Wu Heguang had just received great news and could no longer stay seated in the room; he was both joyful and worried.
Hurriedly, he got up from the bed and called Gu Ge’er to wash up with him.
Looking at himself in the bronze mirror, his face pale and sickly, he usually disliked putting on makeup, but today he opened the makeup box to brighten his complexion.
He knew that Zhongyang’s visit was definitely to see him, but he feared his mother would not easily allow him in. He had to go meet him.
“Hurry up a bit…”
Just as Wu Heguang urged, footsteps sounded outside the door: “Young master, Young Master Fan is here to pay respects.”
Wu Heguang was momentarily stunned and involuntarily glanced at Gu Ge’er. His mother had actually permitted him to enter?
After a moment, Wu Heguang, maintaining calm steps, walked toward the garden hall.
Before even entering the room, he looked up and saw the tall, slender youth standing there in the hall—taller now, but thinner.
Yet that face remained as handsome as ever; the clear, bright eyes that looked at him made his own suddenly wet with tears.
It hadn’t been a long time since they last met—actually, it hadn’t even been more than half a year—but childhood farewells often meant a lifetime of rare encounters.
Had Zhongyang not come back this time, and if his mother insisted on arranging a marriage for him, how could he have met Zhongyang at all? Even if they met again, would the original feelings still be there?
Looking at him, it felt like a dream—he had looked perfectly fine before, but now, unable to hold back the sourness in his nose, he struggled to suppress the mixed feelings of joy and grievance in his chest.
His throat tightened painfully, and even his question carried a tremor: “Why did you suddenly come back?”
Da Fu’s heart clenched as he saw Wu Heguang. Usually not fond of wearing makeup when going out, today he had applied rouge at home, yet still looked quite unwell.
Though Da Fu had prepared himself mentally for Wu Heguang’s illness, it was still more serious than expected.
“You’ve lost so much weight.”
At Wu’s household, Da Fu restrained himself to observe proper etiquette, but seeing Wu Heguang’s sickly appearance, he couldn’t help but step closer.
“The summers in the county are hot, and my body is weak—I can’t handle the cold, and I’ve lost my appetite. That’s why I look thinner. It’s nothing serious.”
Wu Heguang raised his eyes slightly, not allowing tears to fall.
“You got sick and didn’t even inform me in your letters. Now you’re here in person, why keep it from me?”
Da Fu felt guilty. A letter sent had fallen into the sea without reply for so long, and he had long promised himself to come back soon.
“It’s all my fault. I should have returned earlier during summer.”
“My body is weak; how can you blame me?”
Wu Heguang knew Zhongyang’s sharp mind and that he wouldn’t be able to hide the truth.
“It was just the seasonal chill. It’s not a serious illness. You know, common ailments look worse on me than others.”
Not wanting to dwell long on his own illness, he instead wanted to know about Zhongyang’s situation and quickly changed the subject: “Why have you come here?”
“I came with Aunt because Da Fu was ill, to visit.”
Wu Heguang lifted his eyes lightly to look at Zhongyang and playfully chided, “If it were anyone else, I might believe it, but since it’s you coming to visit, how could Mother have allowed you in to see me while I’m sick?”
Da Fu lowered his voice: “That’s exactly what I told her. Since you were ill, Aunt treasured you and wouldn’t let any men disturb you. But today, I insisted on seeing you, confessing I had something important to discuss. Aunt is understanding and appreciated my honesty, so she allowed me to come in and visit.”
Wu Heguang asked in puzzlement, “What is it?”
“I want to…”
Da Fu looked directly into Wu Heguang’s eyes. “I want Father and my own father to officially ask for your hand with a proper matchmaker. I came to ask your opinion first.”
Wu Heguang was stunned. “You want to ask Mother for my hand…”
He vaguely realized Zhongyang had returned because of him. Perhaps worried due to the lack of letters, that was why he came back.
But he also knew Zhongyang was prudent and thoughtful, not the type to rush home just for such a matter.
Last night, he had tossed and turned, unable to sleep soundly, thinking over many things but dared not imagine Zhongyang would come back specifically for the marriage proposal!
He stared at Zhongyang in a daze. “Why the sudden…”
He blushed and couldn’t continue, his ears burning.
The two had been in contact since childhood. Although fond of each other, neither face-to-face meetings nor letters had ever been so explicit in expressing their feelings.
When unaware of matters, they exchanged letters and shared experiences or reflections; as they grew up, their affection remained as tender greetings, never expressing longing or yearning.
Both were sharp and perceptive; even without saying it outright, they understood each other’s feelings—such was the tacit understanding of youthful friendship.
But now, suddenly proposing marriage and coming to seek his opinion…
When Da Fu had confessed openly to the family and even spoken to Lady Wu yesterday, he had been resolute, sincere, as if facing a serious lecture—solely serious and responsible, without other emotions.
But at this moment, facing Wu Heguang, speaking these words, his heart was pounding.
Feeling embarrassed, overwhelmed by mixed emotions and nervousness, he finally spoke: “I know this is sudden and too late. I should have spoken to you earlier. It’s my fault for being dull before, only accepting your care and kindness, without considering your situation properly.”
“I never promised you anything, not because I didn’t want a future with you. I just thought I would wait until after the imperial examination, after winning some honor, before coming to you, so that I could offer you a better future and not let you suffer.”
“I can’t guarantee I’ll succeed overnight. That’s why I’m focusing on my studies, hoping to ensure things work out.”
He was muddled these past few days, never making promises to the Wu family on behalf of Wu Heguang, who was appreciated and valued by Master Wu. He didn’t want his own brother to wait in vain.
If he passed and proposed marriage, the Wu family would certainly be pleased.
“I’ve only just realized all this, making you feel wronged. My heart has been restless, so I rode here as fast as I could. These thoughts…”
Wu Heguang’s emotions had barely settled when his words caused tears to well again. Before Da Fu could finish, Wu Heguang said what was on his mind:
“Even if you never pass the exam in this lifetime, I would still be willing.”
He choked up and said, “I always thought you had lofty ambitions, that you could soar higher. Maybe we simply don’t have that kind of fate.”
His mother had watched others’ families but he always resisted and never spoke much with Zhongyang, not wanting him to overthink, hoping he would take the initiative to speak.
But with Zhongyang far away and no way to meet, how could he not worry and decide not to delay Zhongyang’s decision any longer? Yet how could he truly let go? Aside from falling ill and lingering in pain, his longing only deepened.
Da Fu felt a knot in his heart but was relieved Wu Heguang had figured things out in time, not dragging things on. Otherwise, it would have been a grave mistake.
“Heguang, it’s my fault for making you feel wronged. I promise you, there will be no more such matters.”
Wu Heguang’s heart surged with emotion. Hot tears slid down his cheeks uncontrollably. Breaking etiquette, he lowered his head and buried it against Da Fu’s chest.
Da Fu was momentarily shocked, about to remind him of the proprieties in the Wu household, but seeing how heartbroken he was, his heart ached and he couldn’t bear to enforce any rules.
He gently stroked Wu Heguang’s back and softly comforted him, “Don’t cry. The fault is mine. If you keep crying and hurt your body, I’ll only feel more guilty.”
Outside the door, Lady Wu quietly withdrew her gaze.
She sighed inwardly. This child was truly immature and headstrong—he wouldn’t be easily controlled by others in the future.
If it weren’t that the Fan family boy still had some prospects, and he spoke openly, even if the old man favored him, she would never allow such a matter.
“Enough. If people see this, it won’t be good for your reputation. It’s best to behave properly.”
Da Fu gently released Wu Heguang. “I’ve been rude here. If my impression is bad, how could you wait patiently?”
Wu Heguang blushed, “Dummy, if Mother didn’t allow it, how could you have been let in?”
Only two strict attendants remained on duty.
After that day, the Fan family busied themselves preparing the betrothal gifts, and Lady Wu sent a letter to Master Wu in another county.
In late September, the Fan family brought their gifts and sent the best official matchmaker to the Wu family to formally propose.
Both sides had already agreed, making the ceremony a formality. Though Lady Wu was somewhat displeased that Da Fu had delayed his promise for so long, she understood clearly that Heguang’s health was fragile.
Finding a better match than the Wu family was difficult. Even if they sought someone of equal standing, they would have to search carefully.
Though the Fan family’s background wasn’t deep, the couple was loving and harmonious, and Da Fu had a promising future. It was a good match.
Moreover, the proposal was conducted with full etiquette, and Lady Wu was not picky, so relations remained amicable.
After discussions, the engagement was set, but the wedding would be several months later.
The Wu family needed to prepare the dowry, and the Fan family likewise had to make arrangements. Da Fu was about to take the imperial examination again, so the marriage would have to wait.
Even with matchmaker and betrothal gifts, it gave the Wu family peace of mind, and both sides were willing to plan for the future.
After settling this, October arrived. Da Fu took a long leave to return home. Once everything was arranged, he still had to rush back to the academy.
Studying at the Yueheng Academy was not easy. The winter break would not start until mid-December, still over a month away. Though favored by the tutor, it was inappropriate to request such a long leave.
“I’ll come back as soon as the academy breaks. The days left aren’t many.”
On the second day of October, Da Fu was leaving, and Wu Heguang went to see him off.
They had cleared the path ahead, so nothing hindered the couple’s warm feelings.
After a month or so of rest, Wu Heguang’s health had greatly improved.
Da Fu visited nearly every day, and the two grew closer, making the convalescence appropriate.
“I know when you come back, the snow will have fallen, the cold making the roads slippery. Don’t rush. Safety is most important.”
“Mhm. You must take care of yourself, too.”
Da Fu lingered before leaving, wanting to see Wu Heguang fully recover. Only then could he go back to the academy with peace of mind.
“Write to me. When I’m at the academy, I rely on your letters to ease my heart.”
From afar, Da Fu watched the two cling to each other unwillingly to part and shook his head. He thought to himself how clingy and sticky they were, and decided he wouldn’t be like his brother in the future.
With that, he swung onto his horse and, bidding farewell to Kang and Fan who had come to see him off, said he was going to the martial arts hall.