The banquet lasted much longer than usual, not only featuring archery but also popular entertainment like chupu1 and flag throwing. Liang Feng could still hold on, but Liang Rong, being a young child and not having a nap at noon, gradually began to feel tired. It wasn’t even the time to sleep yet, and the little one’s eyes were already struggling to stay open, overcome by drowsiness. Since he wasn’t particularly interested in these ancient pastimes, Liang Feng decided to end the banquet early.
As a respected figure, he naturally could leave the table first. Various families had set up tents by the river, and the custom of celebrating throughout the night was popular on Shangsi. Liang Feng didn’t ask for anyone to accompany him, taking along Yiyan and a few attendants. They walk along the forest path toward the parked carriage in the distance. Unexpectedly, as they had taken only a few steps, someone blocked their way.
“Thanks to Magistrate Liang’s help on the way, our lady was able to escape danger. We’d like to express our gratitude in person.” A maid stepped forward, speaking softly and sweetly.
Behind her, a young lady in embroidered attire stood there. She and a few servants behind her had blocked most of the spacious road, indicating that they had been waiting for some time.
It was that Miss Xue again? Liang Feng raised an eyebrow. He hadn’t expected this girl to be so persistent. However, they weren’t far from the tent area, and it wouldn’t look good for an unmarried woman to block his way. With a light sigh, Liang Feng said, “A small favor, there’s no need for excessive politeness, Miss.”
Finally hearing Magistrate Liang’s response, Xue Wu’er’s heart rejoiced. She gracefully approached him. Her attire was in the latest style. The brocade skirt was cinched at the waist, and adorned with a dazzling, gold-wrought belt with intricate designs, emphasizing her delicate figure. The wide, flowing sleeves swayed in the wind, occasionally revealing her slender wrists. Instead of golden bracelets, she wore a string of agate prayer beads on her wrist, a white wrist adorned with red beads, like a touch of vermilion on white jade. Beneath the long silk skirt, she wore a pair of dainty colored silk slippers, and the wooden heels made a melodious sound as they stepped on the stone path.
This was an outfit she had put a lot of thought into, designed to capture the Lord’s attention. However, as Xue Wu’er walked closer and saw the person in front of her, she momentarily forgot where she was.
The man before her was extraordinarily handsome, far beyond her imagination. He hadn’t applied any makeup, just wearing a simple robe, but it was enough to captivate her gaze. All the descriptions of “jade trees and heavenly beauty” and “standing out in a crowd” paled in comparison to seeing him in person. Her carefully arranged appearance seemed to dim in comparison.
If she could spend her life with such a man, why would she care about his wealth and prospects?
However, when she met those emotionless, indifferent black eyes, Xue Wu’er suddenly came to her senses and remembered why she was here. Her face turned as red as a beet, and in a fluster, she hastily performed a bow, saying, “I-I was in distress on the road, and my mind was in turmoil. It’s thanks to the Lord’s assistance. I’m deeply… ah!”
Perhaps her hurried bow caused her wooden clogs to strike a piece of gravel, and her body swayed forward.
Advertisement
This was an outright leap into his arms. Liang Feng was left utterly speechless. A fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl, with no curves to speak of, barely reaching his chest. She had applied a thick layer of white powder, a rosy blusher, and even adorned her eyebrows with golden leaf as an ornament. Her makeup was so heavy that it would look extravagant even in a nightclub. Using such a tacky approach was truly unbearable.
However, before he could react, a hand shot out diagonally and firmly gripped Xue Wu’er’s arm!
Her coquettish whimpering instantly turned into real pain as Xue Wu’er was forcibly straightened, her beautiful eyes locking onto another pair of cold, blue eyes.
Gazing into the face of the high-bridged nose and deep-set, fiercely intimidating features, Xue Wu’er’s surprised shriek died in her throat, and her eyes immediately welled up with tears.
“Boyuan, maintain decorum,” a voice sounded from beside them.
Xue Wu’er gave a start and cast a pleading glance toward the speaker. Yet, when she saw the expression on that person’s face, her heart skipped a beat. Those black eyes remained cold and seemed to hold a hint of impatience beneath the surface, as if they could see through her thoughts and regarded her with disdain.
The motionless clog was retrieved by a waiting maid, and Xue Wu’er felt as if something was stuck in her throat. She struggled to speak but couldn’t find her words.
Liang Feng, in contrast, politely nodded and said, “Miss, please return to your camp. Try to avoid any further trouble.”
Advertisement
With that, he paid no attention to Xue’s family servants and walked away with Liang Rong in large strides.
The pain in her chest overshadowed that on her arm. Xue Wu’er blinked her eyes a few times, and tears began to stream down her cheeks. Had she made a mistake? How could Lord Liang accept a crude and lowly woman like her? But she only wanted to marry into the Liang family!
“Miss, please don’t cry…” a maid beside her anxiously consoled her. But how could Xue Wu’er hold back her tears? She felt ashamed and regretful, pained and embarrassed. Her teardrops blurred her delicate makeup and shattered her once whole heart into pieces.
Liang Rong also heard the crying behind him. However, at this moment, he wasn’t like before, ready to ask questions or help. Instead, he tightly grabbed his father’s sleeve. This girl had absolutely no shame, clearly coveting his father! His father was so handsome and heroic; how could that Xue girl ever be a match for him?!
As if sensing the tension in the pull on his sleeve, Liang Feng smiled and lowered his head, asking, “What’s wrong, Rong’er?”
Liang Rong bit his lip hard, struggling for a while before he said, “Is Father going to marry that Miss Xue?”
“Why would I marry?” Liang Feng chuckled, bending down to pick up his son and holding him in his arms. The little one was getting heavier. But thanks to his gradually recovering strength, he was still able to carry him.
Nestled in his father’s embrace, Liang Rong’s emotions gradually settled, and he whispered, “I don’t think Miss Xue… she’s not good…”
How could a little boy like him distinguish between good and bad in a woman? Liang Feng chuckled and teased, “If your father marries a lady from another family, would Rong’er be willing to have one more stepmother?”
This question left Liang Rong stunned. A stepmother? He had been without a mother since he was very young, and he had no idea what a real mother should be like. If there was a stepmother, would his father stop loving him as he did now? If there were other children born, would he still receive his father’s meticulous care?
Advertisement
His small hand clutched the soft fabric of his father’s robe, and Liang Rong’s lips trembled. Finally, he said, “If Father wants to marry, Rong’er is willing.”
All the fear and reluctance were buried beneath his tender voice. He didn’t want to give up this unique form of care, but his father was still young, and he should get married. This was filial piety, something his elders had emphasized and taught him to remember.
Looking at the child’s wrinkled face, Liang Feng couldn’t help but sigh. This only child, who had lost his mother at a young age, naturally had an extraordinary reliance on his father. But Liang Rong was willing to let him remarry. Such an obedient and affectionate child was truly heartwarming.
He gently patted Liang Rong’s little head and whispered, “Yes, Father will definitely marry someone gentle and caring to take good care of Rong’er.”
Perhaps he should indeed consider marrying soon. As the little one grew older, he was becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the idea of a stepmother. It might be best to marry early and allow the child to adapt to the change.
Looking at the situation today, Liang Feng had a complete understanding. In these times, it was not like in later eras where countless women would gather in the streets to admire handsome men, and amorous incidents like throwing fruit from a carriage were not uncommon. Perhaps it was only in such an environment that unmarried women would have the courage to leap into a man’s embrace. Miss Xue might be just the first, and who knows how many other admirers might follow.
Instead of this, it might be better to enter into a political marriage early. After all, young girls, with a little grooming, might turn into the type he favored.
With this idea taking shape in his mind, Liang Feng patted his son’s back soothingly and continued walking. After a few steps, he suddenly halted and turned around. He noticed that Yiyan, who had been following behind him all along, had lagged behind.
“Boyuan?” Liang Feng inquired, puzzled.
Yiyan seemed to startle as if he had been whipped out of nowhere, taking a step forward. “Lord, I was presumptuous today…”
Liang Feng finally understood; he was probably concerned about offending Miss Xue. He smiled and reassured him, saying, “Bo Yuan, don’t worry. What happened today was undoubtedly influenced by Xue Ren’s schemes in the background. With the millions of coins traded annually in the White Porcelain trade between him and the Liang family, how could a minor incident like this cause a rift? But don’t be too tense either; be cautious with everyone you meet. Some matters are better left to the young lady to handle.”
Hearing this, Yiyan lowered his head even further and replied in a muffled tone, “I understand.”
Liang Feng shook his head with a smile and didn’t press further. He then boarded the carriage with Liang Rong.
As the carriage creaked and started moving, Yiyan, who had stood stiffly by the roadside, finally raised his head. When that woman had rushed toward his lord, he had felt his heart about to explode with anger. It was his wrath that had led him to unceremoniously block her. An unknown woman should not dare to defile his lord like that!
But what if her origins were clear, just as my lord said, a legal wife?
Advertisement
In good health, at a young age, with such grace, wealth, and family background, what could stop my lord from marrying another virtuous wife? If that time comes, would he, like others, accept a new “mistress”?
His nails dug deep into his palm, and he could almost hear the grinding of his teeth.
He didn’t want to. It was only today that he had come to realize it. He didn’t want to.
But what use was his unwillingness?
As the carriage began to move, several guards from the Liang family glanced over. Yiyan, with a stiff gait, walked to his own steed and mounted it. When he settled in the saddle, he suddenly noticed a fresh red bloodstain on the white mane of his horse.
Turning his hand over, blood flowed down from his palm, just like the painful wound in his heart, glaringly red.
Without stopping to tend to the wound, he used the injured palm to grasp the reins, spurred the horse, and closely followed the carriage ahead.
Author’s note:
Liang Feng: Hehe, those who offer themselves, volunteer for the bed, no appointment!
Little Wolf Pup: QAQ
1a traditional Chinese board game. It’s also known as “cuju” or “chou tou” in different regions. The game involves using sticks to score points based on the positions of these sticks on the game board.
The banquet lasted much longer than usual, not only featuring archery but also popular entertainment like chupu1 and flag throwing. Liang Feng could still hold on, but Liang Rong, being a young child and not having a nap at noon, gradually began to feel tired. It wasn’t even the time to sleep yet, and the little one’s eyes were already struggling to stay open, overcome by drowsiness. Since he wasn’t particularly interested in these ancient pastimes, Liang Feng decided to end the banquet early.
As a respected figure, he naturally could leave the table first. Various families had set up tents by the river, and the custom of celebrating throughout the night was popular on Shangsi. Liang Feng didn’t ask for anyone to accompany him, taking along Yiyan and a few attendants. They walk along the forest path toward the parked carriage in the distance. Unexpectedly, as they had taken only a few steps, someone blocked their way.
“Thanks to Magistrate Liang’s help on the way, our lady was able to escape danger. We’d like to express our gratitude in person.” A maid stepped forward, speaking softly and sweetly.
Behind her, a young lady in embroidered attire stood there. She and a few servants behind her had blocked most of the spacious road, indicating that they had been waiting for some time.
It was that Miss Xue again? Liang Feng raised an eyebrow. He hadn’t expected this girl to be so persistent. However, they weren’t far from the tent area, and it wouldn’t look good for an unmarried woman to block his way. With a light sigh, Liang Feng said, “A small favor, there’s no need for excessive politeness, Miss.”
Finally hearing Magistrate Liang’s response, Xue Wu’er’s heart rejoiced. She gracefully approached him. Her attire was in the latest style. The brocade skirt was cinched at the waist, and adorned with a dazzling, gold-wrought belt with intricate designs, emphasizing her delicate figure. The wide, flowing sleeves swayed in the wind, occasionally revealing her slender wrists. Instead of golden bracelets, she wore a string of agate prayer beads on her wrist, a white wrist adorned with red beads, like a touch of vermilion on white jade. Beneath the long silk skirt, she wore a pair of dainty colored silk slippers, and the wooden heels made a melodious sound as they stepped on the stone path.
This was an outfit she had put a lot of thought into, designed to capture the Lord’s attention. However, as Xue Wu’er walked closer and saw the person in front of her, she momentarily forgot where she was.
The man before her was extraordinarily handsome, far beyond her imagination. He hadn’t applied any makeup, just wearing a simple robe, but it was enough to captivate her gaze. All the descriptions of “jade trees and heavenly beauty” and “standing out in a crowd” paled in comparison to seeing him in person. Her carefully arranged appearance seemed to dim in comparison.
If she could spend her life with such a man, why would she care about his wealth and prospects?
However, when she met those emotionless, indifferent black eyes, Xue Wu’er suddenly came to her senses and remembered why she was here. Her face turned as red as a beet, and in a fluster, she hastily performed a bow, saying, “I-I was in distress on the road, and my mind was in turmoil. It’s thanks to the Lord’s assistance. I’m deeply… ah!”
Perhaps her hurried bow caused her wooden clogs to strike a piece of gravel, and her body swayed forward.
Advertisement
This was an outright leap into his arms. Liang Feng was left utterly speechless. A fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl, with no curves to speak of, barely reaching his chest. She had applied a thick layer of white powder, a rosy blusher, and even adorned her eyebrows with golden leaf as an ornament. Her makeup was so heavy that it would look extravagant even in a nightclub. Using such a tacky approach was truly unbearable.
However, before he could react, a hand shot out diagonally and firmly gripped Xue Wu’er’s arm!
Her coquettish whimpering instantly turned into real pain as Xue Wu’er was forcibly straightened, her beautiful eyes locking onto another pair of cold, blue eyes.
Gazing into the face of the high-bridged nose and deep-set, fiercely intimidating features, Xue Wu’er’s surprised shriek died in her throat, and her eyes immediately welled up with tears.
“Boyuan, maintain decorum,” a voice sounded from beside them.
Xue Wu’er gave a start and cast a pleading glance toward the speaker. Yet, when she saw the expression on that person’s face, her heart skipped a beat. Those black eyes remained cold and seemed to hold a hint of impatience beneath the surface, as if they could see through her thoughts and regarded her with disdain.
The motionless clog was retrieved by a waiting maid, and Xue Wu’er felt as if something was stuck in her throat. She struggled to speak but couldn’t find her words.
Liang Feng, in contrast, politely nodded and said, “Miss, please return to your camp. Try to avoid any further trouble.”
Advertisement
With that, he paid no attention to Xue’s family servants and walked away with Liang Rong in large strides.
The pain in her chest overshadowed that on her arm. Xue Wu’er blinked her eyes a few times, and tears began to stream down her cheeks. Had she made a mistake? How could Lord Liang accept a crude and lowly woman like her? But she only wanted to marry into the Liang family!
“Miss, please don’t cry…” a maid beside her anxiously consoled her. But how could Xue Wu’er hold back her tears? She felt ashamed and regretful, pained and embarrassed. Her teardrops blurred her delicate makeup and shattered her once whole heart into pieces.
Liang Rong also heard the crying behind him. However, at this moment, he wasn’t like before, ready to ask questions or help. Instead, he tightly grabbed his father’s sleeve. This girl had absolutely no shame, clearly coveting his father! His father was so handsome and heroic; how could that Xue girl ever be a match for him?!
As if sensing the tension in the pull on his sleeve, Liang Feng smiled and lowered his head, asking, “What’s wrong, Rong’er?”
Liang Rong bit his lip hard, struggling for a while before he said, “Is Father going to marry that Miss Xue?”
“Why would I marry?” Liang Feng chuckled, bending down to pick up his son and holding him in his arms. The little one was getting heavier. But thanks to his gradually recovering strength, he was still able to carry him.
Nestled in his father’s embrace, Liang Rong’s emotions gradually settled, and he whispered, “I don’t think Miss Xue… she’s not good…”
How could a little boy like him distinguish between good and bad in a woman? Liang Feng chuckled and teased, “If your father marries a lady from another family, would Rong’er be willing to have one more stepmother?”
This question left Liang Rong stunned. A stepmother? He had been without a mother since he was very young, and he had no idea what a real mother should be like. If there was a stepmother, would his father stop loving him as he did now? If there were other children born, would he still receive his father’s meticulous care?
Advertisement
His small hand clutched the soft fabric of his father’s robe, and Liang Rong’s lips trembled. Finally, he said, “If Father wants to marry, Rong’er is willing.”
All the fear and reluctance were buried beneath his tender voice. He didn’t want to give up this unique form of care, but his father was still young, and he should get married. This was filial piety, something his elders had emphasized and taught him to remember.
Looking at the child’s wrinkled face, Liang Feng couldn’t help but sigh. This only child, who had lost his mother at a young age, naturally had an extraordinary reliance on his father. But Liang Rong was willing to let him remarry. Such an obedient and affectionate child was truly heartwarming.
He gently patted Liang Rong’s little head and whispered, “Yes, Father will definitely marry someone gentle and caring to take good care of Rong’er.”
Perhaps he should indeed consider marrying soon. As the little one grew older, he was becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the idea of a stepmother. It might be best to marry early and allow the child to adapt to the change.
Looking at the situation today, Liang Feng had a complete understanding. In these times, it was not like in later eras where countless women would gather in the streets to admire handsome men, and amorous incidents like throwing fruit from a carriage were not uncommon. Perhaps it was only in such an environment that unmarried women would have the courage to leap into a man’s embrace. Miss Xue might be just the first, and who knows how many other admirers might follow.
Instead of this, it might be better to enter into a political marriage early. After all, young girls, with a little grooming, might turn into the type he favored.
With this idea taking shape in his mind, Liang Feng patted his son’s back soothingly and continued walking. After a few steps, he suddenly halted and turned around. He noticed that Yiyan, who had been following behind him all along, had lagged behind.
“Boyuan?” Liang Feng inquired, puzzled.
Yiyan seemed to startle as if he had been whipped out of nowhere, taking a step forward. “Lord, I was presumptuous today…”
Liang Feng finally understood; he was probably concerned about offending Miss Xue. He smiled and reassured him, saying, “Bo Yuan, don’t worry. What happened today was undoubtedly influenced by Xue Ren’s schemes in the background. With the millions of coins traded annually in the White Porcelain trade between him and the Liang family, how could a minor incident like this cause a rift? But don’t be too tense either; be cautious with everyone you meet. Some matters are better left to the young lady to handle.”
Hearing this, Yiyan lowered his head even further and replied in a muffled tone, “I understand.”
Liang Feng shook his head with a smile and didn’t press further. He then boarded the carriage with Liang Rong.
As the carriage creaked and started moving, Yiyan, who had stood stiffly by the roadside, finally raised his head. When that woman had rushed toward his lord, he had felt his heart about to explode with anger. It was his wrath that had led him to unceremoniously block her. An unknown woman should not dare to defile his lord like that!
But what if her origins were clear, just as my lord said, a legal wife?
Advertisement
In good health, at a young age, with such grace, wealth, and family background, what could stop my lord from marrying another virtuous wife? If that time comes, would he, like others, accept a new “mistress”?
His nails dug deep into his palm, and he could almost hear the grinding of his teeth.
He didn’t want to. It was only today that he had come to realize it. He didn’t want to.
But what use was his unwillingness?
As the carriage began to move, several guards from the Liang family glanced over. Yiyan, with a stiff gait, walked to his own steed and mounted it. When he settled in the saddle, he suddenly noticed a fresh red bloodstain on the white mane of his horse.
Turning his hand over, blood flowed down from his palm, just like the painful wound in his heart, glaringly red.
Without stopping to tend to the wound, he used the injured palm to grasp the reins, spurred the horse, and closely followed the carriage ahead.
Author’s note:
Liang Feng: Hehe, those who offer themselves, volunteer for the bed, no appointment!
Little Wolf Pup: QAQ
1a traditional Chinese board game. It’s also known as “cuju” or “chou tou” in different regions. The game involves using sticks to score points based on the positions of these sticks on the game board.
