As a loyal and upright guard, Li Ke decided to keep this secret for his master.
Long Er was completely unaware that he had a secret. He suddenly felt a strong urge to personally escort his Mu'er home, so he did.
The two didn't say much along the way, but sitting together didn't feel awkward. The atmosphere was peaceful and comfortable, and Ryuji was in a good mood.
Ju Mu'er kept guessing where she was along the way, and Long Er helped her check if she was right. After comparing the results, she was able to guess eight or nine out of ten times correctly.
Now that Ju Mu'er had lost her eyesight, Long Er was no longer surprised by her abilities; he was just curious how she had guessed correctly. Ju Mu'er said she had walked so much that she relied on the smells of different shops and her sense of distance. She said that she had only traveled by carriage; if she had walked, she was certain she wouldn't have made a mistake.
She said this with a smile on her face, but Long Er felt a pang of heartache. He asked, "Do your eyes still hurt now?"
Ju Mu'er was taken aback: "It's okay, I usually don't feel anything."
Long Er took her hand and said, "From now on, you must take good care of yourself, okay?" His words were so soft and gentle that Long Er was startled by his own voice after he finished speaking.
Ju Mu'er was also taken aback, then nodded. Whether she was shy or happy, she lowered her head and didn't say anything.
Long Er suddenly felt embarrassed. How could he have uttered such a disgusting tone? He coughed, released Ju Mu'er's hand, and felt ashamed. Fortunately, she couldn't see it, but he still quietly turned his face to the side.
After a while, the car drove out of the city. Ju Mu'er clung to the car window, sticking her arm and head out a little. When Long Er saw this, he wanted to help her again. He pulled her back: "Don't let the wind blow on you. You still have a head injury. If you're exposed to the wind, you'll get a headache."
Ju Mu'er obediently agreed without struggling, and simply said, "When the weather is warm, this road smells of flowers and grass. Just now, when I stretched my hand out like that, I could feel the wind."
What's so special about being able to feel the wind? Long Er really wanted to say that when the weather gets warmer and he's not so busy, he could take her horseback riding and enjoying the spring scenery. Then there would be all sorts of flowers, grass, and wind.
But the words caught in his throat, and he stopped himself. He'd just felt nauseous; he shouldn't be showering her with affection now. Why take her on a spring outing? He'd treat her even better after she married him.
This is enough for now.
Long Er was very satisfied with his self-control. He finally remembered that women shouldn't be spoiled too much. Just be nice to her. If he was too nice, where would his dignity as a man be?
As Long Er was thinking this, he arrived at the Ju Family Tavern in the blink of an eye. Old Man Ju came out to greet him upon hearing the noise and helped his daughter out of the car.
Long Er, wanting to maintain a haughty demeanor, refused to get out of the car. He only told Ju Mu'er that he would come to see her another day, and told Ju'er's father that the family steward would come to discuss the details and date of the wedding with him. Ju Mu'er and her father agreed, and then the father and daughter cheerfully said goodbye to Long Er, arm in arm, and without looking back, they went back into the house talking about catching the murderer.
As Long Er watched them leave calmly without looking back from the carriage, he felt a pang of resentment. Who was putting on airs here?
Long Er was so frustrated that he really wanted to jump out of the car, grab Ju Mu'er, and give her a proper send-off, making sure she acted like she was reluctant to part with him and told him to come see her tomorrow or she would not listen. Only then would he give up.
But he couldn't do that; he couldn't bear the shame!
He sat in the carriage for a long time, and the driver finally couldn't help but ask, "Second Master, shall we go back?"
"Go back!" He said these two words through gritted teeth.
The coachman shrugged and quickly cracked his whip, urging the horse to gallop. Long Er slammed the carriage door shut from behind, and a resentful "humph" drifted out from the crack in the door and dissipated into the air.
The next day, Long Er didn't go home after his lunch social engagements. Instead, he rode his horse to find Ju Mu'er.
She upset him yesterday, and he thought about it all night. He's determined to find time to see her today and get his revenge.
However, Ryuji hadn't figured out how to ask for it. He thought about it as he walked, and when he arrived at the izakaya shop, he decided to ask her to pour him a cup of tea and then give him a back massage.
But when he entered the room and told Old Man Ju that he wanted to see Ju Mu'er, he saw that Old Man Ju looked troubled.
Could it be that lazy girl hasn't gotten up yet? It's already past noon.
When Long Er asked this, Old Man Ju hurriedly waved his hand: "No, no, Mu'er got up early, before lunch. She just said that she hasn't seen anyone these past few days."
Long Er automatically ignored the bizarre claim that getting up before lunch counts as getting up early, and simply raised an eyebrow and asked, "How many days?"
Old Man Ju counted on his fingers: "It'll only take five or six days."
Five or six days, that's all?
Long Er raised his eyebrows even higher and said, "I'm not included in these lists of people you can't see. I'm her fiancé!"
The term "fiancé" is truly powerful and impactful!
But after saying it, Ryuji felt awkward. The word "unmarried" just made him feel uneasy. But whatever, as long as he had the word "husband," that was enough!
Old Man Ju was taken aback, realizing that what he said made sense. But his daughter said that he especially couldn't see Master Long these next few days. He always listened to his daughter, but he didn't dare to offend Master Long either; he wasn't as bold as his daughter.
So, Second Master Long swaggered into the backyard to find his fiancée, who supposedly never saw anyone. Old Man Ju followed closely behind, deciding that if his daughter blamed him, he would say that Second Master had forced his way in and that he couldn't stop him.
When Long Er arrived at Ju Mu'er's courtyard, he found her door tightly closed. He knocked on the door, and Ju Mu'er said, "Second Master, please go back. I will visit your residence again in a few days."
Listen to this, does it sound like a wife saying this to her husband?
A visit? He didn't want her to visit him; he wanted her to pour him a cup of tea right now and give him a back massage.
Long Er continued to knock on the door forcefully, and Ju Mu'er said again, "Second Master, don't be angry. I will definitely come to apologize to you in a few days."
Long Er was truly annoyed, and he directly exposed her: "I don't mind that you smell bad, open the door."
The moment the word "stinky" was uttered, Ju Mu'er's room fell silent.
Old Master Ju wrung his hands anxiously and whispered, "Second Master, Second Master, don't be angry. Mu'er has a bad temper. Second Master, it's not worth arguing with her."
Bad temper? Long Er was even angrier. Did he want to compete with him to see who had a worse temper? He knocked on the door again with a loud "thump, thump, thump".
This time there was movement inside the house, but it was the sound of a zither, "ding-dong-dong". Long Er was stunned, and heard the zither music coming from inside, continuous and undulating.
Old Man Ju was also stunned for a moment, then quickly explained to Long Er, "Second Master, Mu'er must be playing the zither to relieve her boredom. She wouldn't dare to talk back to you. Don't be angry. I'll definitely scold her later."
Long Er didn't think Old Man Ju would scold Ju Mu'er, nor did he think Ju Mu'er played the zither to relieve boredom. As for what she wouldn't dare to do, he really didn't think there was anything she wouldn't dare to do.
Because he understood; he could always understand her. She was scolding him, calling him a bull!
Everyone knows that Master Long is ignorant of music. He said she was bad at it, so she played the zither for him. He understood. She was thinking, "Playing the zither to a cow."
Long Er snorted and turned away.
Long Er returned to his residence, pondering the matter, unable to swallow his anger. That brat was truly despicable; she wouldn't let him see her and even dared to play the zither to mock him. So what if she called him "stinky"? Did she have to be so petty?
Long Er was arguing with himself when Granny Yu came looking for him.
These past two days, Granny Yu has been busy making arrangements for the Second Master's marriage. She went to the matchmaker to discuss the formalities of marriage, planning to have the matchmaker go to Ju Mu'er's house to formally propose marriage and exchange gifts once everything was ready.
When the matchmaker heard that the girl was Miss Ju from the Ju Family Wine Shop outside the south of the city, she was shocked. She stammered at first, but couldn't resist Granny Yu's questioning and told her many rumors circulating in the streets.
Upon hearing this, Granny Yu couldn't help but worry. You know, when a matchmaker is in charge of a marriage, she only speaks the good things and never the bad. For a matchmaker to be so shocked by this girl's words, is there really something wrong with her?
So, Granny Yu, filled with worry, went to inquire about Ju Mu'er again, and found that it was exactly as the old woman had said. She said that Ju Mu'er was twenty and unmarried, and there was a reason for it. She had been betrothed since childhood, but became obsessed with the zither and refused to marry, acting willfully and recklessly. Later, she went mad and went blind, broke off the engagement and caused trouble, and then even seduced the married man Yun Qingxian. When his wife wouldn't let her in, she seduced Master Long.
Everyone said that this woman was resourceful, and Granny Yu's heart trembled upon hearing this.
Granny Yu decided to have a serious talk with the Second Master about this matter.
23. Proposed Family Rules: Second Master's Feud
After listening to the rumors that Granny Yu had mentioned, Long Er replied, "I know all of that."
His nonchalant attitude left Granny Yu awkwardly unsure how to continue the conversation. Logically, the Second Master was a shrewd man and wouldn't be fooled by a so-called "shrewd" woman, but the rumors outside were so convincing…
Seeing Yu Mama's state, Long Er advised, "Don't worry, Mama. Just listen to what's being said outside. Some of it was actually arranged by me, but when it got to the streets, people started talking about it in a way that was increasingly outrageous."
Granny Yu opened her mouth wide in disbelief: "Second Master, did you spread the word?" Her Second Master hated gossip the most, how could he spread it himself?
Long Er felt a little embarrassed when he remembered this. He coughed and said, "In short, you can't believe all the rumors circulating in the city, Granny."
Granny Yu was still skeptical, so she asked again, "Did the Second Master ask Miss Mu'er about those old stories? How did she explain them?"
"I didn't ask." Long Er felt there was nothing wrong. Based on his feelings for Ju Mu'er, he was sure she would have explained things to him if necessary. If she hadn't, then there was nothing to explain. No explanation meant everything was fine. If he asked her without thinking, she would look down on him. He still wanted to maintain his authority in her eyes; how could he just gossip?
"Didn't you ask?" Granny Yu was still worried: "Then why does Second Master want to marry her?" Granny Yu remembered what Long Er had said about "special", but if he said it like that again this time, she would have to ask clearly how that girl was special.
Long Er thought for a moment, recalling Ju Mu'er's tone and expression when she proposed to him. He couldn't help but laugh and answered in her tone, "Yes, I want to marry her."
Granny Yu was speechless. After thinking for a long time, she managed to squeeze out, "Then, then, what if she really did something that violated the virtues of a woman..."
Upon hearing this, Long Er's eyes lit up: "That's right, Granny, you're right. I know how to teach her a lesson."
Before Granny Yu could react, Long Er had already called Li Ke in and instructed him, "Go find a copy of the 'Admonitions for Women' and send it to Mu'er."
No way? Really? Did you hear that right?
Li Ke quickly glanced at Granny Yu standing to the side, and Granny Yu looked back at him innocently and with great confusion.
"Uh, Second Master, were you just talking about the 'Admonitions for Women'?" Li Ke asked cautiously.
"Yes."
Li Ke took a breath, glanced at Granny Yu again, and continued to ask cautiously, "Does this mean that I should escort Granny Yu to deliver the 'Admonitions for Women' to Miss Ju?"
"No, you go and deliver it. Granny Yu is busy with wedding preparations."
Li Ke was furious. Why him? He was a loyal and upright guard, why was he sent to do such a bizarre task? Delivering the "Admonitions for Women" to his master's fiancée, who was blind. Should he also read it aloud? This was clearly something a woman should do.
Li Ke was so frustrated that he almost wanted to twist his clothes and jump up in protest, but he didn't dare, because he was so loyal and upright.
Fortunately, Granny Yu was by his side at this time. She asked the question that had been bothering him: "Second Master, why did you send that girl the 'Admonitions for Women'? Do you think she lacks proper virtues? Then what about this marriage..."
Long Er waved his hand: "The wedding must be held, and the 'Admonitions for Women' must be presented. This girl is getting bolder and bolder. She actually dared not to see me, insisting on waiting until the injury on her head heals and she can wash her hair before seeing me. Is there such an arrogant unmarried woman? She even dared to play the zither in front of me... Anyway, Granny's reminder is good. Li Ke, go and present her with a copy of the 'Admonitions for Women' so she can study it carefully. Granny, you should also expedite the wedding arrangements here. Once all the necessary formalities have been performed, let's see if she still dares to ignore me."
Li Ke and Granny Yu were both speechless. They exchanged a glance and sighed inwardly.
Granny Yu couldn't offer any advice to Long Er. Judging from his current demeanor, he was eagerly anticipating the marriage. Having served in the Long household for so many years, Granny Yu was adept at reading her master's expressions. She knew that saying anything further would only backfire. She decided to focus on seeing the girl again and observing her more closely.
Li Ke still wanted to try, so he said, "Second Master, you're sending the 'Admonition to Women,' but Miss Ju won't see it. Why don't I go and invite her over to keep you company and relieve your boredom?"
"No need to invite her. Did I say I wanted to see her? I'm not bored at all. If she can't see me, I'll just read it to her."
Li Ke wanted to slap himself twice. Why did he have to say something like that? If he had just accepted the order and left, he wouldn't have had to recite it.
Why would you have a brave, loyal, and heroic male guard recite the "Admonitions for Women"? Master, is that really appropriate?
Long Er glared at Li Ke, whose face was scrunched up like a bun, and shouted, "Let her father read it to her properly!"
Li Ke's spirits lifted, and he felt a great weight lifted off his shoulders. He quickly ran outside. Granny Yu followed his retreating figure with a sympathetic gaze. Turning around, she saw Long Er looking at her and quickly said, "Then I'll go and make the preparations too."
Everyone had left, and Long Er sat on the chair, fuming. Why did all those gossipy people keep saying bad things about his Mu'er? Why didn't they talk about how smart she was, how funny she was, or how beautifully she played the zither... Okay, Long Er admitted he didn't hear anything particularly beautiful, but since everyone said she was a skilled pianist, she must be good at it.
Ryuji felt that even though she didn't say anything, he was willing to believe her.
Li Ke had just made a long trip to the local liquor store and had barely stepped into the mansion when the gatekeeper told him that the Second Master wanted him to come see him as soon as he returned.
Li Ke sighed, entered the library and met Long Er. Before anyone could ask, he took the initiative to announce, "Old Master Ju read it to Miss Ju as instructed by Second Master."
"And what was her reaction?"
"She didn't react much."
"Did you play the piano again?"
"Yes, Second Master." Li Ke replied cautiously, watching Long Er writing furiously, seemingly no longer angry, and couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Li Ke waited for a while, and Long Er folded the paper he had written and handed it to him, saying, "Tomorrow morning, take this to the Ju family and have Old Man Ju wake Mu'er up and read it to her."