Chapter 22

In ancient times, no matter what one did, a good day had to be chosen, and hunting was no exception. In the evening, the brothers gathered to drink and chat. After a few rounds of drinks, Xu Jingqin ordered someone to fetch a calendar.

The day after tomorrow is suitable for hunting. Everyone agreed to meet at the training ground at dawn and set off together. They also needed to prepare a sacrificial offering of three animals to worship the mountain and land gods. Additionally, everyone was required to dress neatly, as if they were preparing for a modern sports event, to avoid being casually dressed and being ridiculed by other young masters.

Xu Hao gained some insight. Despite his hesitation, he did not take the opportunity to get closer to Zhu Gaochi. After all, he was an ordinary person and could not help but be indecisive when faced with important matters. Although relying on Zhu Gaochi could lead to a bright future, it came with risks. Living a peaceful life as a relative of the Zhu Di family would still ensure a life of comfort and security.

He did not know what was needed for hunting, so when he returned to the courtyard, he thought about asking someone. It just so happened that the sisters were gathered to enjoy the moon and cool off. Xu Hao, somewhat confused, casually mentioned the matter.

To his surprise, the mischievous Hongye and Lüzhu insisted on going along. Xu Hao, who had no feudal notions, immediately agreed without a second thought, which made the others suddenly interested.

However, Qinglian, the eldest sister, was steady and said, "They are still young, so it's fine. But we are older and it's not appropriate. Besides, Cuitaoh is about to be engaged and should not show herself too much."

Xu Hao also said, "I can barely take care of them two, let alone all of you. The forest is full of birds, beasts, snakes, and insects. Aren't you afraid?"

Snakes and insects are natural enemies of women. The young ladies thought about it and gradually gave up the idea. Cuitaoh said, "Since it's just us, we should find something fun to do, or we'll waste this beautiful time."

Hongye subtly pinched Lüzhu, who was nestled in Qinglian's arms. Lüzhu, in pain, straightened up. Hongye, as if nothing had happened, said with a playful smile, "I heard that forming a society is popular in the capital. Since the old lady isn't here and no one is managing us, and with the beautiful mountains and clear waters, and flowers everywhere, why don't we form a poetry society?"

"Great idea," the young ladies clapped in agreement.

Xu Hao, finding it boring, was about to leave, but Xu Cuiliu, smiling, pulled him and pleaded, "Among the brothers, only Third Brother is the most understanding of us girls. Please do us a favor and be the manager of the poetry society."

"Right, right," Cuitaoh, taking on the role of an older sister, said straightforwardly, "Red flowers need green leaves to complement them. Third Brother, you should be the manager. We can't do the running around and buying ourselves, and I don't trust those vulgar servants. It's settled."

Xu Hao smiled bitterly, "Second Sister, you really think highly of me. Fine, I'll be the green leaf."

Being a green leaf to the flowers wasn't entirely without benefits. The young ladies were eager to help him, and they immediately started discussing and planning the hunting attire. Cuitaoh contributed two bolts of silver-red plain silk, two pieces of mink fur, and four fox skins. Since her father owned a silk shop, Qinglian generously provided a bolt of stone-blue silk and five bolts of sky-blue coarse cloth. Hongye offered two bolts of bright red flying fish silk and half a bolt of stone-blue dragon-patterned silk.

Xu Cuiyun and Xu Cuiliu thought for a moment. As secondary daughters, they didn't have much to offer, so they contributed the scraps and threads from their embroidery. Qiuxiang, on the side, said she had some fabric at home and ordered the servants to fetch it overnight.

The next morning, the sky was overcast, and it had rained lightly. Everyone gathered in Qinglian's room. Cuitaoh looked at the various silks and tools on the table and said, "This is the first major task of our poetry society. We must outdo everyone else. Even with just one day, the two brothers of the Prince of Yan couldn't prepare as well. Let's all pitch in and work through the night to finish this."

Xu Hao watched the girls, full of enthusiasm and energy, discussing what materials to use for what equipment, and genuinely felt a headache.

However, he underestimated his sisters, especially his eldest sister, Xu Qinglian, who directed everyone with a clear plan, knowing each person's strengths. The division of labor was clear, and everyone quickly got to work.

Hongye, who disliked needlework the most, was sent to the courtyard by Qinglian's command. Xu Hao, curious, went to the window and saw Hongye gather all the servants in the courtyard, carefully selecting six strong young women.

"Measure the sizes," Hongye commanded, waving her small hand, "Mother, call Xiaobao."

"Sure," the woman replied, smiling, and hurried off.

The servants laughed as they helped the six women measure their sizes, clearly preparing to make clothes. Xu Hao watched in surprise as Xiaobao entered with the woman. Hongye gave him some instructions, and Xiaobao ran off on the errand.

Hongye, with her hands behind her back, returned to her brother and said in a tone that brooked no argument, "You can't just sit around. Everything is ready except for the horses. Brother, you need to borrow some good horses."

Hongye held up three fingers, "At least thirty."

"Thirty? That's a lot," Xu Hao thought for a moment, feeling a headache, "I'll go out and try."

Xu Hao, given the order, ran to the stables and immediately had a plan. He then went to his cousin Xu Jingqin's residence, where the brothers were gathered around a pavilion on a rock garden, chatting with the plump Zhu Gaochi.

Climbing the stone steps, Xu Hao entered the pavilion and greeted each of his brothers. The younger ones were not there, probably with Zhu Gaoyu.

Zhu Gaochi, smiling, ordered a eunuch to serve Xu Hao tea and said, "Where are the sisters?"

"They are playing inside. The road is slippery after the rain, so they didn't come to greet you," Xu Hao made up an excuse.

"No need," Zhu Gaochi said with a hint of nostalgia, "Times have changed. We've all grown up, and it's better to maintain propriety. I remember when I was young, I got along best with your sister Qinglian. We read books and played games together. I even said I would marry her as my princess, ha ha!"

Xu Jingqin looked at Xu Hao and said, "Our statuses don't match, but if the prince likes her, he can take her as a concubine."

Xu Hao narrowed his eyes and said coolly, "We are of low status, but my sister doesn't like being a secondary wife. I think, as a childhood friend of my sister, you respected her and chose to forget each other, which I find admirable."

Zhu Gaochi snapped his fragrant bamboo fan shut and said happily, "Exactly. Since I can't make Qinglian my wife, I wouldn't demean her by making her a concubine. As Zhuangzi said: When the water dries up, the fish are left on the land, where they moisten each other with their breath and wet each other with their saliva, but it's better to forget each other in the vast river and sea. You have truly understood my thoughts."

Xu Hao was taken aback, not expecting Zhu Gaochi to have truly had feelings for his sister, and seemingly deeply so. Why didn't I see it?

There was no point in saying more, as it could stir up Zhu Gaochi's emotions, leading to a forced advance at night, which, though not bad, was not something he wanted to think about. Shaking his head, Xu Hao quickly dispelled the evil thought.

"I came here to borrow some horses for hunting."

Zhu Gaochi said happily, "Among brothers, there's no need for formality! Servants, lend my Snow Lion and the horses of the guards to my brother tomorrow."

Xu Hao was delighted, having successfully completed the task Hongye had given him. The brothers looked envious, and Xu Wen also asked for a few horses.

On the way back, Xu Hao, who was happy, suddenly stopped and said in shock, "Damn, is this guy still harboring evil intentions?"