Chapter 67: 參觀
[Visit]
Hearing Ji Ling’s words, Tang Xiaobao still didn’t lift his head, only tightening his grip on Ji Ling’s clothes. Noticing Tang Xiaobao’s relaxation, Ji Ling breathed a slight sigh of relief before pulling him closer.
Tang Xiaobao’s temper flared quickly but faded just as fast, though a small knot remained in his heart. He no longer sulked at Ji Ling, but he kept something in mind, pondering what he could do—preferably something that could make a lot of money. Thinking this, Tang Xiaobao recalled how he had saved Ji Ling back then, and a plan quietly took shape in his mind.
Ji Ling remained utterly oblivious to Tang Xiaobao’s scheming. The very next day after the flower festival concluded, the First Lady summoned him. Between the lines of her words lay the recent arrival of Sang Jiayi at the Ji residence. She suggested that if he had time, he might take her out to explore and familiarize herself with the surroundings.
Upon hearing the matriarch assign him this task, Ji Ling cast an unobtrusive glance at her benevolent smile, his eyes drifting to Sang Jiayi seated beside her. He nodded briefly, saying nothing more.
Witnessing this, the Big Lady (Da Fu Ren) felt deeply satisfied. She looked at her most favored niece and patted her hand. “You two must get along well.”
Sang Jiayi kept her head bowed, avoiding Ji Ling’s gaze on the other side. Her cheeks flushed, appearing somewhat bashful, she murmured softly, “Then I’ll trouble Third Brother.”
Upon hearing her address, Ji Ling’s eyebrows twitched involuntarily before he replied impassively, “It’s no trouble.”
The Madam sat observing their interaction. Even though Ji Ling maintained a cold demeanor throughout, she felt deeply satisfied. After all, matters of marriage were never something the younger generation could decide for themselves. The reason she hadn’t insisted on forcing them to marry was simply to allow them time to get to know each other first. This way, Ji Ling wouldn’t resist too fiercely later on, understanding that they had arranged this marriage for his own good.
Seeing the pleasant atmosphere between them, the matriarch leaned back in her chair and remarked softly after a moment’s thought, “Old age saps one’s spirit. I’m feeling weary today. Ji San, please take Jiayi for a stroll around the residence.”
Ji Ling raised his eyes to glance at the matriarch reclining in her chair, then bowed respectfully. ” Then I shall take Miss Sang for a stroll.”
Da Gu Ren, feeling drowsy herself, merely waved them out. Watching their retreating figures, she sighed softly. “If my own child were still alive, how could he have inherited the family estate? Now, I wonder if he’ll heed our wishes in the end.” With only an elderly wet nurse remaining by her side—all other servants having been dismissed—she could finally voice these thoughts aloud.
The wet nurse had served the eldest mistress since childhood, accompanying her even after her marriage. Thus, she enjoyed considerable favor in the mistress’s presence. Words forbidden to other servants flowed freely from her lips. Precisely because of this, she now looked at the Lady with concern and said, “Madam, I don’t think the Third Young Master is someone easy to control. Once he takes power, who knows what trouble he might cause? Why not choose someone else?”
If even her own wet nurse could see through him, how could she fail to? Yet her husband, the master of the house, held Ji Ling in high regard for his business acumen, speaking of hopes for the Ji family to advance further. As the clan head, his duty was to ensure the family’s enduring prosperity, not to indulge personal preferences. Even if she disliked the man, the First Lady had to admit Ji Ling was the best choice. Yet people inevitably harbored selfish desires. Unlike her husband, who focused solely on the clan’s continuity, she yearned only to preserve her own wealth and status, holding onto them firmly until her dying breath. But such matters could never be voiced aloud; she still needed to maintain the image of a virtuous, gentle and gracious lady.
Faced with her matron’s inquiry, the eldest madam could only sigh before replying indifferently, “Because he caught my husband’s eye.” Once favored, he would not be easily dismissed.
That single sentence sufficed for the old matron to understand, then she said no more.
Neither Ji Ling nor Sang Jiayi, who had already stepped out of the room, had the leisure to speculate on the thoughts of those still inside.
Earlier at the First Lady’s quarters, Ji Ling had been exceedingly courteous. Sang Jiayi had initially assumed this politeness was merely superficial. When the First Lady dismissed them, Ji Ling was the first to hurry away. She followed with a brief farewell and headed for the door. Upon reaching it, she spotted Ji Ling standing not far away, clearly waiting for someone. Suppressing her surprise, Sang Jiayi approached and greeted him politely, “Third Brother, aren’t you going back yet?”
Ji Ling looked at her, his expression neutral, revealing nothing of his thoughts. After a moment, he spoke, “This is your first visit to the Ji residence. Earlier, my aunt instructed me to give you a proper tour of the estate. Since it’s still early today, why not seize the moment? Shall we explore now? After all, the place is not that large.” Of course, when Ji Ling said “not very large,” he excluded the areas of the individual courtyards. The remaining space was indeed quite compact.
Hearing Ji Ling’s suggestion, Sang Jiayi hesitated slightly but ultimately nodded in agreement.
Ji Ling nodded and led her on a tour of the Ji residence, dutifully explaining the layout of the manor along the way. Thus, they walked and chatted their way through nearly half the Ji residence.
As a sheltered young lady, Sang Jiayi had received little physical training. She was accustomed to traveling by sedan chair. Now, watching Ji Ling stand beside her, speaking eloquently, she gritted her teeth and persevered. Observing his handsome features, she even began to wonder if he was toying with her. She stared intently for two seconds but couldn’t discern anything from his expression. Still, she was certain that if any other woman had endured today’s treatment, she likely wouldn’t have made the same mistake of tagging along with him again.
Noticing Sang Jiayi’s faltering pace, Ji Ling glanced at her with puzzlement. Only when he saw the sweat beading on her forehead and the pallor in her cheeks did he seem to grasp the situation. Hesitantly, he inquired, “Miss Sang, are you feeling unwell? If so, perhaps we should return. The next section consists merely of courtyards. I can describe the general layout to you upon our return.”
Hearing this, even the usually composed Sang Jiayi couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief, her face showing a hint of relief. Even the young maid beside her kept nodding in agreement, clearly very agree to the suggestion.
Ji Ling observed this, the corners of his lips curling into an imperceptible, noncommittal smile. Just as he was about to ask if they should send for a sedan chair to take them back, a puzzled voice sounded from behind him, “Husband, what are you guys doing?”
Hearing the sound, the two standing there simultaneously turned toward the direction of the voice. They saw Tang Xiaobao, who had appeared there at some unknown moment, accompanied by two maidservants, each holding something in their hands that looked quite substantial. His gaze shifted between Ji Ling and Sang Jiayi, seeming somewhat curious.
Upon recognizing Tang Xiaobao, Sang Jiayi’s gaze instinctively followed him. Already naturally adorable, she now stared at her with wide, round eyes, making her petite face appear even more delicate—like a finely crafted doll. This thought caused her heart to beat faster.
Her tone softened unconsciously. “My eldest aunt asked the Third Brother to show me around the Ji residence, so we’ve been touring for a while.” After speaking, she suddenly felt she might have said something wrong and quickly glanced at Tang Xiaobao. His expression, however, was utterly peculiar—nothing like the jealousy she had imagined.
Hearing her words, Tang Xiaobao asked with some hesitation, “You walked around the Ji residence?” When she nodded, Tang Xiaobao could only feel waves of admiration. What kind of masochism would make someone walk through the entire Ji residence? When he first arrived, just walking from the main gate to his own courtyard felt unbearable. Later he’d since gotten used to using the back entrance—because it was simply closer. That these two had actually walked around exploring? Tang Xiaobao now looked at Sang Jiayi with nothing but admiration.
Sang Jiayi stared at Tang Xiaobao, her cheeks flushing deeper. Tang Xiaobao, in turn, formed a new perspective on this seemingly delicate young lady. Lost in each other’s gaze, neither moved to look away. Only Ji Ling, standing motionless nearby, observed their interaction with a furrowed brow. He finally spoke up, “What are you doing here?”
“Ah, me?” Startled by Ji Ling’s question, Tang Xiaobao turned back, looking foolishly flustered. “I heard from Lühe (Green Lotus 🪷) that the river crabs here are in season now. Since there’s nothing to do at the mansion, I brought her out to buy some. I’ll cook it for you later.”
Hearing this, Ji Ling finally noticed water seeping from the bundle Tang Xiaobao was clutching, soaking his clothes. Instantly displeased, he glared at him and snapped, “This kind of thing, sort of a task for servants, why are you meddling with it?”
Upon hearing Ji Ling’s words, Tang Xiaobao’s initial eagerness to take credit was instantly deflated, leaving him visibly disheartened. If it had ears, they would likely have drooped at that moment.
Sang Jiayi, who had been standing nearby listening to their exchange, suddenly spoke up. “So the Third Sister-in-Law knows how to cook crab? Might I have the honor of tasting it? I’m sure it must be delicious.”
At Sang Jiayi’s words, Tang Xiaobao snapped his head up. Looking at her earnestly, he said, “Of course you can. This place is practically our courtyard now. Come in and rest for a bit. I’ll cook something for you.” After speaking, remembering Ji Ling’s earlier scolding, he turned to look at him hopefully.
Meeting Tang Xiaobao’s gaze, Ji Ling pursed his lips before finally nodding. “Your cooking is as always delicious.”
Receiving such praise from Ji Ling in front of an outsider, Tang Xiaobao instantly forgot his earlier displeasure. He hurriedly gestured to Sang Jiayi, who was still standing there. “Come on in. I work fast. It’ll be ready in no time.”
Sang Jiayi nodded and followed in with light steps, showing no trace of the reluctance she’d displayed moments before.
Ji Ling watched the woman whose eyes never once strayed from Tang Xiaobao, a flicker of confusion and a hint of wariness crossing his own eyes.
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