Xu Hui's expression stiffened slightly, a hint of impatience flashing in her eyes. She cleared her throat and said, "Mother, what are you saying? I leave early and come home late all so that things can be better for the family! Why are you always criticizing me so that my father can come back sooner?"
"Hui Niang, that's not what I meant!" Seeing her daughter's displeasure, Madam Liang's heart softened, and she quickly said, "I'm not criticizing you. I just feel sorry for you. If your marriage with Da Lang were settled sooner, I would be at ease, and you wouldn't have to work so hard."
Xu Hui held back her anger, but couldn't show it for fear that her mother would notice something amiss. So she picked up the basket on the octagonal table, lifted the curtain, and went back to her room.
Seeing that Madam Liang hadn't followed, Xu Hui quickly took out several pieces of jewelry hidden among the pile of fabric, and also took out the silver notes she kept close to her body. Finally, she took out an inconspicuous boxwood box from the cabinet in the corner, with a brass lock on it.
Xu Hui took out the key she always carried with her and unlocked the lock.
Inside, there were many valuable pearls and gemstones, as well as four small bundles of silver notes neatly arranged. These were all gifts Chen Qian had given her after they met. She secretly took these inconspicuous little items home, but she dared not bring home conspicuous items such as cloth and antiques, for fear that Liang would see them.
Chen Qian's household had already shown her a room and assigned her two maids to serve her.
Xu Hui was very confident that Chen Qian was now completely devoted to her, just like in her previous life. As long as she was willing, she was certain that Chen Qian would marry her.
Looking at the box full of jewels, she slowly curled her lips into a satisfied smile.
As Xu Hui gazed at the jewelry and gems with fascination, a knock came at the door. Zheng Xing's voice seemed to drift in from afar.
Xu Hui hurriedly stuffed the jewelry into the box, making sure to lock it before putting it back in the cabinet. She then fastened her clothes, wearing the key close to her neck, and prepared to go out.
Just as she was about to lift the curtain and go out, she suddenly seemed to remember something and took out an indigo purse from her sewing basket. The material was only of average quality, but the embroidered pattern was very exquisite, simple and elegant, suitable for a man.
After taking the purse, Xu Hui went to the main room.
Madam Liang had already welcomed Zheng Xing in. Zheng Xing was carrying a half-sack of rice and some cleaned meat.
When Xu Hui arrived, Zheng Xing was chatting happily with Madam Liang. "The Madam's estate sent over this year's harvest. Madam said we've worked hard all this time, so she gave us quite a lot of things. I got a bag of rice and some game."
“My mother cleaned up the wild game at home and let me take half of it. There’s also half a bag of rice, which is perfect for making porridge.”
Madam Liang greatly admired Zheng Xing's simple and honest character and was very grateful for the support from his family. If Hui Niang could willingly and smoothly marry into the family, it would be an immense blessing.
"Thank you very much!" Madam Liang accepted the gift with a smile. She sighed, "I didn't expect that the young Lady Hou would be so considerate."
Xu Hui overheard all of this, and her hand unconsciously tightened its grip on the purse. It was as if Chen Qian had been looking at this Lady Hou the last time, and this Lady Hou looked remarkably like An Ran…
Zheng Xing, however, chuckled and replied, "That's right. Although the lady is a bit young, she is extremely kind, acts with propriety and composure, and is kind to the servants as well."
Now that even Zheng Xing is praising her, Xu Hui is naturally dissatisfied.
"Brother Zheng is here!" Xu Hui entered gracefully, a bright smile on her face. "Then Brother Zheng, tell me, am I prettier, or is Madam Hou prettier?"
Before Zheng Xing could even speak, Madam Liang felt that his words were inappropriate.
What kind of unmarried woman would ask such a question in front of a man who could very well become her fiancé? And the person she's comparing herself to is the Lady of Pingyuan Marquis. What kind of talk is this? What is Zheng Xing supposed to say? Even if the Lady of Pingyuan Marquis isn't beautiful, she, Xu Hui, is still not someone Xu Hui can compare herself to.
Upon hearing this, Zheng Xing stammered and couldn't say anything.
In terms of beauty, he had never seen anyone more beautiful than his wife. Although he had only seen the Marquis and his wife together from afar, that fleeting glimpse was enough to reveal the wife's stunning beauty.
But how could he possibly comment on the Lady of the Marquis? The Marquis had been kind to them, and the Lady had taken great care of them. Zheng Xing could only show respect to the Marquis and the Lady.
"Hui Niang, stop fooling around!" Madam Liang glared at Xu Hui and stepped in to smooth things over, saying, "Big brother, don't take it to heart. Hui Niang was just teasing you. Come on, you must be tired from your journey. Let me make you some tea."
Xu Hui knew when to stop and didn't press the matter, which relieved Zheng Xing.
For a moment, only Xu Hui and Zheng Xing remained in the main room.
“Brother Zheng, don’t be angry.” Xu Hui softened her tone and said gently, “I’m just afraid that you’ve seen someone as beautiful as Madam Hou and will think that I’m just a plain-looking woman and you won’t find me attractive.”
Zheng Xing hurriedly assured her, "No, no, that's not true!" He looked at Xu Hui, a sheepish smile on his honest face, and said in a voice barely audible, "In my heart, you are the most beautiful."
Xu Hui quickly took out a handkerchief and covered her mouth with a coquettish laugh.
As she moved, an indigo purse fell from her sleeve. Zheng Xing quickly stepped forward, picked it up, and tried to return it to Xu Hui.
"Brother Zheng, this purse is for you." A faint blush slowly rose to Xu Hui's face. She lowered her head shyly and whispered, "It's not made of any fine material, and the workmanship is rather rough. Please don't mind it—"
Zheng Xing immediately showed a look of ecstatic joy, still somewhat incredulous.
Xu Hui had been lukewarm towards him for some time, and Zheng Xing had almost given up hope. If she didn't accept him, he wouldn't force her. But a few days ago, Xu Hui's attitude towards him changed, rekindling his hope.
And today Xu Hui gave him a purse again. Does this mean she has come to her senses and agreed to marry him?
"Hui Niang, you, you..." Zheng Xing said excitedly, stammering, "I like her so much, how could I dislike her!"
Upon hearing this, Xu Hui's face flushed even more, and she lowered her head, refusing to speak.
Meanwhile, Madam Liang stood outside holding a tray, her heart filled with joy. It seemed her daughter had returned home, and perhaps the marriage between the two families could be discussed again.
She put down the tea and said she was going to get some snacks, leaving the main room to the two of them.
Seeing Zheng Xing's delighted expression, Xu Hui guessed that he was now off guard, so she casually asked, "Brother Zheng, are you one of the Marquis of Pingyuan's personal guards? Do you follow the Marquis around every day? Was Brother Feng, whom I met last time, the same as you?"
Zheng Xing assumed she was just curious and didn't think much of it, so he said, "I spend most of my time with the Marquis. Brother Feng is the Marquis's personal guard, and now he spends more time with the Madam." Seeing that Xu Hui seemed a little confused, Zheng Xing quickly explained, "The Marquis is worried about the Madam's safety, so he specially sent eight people to protect her when she goes out."
Upon hearing this, a dark glint flashed across Xu Hui's eyes, but a smile appeared on her face.
She then subtly asked a few more questions, and Zheng Xing told her everything he knew. However, since Zheng Xing and An Ran had almost no contact, she couldn't get any more information out of him.
The only news we received was that the Marquis would be taking his wife to Qingyuan Temple to offer incense, but the time had not yet been set.
Seeing that it was getting dark, Zheng Xing felt that if he stayed any longer, there would probably be gossip, so he took his leave.
With a face full of joy, Madam Liang saw him to the door, then turned to Xu Hui with a beaming smile and said, "You've finally come to your senses. I think we should just settle the marriage, then you won't have to keep running around outside and suffering so much."
"There's no need to rush!" Xu Hui said rather dismissively, "It's the same if we wait until my father comes back."