Chapter 64

In my memory, my beautiful cousin has always enjoyed playing hard-to-get with me. Despite being the most envious of everything the Xu family had, she would always put on a look of disdain whenever we were together. Even at a young age, she was moody, and I, as a child, was most susceptible to this treatment. Whatever she fancied, be it delicious food or toys, I would quickly and obediently offer it to her with both hands.

Of course, this was the old Xu Hao. Now, he only sees Xiao Yuying as a beauty, a cousin who likes to play mind games.

My cousin Xiao Yushi has been living at home for some time but has never set foot in the Bamboo Garden. As soon as Xiao Yuying arrived, she urged her sister to come over, while she herself seemed reluctant to be dragged along.

Xu Hao's Bamboo Garden emphasizes natural simplicity, with no excessive luxury. It is a completely natural and elegant cottage built from natural materials. From a distance, the green bamboo house looks lush and verdant, with an ancient and Tang-style appearance. The entire floor is covered with polished red wooden planks, about a foot above the ground. To enter the house, one must take off their shoes and walk barefoot in the main room and the surrounding verandas. In winter, thick, soft carpets are laid out, and small wooden tables and cushions are placed in every corner, allowing one to sit on the ground anywhere.

Behind the house is a steaming hot spring, with a water wheel and bamboo pipes that move with the flow of water, creating an interesting and beautiful scene. Surrounding the area are bamboo groves and a flower garden. Xu Hao, who spoils the view, plans to plant some fruits and vegetables next year. In the distance, the flying eaves of the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion can be seen.

Whether it's the old matriarch or the red leaves and green bamboo, everyone praises Xu Hao's taste, but to Xiao Yuying, it's just a somewhat refined thatched cottage.

Xu Hao didn't put much thought into his living place. The outer hall has no decorations, making it look very clean and tidy. The bedroom and study, however, are filled with items from his previous residence, decorated by the girls to resemble a young lady's boudoir, warm and elegant, with a strong feminine touch!

The walls are wrapped in silk and pink satin, and the shelves are filled with antiques and jade. A guqin and a sword hang on one side, along with kites from childhood and famous calligraphy and paintings. It looks like a young lady's sewing room, which suits Xiao Yuying's taste.

The two Wang family girls, Wang Xuanqing and Wang Xuansu, also came along, curiously examining this unique residence. Standing next to the beautiful Xiao Yuying, they seemed rather plain.

Xu Hao treated all the guests equally, inviting them to have a cup of tea with a smile. The Wang sisters, being new, didn't say much, and Yushi maintained her proper demeanor. After sitting for a while, Xiao Yuying found it cold and got up to leave.

Xu Hao, contrary to her expectations, didn't chase after her. Instead, he saw them to the door and turned back, leaving Xiao Yuying secretly angry, thinking she wouldn't acknowledge him for a few days.

As soon as they left, the four maids immediately gathered around, looking curious. Zhulan said with a smile, "In the past, you cherished Yuying the most, but today you seem indifferent. Be careful not to anger her! But she has grown more beautiful, and none of our young ladies can compare. Even we like her."

Xu Hao lazily sat on the carpet and said, "That's just you being surprised by the unusual. But my cousin is indeed beautiful."

Qiuxiang, half-kneeling, said with interest, "She has always been spoiled, unlike the gentle and charming Yushi. In terms of appearance, she's not much better. I prefer Yushi."

Xu Hao laughed, "If you like her, marry her. After all, you two used to sleep in the same bed as children, so you're like an old married couple."

The maids giggled at Xu Hao's joke. Qiuxiang, not to be outdone, said, "If I were a man, I would marry her."

Qingwen asked curiously, "Are you transferring your affection to the two Wang girls?"

Before Xu Hao could speak, Zhulan quickly said, "Don't say such improper things. If the ladies hear, it will be bad."

Xu Hao said indifferently, "You're all at the age of budding love, naturally interested in such things. It's human nature. In our house, you can say whatever you want, and I'll protect you if the ladies find out. But Zhulan is right; people's words can be hurtful, so be careful with your words, especially outside the courtyard. It will only benefit you."

Everyone understood and nodded lightly. Xu Hao sighed, "As for who I like, I can only say that I don't plan to marry in the next few years. Don't meddle for outsiders. I have no time for such things."

Qiuxiang clapped her hands and said, "We know. The person in your heart must be the mysterious Lady Mu."

Xu Hao smiled bitterly. The family is facing a crisis, and before it's resolved, even if Mu Ningsnow insists on marrying him, he won't drag her into it, especially since their connection seems to have ended.

He had no interest in chatting with the girls, letting them chatter while he thought. Later, Zhulan and Musue went to the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion to study medical books, Qingwen, unable to stay idle, stood below directing the little maids, while Musue quietly sat beside him, occasionally poking the charcoal brazier to keep the water in the clay stove hot, ensuring the green tea in the teacup remained warm.

The devoted maids served him wholeheartedly, a scene of red sleeves adding fragrance. Xu Hao enjoyed the moment of peace, cherishing everything before him. He realized he couldn't just sit at home and watch the family decline. Thinking of his uncle's letter, his eyes lit up.

Right! How could he forget Lady Zhu Qiaqiao? With this talisman, his uncle's life might be saved, and even if not, at least Xu Wen could keep the dowry his wife brought.

As for Uncle Three, he would ask Zhu Gaohuo to write a family letter to Aunt, the Yan Wangfei. With the kind-hearted Yan Wangfei personally overseeing the fourth son and reminding the younger cousins, Uncle Three's position should be secure.

Excited, Xu Hao put on his half-old sable cloak, greeted Musue and Qingwen, and set off for the capital with four guards.

The mansions of the feudal princes are all located on Zhuque Street, not far from the palace. Because the princes rarely come to the capital, the Qin Wangfu and Yan Wangfu are right next to each other.

Due to his young age, Xu Hao had no reservations and went straight to see his future sister-in-law. The palace guards and eunuchs didn't dare to be negligent, reported to the princess, and soon came out to invite him in.

The mansion was opulent, and Xu Hao was led to a spacious and bright flower hall, where six or seven palace maids and wet nurses stood around. Lady Zhu Qiaqiao sat smiling.

As a future younger brother-in-law, Xu Hao walked in and sat down, saying, "Spring is coming, and you must remember your promise to me."

Lady Zhu Qiaqiao gave him a cold look and said, "It was you who begged me, yet it seems I owe you. I don't owe your Xu family anything."

Xu Hao laughed, "We'll be family soon, so it's not me begging you. You're my sister-in-law, and we're one family."

Strangely, Lady Zhu Qiaqiao appreciated Xu Hao's straightforwardness. When he came to ask for money and help to renovate his new house, she agreed without hesitation because she liked his direct attitude.

After a while, Lady Zhu Qiaqiao asked, "Has your elder brother returned home yet?"

Xu Hao said, "He is a man of principle. As a soldier, he must prioritize his duties. He will take leave and return in a few days."

Suddenly, Lady Zhu Qiaqiao's expression changed, and she said coldly, "Then I ask you, does your elder brother have anyone in his room?"

Xu Hao's heart skipped a beat. He had heard rumors that two maids who had served Xu Wen for years had been taken in, but they hadn't been formally recognized. How should he answer? If Lady Zhu Qiaqiao found out and he said no, wouldn't he anger her? If he told the truth, she would surely send the women away, and his brother would resent him.

It seemed he couldn't win either way, so Xu Hao said, "That's your business, not mine."

Lady Zhu Qiaqiao immediately said coldly, "So you won't stand by me in the future?"

Xu Hao pouted childishly, "I only know that an elder sister is like a mother. No matter what I do, you must be tolerant."

Everyone laughed at his childish words. Wet Nurse Zhu said, "Oh, this child is really not reserved. Our princess hasn't even married into your family, and you're already treating her like your sister. But this character is quite lovable and endearing."

Lady Zhu Qiaqiao's expression returned to normal, and she chuckled, "Fine, consider it my debt from a past life. From now on, I'll treat you as my younger brother and let you do as you please, but if you dare to do anything despicable for your brother behind my back, I'll be ruthless and slap you."

Xu Hao puffed out his chest and said, "I can guarantee that I won't help my brother do anything to hurt you."

"That's better," Lady Zhu Qiaqiao smiled and stood up, "Since we're alone, I won't keep you for a meal. I'll take care of what I promised you in the next few days. Also, I haven't given you a New Year's gift. I received some rare items from the emperor yesterday. Choose what you like and keep a few pieces. The rest, give to your girls as a token of my appreciation."

Xu Hao stood up and, without being polite, took the tray offered by the palace maid. Seeing the exquisite jade pendants, carnelian ruyis, amber earrings, and pearl pendants, he accepted them happily.

Xu Hao pondered, "There are too few. These treasures should be offered to the elders first, and there won't be enough. Do you have any imperial calligraphy, brushes, and inkstones? Give me some to distribute evenly among the sisters."

"This child is really not polite," the wet nurse laughed.

Lady Zhu Qiaqiao looked at Xu Hao approvingly and nodded, "You're thoughtful. I'll give you some imperial calligraphy, brushes, and inkstones, and fifty small silver ingots with auspicious designs. Help me distribute them according to the family members' status, and don't leave anyone out."

"Rest assured, I'll take care of it."

Xu Hao thought that his future sister-in-law was truly generous and trusted him to handle such matters without hesitation. Her straightforward and decisive nature made him feel they got along well, but her strong personality and noble status would make life difficult for his brother in the future.

After he left, the wet nurse sighed, "It's a pity he's too young. Otherwise, with similar temperaments, they would have made a good match."

Lady Zhu Qiaqiao's eyes were clear and cold, "I only see him as my brother. From now on, no one is to mention this again. If anyone talks nonsense, they will be punished."

The wet nurse shuddered and said, "Please, Princess, allow me to retire."

Lady Zhu Qiaqiao was silent for a moment and then said, "Approved."