Chapter 29: An Overnight Stay

“Ah,” Liu Chuyan exclaimed in shock, her face drained of color and her eyes wide with astonishment. Unconsciously, she took a step back.

Both Xue Huaijin and Xue Huaiyu were equally stunned. Was it that after drinking Liu Chuyan’s tea today, Xue Ao had somehow become a bit more charming? If not for the stern look that still lingered on his face, they might have thought he was finally beginning to understand the ways of the world.

Noticing his two sisters' reactions, Xue Ao mouthed the words “making a fuss,” then strode ahead to lead the way.

The Xue sisters had carefully planned to keep their guests for the night, prepared even to send them back to the Marquis of Wukang’s residence with gifts the next day. But now that the guests were about to leave and the gifts were not yet ready, they were thrown into a fluster, unsure what to do.

Liu Chuyan handed the bookmark to Xue Huaijin. It was meant as a gift for them, after all—how could she take it with her? She quickly followed after Xue Ao.

“Second Brother, it looks like the rain outside is about to pour harder. Why not let the two sisters stay in the residence for the night?” Xue Huaijin passed the bookmark to a maid and inwardly cursed Xue Ao for meddling, but she called out to him, cautiously seeking his opinion.

“Yes, Second Brother,” Xue Huaiyu chimed in, moving closer and echoing, “Those two bookmarks, Sister Chuyan made them for us. We really love them. But if we take them and she has none for herself, what sense does that make? Why not stay a little longer, and she can make a few more?” As she spoke, Xue Huaiyu glanced furtively at the magnolia branch she had pilfered.

“If she doesn’t have one, I’ll give her one of mine,” Xue Ao replied coolly, narrowing his eyes in a dismissive hum.

Xue Huaiyu almost thought she’d misheard. Xue Ao, who was always so secretive with his bookmarks, was now volunteering to give one to Liu Chuyan? Just a moment ago he’d acted like she was his arch-nemesis, and this was the same man who, after sipping her tea that morning, insisted on changing his clothes. Would he really part with something he treasured most?

Liu Chuyan, too, was dumbfounded by this unexpected favor, suspecting there was more to it than met the eye. Still, as she did wish to return home, she said nothing.

As the three siblings stood in a silent stalemate, Madame Xue returned, her voice bright with laughter as she entered, taking Liu Chuyan’s hand and leading her to the table. “Chuyan, you seldom come. Stay a few more days. I’ll speak to your grandaunt about it.”

Liu Chuyan felt the chill of her palm and noticed her clothing was damp—a sign she had hurried over. She well knew the reason for such haste: Madame Xue was determined to keep her. Compared to the Xue sisters, Madame Xue was much harder to refuse. Liu Chuyan knew she must leave soon. “Aunt, I—”

“Mother, I’ve already sent word to Grandaunt. But Sister Chuyan insists on leaving, and Second Brother is set on escorting her back,” Xue Huaiyu interrupted, making a face at Xue Ao and loudly complaining to Madame Xue.

With an inscrutable smile, Madame Xue shooed Xue Huaiyu aside and glanced at Xue Huaijin.

Xue Huaijin stepped forward to knead her mother’s shoulders. “Mother, Sister Chuyan can also make leaf bookmarks. She made two for us this afternoon—they’re beautiful.”

“Really? Let me see.” At her words, a maid presented the bookmarks. Madame Xue studied them closely: the veins of the leaves, pressed between two layers of gauze, were not at all obscured but startlingly clear. A fresh scent still lingered. She could not stop praising them. “These bookmarks are truly irresistible. Chuyan, you are so skillful. Could you make a few for your aunt as well?”

As she spoke, Madame Xue’s mind wandered.

Today, she must hold onto her, first by showing affection and then by slowly steering the conversation toward the eldest son. If the two could find favor in each other’s eyes, nothing would be better. Xue Tan’s attitude toward Liu Chuyan was rather ambiguous—perhaps admiration, but clearly more than that. All this time, she was the only one who could make the Duke of Xin praise someone endlessly upon his return home. As long as he had not explicitly refused, it was Madame Xue’s duty to bring them together. Indeed, it was unlikely that Liu Chuyan could refuse the Duke of Xin’s household, but as a diligent stepmother, she had to find a suitable and agreeable match for Xue Tan.

Once Xue Tan and Liu Chuyan had developed special feelings for each other, she would propose the match to the Han household after Liu Chuyan came of age. When their relationship deepened, even the old Madame Han could not refuse. The Duke of Xin’s position was high, and Liu Chuyan was unmatched in beauty—no ordinary woman could compare. Such a match would be a rare and perfect union.

After all, her own son was of marrying age, but until the eldest brother wed, she dared not arrange a marriage for her own boy lest people talk. The role of stepmother was indeed a difficult one.

Liu Chuyan noticed Madame Xue lapse into silence after asking her question, her expression unreadable. Fearing she might offend her, Liu Chuyan agreed politely, “Aunt, please wait a moment. I’ll make a few more for you.”

Seeing his mother successfully retain their guest, Xue Ao opened his mouth as if to speak, but in the end said nothing. Annoyed, he flicked his sleeves and strode away.

While Liu Chuyan was crafting the bookmarks, Madame Xue quietly asked Xue Huaijin if the eldest son had acted unusually today.

Xue Huaijin had been meaning to report, so she recounted the events in detail, with Xue Huaiyu occasionally interjecting. Yet Madame Xue soon silenced Xue Huaiyu, afraid her loud voice might be overheard by Liu Chuyan.

With no interruptions, Xue Huaijin quickly recounted everything. Once Madame Xue heard that Xue Tan had sent food to Liu Chuyan, her heart was at ease. This was a clear sign of interest—no need to worry.

In truth, Xue Tan’s temperament was not unlike Xue Huaijin’s: his true feelings were hidden deep, never revealed. Toward those he did not care for, he would not spare a single glance; for those he liked, he still would not look too much, but there would be small, telling signs—a quiet compliment, a secret gift of food. Since his return to the Duke’s estate, he had not only praised her in front of his sisters but today had gone to the bamboo grove to see her, even sending food as an apology.

It was a pity that when Zhao Panyu came to make trouble, Xue Ao had handled it instead. Had Xue Tan stepped in, it would have been the perfect tale of a hero saving a beauty—Liu Chuyan would surely have been moved.

Madame Xue pondered carefully. She must remind Xue Ao to help his elder brother shine in front of Liu Chuyan next time. As soon as the Duke agreed and Liu Chuyan was willing, she would immediately propose the match to the Han family.

The Duke of Xin with an orphaned girl, a couple deeply in love—such a union would benefit everyone, and she would gain a reputation as a kind and gentle stepmother. Then she could marry her own son to a suitable noble lady, advantageous to both his career and the Duke’s household.

In another year, her eldest daughter could be betrothed; in four, the younger could also marry.

By then, the Duke’s residence would be quieter, but perhaps a few years later, she could hold a grandson in her arms.

How delightful those days with grandchildren would be! She had longed for them for years.

As Liu Chuyan worked on the bookmarks, she would occasionally glance at Madame Xue. Just like the day at the General’s mansion, Madame Xue’s eyes sparkled, her gaze full of calculation. Yet, as time passed, she grew so pleased that she clapped her hands and laughed, and even the calls from Xue Huaijin and Xue Huaiyu could not pull her from her dreams.

Han Shuwei was seated beside Liu Chuyan, watching her. Noticing the scene, she widened her eyes in wonder. “Cousin…”

“Hush—” Liu Chuyan gestured for her to be quiet.

The sudden “hush” snapped Madame Xue back to herself, just as a new bookmark was finished. She stepped forward, examining it closely. “Chuyan, your learning is profound, your embroidery exquisite, and you have a knack for delightful little crafts. Whoever marries you will be unimaginably fortunate.”

“Indeed! I wonder who will be lucky enough to marry Sister Chuyan,” Xue Huaijin teased with a laugh.

“If I weren’t born a girl, I’d want to marry Sister Chuyan myself. But my two elder brothers haven’t married yet—Sister Chuyan, what do you think of them?” Xue Huaiyu blurted out. Madame Xue, half angry and half amused, gave her a light slap but did not scold her aloud.

So Liu Chuyan found herself in an impossible position—saying something would be awkward, but saying nothing even more so.

“Haha, Sister Chuyan is blushing!” Xue Huaiyu teased with a mischievous grin.

“Chuyan, you know how I have fretted over the futures of my two sons. The first time I met you, I thought that having a daughter-in-law like you would be a blessing earned over three lifetimes,” Madame Xue continued her praise, determined to pry open her heart.

Liu Chuyan knew she could not evade this, so she dipped into a graceful curtsey. “Aunt, you flatter me. I am not at all as wonderful as you think. But both young masters of your house are outstanding—handsome as jade trees, noble in character, upright and honorable, each exceptional in his own way. Truly, Aunt, you are the blessed one.”

“Chuyan, you do have a way with words.” Madame Xue recognized the flawless response—neither slighting Xue Ao nor unduly elevating Xue Tan. Knowing she could get nothing more from her, she smiled serenely. “Huaiyin, Huaiyu, you two must learn from your sister Chuyan.”

“Yes.”

“By the way, didn’t you two do some embroidery this morning? Bring it and let me have a look.”

“Yes,” the sisters replied softly, instructing the maids to fetch the finished pieces, leaving the unfinished ones on the frame.

Madame Xue studied the patterns on the silk, her face radiant with delight. “This one was embroidered by Chuyan, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, Mother, you’re amazing,” Xue Huaiyu exclaimed in awe.

“And this is yours?” Madame Xue picked up another, her tone both critical and loving. “I told you to practice properly, and yet it’s still like this. How will you ever show it in the future?”

“Aunt, Huaiyu is still young and can learn gradually. She put in a lot of effort on today’s embroidery,” Liu Chuyan spoke up in her defense, earning a grateful look.

“Mother, only Sister Chuyan is kind enough to speak for her. All she did today was drink tea and sneak leaves—she hardly put a stitch in. And just look at her calligraphy, so sloppy and uneven. Good thing Sister Chuyan saw it first; if anyone else had, they’d be laughing themselves silly.”

In laughter and conversation, evening arrived. Madame Xue made no mention of sending Liu Chuyan home; instead, after dinner, she ordered guest rooms prepared. In the end, Liu Chuyan could not return and had to spend the night at the Xue residence.

The next morning, it was no longer appropriate for her to stay. Besides, Xue Tan was unwell, and however much Madame Xue wished to play matchmaker, she had to be prudent, lest she leave a poor impression or even frighten the girl off.

Once Liu Chuyan boarded the carriage to return home, she finally felt at ease. Yet, the carriage had only turned onto a quiet street when it was stopped at the end of a silent alley.

“Who’s out there blocking the way?” Liu Chuyan had risen very early and was still somewhat groggy.

“Miss, it’s a young lady. She says her name is Rushi,” Qinghe reported after going to ask.

“Rushi? Who is Rushi?”

Author’s Note: ~(≧▽≦)/~ Ta-da! Three updates today! Done!

Honestly, three updates a day is exhausting!

But mission accomplished, ~(≧▽≦)/~ Please support the official version! Say no to piracy!