Le monde des arts martiaux est un véritable cloaque

Chapitre 49

Madam Xu had intended to please her, but to her surprise, instead of being pleased, the woman seemed to have been bitten by a snake. She suddenly stood up and spoke to her like that, her face full of anger, as if she were a complete stranger. Madam Xu was taken aback and stood there speechless.

Seeing her mother's reaction, Xu Shirong realized that she had been too harsh in her tone and had probably startled her. She took a breath, calmed her anger slightly, and then said, "Mother, I know you mean well. But I just had that incident a few days ago, and I really don't want to talk about marriage anymore. I have absolutely no such thoughts. You should go back to that person quickly!"

Madam Xu finally realized what was happening and angrily retorted, "You wretched girl! Although I always protect your shortcomings in front of others, do you think I don't know what kind of person you are? Now you've met such a man who likes you and agreed to marry you. You'll be his only wife, without those messy concubines and maids to bother you. Although he may have asked for this marriage partly because of your father and brothers, since ancient times, social standing has always been a consideration in marriage. You're truly blessed beyond measure, and yet you're ungrateful and yelling at me like this!"

Xu Shirong sneered, "No matter whose reason he came to propose marriage, I am definitely not destined to enjoy this blessing. Mother, you should give up on this idea as soon as possible. You just said it yourself, you know my temperament better than anyone. What happened last time is over, if you force me again now, who knows what I might do!"

Madam Xu stamped her foot in anger, raising her hand to slap her face. The hand flew past her cheek, but she pulled it back, both angry and heartbroken. "I can let you have your way in everything else, but this marriage is not your choice," she said. "If a family like this comes knocking on your door, and you go back, you won't be so lucky as to find someone like them again. There's no point in saying anything more. I will make the decision. You just wait patiently to get married." With that, she left.

Xu Shirong's sisters-in-law had already received the news, with Zhenniang especially overjoyed. She had heard that Xu Jinrong controlled countless grain transport ships, and had been plotting their own schemes. Previously, when she and other officials' wives enjoyed flower viewing parties, she had heard that some people in the capital were secretly smuggling southern goods from the grain transport ships for huge profits, and she had long been envious, only regretting that she had no way to get involved. Now that Xu Jinrong was about to become her sister's husband, wouldn't it be a matter of her asking for it? Just as she was rejoicing, a maid came to report that Jiaoniang was absolutely unwilling and had a huge argument with her mother-in-law, making her pale-faced as she left the courtyard. Startled, Zhenniang didn't need Madam Xu to say anything; she immediately went over to try and persuade her.

Xu Shirong, having just been forcibly divorced, had finally managed to calm herself and wait for news from Yang Huan. However, she was then informed that a new marriage proposal had been offered, and the suitor was none other than Xu Jinrong. Recalling the elaborate arrangements he had made, the pomp and circumstance were undeniable, and his meticulous planning was remarkable. Anyone else would have been endlessly grateful. But ever since she suspected he had orchestrated it, a heavy weight had been weighing on her heart. Now, hearing that he had even sent Madam Lu to propose marriage, that weight had turned into a swarm of flies. Surrounded by Zhenniang and the others for a day, listening to their praise of this Lord Xu, she had a sudden realization. She was reminded that the one who tied the knot must untie it. She immediately said, "My sisters-in-law all say he's a good man. I want to see him for myself. If I see him and he truly is a good man, then we'll discuss other matters. If he's not as good as you all say, then don't expect me to agree, no matter how much you plead."

Zhenniang was taken aback, then forced a smile and said, "What you're saying, sir, is quite unusual. It's always the man who wants to meet the woman, never the other way around. That's rather rare."

Xu Shirong sneered, "Why can only men choose women, but women can't choose men? I just got divorced a few days ago, and that man came to propose marriage and even promised to do this and that. He must be a rare and extraordinary man. If that's the case, what's wrong with choosing him? Will I lose a piece of my flesh?"

It turned out that at that time, it was customary for some men's families to arrange a meeting with the woman's family in a secluded and elegant place, fearing that the matchmaker might exaggerate or make false claims. This was called "mutual appreciation." If the man liked the woman, he would place a gold hairpin in her hair; if not, he would send her a piece of silk cloth called "soothing cloth." When Zhenniang heard that the woman wanted to "mutually appreciate" Lord Xu, she knew she couldn't make the decision herself, so she hurriedly went to inform Madam Xu.

Upon hearing the report that her daughter had remained silent all day, only now managing to utter these words, though somewhat shocking, they didn't sound like a complete rejection. Although she had spoken harshly yesterday, she hadn't immediately urged Madam Lu to agree, out of concern for her daughter, intending to wait for her to change her mind. Hearing her daughter speak like this now, Madam Xu thought that she had met Lord Xu once; he was tall, imposing, and possessed an extraordinary air. If her daughter could meet him in person and exchange a few words, perhaps her daughter would change her mind. After a moment's thought, she immediately agreed and went to tell Madam Lu. Madam Lu, though somewhat surprised, readily agreed and went to deliver the message.

Xu Jinrong was somewhat surprised to hear Madam Lu's report, and the woman's face and figure reappeared in his mind. Although he had only seen her four times, each time her appearance was different, leaving a deep impression on him, and she seemed to appear vividly before his eyes when he closed his eyes. The first time I saw her was at an inn outside Tongzhou City. Her cousin accidentally knocked her to the ground by a runaway horse. I clearly saw her face contorted in pain when she fell, but after getting up, she merely frowned slightly, without any resentment or blame. She said a few words and then turned to face inside, her whole demeanor exuding a dignified and calm air. She didn't even glance at him. The second time I saw her was in the garden of the Lu mansion. She was lying on the spring couch, as beautiful as a lotus flower, with a charmingly innocent demeanor. A butterfly fell from her hair, but she was completely unaware of it. Then there was the woman hiding behind the screen in the fire at the Lu mansion. Looking at the gruesome charred corpses that even ordinary men would avoid, she had a cold and solemn expression, her eyes filled with ice and soul, as if she was born to be there to scavenge the broken bones and charred corpses. The shock I felt at that time was truly indescribable. His last memory was of the Zhangshui River in Tongzhou City. He saw her on the bridge in the distance. Although he knew that her husband was with her, he still followed her as if possessed, just to see her one more time.

He always knew exactly what he wanted. And this woman possessed exactly what he desired: a career in government, beauty, and the interest that had been sparked within him. He had patiently waited, meticulously planning, and with the right timing and circumstances, he had finally reached this day. He was certain that the Xu family would not object to this marriage, but that woman… He suddenly recalled that time by the fire at the Lu residence, when he waited outside the main hall, and her eyes, which had suddenly met his gaze when she emerged—eyes that were undeniably beautiful, yet seemed to hold an unfathomable charm within them. It was this unprecedented elusiveness that left him with a sliver of uncertainty about winning her heart. Therefore, he would work on her, and on everyone around her, ultimately weaving a net so that even if she wanted to, she would be powerless to escape.

After Madam Lu relayed the message, seeing Xu Jinrong remain silent in thought, she assumed he was displeased with his niece's outrageous behavior. She quickly explained with a smile, "My niece is usually very gentle. She's only become more cautious after learning her lesson..."

Xu Jinrong raised his eyebrows and smiled, "That's a very reasonable idea. There's no time like the present, so let's arrange to meet her at the Bamboo Pavilion in the capital tomorrow. What do you say?"

Seeing that he was not angry, Madam Lu breathed a sigh of relief, praised Xu Shirong a few more times, and then took her leave.

The thought of seeing the woman again soon made Xu Jinrong's heart race. He hadn't felt this way in a long time. Even when she was introduced to the young emperor by her father and knelt before him, he hadn't felt this way—a mix of nervousness and anticipation.

He was already eagerly awaiting tomorrow.

Chapter Sixty-Two

Xu Shirong sat in front of the mirror, somewhat indifferently letting the maids and Zhenniang from the Xu family do her makeup. Her face was powdered white, her lips were painted a touch of red, her eyebrows were drawn in dark blue, and her cheeks were pomegranate-red. Looking through the somewhat distorted bronze mirror, her face, adorned with a touch of vermilion flower on her forehead, which was popular among noblewomen and socialites at the time, even exuded a hint of bewitching charm.

"My aunt is truly beautiful; dressed like this, she surpasses even the celestial maiden."

Zhenniang placed an exquisite red coral and gold-stamen hairpin in her hair, examined it from left to right, and then smiled and said.

Xu Shirong smiled slightly to suit the occasion, and Zhenniang then took her hand and they went out together affectionately. They boarded the carriage that had been waiting at the door, and together with Liu and He, they were taken to the Zhuxuan Tower that had been arranged the day before.

Although Zhuxuan Tower is located in the bustling city, it is surrounded by bamboo poles and wood, giving it an elegant and secluded feel. It is usually a gathering place for literati and scholars. However, it was booked out early this morning.

Xu Jinrong arrived early. In the private room he had chosen beforehand, the window was half-closed. Although it was early spring, warmth was already gradually spreading, and the green shoots on the newly sprouted branches outside the window were beginning to bud. As the appointed time drew near, he remained seated, but his expression showed a slight seriousness, as if he was paying attention to the movements outside.

The steward who had been serving him for many years knew his thoughts and immediately said, "Sir, may I go outside and take a look..."

Before Xu Jinrong could speak, he heard a slightly disordered series of footsteps approaching from outside, followed by the low laughter of women. His expression relaxed, and he glanced at the steward. The steward understood and immediately withdrew. As the laughter drew closer, he pushed open the door and immediately saw Xu Jiaoniang being escorted by several women. These women were dressed in opulent and beautiful attire, their faces beaming with smiles. Xu Jiaoniang, in the middle, looked somewhat different from her previous appearances, suggesting she had also dressed up. She wore a light blue brocade robe with delicate jasmine embroidery on the sleeves, a light blue underskirt, and a coral hairpin slanted into her hair. Her makeup was exquisite, and although she didn't smile, the silks, gold, and jade adorning the women around her paled in comparison.

Zhenniang spotted a man emerging from the private room and knew it was Xu Jinrong, the groom for the day. She quickly interjected with a smile, "I've heard of Lord Xu for a long time. Seeing you today, you truly have an extraordinary bearing. Lord Xu, you've arrived early. My sister and I were just joking with you, worried that we'd have to wait. We didn't expect to be late. We're so sorry to have kept you waiting."

Hearing her speak, Xu Jinrong knew that these women must be Xu Jiaoniang's sisters-in-law. Seeing that she was eloquent, he greeted her and said with a smile, "I have only been here for a short while. Madam, you flatter me."

Zhenniang, Liu, and He had heard of his name before, but this was the first time they had seen him in person. At first glance, they were struck by his imposing presence, and when he spoke, his refined and polite manner only solidified their positive impression. They returned each other's greetings, but noticed that Jiaoniang stood motionless, seemingly oblivious. Zhenniang quickly tugged at her sleeve, but Jiaoniang remained oblivious. Fearing Xu Jinrong might lose face or be angry, she hurriedly looked up. Fortunately, he seemed oblivious, still smiling as he stood to the side, gesturing for them to enter. Zhenniang was slightly relieved, though she secretly grumbled a few words about Jiaoniang's willful nature.

After everyone had gone inside and settled in, the tea and wine server from Zhuxuan Restaurant quickly served them tea and wine. Zhenniang noticed that Xu Jinrong was sitting upright, exchanging pleasantries with them, his eyes occasionally glancing at her aunt. Her aunt, however, kept her eyes slightly lowered, seemingly lost in thought. If Zhenniang hadn't found a topic of conversation, the atmosphere would likely have become awkward. But then she thought again, her aunt was also seeing this Lord Xu for the first time, so this reaction was normal. If she were too overly friendly, he might look down on her. Once she understood this, she felt relieved. After talking for a while, she felt a little thirsty, so she picked up her teacup. With a mouthful still in her mouth, she suddenly heard her aunt say, "Sisters, I have a few words to say to Lord Xu. Would you please excuse me for a moment?"

They were all taken aback by her sudden outburst. Zhenniang nearly choked on her tea, quickly pressing a handkerchief to her mouth. Once the urge subsided, she exchanged glances with Liu and the others. Seeing the first hint of a smile on her lips as she spoke, and her tone seemingly deliberate, but then her expression became unquestionable, they hesitated. Before they could decide, Xu Jinrong said, "If the ladies trust me, would you please sit down in another private room for a moment? Some light wine and tea have already been prepared."

Seeing that even he had spoken in this way, Liu and the others exchanged glances and had no choice but to stand up and go out. The steward then led them to a room on the side.

“Lord Xu, I heard a ridiculous joke the other day. My Aunt Lu actually said that she came to propose marriage on your behalf. A person should know his place. I am truly unworthy of Lord Xu’s favor. I have shamelessly invited you to meet me today so that you may choose another suitable spouse, lest I ruin my life’s important matter.”

As soon as Liu Shizhen and the others went out and closed the door, Xu Shirong stared at Xu Jinrong and said coldly.

As soon as Liu and the others left, the slight smile that had graced her face when she spoke vanished, and she was now staring directly at him, her eyes seemingly veiled with a thin layer of early spring ice. Xu Jinrong paused, met her gaze, gave a wry smile, and then said, "I, Xu, truly admire you, which is why I asked Madam Lu of your esteemed household to convey my message. It was done with utmost seriousness, and certainly not a spur-of-the-moment thought."

Xu Shirong noticed that he was looking at her intently as he spoke, without any attempt to avoid it, and his words were blunt and undisguised. Although she already knew a little about him, hearing his words now still stirred a hint of anger in her heart. She suppressed it and said with a cold laugh, "I ask myself, I am neither talented nor virtuous, and I was recently divorced by my husband's family. I truly do not deserve your admiration. Marriage has always been about social standing and family connections. If you said you were after my father's future support for your career, I might believe you to some extent, and I would respect you as a man who dares to speak your mind. But to secretly scheme while using admiration as a pretext is utterly laughable. Let me tell you, there are countless unmarried daughters in the capital's high-ranking and powerful families, and many in the court whose power rivals my father's. With your current abilities, marrying someone you like wouldn't be difficult. What's the point of lowering your dignity like this?"

Xu Jinrong, who had been casually fiddling with the lid of his teacup, smiled slightly after hearing her words and nodded, saying, "You are quite right. My desire to form a marriage alliance with your family is indeed for the sake of my future career. However, I have my reasons for having to humble myself before you." He paused, then suddenly threw down the teacup lid and stared intently at Xu Shirong, asking, "Who exactly are you, Xu Jiaoniang?"

Seeing that this man not only showed no shame after his earlier mockery, but now suddenly stared at him and asked a question, Xu Shirong was startled. However, after only a slight pause, he sneered, "Lord Xu, you're really meddling too much. I am who I am, and even if I weren't, what business is it of yours?"

Xu Jinrong continued to stare at her, but his expression had become somewhat solemn. He slowly said, "I have already sent people to investigate. You grew up in the Xu family of Hanlin in the capital from a young age, and married into the Grand Commandant's household at eighteen. You did not go out during that time. It is natural that you have read some books. But how are you able to handle the work of a coroner and examine corpses? In the cases at Qingmen last year, although Shi An presented the evidence in court, I already knew it was because of you. If you are the daughter of a Hanlin scholar, how can you identify the deceased based on a skeleton? How can you open the coffin without changing your expression? I had only heard about those previous cases, but in the Lu family case in Tongzhou, I personally saw you rummaging through the rubble, examining the skeleton with great skill, and even concluding it was murder based on the charred state of the corpse. No man could think of or do that. How could you, the daughter of a Hanlin scholar, do it?"

Xu Shirong looked at him coldly and said, "Everyone in the world has their own preferences. Just like you, Lord Xu, you like power and influence, which is what I like. I study in books every day, and Shi An is there to guide me when I come to Qingmen. What's so strange about that? What I don't understand is why you are so insistent on digging into things that even my husband doesn't mention?"

Xu Jinrong lightly tapped the corner of the table, raised his eyebrows, and laughed heartily, "You are indeed an interesting woman. Your answer is quite different from what I expected. Well, it doesn't matter how you know these things. What matters is that you are the daughter of Lord Xu, and I have taken a liking to you. Didn't you just say that there are other young ladies in the capital whose fathers are no less powerful than yours? What you said is not wrong, but unfortunately, I, Xu, am by nature eccentric. Once I have taken a liking to someone, no matter how good others are, they will not catch my eye."

Xu Shirong was furious and said, "Xu Jinrong, you are a real scoundrel."

Xu Jinrong was taken aback, then laughed and said, "I would like to hear the details."

Xu Shirong said disdainfully, "If you want to care, that's your business, and others can't interfere. But what I despise is your methods. Do you think I really don't know? Why would my Uncle Lu recommend you to my father? Even if my husband really was having an affair with that girl, how could it be such a coincidence that my Aunt Lu found out, and why did she have to hitch a ride with your family to the capital to tell my mother? I'm afraid that Qingyu's actions are also related to you! A gentleman is like jade, open and honest. Ask yourself, what have you done?"

Xu Jinrong glanced at her, somewhat surprised, but quickly shook his head and laughed. Seeing her looking at him with disgust, he sighed and said, "I know you're clever. I was hoping to keep it from you. Since you guessed it, I won't hide it anymore. Your Uncle Lu recommended me because of the fire in his house last year, which cost a lot of money to rebuild the hall. I found your Aunt Lu and pointed out a way to make money. She was grateful to me, and I only gave her a slight reminder, so she naturally followed my advice and asked Lord Lu to recommend me to your father. That's how I was able to come to the capital. Most importantly, I made friends with your family. Your Aunt Lu happened to witness Yang Huan's scandal and came to the capital to tell him. It was indeed because I secretly used some methods. But Yang Huan deserved to be so unlucky. If he could control himself, would I have held a knife to his throat?"

"You're talking nonsense!" Xu Shirong stood up abruptly and said angrily, "Although my husband is useless, I've only been gone for a few days. I don't believe he would do such a thing so soon! Could it be that you had someone tamper with his food and drink? And Qingyu, do you dare say you didn't force Qingyu to do this? Otherwise, why would a perfectly good girl like her do such a thing?"

Seeing her angry expression, Xu Jinrong remained surprisingly calm, simply saying, "I sent people to the capital to investigate you, and naturally learned that Qingyu was originally a concubine, but later, for some reason, became a maid. She is the daughter of a convicted official, and her younger brother was sent to the north to perform hard labor. I got her brother out and restored his commoner status. That's why I had someone tell her to be seen in bed with Yang Huan on the day I instructed. As for her, if she becomes unacceptable because of this, I can also create an identity for her so she can quietly escape."

Xu Shirong was greatly surprised to learn that Qingyu had such a hidden story, and was momentarily speechless. Xu Jinrong snorted coldly again and said, "Although I, Xu, am not a gentleman, I would never stoop to such despicable acts as drugging. Qingyu was originally Yang Huan's concubine. I only told her to entangle herself with him. As for how things would go, that was her own business. I couldn't interfere with that."

Xu Shirong was somewhat flustered and hadn't quite come to her senses when Xu Jinrong continued, "Lord Xu and that Grand Commandant Yang are at odds. Madam Xu feigned illness to summon you back. I was in the capital and knew about this, which is why I secretly arranged for people to make arrangements along the way. Whether you appreciate it or not is secondary; I just wanted to make your journey less bumpy, nothing more. Now that you have no further connection with the Yang family, I asked Madam Lu to propose marriage. As long as you give your nod, I will immediately send a matchmaker to propose marriage tomorrow."