Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Two maids, one named Hong Xiu, who was cheerful and generous, and the other named Lu Ao, who was delicate and gentle, had served beside Hu Qingxi since childhood. The bond among the three was deep, having grown up together. Now that they saw their mistress's condition improving, they were naturally overjoyed.
"Miss, the kitchen has prepared your favorite dish, braised abalone with bones. I've brought it for you," Hong Xiu said with a bright smile as she looked at Su Yuntang. "You should try it too, Miss Su. The braised abalone here at Hu Residence is even better than what you get at the big restaurants."
This was the first time Su Yuntang had seen Hong Xiu smile. When she first arrived at Hu Residence, Hong Xiu had been somewhat wary and dismissive of the suddenly appearing physician. However, seeing that their mistress's health had indeed improved significantly and that Su Yuntang was humble and polite without any airs, Hong Xiu naturally let go of her previous reservations.
Lu Ao chimed in with a smile, "Our mistress's appetite has improved these days; I can see her eyes are brighter."
Just then, Liu Mama entered the courtyard. Upon seeing them chatting and laughing, she cleared her throat and hurried over. "Miss, the master requests your presence."
Hu Qingxi put down the half-eaten braised abalone, puzzled. "What does Father want with me?"
Liu Mama hesitated for a moment before replying, "I heard it's about your marriage."
Hu Qingxi's expression changed slightly; she bit her lip and stood up to wipe her hands with a handkerchief. "Su Yuntang, Lu Ao, come with me to see Father."
In the main hall of Hu Residence, Old Hu sat in a grand chair wearing a dark brown robe. When he saw his daughter enter, he waved his hand and said, "Xu Er has arrived; sit down."
Hu Qingxi bowed respectfully and obediently took a seat on a nearby chair. Su Yuntang and Lu Ao stood half a step behind her, bowing their heads in attendance.
"Xu Er," Old Hu said while stroking his beard with an air of authority, "you have reached marriageable age; we can no longer delay your marriage. The matter regarding Second Young Master Long has been discussed and decided upon by your mother and me. The wedding date is set for the eighth of next month."
Hu Qingxi's face turned pale as she lowered her head in silence.
Old Hu continued, "The Long Family holds power in the Cao Bang and has considerable connections in court. This marriage will greatly benefit our Hu Family's official salt trade. Moreover, the Long Family is wealthy; as their second young mistress, you will surely live a life of comfort. There’s no need for you to worry."
"Daughter... will obey Father and Mother’s arrangements," Hu Qingxi said softly, completely devoid of her earlier spirit.
Old Hu nodded in satisfaction and turned his gaze toward Su Yuntang. "And this must be the new physician who has recently joined our household?"
Su Yuntang quickly stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "I am Su Yuntang, greetings to you, Master."
"Well, I heard your medical skills are quite good. Did you also treat Xu Er's headaches and dizziness?"
"I wouldn't dare to claim that. It was just that the prescription happened to suit the young lady's condition."
Old Hu nodded, "In that case, when Xu Er gets married, you should accompany her to the Long Family. Xu Er is frail and needs someone like you to take care of her closely."
Su Yuntang's heart jolted, but she showed no sign of it on her face. "Yes."
After leaving the main hall, Hu Qingxi remained silent all the way until they returned to Qingxi Garden's chamber, where she finally let out a long sigh.
Su Yuntang turned to close the door, and when she turned back, she saw tears welling up in Hu Qingxi's eyes.
"Qingxi... what's wrong?" Su Yuntang offered her a handkerchief.
"It's nothing. I knew this day would come," Hu Qingxi shook her head, paused for a moment, then suddenly looked up at Su Yuntang. "Su Yuntang, do you know about the Long Family?"
Comment 0 Comment Count