When he was about seven-tenths full, Fang Yu said consciously, "Father-in-law, your capacity is immense. Your son-in-law's drinking ability is truly inadequate."
Qiao Xinnian had initially only poured a cup for Fang Yu as a gesture, never expecting this scholar to be quite capable of holding his liquor. This immediately delighted him, and once the drinking contest started, it wasn't something that could be easily called off. "Eh, a man should not easily say he can't. If you are truly drunk, you can stay here for the night. Anyway, you don't need to go to the academy tomorrow."
Fang Yu twitched his mouth slightly. After downing another cup, he cleverly grabbed the lifesaver beside him: "Hezhi, would you like some shrimp? Today's shrimp are plump and large, with fresh and sweet meat. Shall I peel some for you?"
Qiao Hezhi was somewhat flustered by this unexpected favor. Seeing Fang Yu actually pick up two shrimp and start carefully peeling them in his plate, a faint blush rose on his cheeks. "One is enough."
Mother Qiao, seeing this, smiled with her eyes narrowed. "Our Hezhi loves eating shrimp the most. The son-in-law is truly very attentive."
Father Qiao wanted to offer more wine, but was stopped by a glare from Mother Qiao.
Qiao Nanjia watched from the side as the family enjoyed themselves harmoniously. No one had even greeted her, she seemed like an uninvited guest who had just come for a free meal. She secretly rolled her eyes: What act are you putting on? As if people don't know you two are actually incompatible.
After hastily eating a few bites of food, she excused herself and left the table. After going out, she grumbled to her personal maid, "That Fang Yu, after all, comes from a poor peasant family. It's like he's never had good wine or food before. Look at his manner, it's truly laughable. It just so happens that Uncle and Aunt treasure him like some kind of treasure. He's just a scholar from the commoner household. Just wait another half a year, and I will also enter the scholar class."
"But this trip was really a waste, I even brought some silk and pearls, originally wanting to see Qiao Hezhi's pitiable state. Instead, he ended up having the upper hand. It infuriates me. We'll return to Dongsheng City first thing tomorrow morning."
When Fang Yu left the warm hall, he was completely full and satisfied. Even away from the table, he was still discussing today's dishes with Qiao Hezhi.
The sumptuous banquet had many delicacies, but he only had one stomach, which he found regrettable. Qiao Hezhi even comforted him, saying he would cook each dish for him again one by one when they returned home, which finally put his heart at ease.
The two had originally planned to return home, but Father and Mother Qiao were reluctant to let their son go, and Qiao Hezhi was also quite attached to his parents. Fang Yu thought that since it was rare to come back, staying one night wasn't a big deal, so he had a servant take a message back to the Fang residence.
Just as he had sent Xuezhu home to report, he saw Qiao Hezhi gracefully approach him, looking troubled. "Mother asks you to stay in my room for the night. She won't arrange a separate guest room."
"No matter, let's follow Mother-in-law's arrangement." At most, it would mean making do on the couch for one night. Besides, the Qiao family's conditions were so good, their couch was certainly more comfortable than the one at his home. He readily agreed. "Let's walk around to aid digestion, then return to the room."
Qiao Hezhi looked at Fang Yu with great gratitude. "My parents were very happy today. When we return, besides today's dishes, I will also make Cherry Blossom Meat for you, Master."
Fang Yu said, "Your parents are happy, but are you happy?"
"Me?" Qiao Hezhi lowered his eyes, smiling very gently. "If my parents are happy, then naturally I am happy too."
Fang Yu ruffled his hair. "So silly."
The two walked side by side through the long corridor of the residence. Going out through the side door in the southeast corner led to a very large lake. The weeping willows were bare in winter, but under the illumination of rows of lanterns, one could still vaguely imagine the lush scenery of spring. Taking a stroll here at summer dusk would certainly be very cool and comfortable, but in winter, the wind coming across the lake was somewhat cold.
The lake was very wide. After walking less than halfway, they couldn't stand the cold and ran back. For the first time, Fang Yu entered the room where Qiao Hezhi had lived since childhood. The room was even larger than the main bedchamber in the Fang residence.
The servants, concerned the couple had gotten cold from their walk, brought in hot water for them to wash with and urged them to go to bed early.
They washed as suggested. After the servants left, Fang Yu began looking around the room for the couch he was to sleep on. Yet, he could not find any trace of a couch anywhere. In fact, the room did not even contain a wider bench that could serve as a temporary bed.
Qiao Hezhi was also surprised. "There was a couch in my room. It used to be placed by the window. Sometimes when it thundered in summer, Siyu would sleep there to keep me company."
"I'll call a servant to ask…"
"Hey!" Fang Yu wanted to stop him, but the young master had already anxiously called a servant to inquire.
"The Madam said she wanted to change the young master's couch for a sandalwood one. The original one was old, so it was taken away first."
"I'm not staying at home regularly now, why change it?"
The maid couldn't answer the question. But Fang Yu had already seen through the scheme.
The older ginger is spicier. It seems my in-laws are experienced in these matters.
[姜还是老的辣 (jiāng háishì lǎo de là): lit. The older the ginger, the spicier it is; fig. Older or more experienced people are more shrewd and effective.]
"You may go now." Fang Yu dismissed the maid for Qiao Hezhi. "See if there are any spare quilts. Making a bed on the floor is fine too."
Qiao Hezhi hurried to check the cabinets. Aside from a pile of old clothes, there were no quilts to be found. He froze in front of the cabinet door.
Fang Yu coughed dryly. "I suppose Mother-in-law wants to change the cabinet for a better one too."
Qiao Hezhi bit his lip, somewhat afraid to meet Fang Yu's eyes. He felt very apologetic. Fang Yu had gone along to make his parents feel at ease, and in the end, it had caused him trouble. "I'll have the servants prepare a guest room. I'll just say you are not used to sleeping in my room."
Doing that would expose the pretense. Fang Yu stopped him. "Never mind. Let's just share the bed."
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