"I've always been curious about what Fenglin's fiancé looks like. Today, I finally get to see him," Ye Mi said, taking a seat very naturally beside Shen Xuan.
Ziyuan had already introduced Ye Mi's identity, so Shen Xuan was surprised to see this eldest brother of the Ye family suddenly come to speak with him. He then politely exchanged greetings with Ye Mi.
"Were there any shortcomings at today's banquet? I hope Xianzhu Jinning and Shen Ger can forgive any oversight," Ye Mi said to the two gers before him.
"You're too kind, Brother Ye. The household's hospitality has been excellent in every way," Shen Xuan quickly replied courteously.
Ye Mi smiled upon hearing this, then asked his attendant to bring some longan fruit from the south and some jiuniang yuanzi geng (fermented glutinous rice ball soup), inviting them to eat.
These items were meant to ward off the cold. Shen Xuan, still feeling a bit chilly from being in the water, warmed up after eating a bowl of the soup and a few longans.
"Shen Ger, The Shizi lost his mother at a young age. My mother has always doted on him, and it's inevitable she interferes when it concerns him. Please be understanding," Ye Mi suddenly said.
Shen Xuan was startled, wondering what Ye Mi meant by this.
He glanced back at Suyue beside him, seeing that Suyue was looking at Ye Mi with a somewhat uneasy expression.
Recalling that Ye Mi had brought things to ward off the cold, he felt that Suyue must have told Ye Mi something, perhaps even about Pei Xia.
Shen Xuan was naturally very displeased about the Ye family sending Pei Xia to approach him.
However, seeing Ye Mi's sincere expression, he felt that Ye Mi harbored no ill will towards him. So he nodded and said,
"Brother Ye exaggerates. Lady Ye is The Shizi's maternal aunt and my elder. It's only right for her to care for The Shizi. How could I possibly 'tolerate' her?"
Ye Mi saw that Shen Xuan's words were ambiguous and didn't say much more.
However, after chatting with Shen Xuan for a while longer, he took his leave.
Once he was gone, Xianzhu Jinning beside him said with a hint of sourness, "How come Brother Ye treats you so well too? It seems he genuinely regards you as The Shizi's husband."
"I've attended banquets at the Ye family countless times, but I've never seen him personally come to greet me once."
Shen Xuan could only say, "You are a Xianzhu. You already have many attendants. Brother Ye probably felt there was no need for special hospitality."
"That's true," Xianzhu Jinning nodded, feeling much more comfortable.
After spending time with Shen Xuan, he felt that Shen Ger had a very good temperament, truly someone who made you feel like you were basking in a spring breeze.
Mainly, Shen Xuan was good with words, always managing to say things that pleased Xianzhu Jinning and made him feel comfortable.
So, ever since returning from the lake, he had simply sat next to Shen Xuan, clearly treating him as a close friend.
Even during lunch, Xianzhu Jinning had his servants bring his food over to Shen Xuan's side, insisting on eating together.
Shen Xuan was enjoying the eight-treasure duck provided by the Ye family when he saw someone carrying three roasted whole lambs, already peeled, being brought in.
Then he heard Xianzhu Jinning beside him say, "That dish is roasted whole lamb. It's flavor is the richest. Many restaurants in the capital also make this dish, but their taste is far from as authentic as what the chefs from the nearby training grounds make for the soldiers."
"The Ye family specially invited that chef over to prepare this dish for us."
Lamb was precious, and it was an essential dish at banquets held by prestigious families in the capital. Every time the Ye family held a banquet at the hunting grounds, they would always invite this chef to oversee the preparation.
Shen Xuan looked up and saw the burly chef from the training grounds impaling three lambs on wooden skewers, roasting them over a fire.
Soon, the lamb turned yellow, and a layer of oil beads secreted onto the surface. Only then did the chef use a small knife to make a few incisions on the lamb's surface, then sprinkle the blended barbecue seasoning onto it.
The method of roasting the whole lamb was clearly from the Northwest. The chef had accompanied the army in campaigns and learned this skill after years spent in the Northwest. No wonder everyone thought his roasted lamb was the most authentic.
A short while later, the lamb was completely cooked. The chef carved the meat into slices and arranged them on plates. These were then carried by servants to the tables.
The first portions were naturally delivered to the main seats and to noble figures like princesses and Xianzhu, then to the daughters of important officials, and finally to the official wives of lower status.
Originally, Shen Xuan's portion of lamb should have been served later. However, just as the serving maid placed a plate of roasted lamb in front of Xianzhu Jinning, a steaming plate of lamb eye meat also appeared in front of Shen Xuan.
Shen Xuan looked back in confusion, not seeing the serving maid, but instead a familiar figure taking a seat beside him.
"Young... Young Master!" Xianzhu Jinning was the first to exclaim in surprise. Then, the surrounding attendants serving nearby also came over and bowed to Xue Fenglin.
"Young Master, weren't you at the Imperial Academy today? How did you come to the hunting grounds?" Ziyuan looked at Lady Ye in a panic, then said to Xue Fenglin.
"The Ye family held a banquet and didn't even inform me. After I found out, I specially took a half-day leave," Xue Fenglin told Ziyuan. "That's enough, you can return to Madam's side. My hospitality here is sufficient."
Ziyuan was dismissed by Xue Fenglin and left reluctantly.
By this time, Lady Ye had also learned that Xue Fenglin had rushed over from the Imperial Academy and was greatly shocked.
However, in front of so many people, she couldn't say anything to Xue Fenglin and could only cast a glance of disappointment in his direction.
Xue Fenglin's sudden appearance at the hunting grounds naturally captured everyone's attention. Especially Xianzhu Jinning, who was now flushed with excitement.
However, Xue Fenglin glanced at him and then said, "Xianzhu, I have some words to speak with Shen Ger. May I ask you to excuse us?"
"Ah?" Xianzhu Jinning was stunned, his gaze darting back and forth between Xue Fenglin and Shen Xuan several times. Remembering his previous agreement with Shen Xuan, he gritted his teeth and said, "I'll leave then."
He then left with his attendants, returning to his own seat.
Once everyone beside Shen Xuan had left, Xue Fenglin pointed to the plate of lamb in front of him and said, "This lamb eye meat (tender meat around the shoulder blade) is the tastiest, but unfortunately, there's not much. only a small amount from one lamb. I specifically asked the chef to save a plate for you. Would you like to try it?"
Shen Xuan's heart warmed, and he nodded, "Okay."
He had already realized his feelings for Xue Fenglin just recently, and seeing him appear now brought a different kind of sensation to his heart.
From Ziyuan's expression earlier, it was clear that Xue Fenglin wasn't invited by the Ye family. His sudden appearance here... Shen Xuan thought, it must be for me.
The lamb eye meat was roasted crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, full of aroma. After eating a few pieces, Shen Xuan put down his chopsticks and said, "It's indeed good. Have you eaten yet?"
"Not yet," Xue Fenglin smiled, then picked up the chopsticks Shen Xuan had used, picked up a piece of lamb, and began to eat it.
Shen Xuan's heart skipped a beat. Before he could stop the action, he heard gasps from all around.
Everyone who witnessed Xue Fenglin's action looked surprised, even Suyue, who was serving nearby, was shocked.
Rumors had long circulated that the Xue residence had formally introduced Shen Ger at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, even dressing him in precious mermaid silk and adorning him with luminous pearl jewelry, treating him extremely well.
But rumors are rumors, hearing something is one thing, witnessing it firsthand is another.
Moreover, many in the capital knew that Lady Xue and Xue Fenglin were not on good terms, and many also speculated that bringing Shen Xuan into the capital was Lady Xue's idea.
However, seeing Xue Fenglin directly use the chopsticks Shen Ger had used, with such intimate gestures, everyone suddenly realized the rumors were true.
At the same time, their gazes fell upon Shen Xuan, wondering what was so different about this ger? He had actually captivated the Xue family's Young Master, making him willing to marry such a country ger?
Shen Xuan's heart pounded like a drum. He felt that Xue Fenglin was a bit different today, seemingly deliberately acting very overtly at the banquet, subtly hinting that he was doing it for others to see.
The last time he and Xue Fenglin met alone, it was in a private room, and Xue Fenglin hadn't even used his chopsticks. He wondered why he was acting so suddenly today?
The situation in the capital was complex, and Xue Fenglin was in the midst of a whirlpool, naturally having his own difficulties.
Shen Xuan was afraid of disrupting his plans, so no matter what Xue Fenglin did at this moment, he dared not question him in the slightest.
Xue Fenglin, however, grew bolder. He directly picked up a piece of rice cake, brought it to Shen Xuan's mouth, and said, "This rice cake is delicious. Open your mouth..." He actually intended to feed him.
Shen Xuan, unable to bear it any longer, quietly said, "Young Master, we aren't married yet. Isn't this a bit improper?"
Xue Fenglin actually smiled at his words. He didn't continue to force-feed Shen Xuan the cake, but instead lowered his voice and whispered into Shen Xuan's ear, in a tone only they could hear, "I heard someone say... you like me?"
Shen Xuan's mind buzzed, and his face instantly flushed crimson. He had no idea how those words had reached Xue Fenglin's ears. A wave of panic swept over him, leaving him at a loss for words.
Fortunately, Xue Fenglin didn't press the matter. His gaze burned on Shen Xuan's face as he continued, "Shen Xuan, my heart is filled with joy."
Shen Xuan's heart swelled. He looked up at Xue Fenglin, only to see him suddenly rise and leave. After saying something to Lady Ye that made her face flush, Xue Fenglin rode off with Ye Chen towards the woods.
Shen Xuan didn't know what Xue Fenglin had gone to do, but thinking about Xue Fenglin's words just now left him feeling a little empty.
A moment later, Wuwang approached Shen Xuan, bowed to him, and said, "Shen Ger, The Shizi invites you to admire the view from the mountaintop. Please follow me."
Shen Xuan stood up and followed behind Wuwang. He then heard Wuwang tell Jin Gui and Suyue, "I'll attend to Shen Ger here and take him over. You don't need to follow."
Wuwang was a first-class attendant beside Xue Fenglin. His orders were The Shizi's will. Jin Gui and Suyue dared not refute him and could only wait in the enclosure.
Wuwang led Shen Xuan to the side of the enclosure, pointing to a small, single-person carriage. "Please get in, Shen Ger."
Shen Xuan lifted the curtain and discovered Xue Fenglin already sitting inside. After signaling him to be quiet, Xue Fenglin pulled him into the carriage.
Wuwang snapped the whip, and the carriage slowly began to move, heading towards the mountains.
The carriage was very narrow, with seating space for only one person. With Xue Fenglin already inside, there was no room for Shen Xuan to sit.
Just as Shen Xuan wondered how to position himself, Xue Fenglin pulled him onto his lap and said, "The mountain roads in the forest are narrow, and larger carriages can't pass. We can only use a small one like this. Just sit on my lap for now."
Shen Xuan's face was already beet red, but hearing Xue Fenglin's perfectly legitimate reasoning, he found it difficult to refuse.
Though he sat on Xue Fenglin's lap, he didn't dare to truly settle his weight. He could only half-hover, gripping the sides of the carriage and holding his back rigidly straight, which, ironically, made a certain part of him appear even rounder.
Xue Fenglin noticed but said nothing, a faint smile flickering in his eyes.
The next second, the carriage hit a rock on the mountain road and lurched violently.
Shen Xuan lost his balance and fell heavily into Xue Fenglin's embrace, instantly taking a sharp breath.
When he tried to get up again, Xue Fenglin firmly held him by the waist and accused him in his ear, "I'm taking you to the mountaintop, and the journey is still long. The mountain road is bumpy; you'll fall if you stand up. What's the hurry? You fell quite hard just now; my leg is numb from your weight."
Xue Fenglin, of course, wouldn't tell Shen Xuan that the Ye residence had over a dozen such mountain carriages, usually meant for one person each.
Shen Xuan's face flushed even deeper upon hearing this, but he obediently refrained from moving again. He remained in Xue Fenglin's embrace, jostling all the way up the mountain.
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