Chapter 66: 失落
[Disappointment]
Even among the scion of the rich, seating arrangements follow certain conventions. As the host of this banquet, though unaware of Ji Ling’s current standing within the Ji household—whether it matched the appearance he presented—the guests unanimously seated him at the head of the table. Only those few were Young Master Lei and Young Master Zhang, who had just made the suggestion.
Once seated, the proceedings commenced without further ado.
“Since we’ve come to the Ji residence today, let Young Master Ji take the first turn,” Young Master Lei declared, his voice booming as he looked at his newly made friend.
Ji Ling observed his provocative demeanor without comment, merely raising an eyebrow in a challenge. “If we’re playing drinking games, then you must provide a topic. Otherwise, sitting here alone, I doubt I can devise a suitable one.”
The others found this perfectly reasonable. One woman, having grown familiar with the group, didn’t bother with formalities. She smiled at Ji Ling and suggested, “Since we’re here to admire the flowers today, why not start with a phrase beginning with ‘flower’?”
With someone having already spoken up, the others naturally had no objections and readily agreed.
Glancing around at the excited crowd, Ji Ling wasted no time. After a moment’s thought, he began his first line: “Spring winds bring blossoms to peach and plum trees; autumn rains see leaves fall from the paulownia.” Finishing, he modestly added, “Forgive my clumsy attempt.”
Yet upon hearing it, everyone was genuinely impressed. By convention, after Ji Ling, it should have been the turn of Tang Xiaobao beside him.
As the flower-shaped relay token reached his hands, Tang Xiaobao froze for a full minute. He’d assumed he and Ji Ling were a single unit—since Ji Ling had already performed the drinking game, it shouldn’t concern him. But then he remembered today’s theme then Tang Xiaobao felt uneasy. He knew many flower-themed poems, but reciting one now might seem awkward.
Seeing Tang Xiaobao hesitate for so long, Ji Ling assumed he couldn’t do it and inwardly blamed himself for not thinking it through earlier. Considering the environment he came from, it was unlikely he’d received specialized training like they had here. Just as Ji Ling was about to speak up and offer to drink Tang Xiaobao’s penalty cup for him, a soft voice drifted over from the side, speaking with gentle restraint: “It seems Brother Tang isn’t adept at this sort of game. Perhaps we should let him pass this time.”
Hearing the term “Brother Tang (Tang Ge er),” Ji Ling’s eyebrows twitched imperceptibly, a fleeting expression crossing his eyes. He then turned his gaze toward Sang Jiayi, his eyes now carrying a hint of appraising scrutiny.
As this was Sang Jiayi’s first time participating in such an event, and she had been personally introduced by the Eldest Lady, everyone present accorded her a measure of deference. Hearing her suggestion, no one voiced opposition. Yet what they thought privately was beyond their own control.
Tang Xiaobao breathed a sigh of relief at being spared. While he could have presented someone else’s poetry, the lingering sense of plagiarism made him feel vaguely uneasy. Yet, observing Sang Jiayi’s consistently gentle gaze upon him, he couldn’t help but wonder if she was repaying the favor he’d done her upon his arrival. Before he could figure out what was going on, Sang Jiayi had already shifted her gaze away and said with graceful composure, “Since Brother Tang has been spared, it is now my turn. I am untalented (humble way to say it but it doesn’t mean she is not talented), and please bear with me.” With that, she recited her verse.
Even knowing her modesty, the elegant verses she shared drew spontaneous applause from the assembled guests. After she returned to her seat, the bouquet naturally passed to the next participant. Sang Jiayi sat leisurely in her place, her gaze drifting over the crowd, though her peripheral vision kept returning to Tang Xiaobao—her expression carrying an unreadable hint of meaning.
During the banquet, everyone was thoroughly enjoying themselves, intentionally or unintentionally overlooking Tang Xiaobao’s presence. Only Ji Ling noticed that the girl surnamed Sang would occasionally cast her gaze upon Tang Xiaobao. Even though he didn’t know what she was up to, it still made him feel somewhat wary.
By the end of the day, everyone had become somewhat acquainted. Tang Xiaobao, who had initially felt excluded, was gradually accepted by the group largely due to Ji Ling’s influence.
When it came time to part ways, Young Master Lei slapped Ji Ling on the shoulder, expressing regret at not having met sooner: “My good brother, when you have time in the future, come to my residence for a proper gathering. I promise to treat you well.”
Looking at this straightforward, boorish big man before him, Ji Ling nodded in agreement before leading Tang Xiaobao back.
The walk from the Ji family gates to their courtyard was lengthy. Noticing Tang Xiaobao’s unchanged expression, Ji Ling asked slowly, “Did you suffer any injustice today?”
Hearing Ji Ling’s words, Tang Xiaobao actually felt a bit embarrassed. Throughout the day, Ji Ling and Miss Sang had intentionally or unintentionally protected him. Even when two spoiled young ladies tried to pick a fight with him, they were intercepted midway and never succeeded. Though today had been manageable under their protection, it had also made him keenly aware of the gulf between humble households and wealthy families. There were things he’d never even heard of, let alone mastered.
Thinking to this point, a wave of disappointment, mingled with a faint sense of having embarrassed Ji Ling, even without them talking about it, he could feel the shock in their eyes when Ji Ling declared him his husband—that disbelief was impossible to hide. Glancing at Ji Ling, he asked, his voice tinged with shame, “Did I embarrass you today?”
Ji Ling turned to look at the dejected Tang Xiaobao beside him. After a moment’s thought, he gently stroked his head and said softly, “No, you did well. At least better than those young masters and ladies. They only spout grand, empty words, but you can cook delicious meals. In that regard alone, you’ve surpassed them many times over.”
Ji Ling turned to look at Tang Xiaobao, who appeared utterly dejected beside him. After a moment’s thought, he ruffled the boy’s hair and said softly, “No, you’re doing just fine. At least better than those young masters and ladies. They only spout grand, empty words, but you can cook delicious meals. In that respect alone, you’ve already surpassed them many times over.”
Though Ji Ling spoke with great gentleness, Tang Xiaobao felt not the slightest bit comforted. It sounded like a distinction between a lady and a lowly servant, only deepening his gloom. As this thought took hold, he slumped further, his displeasure plain to see. He silently mused that if fate had presented other choices instead of him, Ji Ling would never have chosen to marry him.
Ji Ling pondered for a moment but couldn’t figure out why Tang Xiaobao had suddenly become so unhappy. He could only silently keep him company, planning to make other arrangements once they returned home.
After wrapping up the gathering with everyone, Sang Jiayi headed straight to her eldest aunt’s room. Seeing the woman seated there, radiating grace and elegance with her eyes closed in rest, she softly called out, “Auntie, Jiayi is back.”
Da Fu Ren (The Big Lady) feigning sleep with her eyes closed, instantly revealed a tender smile upon seeing her niece. She beckoned her closer, inviting her to sit beside her, and inquired with genuine concern, “Did you gain anything worthwhile today?”
“Everyone here has been so kind and considerate toward me,” Sang Jiayi spoke in a soft tone, her face radiant with a warm smile, as if she had been treated with the utmost hospitality.
Da Fu Ren appraised her niece, who pleased her in every way—both in appearance and otherwise—and casually remarked, “Did I instruct you earlier to keep a close eye on Ji San today? Did you manage that?”
Whether intentionally or not, Sang Jiayi’s expression remained unchanged, her tone still gentle, even tinged with a hint of envy as she spoke. “Then Third Young Master Ji is truly a phoenix among men, treating his husband exceptionally well. Though none here would say so aloud, envy still stirs in our hearts.”
The Eldest Lady seemed quite pleased upon hearing the first part, but her expression darkened as the words continued. Thinking of Ji Ling’s Fu Lang, she hadn’t expected him to be so bold as to follow along. She’d assumed he was the type to uphold proper conduct, yet here he was, proving himself a jealous man. Recalling her original plans, she decided to offer her niece some advice.
Sang Jiayi gave her a gentle look and said quite naturally, “Of course. Since my eldest aunt has asked me to stay, I must comply. Otherwise, how could I explain it to my father?” Yet as she spoke, Tang Xiaobao’s face unconsciously flashed before her eyes. Recalling his cheeks flushing involuntarily with nervousness at the banquet, a flutter stirred in her heart. Her thoughts drifted to Ji Ling beside him, and she sighed inexplicably. Though the adorable creature was charming, it was already claimed. If it were unclaimed, she’d have wanted to take it home to keep—just to look at it would be good ah.
Completely unaware of Sang Jiayi’s thoughts about him, Tang Xiaobao had felt a persistent heaviness in his heart since returning. This unease even made him feel inferior around Ji Ling. Seeing Ji Ling, who seemed capable of anything, and then looking at himself, who could do nothing but cook, Tang Xiaobao felt a mix of frustration and embarrassment. This frustration eventually manifested as his decision to ignore Ji Ling’s action.
Observing Tang Xiaobao’s series of reactions, Ji Ling pondered for a while but still couldn’t figure out the reason. It wasn’t until bedtime, when Tang Xiaobao sulked in the inner room, that Ji Ling sensed something was off.
Pulling him close and holding him tightly in his arms, he couldn’t help but ask, “What’s wrong with you?”
Enveloped by that familiar warmth, Tang Xiaobao realized he’d been acting unreasonable. He lifted his head cautiously, meeting Ji Ling’s intense gaze—his own reflection visible in the earnest eyes. His nose stung, and he buried his face in Ji Ling’s chest, clutching his shirt tightly without speaking.
Seeing Tang Xiaobao like this, Ji Ling recalled the words Tang had spoken upon returning today. He guessed Tang must have gotten himself tangled up in his own thoughts. Without offering any defense, he simply patted his back and said softly, “You are the only one who will ever be my partner in this life.” This was probably the most profound declaration of love he could ever utter.
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