Chapter 1: Murong Shu Qing (1)
Chapter 1: Murong Shu Qing (1)
socrates_artwork-crop
Warm wind blows over the lake. Floating on its surface was a lotus leaf with a peach-like flower with several openings. It has a faint aroma that gives off a calm and refreshing atmosphere. Beside the lake was a woman. She’s in white clothing embroidered with a bamboo-like pattern on its skirt. She doesn’t wear any ornaments. Her hair was tied in casually woven braids, lose strands mischievously dances with the wind. The woman doesn’t seem to care. Her attention was on the books she was reading.
Another one beside her was a woman in green holding a flower patterned fan towards the woman in white. The calm mood seems to be appreciated. A pair of eyes was looking straight to the other.
Lu Yi has served this Miss for 5 years. Questions in her hearts cannot be dispersed since 3 years ago. After her Miss was rescued off the lake, everything changed! Her former Miss has an eccentric personality, irritating and violent. There were no family servants who didn’t know and fear her. The strange thing was, after Miss woke up, she doesn’t seem to remember anything. Even her temperament has changed, as if… Miss became a different person. Before she was afraid of her, she’s always trembling when she’s around. But now, she likes staying beside her. She often see her Miss with a smile, it was a gentle smile yet puzzling.
“Miss! Miss! It’s him! He comes!” A female voice interrupted Lu Yi’s contemplation. She soon recovered and saw her Miss slowly put down the book on her hand, with a helpless smile, watching the red figure coming towards them.
Murong Shu Qing offer a cup of tea to the sweating girl, smiled and said: “Take your time, we’re in no hurry.”
Hong Xiu’s mouth was filled with tea, after drinking she stood up and excitedly said: “Miss, Sir Xuan Yuan came!”
“Sir Xuan Yuan? Who?” Murong Shu Wing didn’t understand the story behind the servant’s excitement. She looks a little awkward drinking the cup in one go.
“Miss, it’s your sweetheart! Your future husband!” Miss didn’t even remember Sir Xuan Yuan? How could this be?
Oh, turns out it was her marriage partner who, again and again, delays their marriage date.
“Why did he come here for?” Murong Shu Qing, holding a cup of tea while watching the lotus floating on the lake, casually asked.
“Uh…t-to break off the engagement…” Hong Xiu slightly bowed her head and answered in a low voice while watching her young lady’s reaction.
“Break off the engagement?” Murong Shu Qing eyes flash together with a seemingly joking smile.
“Ah, Sir Xuan Yuan and Master are now in Hua Ting Hall. Master is really angry!!” Hong Xiu eyebrows furrowed, her eyes show concern.
“It seems that I have to go and see.” Well she, after all, was the protagonist. If she didn’t appear, how could this be interesting?
Then I’ll get the clothes ready. Miss, what colour would you like to wear? Your favourite red or purple? Maybe white? Also a neat bun would certainly look good for the hair style. It looks n.o.ble and generous, very fitting for Miss…”
“Stop!” This little girl really teases. “I didn’t mention anything about changing, right?”
“But Miss, you always want to dress well every time Sir Xuan Yuan visits…” Hong Xiu hurried to explain. Even though her Miss didn’t show violence these past years, she still feels slightly afraid. She unconsciously turns fl.u.s.tered and helpless.
“That was before.” Murong Shu Qing helplessly sighs. Seeing a man who wants to break off their engagement, who would need to freshen up? Worst, they can face him even after 3 days without shower! Sometimes, woman really makes it difficult for themselves, only ends up in embarra.s.sment. “I remember. Was there a token of engagement?”
“There is a pearl from the south sea. Almost as big as a fist.” Lu Yi only seen it twice. It was really dazzling.
“Lu Yi, go fetch it. We’re going to Hua Ting Hall.” Then, Murong Shu Qing strides towards the direction of the Flower Hall.
Miss really wants to break off the engagement? The two girls look at each other, no one dare to speak out. Lu Yi goes back to the yard, took the pearl and quickly followed.
Bang! Murong Shu Qing who was walking in the hallway heard a sound of a cup slamming the floor. “I don’t agree! 3 years ago, you said that you’ll prepare for the marriage after coming back!” A low roar full of anger came out from Murong Xiang’s mouth.
“I’m telling you, I wanted to break off the engagement.”
Murong Shu Qing heard a quite magnetic voice, a little deep and domineering. Not loud but full of pressure. It seems that this man is really worthy of his general t.i.tle. Suddenly, she feels excited on seeing her one-of-a-kind and well-known fiancé. This will be interesting. With a smile, she steps forward to the room.
“Dad.” A moist voice interrupted the three men inside. The tense atmosphere slightly dispersed.
“Qing Er, you come at the right time. Look, this kid actually wants to break of the engagement! Don’t worry, dad will not agree!” Murong Xiang quickly straightens himself showing a rea.s.suring att.i.tude towards his daughter.
Murong Shu Qing looks at the two men across her father. Both looks outstanding and imposing but their face shows a big difference. One was apathetic and expressionless; this should be her legendary fiancé. Sharp and proud gaze with his chin slightly rose. Needless to say, this person is quite magnificent. With a keen and oppressive posture, you couldn’t ignore his presence.
Beside him was a man smiling at her. He looks like someone who knows when to advance and retreat, quite gentle temperament, with pair of eyes full of interest. Murong Shu Qing instinctively thinks this man is not as simple as he looks.
She retreats her sight back, she answered with a smile: “Dad, since Sir Xuan Yuan insists on breaking off the engagement, he must have his reasons. It’s not good to force it.” A gentle and unhurried voice came out having a hint of refreshing feeling.
“When your mother was alive, she laid down this marriage with his mother! How can he have the final say?” Murong Xiang was secretly curious. His daughter like this kid so he worked hard to keep this engagement, how come she easily agreed with him?
“Two elders laid down this marriage hoping for happiness. Now that Sir Xuan Yuan feels forced to agree with it, how can there be happiness at all? I believe that mother in heaven will also understand.” Murong Shu Qing smile deeper look straight at Murong Xiang.
“But your grandfather…”
“Dad, you don’t need to worry about grandfather. I’m the one who will explain about this.”
Murong Xiang knows this are more than just words. The past three years, she successfully done everything than she said. But as a father he added: “You’re already nineteen, if you break off the engagement now…”
“Dad, your daughter would like to serve you for a few more years. I believe you will be better off with me around.”
These words made Murong Xiang’s face slightly change. Yes, the past three years she works on their family business only made it grow bigger and bigger. If this daughter is married off early, wouldn’t it be his loss? She wanted to break off the engagement; presumably she already has her own plans. Why worry? “Well, I’m with you. Ok then.”
Murong Shu Qing knows that a sight hadn’t left off her since she entered the room but she didn’t complain. Facing deep and inquiring eyes she let out a light chuckle. “Since the marriage has been lifted, we’ll return the token of engagement to you. Lu Yi, give it to him.”
“Yes.” Lu Yi laid down the pearl in the table in front of Xuan Yuan Yi. She looks at him and found out that he’s still staring towards Murong Shu Qing.
Murong Shu Qing’s face still hangs a constant smile. Just let him look at her with no intention to dodge. She didn’t forget the basic hospitality. Right now, she’s a businesswoman, she cannot lose etiquette.
“Now that the two of you are here, it’s better to stay for a few days and enjoy the scenery. Please let us do the honour.”
“Then we’ll have to bother you.” The other man quickly answered. Murong Shu Qing sees an obvious frown on Xuan Yuan Yi’s face but the other simply plays with the fan in his hand. He smiled as if unaware of Xuan Yuan Yi’s dissatisfaction.
She’s very interested in this man. It doesn’t matter to accommodate two or more guests anyways. She also wanted to observe what kind of character does this legendary general have. “Lu Yi, guide the two sons to Feng Xuan Hall. Tell the others not to neglect our guests. If you’ll excuse me.” After a light bow, the white figure strode away.
“That composure…is she the one that you mentioned “unruly Murong Miss?” Pei Che Lang slowly sips the tea served to them. It looks like Murong House really has the money, this kind of tea is really hard to find.
“No.” Xuan Yuan Yi looked at the window and spit out the word. Murong Shu Qing before didn’t have such temperament. Because of her, he rarely visits Murong House. He didn’t know that Feng Xuan Hall has this shocking scenery. Two-story house surrounded with pine trees. There was a stone stand on the entrance with vigorous and bold calligraphy of the words – Feng Xuan Hall. In the room, you can clearly hear the sound of the wind blowing through the pine trees. The place was peaceful and calming.
“No? You’re saying that’s not Murong Shu Qing?” Pei Che Lang mischievously laughs.
“It’s her yet nothing like her.”
“Playing hard to get?” Pei Che Lang came forward and handed him a cup of tea while admiring the huge pine trees.
“Impossible.” He knew it’s impossible for Murong Shu Qing to have such temperament and charm. When she entered the room, his mind was a little entranced. Her face hanging an elegant smile and a casual att.i.tude with confidence, that moment he didn’t have any luxury to look away!
“Yes ah…really unfathomable. You should also note the att.i.tude of her father towards her; he seems doting yet… I can also sense a little fear which was baffling. Furthermore, Murong House’s action this past three years was great. They’re now one of the biggest business holders in the east country. Aren’t you curious about what happened within those three years?” Pei Che Lang glances towards the cup of tea in his hands, his interest grows deeper.
“This was the reason why you agreed to stay?” Xuan Yuan Yi was somewhat curious. But to avoid unnecessary trouble, he wasn’t in favour to stay.
“Anyway, Yi brother. You will also attend the festival, there’s nothing wrong in staying here for a while. Look, the scenery here is just beautiful.” He deeply admires these pine trees.
“Two sirs are already resting?” Lu Yi came, slightly go forward and quietly asked.
“No. You can come in.” Pei Che Lang smile and welcome her in the room.
“If you have anything you need that’s still not prepared please feel free to call Lu Yi.”
“We’re good. Nothing was missing. No need to trouble yourself.”
“The son’s too polite. Please excuse this slave then.” Lu Yi gave a bow and smiled. “Miss instructed us to prepare the dinner at Likai Yun Court to welcome you.”
“We thank Miss Murong for the hospitality. I heard Murong House has a young master?” Xuan Yuan Yi mentioned him a few times, a smart kid yet stubborn. He must have known something.
“The son was referring to young master Xing Han? Young master is still in Yu Dao Garden, studying.
“Studying at home? Why not in school?” This young master’s mother died when he’s still young. Rumours said his mother tried to fled with her childhood sweetheart, not only that she failed to escape, the child in her stomach was suspected whether or not flesh and blood of Murong Xiang. Such child’s shelter, unfavoured child, how could he have a teacher who will specifically give lessons?
“That’s under master’s arrangement. This slave is unclear.” What did this man wanted to inquire about? She can more or less guess it. “Slave wouldn’t bother two sons’ rest. If you’ll excuse me.” Lu Yi bowed and backed out.
Knows when to retreat and still withhold proper etiquette. “Murong Shu Qing’s maidservant looks quite clever.” Pei Che Lang’s eyes flashed with appreciation.
Xuan Yuan Yi and Pei Che Lang walked off towards Likai Yun Court, Murong family were already seated on the table. Murong Xiang sat beside two women. One looks in her thirties, still beautiful, looks solemn and virtuous; the other is in her twenties, looks amorous with her red lips; across them was an impa.s.sively seated juvenile, at a young age, holding an extraordinary temperament.
Pei Che Lang raises a voice, “We’re a little late.” Likai Yun Court, this name fits this place well. West of it was the sunset, a sky brightly dyed, such a gorgeous scenery. Murong House really know how to set their landscapes.
Hearing this, the young man stood up and smiled. “Xuan Yuan brother, you came! Sit here!” Then he pulled Xuan Yuan Yi toward his side and urges him to sit down. Xuan Yuan Yi patted his shoulder. Three years gone, this child is now taller. Cold and arrogant temperament hasn’t change but he seemed less gloomy.
“Xing Yue Er, tonight you’ll eat your favourite chicken legs?”
“Yes! I’ll eat two!”
“Good, your little stomach is so greedy.”
“Good! Good!”
The child replied and gave a chuckle. Dressed in white, Murong Shu Qing enters holding a three years old girl. The little girl wears a pink dress, hair tied in twin tails, and her face was flushed and brightly smiling.
“Looks like everyone’s here. Go serve the dishes.” Murong Shu Qing helps the girl to sit beside her. Behind her was Lu Yi who casually pa.s.ses the order to the other servants.
This seemingly random order attracted Pei Che Lang’s attention. Generally, only those in-charges at home can command people to open seats. Although their father is seated in the position of the head, it was Murong Shu Qing who gave the command. Xuan Yuan Yi and Pei Che Long looked at each other, both eyes where full of doubts but still remain calm and collected. Soon, the table was full of different dishes.
“Xuan Yuan, it has been a long time since I get to dine with you. Last time, you’re still a child. Time pa.s.sed in a flash, it’s actually pa.s.s ten years.” Murong Xiang holds a high evaluation of this child, courageous and prudent. But why doesn’t he like his daughter! What a pity!
Xuan Yuan Yi doesn’t hold a good impression towards Murong Xiang, but an elder offering a toast, he has to properly salute but didn’t give any reply. Seeing the other putting off a certain distance, the atmosphere was a little embarra.s.sing. Murong Xiang’s face fades to black. Pei Che Lang chuckled. Xuan Yuan Yi has always been this way; really unafraid of offending people.
“Elder is too kind. We, the younger ones, should pay our respects.” Pei Che Lang replied raising his cup.
“Good. We toast.”
“Xing Yue Er, what did you want to eat?” The three has been conversing, from start to finish; Murong Shu Qing’s attention was only around the little girl. Xuan Yuan Yi didn’t even enter her sight. Outsiders can’t see but Pei Che Lang feels that the general’s mood tonight seems quite good.
“Ah~~ I want that.” Murong Xing Yue whispered. Her body was close to Murong Shu Qing. Her small head hang a little lower, she always eat out of etiquette so she’s afraid of being scolded by her dad now that they have guests.