308: Gently Refusing (2 more)
If Xuan Mu was a handso young master, brooding and restrained, then Wang Shaoyu was truly the epito of a refined gentleman. His smile was subtle, tinged with a touch of shyness, and his gaze always carried sincerity and kindness.
“Brother Wang, you’ve arrived late. You might have to drink a penalty cup!”
“I can’t drink much; my alcohol tolerance is low!” He declined gently, but without causing any displeasure.
Wang Shaoyu first greeted everyone in turn, then sat down to the side, listening to the others with a smile. He did not interrupt, but whenever soone addressed him, he was able to respond, contributing his thoughts articulately-a stark contrast to those who spoke grandiose words but were no more substantial than empty husks.
Yuanbao watched Wang Shaoyu several tis.
Wang Shaoyu always sat upright, with a gentle gleam in his eyes that occasionally betrayed hints of loss and sadness-fleeting and faint, extrely well concealed.
It was precisely this concealnt that revealed his delicate care in shielding certain people and matters in his heart-reflecting on them deeply but not allowing them to be known, which made it all the more heartbreaking.
“Dinner’s served!”
Soon, the dishes and drinks were served. With so many people, they occupied several tables, with each table receiving a tael of Drunken Snow Brew.
Yuanbao glanced at Xuan Mu, who sat upright, appearing utterly unconcerned.
She then had an inkling.
Such a person, brimming with knowledge and erudition, would seize any opportunity to rise up-whether they would beco a corrupt official or an upright one was a matter of thought.
Wang Shaoyu, on the other hand, would make a good official if soone took him under their wing.
Yuanbao observed these people attentively and then also lowered her head to focus on her al and wine, engaging in rry conversation-blissful and content.
In the tea house.
Xie Zhinuan was feeding Xie Yi water while Xie Rong looked on.
He was inexperienced with children and did not even know how to hold them. The mute uncle was tending to the horses, and Aunt Chen was preparing food for Xie Yi.
A carriage stopped at the entrance, and two young ladies descended first, followed by an elderly woman with white hair being assisted down.
The tea house manager went out to greet them, inviting the distinguished guests in to take a seat.
This elderly lady was quite particular, with white hair but sharp eyes.
When she saw Xie Zhinuan, she paused slightly, feeling a sense of familiarity with the young girl, yet could not rember where they might have t.
“Madam, please take a seat!”
Xie Rong turned his gaze briefly to look.
Madam? Whose family madam was she? To be addressed as madam ant she belonged to either a prominent family or a distinguished lineage.
However, he hadn’t ventured out in recent years and couldn’t recognize which family she belonged to.
When Aunt Chen brought the food, Xie Zhinuan called out to the mute uncle, “Mute uncle, co eat!”
“Ah!”
The mute uncle smiled in response.
He used to be called the mute slave, but Xie Zhinuan said it wasn’t a good na, as he wasn’t her slave but her master and also her uncle, hence he beca the mute uncle.
Having followed Xie Zhinuan for several days, he felt more at ease without having to painstakingly please anyone-a comfort he hadn’t experienced in his decades of life.
After washing his hands, he sat down to a al of three dishes and a soup, and knowing the two n had hearty appetites, Aunt Chen had prepared plenty of rice.
Xie Zhinuan, holding Xie Yi, ate in small bites as Xie Rong served her food and ladled soup for her.
“I can manage on my own. You go ahead and eat!”
“…” Xie Rong paused.
His sister was no longer the little girl who required him to serve her food, to feed her, and to coax her before she was willing to eat; otherwise, she would refuse.
Bowing his head, his eyes slightly reddened yet he tried hard to hide it.
Xie Zhinuan noticed and pursed her lips, seeing that Xie Rong seed quite upset, she eventually couldn’t bear it and pushed the soup toward him, “You’ll need to help mute uncle with the horse carriage later, eat up!”
Upon hearing this, Xie Rong raised his eyes to look at Xie Zhinuan.
“I understand your kindness, but my appetite is small. I don’t eat much, and it’s not that I’m intentionally refusing you, so don’t overthink it!” Xie Zhinuan comforted softly.
Chapter 309
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