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墨書 Inktalez
"Cousin, you must be joking. How could I be angry with you? It's quite thoughtful of you to remember my injury. I heard you were very busy earlier; what have you been occupied with? Studying for exams, perhaps?"
Xu Mu was taken aback for a moment, then sighed as if he had finally relaxed after a long period of fatigue.
"Indeed, it wasn't dull when we were together before, but after you left, I felt an emptiness around me and lost my motivation to study. Fortunately, I adjusted quickly and now it doesn't feel dull at all. If it weren't for Xiao Nan calling me to meals, I wouldn't even notice how fast time flies. Every day, I only wish there were more hours in the day, and of course, I still remember A Che."
Su Che nodded in response. He knew Xu Mu was eloquent; those bills from the taverns wouldn't bother him at all. In fact, Xu Mu might even rationalize them as perfectly reasonable. So these remarks were merely a prelude.
Since he claimed to be so studious that he forgot to eat and sleep, that made things easier.
However, Xu Mu was unaware that Su Father knew about those bills and thought they had been settled by Su Che. He didn't take it to heart, and Su Father's expression wasn't particularly grim; he simply nodded when he entered but didn't speak further.
Though he sensed something was off, he was too absorbed in the joy of being praised today to care about it.
At the dining table, Xu Mu said, "Today I had the fortune of meeting a talented scholar. During our conversation, Young Master Li told me that diligence can make up for my shortcomings and that I should achieve good results in this year's Scientific Examination. After his guidance, I realized how narrow my previous perspective was. From now on, I will work twice as hard and surely won't let Uncle and Aunt down for their nurturing."
Su Father remained silent throughout the meal, while Su Mother was particularly pleased. She knew Xu Mu had fallen behind in his studies since childhood; receiving praise from others showed that he had indeed put in effort.
Just as she was about to compliment him, Su Father spoke up. " Mu'er, have you made any new acquaintances or visited any places recently?"
Xu Mu paused mid-bite. "With the Scientific Examination approaching, aside from studying at home and occasionally discussing unclear topics with friends, I haven't gone anywhere else. Is there something you wish to ask, Uncle?"
Su Father's brow furrowed deeply. Although he was a businessman, he found it difficult to initiate conversations with his own children and feared that he might discourage Xu Mu as Su Mother had suggested.
When Xu Mu mentioned that he hadn't gone anywhere aside from studying, Su Father's expression grew even darker.
Just as he was about to question him further, a servant entered to report something quietly to Su Father. Upon hearing the news, Su Father slammed his chopsticks down in anger. He glanced at Su Che and seemed to remember something as he turned his gaze back to Xu Mu.
Xu Mu met Su Father's furious gaze with confusion; his eyelids twitched as he sensed this matter might involve him somehow. However, he couldn't fathom what could have provoked such anger from Su Father and forced himself to appear calm and oblivious.
After a moment of silence, Su Father sighed and instructed the servant to take care of the matter in the Side Hall before speaking first.
"Have you finished your meal?"
"Ah, I've finished eating. Since Uncle has matters to attend to, I'll head to the side courtyard with Su Che first and come back when you're done," Xu Mu said.
As he reached for Su Che to leave, he noticed Su Father raising a hand to signal him to wait.
"Why don't you all come with me? This matter concerns you as well."
Xu Mu felt a twinge of unease but had no choice but to follow. Su Che, on the other hand, seemed indifferent, deliberately keeping his distance from Xu Mu while not completely shutting him out.
Upon arriving at the Side Hall, Su Mother took the opportunity to whisper to Xu Mu.
"Whatever happens later, make sure to answer carefully. Don't provoke your uncle's anger."
Xu Mu was somewhat puzzled but understood that this was likely related to him. However, since they were already there, he decided to go along with it, thinking it might just be about some expenses.
To his surprise, once inside the Side Hall, Xu Mu felt a wave of panic wash over him. Sitting there was a woman dressed provocatively, her every gesture exuding a hint of seduction. She certainly did not appear to be a respectable woman.
While others might not know her identity, Xu Mu did. He couldn't fathom why she would be at the Su Family at this time. He shot her furtive glances, silently urging her not to say anything that could harm him.
The woman merely glanced at him before turning her attention to Su Father and Su Mother with a playful smile.
"Oh? It hasn't been long since we last met. What’s this? young master Xu seems interested in this half-aged woman? Hehe, I wonder if young master Xu is truly the young master of the Su Family."
Xu Mu's heart raced at her words, feeling frustrated that she ignored his hints. He had clearly signaled her before; how could she still expose him like this?
Su Father's expression darkened further upon hearing this but remained silent. He wanted to see what else he might not know and how many more unsavory things Xu Mu had been hiding from him and how many times he had visited such places.
Having lived a life of integrity, Su Father had never been to such establishments but had certainly heard of them. The woman had already introduced herself as Mama Qing, the madam of the renowned Fragrant Pavilion in the capital—some even referred to her as Aunty Qing.
"What nonsense are you spouting? When did I..."
Xu Mu felt a surge of anxiety but was at a loss for words. In this situation, discussing right and wrong seemed futile, as neither Su Father nor Su Che appeared inclined to speak up for him. It was clear that Su Father already knew something, but the specifics remained uncertain; he couldn't afford to implicate himself.
Xu Mu squinted slightly, quickly regaining his composure. He forced a difficult smile and turned to Aunty Qing, asking, "May I inquire what brings you here today, Miss? Please feel free to speak plainly. There’s no need to tease a humble scholar like me. I’m rather clumsy with words; if I have offended you in any way, I beg your forgiveness. If I achieve success in the future, I will certainly remember your guidance. Please spare me."
After speaking, Xu Mu playfully bowed to Aunty Qing, implying that she understood his meaning well. Even Su Father, standing nearby, sensed that something was amiss but couldn’t pinpoint any wrongdoing.
It almost seemed as if Aunty Qing was deliberately toying with Xu Mu. The women of the brothel often enjoyed watching men blush from their teasing remarks.
However, Aunty Qing was not amused by his words. She laughed so heartily that her body shook, and due to her revealing attire, her ample bosom swayed with her laughter.
Su Father turned away with a dark expression, his face showing signs of strain as if he could hardly bear the situation any longer. He wished he could settle the matter and have them leave immediately.
Aunty Qing noticed his discomfort and quickly wiped the playful smile off her face, adopting a serious demeanor as a glint of sharpness flashed in her eyes.
" young master Xu, let’s not beat around the bush. I know Lord Su's character; he likely does not wish for me to linger here too long. So I will get straight to the point regarding my visit today."
She glanced at Xu Mu, who was still signaling her discreetly, and continued, "I run a small business and am honored that you gentlemen regard me as the foremost establishment in the capital. However, I have a particular quirk: I only recognize money, not people."
With that, she placed a stack of bills on the table.
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