Chapter 67

A father's heart aches most for his daughter. After much deliberation, Zhong Dayuanwai came up with this impromptu plan to make the future son-in-law take the initiative to visit.

It had a touch of stubbornness in the end.

However, Zhong's wife, Wen Jianhui, was not very pleased. Her daughter was already of a considerable age, and they had finally waited for the son-in-law to come. They had already brought him in, so why put on airs at the doorstep? Wasn't it like taking off your pants to fart, an unnecessary act?

Therefore, before Yu Qing took the initiative to walk through the Zhong family's door, the couple was on tenterhooks, fearing that they might encounter a hothead. Young people tend to be more impulsive. If they treated him this way, what if he stormed off and didn't come in? How would they handle it if they had to invite him back, which would be like slapping their own face?

This was also what Wen Jianhui was most dissatisfied with, and she repeatedly questioned Zhong Su.

Zhong Su said it wouldn't come to that, saying that the son of that old gentleman wouldn't be so ignorant.

Actually, he wasn't very confident either.

Now that they heard Yu Qing had come of his own accord, the couple finally felt relieved.

It was a good thing, but making it so tense, Wen Jianhui couldn't help but glare at her husband.

After a while, the steward Li brought Yu Qing in, and the couple in the main hall immediately sat up straight, scrutinizing Yu Qing from head to toe.

"This is Master and Madam," Li introduced the Zhong couple and then stepped aside.

Yu Qing, feeling a bit uneasy under the scrutinizing gaze of the two seated figures, bowed respectfully and said, "Junior A Shiheng greets Uncle and Aunt."

The formality was proper, and the Zhong couple exchanged glances, feeling something was missing.

"No need for formalities, please sit," Zhong Su gestured to a seat.

Yu Qing thanked him, unfastened his sword, and sat down, behaving in a very proper manner.

A servant brought tea, and Yu Qing nodded in thanks.

The Zhong couple then scrutinized Yu Qing again, finding him to be quite handsome, with a good spirit, far better than the average commoner. At least there was nothing to criticize about his appearance, and Wen Jianhui nodded inwardly.

Zhong Su didn't mention Yu Qing's sneaky behavior around the Zhong residence, raising his hand to indicate a height, "When you left the capital, you were only this tall. Although you are a bit older than Ruochen, he was a bit taller than you at that time. In the blink of an eye, we have grown old, and you have become a young man." He looked at his wife.

Wen Jianhui smiled kindly and nodded, "Yes, time flies. In the blink of an eye, we have grown old, and the young have grown up."

Yu Qing politely said, "Uncle and Aunt are in the prime of your lives and don't look a day older."

Zhong Su waved his hand, indicating that he was flattering them, and continued with the usual questions, "Since we parted in the capital, I haven't seen your parents. How are they?"

"..." Yu Qing was silent, subconsciously looking at Du Fei and Li Fangzhang.

Zhong Su noticed his hesitation and smiled, "They are Li Fangzhang and Du Fei, both people your father arranged for me. Your father should have told you about them. They are now the steward and head of the guards at the Zhong residence. You can speak freely in front of them about matters between our two families."

Yu Qing was taken aback. The steward and head of the guards at the Zhong residence were people of A Jiezhang? A Shiheng had never told him this.

After a moment of silence, Yu Qing slowly said, "Father passed away last year, and Mother, my elder brother, and sisters met with disaster on the way out of the capital."

"What?" Zhong Su suddenly stood up, shocked, as were Du Fei and Li Fangzhang.

Wen Jianhui was stunned, finding it hard to believe.

Du Fei moved to stand opposite Yu Qing and said sternly, "What nonsense are you talking?"

Yu Qing also stood up and continued slowly, "Our family was exiled from the capital, and on the way, we were ambushed by a group of masked men. Mother and my elder brothers were killed on the spot. The attackers intended to wipe us out, not sparing even the guards and servants. Father protected me and was severely injured, left with a lifelong disability. Fortunately, the reinforcements Father had arranged arrived in time, and Father and I managed to survive..."

He recounted the tragic past, speaking until A Jiezhang felt his time was near and began to involve him in the imperial examinations.

Everyone present was stunned into silence, and the Zhong couple was particularly shocked. They never imagined that the former Deputy Minister of the Yu Department had spent his remaining years in a wheelchair in a remote village, which was hard to fathom.

Li Fangzhang and Du Fei looked grief-stricken, and Du Fei finally broke the silence, asking in pain, "Who were the attackers?"

Yu Qing shook his head, "I don't know, but I suspect someone from the court."

Zhong Su's expression was grave, "Although your father was exiled from the capital, his guard was not weak. The person who could have the power to wipe out your father's entourage would not be simple. Your father's situation was very complex, and it's hard to speculate who the attacker was. You can speak about it here, but never mention it outside." He sighed, "No wonder A Jiezhang never revealed his hiding place and only sent anonymous letters occasionally. It turns out such a tragedy happened back then."

Those who understood could see the wisdom in staying hidden to protect himself and others.

They also understood why the son had come to the capital for the examination, and why his father had not sent a letter in time, as he had already passed away before his son even passed the local examination.

Yu Qing couldn't help but ask, "How did you know I came to the capital?"

Zhong Su glanced at Du Fei.

Du Fei, with a pained expression, didn't hide it, "The noodle stall is an outpost set up by the Zhong residence. We encounter a few like you every year."

Last night... Yu Qing was speechless, never expecting to be caught by a seemingly insignificant noodle stall. He thought his little trick was clever but had underestimated the capabilities of a wealthy family. This lesson truly taught him a valuable lesson. If it hadn't been the Zhong family, he might not have known how he died, and the thought was terrifying...

In front of the dressing table, Zhong Ruochen examined herself in the mirror, feeling nervous and uneasy.

She had previously suspected her sister was lying, but now her mother had confirmed that she indeed had a fiancé who was coming today.

The key point was that her mother had mentioned her father's intention. Since the other party had come, the matter of their marriage would be on the agenda, and they would likely be married after the capital examination.

This sudden turn of events left her heart racing and her mind in turmoil.

She didn't know what her fiancé looked like or if her appearance would satisfy him, and her heart was filled with anxiety.

At that moment, Wen Ruowei, dressed as a maid, burst in, excitedly running over and leaning on her sister's shoulder, whispering in her ear, "Sister, I saw him, I really saw him. Sister, do you want to know what your husband-to-be looks like? I'll tell you if you give me a treat."

Zhong Ruochen spat, "I don't want to know."

"Oh, you must be lying," Wen Ruowei tried to hold back but couldn't, and blurted out, "Alright, I'll owe you a treat. Who can resist being a sister? Sister, I saw him. He is slender and very spirited, with a strong and handsome appearance. Sister, you haven't waited in vain. Your parents have good taste. A man who can pass the examination must have talent. Sister, you've really hit the jackpot!"

Zhong Ruochen said she didn't want to know, but she was actually listening intently, her heart pounding like a deer in her chest, her cheeks blushing. There was a hint of sweetness, and she looked at herself in the mirror with a tender gaze, worrying more about whether her future husband would find her appearance satisfactory...

In the Cao residence, in a small courtyard of the large estate, Xu Fei was directing the Cao family servants to prepare the necessary items.

The Cao residence was his maternal uncle's home. It was too late to prepare everything yesterday, and some things couldn't be prepared in advance, requiring his own input.

He wasn't staying in the capital for just a day or two; the examination was still nearly a month away. This month of preparation was crucial, and all the preparations should be to Xu Fei's liking. Xu Fei should be comfortable, and nothing should affect his preparation. This was a major matter for the Cao residence, and the head of the family had given explicit instructions.

A tall, well-dressed man with a short beard and a dignified presence walked into the courtyard, bearing a resemblance to Xu Fei, his nephew. This was Xu Fei's uncle, Cao Xinggong, and the saying "nephew resembles uncle" was evident in them.

The busy servants immediately stopped and bowed respectfully, "Master!"

Xu Fei turned around, his face lighting up as he quickly approached, bowing and greeting, "Uncle, you're finally back. Your nephew, Xu Fei, greets you!"

Cao Xinggong: "Yes, I just got back. I couldn't welcome you yesterday because I was busy, but don't take it to heart. I'll make it up to you today."

Xu Fei excitedly said, "No, I'm just glad to see you, Uncle."

Cao Xinggong patted his shoulder, squeezing it, "It's been three or four years. You've grown so much, I almost didn't recognize you."

Xu Fei: "Uncle, you haven't changed much. I recognized you at first sight."

Cao Xinggong squeezed his shoulder, shaking it, feeling quite moved, "I never thought that the little booger who used to wipe his nose would become a scholar. The name 'Xu Fei of Hengqiu' is even known in the capital. At first, I thought it was a coincidence, but after confirming, I was amazed! I'm proud of you, and I tell everyone that 'Xu Fei of Hengqiu' is my nephew!"

Xu Fei looked around at the servants, feeling embarrassed, "It's just luck, Uncle, don't laugh at me."

"Don't say that," Cao Xinggong waved his hand, perhaps wanting the servants to hear, "When I received the letter from your family saying you had passed the examination, I was surprised and agreed with your family that it was luck. But then you topped the list in Liestate with your quick wit, and even a high-ranking official announced your name... Once could be luck, but twice is not just luck, it's also talent. So, don't be too modest."

Xu Fei smiled awkwardly, not wanting to reveal the truth in front of others.

Cao Xinggong looked around and waved his hand, "You can all leave."

The servants left the courtyard.

Without others around, Cao Xinggong gestured, "Let's go to your study."

Xu Fei, not knowing his intention, led him there.