Under the hazy moonlight, Ethan Song sat alone in the Qixia Pavilion with four upturned corners. His pair of dark starry eyes still showed no emotion, and his gaze was now fixed on Cassandra Shi's slender figure.
Cassandra Shi had not called him just now in Daixiu Residence. If he pretended not to see him now, it would be impolite and give people a chance to talk about him.
Thinking of this, Cassandra Shi temporarily suppressed the bitterness in his heart, the dejection on his face disappeared, he stood in place and saluted the people with his arms crossed, his tone was gentle but without any flattery or humility.
She did not look at all the prim and solemn look of a lady from an aristocratic family, nor did she behave like a girl from a common family, nor did she have the servility and fawning manner of the maids in the mansion when they saw him.
In the quiet garden, her voice was like the gurgling water flowing slowly from the rocks, clear and pure, and very pleasant to the ear.
Ethan Song's mind couldn't help but move slightly, and his eyes were filled with a bit of scrutiny and inquiry.
The evening breeze of early spring was inevitably a little chilly. The wind blew Cassandra Shi's not-so-thick spring shirt and skirt. The moonlight fell on her porcelain-like face, adding a touch of hazy beauty. Her swan neck was as undulating as a peak, and her waist was as slender as a willow.
The cold air blew across his face, but Ethan Song suddenly felt irritated for no reason. He stood up and walked down the stone steps slowly, then stopped, keeping a distance of about ten feet between him and Cassandra Shi.
Ethan Song had a back as straight as a pine tree, a tall and strong physique, and his muscles were well-defined under his wide robe. His brows revealed the aura of a superior and his majesty was evident.
He lowered his eyelids and looked into Cassandra Shi's clear peach blossom eyes. He gently opened his thin lips and asked her, "I saw that Madam Yang was in a state of dejection just now. What's on your mind?"
Cassandra Shi was not even as high as his shoulders. She could only look up to see his face. Seeing that he was a man of integrity and courtesy, she was not overly defensive and found a suitable excuse: "The master is overly concerned. I have nothing on my mind. It was just that the moonlight was so beautiful tonight that I suddenly remembered my late brother. There was no other reason."
There is nothing wrong with the reason of missing my deceased brother.
However, Ethan Song was the best at seeing through people's hearts. He clearly felt that when she mentioned the word "deceased brother", her face was as calm as water, and there was no sadness in her eyes. If she was not deliberately lying in front of him, then she was hiding and controlling her emotions very well, and did not show her joy or anger in front of others.
If it was the latter, she would be too young and old at her age. Er Niang was only two years younger than her, but her character was far inferior to hers.
"It was my rude words that brought up Miss Yang's sad memories."
Ethan Song spoke in a calm tone and deliberately lowered his posture, as if waiting for her to say something.
The wind seemed to be getting stronger. Cassandra Shi was afraid of the cold, and her body was weak. With the cool evening breeze blowing, she had no intention of chatting with him. She said perfunctorily, "The master is kind-hearted, so why should you say such rude things? It's getting late and it's cold outside. The master should be careful not to catch a cold. I have something else to do, so I'll go first."
After she finished speaking, she lifted up her skirt and was about to leave when she saw Ethan Song walking towards her. He said softly, "Ms. Yang is very good at playing backgammon. Would you be so kind as to play against me someday?"
Even if she didn't get sick from the cold wind tonight, she would probably freeze to death if she played backgammon for half an hour facing such a face in the future.
So without a moment's hesitation, he took a step back and politely declined, "Master, you are too kind. I was lucky to win the game against Er Niang today. How dare I show off my skills in front of you?"
The rejection was so clean and clear. Not only did it not have any intention of getting close to him, but it also seemed like she was trying to avoid him. This was beyond Ethan Song's expectation.
Ethan Song stood there blankly, watching the plain lotus-colored light moving further and further away, until Cassandra Shi's slender figure completely disappeared into the endless night. Then he picked up the lamp he brought from Clara Song's room and strolled back to Tuihanju.
Before their master came back, Ju Bai, Feng Gui and the others did not dare to go downstairs to rest. When they heard the sound of footsteps outside, they hurried out to greet them. Ethan Song handed the green gauze lantern to Ju Bai and ordered in a deep voice: "Send this lantern back to Daixiu Residence tomorrow, and go to the warehouse to pick up some Gongxian white porcelain and send it together. Pick out some green gauze and soothing spices from the lady's room and send them there."
Ju Bai answered yes and left. Then Shang Lu respectfully asked, "The water has boiled and is being heated on the stove. Does the master want to take a bath today?"
Ethan Song heard this without even looking at her, and just said calmly: "Go get some cold water."
In early spring, the well water is cold, how can one take a bath? Shang Lu was very puzzled, but he did not dare to ask more questions. He retreated and went to the backyard to call the servant to fetch a few more buckets of well water.
Feng Gui instructed the boy to pour the well water into the bathtub, and then took the lacquered pear wood tray from Ju Bai, on which were neatly folded clean undershirts, underwear, outer robes and other clothes. Feng Gui placed the tray on the table in the bathroom, and then used a tinder to light several candles on the crane-shaped lampstand. An orange-yellow halo of light emanated from the wicks, and the entire bathroom was immediately as bright as day.
A six-fold folding screen with a landscape painted in gilt is placed behind the red window with carved precious stones. Ethan Song hides behind the screen, takes off his robe, and hangs all the clothes he has taken off on the mahogany frame.
The burning skin was relieved the moment it touched the cool water. Ethan Song relaxed his muscles and leaned against the wall of the tub. He calmed himself, closed his eyes and drove the three words "Yang Chuyin" out of his mind.
Two quarters of an hour later, Ethan Song finished his bath. Feng Guifang went inside to take the robe he had changed out of and gave it to the boy to take to the laundry room.
Since Ethan Song had no wife, Concub!ne or maid, and was not used to being served by a maid, it was always Feng Gui who held the lights for Ethan Song at night. And since he had no habit of getting up at night, there was no need for a maid to stand guard on the low couch in the outer room.
Ethan Song lay down on the large rosewood bed. Feng Gui blew out the last candle in the room, holding a white copper candlestick and quietly retreated.
Everything was quiet outside the window and the night was as cool as water. Ethan Song had difficulty sleeping for once, and after finally falling into a light sleep he had strange dreams one after another.
For the next three days, Ethan Song came home late every time, and Mrs. Xue, Samuel Song and others had no chance to see him.
At noon that day, Ethan Song had lunch in the government office. He was about to open a military book when he heard a pair of soldiers in their teens come to report that Sima Cheng was outside asking to see him.
Ethan Song raised his head slightly and agreed.
A moment later, Cheng Yan strode in, with an anxious look on his face. He clasped his hands together and knelt on one knee to salute Ethan Song, his tone slightly anxious: "General, I have something important to report."
Ethan Song lowered his eyes and said one word: "Yes."
Cheng Yan then stood up and said in a low voice that there might be a change in the Shouyang army, and asked him to go there in person to give instructions and stabilize the morale of the army.
After asking in detail, Ethan Song had a general conclusion in his mind, so he ordered his men to prepare the horses, changed into armor in the side hall, hung a long sword on his waist, and hurried out of the office with Cheng Yan.
Feng Gui, who was waiting outside, saw Ethan Song coming out with big strides at this time. He knew that he must be going out for something, so he trotted forward to meet him.
Ethan Song was just looking for him, so he came at the right time. He hurriedly told him to go back home and tell the lady that he and Sima Cheng would be going to Shouyang soon and would be back in a few days.
After saying this, he jumped on his horse, whipped the horse and rode away in a cloud of dust.
Feng Gui returned to the Song Mansion and reported the matter to Evelyn Madam. When he came out, he saw Huanzhu hanging her handkerchief under the corridor. Fearing Evelyn Madam's majesty, he did not dare to speak to anyone openly in Cuizhu Residence and could only exchange glances with her secretly.
At that moment, Ruisheng came in with a lunch box. Huanzhu caught a glimpse of her from the corner of her eye and her face immediately turned red with shame. She tried hard to signal Feng Gui to leave quickly with her eyes.
Rui Sheng looked at Feng Gui's back as he walked away, and walked up to him and teased Huan Zhu: "The lady has approved your relationship with Feng Lang, so why are you hiding it? Feng Lang is quite popular with the master of the house, so he will have a bright future. When you marry him next year, you will be an enviable couple."
After hearing this, Huanzhu's face became even redder. Ruisheng stopped teasing her and went into the house to present the Tremella, Lily and Loquat Soup to Mrs. Xue.
"Madam, Madam Yang said that this soup is best eaten while it's hot, and it will also make your throat feel better."
It turned out that Mrs. Xue caught a cold the night before and felt some discomfort in her throat yesterday morning. She asked a doctor to come and prescribe some medicine for her to take, but the medicine has not worked yet and she has developed a new cough.
When Cassandra Shi was helping to sort out the threads in the sewing room, Rui Sheng mentioned this matter and immediately suggested making some hot drinks for Mrs. Xue to relieve the symptoms. Rui Sheng went back and told Mrs. Xue about it. Mrs. Xue had no appetite and wanted to decline. However, Clara Song, who was beside her, persuaded her carefully after hearing this and Mrs. Xue finally agreed.
The soft, sweet loquat flesh did not sting at all when it went down her throat, but instead gave her a warm, smooth feeling. Then, she took a sip of the fragrant soup and found it very enjoyable. She finished the whole bowl in no time.
Mrs. Xue put down the white porcelain covered bowl, and her slightly pale brows frowned again. She didn't know what kind of urgent matter had happened in Shouyang, but Erlang couldn't delay for a quarter of an hour and rushed there at noon.
Clara Song knew that she was worried about her second brother, so she comforted him: "Don't worry, grandma. Since my second brother said he would be back in a few days, I think he must have a plan in mind. Just don't worry."
Mrs. Xue sighed, saying something in agreement, but her brows were not relaxed, "Second Mother is right, but I am just asking for trouble. Your sister will probably arrive at twilight hour, and it just so happens that Erlang will not be here for the next few days..."
Before she could finish her words, she heard a maid outside the second door running down the corridor with a smile on her face, saying, "Madam, the eldest lady, the young master and Miss Meng are here. They must have passed through the second door by now."
Clara Song smiled happily after hearing this, and immediately stood up, and helped Mrs. Xue up with Shuyu, "Isn't this just like saying that Cao Cao Cao has arrived? My sister and the others arrived early, so why do we have to wait until the evening?"
Mrs. Xue was also overjoyed at this moment. She could no longer sit still and went to the corridor in person to look forward to welcoming the arrival of Song Qingyin and her family of three.
Soon, a figure dressed in red and gold came quickly from the courtyard gate. Before the maid in the courtyard could greet her, the woman threw herself into Evelyn Madam's arms and knelt on the ground. Soon, she burst into tears, holding Evelyn Madam's arms with both hands, and choked with sobs: "I am an unfilial son. I haven't paid my respects to my grandmother for three years..."
Meng Lichuan also knelt on the ground following Song Qingyin's action. Although he didn't say much, his respect and gratitude for Evelyn Madam were truly sincere.
Shu Yu, who was standing under the eaves, couldn't help but tear up when she saw this scene. She wiped her tears and went forward to persuade the two of them, saying, "It is a great joy that the aunt and her husband have returned. They will be able to stay in Taiyuan for a long time. Why are you crying instead of smiling?"
Mrs. Xue wiped her tears with the handkerchief handed to her by Shu Yu, and hurriedly asked her husband and wife to get up. Seeing that Meng Fu was not there, she asked, "Why is Tuan Nu not here?"
"The maid is leading her behind. Let's go in first." Song Qingyin said as she walked into the house holding Mrs. Xue's hand.
The furnishings in the house were almost the same as they were four years ago, except for some precious items on the rosewood shelf against the wall. On the east wall hung Zhou Fang's "Lady with Flowers in Her Hair", and the gauze on one of the windows seemed to have been recently pasted on.
Mrs. Xue saw her staring at the window frame, and thinking of what happened that evening, a smile broke out on her tear-stained face. She smiled and told Song Qingyin and Meng Lichuan about what happened that evening when she jumped onto the windowsill on the cloud, which made Erlang alert. After hearing this, the two of them both curled their lips and smiled.
Song Qingyin covered her mouth and laughed for a while, then gradually stopped laughing. Then she realized that Ethan Song and Samuel Song were not there, so she asked, "Why don't you see the second and third brothers?"
"Your second brother just left for Shouyang at noon today, and it will probably take a few days for him to come back; your third brother is on duty. The Weirui Residence you lived in before you got married has been cleaned up a long time ago. During this period of time, the three of you can stay in the mansion for half a month, okay?"
"Son, listen to grandma." As Song Qingyin spoke, she looked at Clara Song and was happy to see that she had grown into a graceful young lady.
"I haven't seen you for nearly four years. You have become even more beautiful. When I left, you were barely thirteen, but now you are already twenty-eight."
As they were talking, Lydia Zu, Madam Gao and others also came over to Cuizhuju to join the gathering.
When Samuel Song returned home after finishing his shift, the whole family gathered together for dinner, so there is no need to go into details.
On the evening of February 25th, when the moon was rising in the west, Mrs. Xue received a letter from Shouyang, saying that the governor would return from Shouyang before noon the next day and could reach Taiyuan at 5 pm.
Mrs. Xue was overjoyed after seeing this, so she ordered the kitchen to prepare more dishes for a family dinner tomorrow. Samuel Song remembered that Cassandra Shi had lost her brother, so she specially asked Mrs. Xue to allow her to take a day off tomorrow. Mrs. Xue also felt sorry for her because she had no relatives in Taiyuan, so she agreed immediately.
The next day, Cassandra Shi did not have to go to the kitchen to work. Clara Song got the news from somewhere, and after lunch he asked someone to invite her to Daixiuju to play backgammon.
At 2:15 pm on the twentieth hour of the evening, Clara Song took Cassandra Shi with him to go outside the mansion to pick up Ethan Song. Since she was the master of the mansion, she could naturally stand in the front row.
Clara Song was holding Cassandra Shi's hand tightly at this moment and refused to let go. Even though Cassandra Shi didn't want to show her face in front of Ethan Song, she had no choice now.
Ethan Song dismounted from his horse, wearing a purple robe with a grape pattern and a lapel. A nearly four-foot-long black iron sword hung from his waist. He looked as heroic as a tiger, and his upright posture was like a pine tree or a crane.
In the afterglow of the setting sun, an extremely tall shadow was cast on the ground. Even though Cassandra Shi was tall, she immediately became petite when standing in front of him.
Cassandra Shi glanced at him briefly like everyone else and then looked away, gazing at the green mountains in the distance. She was completely unaware that when Ethan Song was scanning everyone, his deep eyes fell on her rosy face several times.
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