Chapter 144: Daifuku×Wako (2)

“Back…”

Wu Guang was stunned for a moment, then anxiously grabbed Feng Fu’s arm. “But what happened?”

“No one at home knows how he suddenly came back. There was no letter either. He just rode his horse back in a rush, drenched like a drowned rat.”

Feng Fu rambled on, “When he got in the house, both Father and Grandfather were startled. They hurried everyone to call him to wash up, afraid he’d catch a cold.”

“He only said it was an important matter he had to deal with urgently. Otherwise, he wouldn’t even have the heart to study at the academy. He didn’t say anything else and just went back to his courtyard to sort things out himself.”

Feng Fu said, “I waited a long time but didn’t see him get ready. I was anxious waiting in his garden, so I decided to climb over the wall and tell you.”

“You know, Brother Guang and he are the closest…”

Wu Guang’s heart thumped wildly. Hearing that he was back was a joyful surprise, but he couldn’t help worrying something might have happened.

Though Feng Fu’s words and the relaxed manner of the other suggested it wasn’t bad news, Wu Guang knew Zhong Yang well — he was always a calm and steady person. For him to suddenly rush back all the way from the outer prefecture meant it must be serious.

“Brother Guang, I’ll take my leave now. He’s probably done packing by now,” Feng Fu said.

Seeing this, Wu Guang hurriedly grabbed the flustered Feng Fu. He opened his mouth and said, “Tell him… tell him to take care of his health.”

“He’s as strong as an ox. I’m not worried about him. It’s you, Brother Guang, who’s not well and should take better care of yourself.”

“Don’t tell him I’m sick. I’ve just been lazy, lying around.”

Feng Fu hummed in acknowledgment.

Wu Guang stood up to see him off, watching him disappear into the rainy night, feeling a deep sense of melancholy and concern.

At the Fan family residence, Feng Fu climbed back over the wall. Fortunately, Da Fu had also just finished bathing.

Kang Xiao and Fan Jing were originally preparing to rest, but with their son’s sudden return, the house grew noisy again.

They arranged for hot water and Kang Xiao personally went to the kitchen to brew a bowl of warming ginger soup, while outside they hurriedly cooked Da Fu’s favorite dishes.

Seeing the family’s sincere concern, Da Fu felt an unexpected warmth. Reflecting on his impulsive actions, he realized how willful he had been.

Kang Xiao looked at him and said, “Fill your stomach first, then we’ll talk slowly. Now that you’re home, there’s no rush.”

Fan Jing said nothing but his eyes showed tenderness as he gently smoothed Da Fu’s damp hair.

Da Fu glanced at Feng Fu nearby and noticed the moisture at the hem of his shoulder sleeve. Seeing Feng Fu’s knowing wink, he understood he had been the one to “deliver the message.”

He had ridden through rain and wind all the way back and was quite hungry, so he picked up his chopsticks and started eating.

The whole family quietly gathered inside the house, an uncommon moment of warmth.

“I want to formally propose to the Wu family.”

After finishing his meal and setting down his bowl and chopsticks, Da Fu directly stated the purpose of his return.

He had thought for a long time on the way about how to bring up this matter with his family, but in the end, he decided straightforwardness was best.

Feng Fu, who was sitting on a stool, suddenly stood up excitedly: “We’re going to have a sister-in-law!”

Kang Xiao and Fan Jing exchanged a glance, eyebrows twitching.

“Propose?!”

Among the Wu siblings, only one brother was of age — Wu Guang. Apart from him, Kang Xiao and Fan Jing couldn’t think of anyone else.

“Is this Master Wu’s wish?”

Kang Xiao was puzzled. Both he and Fan Jing felt Da Fu was still young, focused on his studies, and never showed interest in marriage. They had not considered such a thing for him.

Originally, they thought it best to wait until he reached adulthood before discussing betrothal.

They never expected him to be so eager. Not knowing the reason, they could only attribute it to Master Wu’s influence, since he had been very favorable toward Da Fu back when he taught at the county academy.

Now that Da Fu was older, considering marriage seemed reasonable.

Da Fu shook his head. “It’s purely my own decision. Father and Grandfather have cared for me in every way. I don’t want to keep things from them, so I’m telling the truth.”

“Besides, such an important matter must have the blessing of one’s parents and elders.”

Kang Xiao and Fan Jing saw Da Fu’s serious expression and, sensing he wasn’t joking, asked, “Why the sudden urgency? Why the rush back day and night? And before this, we never saw you interested in the Wu brothers.”

Feng Fu, who had been unusually quiet, narrowed his eyes slightly, thinking that though his brother looked sensible and steady, he wasn’t entirely obedient.

Da Fu frankly revealed he had long been in contact with Guang, but they had always been respectful and proper. To outsiders, it seemed nothing special.

Only Feng Fu knew some inside details, and Da Fu hadn’t deliberately hidden them.

The serious matter was that during Mid-Autumn, Master Bai had invited their family over, intending for Da Fu to meet Bai Jing. Given his age, the family must have been arranging things behind the scenes. Da Fu blamed himself for being foolish before and thought time was peaceful, waiting to mature.

Now, without a matchmaker or any formal promise, it felt too selfish and inconsiderate.

Kang Xiao and Fan Jing listened quietly, feeling both sympathy that Da Fu’s father was so unaware and relief that their son had grown to understand responsibility.

“Since you’ve made up your mind, then you must see it through,” Fan Jing said. “As long as you’re satisfied.”

Da Fu felt a weight lift seeing no objections from Kang Xiao and Fan Jing.

“This is only my unilateral decision. I still need to check his feelings first.”

He wasn’t entirely confident Wu Guang would accept him. Months had passed without a single letter, and without meeting in person, how could he not worry?

His hurried return was also to prevent Wu Guang from changing his mind.

“Alright, you handle this yourself. Grandfather and Father will prepare the proper betrothal gifts with you. You didn’t inform the family and just dropped such big news. No one is prepared.”

Da Fu knew he’d been impulsive and felt a bit embarrassed. “I’ll cover the expenses myself. No need for Father and Grandfather to trouble.”

“The money for your marriage has been saved specially by Grandfather and Father. Just take it to prepare the gifts. This is a happy occasion, not a bother. If anything, it’s a relief.”

Kang Xiao said, “We’re not blaming you, but the Wu family’s status is high. Everything must be done properly. Besides, Master Wu was your teacher and treasures Guang greatly. Back then…”

He was about to reveal a past secret but caught himself in time.

Da Fu caught the hesitation and asked, “Back then?”

Kang Xiao replied, “Old stories. If your marriage goes through, I’ll tell you then.”

Da Fu didn’t press further.

After the commotion died down and Kang Xiao and Fan Jing went to rest, it was already late.

Lying on the bed, Da Fu couldn’t sleep.

“Funny how fate works. Who would have thought the child you saved by accident back then would now be close to Da Fu.”

Fan Jing listened to Kang Xiao’s words and thought the same. The world’s fate is indeed unpredictable.

After a long night, he finally fell asleep.

The next morning, before dawn, Feng Fu was practicing martial arts in the courtyard.

Da Fu leaned against the eaves watching for a while. When Feng Fu stopped, Da Fu spoke up, “Fan Ge’er, your skills are impressive. Truly refreshing to the eyes. May I trouble you with a favor?”

Feng Fu patted his red tassel spear and grumbled, “Coming back just to boss me around? Where did you get such a brother?”

“But it’s not just for me. If you don’t want a sister-in-law, fine.”

“Shameless!”

Feng Fu wrinkled his nose and then said, “Forget it, it’s not really for you. I just pity Brother Guang; he’s been sick for so long.”

Da Fu frowned. “He’s sick?!”

“Yeah.”

Feng Fu had completely forgotten Wu Guang’s instructions to keep this secret.

“In that case, he shouldn’t be going out. It’s chilly in autumn and he’s already weak.”

Da Fu felt anxious. Though he knew Feng Fu had already reported the situation last night, thinking he could meet Wu Guang today, he hadn’t asked much.

“Why didn’t you tell me last night?”

“He’s fine but didn’t want you to worry, so he told me not to say anything. Anyway, you’re meeting today; you’ll find out yourself. That’s why I’m telling you now.”

Feng Fu said, “If you didn’t ask me to invite Brother Guang out, how else could I see him? Otherwise, I’d have snuck over to deliver your message.”

Da Fu sighed. He always cared for Feng Fu.

“This is important. It’s not enough to just pass messages. I have to ask him myself.”

Just as Feng Fu was about to ask how he should do it, Da Fu said, “Forget it. I’ll go to his house myself.”

Feng Fu’s eyes widened. He hurriedly grabbed Da Fu’s arm, “Master Wu isn’t home. Brother Guang’s mother is fierce. Aren’t you afraid of her? If she finds out you’re coming to see Brother Guang, she’ll glare at you with sharp eyes.”

Da Fu smiled. “This hurdle has to be passed sooner or later. If I’m afraid, how can I go ask for marriage?”

“If a man retreats because of such a thing, how can he take responsibility? He’s not worthy of trust.”

Feng Fu said he was truly brave and helped Da Fu prepare to leave quickly.

“Madam, someone is here to see you!”

Mrs. Wu was just worrying about Wu Guang’s situation. The rain last night had been loud, and she had been restless, unable to sleep well.

Hearing the announcement, she asked, “Who is it?”

She thought it might be someone coming to waste time, so she was inclined to dismiss them. She was really too exhausted to deal with visitors.

She wondered if it might be a nephew from the brothers’ family coming to visit Guang.

But the messenger said, “It’s the young master from the Fan family.”

Mrs. Wu put down the strong tea in her hand, her brow tightening. “The official next door?”

“He’s Master Wu’s student, Young Master Fan.”

“Isn’t he still studying at Yueheng Academy? When did he come back?”

Mrs. Wu was surprised and sensed that he had come because of Guang’s matter.

After thinking for a moment, she said, “Bring him in.”