Chapter 291: Xiao She 5

Chapter 291: Xiao She 5

Regardless of how silly he might seem, Xiao She would never be polite with his elder brothers. So, after returning from Shiquan Mountain, he packed a few clothes and headed to the Ning Residence.

Xiao Ye was spending time with his wife when he heard from a servant that you were carrying a bundle. Sensing something unusual, he quickly went to the front courtyard.

Xiao She was already sitting in the hall. Upon seeing him, he directly said, "Fourth Brother, I need to stay here for a while. Please arrange a guest room for me."

Xiao Ye replied, "Stay as long as you like, but why the sudden move from home?"

Xiao She answered, "Waiting at home is driving me crazy. Staying here lets me get updates every day, which is more convenient."

Xiao Ye teased, "Looks like you're the most eager one in the family to get married!"

Xiao She said, "I wasn't in a hurry initially, but since you all insisted on helping me arrange things, I can't sleep peacefully until there's a conclusion."

Xiao Ye asked, "What if it were another girl?"

Xiao She replied, "Another girl? I want to marry Miss Lu. I don't want anyone else."

Xiao Ye chuckled, realizing his silly Fifth Younger Brother had finally come around.

The east side room in the second courtyard could be used for living. Xiao Ye had the maid clean it so that Xiao She could conveniently have meals with them.

Once the room was ready, Xiao She went to put his bundle down. Xiao Ye followed and looked around the room, saying, "Check if anything's missing. Don't be polite with your Fourth Brother."

Xiao She looked around and pointed to the dressing table, saying, "It's missing some face cream. Give me two boxes."

Xiao Ye was left speechless.

While fetching the face cream from their courtyard, Xiao Ye took the opportunity to tell Yan Mingxiu about his plan. He cautiously asked, "I invited Fifth Younger Brother to have meals with us. You don't mind, do you?"

Yan Mingxiu glanced at him and said, "I do mind. It'll be too noisy with just the two of us. I prefer Fifth Younger Brother's company. You can find another place to eat."

Xiao Ye was left speechless again.

Yan Mingxiu gave him a sharp look, "So, in your eyes, I'm the kind of petty sister-in-law who can't stand having a brother-in-law stay for a few days?"

Xiao Ye replied, "No, I just thought you might not be used to having a grown man around."

He remembered when his second sister-in-law first married in; she was wary of him as if he were a stranger. It was understandable since all the brothers were quite burly.

Yan Mingxiu snorted, "That depends on who it is. If it were His Majesty the Second Prince, I'd rather eat in the backyard by myself."

Xiao Ye asked, "If the Second Prince had my looks and temperament, would you still be uncomfortable?"

Yan Mingxiu said, "I'd be even more uncomfortable, afraid you'd try something under the table."

Xiao Ye was left speechless again. "So, in your eyes, I'm that kind of scoundrel?"

Yan Mingxiu just smiled.

Xiao Ye waved the two boxes of face cream and said, "Just you wait and see!"

Back in the second courtyard, Xiao Ye placed the two boxes of face cream on the dressing table and gave Fifth Younger Brother some instructions, then looked at him with a complicated expression.

Xiao She said, "...Are you asking me for money for the face cream? How much?"

Though he hadn’t expected his Fourth Brother to be so cheap, he was still willing to pay.

Xiao Ye glared at him. "Who's asking you for money? I'm just wondering why Elder Sister, Second Sister-in-law, and even your Fourth Sister-in-law all seem to favor you."

It wasn’t favoritism; it was trust. Being around Fifth Younger Brother made everyone feel relaxed and comfortable.

Xiao She thought for a moment and said, "Because I’m well-behaved and don’t have any bad intentions."

Xiao Ye: "I'm well-behaved too, and I don’t have any bad intentions either."

Xiao She: "You’re full of bad intentions. When we were kids, we couldn’t catch any fish at the Sun family’s pond even after spending money. You even talked about stealing fish at night."

Xiao Ye: "That’s because I couldn’t stand Sun Dian’s arrogance and said it out of frustration. Have you ever seen me steal anything?"

Xiao She: "You stole melon seeds from my sister..."

Xiao Ye: "That was ages ago. Alright, alright, I’m done arguing with you."

Xiao She: "Anyway, you’ve always looked like someone who’s up to no good."

Xiao Ye: "What do you know? If someone gives you candy, you think they’re a good person. Do you even know what 'bad intentions' mean?"

Xiao She: "My mother said you’re the type. On the surface, you smile and act friendly, but in your heart, you’re scheming against others."

Xiao Ye raised his eyebrows. "When did Second Aunt say that?"

Xiao She: "Back when we were kids, she said you were taking advantage of me and told me to stay away from you."

Xiao Ye: "Then why didn’t you listen to Second Aunt and still followed me around?"

Xiao She: "Because you didn’t take advantage of me and always gave me good food."

Xiao Ye: "...Alright, let’s go say hi to your Fourth Sister-in-law."

——

After Xiao She moved to the Prince of Wu Commandery's mansion, he would go to the garden in the morning and return again in the evening after work, specifically to watch the budding peonies.

Yan Mingxiu became somewhat envious of Lu Qiu. "Fifth Younger Brother is so devoted. If Qiu'er knew how deeply affectionate he is, she would definitely want to marry him."

Xiao Ye: "Before we got married, I was also eagerly waiting for that day to come."

Yan Mingxiu: "...What you were looking forward to and what Fifth Younger Brother is waiting for are completely different."

Xiao Ye: "..."

Frustrated, Xiao Ye found himself sighing repeatedly while reviewing documents in the eastern camp.

Lu Gong glanced over and, seeing that the young man was clearly distracted, coughed and asked, "Sir, is something bothering you?"

Xiao Ye met his gaze and asked with a somber tone, "Uncle Lu, tell me honestly—who’s better, me or Fifth Younger Brother?"

Lu Gong’s mind raced, trying to figure out what Xiao Ye really wanted. Should he, to please the emperor’s brother, say something negative about the emperor’s cousin?

Although he knew it would be wise to flatter Xiao Ye, Lu Gong had no interest in playing the sycophant and answered honestly, "My Lord is extraordinarily intelligent, and the Prince is exceptionally brave. Both of you are exceptional young leaders."

Xiao Ye: "That’s not what I’m asking. If I were still single, would you pick me or Fifth Younger Brother as your son-in-law?"

Lu Gong became wary. "Both of you are exceptional men. My daughter is too lazy to deserve either of you."

Xiao Ye: "...You really are, sigh, let me tell you the truth. Fifth Younger Brother has fallen for a girl. I promised to help him pursue her, but he couldn't wait. He moved into my place so he could easily gather information. I told him to wait until the peonies bloom before I make arrangements for him, but now he goes to see the peony buds morning and evening. After the Princess Consort found out, she praised him for being infatuated and then criticized me. Am I not wronged? After all, I’m just as smitten myself."

Lu Gong smiled and said, "The Princess Consort is just teasing you. She doesn't really dislike you."

Xiao Ye put his hands behind his head, leaned back in his chair, and let out a sigh. "I'm just hoping this matter with the Fifth Younger Brother gets settled soon. Once he moves out, the Princess Consort will have no reason to criticize me."

Lu Gong didn’t reply, sensing that the young prince might be setting a trap.

He hadn't forgotten that last month, his wife had attended a wedding banquet at the Grand Princess’s residence and came back telling him how Xiao She had been staring at his daughter.

In Lu Gong's eyes, Xiao She had his good points, but without the care of parents, brothers, and sisters-in-law, it would be difficult for Xiao She to survive the chaos of the past years on his own. After all, others could easily harm Xiao She with underhanded tricks. Now that peace had been restored, Xiao She still couldn't stand on his own. How could Lu Gong bear to entrust his daughter to someone who couldn't even take care of himself?

Lu Gong could only hope that Xiao She's affection for the girl was a mere infatuation and that his glance at his daughter that day was just a momentary attraction.

Unfortunately, things didn't go as he wished. On the evening of the 18th of February, as soon as Lu Gong returned to his mansion, he was summoned by his mother. His wife was there too.

On the table was an invitation. After sitting down, Lu Gong picked it up and frowned upon reading it.

Lady Lu: "In the past, the Princess Consort of Ning has never invited us alone. Is it for Qiu'er?"

Lu Gong: "Of course. A few days ago, Ning Wangfei tested my reaction by praising how infatuated the Prince of Wu Commandery is."

Grand Lady Lu: "What do you mean by 'infatuated'?"

Lu Gong, feeling irritated, recounted the story.

Grand Lady Lu chuckled and said, "The Prince of Wu Commandery may seem rough, but he has a refined side."

Lu Gong: "What refinement? He's..."

Considering that Xiao She was, after all, a prince, Lu Gong swallowed the rest of his words and simply pointed to his head.

Lady Lu: "There's no need to say that. Being able to follow the Emperor from Wei County to Luoyang City, the Prince of Wu Commandery is at most straightforward without schemes. He understands military strategies."

Lu Gong: "Paper talk. If he led an army, any cunning adversary could easily defeat him."

Grand Lady Lu: "Do you mean we should just go and enjoy the flowers and not agree to anything else?"

Before Lu Gong could nod, his daughter entered.

Lu Qiu sat next to her grandmother, glanced at the invitation her father had set aside, and asked, "Father also thinks the Princess Consort of Ning wants to match me with the Prince of Wu Commandery?"

Grand Lady Lu recounted Xiao She's actions of waiting for the peonies to bloom at the Ning Mansion.

Lu Qiu smiled and said, "So it seems. He's quite infatuated with me."

Lu Gong was startled by his daughter's smile. "You can't seriously consider this just because of that. Let me tell you, Xiao She is all brawn and no brains. He doesn't know how to take care of people, especially someone as delicate as you. He might accidentally hurt you with just a pat."

Lu Qiu: "Why would he pat me for no reason? If you think he's dull, I like his dullness. The smarter people are, the more they bully others. Someone like him will listen to me in everything. If I tell him to go east, he wouldn’t dare go west."

Lu Gong exclaimed, "You want to marry him? After just one meeting?"

Lu Qiu: "I've only met him once, but you've told me so much about him. In the capital, if I'm looking for someone who is handsome, capable, and of noble birth, the Prince of Wu Commandery is definitely the best. Should I give up the best to choose someone inferior?"

Lu Gong: "His talent is just his brute strength. He doesn't know how to cherish and love."

Lu Qiu: "Dad, you’re not exactly delicate yourself; how would you know if he can cherish someone? Besides, you've praised him before for his natural strength and unparalleled spear skills, saying that's how he surpasses you. Now you're saying it's just brute strength?"

Lu Gong: "......"

Lady Lu smiled and said, "In your father's eyes, no young man in the world is worthy of you."

Lu Qiu: "Then I won't marry. I'll be an old maid for my entire life."

Lu Gong: "... Don't say things in anger. Father truly believes you and the Prince of Wu Commandery aren't a good fit. How about we take a look at other young talents?"

Lu Qiu: "The other young men look at me with lecherous eyes. Only the Prince of Wu Commandery has clear, pure eyes."

Lu Gong pointed to his head again: "He probably doesn't understand at all!"

Lu Qiu angrily said: "Anyway, I'm marrying him. Whether he's smart or not, he'll still be your son-in-law. Either help me make him smarter, or stay far away from us. If I hear you call him stupid one more time, I won't call you father for a whole month!"

Having it all out, Lu Qiu stormed off.

Lu Gong: "..."

Old Lady Lu: "Qiu'er isn't someone who falls in love at first sight. Has she been going out often recently and met the Prince of Wu Commandery again?"

Lu Gong: "No, if she had, the imperial guards would have informed me."

Lady Lu: "Unless Qiu'er told them not to say anything."

Hearing this, Lu Gong quickly questioned the imperial guards, and thus learned that his daughter had toured Jin Valley with Xiao She at least once, and another time she had dismissed the guards early, surely to meet Xiao She.

Lu Gong wanted to call Fei Yan and Bai Ling for further questioning, but Lady Lu stopped him, saying, "Enough with the detailed inquiries, or Qiu'er will only get angrier with you. I say, Qiu'er is the smartest, and she can tell the difference between foolishness and simplicity. Since she's so satisfied with the Prince of Wu Commandery, there must be admirable qualities in him. Not to mention, this business of him waiting for the peonies to bloom—it makes my heart feel sweet just hearing it."

Lu Gong: "... Anyone can check if the flowers have bloomed, right?"

Lady Lu: "Anyone can do it, but not everyone will take the time, especially you high-ranking military officers who spend all your time scheming for the emperor's favor, with no time to care about what your wives and daughters think."

Lu Gong: "..."

—

Whether Lu Gong liked it or not, when the day came, Old Lady Lu and Lady Lu still took Lu Qiu to the Prince of Ning's residence to see the flowers.

On the same day, early in the morning, as soon as Lu Gong arrived at the Eastern Camp, he saw Xiao Ye and Xiao She standing outside the camp gate. Xiao Ye seemed to be trying to curry favor with him, while Xiao She was just as unconcerned as ever.

Lu Gong snorted and dismounted his horse.

Xiao Ye patted Xiao She's arm: "Go help Uncle Lu with the reins."

Lu Gong: "Don't trouble yourself..."

Before he could finish speaking, the reins had already been taken by Xiao She.

Xiao She obediently held the reins, and Xiao Ye said with a smile: "Uncle Lu, previously I had no confidence, so I had to keep it from you. Today, I still lack confidence, but I can no longer hide it from you. I've brought Fifth Younger Brother over. If there's anything you're unsatisfied with, just say it, and Fifth Younger Brother will change according to your wishes."

Xiao She: "Yes, as long as you are willing to marry Miss Lu to me, I'll agree to anything you say."

Lu Gong: "How could Lu dare to be presumptuous in front of the Prince and the Prince of Wu Commandery?"

Xiao Ye: "Come on, we've never acted like princes around you. We sincerely respect you as an elder. My second uncle even said that we should win you over with sincerity, just like when I pursued my princess consort."

Lu Gong remained unmoved and stared at Xiao She.

Xiao She looked back at him blankly.

Xiao Ye: "Uncle Lu, no need to pay him any mind. He's not good with words. If you fall or get hurt, he'll help you up and fetch medicine right away, but he just won't know how to sweet-talk you."

Lu Gong: "I'm not so old that I need help getting up."

Xiao She: "Then I'll help you when you're old."

Lu Gong: "..."

They finally arrived at the barracks where the officers were on duty. Lu Gong glanced at Xiao She and said, "Prince of Wu Commandery, you should return to your duty with the Imperial Guard. Don't neglect your responsibilities for this."

Xiao She: "I've taken leave. Today, I'm here to attend to you."

Lu Gong: "I don't need you to attend to me."

Xiao She looked at his fourth brother.

Xiao Ye: "Find a place to sit yourself. Watch Uncle Lu do his job. If you can't become his son-in-law, it's still good to learn some skills."

Xiao She: "No, I want to be Uncle Lu's son-in-law."

Xiao Ye: "Then figure it out yourself. I've done what I could."

Having no other option, Xiao She followed Lu Gong closely, to the point where Lu Gong was about to enter the restroom, and Xiao She almost followed him in.

Lu Gong, unable to bear it any longer, gritted his teeth and said, "Stop playing dumb with me. You've already won Qiu'er's favor. Why are you still bothering me?"

Xiao She looked puzzled.

Lu Gong: "... You don't know Qiu'er's feelings?"

Xiao She suddenly realized, "Are you saying she's agreed to marry me?"

His aunts and mother often teased their sisters-in-law, so Xiao She knew that winning a girl’s favor means she likes you!

Lu Gong saw the light in Xiao She's eyes and, not wanting the young man to get too cocky, denied it, "No, whether my daughter marries is my decision to make."

Xiao She: "I don't believe you. I'm going to ask her!"

Lu Gong quickly grabbed Xiao She's arm, "She's accompanying your fourth sister-in-law to admire the flowers. Don't go cause trouble!"

Xiao She: "I won't cause trouble. I'll ask and come right back."

Lu Gong: "No, you won't. You stay here obediently!"

Xiao She shook off his hand.

Lu Gong almost stumbled and chased after him, shouting at Xiao She's rapidly disappearing back, "If you step outside the camp, forget about ever calling me father-in-law!"

Xiao She had to stop.

Lu Gong had just breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the soldiers who were moving around and training stopped, all staring at him and Xiao She.

Lu Gong: "..."

Xiao Ye came running out from the barracks, looked at the two of them, and laughed loudly, "Fifth brother, come back! As long as you stay in the camp, you can keep calling Uncle Lu father-in-law. Isn’t that right, everyone?"

The soldiers, finding amusement in the dry routine of the camp, chimed in, "Yes!"

Xiao Ye then winked at Xiao She, "Why don't you call him father-in-law now?"

Xiao She beamed with joy, turning on his heels and sprinting back the way he came, calling, "Father-in-law!" while running.

Lu Gong: "Shut up, I'm not your father-in-law!"

With that, he took off in the opposite direction, indifferent if Xiao She followed. He had no intention of staying in this Eastern Camp any longer!

Xiao She continued to chase him. Xiao Ye stoked the flames once more: "Watch out, Fifth Younger Brother might just beat you up!"

Lu Gong hesitated in his steps.

Xiao She gleefully grabbed his arm. "Father-in-law!"

Lu Gong snorted, pointed at Xiao Ye, and declared, "If you take him down, then I’ll consider it."

He couldn’t touch a prince, but his own brother was fair game.

Xiao She, however, said, "Thanks to Fourth Brother’s help, I can finally call you 'Father-in-law.' I can't beat him up."

Lu Gong: "..."

Turns out this guy isn’t so dumb after all!!