Seeing Ji Taoyu, the women quickly shut their mouths. Out of respect for his status, they forced smiles. “We were just joking around, Xiao Taozi. Don’t take it seriously.”
“I won’t. But I’ve heard that northerner used to fight on the battlefield, his temper is fierce. And he was comrades with Brother Changsui from the Zhao family, who went to defend the borders. If he hears this kind of talk and loses his temper, do you think you could handle it?”
Not all of them had seen Huo Shu, but they’d heard descriptions of a tall, intimidating man. Ji Taoyu’s words sent a chill down their spines.
“We won’t say such things again.”
Huo Shu listened as Ji Taoyu recounted the gossip he’d overheard. His expression darkened.
Gossip was unavoidable, whether in the north or south. Northerners might be more blunt and crude in their rumors, but he’d never cared much for outsiders’ words.
However, when it involved disrespect toward elders or the deceased, his gaze turned icy. “Who said it?”
Ji Taoyu, hearing the cold edge in Huo Shu’s voice, quickly said, “I didn’t tell you this so you could confront them. People will talk no matter what. Even if you teach them a lesson, it might not shut them up, it could just fuel more gossip.”
Huo Shu looked at Ji Taoyu. “So you’re suggesting I leave as soon as possible?”
“No.”
Ji Taoyu shook his head. “They’re saying these things because they don’t understand your relationship with the Zhao family or why you’re staying under the same roof. If everything were properly clarified, they wouldn’t dare spread rumors.”
“Properly clarified?”
“Yes.”
Ji Taoyu continued, “Brother Huo, you could formally recognize Yuan niangzi as family, with the village elders as witnesses. Once that’s done, everyone will understand the relationship, and the villagers won’t treat you as an outsider. It’d also make it easier for you to get things done here.”
“Of course, this is just a suggestion to protect Yuan niangzi's reputation. In Tongzhou, a woman or ger’s reputation is everything. And since you’re my savior, I felt I should speak up. But you might have your own plans.”
Huo Shu studied Ji Taoyu for a long moment.
“You’re right. I hadn’t considered that.”
Ji Taoyu relaxed when he saw Huo Shu taking his words seriously.
He’d been worried that someone like Huo Shu - raised in the north, hardened by battle, might dismiss such gossip as trivial.
If he left after finishing his business, all the rumors would fall on Yuan niangzi, a widow.
And in the face of gossip, society was always harsher on women and ger, they’d be the ones to suffer in the end.
“I’ll discuss it with Auntie when I return.”
Ji Taoyu nodded.
A breeze rustled through the courtyard, shaking loose dried leaves from the camphor tree onto the awning.
Huo Shu glanced at the sky, realizing it was getting late. He retrieved the hairpin he’d brought back from Zhao Changsui and handed it to Ji Taoyu.
“This is the token. Changsui had a lover before he was conscripted, this was from her.”
“He never spoke much about her, but he always kept this hairpin on him. Before he died, he asked me to return it along with the money for his parents.”
“I could’ve given it directly to Auntie, but she seemed unaware of this person’s existence. Since Changsui cared for her, whether she’s moved on or not, I should deliver this personally. It’s a matter of closure.”
Ji Taoyu carefully took the hairpin and examined it - a simple silver pin with a few crabapple blossoms at the tip.
Two of the flowers were chipped at the edges.
“This hairpin is ordinary, not very valuable, and the style was popular years ago. Many people probably own similar ones. But from the design, we can tell the owner was a girl, ger usually don’t wear this type of hair ornament.”
Huo Shu frowned.
“Also, Changsui was conscripted over a decade ago. By now, that girl would’ve long since married. It’d be unwise to make a public search.”
“That’s what I thought too. That’s why it’s tricky.”
Ji Taoyu asked, “Was the pin damaged later?”
“No. It was already like this when Changsui got it.”
Ji Taoyu raised his brows. “That sets it apart from other crabapple hairpins.”
He set the hairpin down, thinking. “How about this, if you trust me, Brother Huo, you could leave the hairpin with me. During village gatherings or feasts, I’ll wear it. People will find it odd and take notice. If the owner sees it, she might approach me privately.”
“Also, when you formally recognize Yuan niangzi as family, you could explain to the elders that you’re Changsui’s comrade, returning a token. Once word spreads, attending a few village feasts might yield results.”
Huo Shu’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Seems I came to the right person.”
“Then… I’ll keep the hairpin for now?”
Huo Shu nodded.
Just as they finished speaking, voices sounded outside the gate. “Xiao Taozi, come see who’s here!”
Hearing the cheerful chatter, Ji Taoyu quickly stood.
Before opening the gate, he called out, “Father, you’re just in time! Brother Huo is here, he was waiting for you over tea. I’m not sure what he needs.”
Ji Yangzong replied, “Probably something about Changsui.”
Then, to the young man beside him, “Erlang, come in.”
Huo Shu stood with his hands behind his back, watching as a youth of about seventeen or eighteen followed Ji Yangzong into the courtyard.
Dressed in a well-fitted blue robe that draped over his slender frame, his hair tied with a bamboo hairpin, his face was refined, his lips perpetually curved in a gentle, scholarly smile - the very picture of a cultured, amiable scholar.
“Brother Erlang.”
Ji Taoyu greeted him warmly, his eyes crinkling like an obedient child’s.
Hearing the affectionate address, Huo Shu’s expression cooled, his brow arching slightly.
Thanks for the update!!!!
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