Chapter 32: Half a Peach Blossom
◎ Will she also have a romantic encounter? ◎
Mu Jiaojiao looked at the gifts from her father and brothers, feeling a mixture of emotions.
Though she couldn’t see them, the gifts felt comforting.
Shan Cha opened a box revealing precious tonics and some discreetly placed banknotes. A letter from Mu Ming read: “Hearing that our benefactor is taking the provincial examinations, I offer this small token of our gratitude.”
His handwriting was ordinary, but seeing his words brought tears to Mu Jiaojiao’s eyes.
“Miss, don’t cry. After things settle down, we’ll surprise Father and the brothers.”
Shan Cha also cried, her speech slurred, even sniffling.
This made Mu Jiaojiao laugh through her tears, “A surprise? I think it’ll be a shock.”
After examining the gifts, she asked Shan Cha to take them to Zhan Qiyu.
“Zhan Da Ge, this is my father’s gratitude. Please accept it.”
Zhan Qiyu was studying a classical essay and didn’t look up. “Mm, I know.”
He knew? What did he mean?
Mu Jiaojiao and Shan Cha were stunned, waiting for him to continue.
“You’re free, so learn about finance.”
His writing didn’t stop; he seemed focused, but the slightly heavier strokes betrayed his composure. He wasn’t as calm as he appeared.
Mu Jiaojiao found his suggestion sensible, nodding, “Zhan Da Ge is right. I understand.”
She and Shan Cha left.
Zhan Qiyu lifted his eyes, gazing at her retreating figure, captivated.
Managing finances was a wife’s duty; she should learn now to manage a larger household later.
A simple life or a luxurious one was the same to him.
But Mu Jiaojiao couldn’t share his hardships. If anyone coveted her, he’d retaliate. He’d make them regret even glancing at her.
Time flew by; Zhan Qiyu continued studying, preparing for the palace examination after the provincial exam results.
He was confident but worried.
He sometimes gazed at her silhouette from his window, feeling unreal; she was near yet far.
Vague yet distant, beautiful yet hurtful.
Meanwhile, Nangong Xuan stayed in the town for some time. Local officials were wary, fearing the Prince.
But he was simply observing, making no major moves.
He didn’t target corrupt officials or audit taxes; he was relaxing.
He strolled through the south street one day and the north street the next. The magistrate held a temple fair every other day to please him, keeping local businesses busy.
He received a letter ordering him back to the capital.
Nangong Xuan narrowed his eyes, burned the letter, and prepared to leave.
His attendants’ paid vacation was over. They were unsure what awaited them upon their return.
The crisis in Yan Hua Town was over. The magistrate relaxed, finally able to attend Qin Feng Hang’s wedding.
Chen Xing’er became Mrs. Qin. Chen Li Shi sent an invitation to her sister.
Zhan Li Shi wouldn’t attend but mentioned it.
At dinner, Mu Jiaojiao’s smile faded, looking at Zhan Qiyu.
He remained calm, pretending not to hear.
Chen Xing’er and Qin Feng Hang were insignificant to him. He didn’t care.
But this made Mu Jiaojiao feel guilty, which was his intention.
He was skilled in both the courts and love.
Mu Jiaojiao apologized to Zhan Qiyu, vowing to help him find a suitable wife.
Mentioning a future wife, Zhan Qiyu glanced at her and continued reading.
Mu Jiaojiao noticed; his gaze was different – an almost predatory intensity.
She decided she’d imagined it.
Mu Jiaojiao devoted herself to her work. Her embroidered designs were popular, and demand outstripped supply.
A shop offered a high price for the designs, but she hesitated to sell.
Zhan’s mother asked Zhan Qiyu, and he said not to sell; they had enough money.
He also noted Mu Jiaojiao’s desire to earn money.
Mid-Autumn Festival arrived. Zhan’s mother, A Liu, and Shan Cha returned to Chang Hu Village, leaving Mu Jiaojiao with Zhan Qiyu.
Though confined, she was eager to celebrate. She prepared Mid-Autumn treats.
Shan Cha prepared the ingredients; she only needed to follow the instructions.
She kneaded dough and prepared fillings. Zhan Qiyu, watching from a slightly open window, smiled. It was his first time finding the festival enjoyable.
Mu Jiaojiao used her designs to shape the treats but found it challenging. She managed to make small flower and ingot shapes. The ingots were adorable.
She wore a peach-colored dress; the fabric was ordinary, but Zhan’s mother made it, and it looked beautiful on her.
Tired, she went to get a drink, making the man in the room feel thirsty.
Zhan Qiyu felt himself willingly succumb to his feelings.
Mu Jiaojiao went to steam the treats; her peach-colored figure disappeared into the kitchen.
Zhan Qiyu stood, telling himself that he needed to help if something went wrong in the kitchen.
He entered the kitchen, almost retreating due to the smoke from damp firewood.
“Zhan Da Ge, what are you doing? Go study. I can manage.”
Her face had soot on it, her hair slightly disheveled.
Zhan Qiyu avoided looking at her, tending the fire.
“I’ll help.”
Mu Jiaojiao didn’t protest; she needed help.
They tended the fire together. Idle, Mu Jiaojiao chatted.
“I heard there are famous dessert shops in the capital with exquisite and delicious treats.”
Mu Jiaojiao’s peach-colored dress was captivating. Zhan Qiyu, watching the fire, said, “We’ll try them someday.”
She interpreted it as dismissal, “But I may not have the chance.”
Zhan Qiyu glanced at her, confused.
She continued, “It’s fine; there are delicious treats and fun places in many cities.”
Her eyes held longing.
“Zhan Da Ge, if you could travel anywhere, where would you go?”
“Where would you go?” he countered.
She said, “I want to visit the Western Regions. I hear the fruit is sweet, and the people are interesting.”
Her father had told her. She couldn’t travel and only ate dried fruit he brought.
She yearned to visit herself.
A court lady from her previous life had relatives in the Western Regions and described the beauty. It was her dream destination.
Zhan Qiyu appeared to be ignoring her but remembered this.
He would accompany her to the Western Regions. To anywhere beautiful. She wanted to travel; he would take her.
He hoped they wouldn’t be too old.
After a while, the treats were ready. They were far uglier than expected, many leaking filling.
Mu Jiaojiao felt embarrassed, “It’s my first time; it’ll be better next time.”
Zhan Qiyu didn’t criticize. He picked a peach blossom-shaped treat to taste.
He opened his mouth, and the girl looked at him expectantly. Peach blossoms symbolize romance. His marriage was secure.
Before she could rejoice, he fed her half a treat.
She also ate half a peach blossom; would she also have romance?
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