Chapter 50 The Adored Young Master

Chapter 50 The Adored Young Master

Wen Ruan and Zhu Yan had lunch at the Huo family's residence.

The atmosphere at the Huo household was as boisterous as ever. When Prince Jian first arrived and wasn't familiar with their ways, he was somewhat tense. But later, whether it was because he was seen through or because he decided to lay all his cards on the table, he let loose. There were no rules about not talking while eating or not speaking in bed; instead, there was the clinking of glasses and chopsticks at the dinner table, laughter and joy, adults playing tricks on each other, children begging for candy, and rounds of drinking games that changed in creativity. If it weren't for the consideration that Wen Ruan had just returned and surely had matters to attend to, they wouldn't have been allowed to leave at all.

When they walked out of the street where the Huo family lived, Zhu Yan still felt like his ears were ringing. Growing up, he had never experienced such a 'baptism'. Was this how ordinary families in the common folk were? But then, the young man beside him...

He glanced at Wen Ruan.

This person seemed to be in his element, like a lonely little fish that had swum through rivers, lakes, and seas, finally returning home. A group of fish rushed out to circle around him, each one coming over to greet him affectionately. One or two fish showing warmth could move someone to the point of tears, but thousands of fish crowding over to greet him intimately... How could Ah Ruan bear it? Not only did he converse with every fish, but he also remembered all their appearances and personalities, everything they had done together...

How terrifying!

Terrifying Wen Ruan asked Nanxing and learned that Cang Ang hadn't returned yet. He decided to walk through the alleys and take a look at the nearby fields.

Prince Jian thus witnessed that there was no most terrifying, only more terrifying. The people here went crazy when they saw Wen Ruan!

"Young Master—Young Master, you're back! When did you return? Why didn't you say anything? Many of us are merchants who travel frequently, and many aren't here right now! I've improved the recipe for my meat shop, pairing it with a sauce made from fish mint. Young Master, please taste it?"

"Scram, scram, what are you doing getting involved? You're just a food vendor. Young Master, quickly take a look at my new design! A full skirt, cinched waist, shoulder-hugging oblique collar, and buttoned fastening, perfectly showcasing the beauty of a girl's figure, yet reserved and dignified... Does Young Master like it? Do you think it will become popular?"

"You can find out if it will become popular by having a few ladies wear it. Why bother asking Young Master? Young Master, quickly come and see me. I'm so worried. That batik timing method you taught me last time worked well, but I broke the tool. Please take a look and see how to fix it. Although your disciples can do it at your place, I feel uneasy without your approval!"

"What's the rush with something that can be fixed? My dear Young Master! It's July now, next month is August, and autumn will begin! We should set the tone for this year's autumn and winter makeup. Please help take a look!"

From the moment Wen Ruan appeared, the entire street suddenly became lively, with everyone rushing over and engaging in conversation. Every industry, from food to clothing to housing to transportation, was represented. Even questions about taking medicine and seeing a doctor were asked, as if in the eyes of these people, Wen Ruan was omnipotent, knowing everything, and finding him would always be right!

And Wen Ruan actually responded to every sentence, able to speak eloquently about any matter that came before him. Everyone present was impressed, their eyes filled with admiration and satisfaction.

Zhu Yan: ...

"You on this street—"

"The brightest kid, indeed!" Wen Ruan puffed out his chest.

During the past two years when he was most in need of money, he indeed frequented this street where various commercial leaders gathered, offering many ideas and suggestions. Some of them truly changed the business landscape in a certain sense... But everyone was too supportive of him.

Therefore, he responded even more humbly and gently to everyone's enthusiasm.

Zhu Yan noticed that this street was particularly special, different from others. Jiang Nan was prosperous, with especially thriving industries. This street should be the most eye-catching commercial street in Sizhou, but its 'eye-catching' nature was not only due to the large number of people and the prosperity of all trades. It was also because of its particularly quirky style. Many bold and innovative things gave this street a strange atmosphere and a strong visual impact.

"Was this also...your idea?" He pointed at those items with extremely bold color styles.

Wen Ruan smiled. "I couldn't have done so much alone. We all worked hard together, daring to innovate."

The industry needed vitality, which was new things. New things might be wrong and require adjustment, but if they weren't released and one always wanted to play it safe, wouldn't it become stagnant water? This was especially true in commerce. People here engaged in business and weren't afraid of investment failures or failed directions. If something went wrong, they would simply regroup and try again. Twenty failures could be covered by one success, with the gains from that one success completely offsetting all losses!

He often enjoyed helping everyone overcome difficulties together, but the gambler's nature of a merchant was written in their bones, something he couldn't control.

"Your Highness, don't just stand there, hurry up. If we wait, we won't be able to escape when everyone comes!"

Seeing the road ahead becoming increasingly congested, Wen Ruan simply grabbed Zhu Yan's hand and ran with him through the alley.

He knew the way well, knowing exactly how to turn and wind through the crowd. The alleyways were numerous and narrow, making it necessary to run on foot. Neither riding in a carriage nor on horseback would work.

The summer breeze of July swept over their clasped hands. The boy's playful strands of hair fluttered slightly, surrounded by walls and paths that couldn't confine their feet. In the quiet alleyway, only their heartbeats could be heard. The distant noise of the bustling market was already indistinguishable. Looking up, they saw the mottled sunlight filtering through the treetops...

This experience was Zhu Yan's first, but it seemed...not bad.

"Wish to go faster?" He curled his lips, his deep voice falling into Wen Ruan's ear.

Wen Ruan: "Of course, it would be terrible if we were caught..."

Before he could finish his words, his waist tightened as a large hand reached out and wrapped around him. His vision suddenly shifted, and a sense of weightlessness came over him. Instinctively, he reached out and hugged Zhu Yan's shoulders—

They actually flew up! Zhu Yan used his lightness kung fu to leap over rooftops, even stepping on tree branches, swinging further and higher...

"Wow..."

"This is faster." Zhu Yan's face remained calm, not even glancing at the person in his arms. It seemed that this was an ordinary matter, nothing to be surprised about.

But where Wen Ruan couldn't see, the corner of his mouth curved upward, lingering for a long time without subsiding.

After crossing the long streets and alleys, when there was no one ahead, Zhu Yan released Wen Ruan. Seeing that the distance wasn't too far, Wen Ruan didn't call for a carriage and simply walked to the fields.

This land wasn't his. His land was further away, in a small mountain village in a smaller county. This was the Huo family's land. They said they had given it to him, but he didn't accept it. The deed wasn't changed, but he had the right to farm it. What was planted here throughout the four seasons, how it was planted, how the grain was stored, and how it was handled were all decided by him.

This was his experimental field.

"Young Master is back! Young Master is back—Young Master, why did you take so long to return? This old servant has been waiting for you for a long time!"

"Master—Young Master has come to inspect the experimental field! Everyone, come out!"

"Young Master, quickly come and see. These are the ones you planted before you left. Take a look, are they growing well?"

Another group of people, old and young, male and female, including children, rushed over excitedly. Each face was filled with excitement and anticipation, pulling Wen Ruan to look at the fields like an army awaiting inspection.

In the capital, at the manor in Mount Lai Feng, Zhu Yan had witnessed the extent of Wen Ruan's popularity. The farmers there liked him very much because he helped solve many problems, such as seedling growth, disease, and pest control. His young man was very skilled in these areas. But seeing the scene before him now...

What Ah Ruan was good at was clearly not as simple as disease and pest control, but deeper issues, such as cultivating superior strains, hybridization, panicle emergence, and grain filling... A pile of experimental records and data.

These fields were divided into many sections, undergoing different cultivation directions. This plan that Wen Ruan had apparently been planning for a long time and had been working on for years had progressed significantly by today. The fields here were neatly organized, with each type of grain growing vigorously. Whether it was flowers, leaves, or fruits, they were larger and fuller than what Zhu Yan had seen elsewhere, and there were no signs of disease or pests. One could imagine what the harvest would be like.

Zhu Yan felt that he had underestimated Ah Ruan once again, only realizing today Ah Ruan's dominant position in the fields.

Not only were the crops here better than elsewhere, but the farmers here also knew more. When Wen Ruan spoke, no one would casually interrupt with questions. Those questions that were confusing to the old farmers in the capital were not considered problems here. Even ten-year-old children understood them. They all looked at Wen Ruan with expectant and admiring eyes. It was clear that all of this was taught by Wen Ruan. He never held back in this field, which was why so many people followed him and looked at him with such eager gazes...

"Young Master, look! The direction of the 'fertilizer sample' you developed at the beginning of the year was correct. This field is growing particularly well, and the yield per mu will be three times that of others!"

"And this, Young Master, look! There's nothing wrong with the improved seeding tool you've worked on. After testing it this year, apart from minor adjustments needed in two places, everything else works fine. It significantly increases sowing speed and reduces the consumption of manpower and animal power!"

"Also, Young Master, look at this! The merchant caravan brought a new grain variety no one has seen before. Can you identify if it's something good to cultivate?"

Everyone was excited, and so was Wen Ruan, completely forgetting about his fiancé's presence as he dove straight into the fields.

Suddenly, Zhu Yan remembered the profound words of Old Master Huo back at the Huo residence. He now understood the unspoken message...

That all farmers across the land would be Wen Ruan's family.

How fortunate he was to have won the heart of this brilliant young man.

For the entire afternoon, Wen Ruan immersed himself in the fields, blissfully lost in his work. Zhu Yan also witnessed a landscape entirely different from the capital, until evening when Nanxing reported that "Master Ang had returned to the canal guild." Reluctantly, Wen Ruan bid farewell to the farmers and headed to the guild.

This experience was another novel one for Zhu Yan.

He changed his clothes, not wearing his usual princely attire, yet still appearing grand without being ostentatious. Despite not revealing his identity, the men of the canal guild didn't know who he was.

"Ah, Little Master has arrived! Just in time, we caught some fresh fish today. I'll steam one for you to eat!"

"Now, now, no disrespect, but at your age, you're still a child with rosy lips and white teeth. You shouldn't just eat steamed fish. You should try our wild-grown turtle, stewed with wine and spices. It's time to grow up. If you don't learn more skills and gain more experience, the girls in the capital will laugh at you!"

"Get lost! How dare you joke like that with the Young Master? Watch me give you a beating, Young Master. If you can get Master Ang to spare my punishment, how about that?"

The men didn't possess the discerning eye of Old Master Huo, or perhaps they were accustomed to seeing officials due to their frequent travels on the canal. Although they found Zhu Yan's demeanor unique, they weren't intimidated. They greeted the Little Master with smiles, their dark skin contrasting with their white teeth, looking tough but actually quite simple-hearted.

Wen Ruan greeted them with a smile, allowing them to tease him without taking any jibes to heart. Even if he scolded them a couple of times, the men wouldn't be angry, instead feeling honored. They would mock each other, saying things like, "Look, I got scolded by the Young Master, you couldn't even get that; the Young Master ignored you."

In the end, they clamored to add dishes to the Young Master's meal, insisting on catching a turtle right away to cook for him. However, they were each given a whack by the old lady, finally calming down.

The old lady's surname was Jin, she was Cang Ang's mother. She had previously had a son and a daughter who didn't survive, giving birth to Cang Ang later in life, which made her somewhat older now, with gray hair at her temples. However, she had an excellent mindset, full of vitality, not showing her age at all. The walking stick she carried wasn't for support but to discipline the group of rascals around her, punishing anyone who disobeyed, including her own son. The only person she never hit was Wen Ruan.

Tonight's feast was personally prepared by her, consisting entirely of dishes Wen Ruan loved. Her own son had forgotten, treating Wen Ruan like her precious child, eager to fill his bowl with food during the meal, fearing he might go hungry.

Cang Ang tried to intervene but failed, even getting smacked on the hand by his mother's walking stick. In the end, he could only put on a stern face, pouring wine and raising his cup to apologize to Zhu Yan.

Zhu Yan didn't mind at all. In the capital, everyone knew etiquette, skilled in diplomacy and eloquent speech, making the straightforward sincerity of the common folk even more valuable. He enjoyed watching the young man's eyes sparkle with vitality, thriving in his element, and the sight of him blushing under the affectionate gaze of his elders.

It was during this time that he learned the story between the old lady and the young man.

Wen Ruan had saved the old lady's life.

Three or four years ago, there was a heavy rain in Sizhou. Rain wasn't uncommon in Jiang Nan, and unless it lasted for days causing floods and riverbanks to burst, it wasn't a major issue. People were used to protecting themselves and waiting out the storm. However, the old lady had been unlucky that day. Cang Ang was away on a boat trip, and she twisted her ankle while returning from a temple visit, unable to move. With no one around to help, she was about to be swept away by the current...

Fortunately, Wen Ruan saw her as he was descending the mountain. Mountain streams were different from those outside, rushing fiercely. Wen Ruan found a floating log, placing the old lady on top, swimming and guiding her downstream. Apart from getting wet, the old lady was unharmed. When she returned home, a doctor prescribed medicine to prevent colds and treated her foot, leaving her with no further issues. On the other hand, Wen Ruan had to navigate through rough waters, his clothes torn and his body covered in small and large wounds from branches and sharp rocks. He lost a significant amount of blood and took many days to recover.

Without him, the old lady would have faced grave danger.

The debt of saving her life was something the old lady could never forget, always wanting to take care of him and repay him. Unfortunately, he was capable and didn't need her help, leading to her lingering regret. She decided to treat him like her own child, showering him with love.

Because of Wen Ruan, Cang Ang had someone to care for and respect, feeling grateful. He didn't oppose the marriage after understanding the circumstances privately, instead, he was willing to let Zhu Yan get to know Wen Ruan better. As long as his younger brother was happy and willing, he had nothing to say, fully supporting the union. The only concern was that this 'brother-in-law' came from a high place, prompting him to work harder to establish a larger and more solid foundation.

He never felt disadvantaged by being part of the jianghu. While the imperial court held power over the lives of jianghu people, the court also needed the jianghu. He excelled in stirring up the jianghu, causing waves on the surface while the underlying web of interests remained unchanged since ancient times.

Thus, Zhu Yan heard many stories about Wen Ruan's past—his mischief, kindness, hardships, and misfortunes... countless tales.

Among them, the most profound impression was of Wen Ruan's kindness.

Wen Ruan didn't just save the old lady; he was always filled with compassion for the suffering people around him. Whenever he saw innocent people in distress, he would offer a helping hand. However, not all 'innocent victims' were truly innocent. Some deliberately created trouble, exploiting others' sympathy for the weak and vulnerable to extort money or favors. Wen Ruan had fallen victim to such schemes multiple times, but he never held grudges. He believed that bad people were in the minority, and if he hated everyone because of a few bad apples, what would happen to the truly innocent victims? Would everyone turn a blind eye and let them suffer?

"Hmph! You boys, so powerful usually, but when it matters, you're all blind. You're not even as good as this old woman," the old lady slammed the table, making a loud noise. "Just last time, that girl who insisted her ankle was seen by Ah Ruan and wanted to marry him. Not one of you spoke up firmly. I had to chase her away!"

"In this world, girls have it tough, how could I not know? I've been through it myself. But some people are just wicked, rotten to the core. If you don't watch out, you'll be the one suffering! The kinder you are, the more you need to learn to be cautious. Do you understand?"

Every word the old lady said was filled with worry for him. How could Wen Ruan not understand? He reached over to hold her hand, leaning against her shoulder and acting coquettishly. "They don't have anyone to care for them, that's why they need to be more cautious. With you watching over me, why would I need so many precautions? As long as you protect me, I'm not afraid."

The old lady smiled, her satisfaction evident, her wrinkles smoothing out. After laughing, she lightly tapped his forehead. "You always use these words to coax me. Now that you've gone to the capital, I'm old and can't see you every day. Who knows what will happen in the future... sigh."

She glanced at her own son.

Cang Ang put down his wine cup. "Even if you look at me, it won't help. I can't keep him here."

"It's all because you're useless! I'd rather have a daughter than a son like you!" The old lady glared at him fiercely before turning to Zhu Yan. "I apologize for the commotion in my house."

Zhu Yan personally poured wine, filling a cup for the old lady. "Rest assured, I will watch over Ah Ruan in the future. No one will dare to bully him."

The old lady was taken aback, seemingly surprised by his respectful gesture. She lowered her eyes and smiled gently, then raised her cup gracefully, clinking it with Zhu Yan's from a distance. "Your Highness is a true gentleman, making it difficult for an old woman like me to act improperly."

After that, she didn't mention similar matters again, gradually speaking less as she watched the three men chat with a smile.

That night, the atmosphere was still lively, and Wen Ruan received a red paper scroll with golden characters from the old lady, containing a list of treasures. Among them were a few items he had seen before, which the old lady mentioned were saved for her son's marriage. Now, she gave them all to him.

Wen Ruan refused, but the old lady argued that with Cang Ang's unfortunate temper, who knew when he would find a wife. She would continue to save the good things, but these were not to be rejected by Wen Ruan.

She even played the age card, threatening to stage a fall if he dared to refuse. Even Prince Jian couldn't risk offending the elderly lady by rejecting on Wen Ruan's behalf, leaving them to say...

"It's an honor for both Ah Ruan and me."

Wen Ruan wasn't drunk. He feared losing control after drinking and upsetting Prince Jian again. Repeated offenses could lead to anger.

He was also very polite and conscious of time. After returning to the temporary residence with Zhu Yan and seeing that it was getting late, he proactively headed towards the guest quarters.

Zhu Yan: ...

The night was clear, with a splendid Milky Way and gentle winds. Crickets chirped in the background. He wished the path ahead would stretch endlessly, never coming to an end, but it was short. Before they could prepare, they had already arrived at... the entrance to the room.

Zhu Yan was deeply regretful, casting a glance at the tea set in the room that held a hidden meaning: "Would you like to—"

Wen Ruan wasn't drunk, naturally noticing his gaze. He turned his head and saw the tea set on the table as well: "Is Your Highness thirsty? Drinking too much wine can indeed make one thirsty..."

Just as Zhu Yan was about to say yes, he heard Wen Ruan continue—

"But I haven't prepared any tea here. Nanxing grew up with me in the countryside, her skills can't compare to Lan Tian's," Wen Ruan sincerely suggested, "Why not hold on for a bit longer and have Lan Tian brew some? You've accompanied me through my busy day today, Your Highness has truly been hardworking. Why don't you go back and rest early? I should also wash up and get into bed."

Zhu Yan: ...

Was it... to wash his feet?

Alas, the door was shut, leaving Prince Jian no choice but to return with regret.

At the same time, he glared at Lan Tian—why must your tea brewing skills be so good? If they were inferior to Nanxing's, wouldn't there have been an excuse to stay!

Lan Tian: ...

This, Master, if your subordinate couldn't even do this, I would have been beheaded by you long ago. How could I have survived until now?

The next noon, Wen Ruan was invited by Zhu Yan to meet Yi Songxue together.

Adult Yi had been rescued two days prior. After being examined by a physician, taking herbal medicine, and resting thoroughly for two days, he emerged after grooming his hair, trimming his beard, and changing his clothes, appearing like a different person. Humble and scholarly, he still possessed a full bookish air despite being past middle age, giving off a rather unique impression.

It was only then that Wen Ruan felt somewhat familiar: "You're..."

Was it three years ago, or four years ago, when we met?

"Yi Songxue, thanking Young Master for the life-saving grace," Yi Songxue's eyes were slightly moist, "Having received your help twice without being able to repay it, Yi is ashamed!"

"Please rise, Adult Yi!" Wen Ruan kept signaling at him with his eyes, what are you thanking me for, Prince Jian is right beside us. You officials should have better situational awareness!

But he did recall, Yi Songxue... didn't it seem like during a heavy rainstorm, he saved a couple?

It wasn't a matter of several days of continuous rain either, but Yi Songxue seemed to be undergoing a pursuit by enemies at the time, in great danger. He had sheltered the couple for a period... thinking about it, Yi Songxue was indeed a good official, showing great interest in matters of farmland and grain back then, engaging in extensive discussions with him, even coming up with a new policy.

Wen Ruan remembered that when the couple left, they mentioned that the wife was pregnant, though she hadn't shown yet...

"How is your wife? Is the child well?"

"Good, all good," mentioning his wife and son, Yi Songxue couldn't help but smile, "My wife gave birth smoothly, and my son is growing up healthy and untroubled, without any illnesses or misfortunes. It's just that recently things haven't been going well for me, so the two of them went to visit my father-in-law in the capital, also to avoid the troubles for a while."

"Yi Songxue."

Zhu Yan's slender fingertips brushed along the rim of the teacup: "This King remembers, your father-in-law serves as the Chief Censor in the capital. Why didn't you seek help when you encountered difficulties?"

"This..."

Yi Songxue smiled bashfully: "It's just a minor issue, how could I trouble Father-in-law over such a thing."