CHAPTER 207: CHAPTER 104: THE GESTURE OF GIFTING A CONCUBINE_2

"Ah, what’s the big deal!" Ren Zhixian regarded Sang Yufei’s polite refusal as mere modesty and became even more generous, laughing as he said: "Among scholars, the exchange of beautiful concubines is an elegant tradition, Brother Sang, there’s no need to decline!"

Shi Fenghua couldn’t hold back anymore, she clenched her fist in front of her mouth and started giggling, mischievously glancing at Sang Yufei, her eyes and brows curved with laughter.

Sang Yufei was caught between laughing and crying, but he couldn’t possibly just accept anything dirty or smelly that was offered to him; in his urgency, he disregarded all else and decisively shook his head to refuse, saying: "A gentleman does not seize what others love; Yu Fei absolutely cannot comply! Besides, in a short while, Yu Fei will be heading to the capital to participate in the examinations and would rather not be distracted by external matters. Brother-in-law, your kind intentions are appreciated by Yu Fei’s heart! Please forgive Yu Fei for not being able to accept!"

Cui Bao felt extremely disappointed, and couldn’t help feeling anxious and said to Sang Yufei with a pitiful look: "Master Sang, do you disdain Cui Bao speaking like this?" She said, looking aggrievedly at Ren Zhixian.

Ren Zhixian also felt somewhat resentful for Sang Yufei’s lack of tact and inability to appreciate a good thing, and his mood only worsened after hearing Cui Bao’s words, thinking: My person is also disdained by you? Do you disdain my taste?

"Brother Sang, ah, look how you’ve hurt the beauty’s heart! We are all gentlemen, how can you bear to do this?" Ren Zhixian said with a smile that was neither a smile nor a frown.

Sang Yufei pretended not to hear his words and said to Cui Bao: "Miss, what are you saying? Do you not wish to stay by your master’s side and serve him? Everyone can see how good the master treats you; saying such things is rather cold-hearted!"

"I—Cui Bao didn’t..." Cui Bao was immediately anxious, her face color slightly changed.

The same words could be spoken by Ren Zhixian, but even thinking them was a sin for her — such is the difference between a master and a slave.

Ren Zhixian, hearing Sang Yufei’s words, indeed felt somewhat uncomfortable. Being disdained by a beautiful woman by his side was one of the most embarrassing things for a man!

"Then, Miss, please continue to serve your master well! Don’t disappoint the master’s kind intentions for you!" Sang Yufei said with a deep look in his eyes.

Cui Bao’s heart turned cold, knowing there was no longer any possibility of leaving Ren Zhixian’s side. Her brows and eyes immediately turned coquettishly and fondly towards Ren Zhixian, as she softly and demurely looked down, saying: "Yes, this slave will definitely serve our master well!" Afterward, she pitifully said to Ren Zhixian: "Master, this slave can’t bear to leave Master; I don’t want to leave Master! I beg Master not to send Cui Bao away!"

Shi Fenghua burst into laughter and said: "Brother-in-law, seeing how the lady speaks, how can you, a man who cherishes the fairer sex, bear to reject her! I think it’s better to let this matter drop!"

"Uh, this—" Ren Zhixian’s displeasure suddenly dissipated and he became a bit hesitant.

After Sang Yufei made his excuses again, Ren Zhixian finally nodded in agreement, "Alright, if that’s the case then let’s forget about it! Haha, another time big brother will get you a stunning beauty, and I guarantee Brother Sang won’t regret seeing her!"

These words were spoken offhandedly; Sang Yufei listened casually, offering a vague smile. Both Sang Yufei and Fenghua exchanged glances and got up, excusing themselves for the late hour and bid farewell together.

Leaving the banana garden, both of them breathed a sigh of relief as if they had just navigated through a dragon’s den or a tiger’s lair. They glanced at each other and couldn’t help but laugh.

While laughing, Shi Fenghua suddenly felt a bit embarrassed. After all, Ren Zhixian was his own brother-in-law. He coughed and sighed: "I don’t know what’s with my brother-in-law; maybe he’s read too many books and has become pedantic. He wasn’t like this before. Actually, his scholarship is quite good!"

Back then, Shi Fenghua couldn’t help but recall when his elder brother-in-law came to marry his sister, and the days of returning home after the wedding. Who didn’t praise him as polite and refined, a scholar and a gentleman? Who didn’t say his sister was fortunate to marry such an excellent husband who was clearly the dragon among men!

At that time, I was only eight years old, just starting my studies, right? I admired him greatly! When exactly did he change? Now, he seems like a completely different person compared to before!

Sang Yufei also felt that mocking someone was a bit unkind and quickly agreed with a smile, "His conversation is indeed not vulgar; surely, only a true scholar could utter such words!"

After chatting for a while and considering that Sang Yufei needed to get up early the next day to continue his journey, Shi Fenghua did not wish to impose further, so he bid farewell with a smile, and they went to their respective quarters to rest.

Meanwhile, Sang Wan and Shi Fengju returned to Ningyuan after leaving Mrs. Wang’s place. Sang Wan felt grateful for what Shi Fengju did for her brother, her mood was very good, and she subconsciously became more intimate and gentle towards her husband. On the other hand, Shi Fengju was secretly happy inside, and the two of them went back chatting and laughing together.

"Sister! Cousin!" Just as they reached the gates of Ningyuan, they saw Gu Fangzi dressed in plain clothes, wrapped in a light blue cape, with Lan Xiang emerging from behind a hibiscus bush by the entrance.

Sang Wan paused for a moment, and Shi Fengju’s brow instinctively furrowed.

"What are you doing here?" Shi Fengju queried.

Gu Fangzi lightly smiled, approached, and gave a deep curtsy before looking up and said with a smile: "I heard that sister’s second uncle won the title of Xie Yuan in the rural examination, and I was so happy for sister that I wanted to come and offer my congratulations. I came a bit early and sister wasn’t back, so I waited here for a while. Sister, my congratulations!"

"You are thoughtful!" Sang Wan responded with a faint smile and invited: "Come in for a cup of tea, then! You too, it’s late at night and chilly; standing at the door, what if you caught a cold? Don’t do this next time, if we’re not here, you should head back first. It’s the thought that counts!"

Gu Fangzi felt slightly disappointed; she thought Sang Wan would say "Why didn’t you wait inside," so that next time she could have the opportunity to enter Ningyuan even when Sang Wan wasn’t there. However, she was asked to go back instead!