“Liang Xiao, this was meant for me, wasn't it!” Zhuo Zifang almost roared.
Liang Xiao and Yue Lian were startled.
Liang Xiao said, “I wrote that down for Yue Lian.”
“No, it was written for me!”
Seeing Liang Xiao approach, Zhuo Zifang quickly scurried behind the desk.
Liang Xiao’s brow twitched, “Zhuo Lingjun, this is outright theft.”
“Can what scholars do be called stealing?” Zhuo Zifang’s old face flushed, and he tried his best to argue.
Yue Lian, seeing this, couldn't help but chuckle and said softly, “Young Master, you did intend to give this poem to Lord Zhuo.”
Zhuo Zifang was overjoyed. He gave Yue Lian a grateful look, placed the "Man Jiang Hong" back on the table, and sighed, “I am ashamed!”
Even Liang Xiao’s maid was so sensible. At his age, he had acted on impulse…
Liang Xiao looked at Yue Lian. Yue Lian obediently tugged at his arm, wanting to speak but hesitating.
This girl always thinks of me…
Liang Xiao was touched. He sighed and gave "Man Jiang Hong" to Zhuo Zifang.
“This cannot be,” Zhuo Zifang became a little embarrassed and quickly refused, but finally accepted it. “From now on, you don’t need to write any more verses. This 'Man Jiang Hong' is enough!”
Liang Xiao was happy to be spared the effort and readily agreed.
Only then did Zhuo Zifang sit down with Liang Xiao and inform him of the situation outside.
Liang Xiao fell silent.
Because the Emperor himself had personally judged, the matter had caused a huge sensation?
It wouldn’t be easy to get the Emperor to retract his decree and let him go home.
“Don’t worry, as long as you are unwilling, I will not allow any idle people to disturb your peace at the Imperial College!” Zhuo Zifang immediately promised, then changed the subject with a smile. “I believe Qingxue must have a completely different impression of you now. She probably won’t be thinking of breaking off the engagement.”
Liang Xiao couldn't help but smile wryly.
He couldn't quite articulate his feelings towards Luo Qingxue.
He didn't dislike such an independent and strong-willed extraordinary woman who dared to defy feudal traditions; in fact, he admired her.
It was a pity that, as he was now, he had to avoid any entanglement with the Heavenly General, leaving her feeling wronged.
Luo Residence.
After finishing his official duties, Luo Changfeng was shocked and overjoyed to learn of last night's events!
In the courtyard, Luo Changfeng held the untitled poem copied by Luo Qingxue with great affection.
His expression was a mixture of tears and laughter.
“Xiao'er is indeed an hidden genius. This poem…”
Who else, besides soldiers, could understand the grandeur and tragedy of this poem so well!
Luo Qingxue lowered her head, her heart in turmoil.
This poem had also left her in shock since last night.
With such talent, yet willing to be mediocre, to be a useless fop, and be mocked…
She no longer knew how to view Liang Xiao. She had repeatedly asked to break off the engagement with him, and he had agreed!
“I really couldn't like my grandson-in-law any more!”
“Little Qingxue, oh my! What should we name your children? Grandpa will give you some suggestions. For a girl, how about Liang Xueqing? For a boy, how about Liang Qingluo?”
“Oh, right. If by chance you have twins, we’ll need another name!”
Hearing Luo Changfeng's words, Luo Qingxue’s face turned completely red. She turned her head away. “Grandpa, what are you thinking! You and he…”
Luo Changfeng laughed heartily. “You and he are a match made in heaven! Let's not break off this engagement. Your grandfather and I will go to the Liang Residence to apologize, and then we’ll pick an auspicious day to hold the wedding soon!”
“Grandpa, please stop. I want some quiet…” Luo Qingxue was both embarrassed and annoyed. She ignored Luo Changfeng and ran back to her boudoir.
In her room, Luo Qingxue’s eyes were teary as she looked at herself in the mirror.
Why did that fop who disdained the Heavenly General turn against scholars and ladies at a critical moment to protect the Heavenly General?
The thought of Liang Xiao’s disdainful look towards the Heavenly General when she saw him in Yanzhou made Luo Qingxue inexplicably disappointed.
But now, how could she face Liang Xiao?
As night fell, deep within the Imperial Palace.
Xiao Qing looked at herself in the mirror, her eyes hazy.
Now, she was Princess Ningshuang, Xiao Shuang.
Ning Xuejun was combing Xiao Qing’s hair and praised her as she looked at Xiao Qing in the mirror. “Your Highness’s demeanor is unparalleled, anyone who sees you will surely like you.”
Hearing this, Xiao Qing lowered her head, her voice a mere whisper. “Grandma Ning, dress me as the kind of woman he would appreciate. Let me see, okay?”
Ning Xuejun was stunned for a moment, then quickly understood.
Liang Xiao!
Ning Xuejun dared not reveal the truth, only smiled. “Your Highness, I believe Liang Xiao is a free-spirited person. The woman he likes would probably also be true to herself.”
Xiao Qing’s pretty face blushed, and the corners of her mouth curved upward, dimples appearing on her face unconsciously.
“Are you saying to let nature take its course, and not to force it? I understand. I’ll be as I usually am.”
Ning Xuejun asked, “Your Highness intends to see him in the guise of a princess?”
Xiao Qing panicked inwardly and shook her head repeatedly. Ning Xuejun asked no further.
After a moment, Xiao Qing suddenly sighed softly. “Grandma, thinking that he is still engaged to Sister Qingxue, I suddenly feel a tiny bit unhappy. But she is my only confidante as a princess, and I also wish for her to find her own happiness…”
Ning Xuejun comforted her. “Miss Luo wants to break off the engagement, doesn’t she? Your Highness need not worry. At worst, I can have Liang Xiao brought to the palace.”
Xiao Qing smiled shyly and shook her head. “What’s the point of capturing him? Let’s just let nature take its course. The boat will reach its destination naturally.”
Ning Xuejun nodded in shame and asked, “Then is Your Highness planning to go to the Liang Residence or the Luo Residence?”
“I will go to the Shenwei Mansion. The Shenwei Mansion was completed today. I haven’t paid homage to the Heavenly General yet.”
…
In the main hall of the Liang Residence, Xiao Qing looked at Liang Xiao, feeling both joy and worry.
He already knew about the Poetry Competition. Liang Xiao had escaped danger and become famous in the capital.
However, Liang Yun, as Liang Xiao’s cousin, would inevitably be ostracized by the students of the Imperial College.
“Xiao’er, although Yun’er doesn't get along with you, he is still your cousin. He has never done anything outrageous to you. For your uncle’s sake, you and Feng'er should guide him more in the future…” Liang Qing pleaded.
Liang Xiao was silent for a moment, then nodded.
He and Liang Yun indeed had no deep-seated hatred.
Liang Qing reminded him, “In a few days, Feng'er should apply for leave to go home and rest for a few days. You two should have a good talk.”
Liang Xiao nodded again.
Liang Feng was also a captain in the Imperial Guards.
“There’s one more thing. Recently, there have been differing opinions in the court and among the public about whether to seek peace with the Barbarian Lands again. Grandpa, Lord Luo, and the Prime Minister advocate for strengthening border defenses, but most colleagues hope for good relations between the two countries.”
“Because of this matter, there have been unpleasant disputes among colleagues. Grandpa holds an honorary position, so it doesn't matter, but Lord Luo is suffering greatly. Xiao'er, this matter might implicate you. If anyone at the Imperial College makes things difficult for you…”
Liang Xiao smiled. “Don’t worry, Grandpa. I won’t pay attention to insignificant people. Strengthening border defenses is the correct approach. On the contrary, those who advocate for peace and surrender have ulterior motives and need to be guarded against.”
As grandfather and grandson were discussing, the butler reported that Luo Qingxue had arrived.
Liang Qing had to stop and welcome Luo Qingxue in.
Luo Qingxue’s expression was complex as she looked at Liang Xiao before her.
Seeing this, Liang Qing wisely took the butler and withdrew.
Luo Qingxue finally couldn't help but ask, “Liang Xiao, what kind of person is the Heavenly General in your eyes…”
“He’s alright,” Liang Xiao replied without hesitation.
Luo Qingxue’s eyes changed, and she sighed. “I understand even less. Since you don’t think highly of the Heavenly General, why did you defend him?”
Liang Xiao smiled. “I am defending the honor of soldiers and the determination to protect our homeland. Isn’t the Heavenly General also a soldier?”
Luo Qingxue pondered for a moment, then mustered her courage and asked, “Are you willing to accompany me to the Shenwei Mansion?”