, Xiao Yuzhu quickly pulled Xie Xihua to a snowy spot, saying, "My second brother is stronger than a young calf, it won't hurt him if we throw a few more."

Hearing her words, Xie Xihua couldn't help but laugh, asking, "Do you often play like this?"

Xiao Yuzhu nodded with a smile, adding, "My second brother probably meant to hit me, but you got caught in the crossfire."

Xie Xihua smiled, "I'm fine."

As they talked, they rolled several snowballs and approached Xiao Yuming. Xiao Yuzhu warned him, "No dodging."

Xiao Yuming nodded, "I won’t dodge."

Xiao Yuzhu, smiling, raised her hand and threw a snowball at him, hitting his chest. Xiao Yuming pretended to be in pain, letting out a yelp, which made both Xiao Yuzhu and Xie Xihua giggle.

"Sister Xie, your turn to throw one," said Xiao Yuzhu.

Xie Xihua still felt a lingering coolness on her back. Glancing at Xiao Yuming who stood nearby, she raised her hand and lobbed a snowball at him. Remarkably, her aim was true, and the snowball struck Xiao Yuming's neck. With a smack, it burst apart and slipped down his collar.

"Hiss!"

Xiao Yuming grimaced, showing his teeth in mock pain, eliciting laughter from both Xiao Yuzhu and Xie Xihua. Seeing that Xie Xihua was no longer upset, Xiao Yuzhu ceased her snowy assault and suggested, "Shall we go see the snowman together?"

Xiao Yuming glanced at Xie Xihua and responded, "Sure."

He was aware of his family's intentions to match him with Xie Xihua and wasn't averse to the idea. After meeting her today, he found Miss Xie... quite agreeable.

Xie Xihua, sensing his gaze, felt a blush tinting her cheeks.

Xiao Yuzhu noticed the exchange between them and couldn't help but giggle to herself.

………

After the Xie family had lunch at the Duke's residence, they began their journey home. On the way, the second Madame Xie inquired about her husband's conversation with Xiao Huai. Mr. Xie thought of Xiao Huai's words and chuckled, "The Duke said he listens to his wife in all matters."

Mrs. Xie was momentarily taken aback by his remark, then her face broke into a smile, "They always say the Duke and his wife are harmoniously matched; I hadn't realized he held such respect for her... Given that, the second young master Xiao likely isn't far behind."

She didn't expect her daughter's future husband to be henpecked, but knowing how to respect his wife was a sign of a good match.

With this thought, she added, "I should foster a closer relationship with the Duchess. Good matches are always in demand."

Mr. Xie neither agreed nor disagreed with her statement and chose not to respond.