Chapter 433: Chapter 417 Casual
Xie Jue uttered a single sentence that instantly shut Xie Xun up, leaving his face an extraordinary display of emotions. He opted for silence, which was golden in that moment. Afterward, he fixed his gaze on the platter of meat before him, consuming three pounds of beef for breakfast.
Xie Jue furrowed his brows slightly and ordered the removal of all the meat from the table.
Ruyi reached out to grab his sleeve, but Xie Xun seemed oblivious. Ruyi kicked his legs and cried out anxiously, wondering why his uncle was ignoring him.
Once breakfast was cleared away, the maids served digestion-aiding tea. Xie Xun suddenly remarked, "By these standards, Fang Chuning fits as well."
Xie Jue raised his brows slightly and replied with an expressionless face, "Do you want to continue this conversation?"
"No!" Xie Xun responded decisively, "This topic ends here!"
Xie Jue let out a cold sneer. "You said ’end it’ twice yesterday, yet you insisted on discussing it further. You’ve brought this upon yourself." Xie Xun looked at his Second Brother’s frank and fearlessly composed gaze, anger simmering within him. After breakfast, he practiced swordplay in the courtyard for two hours. His demeanor burned with frustration. Even Xiaoqi could see he was venting and chose not to provoke him; the others naturally avoided him even more.
After breakfast, Xie Jue left with Ying Qi to attend to affairs. When Fengyu saw Xie Xun practicing swordsmanship, she brought over some freshly tailored clothes for Xiaoqi. Though Xiaoqi was nominally her younger brother and the master of the estate, he had his own private courtyard and attendants looking after him daily. Xiaoqi, lively and sweet-tongued, was well-loved by everyone in the household, but Fengyu’s only worry was how to plan for Xiaoqi’s future.
The winter clothing had already been prepared earlier, and what Fengyu brought this time were garments she’d personally tailored. Recently, she’d been idle and had crafted sets of winter attire for both Xiaoqi and Ruyi.
Elated, Xiaoqi tried on the clothes under Fengyu’s suggestion and found them to fit well. Fengyu, knowing his mood had been down lately, sought to comfort him. Normally, it was just the two of them in the estate—close-knit and inseparable. But now, with Xie Jue, Xie Xun, and Ruyi present, her attention was naturally divided, leaving Xiaoqi feeling neglected. Conscious of this, Fengyu had crafted clothes for Xiaoqi while working on Ruyi’s, in an effort to make up for it.
The light purple cloak embroidered with foxes adorned Xiaoqi, lending him an air of unmatched elegance. The young boy appeared increasingly handsome and striking. Fengyu adjusted his attire, and Xiaoqi lowered his gaze to look at her attentively. "Sister, I really love this outfit."
"If you like it, that’s good. Your sister will make you one every year," Fengyu said as she finished straightening his attire, unable to resist praising him. "Purple truly suits you; it makes you look noble."
"Really?" Xiaoqi smiled faintly, the softness in his attractive features unmistakable. "As long as it’s made by you, sister, I’d like it even if it were coarse cloth."
Fengyu laughed lightly and pulled him to sit down. "It’s not much effort. Oh, Xiaoqi, I’ve discussed with Zhixu about letting you join the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry to train after the New Year. What do you think?"
"I don’t want to go anywhere. I just want to stay by your side," Xiaoqi’s smile disappeared instantly. He clenched his fists tightly under his robes, suppressing the surge of aggression within.
That damned Xie Xun—he truly was an eyesore, always scheming to separate him from his sister!
Fengyu didn’t press him, though she had longer-term considerations for Xiaoqi’s future. "After March, you’ll be seventeen, fully capable in both academics and martial arts. I’ve always wondered how to find you a suitable path forward. I have Zhang Da, Chunlu, and Zhixu by my side, and Nuanyang manages things outside the estate with Manager Wen. But for you, I haven’t found a fitting role. A man in this world typically needs to establish himself with a career or family. If you’re interested in business, I can teach you. But over the past year, I’ve noticed that business doesn’t catch your interest. You’ve even secretly stashed military strategy books on your shelf. I’ve been thinking that maybe you aspire to lead troops and fight battles. Ningzhou is currently in great need of talent. All the generals have scattered across the twelve provincial cities to shore up defenses. If you’re willing to join the military, Zhixu can arrange it for you. I’m only discussing this with you; if you don’t wish to go, I won’t force you. But you must think seriously about what you want to do with your future."
Xiaoqi’s face was full of grievance. "Do I have to do something?"
"If you want to be a carefree young master, indulging in leisure, your sister can support you for a lifetime," Fengyu said with a light laugh. "But I just have a feeling—you’re not cut out to be an idle son of privilege."
Establishing a family and career ultimately requires a foundation!
"What does Sister want me to do?"
"It’s not about what I want—it’s about what you want to do," Fengyu replied.
Xiaoqi appeared contemplative. "I’ll think it over carefully!"
"Good. Once you’ve decided on something, let me know. There’s no rush," Fengyu said.
Fengyu had never imposed rigid plans on those around her. For example, Chunlu and Qiuxiang had made their own choices. Chunlu found business interesting, so Fengyu nurtured her by teaching her literacy, commerce, and shop management. Qiuxiang, on the other hand, didn’t enjoy studying or being in the public eye; she preferred tending to Fengyu personally. Thus, Qiuxiang managed Fengyu’s daily affairs and household matters—roles they both decided upon themselves.
Having concluded her conversation with Xiaoqi, Fengyu returned to the courtyard just in time to notice Xie Xun still practicing swordsmanship. Something felt off. "Practicing for two hours straight?"
Nuanyang said, "He’s been training nonstop since breakfast and hasn’t even visited Ruyi."
"Is he upset?"
Nuanyang shook his head. They hadn’t overheard the conversation between Xie Xun and the Second Young Master, but Fengyu reckoned it had something to do with Xie Xun being prodded about marriage. Did he dare to actually confront his Second Brother?
Fengyu was genuinely curious. She might have to start waking earlier for breakfast—it seemed she was missing all the intriguing gossip.
When Xie Xun finally concluded his practice, the afternoon meal had already passed. Fengyu, curious, asked him, "What did you talk about with your Second Brother that made you so angry?"
"This matter ends here. I won’t discuss it further," Xie Xun said stiffly. "I’ll never talk about marriage with Second Brother again—let him do as he pleases."