CHAPTER 159: CHAPTER 153: THE PRETEND DEAF OLD LADY

Xu Shu is twenty years old this year. Compared to Song Wei, that age is not considered old, but compared to those who marry early, it is not young either.

The family had arranged marriage proposals for him, but none ever succeeded, and over time, he became annoyed with them.

In fact, to avoid marriage discussions, he willingly went to study at the Imperial College.

In the Imperial College, people like Lu Yanqing were a rare breed.

In Xu Shu’s class, there were both supervisors and贡生, and most people were busy studying diligently, rarely causing trouble. Although Xu Shu was not a good student, over time, he was influenced, and having Song Wei, who was an exemplary student, as a model in front of him every day, even if his character was not great, he gradually began to change.

His father, Xu Guangfu, had noticed early on that ever since Xu Shu started taking extra lessons with that贡生 named Song Wei, not only could he write essays on his own, but even his speech and behavior had become quite different from before, indicating significant progress.

Xu Guangfu had mentioned last year that he wanted to invite Song Wei for a meal, but the opportunity never arose.

This time, upon hearing that Song Wei was returning to Ningzhou to prepare for the乡试, he proactively suggested that Xu Shu bring Song Wei and his young wife, as well as his younger sister, home for a meal as a token of the Xu Family’s gratitude for Song Wei’s help to Xu Shu over the past period.

Given the earnest request, Song Wei had no reason to refuse. He specifically discussed it with Song Fang and told her she could decide whether to go or not based on her preference.

Song Fang thought for a moment and said she would go.

Song Wei gently reminded her, "The General Mansion is not like our home. Try not to have conflicts with Xu Shu when you’re there."

Song Fang nodded and said she understood.

Her response was calm and did not seem insincere.

Song Wei said nothing more and, while the Xu Family had not yet come to pick them up, went out to buy tangerines for Wen Wan.

She experienced morning sickness and frequently craved sour foods, becoming quite uncomfortable if she couldn’t eat them.

Besides the sour tangerines for Wen Wan, Song Wei also bought gifts for the Xu Family and supplements for the elderly lady. By the time he returned, the Xu Family’s carriage was already parked outside the alley courtyard.

Xu Shu had just lifted the curtain and come down from the inside. Seeing Song Wei, he greeted warmly.

Song Wei looked at the sky and remarked, "Why did you come so early?"

Xu Shu scratched his head and said, "My mother insisted that I come early after hearing that your wife is pregnant, saying she wants to share some experience with her."

With Wen Wan pregnant, her mother-in-law was far away, her own mother couldn’t come to care for her, and her inexperienced sister-in-law at home, Song Wei indeed needed someone to offer some guidance in this area.

Upon hearing this, Song Wei felt grateful, "Thank you."

Xu Shu, with his arms folded and leaning against the carriage, said, "I won’t go inside, to avoid getting into a quarrel with Song again and then getting scolded by my father when we get home. You go and bring them out!"

Song Wei softly acknowledged and stepped into the courtyard.

Wen Wan had been waiting for the tangerines for a long time. When she saw Song Wei return, she pursed her lips, her eyes tinged with a hint of complaint.

Song Wei explained, "Xu Shu came, and I just chatted with him outside. He said we should leave now, so you can’t eat the tangerines now. How about I peel them for you on the carriage later?"

Wen Wan’s mouth was almost watering with anticipation. Unable to wait, she took one out and quickly peeled it, stuffing it into her mouth.

The taste was so sour it might have made Song Wei cringe, but she ate it with relish, showing such satisfaction that he inexplicably wanted to take a bite too.

——

Song Fang had already dressed up in new clothes and, as she followed Song Wei and Wen Wan out of the courtyard, caught sight of Xu Shu by the carriage. She remembered her third brother’s prior caution and quickly averted her gaze.

The carriage was very spacious, with plenty of room even after seating four people.

Inside the carriage, Song Wei quietly peeled tangerines for Wen Wan, the sharp citrus aroma making Xu Shu want to sneeze.

Unable to hold back, he lifted the curtain to sneeze outside twice before turning back, and still no one spoke.

Xu Shu finally couldn’t take it, "Come on, you all should say something. Is going to our house for a meal really so serious?"

His gaze particularly lingered on Song Fang, "Song, weren’t you quite articulate before? Why are you so silent now?"

Honestly, without her banter, he felt somewhat unaccustomed.

Song Fang lazily glanced at him but still did not seem inclined to speak.

Song Wei handed the peeled tangerines to Wen Wan, took out a handkerchief to wipe his hands, and naturally shifted the topic, "How is your family’s elderly lady’s health?"

Upon mentioning this, Xu Shu sighed, "Her health has somewhat improved, but after all, she’s quite old, hard of hearing, and can’t hear much of what we say. Even the servants find it hard to serve her."