Chapter 28: I Want You to Make Me a Promise

Nurse Wang lifted the curtain, and the Eldest Madam entered with Xiao Zhengting, followed by Xiao Liyang and his two younger sisters.

"We just arrived as well."

Seeing Shen Xianyue, Xiao Liyang was tempted to rush over and demand to know exactly what had happened that day.

"Ahem, Liyang, go and check if your grandfather has arrived yet."

At the Eldest Madam's words, Xiao Liyang, filled with palpable reluctance, could only turn and walk back out.

Before the meal had even begun, the dining table was already thick with hidden tension; the peaceful atmosphere from moments ago had vanished into thin air. This was the scene Shen Xianyue dreaded every month—it made her feel like an outsider even more, leaving her unsure whether to stand or sit, and making the meal feel like sitting on pins and needles.

"What were you all chatting about? It sounded quite lively."

"Third Uncle gave me a box of velvet flowers. They are all little animals; they’re so beautiful!"

Xiao Lisi’s tongue was too quick. Before Xiao Lirong could stop her from babbling, the words were already out.

The Eldest Madam’s smile remained fixed as she glanced at the box. "Since when did Third Brother learn the ways of a young girl’s heart?"

Xiao Tuyu’s expression was indifferent. "One learns when one has a fiancée!"

Shen Xianyue glared at him secretly. If he wanted to speak, why did he have to drag her into it? As if she wasn’t already enough of a target.

Xiao Liyang, who had just helped the Old Master to the door, heard this comment and his foot slipped, nearly causing him to tumble to the ground.

"Liyang, you are young; how are you less steady than an old man like me?"

The Old Master’s hair and beard were completely white, yet his eyes were exceptionally sharp. Perhaps due to being bedridden lately, he looked much thinner.

"Father, I told you that your health isn't good. We could just cancel these monthly family dinners; why go through such trouble? And you refused to have us in your courtyard, insisting on coming all the way to the Flower Hall."

Xiao Zhengting’s tone was slightly dissatisfied. The Eldest Madam tugged at him sharply, and he immediately added with a forced smile, "Father, he only means that your health comes first. We can keep you company at any time; there is no need to rush."

The Old Master waved a hand and sat at the head of the table. "My life as an old man might be taken back any day now. Every meeting is one less."

"What are you saying? You are surely destined to live to a hundred."

The Eldest Madam’s social pleasantries were flawless, but unfortunately, the Old Master was not buying it.

Looking at everyone seated, the Old Master smiled with satisfaction. "This is the most complete gathering we’ve had in a long time!"

Shen Xianyue thought to herself that with even Xiao Tuyu present, it was indeed the most complete it could be. Servants began to enter, carrying exquisite tableware, and dozens of delicacies were neatly arranged on the table.

"Third Brother, what are your thoughts on the marriage bestowed upon you by the Emperor?"

Xiao Tuyu, caught off guard by the sudden question, showed no sign of panic. "The Emperor’s favor must naturally be accepted with both hands."

"I don't want to hear these empty pleasantries. I watched Yue-ya grow up. Her father and I were dear friends, which is why I brought her here. I had intended to find her a good match, but since the Emperor has decided for her, I want to ask: are you capable of taking good care of her?"

Xiao Tuyu was the son the Old Master liked best, but he was also the one he had seen the least over the years. Shen Xianyue was both the orphan of his dearest friend and a junior he cherished dearly. It was meant to be a match made in heaven, but if it were born of reluctance, turning lovers into enemies, it would be better to prevent this ill-fated connection from the start.

"Father, this is a family dinner; why bring up such heavy topics?" The Eldest Madam tried to smooth things over, but the Old Master stopped her.

"Hold your tongue. While I, this old man, can still speak, I want a guarantee from you today."

Xiao Tuyu raised his head, his expression solemn. "I shall cherish and protect her."

Four words, yet the Old Master understood their weight—it was a promise from one man to another. He smiled.

He turned to look at Shen Xianyue. "There is a shop on South Street that I want to give you as a gift, along with the dowry your mother left behind. I originally intended to give it to you when you married, but it seems my health is failing day by day, and you are grown now. I shall have someone teach you so you can begin to manage them."

Shen Xianyue was truly astonished. While she did not know which shop on South Street it was, anything the Old Master deemed a gift would certainly be of significant value.

"This is too valuable; I cannot accept it."

"You must!" The Old Master’s tone allowed for no objection, though his gaze toward Shen Xianyue remained as loving as ever. "This is my heart’s wish."

Shen Xianyue felt her eyes sting with moisture. She lowered her head and whispered, "Being taken in by you was already my great fortune."

The Old Master cast a subtle glance at Xiao Tuyu. "Do not worry; your days ahead will only grow better."

Seeing the atmosphere at the table turn strange, the Eldest Madam busied herself with serving food. "Don't just talk; eat, or everything will go cold."

Xiao Zhengting also smiled and placed a spoonful of food in the Old Master’s bowl. "I remember this jade-belt shrimp is your favorite, Father. Do try it."

The Old Master then invited everyone to eat, and the atmosphere gradually grew lively again.

After the meal, Xiao Yuqing returned to his courtyard with his wife, Madame Zhou, while the two children went off to excitedly examine the velvet flowers.

"Father’s health doesn't look very good. I am busy lately; please look after him more at home."

Madame Zhou hung his outer robe on the rack. "I know. Ever since Third Brother returned to stay at the manor, Father seems to be in much better spirits. He even ate an extra half-bowl of rice today!"

"However, I noticed that since Third Brother returned, he isn't the only one in a good mood."

Seeing Madame Zhou’s mysterious air, Xiao Yuqing was confused. "Who else? It couldn't be the Eldest Brother and his wife; they dislike Third Brother, and even Liyang doesn't get along with him. Sigh."

Madame Zhou shot him a playful look. "It’s Third Brother himself, of course."

"Zishu? Why? Whenever he came back to stay in the past, I never saw him look particularly happy."

"You, you use all your cleverness on official business, but you are truly clueless about these matters."

Seeing Madame Zhou teasing him, Xiao Yuqing was not offended; he simply pulled her into his arms. "Then tell me, how am I so clueless?"

Madame Zhou blushed deeply, struggling in vain to break free. "If the children see us, it won't be proper."

"And what if they do? We are a loving couple; it is only natural to be close. Who could say otherwise?"

Madame Zhou felt as if she had tasted honey. "That may be so, but it is broad daylight, and it wouldn't look right if word got out. Let me go first, and then I will tell you why."

Xiao Yuqing had only been teasing her. Seeing her face flushed like a sunset, he let her go. "Then tell me, why is that?"