Chapter 90

After leaving Fushouju, Xu Hao accompanied his mother, Lady Xiao, for a walk. Along the way, he mentioned that his elder sister and younger sister would be staying at the Mu family, and that Lady Mu seemed to have the intention of recognizing Hongye as her goddaughter.

Lady Xiao, also a mother, pondered for a moment and understood Lady Mu's deeper meaning. She smiled and said, "To recognize a godmother, you need to present a gift of filial piety. It doesn't matter how much money it costs; fresh fruits and vegetables and a sincere heart are enough. Since you will be heading to the capital early tomorrow, I'll leave the gift to you. Remember to buy more, as you, as Hongye's brother, will also have to call Lady Mu 'godmother' in the future."

"Understood," said Xu Hao, who was lost in thought and didn't catch the teasing tone in his mother's voice.

He was thinking about his real parents. Although the time and space were different, he knew that his parents from the future were still alive. He wouldn't consider paying respects until he was in his fifties. Apart from the regret of not being able to be filial to his parents, he knew that with his parents' retirement funds and savings, plus his own wealth, he could live a comfortable life in his old age. He comforted himself with the thought that he had a sister and brother-in-law who were even more filial.

This body was born to Lady Xiao, who was undoubtedly a qualified and kind mother. Therefore, Xu Hao found it easy and willing to merge the two birth mothers into one to make up for his greatest regret. Of course, emotionally, he felt somewhat distant, which was why he had proactively requested to move to the garden.

After sending Lady Xiao to her bedroom and saying goodnight to his stepfather, Xu Hao returned to the Bamboo Garden with a sense of melancholy. The穿越 (穿越 means "穿越" in Chinese, which can be translated as "time travel" or "穿越" in this context) gave him a new perspective on life. After entering the courtyard, he quickly recovered and kept his thoughts to himself.

Zhulan and Musue came out to greet him, surrounding him as they entered the inner room. They helped him take off his outer robe, and he sat in a chair. Musue walked behind him, removed his hairpin, and gently combed his long hair with a wooden comb.

Zhulan, who had placed the clothes in a basket, came over and waited for Xu Hao to take off his pants. She said, "Qiuxiang has taken leave to return home for a few days, and Qingwen has gone to Tianxiang Pavilion to accompany Yushi."

Xu Hao lifted his hips and handed the moon-white lantern pants to Zhulan, wearing only a silk short. He said, "With my sister gone, the courtyard is like a mountain without a tiger. Tonight, they will surely gather to play cards. Tell me, how much did Qingwen borrow?"

Zhulan smiled and said, "Not much, just a few strings of copper coins. I made the decision myself, using the money from your box."

Xu Hao laughed, "That was meant for you. It's not gambling if they do it occasionally. Let them have their fun."

Zhulan smiled and handed the bamboo basket with the dirty clothes to the new maid, Xiangyu, who easily turned and left. Xu Hao watched Xiangyu's back and said, "Among the maids of her age, she is the most beautiful. When she grows up, she might even surpass my cousin. How did she end up in our courtyard?"

Zhulan looked at Xu Hao strangely and said, "What's so strange? Because that girl is too beautiful, the family doesn't want her to be ruined. They are worried that if they send her to the young ladies' rooms, she might end up as a dowry. If they send her to the madam's room, they fear she won't be accepted. Where else could they send her?"

Xu Hao leaned back, his head resting on Musue's soft and elastic abdomen, separated only by a layer of silk. He let her skilled hands massage his head and said comfortably, "Isn't Second Brother even more honest? I always think about taking advantage of you, where is the safety?"

Zhulan laughed and mocked, "Is Second Young Master honest? There are already people in his room who have been groomed, just hidden from others. Compared to them, what you do is just taking advantage? Occasionally causing trouble is still considered something. Living under the same roof, we can't avoid being close. After living together for a long time, we become like family. When there are occasional overstepping moments, we just laugh it off. Who would bear a grudge? Besides, we are just maids, we don't have the right to think about being virtuous like the women in the 'Liezhuang' and 'Nujing.'"

Xu Hao closed his eyes and started to talk nonsense, flattering them, "You mustn't say that. In my heart, you are all the purest and as noble as the young ladies of wealthy families."

"Ah! I wish I could keep you all by my side forever, but that's just a fantasy. You wouldn't agree, would you? Who would look at me, an ordinary man, and want to marry such pure and beautiful women?"

After saying this, Xu Hao changed his tone and began to lecture, "Actually, you all know what goes on in the madams' rooms. No matter how pure and kind a person is, they will gradually change for their own benefit, even to the point of not recognizing themselves. For the sake of their children, they will do anything, especially when their fate is uncertain. Life and death can be just a thought away."

Musue, who was younger, listened with a half-understanding, and chuckled, "I don't understand the latter part, but I'm embarrassed for you to say the first part. If you are so noble, why do you let me serve you?"

Zhulan, who was older than Xu Hao, thought about it and smiled, "We all understand these things. For us servants, even if we can't predict our fate, the chance to become half-owners is worth the risk. For me, being able to meet a young master who can speak his mind freely and without reservation is enough to make me content. I wish I could stay by your side for a few more years. This time has been the happiest of my life."

Xu Hao said casually, "I don't believe the first part of what you said. No woman wants to share her husband. Why take the risk? Yes, becoming an owner is a major reason, but what's behind it? Most of the time, it's because they have no choice after being taken advantage of. Forget about talking about feelings; I'll end up sounding like a charlatan. As for the second part, I don't believe it either. When you meet a man you truly like, you'll see this place as a prison."

Zhulan thought about his words, which always left her feeling somewhat shaken. Over time, when she encountered other things and saw people struggling in the mundane world, she felt that she had become more mature, with a sense of detachment.

In reality, it was just the influence of Xu Hao's modern views, which were precious in this ancient time. However, Xu Hao himself was still immersed in the world, with all the desires and troubles of a human being, none of which he lacked.

Moreover, as a man from the future, he had his own worries. For example, he wanted to dominate all the beautiful girls in the house, often sighing and lamenting why he had a conscience. Why not treat all women like animals? What did it matter if they lived or died after he was done with them?

Zhulan, in her naivety, felt that she had been educated again and smiled contentedly. She suddenly said, "Qiuxiang often goes home these days. Each time she returns, she brings some of her things and often smiles to herself. It seems she has someone she likes."

Xu Hao opened his eyes and smiled, "I know about this. She likes my guard, Xu Zhong. He used to be skinny and unremarkable, but after training and with better nutrition, he has grown taller and stronger, becoming a handsome and talented young man. Many maids in the front yard like him. Qiuxiang has also grown up, becoming a beautiful young woman, no longer the little girl she once was. We just need to wait for Xu Zhong's family to propose, and we will send Qiuxiang off in style."

Xu Hao felt no particular emotion about Qiuxiang, only happiness for her, as if a family member were getting married. He thought that if it were Zhulan, he would feel the same, but if it were Qingwen or Musue, he would definitely feel uncomfortable.

This reminded him of his cousin, Xiao Yuying. He thought to himself, "I won't do anything for you. Not intervening and letting you be neglected for life is already generous enough."

He knew that Zhu Shangbing was infatuated with Xiao Yuying and had already sent someone to make a move, which was why Xiao Yuying was so calm.

What's so great about you, Xu Hao thought. Ningsnow and Xiangyu are more beautiful than you, and there are many girls who are your equal, like Qingwen, Musue, Yushi, and Yulan. Besides, my future sister-in-law is truly a beauty. Hmm? Why am I thinking about Mu Qingshuang?

Xu Hao blushed, realizing he had fallen into the common trap of men, automatically claiming every female he saw as his own.

He immediately stood up, snapped his fingers, and said, "Let's go swimming together."

Zhulan and Musue laughed and nodded, following Xu Hao to the back courtyard. The bamboo grove swayed in the breeze, creating a serene atmosphere. As soon as Xu Hao jumped into the hot spring, the two of them walked hand in hand along the smooth pebble path to the newly built pool. The two hot springs were separated by curtains, so they couldn't see each other. The two women quickly undressed and giggled as they entered the water.

The next morning, Xu Hao set off for the capital, buying many gifts and having Li Qiu deliver them to the Mu family. He went to the Yan王府 (Yan Wangfu, meaning "Yan Prince's Mansion") and accompanied Zhu Gaozhi to the main hall to study. The two of them were in a carriage, and Xu Hao noticed that Zhu Gaozhi seemed distracted.

Xu Hao sighed and said, "Let everything take its natural course. Your sister-in-law is a wonderful person. I heard she has found many beauties for you in Yanjing. To have such a wife, what more could you ask for?"

Zhu Gaozhi said dejectedly, "The unattainable is always the best."

Xu Hao thought for a moment and had to admit, "Indeed."

Suddenly, Zhu Gaozhi, unable to contain himself, looked at Xu Hao with a sharp gaze and said sarcastically, "I'm just a fool, creating my own troubles. I might as well have Qinglian enter the palace tonight, and all my troubles will be solved! Your sister-in-law is so virtuous; she won't mistreat her."

"Pull yourself together," Xu Hao said, touching his chin. "How is that different from any other woman? Do you lack beautiful women?"

"Of course it's different," Zhu Gaozhi said, his eyes wide and breathing heavily. "Qinglian is Qinglian, different from any other woman. I've never cared about her looks. If I win her heart, I can promise to protect her, love her, and cherish her for life. Can anyone else do that?"

Xu Hao's eyes turned cold, and he said bluntly, "What about after you die?"

Zhu Gaozhi's obese body trembled, causing the carriage to shake. He shouted angrily, "Before I die, I will ensure that your sister has a child. As soon as the child is born, I will petition the court to make him a prince or princess, exempt from being buried with me. You, Xu Hao, can rest assured."

Xu Hao, excited, grabbed Zhu Gaozhi's shoulders and said, "Can my sister remarry then?"

Zhu Gaozhi's face turned red, and he roared, "Stop. Someone, kill Xu Hao."

The dozen or so guards in front and behind the carriage immediately responded. One of the eunuchs from the prince's mansion laughed through the carved wooden panel, "Yes! That boy doesn't know his place; he should be chopped into 180 pieces and fed to the dogs."

Zhu Gaozhi sneered, "Approved."

Xu Hao looked up with a tragic expression and sighed, "Don't forget to give my sister my regards."

"Enough, enough, I don't have time for your nonsense," Zhu Gaozhi said, deflating like a balloon and regaining his composure.

After saying this with a bad temper, Zhu Gaozhi finally said seriously, "I suggest you talk to your sister tonight. Whether she agrees or not is up to her. I'm warning you, if you consider me a brother, don't interfere."

Xu Hao carefully observed Zhu Gaozhi's expression, his heart sinking. He thought, "It's over."

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