Chapter 6: Chapter 2

Xie Yu and Zhuo Dingfeng were both tall and elegant with clear-cut features, and both their wives had willow-leaf brows and almond-shaped eyes, looking delicate and refined. Although they did not look exactly alike, a close inspection of their facial features revealed that their contours were surprisingly similar.

Even when the child grew up, it would likely be difficult to determine whose son he was based solely on his appearance.

The Emperor held the infant for a long time. Though he had no definitive answer, he was so fond of the child that he came up with a compromise: "Since it is impossible to confirm whose son this child is, it would be inappropriate for him to take the surname Xie or Zhuo. I shall bestow the imperial surname upon him and name him according to the generation of the princes. Let us call him Jing... Jingrui. After all, he was born on Rui Mountain. He shall live in the Xie household for one year and the Zhuo household the next, as a son to both families. How about that?"

Since the Emperor had made the decision, and there was no better solution, everyone had no choice but to agree.

Thus, Xiao Jingrui gained a dual identity: he was the eldest son of the Marquis of Ning, the Xie family, and also the second young master of the Zhuo family of Tianquan Manor. The Xie and Zhuo families, who had previously had no dealings with each other, became as close as kin. Two years ago, the eldest son of the Zhuo family, Zhuo Qingyao, married the eldest daughter of the Xie manor, Xie Qi, bringing the two families even closer, as harmonious as a single household.

"Alright, elder brother, since Father is in the study, let us go directly to pay our respects," Xie Bi said, then turned back to look at Mei Changsu. "Brother Su, will you join us?"

Mei Changsu smiled. "Since I am intruding upon your manor, it is only right that I pay my respects to the master."

The two brothers accompanied their guest, one on each side, walking with cheerful smiles toward the inner gate. The servants along the way, seeing this formation, knew that an important guest had arrived. However, seeing the visitor in a simple white robe with a refined and clear countenance, they could not guess his background.

According to the customs of noble families, unless welcoming an imperial decree or someone of higher rank, the central gate is not opened and the main hall is not entered. Therefore, the two brothers led their guest directly to the East Hall. Although there was still a lingering glow of sunset outside, the candles in the hall were already burning brightly. In the warm, yellow light, a man stood holding a scroll, pacing slowly across the mirror-smooth polished marble floor, lost in thought. Hearing the sound of people entering, he stopped and turned around, his long beard swaying slightly despite the lack of wind.

This was Xie Yu, the Marquis of Ning, who was highly trusted by the current Emperor and known as a pillar of the imperial court.

The handsome man once described as a "jade tree in a garden of orchids" was now over fifty, but his upright face and sharp features still retained the handsomeness of his youth. His physique was also well-maintained—neither too fat nor too thin, vigorous and strong. At this moment, he was wearing a slightly worn house robe, with no luxurious ornaments other than a jade belt at his waist, yet he exuded an air of grace that could not be ignored.

Xiao Jingrui and Xie Bi bowed respectfully, saying in unison, "Father."

"Rise," Xie Yu said, raising his hand. His gaze fell upon Xiao Jingrui, his tone turning slightly stern. "So you know how to return? I haven't seen a shadow of you for over two months, and you even forgot the Mid-Autumn reunion. It seems I have truly been too lenient in your upbringing..."

Just as he finished this reprimand, Xie Yu suddenly noticed a fourth person in the hall and immediately paused. "Oh, we have a guest?"

"Yes," Xiao Jingrui said, bowing. "This is Brother Su, a friend I made. He has taken great care of me while we were away, and I personally invited him to Jinling to recuperate."

Mei Changsu stepped forward, performing the bow of a junior, yet his demeanor was calm and unhurried. "Commoner Su Zhe pays his respects to the Marquis."

"Master Su is too polite. Guests are guests, and you are a friend of my son, so there is no need for such humble address." Xie Yu returned a slight bow. Seeing that the young man was thin and sickly, yet possessed a bright, refined appearance and an elegant temperament, he could not help but look twice. "Master Su is a man of character. Since you have honored my humble home with your presence, please treat it as your own and do not stand on ceremony."

Mei Changsu bowed slightly with a smile, offered no further pleasantries, and slowly stepped back.

Because an outsider was present, Xie Yu found it inconvenient to continue reprimanding Xiao Jingrui. He merely glared at him before softening his tone. "The guest has traveled far and is weary. Accompany him to his quarters to rest. Do not sleep in tomorrow; go to the Princess's manor to bring your mother back. Come see me here after I return from court; I have things to discuss with you."

"Yes." The two brothers bowed together and retreated with Mei Changsu. Only after they were outside the courtyard gate did they finally relax.

Having received prior instructions, the servants of the Xie manor had already cleaned the guest courtyard, Xue Lu, and replaced the bedding with brand-new linens. Hot tea and water were ready, and the entire courtyard felt very cozy, showing no signs of being rarely occupied.

Because they had eaten dinner too early during their journey, Xiao Jingrui and Xie Bi accompanied Mei Changsu for a late-night snack at Xue Lu. Just as the jujube porridge and dim sum were served, Xiao Jingrui suddenly remembered something and asked, "Where is Feiliu? Call him to eat with us."

Mei Changsu smiled. "He has been here the whole time."

No sooner had he spoken than Xiao Jingrui and Xie Bi felt a chill run down their spines. Looking back, they saw a youth in light blue robes standing quietly in the corner of the room, which had clearly been empty just a moment before. He was extremely handsome, but his entire being seemed shrouded in a layer of cold, isolated ice, making one afraid to even attempt to get close to him.

"Although this isn't the first time I've seen Feiliu, I still find his movement technique quite eerie," Xie Bi whispered quietly. "Brother Su, with a bodyguard like him, I'm almost afraid to get near you, for fear he might misunderstand and strike me down."

"How could that be? Our Feiliu has a very good temper; he is very obedient." Mei Changsu had just raised his hand when, in the next instant, Feiliu drifted over, crouched down, and rested his head on Mei Changsu's knee. "Look, he even likes to be pampered. He just occasionally has trouble distinguishing between reality and play. In the future, when he is present, you two should simply avoid roughhousing with me."

Xiao Jingrui and Xie Bi had long known that this youth with extraordinary martial arts had suffered a brain injury and was slightly mentally impaired. However, they both respected Mei Changsu like a mentor and had no intention of roughhousing with him anyway, so they simply listened to the instruction and let it be.

Feiliu did not like porridge, so Xie Bi ordered someone to cook him some noodles. As everyone was chatting while eating, voices suddenly rang out from outside the courtyard. Someone walked in, laughing loudly, "You all walk so slowly! I've been waiting so long I've nearly grown moss!"

Xiao Jingrui was overjoyed and jumped up to grab the newcomer. "Yujin!"

Xie Bi, however, frowned, tilted his chin up, and asked, "I say, Yan Yujin, isn't your news a bit too fast? We just walked through the door, and it's so late—what are you doing here?"

"I told your steward to send me word the moment you returned," Yan Yujin said, striding forward to pay his respects to Mei Changsu. "Brother Su, you look to be in good spirits. Without me on this journey, you weren't bored to death by these two, were you?"