Do you know: I am Xu Jiazi

Chapter 754 Not enough harm done to you? [Thank you! Thank you again! 32k words owed]

Around 2 PM (Wei Shi Zheng Ke).

It was supposed to be a cloudy day.

The southerly wind gradually picked up in the afternoon.

The clouds, blown by the south wind, changed shape and position in the sky.

Occasionally, clouds would obscure the sun, leaving a shadow somewhere on the ground.

The increasing wind made the kites and paper kites in the polo field fly even higher.

Standing at the foot of Wu Lou, not far from the polo field, Xu Zaijing and the others could see many kites flying in the air when they looked up.

Who flew that swallow kite?

"so high!"

"Wow!"

"Higher!"

"Look over there, look at the kites over there!"

"Lay out the line! Lay out the line!"

The chatter, shouts, and exclamations of young women and women carried on the wind from inside the polo field, indicating that there were many people inside.

In front of Wu Lou, on the steps.

Xu Zaijing stood beside his brother-in-law, looking at Qiao Jiu, who was drunk and talking to Liang Han at the bottom of the steps: "Brother-in-law, what do you think of what Jiu Lang said at the banquet?"

Gu Tingyu, whose breath reeked of alcohol but whose eyes remained clear, said, "Jiulang is the youngest son of the Qiao family. The title has nothing to do with him. It's good that he can make a future in the army."

Xu Zaijing nodded.

Looking at Xu Zaijing's expression, Gu Tingyu asked, "Xiao Wu, what do you think?"

Xu Zaijing let out a long sigh: "Jiulang's idea of ​​making a name for himself is good, and he also knows that joining an elite military will give him a greater chance!"

"But he comes from a wealthy family in Bianjing and has been pampered since childhood. He has delicate skin and has never practiced martial arts. I'm afraid he can't endure the hardships of military life."

"Joining the Xiang Army is acceptable, but if it's the elite troops, it might harm both themselves and others."

Gu Tingyu looked at Xu Zaijing approvingly: "So, you recommended him to Liang Xu?"

"Yes, brother-in-law. Jiulang is literate and can do arithmetic. The heir of the Marquis of Liang is doing well in the army. If he mentors Jiulang, things will surely go well for him in the future."

Smiling at Gu Erlang who was talking to the Sheng brothers, Gu Tingyu nodded: "Yes! Xiao Wu, you're absolutely right."

Xu Zaijing turned his head to look at his brother-in-law's warm eyes, then glanced at Gu Tingye not far away, and asked, "Brother-in-law, what are you thinking about?"

"Hmm?" Gu Tingyu turned his gaze away from his younger brother and looked at Xu Zaijing with a smile, "It's nothing! Let's go back to the city."

As he spoke, Gu Tingyu stepped down the steps and walked toward Youqing, the attendant who was leading the horse.

"Brother-in-law! You've been drinking, put on your hood," Xu Zaijing said from behind.

"it is good."

Then, the group mounted their horses.

The group rode their horses while enjoying the spring scenery outside the capital.

Since they had all been drinking, Qingyun, Hanniu, and their close attendants did not ride horses, but instead walked and held the reins of their respective young masters' mounts to prevent any accidents from happening after drinking.

"call--"

A rather strong southerly wind blew by.

The wind made the willow branches along the roadside sway, and made Xu Zaijing and the others squint.

"Ugh!"

Feeling incredibly refreshed, Changfeng couldn't help but let out a long howl.

Seeing this, Changbai did not stop him, but instead smiled and looked at the sky, feeling the breath of spring.

The reason I'm here today for this banquet is to express my gratitude to Gu Tingyu.

Previously, when the students went to the Ningyuan Marquis's residence, Gu Tingyu had guessed a few of the policy essay questions that might appear in the imperial examination.

Changbai and others also discussed how to respond based on this.

Although Changbai felt he had answered well, he still didn't dare to relax as much as Changfeng. He remained tense, worried about his exam results.

He also had a plan in mind that if he didn't succeed, he would continue to work even harder.

"By the way, Xiao Wu," Gu Tingyu said, looking at Xu Zaijing, "His Majesty has adopted Han Da Xiang Gong's suggestion. This year, the imperial pilgrimage to Jinming Pond will no longer be on the first day of the third month, but will be changed to the latter half of the third month."

"Late March?" Xu Zaijing was taken aback and said uncertainly, "Could it be that His Majesty intends to wait until after the palace examination and the list of successful candidates is announced before going?"

“Not bad!” Gu Tingyu said with a smile.

Xu Zaijing nodded slightly.

"Hey, that kite is really strange, it's flying really fast." Not far away, Nagamaki pointed to the sky and said.

Upon hearing this, Xu Zaijing looked up and said, "Seventh Brother, look, that kite has broken its string."

"Oh! No wonder." Nagamaki smiled, glanced at Seo Jae-kyung, nodded, and continued watching.

after awhile.

Nagamaki said, "Brother Xu Wu, I see that kite is flying towards us."

"Huh?" Changfeng looked up when he heard the voice: "Qilang, where are you?"

Xu Zaijing pointed to a rather large kite in the sky and said, "Feng-ge'er, look, Qilang was talking about that one with the wild geese painted on it, but it looks like he's gone off on a different note."

Then, Xu Zaijing looked at the wild goose kite with some confusion.

At this moment, Xu Zaijing keenly noticed that the kite was different from before; the force on it seemed to have changed, as if someone was pulling on the kite string.

"How come this kite doesn't look like it's broken?" Xu Zaijing muttered to himself.

"Why are you looking at it, Wu Lang? Let's go!" Gu Tingye waved.

Xu Zaijing nodded and followed.

When approaching the entrance and exit of the polo field,
Nagamaki glanced back at the kite, then his eyes widened: "The kite is flying over here."

"Hmm?" Xu Zaijing turned around upon hearing this.

In Xu Zaijing's view, the wild goose kite fluttered erratically in the air for a moment before plummeting to the ground.

"Changbai, be careful!" Xu Zaijing said urgently, "Qingyun, be careful not to startle the horse."

Upon hearing this, Qingyun reacted swiftly, releasing the reins of the little horse and striding towards Han Niu.

Changbai turned around with a blank look on his face: "Huh? Wulang, what's wrong?"

"Snapped!"

The huge kite hit Changbai directly on the head.

"Ouch!"

"Xilulu——"

Changbai's mount was also startled by the sudden appearance of the object, and immediately reared up and neighed.

"Phew! Okay, okay, it's alright!"

Fortunately, Qingyun was standing next to Han Niu. As the two of them pulled hard on the reins, Qingyun gently stroked the horse to calm it down.

"Young master, are you alright?" Han Niu asked hurriedly.

Changbai shook his head.

At this time,

"Who did this?!" Liang Han, who was slightly drunk, shouted.

"Fishing cart! Fishing cart! Get inside right now and ask whose kite it is! Tell that family it hit someone!"

"If you don't make this clear today, don't ever come to my polo field again!"

"Yes, son!"

Diaoche gave the other servants of the Liang family a look, then quickly walked towards the polo field.

Shi Tou, who was leading Gu Tingye's horse, walked to the side, picked up the kite, and handed it to Gu Tingye.

Gu Tingye glanced at it and said, "Wow, this kite is quite exquisite, Fifth Brother, take a look."

As he spoke, Gu Tingye handed the kite to Xu Zaijing.

Xu Zaijing held the half-person-high kite, examined it for a moment, and then nodded, saying, "What Erlang said is right. The bamboo kite frame looks like it has been carefully crafted."

"The mask is made of silk, and the pattern is drawn by myself. The eyes of the wild goose are actually embroidered on."

After saying that, Xu Zaijing handed the kite to the 'victim' Changbai.

Changbai took the kite, examined it closely for a few moments, and then his gaze sharpened.

Seeing this, Xu Zaijing asked, "Changbai, what's wrong?"

Changbai frowned slightly: "It's nothing!" Then he turned around and called out, "Have Yang Hao come over here."

In the Sheng family carriage that followed, Changbai's personal maid, Yang Hao, was lifting the curtain and looking ahead. Upon hearing this, she immediately jumped down from the carriage and came to Changbai's side.

"Sir?"

"Here, take this and wait for Liu Lang's attendants to come."

"Yes, son."

"Let's go."

Changbai waved his hand and said.

"Second Brother Sheng, aren't we waiting for the master?" Liang Han asked in confusion.

Changbai pursed his lips: "I'm fine! How heavy can this kite be, especially one as exquisite as this?" Gu Tingyu glanced at the exquisite kite in Yang Hao's hand, pondered for a moment, and nodded: "Alright, since Changbai has spoken, let's go."

Seeing Gu Erlang's slightly puzzled expression, Gu Tingyu continued, "Changbai is truly a gentleman who possesses both virtue and talent."

Changbai shook his head: "Brother Gu is too kind."

Gu Tingye thought for a moment and understood what was going on. After glancing at the kite again, he gave Changbai a thumbs up.

Then the group gently nudged the horses' bellies and continued walking towards the city.

A while later, after everyone had left...

Entrance and exit of the polo field.

The fishing cart led out several women and noble ladies, all of whom wore apologetic expressions.

"Huh? Where are my young master and the others?" Diaoche looked around the doorway and muttered to himself in confusion.

A maid behind a noblewoman pointed to Yang Hao, who was standing in front of the Sheng family's carriage, reeling in the kite string, and said, "Miss, look, your kite!"

“Baoxiu, shut up,” the other maid said, frowning.

"Yes, Sister Zhujian."

Upon seeing this, the fishing cart immediately waved towards the sheep's hair brush.

As they approached,

Diaoche gestured and introduced, "Sister Yanghao, these are Madam Hai, the eldest daughter, and the young lady. And where are the young masters?"

Yang Hao bowed to the Hai family members and said, "Greetings, Madam and Miss. The gentlemen have other matters to attend to, so they will return to the city first."

As he spoke, Yang Hao handed over the kite.

When they came out of the venue, Diaoche gave a general overview of the situation.

Therefore, Hai Chaojie's wife, who was also Hai Chaoyun's sister-in-law, asked with concern, "Miss, is your young master alright?"

Looking up at Madam Hai, Yang Hao said, "Reporting to Madam, the kite was light and there was no problem. It's just... it almost startled the horse. Fortunately, Fifth Master Xu reminded us in time, and Xu's attendant intervened promptly, otherwise something bad would have happened."

"Thank God," said Madam Hai, clasping her hands together.

Hai Chaoyun, who was following behind, was no longer tense and breathed a sigh of relief.

After glancing at the Hai family members, Yang Hao said, "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now."

Madam Hai Chaojie, looking apologetic, quickly said, "Your young master has been frightened; my family should compensate him with some money."

"Thank you for your kindness, Madam! Before he left, the young master specifically instructed us not to accept anything, as this was an unintentional mistake."

"This, this is too much trouble," said Hai Chaoyun's sister-in-law.

"Madam, there's no need for such formalities." With that, Yang Hao bowed to everyone and then turned to leave.

After watching the Sheng family carriage leave, Madam Hai took her daughter Hai Chaoyun's arm, exchanged a glance with her daughter-in-law, and then turned and walked into the arena.

On the way,

"Mother, could it be that the young master of the Sheng family doesn't want to know our family's identity?" Hai Chaoyun's sister-in-law asked.

Madam Hai nodded: "That's how it is! Luckily, she's from a scholarly family and is reasonable. If she were from another family, it wouldn't be so easy to resolve things this way."

Hai Chaoyun's sister-in-law said, "Mother is right! The second young master of the Sheng family's maternal grandfather should be Lord Wang, right?"

"Not bad!"

"Then the second young master of the Sheng family's older sister is Sheng Hualan, the second eldest daughter-in-law of the Marquis of Yongyi's mansion."

As Hai Chaoyun's sister-in-law spoke, she exchanged a glance with her mother-in-law: "I just wonder what this young man's results will be in this imperial examination."

Hai Chaoyun, who was following behind the two, looked on with a helpless expression and pursed her lips.

Later, as the city lights came on.

South Lecture Hall Lane, Rong Family Residence.

Front courtyard main hall,

The Rong family members stood in the hall, looking respectfully at the palace ladies-in-waiting not far away.

"Her Highness the Imperial Concubine is aware of what happened in the east of the city today. She heard that arrows were used. Her Highness was afraid that the young lady would be frightened, so she specially asked His Majesty for permission to send this servant to visit the young lady Feiyan."

After the female official finished speaking, Marquis Fuchang bowed and said, "Please rest assured, Your Highness, Feiyan is fine."

The female official nodded and looked at Rong Feiyan.

Rong Feiyan said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. My daughter is indeed fine."

Standing beside Rong Xian with her head bowed, Dou rolled her eyes inwardly after hearing the conversation.

"Yes, I understand! Miss Feiyan, please step forward a few steps. Her Majesty has some private words for me to convey."

Rong Feiyan did as she was told and took a few steps forward.

A palace lady leaned over and whispered in Rong Feiyan's ear, "Her Majesty said that Miss made a decisive decision and did the right thing."

"Thank you for the compliment, Sister," Rong Feiyan said with a soft laugh.

Rong Feiyan's personal maidservant gave Rong Feiyan a meaningful look, straightened up and said, "Very well! Then this servant will return to the palace to report. Please wait a moment, Lady Marquis."

Despite being told to stay, the Rong family still escorted the female official to the main gate.

After watching the lanterns of the palace procession disappear around the street corner, the Rong family members returned to their courtyard.

On the way,

Rongxian: "Little sister, what did your older sister say to you?"

Rong Feiyan: "No comment."

"Little sister!"

Xingguofang
The Duke of Qi's Mansion

Just as they were having dinner, Qi Heng stepped into the hall.

With just a glance around, Qi Heng could sense the tense atmosphere in the room.

Looking at the two people sitting at the table, Qi Heng bowed and said, "Father, Mother."

The source of the tense atmosphere: Princess Pingning, with a stern face and furrowed brows, pursed her lips and remained silent.

Duke Qi stood up and beckoned, "Yuanruo, come and sit down."

"Yes, Father." Qi Heng bowed again. "Mother."

After taking his seat at the table, Qi Heng looked at the Duke of Qi with a questioning gaze.

Duke Qi did not speak, but simply shook his head slightly, signaling Qi Heng not to ask any more questions.

After the maidservant had set out the food, Princess Pingning didn't even glance at Qi Heng and picked up her chopsticks.

"Yuanruo, let's eat, let's eat," the Duke of Qi said with a smile, holding his chopsticks.

Qi Heng nodded.

After eating a few bites, Qi Heng cautiously glanced at Princess Pingning and said, "Mother."

"Don't talk while eating or sleeping. We can talk after the meal," Princess Pingning said, looking at the food.

Qi Heng: "Yes."

In less than 15 minutes,
After the Qi family finished their meal, a maid cleared the table and served drinks suitable for the evening.

Princess Pingning finished her meal in silence, her tightly furrowed brows relaxing slightly.

Looking at her only son, Qi Heng, Princess Pingning took a deep breath and said, "What happened just now? Tell me."

Qi Heng licked his lips, organizing his thoughts as he said, "Mother, if your son..."

"Ok?"

"If our son passes the imperial examination, would you be willing to go and celebrate?"

Princess Pingning frowned again, her gaze sharp as she looked at Qi Heng.

"Clang." Princess Pingning slammed the teacup in her hand onto the table.

Then, Princess Pingning stood up and glared at Qi Heng, saying, "What? You think their family hasn't harmed you enough?" With that, she angrily flicked her sleeves and strode out of the hall.

"Mother." A bewildered Qi Heng wanted to chase after her, but was pulled back by the stern-faced Duke of Qi.

"Father, Mother, she..."

The Duke of Qi frowned and said, "Yuan Ruo! Shut up!"

Qi Heng immediately fell silent upon hearing his usually kind father speak like that.

"Do you know why your mother is in such a bad mood today?" the Duke of Qi asked.

Qi Heng shook his head.

Duke Qi sighed: "Your mother spoke with Lady Gu today and only then did she learn that the eldest son of the Gu family had mentioned the essay topic for the imperial examination at home!"

"When you left the examination hall, you said it was a bit difficult, but your classmates in school had already discussed the questions together!"

"Said it? Discussed it?" Qi Heng asked immediately, looking surprised. "When?"

Duke Qi glanced at Qi Heng and said reproachfully, "It was the day you went to ambush the Sheng family's daughter on your own!"

"."

Upon hearing this, Qi Heng looked at the Duke of Qi in disbelief.

The Duke of Qi nodded affirmatively.

"No wonder your mother is angry! Because of the Sheng family's daughter, Yuan Ruo, you've ruined so much!"

"How could this be?" Qi Heng slumped into his chair in disbelief.

(End of this chapter)