Master Yanmei smiled upon hearing this and said, “Indeed, they are a collateral branch of the Lu Family from Fanyang.”

旁支 (pángzhī): Collateral branch. This refers to a side lineage of a large family or clan, as opposed to the direct "main" line (zhíxì). While still noble, a collateral branch might have less wealth or immediate political power than the head of the clan.

“Even so…” Xu Nian’an hesitated. She had never believed in the kind of luck where blessings just fall from the sky. Even if they were a collateral branch of the prestigious Lu Family of Fanyang, her Xu Family wasn’t the kind of household worthy of such a match, especially when the proposal seemed to come from the other side.

Master Yanmei, understanding her concerns, raised his hand to reassure her. “Rest easy. I’ve met their young lady before. She’s a lively, bright, and capable girl, perfectly suited for Moxiu. You needn’t overthink this. My old friend, you see, has too many daughters and worries about marrying them all off. The young lady in question is his youngest daughter, the seventeenth in the family. Her nickname is simply Shiqi Niang (seventeenth lady).”

“Then why did they set their sights on Moxiu? If it’s because of his academic potential, the fact remains he has yet to take the imperial exams…”

“If we waited until after the exams, Moxiu would surely make the list of successful candidates. By then, he’d be snatched up by others looking for a son-in-law. When will the Lu Family get their turn then?” Master Yanmei laughed heartily.

Xu Moxiu, rarely embarrassed, lowered his head.

Zhao Huanxi, oblivious to the mood, leaned in closer to scrutinize his expression, only to be glared at and shoved aside.

Master Yanmei suggested that if they were amenable, they should take a trip to Zhuo County before the academy reopened. This would give the other family a chance to meet Moxiu in person and finalize the marriage arrangement.

With such an excellent match coming their way, and with Master Yanmei acting as the matchmaker, there was no reason to turn it down.

After seeing Master Yanmei off, Xu Nian’an went home that very day to discuss the matter with her mother and younger brother.

Zheng Furen had great faith in her two children, knowing she couldn’t offer much assistance herself. She simply assured them she wouldn’t interfere and told them to make their own decision.

When the topic of his marriage came up, the usually composed and mature Xu Moxiu grew a little bashful. He remarked, “That Lu Guniang is only fourteen this year. Isn’t she a bit too young?”

Xu Nian’an said, “This marriage would only take place after you’ve achieved success in the imperial exams. Next year’s examination, followed by the wedding the year after, would make Lu Guniang sixteen—just the right age.”

Xu Moxiu remained silent.

After observing him for a moment, Xu Nian’an asked, “Could it be that you’re unwilling?”

Xu Moxiu sighed and said, “A young lady from a noble family marrying me… Even if I work hard, I may never provide her with the same comforts she had at home. I’m afraid that over time, she might grow resentful.”

Xu Nian’an replied, “You’re overthinking it. A woman entering marriage always has expectations for her new life. Yanmei Xiansheng must have made our family’s situation clear to the Lu Family. If they’re willing to form this union, it means they don’t mind our current circumstances and value you as a person. As long as you remain diligent and treat Lu Guniang wholeheartedly, there won’t be any resentment.”

Xu Moxiu said nothing further.

Xu Nian’an tentatively asked, “Are you worried that once this marriage is arranged, your colleagues in the officialdom might accuse you of relying on your wife’s family to climb the ranks?”

Xu Moxiu shook his head. “Not quite. It’s just that the thought of becoming family with someone I know nothing about makes me feel a little uncertain. Still, I understand that from the moment Yanmei Xiansheng brought this up to me, I didn’t have much room to refuse, otherwise, it would seem ungrateful.”

“Exactly. This marriage is indeed a step up for us, but it was proposed by the other side, so you don’t need to bear too much mental burden. Tomorrow, let Yanmei Xiansheng know, and start making preparations. In a couple of days, I’ll accompany you to Zhuo County personally,” Xu Nian’an said.

Upon returning to Jing Guogong Residence, Xu Nian’an informed Yin Furen about her plan to travel to Zhuo County with her younger brother in a few days.

Given that this marriage alliance was highly advantageous for the Xu Family, Yin Furen had no reason to object and even offered to provide anything they might need for the journey.

After dinner, Zhao Huanxi went to Dunyi Hall, as usual, to practice martial arts with his grandfather. When he returned to Shenhui Courtyard, he found Xu Nian’an packing her belongings.

“You are leaving for Zhuo County so soon?” he asked.

“Yes. The sooner we go, the sooner we return, and Ah Xiu can take fewer days off from his studies.”

“How long will you be away?”

“About twenty days for the round trip.”

Zhao Huanxi’s face fell instantly. “That long? I want to go too.”

Xu Nian’an chuckled. “Don’t be ridiculous. What would you do if you came along? The academy starts in just over ten days. During this time, you have Yin Biao Ge and the others to keep you company at home. Once you’re back at the academy, you’ll have Lu Feng around. Before you even have a chance to feel lonely, I’ll already be back.”

Zhao Huanxi hugged her tightly and said, “It doesn’t matter who they are, none of them can replace you. I want to go too! Take me with you. If Ah Xiu, who’s preparing for the imperial exams next year, can take leave, why can’t I?”

“He took leave because this concerns his lifelong future, and he has to handle it personally. Do you think he would take leave otherwise?” Xu Nian’an turned around with difficulty, pinching his cheeks as she said, “Don’t be so willful. It’s only twenty days, it’ll pass quickly.”

“But you’re traveling far away without me. I’ll be worried about your safety,” Zhao Huanxi said, trying to find an excuse.

“Mother has already arranged for ten guards to escort Ah Xiu and me both ways. There’s no need to worry,” Xu Nian’an reassured him.

“But… but…” Zhao Huanxi struggled to come up with another excuse, and in the end, resorted to whining. “I just can’t bear to see you go.”

“If my mother were in good health, she would have gone with Ah Xiu herself. But since she’s unwell and unable to travel, I have to go in her place. Please try to understand,” Xu Nian’an said.

Hearing this, Zhao Huanxi felt too embarrassed to keep pestering her.

“Then promise me this,” he said earnestly. “On the road, you must take care of yourself. Eat well, sleep well, don’t mistreat yourself, don’t suffer, and don’t lose weight.”

Xu Nian’an nodded, holding back a smile.

“And you have to write to me every day to let me know you’re safe. Even just a few words will do, as long as I know you’re okay.”

“Alright.”

“If you miss a single day of writing to me, I’ll come looking for you.”

“I promise I’ll write to you every day.”

“Make sure to close the doors and windows properly at night, and have the guards take turns keeping watch.”

“Understood.”

“If it gets windy or rainy on the road, don’t push forward. Safety comes first.”

“Got it.”

“And…”

“Aiya, why are you nagging like an old man?” Xu Nian’an interrupted.

Zhao Huanxi huffed, “When I went on my first trip, didn’t you nag at me for half a day? Why can’t I do the same for you?”

With that, Zhao Huanxi bent down and scooped Xu Nian’an into his arms.

Startled, she grabbed his collar and asked, “What are you doing?”

Looking down at her, Zhao Huanxi said, “I’m weighing you now, and I’ll weigh you again when you return. If you’ve lost even a little weight, I won’t let you off.”

Xu Nian’an playfully hit him and laughed. “Oh, really? And what will you do if you don’t let me off?”

Zhao Huanxi gave her a mischievous grin. Holding her tightly, he walked toward the bed, gently placed her down, and started tickling her. “This is how I won’t let you off!”

“Not this again! Hahahahahahaha, stop it!” Xu Nian’an cried, laughing uncontrollably as she pushed him away and tried to escape deeper into the bed. The two ended up playfully tumbling together, laughter filling the room.

Zhao Huanxi propped himself up on the bed with one hand, while using the other to smooth out Xu Nian’an’s messy hair. He gazed at her flushed face and smiled, saying, “Dong Jiejie, I still haven’t finished what I was saying. You must take care of yourself during this trip, stay safe, and remember, don’t look at other men.”

“Why shouldn’t I look? Did you look at other women when you were out?” Xu Nian’an retorted.

Zhao Huanxi’s eyes widened in surprise. “I did not!”

“You looked at Qingxiang Junzhu,” Xu Nian’an brought up the old matter.

“I did not look at her! She came up to me herself. I couldn’t be more annoyed by her. Besides, she’s already married. Let’s not talk about her,” Zhao Huanxi replied.

“Ha! You even inquired about her current situation!” Xu Nian’an grabbed his ear.

“I didn’t inquire. It was Qian Ming who mentioned it himself. I just overheard,” Zhao Huanxi quickly explained.

“Which ear did you listen with? Was it this one? Should I pull it off for you?”

“You think I would…” Xu Nian’an started to say, but he silenced her with a kiss.

Feeling that the hand that was originally tugging at his ear had turned into a gentle pinch, Zhao Huaxi sprang back to life. He thought to himself that it would be better to kiss directly in the future, as asking around might lead to the maid intercepting him.

The young man, full of vigor, soon felt something stir after the kiss.

Zhao Huaxi’s breath was unsteady as he reluctantly pulled away from Xu Nian’an’s lips.

Xu Nian’an’s cheeks were flushed, her eyes glistening with a spring-like softness, her gaze not quite as clear.

Zhao Huaxi looked at her and found it hard to resist, but remembering that she would be leaving for a distant journey in a few days, he forced himself to hold back. “Dong Jiejie, I… I’m going to take a bath,” he said.

“En.” Xu Nian’an responded, watching him carefully get off the bed, his movements a bit stiff as he left the room.

The next day was Zhao Huanxi’s birthday, and many guests arrived: classmates from Canglan Academy, Qian Ming and the others, the Xu Family’s sisters, Nie Guocheng, as well as Zhao Jiashan and Zhao Jiaxian. The Jiaxiang House became too crowded, so Yin Furen had to send everyone over to Zhilan Garden.

Fortunately, Yifang Garden had been tidied up early in the morning. The group went fishing in Lan Lake and brought the catch straight to Yifang Garden to cook. Yu Mingxue personally cooked, while Xu Hui’an and the kitchen maids assisted. For lunch, they served everyone fresh and delicious fish soup noodles.

In the afternoon, various entertainment activities were arranged according to the terrain of the garden. The group played until nightfall and only dispersed after dinner.

When Zhao Huanxi and Xu Nian’an returned to Shenhui Courtyard, they found the room piled high with gift boxes.

Zhao Huanxi didn’t bother to look at the gift boxes and instead asked Xu Nian’an, “Dong Jiejie, where’s my gift?”

Xu Nian’an purposely replied, “There’s a big pile over there. Can’t you see it?”

“I want the one you promised to give me,” Zhao Huanxi said, pulling her.

Xu Nian’an, feeling guilty, said, “I’ve had so much to deal with lately, I forgot to prepare it.”

Zhao Huanxi raised an eyebrow, looking at her for a long time, and then insisted, “How could you forget?”

“It’s because you ended up in prison, and then you got sick…” Xu Nian’an tried to come up with an excuse.

Zhao Huanxi turned around and walked to the end of the room, sitting on a stool, sulking.

Xu Nianan walked over and asked, “Are you really that upset?”

“Hmph!” Zhao Huanxi turned his body, presenting the back of his head to her.

“You don’t lack anything, so why do you need me to give you a gift?” Xu Nian’an said from behind him.

Hearing this, Zhao Huanxi became even more irritated and turned around, shouting, “How could that—”

In front of him was a round-handled mirror, about the size of a palm, reflecting his face clearly in the glass.

As he looked at his reflection, the last words “be the same?” slipped out of his mouth without thinking.

Suppressing a laugh, Xu Nianan handed him the mirror and said, “You always say you’re not a *Didi**, but you’re so easily teased. Here, this is for you.”

Zhao Huanxi awkwardly took the silver-handled mirror and said, “This looks like something a woman would use. Why are you giving this to me?”

“Don’t want it? Then give it back to me,” Xu Nianan extended her hand.

Zhao Huanxi was not about to return it. He held the mirror in his hands, examining it for a moment. When he flipped it over, he discovered something unexpected on the back.

The reverse side of the mirror was engraved with a scene: a man standing with a brush in hand, as if painting, while a woman sat beside him, resting her chin on her hands, gazing up at him.

Though the figures didn’t resemble him or Dong Jiejie, it was clear that the painting depicted the scene of him painting in the study that day.

His bright eyes sparkled as he looked up at Xu Nianan and asked, “Did you paint this?”

Xu Nianan nodded. “My skill is limited, so just make do with it.”

Zhao Huanxi embraced the mirror, smiling, “I think it’s wonderful.”

Xu Nianan gently pinched the tip of his high nose and said, “The reason I gave you a mirror is twofold. First, you mentioned that there are no mirrors in the dormitory at Canglan Academy. Second, in the “Old Book of Tang”, it’s said: ‘A mirror made of bronze can correct one’s attire and cap; a mirror of history can reveal the rise and fall of things; a mirror of people can illuminate gains and losses’. Now that you have a mirror to correct your attire, I hope one day you will also find a mirror that will help you understand your gains and losses.”

Her words made Zhao Huanxi feel self-conscious. He said, “Dong Jiejie, you think so carefully and far ahead even when giving gifts. Unlike me, when I give you a gift, I only consider how it looks.”

Xu Nianan curved the corners of her lips and replied, “I think it’s quite good. After all, when it comes to you, I only care about looks.”

Zhao Huanxi was stunned.

As Xu Nianan pretended to act casually and turned to leave, Zhao Huanxi finally reacted. He stood up, grabbed her, and said, “Ah, so you only care about my looks? If I don’t make you look good, I’d be ashamed of this evaluation you’ve given me.”

“Hahahaha, what are you doing? Let go of me! Hahahaha…”

The maidservants outside heard San Nainai‘s laughter from inside the room and exchanged knowing glances, accustomed to it by now.

Two days later, Xu Nianan and Xu Moxiu were heading to Zhuo County. Zhao Huanxi escorted them to the Bian River dock, watching as they, along with their maidservants and guards, boarded the boat. As the boat sailed away, gradually fading into the mist, he stood there, watching until it was out of sight, before he turned and reluctantly returned.