Chapter 19
Qiao Hezhi sat upright in the carriage. He lifted his eyes and stole a glance at the person sitting quietly beside him with his eyes closed, resting his mind. He was silent and seemed a bit intimidating. Qiao Hezhi had also learned about the matter of Fang Yu dealing with the servants today.
Qiao Hezhi's eyes moved, surprised that Fang Yu knew he was looking at him. "I just noticed that Master's expression is serious. I was wondering if you are troubled by the affairs at home today?"
"Not at all." Fang Yu said directly, "I was just thinking about what to eat tonight. What time does your family usually have their meal?"
Qiao Hezhi: …
"At home, we usually have the meal at youshi (5-7 PM). As for the dishes… whatever Master wants to eat, it's still early when we arrive home, I can go and prepare it."
"No need to trouble yourself so much. I'll eat whatever is available." Anyway, every single dish was an authentic local cuisine he had never eaten before, he was just looking forward to it.
Qiao Hezhi did not know what Fang Yu was thinking, but he did not forget the main issue. "I… heard that Master dismissed the servants from the Changshou Hall side?"
"You know about it too?"
"Yes."
Fang Yu sighed. "The Fang family has not been established for long, but its discipline is already poor, and many servants act improperly. By dismissing a few of the main troublemakers now, I hope to warn the others who are not doing their jobs diligently."
Qiao Hezhi said, "But Qian pozi is Mother's most important servant. Master sent her away. What about Mother's side…"
"Mother stirs up trouble in the household all day long. Just this morning, she went out early and brought back those people who charged into our home, singing and dancing. It was utterly disgraceful. Replacing her servant is a measured punishment to serve as a strong warning."
"Moreover, that Qian pozi really isn't fit for the role. In just a few months at the residence, the illicit gains she embezzled were already several times her monthly wage. She also formed cliques among the servants. Those who gave her gifts or presents were assigned simple, easy tasks, while those who did not curry favor with her were assigned dirty and tiring jobs. The people below have long been full of complaints. Dealing with her is good for both the household and Mother."
Qiao Hezhi looked deeply at Fang Yu. The person before him felt so unfamiliar, as if he had never truly understood him before.
Although Fang Yu was now reasonable, could distinguish right from wrong, and treated him very well—which in principle was excellent—the past instances of him wanting to be filial to Madam Chen in every possible way were still vivid in his memory. For him to change so quickly now, seemingly largely for his sake, was truly somewhat unbelievable.
He couldn't help but wonder: "If one day I make a major mistake, how would Master deal with me?"
Lost in his thoughts, he accidentally spoke his innermost question aloud. By the time he realized his mistake, Fang Yu was already watching him, his gaze steady and his eyelids slightly lowered.
"Do you think I am somewhat moody and unpredictable?"
"That's not what I meant……" Qiao Hezhi felt flustered and quickly explained, "I was just… just talking nonsense."
Fang Yu's expression remained cool. "Since you asked, if one day you really do commit a major mistake, then…"
He paused: "You will have to make two new dishes you've never made before!"
Upon hearing this, Qiao Hezhi couldn't help but laugh. "Master is always thinking about food, aren't you afraid others will hear and laugh at you?"
Fang Yu laughed. "I don't believe those who laugh don't eat."
Qiao Hezhi shook his head.
After their banter, the journey from the Fang residence to Hufengjing took about half a shichen (1 hour). As they had set out early, they arrived outside the Qiao family's main gate just at shensi (3-5 PM).
In Fang Yu's memory, he had little impression of the Qiao family residence. Getting off the carriage, he saw stone steps leading up to a very majestic and imposing main gate, with upturned eaves at both ends. The gate alone was richly ornamented with carvings and paintings.
A gatekeeper stood by the entrance. Seeing Qiao Hezhi, he quickly trotted over, bowed, and called out loudly towards the house: "The young master and the young master's husband have returned!"
Then he immediately enthusiastically ushered them into the large residence.
Seeing his family's main gate, Qiao Hezhi was filled with complex emotions. The last time he had returned home was for huimen, but that day Fang Yu had gone to the academy and hadn't accompanied him, which had sparked considerable gossip within the household. Today, Fang Yu's presence by his side would finally put an end to that idle chatter.
[回门 (huímén): the traditional post-wedding visit where the bride returns to her natal home with her groom three days after the marriage]
The two of them, supporting each other, went into the residence together. Upon entering, the first thing that caught the eye was a screen wall designed to block the direct view into the main family areas. Turning left through the entrance and passing in front of the gatehouse, further ahead was another inner gate. Passing through this led to a large garden, with east and west wing rooms on either side, and the main room to the north. The main room also had east and west side rooms attached…
The Qiao residence was built with a three-courtyard layout, but it occupied more land than an ordinary three-courtyard home. The property had channeled water to create a lake, with pavilions and waterside pavilions in the lake. Although they were a merchant family, they did not lack refinement.
If one had no guide, it wouldn't be strange to get lost in the garden and lake pavilions on a first visit.
Fang Yu had originally thought the Fang residence was quite sizable, but compared to his father-in-law's home, it was simply insignificant.
"Hezhi! You're back!"
Just after they entered through the inner gate, a richly dressed woman hurriedly came to meet them, followed by two rows of maids and older female servants, at least six people.
Qiao Hezhi wanted to step forward and embrace the woman, but seeing Fang Yu beside him, he ultimately refrained. He just quickened his pace and went up to hold the woman's hand. "Mother."
The woman patted Qiao Hezhi's hand with affection and tenderness, then looked at Fang Yu. "Son-in-law, please, come inside."
Fang Yu courteously bowed to the woman.
"Weren't you supposed to come after our son-in-law finished his classes? How did you arrive so early? Your father and I could have welcomed you both at the gate."
Qiao Hezhi said, "The Master asked for leave today, so we came earlier."
"Did you pester him to come back, even making our son-in-law ask for leave to accompany you? That is truly improper!"
Mother Qiao scolded, but it was merely a polite formality. She knew well that the affection between Fang Yu and her son had not reached that point. Saying this was just to save face for everyone.
Qiao Hezhi, however, found it difficult to respond. His mother was half right, but the other half concerning the family affairs wasn't something to discuss in front of Fang Yu, so he said, "Can't I just want to come back early to see Father and Mother?"
"You always know how to act recklessly." Mother Qiao said to Fang Yu, "This child was spoiled by his father at home. I hope he hasn't caused you any trouble."
"Father-in-law and Mother-in-law have raised Hezhi excellently. He takes care of everything in the household daily. I should be the one thanking you."
"Look at what our son-in-law is saying… I really don't deserve such praise." Mother Qiao smiled. "But let's not stand here foolishly outside. Please, come in and sit in the warm hall. I prepared pastries for you early this morning. Your father went to Dongsheng City today, but when he heard you were coming back, he started rushing home. He didn't know our son-in-law was also coming, so I expect he will arrive a bit later."
The group entered the warm hall in a grand procession. As Mother Qiao had said, tea and pastries were already prepared in the hall.
"Hezhi, you and son-in-law rest here. Mother will cook personally today."
Fang Yu said, "Mother-in-law, please don't go to such trouble. Hezhi hasn't seen you for a long time and misses you. Why don't you talk for a while together?"
Mother Qiao was somewhat surprised that Fang Yu was so considerate today. Nevertheless, she said, "It's no trouble. The ingredients were prepared long ago, cooking won't take much time."
Fang Yu knew Mother Qiao was being polite—how could she not want to spend more time with her precious son? He obliged her wish. "In that case, Hezhi, why don't you go to the kitchen to help Mother-in-law."
Qiao Hezhi nodded happily. He then turned back to Fang Yu and said, "Then I'll have a servant go and call Uncle over. Master can show the drawings to Uncle, that should keep you pleasantly occupied."
"Wouldn't it be too abrupt to disturb him now?"
"My uncle has always been passionate about studying new things. If he sees your drawings, he'll only scold me for not inviting him over sooner."
Fang Yu smiled. "That's excellent."
He picked up a piece of pineapple cake from the table and handed it to Qiao Hezhi. "Have a bite."
Qiao Hezhi took the pineapple cake and said softly, "I'll just try one piece now, and save room for other dishes later tonight."
Mother Qiao watched the two of them, feeling somewhat puzzled for a moment. She glanced sideways at her maid, exchanging a look.
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