Chapter 82 - Too Deep for Tears
Qu Changqing was so startled that he dropped his teacup, causing it to shatter with a resounding crash. His face turned red as he stammered, “Shao Qing… What did you just say?”
Zuo Shaoqing cleared his throat uncomfortably and repeated, “I was wondering if Brother Qu has any marital arrangements back home? My Second Uncle… I mean, my elder cousin is a fine young lady. I was just curious if Brother Qu has ever considered marrying her.”
It wasn't Qu Changqing's fault for being taken aback. These days, matchmaking was usually handled by parents, so it was unusual for someone to directly inquire, “What do you think of my sister?”
“This… This…” Qu Changqing looked helplessly at him, wearing an expression of distress that made Zuo Shaoqing feel like he was being unfair.
“Brother Qu, don't be troubled by it. My second uncle was just concerned that he might make a hasty marriage proposal. If not for the two of you, we wouldn't have known how to handle it delicately.”
“This… This…”
Seeing that Qu Changqing was simply bashful and not displaying any disgust or disdain, Zuo Shaoqing regained his composure and continued to play the role of matchmaker. “Although my elder cousin isn't as refined as a lady, she's well-versed in the Four Books, Five Classics, and women's virtues. She began assisting my second aunt when she was only ten.”
Qu Changqing's face grew even redder, and he interjected, “Shao Qing, let's discuss the matter between Second Master Zuo and his parents.”
In reality, his family had contemplated seeking a marriage proposal from him, but a few years ago, when he was studying abroad and then had to take the imperial examination, it was logical to wait until the spring exam results were available before discussing marriage.
If he managed to enter high school in a single attempt, the conditions for potential suitors would naturally be different.
Zuo Shaoqing detected Qu Changqing's unease and smiled, saying, “Of course, I was simply inquiring. I won't disregard Brother Qu's wishes entirely.”
Now that he was confident, Zuo Shaoqing didn't want to make things more awkward for him. So, he shifted the conversation toward the examination.
To avoid awkwardness, Zuo Shaoqing had chosen a private room at a teahouse where they could speak freely without fear of eavesdroppers. He engaged Qu Changqing in a conversation about societal issues, intentionally or unintentionally.
Such topics were commonly discussed among scholars, and Zuo Shaoqing wasn't concerned that Qu Changqing would suspect him after the examination.
Zuo Shaoqing believed that one's character could be discerned through their political views. After a brief conversation, he concluded that it wasn't unreasonable to maintain a distance from Qu Changqing.
Eventually, if the two of them pursued careers within the imperial court, they would inevitably form their own factions.
“Brother Qu, your heart is with the common people, and that's a blessing for the masses.”
Qu Changqing declared with a righteous expression and a lofty gaze, “I may be considered a simpleton, but I hope to gain the favor of my fellow scholars. I aspire to become an official and serve the people!”
Zuo Shaoqing nodded pensively. If Qu Changqing held an official position in the capital, there were two key factors working against him. Firstly, his background lacked the necessary depth, and secondly, his temperament was not as polished as required. In essence, he lacked the freedom that others enjoyed.
Observing that Qu Changqing seemed hesitant to speak, Zuo Shaoqing chuckled, “Is there something Brother Qu finds difficult to share with me?”
“No, no!” But… “It's just that it's not easy to put into words, Shao Qing.”
“Please, go on!”
“There's a rumor circulating at the Immortal Landing Inn. It seems that Brother Shao Yan has caught the eye of a certain nobleman, and it's speculated that he might be recruited as a son-in-law into a prestigious family.”
Zuo Shaoqing was taken aback and responded without thinking, “But my brother is already married!” After all, which noblewoman would agree to be a concubine?
Qu Changqing's face reddened again, “I can't confirm that, but there has been a woman who frequently visits Brother Wu Tie lately. Despite her disguising herself as a man, I have a keen eye for such things.”
Zuo Shaoqing was left speechless in shock. He knew that Mrs. Xue had always looked down on Mrs. Hoe, who was only a seventh-grade prefectural daughter, but he hadn't expected his brother Zuo Shaoyan to entertain such thoughts.
He painstakingly recollected his past life's events, but he had left home at a young age and couldn't remember whether Zuo Shaoyan had remarried. Nevertheless, he hadn't seen any trace of Mrs. Hoe when he last visited the Zuo Mansion.
At that time, his emotions had overwhelmed him, and he hadn't paid attention to the identity of the woman.
As Zuo Shaoqing considered all that had transpired, he realized that even if Zuo Shaoyan decided to remarry, Mrs. Hoe was already in a high position within the household. Once she bore a son, she couldn't escape her fate.
Yet with the maliciousness of Mrs. Xue and her son, it wouldn't be difficult for them to frame Mrs. Hoe.
What if something happened to Mrs. Hoe during childbirth? In the delivery room, outsiders wouldn't be able to find any evidence. The more Zuo Shaoqing thought about it, the more disturbed he became.
“Shao Qing…” “Shao Qing…” Qu Changqing noticed that he was lost in thought and apologized, “This may not necessarily be true, and even if it is, it won't affect you.”
Zuo Shaoqing clasped his hands together and said, “Thank you, Brother Qu, for sharing this information.” He now knew how to exact revenge on Zuo Shaoyan.
After consuming an entire pot of tea and receiving such startling news, Zuo Shaoqing felt a bit lightheaded. He exited the teahouse alongside Qu Changqing, and just as they were about to depart, a voice rang out, “Look! It's Duke Zhen!”
The pedestrians on the street instinctively made way for him. Many patrons from the teahouse hurriedly rushed out, inadvertently pushing Zuo Shaoqing and Qu Changqing into the middle of the road.
In a matter of moments, a formation of splendid horses approached at a rapid pace. Zuo Shaoqing fixed his gaze on the man at the forefront of the group, not even realizing he was still holding Qu Changqing's hand.
As the rhythmic hoofbeats grew louder, Zuo Shaoqing swiftly employed his Qing Gong technique, pulling Qu Changqing to the roadside.
All eyes were fixed on the man leading the procession, but no one would have suspected that this slender, scholarly figure could move so swiftly.
“Duke Zhen…” A wave of exuberant cheers erupted from the crowd. Some enthusiastic girls even tossed flowers towards the horse formation, causing Zuo Shaoqing's eyebrows to twitch.
The horses passed by Zuo Shaoqing in a blur. He only managed to exchange a brief glance with Lu Zheng before the procession sped away in a cloud of dust.
Zuo Shaoqing's heart skipped a beat. The look in Lu Zheng's eyes just now left him with an unsettling feeling. What could it mean?
Before he could decipher the situation, his hands were enveloped by a pair of large ones. Qu Changqing inquired excitedly, “Shao Qing, that man just now…”
Someone nearby rolled their eyes and interjected, “What are you saying, scholar? That's Duke Zhen! He's the guardian of our Great Yang!”
“He…” Qu Changqing seemed a bit puzzled, his gaze fixed on Zuo Shaoqing as he earnestly questioned, “Isn't he the associate of the Cao Sect?”
He possessed a keen eye for recognizing individuals, especially someone like the Cao Sect's leader, with whom he had crossed paths once before. The individual accompanying Zuo Shaoqing today was undoubtedly the same person he had encountered back then.
But this man was renowned as Duke Zhen? He had gotten so close to Duke Zhen and even suspected that he was conspiring with Zuo Shaoqing!
Zuo Shaoqing lowered his head, observing their entwined hands. He felt like crying, but tears wouldn't come. Now, he comprehended the significance of Lu Zheng's glance earlier.
Lu Zheng had previously warned him against developing intimate relations with Qu Changqing. Yet here they were, holding hands in public. This was truly a predicament!
He swiftly withdrew his hand and coughed, “Well, Brother Qu, this is a rather lengthy tale. How about I share it with you another day?”
The commotion on the street rapidly subsided, leaving behind a collection of handkerchiefs, a testament to Master Lu's charisma.
“Did you hear? His Majesty is planning to wed the Fifth Princess to Duke Zhen!”
Zuo Shaoqing had an unsettling feeling. He furrowed his brow as he fixed his gaze on the man who spoke.
“Why is that surprising?” With Duke Zhen's impressive military record, who among the noble ladies is more suitable for him than the princess?”
“You're right. It's a shame I'm just a humble merchant. Even if I wanted to offer my daughter as a bride, I wouldn't stand a chance!”
“Haha… You want to climb up to Duke Master? I've heard that the Wu Steel Manor's selection criteria are even stricter than the Imperial Palace's. So, quit daydreaming!”
Zuo Shaoqing was still processing the shock of “Duke Master aspiring to marry a princess” when someone interrupted, “Your information is terribly outdated. This morning, Liu Steel Manor made numerous announcements. Tomorrow, they'll announce Duke Master's engagement.”
“Ah? What does that mean?” The earlier small merchant asked with confusion.
“Ignorant! What's so special about Princess Shang? Not only are there more rules to follow, but she also has to cater to him. I heard that the madam intends to personally select a bride for Duke Master.”
Zuo Shaoqing knew his expression must be terrifying at this point. The men who were glaring at the young man couldn't help but feel an urge to pounce on him and give him a piece of their mind.
Unfortunately, the revelations continued, “Duke Master has been away on military campaigns for many years and only returned victorious last year. He's not even twenty yet. All the noble ladies in the capital are vying for his attention. Just wait and see, the Wu Steel Manor will be swarmed in the next two days, haha…”
The small merchant shook his head and smiled wryly. “It's a shame. With our lowly status, we won't even be allowed inside the gates.”
“Stop daydreaming and hurry up with your daughter's marriage. Don't waste your time! No one will want her, haha…”
Zuo Shaoqing stood by the roadside as the crowd dispersed around him. His eyes were filled with darkness, and his face was as somber as a rainy day.
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