Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Jiang Pengji nodded to confirm his guess. “Father said the Wei’s want Jing’er to marry Wuma Jun… Frankly, she will not be happy, and that’s not what I want to see.”
Jiang Pengji’s patience and love for cute girls made her concerned about Wei Jingxian’s happiness. Although Jiang Pengji had only met her twice, Liu Lanting treated her like a sister.
Feng Jin was silent for a moment. He did not like Wuma Jun either, but he did not think that badly of him.
“What has Zhengze done? You seem to dislike him strongly.”
“As if you appreciate him much.” Jiang Pengji rolled her eyes. “Jing’er is like my sister. If you were me, would you want her to marry a guy like him?”
Feng Jin smiled. “You have a sharp eye. Not many can tell I dislike him, not even Wuma Jun. Still, what makes you think I’m an ideal match for the Wei lady?”
“I know little about people in Dongqing, but I can tell you’re a popular choice among families.” Jiang Pengji meant what she said. “Still, you are right. These are but my thoughts. It all depends on your parents, and it’s no use for me to think too much here.”
Feng Jin simply returned a smile.
It was understandable for Jiang Pengji to mention that, for many of his schoolmates had recommended their sisters to him before, although he had rejected them all.
He would not form his family before finding his position in the court and in the world.
She may be worried about Wei Jingxian because of their friendship, but since the ladies’ parents were still alive and healthy, she had no say over the matter.
Feng Jin turned to the side and recollected the few memories he had about Wei Jingxian. That was a clever girl.
The one sitting next to him, however, was the cleverest he had ever encountered.
It was a pity that Officer Liu had not the slightest intention of revealing her identity to the public. Yet, the name of Liu Xi would be ruined once people knew she was a female.
He consoled his friend. “Let things take their course.”
“That’s all I can do.”
Jiang Pengji hated Feng Jin’s reply but understood that it would be unrealistic to demand women in the world to depend upon themselves. However, there were not many reliable men in ancient times.
Everything about the era annoyed her––especially the inferiority of females.
They continued their chat for some time before the carriage arrived at Yingchun Mansion. Instead of the Liu’s or Feng Jin’s accommodations, they decided to return there first.
It was the middle of the night, but the roads were so bright that the people moving under candlelight appeared somehow unreal.
When the two re-entered the room, Liu She was reading attentively at the table. Girls were singing tenderly in the background.
Sitting next to him was Wuma Jun, whose delighted expressions showed how encouraged he was by his interaction with Liu She before their return.
“At last you come back.” Liu She closed his book and looked up at Jiang Pengji. “How’s that?”
“Not bad.”
Their strange conversation almost wiped away the smile on Wuma Jun’s face. How would there be a father who cared so much about his son’s experience in brothels?
It may also affirm the rumors about Liu She’s close relationship with his legitimate son. Wuma Jun became interested in befriending Jiang Pengji.
Feng Jin was relieved that Liu She asked nothing about them being missing, since his friend would make him the scapegoat without hesitation.
“Let’s go home, then.” Liu She stood up, his eyes moving from Jiang Pengji to Feng Jin. He frowned. “If you’re coming for some music next time, remember to tell your mother beforehand.”
Jiang Pengji answered yes.
On the other side of her, Feng Jin could feel Liu She becoming more distant. Was he overthinking?
Wuma Jun refrained himself from asking them to stay, for it would be ridiculous in such a place. So he saw the two leave and got into their carriage.
“Huaiyu, you’re really close to Officer Liu’s son.”
“I only wish I could meet him earlier.” Feng Jin smiled. “It’s quite late, so I’m leaving too. Are you staying here?”
Wuma Jun shook his head. He had come for fun, but he was then distracted by Liu She. As Liu She returned home and his interest in Chun’er and Xia’er was gone, he decided he would rather rest. “I’ll leave with you.”
In the carriage, Liu She continued reading, but Jiang Pengji could tell he was simply attempting to hide his restlessness.
“Father, you may ask me anything you want.” She grabbed a handful of snacks from a casket in the carriage and threw them into her mouth. “You’ve carried a question ever since I returned. It must be related to me.”
As she said it, there was no point in pretending further. He looked at her clothes, perplexed, and asked carefully, “Well, you and Feng Huaiyu?”
“…We’re friends. Why?” She thought it was obvious that Feng Jin treated her like a brother and that she viewed him as a sister.
“But you…” Liu She’s brow knitted even more tightly. He wished the two had swapped their genders, so then he could ask, “Have you two done some naughty things?”
But he was too embarrassed to say it in front of a daughter.
Still, he underestimated Jiang Pengji, who immediately understood after seeing the dust and crumbled wall paint on her clothes.
“I didn’t press Feng Jin against the wall,” she explained matter-of-factly.
“…” He wished she had kept quiet. He became even more concerned than before.