My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 11 Part 1

Chapter 11  

"I should have come to see you sooner, but I’ve been busy these days and couldn’t find the time."  

"I brought back some pastries and snacks. See if you like them."  

You Erlang handed the packages he was carrying to Ji Taoyu.  

"Thank you, Brother Erlang."  

Seeing the two getting along well, Ji Yangzong wore a gratified smile on his fatherly face.  

Only when he turned around did he remember that Huo Shu was still standing in the yard. He stepped forward and asked, "Is there something Warrior Huo needs?"  

Huo Shu glanced at Ji Taoyu and said, "It’s nothing urgent. Since the village head has guests, I’ll come another time to discuss it."  

With that, he cupped his hands in farewell and left.  

You Lingxiao was seeing Huo Shu for the first time. As the man passed by, a gust of wind followed him. You Lingxiao was already tall, yet he was still half a head shorter than this man.  

He couldn’t help but ask, "Uncle Ji, who was that just now?"  

"Many border soldiers have been returning home lately. He was Zhao Changsui’s comrade. Since Changsui is gone, he came to deliver Changsui’s belongings to the Zhao family."  

Ji Yangzong was puzzled as to why Huo Shu had come without saying anything, but when You Lingxiao asked, he didn’t mention that Ji Taoyu had fallen into the water and Huo Shu had saved him.  

You Lingxiao raised an eyebrow. "A man of loyalty and righteousness, then."  

Then he turned to Ji Taoyu and said gently, "But his face looks cold and harsh, likely someone who’s seen much blood on the battlefield. Such men are often ruthless. And soldiers are crude and reckless by nature. If you see him again, it’s best to keep your distance, lest he harbor ill intentions."  

Ji Taoyu frowned slightly, surprised that You Lingxiao held such disdain for border soldiers. He replied, "I know Brother Erlang means well, but those who defend the borders protect our homes and country. And he went out of his way to deliver his comrade’s belongings, he must be an upright and principled man."  

You Lingxiao laughed, as if finding Ji Taoyu naive.  

"You’ve met few people and don’t understand how deceitful hearts can be. These border soldiers are illiterate, and uneducated men tend to be rough and lacking in manners. Even those military officers who make it to court are inferior to civil officials, relying on brute strength and bloodshed for merit. Where is their integrity?"  

"If even court officials are like this, how much worse must the lowest-ranking soldiers be?"  

Ji Taoyu’s frown deepened. Just as he was about to speak, Ji Yangzong cut in, "Alright, let’s go inside. I know you two have much to catch up on, but there’s no need to stand outside talking."  

At this, Ji Taoyu pressed his lips together reluctantly. "Brother Erlang, let’s go inside."  

You Lingxiao, however, flicked his sleeves with vigor. "Very well."  

By the time Huo Shu reached the Zhao family’s gate, light rain had begun to fall.  

The autumn rain wasn’t heavy, but the fine droplets carried by the wind carried a biting chill.  

A peach tree as thick as a forearm stood in the yard, its sparse leaves rustling in the wind.  

Huo Shu stood lost in thought, reflecting on what Ji Taoyu had said to him earlier.  

If he wanted to stay, he’d indeed have to consider the reputation of Zhao Changsui’s mother. Ji Taoyu’s suggestion was undoubtedly a solution.  

But he was accustomed to the freedom of solitude. The idea of binding himself to something or someone left him hesitant.  

As he pondered, You Lingxiao’s face and his conversation with Ji Taoyu flashed through his mind.  

The two were of similar age, both good-looking, and standing together, they did seem well-matched.  

No wonder Ji Taoyu was so insistent on propriety, always mindful of his betrothal.  

An inexplicable irritation churned within him.  

"A-Shu, you went out?"  

Huo Shu turned to see Zhao’s mother hurrying toward the gate, two bolts of cloth in her arms.  

"Lucky I took the ox-cart back, or the rain would’ve gotten worse."  

Huo Shu held the gate open for her, and they entered the house together.  

"I bought two bolts of cloth today. The fabric shop said it’s this year’s newest material, it really is fine."  

Zhao’s mother set the cloth on the table and began unpacking her basket.  

"I also picked up some firewood, rice, oil, and salt. Didn’t think I’d bought much, but the basket’s already full."  

Watching her cheerful chatter reminded Huo Shu of his own mother returning from town when he was young.  

He didn’t respond at first, then suddenly said, "Aunt, there’s something I want to discuss with you."  

Zhao’s mother paused, the salt wrapped in oil paper still in her hands. She set it down and straightened, looking at Huo Shu.  

"What is it? Are you… leaving already?"  

Over the years, she’d told herself she was used to solitude. But during festivals, seeing families gathered happily, even if poor, she couldn’t help but feel sorrow.  

With no news of her sonl year after year and her husband’s health declining, she’d long suspected her son was gone and her husband wouldn’t last much longer.  

Then the day finally came.  

At night, she’d toss and turn, wondering if she’d die by the roadside someday, with no one to bury her.  

Until Huo Shu arrived. The house regained some life, she had things to do, and a semblance of purpose.  

But she knew Huo Shu was from the north. He’d leave eventually.  

She just hadn’t expected it to be so soon.  

"Autumn will pass quickly, and winter will be hard to travel in. Why not stay here for the New Year and leave in spring when the roads are better?"  

Yuan Huiru pleaded earnestly.  

Huo Shu shook his head. "That’s not what I meant. Today, someone told me the villagers gossip, and it’s improper for me to stay like this."  

"What I mean is...if you’re willing, I’d like to formally recognize you as my foster mother."  

"I’m from the north, but my parents are long gone. My homeland is now enemy territory, and I’ve no intention of returning. With the war over, I can settle anywhere. Given my bond with Changsui, I’d like to care for you in your old age."  

The decision came suddenly, but as he spoke, clarity settled in.  

Tongzhou wasn’t a bad place. A bit rigid in its customs, perhaps, but peaceful.  

Zhao’s mother had no children left. A widow her age would never remarry.  

Even an old widower faced a bleak future, how much worse for a woman?  

Even with money, she might attract ill-intentioned people. Besides, she’d treated him well.  

If he were to settle here, it might not be a bad idea.  

And if he ever truly wished to roam again, he could leave after her passing.  

He wasn’t indecisive. Once his mind was made up, he acted.