Chapter 328

Chapter 333: Resolution (Part 1)

The Dowager glanced over the papers before handing them back to Marquis Xu, then turned to Lady Eleven with a smile. "Since you both already have a clear idea in mind, handle it as you see fit."

Marquis Xu and Lady Eleven responded with a respectful "Yes," shared some small talk with the Dowager, and noticing the late hour, took their leave.

Outside, the moon shone brightly, and the air was thick with the heady and inviting fragrance of flowers.

Walking slowly along the garden path, Marquis Xu and Lady Eleven listened to the occasional chirping of summer insects, their minds at ease. Though both had much to say, neither wished to break the tranquil silence, and so they kept silent. Yet the atmosphere radiated quiet contentment.

Entering the garden gate, they followed the stone-paved path. To the north lay the Half-Moon Pavilion, while to the east was the Angling Pavilion.

At the fork in the path, Marquis Xu hesitated briefly, and both showed signs of uncertainty.

He had ridden back to Yanjing in haste with only a few attendants, driving the horses so hard several gave out. The post horses were no match for his own, so when he spotted a magnificent carriage with an iridescent glass canopy and embroidered curtains, along with carts laden with luggage, moving leisurely as if on a spring outing, he suddenly had the idea to purchase the carriage. He immediately ordered his men to offer hundreds of taels in silver notes. Unexpectedly, the other party proved difficult, taunting him and even producing a pouch of gold coins, claiming they wished to buy his horse instead.

He had never feared those who acted arrogantly in his presence.

Dropping the silver notes, he moved to unhitch the horses.

The other party’s guards intervened, but they were no match for his men. In moments, they were soundly beaten. The frightened coachman lashed his whip to flee, but as his attendants were untying the horses… the carriage overturned, and Seventh Miss twisted her ankle, taking four or five days to recover.

Given this history, it was no surprise that Seventh Miss would bear him ill will!

Thus, his pride wouldn’t allow him to ask whether Seventh Miss would be staying at the Angling Pavilion tonight.

He refused to retreat to the Half-Moon Pavilion just because Seventh Miss was at the Angling Pavilion—when she was at Flowing Fragrance Dock, he stayed at the Angling Pavilion.

Yet he was reluctant to part with the gentle, comforting warmth of this moment…

If Marquis Xu wished to return to the Angling Pavilion with her, he would naturally walk by her side. But since he paused here, it must mean he intended to go to the Half-Moon Pavilion.

Lady Eleven pondered.

Was it because he had matters to attend to at the Half-Moon Pavilion? Or was he concerned that Seventh Miss might still be staying at the Angling Pavilion tonight?

For her to tell Marquis Xu that Seventh Miss was staying at Flowing Fragrance Dock tonight… would be nothing short of a forward suggestion. Even with two lifetimes of experience, she could not bring herself to say it.

Hesitantly, she took a few steps forward and stood at the northern path.

"How did your business in Zhangqiu go?"

Under the starlight, her eyes gleamed like starlight, shifting between brightness and shadow.

Marquis Xu looked at Lady Eleven in surprise, his expression softened.

"The land purchase failed," he said quietly, stepping onto the path toward the Half-Moon Pavilion. "Many things happened—it’s hard to explain all at once."

Lady Eleven lowered her gaze to the stone-paved path. "Seeing how quickly you returned, I guessed things either went very smoothly or met difficulties. But from the way you spoke before leaving, I sensed it wouldn’t be so simple…"

"Far from simple," Marquis Xu replied. "I was puzzled from the start—why would they announce the land sale but price out most buyers? It was clearly a trap set for our family."

"Then why did you go?"

"If they’re targeting us, avoiding it now would only invite another attempt later. Better to settle it once and for all," Marquis Xu said calmly. "Fortunately, I went. It turns out someone wanted to meddle in overseas trade and sought to influence the Quanzhou Maritime Trade Office. Since I’m currently dismissed from office, it’s best I steer clear of such affairs. So the land purchase didn’t go through."

As they spoke, they continued toward the Half-Moon Pavilion.

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Eleventh Miss rose quietly.

"Is it the mao hour already?" came Lord Xu's slightly muffled voice from behind.

She hadn't expected to wake him.

"Mmm." Eleventh Miss resumed moving normally, rustling as she dressed. "My lord should sleep a while longer."

After all, he was idle at home now with no court attendance—though this thought shouldn't be voiced in his presence.

Lord Xu sat up, pulling on his white silk inner robe that had been crumpled like pickled vegetables. "Are you going to Guardian Temple with Seventh Sister today?" Remembering Seventh Miss's ornate carriage and temperament, he added, "Have someone notify the abbot to close the mountain gate later."

Eleventh Miss blushed slightly at the sight of his inner robe. "Let me fetch you a fresh one." She turned to open a tall cabinet nearby, retrieving a neatly pressed garment for Lord Xu. "Seventh Sister wants to eat rice-stuffed sausages at Guardian Temple. Closing the mountain gate probably won't help."

Lord Xu was momentarily speechless before finally saying, "Does she usually behave like this at home?"

Eleventh Miss phrased it tactfully: "Seventh Sister has quite a spirited personality."

Lord Xu nodded, unwilling to dwell on the matter, and instructed her: "In that case, take more guards."

Eleventh Miss assented, calling maids to help her freshen up. After breakfast with Lord Xu, she returned to the Angling Pavilion.

Song Mama brightened at her arrival.

"Miss Mu Fu from Seventh Sister's quarters came early to ask when we'd depart."

Instead of answering, Eleventh Miss said unexpectedly, "Go call Amber in."

Puzzled but obedient, Song Mama went to do so.

Eleventh Miss pulled out a red silk ribbon from her collar, from which hung an oval jade pendant.

Lord Xu had put it around her neck last night. Too embarrassed then to examine it closely, she now recognized it as a Hetian jade carving of "Three Sheep Herald Prosperity."

She was born in the Year of the Ram.

Eleventh Miss fingered the pendant absently.

A birthday gift?

Yet Lord Xu had said nothing when giving it.

And he'd chosen when she was exhausted. Had the jade not felt cold against the hard bed keeping her awake, she might never have noticed.

As she pondered, Amber lifted the curtain: "Madam, your instructions?"

After hesitating, Eleventh Miss said, "Never mind. I intended to ask you to make a decorative knot, but I'll do it myself. Just have the maids come help me change my outfit." She refastened the pendant around her neck.

Making knots was Master Jian's specialty, and Eleventh Miss had learned well.

Not just their household—even master craftsmen at Lingxian Pavilion likely could rival Tenth Miss's skill. Smiling, she mused:

"This ribbon is too simple—it deserves a beautiful knot." Then added, "Did elder madam give you this? It looks like premium Hetian jade—flawless, truly rare."

Eleventh Miss gave a noncommittal reply, changed her outfit, and went to Seventh Miss's quarters.

Seventh Miss, already fully dressed, accompanied Eleventh Miss in paying respects to elder madam, as was proper, before setting out for Guardian Temple.

Elevenniang watched as the guards formed an inner and outer circle around several carriages, the scene even more heavily guarded than usual. She knew Lord Xu had specifically ordered it. While Seven Miss went to offer incense at the Great Hero Hall, she and Seven Miss procured a large number of good luck charms for the family.

Seven Miss also brought back several packages of stuffed rice rolls to share with everyone.

Worried the food might not be clean and could upset the Old Madam's stomach, Elevenniang only allowed her to take a small bite.

The Old Madam indeed took just one bite before smiling and setting her chopsticks aside.

Seven Miss then encouraged the children to try some.

Xu Siyu, like the Old Madam, took a single bite and set his chopsticks aside, while Zhenjie looked hesitant and couldn’t bring herself to try it. Only Zhun'er and Xu Sijie dug in enthusiastically. The former even remarked, "These don’t hold a candle to the ones Master Zhao bought from Baiyun Temple!"

"Really?" Seven Miss immediately responded. "Does Baiyun Temple sell stuffed rice rolls too? How come I didn’t know?"

Seven Miss gave Xu Siyu a copy of *Commentaries on the Four Books* as a meeting gift, Zhun'er a fine scholar’s set from Duobao Pavilion, and Jiege a gold pendant. Her lively personality made her well-liked by all the children.

"Of course you wouldn’t know," Zhun'er said dismissively. "Master Zhao says only men know about the finer things in life—where to find the best food, which troupe performs the best opera, the best spots for fishing, or admiring plum blossoms."

Xu Siyu remained silent beside them.

Seven Miss nudged him, "Then tell me, where are the best places to eat? Which troupe performs the best opera…"

Zhun'er set down his chopsticks and began reeling them off like a pro.

Seven Miss gasped and asked Elevenniang, "Has he really been to all these places?"

Elevenniang was busy persuading Xu Sijie, "Leave some for Father, fifth uncle, fifth aunt, and Xin Jieer." Only then did Xu Sijie reluctantly stop.

Hearing this, she replied, "He’s got plans to hit every one!"

Zhun'er felt Elevenniang's answer made him look good and stuck his chest out proudly. "When the time comes, I’ll bring you stuffed rice rolls from Baiyun Temple—guaranteed to be better than these!"

Xu Sijie, hearing there was more food, jumped up and exclaimed, "Count me in!"

This made everyone burst into laughter.

Wei Zi entered and reported, "Madam, Yanrong says the marquis is asking where his geta with the deer leather lining are stored."

In summer, why would he need geta?

Baffled, Elevenniang followed Wei Zi out of the room.

Yanrong was waiting in the courtyard center.

Seeing Elevenniang, she curtsied and accompanied her out of the Old Madam’s courtyard before whispering, "The marquis asks you to go to his outer study. He said Seventh Miss’s man has arrived!"

That so-called 'Lord Xue'—Zhu Anping!

Elevenniang nodded and, with Yanrong, passed through the small hall behind the Xu family’s main reception room to reach Lord Xu’s outer study.

This was her first time here.

Unlike the vast collection of books at Half-Moon Pavilion, the outer study resembled a small but elegant reception room, furnished with understated luxury and arranged for both comfort and solemnity.

Lord Xu introduced her to a tall man dressed in an indigo-blue Hangzhou silk robe embroidered with calamus designs.

"This is Seventh Miss’s man, Zhu Anping."

He referred to Zhu Anping using his wife’s family’s term.

Zhu Anping's eyes flickered slightly as he bowed to Lady Eleven with a cupped-hand salute.

Lord Xu introduced Lady Eleven to Zhu Anping, saying, "Allow me to introduce my wife."

Lady Eleven curtsied in return.

Lord Xu then instructed Lady Eleven, "Mr. Zhu rarely visits Yanjing. Ask the kitchen to prepare some dishes for us so we can share a drink."

Lady Eleven softly acknowledged with a "Yes" before withdrawing, marking their formal introduction.