Chapter 164
Xu Yanrong looked startled. Apart from two servants, he had told no one else about his search for Ye Yuzhen. How did this hunter before him know? Suddenly, he remembered running into Lu Daxiang in Anjia Village that day. Though he had only met the man once, even after ten years, he recalled on his way back that the farmer who had been staring at him at the village entrance was indeed Lu Daxiang.
Perhaps Lu Daxiang had told him. Thinking this, Xu Yanrong studied Shen Xuanqing with a probing gaze. This man was likely here to extort money, otherwise, why would he come? They had never met before, and even if Ye Yuzhen were still alive, their families had no disputes, let alone any ties of kinship or friendship. Now that Ye Yuzhen was gone, her son-in-law had sought him out. If not for money, what else could it be?
Yet Shen Xuanqing’s eyes were clear and bright, and his tall, handsome bearing exuded an air of uprightness, completely unlike the appearance of a scoundrel or ruffian. This made Xu Yanrong hesitate again.
"If Master Xu is interested, why don’t we sit in the tavern and discuss matters?" Shen Xuanqing stepped down from the porch and gestured politely, his expression mild.
There were several servants and gatekeepers at the Xu Mansion, none of whom Shen Xuanqing had met. He couldn’t just approach Xu Yanrong directly. Using the excuse of wild game ensured that even if the Xu family servants overheard, it wouldn’t matter.
Xu Yanrong stood still for a moment, then walked down the steps. Turning the corner of East Street, they walked a few steps to a tavern and found a quiet corner to sit.
Before Xu Yanrong could speak, Shen Xuanqing called the waiter and ordered a pot of wine. It wasn’t mealtime, so the tavern was sparsely populated. Shen Xuanqing glanced at the man across from him. The waiter had already poured wine for them, but he didn't raise his cup.
"Master Xu, I’ve come today for only one reason. My mother-in-law has passed away, so I'd appreciate it if you could stop looking for her. She maintained her reputation in life and death, but your recent trip to Anjia Village was noticed, and misunderstandings arose. Her son - my fulang was unjustly insulted as a bastard."
Seeing Xu Yanrong’s face twitch and darken, Shen Xuanqing showed no fear and continued, "Though I never met my mother-in-law, I know she must have been a chaste and honorable woman, incapable of any disloyal or immoral acts."
Xu Yanrong’s expression eased slightly. Forget Ye Yuzhen, if rumors of a "bastard" reached his wife’s ears, it would spell trouble. Fortunately, the man before him was reasonable. His relationship with Ye Yuzhen had indeed been pure and aboveboard, with no illicit dealings.
Over a decade ago, he had made a promise, but fate had intervened, and he ended up betraying Ye Yuzhen. Facing anyone or anything related to her, he couldn’t help but feel guilty and sorrowful.
"Yuzhen… she truly was a good woman." Xu Yanrong sighed and downed his cup in one gulp.
Who would have thought that after ten years apart, he had only wanted to see her from afar, just one glance to know if she was well, only to learn that Ye Yuzhen had died of illness years ago?
In winter, the wild grass was withered, and even her grave looked low, old, and desolate. The name on the wooden tablet had blurred after years of wind and rain.
When Xu Yanrong wiped his tears with his sleeve, Shen Xuanqing spoke calmly, "Because my fulang was insulted, I thought it over for days and had no choice but to seek you out. I hope Master Xu will understand."
Xu Yanrong sighed. "This matter arose because of me. I acted without proper consideration and caused you trouble."
Shen Xuanqing disliked the man but kept it hidden. He added, "Fortunately, few know of this, and the rumors haven’t spread. My fulang's reputation remains intact. But Master Xu, though I’m young, I know one must learn to let go. The departed are gone, do not grieve too deeply."
"Ah." Xu Yanrong exhaled heavily, shaking his head, unable to speak.
"Now that I’ve made myself clear, I’ll take my leave." Shen Xuanqing had no desire to linger and stood to go.
"Wait." Xu Yanrong stopped him.
Shen Xuanqing, still half-risen, asked, "Is there something else, Master Xu?"
Xu Yanrong hesitated before speaking. "Yuzhen… did she live well before?"
That day at the embroidery workshop, he had seen a handkerchief. Ye Yuzhen’s butterfly-and-peony designs always had slightly upturned antennae, he recognized her work. He had thought she had sold it to Zhiyun Embroidery Workshop, only to learn it was her shuang'er’s.
Shen Xuanqing looked at him and said, "From what my fulang told me, my mother earned money through embroidery, so she must have lived decently. But after you visited, there were frequent arguments, and she gradually fell ill and became bedridden."
His tone was flat, devoid of emotion, merely stating facts. But to Xu Yanrong, it felt like needles pricking his heart.
When Xu Yanrong remained silent for a long time, Shen Xuanqing bid farewell and left.
He had come today to ensure Xu Yanrong would stop inquiring about Ye Yuzhen. If word spread, it would tarnish Lu Gu’s reputation. This man surenamed Xu was utterly thoughtless. Back then, one had married, and the other had wed, yet he had sought out Lu Gu’s mother. A rural woman couldn’t compare to the young master of the Xu family. If people suspected her of impropriety, her reputation would be ruined. And now, ten years later, he had caused Lu Gu to be called a bastard by Lu Daxiang and Du Hehua. Truly, he was a curse.
Shen Xuanqing was annoyed by Xu Yanrong’s careless and inconsiderate actions. Though he kept his composure, his thoughts were far from kind. Fortunately, the matter was resolved today, so he hurried home. With the pigpen built and the sunny weather these days, they could get a few piglets for Lu Gu to raise next year.
He left the town, walking farther and farther away.
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