My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 17 Part 1

Chapter 17  

"The cloth has been wrapped. Shall we load it onto your carriage?"  

By the time Huo Shu and Ji Taoyu stepped out, the shop assistant had already neatly packed the cloth and was waiting at the door with a smile.  

Huo Shu took the three bundles of cloth and handed them to Ji Taoyu: "Take them home."  

Ji Taoyu froze for a moment upon hearing this. Once he processed the words, he quickly declined: "No, no. If I bring these back, Mother will surely scold me at length."  

Seeing that Huo Shu remained unmoved, his outstretched hand refusing to withdraw - almost as if displeased, Ji Taoyu realized his rejection might have been too blunt. Softening his tone, he added: "Well, you should keep them for yourself. Though this cloth isn’t quite suitable for men’s clothing, you could save it for proposing marriage later. It’d be very respectable."  

Huo Shu’s brow tightened. He had been about to say, If you don’t want it, just throw it away, but after hearing Ji Taoyu’s words, he paused and replied, "Fine. I’ll keep it at my place for now."  

Ji Taoyu nodded, clasping his hands together cheerfully: "Then I’ll head to Grandfather’s clinic."  

"Wait. I’ll fetch the horse."  

Ji Taoyu quickly interjected: "You don’t need to escort me. It’s not far, I can go by myself."  

Huo Shu ignored his protest and followed the shop assistant to the stable.  

"Hey!"  

Ji Taoyu wanted to insist it really wasn’t necessary, but the man’s steps were swift as the wind, vanishing in the blink of an eye.  

Does he think I’ll fall into the river again if he’s not watching me?  

Ji Taoyu sighed and decided to wait by the entrance. Just then, a familiar, clear voice sounded from the staircase behind him.  

"Miss Xue, mind the steps."  

Ji Taoyu instinctively turned and caught sight of You Lingxiao.  

"My skirt is too long, it might drag on the stairs. I’ve troubled Brother Lingxiao to worry over such a small thing."  

A man and woman descended the stairs one after the other. The woman wore lavish robes, her skirt trailing across the steps.  

You Lingxiao eyed the fabric pooling on the staircase. After a brief hesitation and noticing the woman’s expectant gaze, he masked his reluctance with a gentle smile. Bending slightly, he gathered the hem in his hands: "Such resplendent embroidery justifies the inconvenience. No one could fault it."  

The woman’s eyes curved with satisfaction. Smiling, she glanced away, her tone softening: "If Brother Lingxiao praises this dress, then all the fush will be worth it. I was worried you'd be annoyed with me for dragging you shopping and taking you away from your studies."  

"Of course not. Yesterday, the village hosted a modest banquet. Despite his busy schedule, Assistant Prefect Xue still inquired after my affairs. I’m deeply moved by his kindness. Today, when I paid my respects, he asked me to accompany you. It’s my honor, how could I resent it?"  

As the pair descended, Ji Taoyu’s heart pounded. He quickly ducked behind a silk display.  

Through the gaps, he spotted You Lingxiao holding the woman's skirt, his posture slightly hunched as he navigated each step with a patient, almost obsequious demeanor.

Where was his humility when he criticized potential matches at our house?

Ji Taoyu took a sharp breath, struggling to believe his eyes.  

"I’m glad Brother Lingxiao isn’t upset. Father read your essays yesterday and told me that among all his students, your talent stands out the most. If you remain focused, you might achieve great results in the spring examinations."  

You Lingxiao smiled modestly: "Assistant Prefect Xue flatters me. I dare not accept such praise."  

"It’s not just Father. I’ve seen your literary skill myself."  

Xue Hanxue's cheeks flushed pink as she said, "I've reread the poems you gifted me late at night, savoring every line."

You Lingxiao's face lit up, though he tempered his excitement. "If Miss Xue enjoy my poems, I'd be happy to write more."

Xue Hanxue didn't linger on the topic. "You used to call me 'Sister' at home," she said softly. "But now, outside you've grown distant and call me 'Miss Xue'?"

Before You Lingxiao could respond, she pressed on. "I've heard you're engaged to someone from your village. Is it true?"

Hearing this, Ji Taoyu’s gaze locked onto You Lingxiao. At this moment, he wanted the answer more than the woman beside him.  

You Lingxiao paused mid-step. Carefully setting down the skirt, he replied: "I won’t hide it from you, Miss Xue. There have been talks of marriage."  

Ji Taoyu's brow furrowed as he watched from the shadows. At least You Lingxiao had admitted to the engagement - a small measure of honesty. 

He let out a slight breath, but it caught again as You Lingxiao went on: "I didn't want to bring up the past. Now that better days are here, why dwell on hardships? But since you asked, I have to answer honestly."  

"When I was young, my father passed from illness. My uncles showed us no kindness, only my mother struggled to raise me and fund my studies. The village head, compassionate toward the poor, noticed our plight and my academic potential. He often aided us. Not only did he provide support, but he also helped me find a tutor. I’ll never forget his kindness."