Xu Ping’an couldn’t help but smile, putting his arm around her shoulder.
The two leaned quietly together, gazing at the distant blue sky and white clouds.
It was as if the world held only the two of them.
After a while, the large door behind them creaked open.
Along with it came a slightly aged but very grand laugh.
“Hahahaha~ Mr. Xu, what brings you to my humble abode today~ Quick, open the middle gate!”
As he spoke, the middle gate was already wide open, with several servants standing on either side.
Following them was a figure who seemed thin, but walked with forceful strides, holding a dragon-headed cane.
Though he leaned on it, anyone with a discerning eye could tell it was merely for show.
In reality, this old man could walk as swiftly without a cane.
Xu Ping’an had witnessed this firsthand.
In this era, to become a prominent family, having official power wasn’t enough.
Underneath, in the jianghu… one also needed a certain degree of influence.
The Fang Qingzu before Xu Ping’an was a well-known figure in the Fang family’s jianghu circles.
“Elder Fang, please forgive my abrupt intrusion.”
Seeing the arrival, Xu Ping’an didn’t dare to be slow; he quickly rose and bowed.
However, before he could lower his head, Elder Fang darted forward and held his arm.
“Hahaha~ What are you saying, Divine Doctor Xu? Your presence truly brings honor to my Fang manor! Hahaha, please come in, please come in.”
The old man, pulling Xu Ping’an’s arm, then noticed Pei Qingxuan.
“This is?”
“Oh~ Elder Fang, I forgot to introduce her. This is my wife, Ms. Pei.”
Fang Qingzu slowly turned his head, his gaze sweeping over Pei Qingxuan, a hint of deep meaning in his eyes.
He nodded.
“So it’s Madam Xu. This old man pays his respects.”
Xu Ping’an quickly offered support.
“Elder Fang, there’s no need. My wife is unfamiliar with worldly affairs and social etiquette. I hope Elder Fang won’t take offense.”
Fang Qingzu stared at Pei Qingxuan’s face, shaking his head repeatedly.
“No offense, of course not. So that’s how it is… Truly worthy of Divine Doctor Xu.”
“Ah?”
Xu Ping’an was startled, but then Fang Qingzu laughed heartily.
“It’s nothing. Come, let’s go inside. It just so happens that some Manjiang fish were delivered from Manjiang today. This is one of the three delicacies of our Great Qi. Come, come, let’s taste it together.”
“This… how could I impose? I originally came to Fangjia Village on business today and intended to trouble Elder Fang; I can’t keep freeloading.”
“Hahahaha~ No matter, no matter~ Mr. Xu, just tell me if you have any trouble. In this small corner of Liuye County, I, Fang Qingzu, wouldn’t dare claim to bring people back from the dead, but if Mr. Xu accidentally causes a death, this old man still has a little influence.”
“Elder Fang is jesting,” Xu Ping’an gave a helpless, wry smile.
This old man Fang was certainly not reserved.
“Elder Fang, it’s nothing major. It’s just that everyone in Liuye County says the Fang family’s carpenters are the best, right? My small courtyard… I want to expand it a bit. I wonder if there are any idle hands in Fangjia Village? Of course, they won’t work for free; labor costs will be paid.”
“Oh? So, Mr. Xu plans to build a house?”
“Yes, it doesn’t need to be too elaborate. Just building two wing rooms, east and west, would be fine.”
“No problem, leave it to this old man. I’ll arrange for someone to go over later for these small matters. Come, come, let’s try this Manjiang fish first.”
Seeing how enthusiastically the old man insisted, making it hard to refuse, Xu Ping’an could only sit down with a wry smile.
As per custom, the female family members attended to the female guest.
Elder Fang’s main wife, Old Madam Song, came out with a cheerful smile.
“Oh my, this is Mr. Xu’s wife, is it? What a truly beautiful person. I doubt even the capital has such a pretty and elegant beauty, does it? Come, come, let this old woman take a closer look~”
The old lady walked out, smiling, took Pei Qingxuan’s hand, and led her towards the back courtyard.
Pei Qingxuan glanced at Xu Ping’an and, seeing his nod, obediently followed.
As the two disappeared beyond the screen, their voices fading, Elder Fang turned to Xu Ping’an and gave him a thumbs-up.
“Mr. Xu, this one!”
“Huh?”
Xu Ping’an was slightly puzzled.
Fang Qingzu then gave a mysterious smile: “Mr. Xu’s wife is quite extraordinary~ Her aura is no weaker than this old man’s; I suspect she’s an innate martial artist. Mr. Xu, tell me honestly, where did you abduct this young lady from?”
What do you mean, “abducted”?!
Is that a proper way to speak?!
Does that even sound appropriate?
Even if she were abducted, you can’t say it like that, can you?
People would totally talk behind his back!
Xu Ping’an rolled his eyes in exasperation.
“Elder Fang, please don’t ask. My wife’s family doesn’t allow me to speak about it. I only know that her family is a hidden aristocratic family, but as for how hidden, I’m not entirely clear.”
Xu Ping’an had actually come up with several backstories for Pei Qingxuan’s origin.
Given the current household registration system, combined with Pei Qingxuan’s inherent temperament and appearance, not fabricating a proper background for her simply wouldn’t do.
But saying it was too ordinary wouldn’t work either.
If there were such a beautiful woman in the surrounding ten li and eight townships, matchmakers would have already worn out her doorstep.
Would she still quietly marry him?
Furthermore, ordinary families wouldn’t even dare to dream of such a beautiful woman.
So, not giving her a somewhat mysterious family background now would raise suspicions among any intelligent person.
“I see, so she’s from a hidden family. That’s not surprising then.” Elder Fang nodded, giving Xu Ping’an a meaningful look before a smile returned to his face.
“Hahahaha, since you can’t say, then we won’t talk about it. Come, come, let’s drink!”
As they spoke, they exchanged cups.
It had to be said, this Manjiang fish truly lived up to its reputation as one of the Great Qi’s three delicacies.
With almost no seasoning, just simply steamed, its pure freshness made one’s tongue tingle.
“Hmm, this Manjiang fish truly lives up to its reputation as one of the Great Qi’s three delicacies.”
“Hahahaha, Mr. Xu, you’re in for a treat today! Ordinary folks can’t get their hands on this.”
“Then I’m truly benefiting from Elder Fang’s generosity…”
Xu Ping’an happily picked up another chopstick full, then suddenly remembered Pei Qingxuan.
“Elder Fang, are they eating this in the back courtyard too?”
“Ah? Ah… Hahahaha~ You, you, you’re truly young, completely undisguised.” Fang Qingzu burst into laughter.
“Don’t worry~ your little wife has a portion too.”
Having been exposed so easily, Xu Ping’an couldn’t help but sigh inwardly; indeed, the older the ginger, the spicier it is.
“Come, come, let’s drink… Speaking of which, has Mr. Xu heard that the Prince of Zhennan’s heir has come to our Liuye County recently?”
Why does everyone he meets bring this up?
Xu Ping’an reluctantly put down his wine cup and nodded.
“Yes, and not only do I know, but the heir even came to me for a consultation.”