Chapter 118 - Have Changed a Lot
On his way back to the Zuo's Mansion, as soon as Zuo Shaoqing disembarked from the carriage, he spotted Zuo Yunwen and Zuo Yunyang waiting at the entrance. His surprise was immediate.
In both his lifetimes, it was the first instance of someone eagerly anticipating his return home. But before he could be touched by this gesture, Zuo Yunwen's anxious inquiry shattered his momentary reverie, “Shao Qing, how did the examination go? Are you feeling confident?”
A wave of cold reality washed over Zuo Shaoqing. While he hadn't expected Zuo Yunwen's concern, the fact that Zuo Yunwen only cared about his results sent a shiver down his spine.
He managed a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, his lips curving slightly as he replied, “Not too bad. I'll have to wait for the rankings to be announced to know the details.”
“Great!” Zuo Yunwen's face lit up with joy. He gave Zuo Shaoqing's shoulder a hearty pat and spoke earnestly, “As long as you've given your best.”
Meanwhile, Zuo Yunyang, with his chubby face, chimed in, “Big brother, I told you Shao Qing could do it. Hurry up and come inside. Shao Qing hasn't been eating or sleeping well these days, so you have to make it up to him.”
“Absolutely, let's go inside and chat.”
Accompanied by his brothers, Zuo Shaoqing entered the mansion. Along the way, all the household servants respectfully bowed to them, treating them as if they were the eldest sons of the Zuo Mansion.
Upon entering the main hall, Zuo Shaoqing realized that both the Zuo Family and his room were present. When the members of the second branch saw his arrival, they warmly greeted him.
He exchanged greetings with the elders one by one. When he approached Zuo Shaoyan, he couldn't help but cast a lingering glance. True to his expectations, Zuo Shaoyan's eyes held depth, and his expression was somewhat aggrieved.
Internally, Zuo Shaoqing chuckled, maintaining his anxious demeanor and playing the role of a caring younger brother to perfection.
Not only towards Zuo Shaoyan, but also when interacting with Zuo Shaoling, who had lost his influence, Zuo Shaoqing didn't show any neglect. He referred to him as his second brother and displayed even greater warmth than usual.
In Zuo Yunwen's eyes, this concern and kindness appeared as sibling filial piety and respect. However, for Mrs. Xue and the others, it felt like sharp needles pricking their hearts.
As he approached Zuo Shuhui, Zuo Shaoqing observed his elder sister's expression and realized how swiftly the proud peony had transformed into a fragile daisy.
Zuo Shuhui had always been haughty from a young age. She considered herself superior with an impeccable character. She had never paid any attention to her little brother, Zuo Shaoqing.
Even after Zuo Shaoqing's close association with Yuan, Zuo Shuhui's attitude toward him remained unaltered.
Apart from maintaining a genteel facade in front of others, people treated him neither warmly nor coldly.
However, after their recent parting, Zuo Shuhui's haughtiness had vanished entirely. Her aristocratic demeanor had waned, though her dignity remained intact. Her countenance was marked by a lingering sense of despondency.
It appeared that the recent events had profoundly affected her. Zuo Shaoqing wondered if she still harbored thoughts of marrying into Duke Zhen Manor.
Regardless of its truth, he intended to further diminish the remnants of her nobility and dignity soon.
“Big Sis is back. That's wonderful. It's been quite a while since we last saw each other, and it seems Big Sis has undergone some changes,” Zuo Shaoqing pretended not to notice.
Zuo Shuhui cast him a chilly glance but remained silent. Even the warmth she had been intentionally displaying had vanished.
“Big Sis, what's amiss?” Zuo Shaoqing looked at Zuo Yunwen with a plaintive expression, resembling a child awaiting his father's decision.
Zuo Yunwen hadn't experienced this kind of attention from a child in a long time. He admonished her with a displeased expression, saying, “Shuhui, your brother has returned after considerable effort. What's with this attitude? What about your upbringing?”
Zuo Shuhui gaped at her father in astonishment. Throughout her childhood, she had always been the apple of her parents' eyes, receiving more favor than her two biological brothers. She had never imagined that her father would reprimand her for her half-sibling!
She coldly huffed and said, “I apologize, but my daughter isn't feeling well. We'll be taking our leave.” Afterward, she stood up and exited.
She couldn't tell if it was just her imagination, but ever since she was rescued that day, everyone's attitude towards her had changed. The servants would whisper behind her back.
Her father no longer regarded her with the gentle eyes he once had.
She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms without pain, only a profound sense of emptiness and apprehension.
She knew that her mother had issued strict orders prohibiting family servants from discussing the matter or spreading rumors.
Yet, the truth had a way of surfacing, and Zuo Shuhui dreaded waking up every day to hear unfavorable stories about herself.
She had already dispatched people to investigate the Fifth Princess who had plotted against her. The word was that she had been summoned by His Majesty to the palace to learn the court's protocols.
She felt an immense sense of relief upon receiving the news and prayed daily that the Fifth Princess would remain within the palace.
“This is simply unacceptable!” Zuo Yunwen exclaimed, his face darkening with anger.
Mrs. Xue forcefully set her cup down and retorted icily, “Our daughter mentioned feeling unwell; what more do you expect? Does having a son mean I no longer care for my daughter?”
Observing the tension in the room, Zuo Shaoqing halted his actions and took a seat quietly, meekly saying, “Father, mother, I'm hungry…”
Giving Mrs. Xue a disapproving glance, Zuo Yunwen issued the order, “Bring the dishes!”
As the dishes were served, Zuo Shaoqing refrained from further provocation. The quality of food at the Academic Institution had deteriorated to the point where it was challenging to even enjoy a single hot mouthful.
While dealing with Zuo Yunwen's grievances, he hurriedly devoured his favorite dishes, maintaining his manners despite his speed.
Once he reached about 80% full, he set down his chopsticks. Not only was he hungry, but he also felt exceedingly weary.
Nevertheless, he consumed the most food at the table. Zuo Shaojin, his eyes wide with curiosity, asked, “Third brother, do the Conference Tests prohibit eating?”
If that were the case, perhaps he should reconsider taking the exam. The thought of nine days without food made his stomach ache.
Zuo Shaoqing patted his head and explained with a smile, “Of course not. It's just that the food there isn't as delicious as what we have at home.”
Zuo Shaojin nodded in understanding, then proudly suggested, “Third brother, let's visit my home tomorrow. My chef's cooking is even better!”
Zuo Yunyang patted his son's head and subtly signaled to Zuo Shaoqing. He had intended to discuss certain matters with Zuo Shaoqing tomorrow, but his son had unwittingly brought it up.
Zuo Shaoqing had never visited Zuo Yunyang's residence in the capital before, so he readily accepted the invitation.
Zuo Yunyang had a strong passion for fine dining, and it was likely that his home concealed a few talented chefs.
However, Mrs. Xue's expression soured upon witnessing the Second Branch's show of pride.
“Your second brother's family is quite wealthy, indulging in lavish feasts from land and sea. I doubt these everyday meals from your sister-in-law's side would capture your fancy.” Is money really that significant? You're just a common merchant,” Mrs. Xue sneered.
Zuo Yunyang paid no mind to the mockery. Instead, he responded with a smile, “Sister-in-law, don't heed this youngster's teasing. I have a hearty appetite, that's all, not as refined as you.”
Zuo Yunwen simulated a cough and assumed the role of a peacemaker. “Alright, everyone has their own preferences, right? It's just that you should exercise some restraint, Brother. Your bulky physique isn't the most attractive sight!”
Zuo Yunyang nodded in agreement, opting not to argue. He had come to understand his elder brother's temperament over the years: he cared about appearances and superficial matters.
“Brother, I believe Shao Qing is exhausted as well. Why don't we allow him to return and rest? There will be plenty of time ahead.”
Observing Zuo Shaoqing's yawns and dark circles under his eyes, Zuo Yunwen promptly suggested that he retire for some rest. He added with concern, “Dad will have the kitchen prepare some soup. When you awaken tonight, someone will bring it to you.”
“Thank you, father!” Zuo Shaoqing graciously accepted. He recognized that such treatment was only possible because he had a strong chance of achieving the title.
Had he not excelled in the upcoming exams, Zuo Yunwen would never have been this affectionate, and such treatment would have remained a distant dream.
Returning to his quarters, Zuo Shaoqing dedicated an hour to soaking in a bath barrel. Afterwards, he allowed Luo Xiaoliu to towel-dry his hair and settled into bed.
With a pressing thought on his mind, Zuo Shaoqing struggled to keep his eyelids open and called out to the ceiling, “Yinyi?”
Luo Xiaoliu was tidying up the bathtub when he heard Zuo Shaoqing's call and poked his head out, saying, “Master, Yinyi hasn't been here since noon.”
“How do you know?” Zuo Shaoqing inquired curiously. Even he wasn't sure where Yinyi went when he wasn't in his presence, so why did Luo Xiaoliu seem to be so well-informed?
With evident frustration, Luo Xiaoliu explained, “You see, that stoic fellow is awful. When you're not around, he torments all the servants.”
Zuo Shaoqing was intrigued. He sat up and asked, “In what way did he torment you?” Frankly, he couldn't fathom how Yinyi would behave when he was causing trouble for someone.
Luo Xiaoliu wiped his hands with a dry cloth, stepped out, and began counting on his fingers. “As soon as I finished sweeping the floor, he'd scatter trash on it. After I'd just tidied the desk, he'd mess it up again in the blink of an eye. He even maliciously added salt to the servants' tea!” In short, it was relentless!
What's more, this wasn't the worst part. The worst part was that he was impossible to outmaneuver!
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