As soon as these words ca out, a thought flashed through Hua Xiaomai’s head, which was to pin him down and punch him a couple of tis. However, upon further reflection, she suddenly narrowed her eyes and said with a mockingly playful tone, "Hey, I say Scholar Wen, you’re not insinuating that I should give you a raise, are you?"
Wen Huaren knew she was joking and didn’t take it personally, just hanging his head in silence.
"If you ask , this issue is actually easy to resolve."
Hua Xiaomai disliked his droopy deanor and pursed her lips, saying, "If you want to pursue official ranks or save more money, that’s all fine, but at least with Yun’er, you ought to give her so peace of mind. She’s had enough hard knocks in life, stuck with that kind of father, not a single day of happiness, and if you also keep dragging your feet, wouldn’t that make her life even harder? As her master, I must care about my disciple’s affairs, and I have the right to. Hey, if you keep procrastinating, I’ll decide for her—it’s better to just let her marry Han Hu! He’s also a fine fellow, and he handles things with a decisive and efficient touch, much better than you!"
Wen Huaren remained silent, brooding for a while before getting up to look at the sun, and quietly went to the front hall.
...
Hua Xiaomai was quite upset by Scholar Wen’s attitude, and when she saw ng Yuhuai in the evening, she inevitably grasped his arm and complained nonstop.
"What’s with him, having such an attitude?" she fud, tugging on ng Yuhuai’s arm, "In my view, Han Hu is really thousands of tis better than him, but what can I do? It’s just that Yun’er has taken a fancy to that sour scholar! Luckily, the man I t wasn’t a scholar, otherwise, I would have been annoyed sick by now!"
ng Yuhuai curled his lips into a smile, wrapping his arms around her waist, "So, do you still think us escort masters are more reliable?"
"Of course, how can that fragile Scholar Wen, who could be toppled by a re gust of wind, compare to you?" Xiaomai nodded without a second thought.
ng Yuhuai’s heart sweetened at her words, and he hugged her a little tighter, "I know you’re worried about your little disciple, but don’t ddle too much. In such affairs, how can outsiders have a clear say? — Speaking of which, have you sent the reply to Song Jingxi today?"
"Mm, I had Ji Xiang take it to the Provincial City." Hua Xiaomai giggled with pride, saying, "She chats about family matters with , and I respond with pleasantries. I even invited her to co and visit Daoxiang Garden when she has free ti. It’s just talk after all, what’s so hard about that?"
She was certain that Song Jingxi wouldn’t really make her way to Fire Knife Village, yet many things in this world do not develop according to one’s wishes.
Ji Xiang had taken the reply to Tong’an City, and in just three to five days, Song Jingxi truly ca.
Just like her previous visit to Fire Knife Village, Song Jingxi traveled light, arriving by carriage and stopping right outside Daoxiang Garden.
It was the afternoon, the sun casting a warm glow, and Qing You along with a few other workers were dozing on the tables in the dining hall. Hua Xiaomai, together with Old Mother ng, was basking in the sun beside the lotus pond, holding little Walnut, when an abrupt patter of footsteps was heard. Turning her head, she saw Song Jingxi, followed by a couple of maidservants and Chun Xi stepping inside, smiling brightly at her.
Hua Xiaomai was briefly taken aback; then she quickly stepped forward with a beaming smile of her own.
"Boss Song, long ti no see, what brings you to Fire Knife Village so suddenly?"
Song Jingxi took her hand with a serene smile, "Xiaomai, we really haven’t t in a long ti! I’ve wanted to visit you for a while but knew you were busy and didn’t want to disturb you. When I got your letter and saw your invitation to visit, I couldn’t sit still and imdiately ran over here. I hope you don’t find impudent for not notifying you in advance."
Hua Xiaomai secretly clenched her teeth.
Sister, have you been running Taoyuan House for so long, dealing with people all day, and you still don’t know what’s ant by courtesy words? It was a polite offer, who could’ve guessed you’d actually co? If there’s sothing you need, just say it!
This was what she thought inwardly, but of course, she wouldn’t show it outwardly. She busied herself with instructing Chun Xi to bring over tea and pastries, inviting Song Jingxi to sit down on a stone seat while making polite inquiries, chatting about the "smooth journey" and the like.
Song Jingxi was exchanging pleasantries while she looked around, clicking her tongue in admiration, "Xiaomai, you’re really capable, this place has changed so much! I rember when I ca to Fire Knife Village looking for you last ti, it was just a small lodge, and I even stayed there for a night. To think that in less than two years, you bought it and turned it into such a big garden! This lotus pond looks truly delightful; co midsumr when the lotuses bloom, it will surely be spectacularly beautiful!"
As she spoke, she turned her head to look at little Walnut, exclaiming in surprise.
"Xiaomai, is this your child? So handso! When did you get married? I had no idea. Oh, look at ... I ca in such a hurry that I didn’t bring anything nice. As it’s the first ti eting the child, I should give a eting gift."
She took a purse from Qing He and put it into Walnut’s swaddle, insisting it was a re trifle and that it shouldn’t be refused.
The purse was bulky and looked rather heavy; it probably contained gold and silver coins or sothing similar. Hua Xiaomai declined a bit, then thanked her, engaging in idle chat without openly asking about her intentions.
Song Jingxi chatted for a bit and then took a small bamboo basket from Qing He’s hand, presenting it to Hua Xiaomai.
"Here, just the day before I ca, a friend gave a basket of these, called tomatoes, which aren’t native to our region. I didn’t recognize them at first and, plucking up my courage, tried one. They are sour and sweet, and the taste turned out to be quite nice. Thinking of visiting you, I took a few for you to try. Please don’t disdain them."
Tomatoes?
Hua Xiaomai glanced into the basket and the corners of her lips subtly lifted.
Like chilis, this item was still considered exotic in the present era, with few having tasted it. Song Jingxi’s gift was not to be considered lightly.
So...
Whatever she was seeking, it definitely wouldn’t be easy, would it? (To be continued. If you like this novel, you are welco to vote for it with a recomndation ticket or monthly ticket at Qidian. Your support is my biggest motivation. Mobile readers please visit m.qidian to read.)
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