Minister Xu was restless, unable to figure out what offense he might have committed no matter how hard he racked his brain.
Could it be that the argument he had while drinking last month had reached Xiao Jing’s ears?
That shouldn’t be the case. There were so many people quarreling in the tavern that day—if Xiao Jing wanted to arrest them all, he’d have to round up everyone. Why would he single him out?
Not to mention that he was usually the most cautious in his words and actions, always afraid of causing trouble for the Empress in the palace.
The man sitting across from him hung his head, holding a teacup in his hand, his gaze fixed for nearly half a quarter of an hour.
Minister Xu couldn’t bear it any longer and cautiously asked him, “Lord Xiao, did one of my unfilial sons cause trouble outside?”
Minister Xu had three sons, but they were all away studying. He couldn’t keep an eye on them all day, so if they had done something wrong, he might not even know about it.
Xiao Jing snapped out of his thoughts and, seeing Minister Xu’s troubled expression, cleared his throat twice. “No, your sons are diligent and studious. Naturally, they wouldn’t stir up trouble.”
Sons?
Xiao Jing’s address startled Minister Xu once again.
To be fair, the Xu family and the Xiao family were somewhat related. Xiao Jing’s mother, Old Mrs. Xiao, was the elder sister of the current Emperor, so Xiao Jing’s use of “sons” wasn’t entirely inappropriate.
However, Minister Xu didn’t dare to actually claim kinship with the Xiao family, especially with the stern-faced Third Master Xiao.
He forced a smile and said, “That’s good, that’s good.”
Xiao Jing set down his teacup. He didn’t even know why he had come to the Xu residence in the first place.
The young lady never went out, so he couldn’t see her. Hearing news about her made it hard for him to stay calm.
He even held a faint hope, wishing that the young lady might also have memories from the dreams, just like him.
But Xiao Jing knew that was impossible.
“The Dragon Boat Festival is approaching. I came to ask if Minister Xu would be interested in participating in this year’s dragon boat race. Your sons could join the young prince’s team.”
“That’s it?”
After hearing Xiao Jing’s words, Minister Xu’s eyes nearly popped out of his head.
Even if Xiao Jing hadn’t mentioned it, they would have joined the Crown Prince’s team anyway.
Minister Xu really wanted to complain that Xiao Jing was making unnecessary efforts, but he was afraid there might be some deeper meaning behind it. After all, the reputation of Third Master Xiao was well-known throughout the capital. In less than two years of managing the Imperial Guard, he had investigated and confiscated the properties of dozens of corrupt officials.
Minister Xu was terrified that Xiao Jing’s visit today was a scouting mission.
No, he couldn’t go drinking anymore in the future, lest Xiao Jing think he was extravagant and indulgent in wine and pleasure.
Minister Xu was uneasy. In his eyes, Xiao Jing was even more fearsome than the Emperor.
Xiao Jing felt awkward under his wary gaze and simply stood up.
“Yes, the Emperor will also attend the dragon boat festival. Minister Xu can start preparing early.”
Upon hearing this, Minister Xu nodded emphatically. “Absolutely.”
Seeing that Xiao Jing seemed ready to leave, Minister Xu felt relieved but, in his excitement, ended up saying something that sounded like an invitation to stay.
“It’s getting late. Would Lord Xiao care to stay for a simple meal?”
As soon as he said it, he wished he could slap himself twice.
Fortunately, Xiao Jing knew he wasn’t welcome and declined. “No need. I still have official duties to attend to.”
“Ah, yes, indeed. Lord Xiao should hurry and attend to them.”
Minister Xu’s expression brightened instantly.
“Very well. Minister Xu, there’s no need to see me out.”
After leaving the Xu residence, the attendant saw that Xiao Jing hadn’t mounted his horse to leave and was somewhat puzzled.
“Master, don’t you still have duties to attend to?”
Why was he lingering outside the Xu residence, seemingly intending to stay for a while?
“No rush.”
…
After Xiao Jing left, Madam Xu entered the room.
“Has Third Master Xiao left?”
The servant behind her was still carrying refreshments, but only Minister Xu remained in the room.
“He’s gone.”
Minister Xu collapsed into his chair, wiping the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve.
Lady Xu couldn’t stand seeing him in such a useless state. She waved the servants away and sat down beside him.
“What do you think Third Master Xiao is here for? Our family hasn’t done anything wrong, and we don’t have much connection with the Xiao family. Could it be for Yun’er?”
Xiao Jing was already over twenty years old. At his age, most others were already fathers, but Xiao Jing didn’t even have a betrothed.
Lady Xu thought her daughter was perfect in every way, so it wasn’t impossible for Xiao Jing to take a liking to her.
Minister Xu was startled, immediately straightening up.
“No, no, no! Our Yun’er has a gentle and soft nature. She needs to find a husband who’s easy to manage in the future. Someone like Xiao Jing—if he bullied Yun’er after marriage, we wouldn’t be able to stand up for her. Absolutely not!”
“I was just saying.”
Lady Xu wasn’t very satisfied with Xiao Jing either. They only had this one daughter, so of course they wanted everything to be perfect for her.
“Then why is Third Master Xiao here? Could it really be about the dragon boat race?”
“Who knows? He might also be here to scout things out. These next few days, make sure to keep the servants in check and don’t let them cause trouble outside.”
“I know.”
Matters from the front courtyard didn’t reach the rear courtyard. Jiang Fu and Xu Yun shared some snacks and tasted the dishes prepared by the Xu family’s chef.
Xu Yun’s plump and rosy appearance was undoubtedly linked to the family’s chef.
Jiang Fu’s mouth was stuffed full. Whether it was the three-delicacy duck, the mushroom-braised chicken, or the yam cooked with cherries, everything was so delicious it felt like her tongue would melt.
“Sister Ah Fu eats with such gusto.”
Xu Yun held her rice bowl, feeling she could eat an extra bowl just from watching Jiang Fu.
Jiang Fu pursed her lips and smiled shyly. Sister Yun was so kind—not only treating her to delicious food but also not minding her gluttony.
After the meal, the two went to catch butterflies in the garden.
Xu Yun’s courtyard was filled with flowers of all colors, and Jiang Fu’s eyes lit up at the sight.
“If only these flowers could be made into fragrant beads.”
“Sister Ah Fu knows how to make incense?” Xu Yun asked curiously.
Jiang Fu nodded, then shook her head. “I’ve read some incense recipes, but I haven’t tried making any yet.”
Her honesty made Xu Yun think highly of her. Other girls would claim to know things they didn’t just to save face, but Jiang Fu seemed refreshingly innocent in comparison.
“Then I’ll pick some flowers from my courtyard for you. Feel free to experiment.”
“This…”
Xu Yun was too generous. Jiang Fu felt overwhelmed by the favor. She had already enjoyed her snacks and delicious food today—how could she bear to waste her flowers too?
“I believe in you, Sister Ah Fu. Just share some of the fragrant beads with me when they’re done.”
Hearing Xu Yun say this, Jiang Fu felt reassured. She nodded firmly in agreement. “Alright!”
The two played for a while longer, and Jiang Fu didn’t leave the Xu residence until the sun was less scorching in the afternoon.
Xiao Jing’s servant was nearly starving to death. He had stood under the blazing sun for half the day, feeling both hot and thirsty.
He didn’t understand why his master was waiting here. Could it be that the Xu family really had some issue that required the master’s personal investigation?
The servant, dizzy and lightheaded, silently admired his master.
His master truly deserved to be the Emperor’s most trusted official—such perseverance was something he himself couldn’t match.
Thinking this, the servant straightened his posture and pinched his palm hard to stay alert. Since his master was so capable, he couldn’t afford to hold him back.
However, the servant soon realized just how wrong he was.
“Fourth Miss Jiang.”
As Jiang Fu stepped out of the Xu residence, before she could even board her carriage, a familiar voice called out to her.
Her body trembled slightly as she slowly turned around. Standing before her was none other than Xiao Jing.