Chapter 405: Chapter 392: Heavier Than Imagined

After an unknown amount of time and an uncountable amount of counting, Zhuang Qingning finally fell into a deep sleep.

She slept through the night and woke up the next morning to the lull chirping of the birds outside.

After a full night’s rest and two doses of medicinal soup, Zhuang Qingning felt much better. Her body aches and injuries had significantly improved.

Concerned about her business at home as well as her snow globe, and not wanting to impose further, both Zhuang Qingning and her sister Zhuang Qingsui bid farewell to Chu Jinnian and Fan Wenxuan.

Despite their efforts, they ended up staying for lunch at Qingzhuyuan after being persuaded by Fan Wenxuan. Accompanied by a group of people including Coral and Gancao, Zhuang Qingning and Qingsui then boarded a carriage and left Qingzhuyuan, heading for home.

After seeing off the two sisters, Fan Wenxuan couldn’t wait to rush to Chu Jinnian’s study.

At that moment, Chu Jinnian was just enjoying his tea and turning the pages of a book in a leisurely manner, as per his usual routine in Qingzhuyuan. Seeing Fan Wenxuan, he looked up and said lazily and coolly, “Mr. Fan, you seem to be in quite a hurry. What do you need?”

“It’s about that issue at dinner last night.”

Fan Wenxuan, huffing and puffing, sat down rudely at the round table, grabbed the cakes on it and started eating, before questioning, “May I ask, what were you trying to achieve last night, Young Master Chu?”

Why did he not allow him to speak?

“While Xing Sibo is indeed extremely talented and proficient in all four arts, his family background is highly complicated. His father prefers his concubines over his wife, leaving Mrs. Xing constantly in tears. Several concubines and illegitimate sons, who often cause trouble, surround him, leaving Xing Sibo constantly dealing with the strife amongst them. As a result, he has developed a great fear of marriage. He isn’t married despite being twenty-two and still leads a lonely life.”

“While Mrs. Xing may appear pitiful, she’s rather weak, narrow-minded, and shallow. So focused is she on the matters of the inner courtyard, aiming to please Mr. Xing at all costs. If unsuccessful, she unleashes her anger on the servants. Over a year, she has switched up her staff twice.”

“Mr. Fan, do you truly believe that Xing Sibo and the Xing family would be a good match for Miss Zhuang?”

Chu Jinnian shot Fa Wenxuan a glance.

His eyes glinted with a cold sharpness.

Fan Wenxuan felt a jolt of surprise.

He was startled by how well Chu Jinnian could see through his thoughts and was even more surprised by Chu Jinnian’s profound understanding of Xing Sibo.

“In terms of personal character and talent, Xing Sibo truly is a fine choice. As for the matters of his family….”

Fan Wenxuan interjected, “If he moves out of the Xing household, there’s no reason why he couldn’t live a peaceful life.”

“Does Mr. Fan believe everyone in the world can be as indifferent to societal norms and unfazed by rumour as you? If this were the case, you wouldn’t be the only renowned figure in the capital.”

Chu Jinnian was evidently skeptical.

“All I did was try to make a connection. Miss Zhuang might not necessarily be interested….”

Fan Wenxuan flushed at Chu Jinnian’s words, “I simply believe Miss Zhuang is quite a remarkable person who bears the burden of her family business with much hardship. It wouldn’t be bad if I could help her find a good match. That would make quite a lovely story.”

“Besides, Xing Sibo respects my teachings and holds me in high regard. If there were any issues in the future, I could step in and help. It would also mean that Miss Zhuang has a supportive figure from her maiden home.”

“You mean someone like Mr. Fan, who struggles to protect himself?” The mockery was apparent at the corners of Chu Jinnian’s mouth.

Fan Wenxuan’s face reddened yet again.

Indeed, he was merely a scholar. Even if Zhuang Qingning were to be in trouble, his ability to help would be limited to verbal criticisms and stern reproaches. When faced with the harsh realities of power, his protests were futile. The last time he faced trouble, he had to seek Chu Jinnian’s protection to ensure safety.

“Miss Zhuang holds Mr. Fan in high regard, and because of the issue with Miss Sui, she is very grateful to Mr. Fan. If Mr. Fan were to recommend someone who also happens to be his pupil, how would Miss Zhuang react? Would she feel obligated to consider, thinking that as a recommendation by Mr. Fan, there couldn’t be any issues with the individual’s character or family background, and impulsively accept?”

“Also, men have little knowledge or interest in the mundane affairs of a household, and out of dignity, there are many things they can’t do, many words they can’t say. As a result, the wives in the households often have to step in and take on the unpleasant responsibilities. Imagine what their lives would be like under the additional burden of being called unfilial.”

Chu Jinnian’s words left Fan Wenxuan blushing and somewhat speechless.

He hadn’t truly thought it all through.

While it would be best if Zhuang Qingning could stay nearby, having her marry one of his pupils would certainly offer some protection to Zhuang Qingning in the future. But, he hadn’t accounted for the rest.

“I was presumptuous in this matter…” Fan Wenxuan hung his head, looking like a wilted eggplant.

“Let’s not discuss it further.”

Fan Wenxuan waved his hand, emphasizing again, “I will absolutely not bring up this matter again.”

“It would be for the best, Mr. Fan.” Chu Jinnian glanced down, flipping a page in his book, “Thank you for your strenuous efforts recently. I have asked someone to deliver a few inscriptions to your room, which I brought back from the capital.”

“Thank you, Master.” While Fan Wenxuan didn’t care for wealth or fame, faced with books and paintings, his scholar persona could not hide his joy.

Upon hearing Chu Jinnian’s present, he was overjoyed.

Primarily because he knew Chu Jinnian still thought of him, but also because Chu Jinnian wasn’t completely angered by the Zhuang Qingning incident.

Either reason brought reassurance to Fan Wenxuan.

But his heart soon tensed again.

Was Chu Jinnian paying too much attention to Zhuang Qingning?

The previous night, Chu Jinnian stopped him from speaking, yet didn’t confront him immediately. He had been lying in wait for Fan Wenxuan to walk right into the trap, ensuring he learnt his lesson.

It seemed to him that in Chu Jinnian’s heart, Zhuang Qingning held a more significant place than he had imagined.

Could it be that…?

“There’s one thing I need to make clear to Master Chu,” Fan Wenxuan, with a furrowed brow, addressed Chu Jinnian.

“Oh? What is it?” Chu Jinnian put down his book, “Mr. Fan, please speak.”

I wonder what matter could have him so serious.

“You absolutely must not recruit Miss Zhuang as a staff member!”

Fan Wenxuan was entirely serious, and his voice was firm and resolute.

Chu Jinnian, “….”

After a moment of silence, Chu Jinnian nodded lightly, responding equally seriously, “Rest assured, Mr. Fan, I absolutely won’t recruit Miss Zhuang as a staff member.”

He stressed heavily on the last two words.

“That’s good.” Receiving confirmation, Fan Wenxuan left satisfied.