Chapter 1485: Brother Xuxu Extra (Part 3)
Working in the Capital City, the time to go home increased. With Yueyao’s guidance, Brother Xu often visited the Ping Family.
The Ping Family is very strict with rules, but since Brother Xu is betrothed to their daughter, they can’t be too unfriendly. Naturally, frequent meetings are not acceptable; seeing each other once out of ten visits is possible. However, when they do meet, someone will definitely accompany them, ensuring they don’t spend time alone — this is for the reputation of their daughter.
Gradually, Brother Xu discovered that Xinrong is not pretentious like other girls, but rather candid and interesting, not at all dull.
As he got to know her more, Brother Xu grew increasingly satisfied with Xinrong, and would buy trinkets to send to the Ping Family to please her. Brother Xu’s behavior naturally won the favor of his fiancée. As for Brother Xu’s future mother-in-law, Second Lady Ping, her fondness for Brother Xu kept growing.
This time, Brother Xu sent some rare trinkets to the Ping Family, then invited a few good friends to drink outside. Most members of the Imperial Forest Army are offspring of nobles or military aristocratic families. Compared to the Primus Battalion, Brother Xu fits in better within the Imperial Forest Army, as people there resonate more with him.
Leaving Hongfu Restaurant, Brother Xu encountered Meng Cheng, who was out shopping with Meng Miaoer and Zhang Wuying, on his way home.
Seeing Brother Xu, Meng Cheng laughed and said, "I was worried you forgot about me and Wen Ning!" Everyone knows that working in the Imperial Forest Army leads to a smooth career path. Meng Cheng wanted to join too, but considering his family’s background, it was impossible for him to enter the Imperial Forest Army.
Brother Xu laughed and replied, "How could I forget my brothers? Next time let’s find an opportunity for the three of us to gather and drink together."
While they were talking, Zhang Wuying, in the sedan, impatiently said, "Cousin, what’s the point of talking to someone like him? Let’s go back quickly!"
Brother Xu felt a bit puzzled.
Knowing Zhang Wuying speaks bluntly, Meng Cheng was worried that if they didn’t leave soon, Zhang Wuying might say something inappropriate and upset Brother Xu, damaging their friendship. Coincidentally, just when Meng Cheng found Zhang Wuying intriguing and developed feelings, he had these thoughts thwarted by the combined efforts of An Zhichen and Yueyao. Thus, Meng Cheng had no clue about Brother Xu’s fondness towards Zhang Wuying; otherwise, he would have certainly facilitated the relationship for his advantage.
Zhang Wuying lifted the curtain and glared fiercely at Brother Xu on horseback, as if he had committed some unforgivable act.
Seeing this, Brother Xu was quite baffled. He had a slight liking for Zhang Wuying, but apart from telling his parents, he hadn’t mentioned it to anyone else. His parents wouldn’t spread these things, so he hadn’t harmed Zhang Wuying’s reputation. Now, Zhang Wuying’s attitude was as if they had deadly enmity, leaving Brother Xu utterly confused.
Taking the opportunity, Brother Xu’s young servant Aqing said, "Third Young Master, haven’t you noticed that Miss Meng has taken a liking to you long ago?"
Brother Xu asked curiously, "Is that so?"
Aqing muttered, regretting his master seemed shrewd daily, yet his eyes were on his head, unable to see the people and things around him: "Master, haven’t you noticed that Young Master Meng has been trying to pair you with Miss Meng? And Miss Chang has always defended Miss Meng. Now that you’re betrothed, Miss Chang must think you’ve toyed with Miss Meng’s feelings, thus considering you despicable."
With furrowed brows, Brother Xu said, "Nonsense!"
Aqing replied, "Master, where have I spoken nonsense? It’s evident to everyone that Young Master Meng wants to betroth his sister to you! Otherwise, why would he arrange for you to encounter his sister multiple times? One encounter could be coincidental, but several can’t merely be called chance, right?" 实在, people’s plans can’t keep up with circumstances; his master failed to favor gentle, demure Miss Meng, but instead took a liking to bold Miss Chang.
Some matters depend on whether there’s an intention; once there’s intention, clues become apparent! When Brother Xu thought carefully, he quickly realized the problem.
Aqing took advantage of the moment and said, "Master, you might not know that the Young Master of the Wen Family fancies Miss Meng. However, I think with the Wen Family’s usual background, both Young Master Meng and Miss Meng surely wouldn’t be interested." Indicating openly that the Meng Family is opportunistic, Meng Cheng arranged a match for Brother Xu purely because he is the son of the Earl of Pingyang.
