Chapter 42

Unconsciously, Xu Hao had been a reading companion for two months. With the New Year approaching, he tidied up his clothes, bid farewell to his teacher and three classmates, informed the steward, and took a carriage back home.

For two months, he had not met Mu Ningsnow once, fully immersing himself in his role as a reading companion.

Outside the Xu family’s main gate, the servants were busy hanging lanterns and peachwood charms, and the entire family was cleaning the rooms to sweep away all the bad luck.

Xu Hao got off the carriage and walked straight toward the inner quarters. He occasionally met smiling old women, who were holding New Year gifts from the ladies of the house.

Following tradition, he first went to Fushou Hall to pay his respects. The old lady was reclining on a black sandalwood couch, with two maids kneeling beside her, massaging her legs. Cuizhao and Lüzhu were sitting below, the three of them playing dominoes.

For some reason, the old lady’s face lit up when she saw Xu Hao enter. She sat up, waved the two maids away, and pointed to a spot beside her, saying, "Come here and sit, chat with grandma."

Xu Hao was somewhat taken aback by the favor. The head maid, Yuelan, came over to help him take off his outer robe, ordered a small maid to bring water for him to wash his face and hands, and then handed him a cup of hot tea, which he drank in one gulp.

Sitting beside the old lady, Xu Hao glanced at Lüzhu, seeking a hint. But perhaps because of their engagement, Lüzhu had become unusually quiet.

It was Cuizhao who explained with a smile, "None of your brothers are at home, and grandma misses them."

Xu Hao asked, "Is Big Brother not at home? The Imperial College should be on holiday. Why hasn’t Second Brother returned? And Fourth Brother, has he been in the north for so long?"

The old lady, holding a good hand of dominoes, was still unhappy because her grandchildren were not around. She pouted, "They’re all heartless. They don’t even come back for the New Year. They might as well not come back next year."

"Grandma, don’t be upset. Aren’t we women here to keep you company? Do you only have eyes for your grandchildren?"

Cuizhao smiled and casually played a domino, intentionally giving it to the old lady, who happily took it and reached out to take ten large coins from in front of Cuizhao.

Cuizhao then said to Xu Hao, "Do you not know what’s happening at home? Your uncle has been promoted to a general, and Big Brother has been appointed as a hundred-household officer. They are both serving in the military now. A steward came back and said that the court seems to be planning a military campaign next year. The governor’s office has ordered the training of troops in various regions and sent officials to oversee it. Therefore, they probably won’t be back before the New Year."

Xu Hao was surprised. He hadn’t expected his uncle to take Xu Wen away from the Xu family to serve in the military. He wasn’t oblivious to the world; the Ming Dynasty had many potential battlefronts: the remnants of the Yuan Mongols in the north, nomadic tribes that occasionally raided the northwest, rebellious tribes in the remote mountains of Yunnan, and the Japanese pirates along the southern coast. Any of these could be targets for military action.

It seemed that his uncle was no longer content to be a subordinate of the Xu family and was determined to establish his own household. War was both dangerous and full of opportunities, and it was probably a good thing.

Cuizhao added, "Second Brother is no longer in the capital. A few days ago, he wrote to say that he and some friends were planning to travel to Suzhou and Hangzhou to broaden their horizons and meet famous scholars and talented people. As for Fourth Brother, he wrote that the Prince of Yan’s consort, missing her son, has kept him in the north for the New Year. From the pile of gifts he sent back, it seems he’s quite enjoying himself."

Xu Hao nodded. "Uncle, Third Uncle, and the brothers are all away on important matters. Grandma is actually happy inside. I’m the only one who’s not much use at home. Yes, this year I will assist Father in managing household affairs and won’t be so playful."

"Good boy." The old lady smiled genuinely and asked, "Grandma knows you study hard at the Mu family. Do you have confidence for the provincial examination next year?"

Xu Hao thought for a moment and said, "I can give it a try."

"Scholarship is better than martial arts; it brings peace of mind." The old lady sighed, "Your uncle doesn’t listen to advice, and I’m very worried. I’m afraid Wen is too young and impetuous, and in battle, swords and spears have no eyes."

Xu Hao frowned. "Why don’t you talk to Uncle and try to keep Big Brother in the capital?"

Cuizhao smiled bitterly. "Who can persuade him? He’s determined to achieve military glory. He’s already caused a few scenes, saying that in ancient times, fathers and sons went to war together. He’s afraid that Grandma will order him to stay at home, so he’s probably decided not to come back for the New Year."

"Men have their ambitions. Let him face some hardships." The old lady was more understanding and comforted her grandchildren.

Xu Hao suddenly felt a bit closer to the old lady and spoke without the usual reserve. He then told some interesting stories from outside. Having read many books recently and with his previous knowledge, he could easily recall many anecdotes and jokes.

The old lady listened happily, and Cuizhao and Lüzhu helped to add to the fun. The maids, who were quick to catch on, also joined in, making the old lady laugh heartily. The room was filled with a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

However, when Third Lady Liu arrived, the old lady’s face immediately turned stern. Liu was planning to go north to be with her husband, to enjoy the life of a county magistrate’s wife and the power in the household.

The old lady was unhappy because Third Uncle had just started his career and should be diligent in his official duties. While she disliked Liu’s desire to be free from her, that wasn’t the main issue. What the old lady truly disliked were Liu’s relatives, fearing that these greedy and sycophantic merchants would flock to Third Uncle, potentially leading to corruption.

Therefore, the old lady refused to agree, causing tension between her and Liu. Liu knew that the old lady disliked her and politely greeted her, intending to leave after a brief stay.

With the New Year approaching and Third Lady’s cold attitude, the old lady, in a fit of anger, threw a blue porcelain teacup to the ground and pointed at Liu, shouting, "I won’t let you have your way. Since you’re deliberately trying to upset me, from today on, you’re exempt from all the rules and don’t need to come to pay respects."

The teacup shattered, startling Cuizhao and Lüzhu, who quickly stood up, looking panicked. Xu Hao also stood up.

Everyone expected Liu to be frightened and apologize, but she unexpectedly remained calm and said, "I wouldn’t dare. I will come to pay respects on time, but if you don’t want to see me, I’ll just kowtow in the courtyard."

"Are you cursing me to die?" The old lady became even angrier, her hand trembling as she pointed at Liu.

Liu stubbornly turned her head and cried, "When have I ever had such disrespectful thoughts? If you don’t like me, you can scold and punish me, but why say such heartless and death-inducing words?"

With such a commotion, who dared to step in to mediate? Everyone was in a panic. Xu Hao quickly instructed Yuelan to inform the two ladies to come and help. He then told the crying Lüzhu, "Stop crying and take your mother away."

Just then, a few head maids ran in, all of whom had been with the old lady for many years and had the authority to step in and calm her down.

The situation became chaotic, and just as it seemed it would get out of hand, Lady Wang and Lady Xiao arrived and desperately pleaded. They managed to calm the old lady and had Liu, who was crying and making a scene, taken away. After a while, the old lady’s mood gradually calmed down, and the situation was under control.

Shortly after, Second Master Xu Qingtang rushed in and, in front of the servants, harshly scolded Liu. Liu, trembling with anger, bit her lip and remained silent.

"If anything happens to my mother, I’ll never forgive you." Xu Qingtang angrily left a harsh warning and stormed into the room.

Xu Qingtang first checked on his mother, who was lying in bed, looking unwell. His anger flared, and he turned to Xu Hao, shouting, "It’s all your fault, you good-for-nothing. You’ve caused trouble as soon as you came home. Go to the ancestral hall and reflect on your actions, get out!"

Well, you can take out your frustrations on the soft target! Xu Hao, feeling wronged, had no choice but to admit his mistake.

The old lady, lying in bed, weakly said, "Rubbish, why are you blaming Hao for no reason?"

"It’s this brat who upset Mother, and I’m already being lenient by not beating him." Xu Qingtang quickly smiled and said.

"Enough, enough, stop acting." The old lady waved her hand impatiently, "Everyone except the two ladies and Second Master, leave."

Seeing that the old lady’s temper had truly calmed down, everyone smiled and quietly left. Xu Hao was the last to leave, and he naturally didn’t go to the ancestral hall to reflect.

After some thought, Xu Hao still went to the ancestral hall, supervised the cleaning, and offered three incense sticks. He then personally wiped the ancestral tablets clean.

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**[AD Start]**

**[AD End]**