Chapter 367: Li Yun Ting's Glance

the eldest son of a Duke's family. He himself is very capable. Do you know who his teacher is”Xu Huaiyi shook his head.Li Yunting mentioned a personal name, her tone revealing an unmistakable reverenc...The two people walking away were still talking. Xu Huai Lian asked, puzzled and displeased, "Big brother, why are you still looking at his face We don't need him anymore now. Compared to the Qiao family, what is he"

The Qiao family is an influential family through marriage. Even if Xu Huaiyi passes the entrance exam to Jingwu Academy, it's not guaranteed he'll pass the martial arts civil service examination and become an official. Right now, he's just a commoner, so there's no need for them to flatter him.

Xu Huai-ren said earnestly, “Don’t underestimate him. As you said before, his master was a son of a prominent family, and his business partners were the imperial merchants from the Su family. Do you think he could have achieved this level solely on luck Don’t be fooled by Huai-li. What he says can only be taken half seriously. He has a deep grudge against Huai-yi and naturally looks down on him, constantly speaking ill of him. In reality, among our brothers, the most capable one is actually him…”

Xu Huai-lian scoffed, "In the past, he was the most despised one at home. If he really had any ability, how could he turn out like this"

Back then in Xu's village, who could have seen Xu Huaiyi

Xu Huai Ren was also somewhat puzzled by this. To say he was biding his time, that period was too long, almost twenty years. This patience was comparable to "lying in bed and tasting gall" He pondered and sought the most likely reason: “Perhaps, before he felt the time wasn't right. After all, with parents pressing down on him, did he dare to rebel The clan would certainly not tolerate him. As a son-in-law who came from another family, he didn't even have someone to help him in the village. Naturally, he could only endure it. Otherwise, his situation would be worse. Later, when his daughter-in-law almost died, that was when the time was ripe for him to leave home. He was in the right, and others couldn’t say anything about it, after all, it was almost a life-or-death situation. Even if his parents used filial piety to press down on him, they wouldn't be able to control him anymore.”

Xu Huailian looked unconvinced, "It's true, a dog that bites doesn't bark."

Xu Huai-ren nodded in agreement, "Therefore, don't underestimate him. He may have a bright future ahead of him. Although we have found a foothold thanks to the Qiao family, we are still far from being able to compete with him."

Xu Huai-lian unconsciously said, "The Qiao family is beyond his reach. Even if he becomes an official in the future, if he thinks of reaching the level of the Qiao family, it will be impossible in this lifetime. The Qiao family has produced a noble consort and the fourth prince. What is Xu Huai-yi At most, he's just a petty official from a humble family. In front of the Qiao family, he wouldn't even be worthy of tying their shoes..."

Upon hearing this, Xu Huai Ren couldn't help but frown, "Where did you hear this from Was it Huai Li He's on the estate, what can he possibly see of the world He thinks he knows everything and gets flattered by the tenant farmers, thinking he's invincible. Don't let him mislead you. You work in Qiao's mansion, seeing more of the world than him. You should understand things better than him. How dare you compare yourself to him You don't know that the eldest son of the Qiao family's main branch is his classmate and even eats at his house You work for the Qiao family, haven't you heard these things"

Xu Huai Lian pursed his lips tightly. Yes, he was working in the Qiao family mansion, but only as a guard. When he first arrived, he felt quite proud, but after a few days, he realized that being a guard was just another form of servitude. Any master in the Qiao family could call him around and order him about at will. No one treated him as a relative of the Qiao family. Although he was Honglian's older brother, it was incredibly difficult to see her face because he was a servant and servants were not allowed to enter the inner courtyard.

Thinking about this, he suddenly said, "Big brother, I also want to go to the Martial Arts Academy."

Xu Huai Ren couldn't help but be taken aback, "Why did you suddenly say that"

Xu Huai-lian chuckled wryly, “It wasn’t sudden. I’d wanted to go a long time ago, but back then our family couldn’t afford it. All the money went to my fifth brother. How could I have dared to ask Father and Mother”

Xu Huai-ren stopped his steps, turned around and sized him up. Of all his brothers, the fourth brother was the strongest and most skilled in combat. "Are you really going to the Wushu Academy"

Henry Hsu stressed the importance of head.

"But you're age now..."

"Xu Huaiyi is a year older than me, and he went too. I'm even better than him at the basics. If he can go, why can't I"

Xu Huai Ren hesitated and remained silent.

Xu Huailian cried out urgently, “Big Brother, our family isn’t short of silver now. If I go to the Martial Arts Academy, it won’t affect anything. I can still make a future for my family. Lao Wu’s arm is injured and he has no hope for the imperial exams anymore, but I can! I might not be good at the Four Books and Five Classics, but I can practice martial arts, and I have absolutely no problem with that. I can also endure the hardship. Who knows, maybe I can carve a path for myself and change our family’s fortunes.”

The last sentence touched Xu Huai-ren. Indeed, their family was not short of money now, so supporting one person in studying was still very easy. Besides, there was the Qiao family, who knew, they might actually make something of themselves.

"Alright, since you want to read it, then our family will let you."

"Thank you, big brother!"

Seeing his trembling hands, Xu Huai Ren patted his shoulder, “Which martial academy do you want to take the exam for”

"Of course it's the best," Xu Huai-lian blurted out.

Xu Huai-ren smiled, “The best martial arts academy is Jingwu Academy, but I heard that the threshold is very high, not anyone can get in. Of course, with your spirit, big brother is happy, you can try first.”

Xu Huailian didn't want to be underestimated. He clenched his fists and said resolutely, "I'm sure I can do it."

Xu Huaiyi can do it, why can't he

"You should practice a lot this time, and you also need to read books. I heard that the martial arts exam requires quite a few books. It's not as easy as you think."

“I'll go buy a book tomorrow to read.”

"If you don't understand something, just let the fifth one teach you."

"Row..."

Xu Huaiyi may not know, this meeting, the exciting Xu Huailan also had the idea of taking the martial arts academy exam. After he brought his prey home, he let Wei Liang slaughter the wild chicken and rabbit. He cooked a chicken soup for dinner and roasted a rabbit with a layer of honey brushed on the skin and sprinkled with Xu Huaiyi's secret seasoning. After it was roasted, the fragrance wafted out for three miles.

Just looking at their looks, people would drool, making Ah Li's eyes well up with longing. Xu Huaiyi couldn't resist this offensive and tore off a piece, chopped it finely with a knife, and carefully fed it to her.

Only then did Ah Li burst into a smile.

Gu Huanxi glared at Xu Huaiyi several times, wasn't he spoiling him too much He cried and immediately conceded, how could he be educated like this in the future

Xu Huaiyi smiled indulgently, “Just this once, we'll make an exception.”

Only if he likes her would that be possible.

Jiang Yong jokingly said, "A loving father and a strict mother," but he turned a blind eye to Xu Huaiyi's behavior.

Gu Xiaoyu didn't stop him either.

Three men, a rare united front.

Gu Huaxi looked at her pampered daughter with a tired sigh. She could already foresee how difficult it would be to discipline her in the future.

The next day, Xu Huaiyi ate breakfast and had Wei Liang drive him to the Sun family to deliver New Year's gifts.

Technically, I could have brought Gu Xiaoyu along, but after some thought, I decided against it. Although Gu Xiaoyu said he rarely went out and didn't know many people, the Sun family isn't just any ordinary place, so it's best not to take any chances.

Moreover, Sun Shangshu is a shrewd and experienced man. If he catches even the slightest hint of anything, things will become very troublesome. Right now, it's far too early to expose Xiao Yu's identity. Their plan is to at least wait until the eldest prince ascends the throne. At that time, although Xiao Yu won't be entirely safe, if they remain hidden any longer, it will affect the future. They can only face the challenge head-on unless they want to live anonymously as Gu Xiaoyu for the rest of their lives.

The mule cart entered the city. Xu Huaiyi pushed open the window and casually glanced out. As the end of the year approached, the shops in the city were bustling with customers, crowded and lively. He didn't expect to run into acquaintances on the road.

"Yunting!"

Li Yun Ting was about to enter the teahouse when he heard a voice. He turned around and saw Xu Huai Yi sitting in a carriage, smiling at him and waving his hand. He raised the corner of his mouth and walked over quickly, "Where are you going"

Xu Huaiyi said, "Go to the Sun family and give my master a New Year's gift. What about you You came to the teahouse for tea so early in the morning"

Li Yunting helplessly said, “No, it’s about looking at each other.”

"What Looking at each other In a teahouse This kind of thing isn't supposed to happen in temples outside the city, under the guise of incense burning, is it"

Li Yunting was speechless. "Where did you hear that"

Xu Huaiyi blinked. "It's written in the book, isn't it"

Li Yun Ting shook her head. "Naturally not, in the dead of winter, who would go to the temple to burn incense When the weather warms up, there are some, but most of the time, they only meet when there is a banquet at home, or sometimes at teahouses..."

Xu Huaiyi suddenly realized, indeed one should not fully trust books. He couldn't help but curiously ask, "Would you like to come see for yourself"

"How is that possible My mother is upstairs..."

"Oh, which young lady are you referring to It's alright if you don't want to say..." Xu Huaiyi asked, then immediately felt awkward. In ancient times, one had to be very discreet about such matters. Before anything was settled, they would never publicize it outside, lest they ruin the woman's reputation.

Li Yun Ting said, "As for you, there's nothing inconvenient. And, barring any unforeseen circumstances, my future wife will be her..."

Hsueh-yi widened his eyes, "Didn't you just go to see it How did you decide so quickly"

Li Yun Ting chuckled self-deprecatingly, “Since the Marquis Dingyuan has chosen me and my mother agreed, today’s meeting is merely a formality. It doesn’t really matter if I show up or not. After all, what I say doesn’t count anyway.”

"Then what..."

"I'm fine. I didn't have high expectations for marriage anyway. It doesn't really matter who I marry."

Xu Huaiyi was speechless for a moment. Previously, Li Yunting hadn't been like this. While he didn't explicitly say he wanted to be in love, he also refused to be controlled by his family, but now, he had compromised. Eighty percent, it was his mother's 'achievement'.

"Well, the arrangement made by my family might not be a bad thing. Love can be cultivated after all. My wife and I didn't fall in love at first sight either..." They were classmates in their past life, true blue childhood sweethearts who fell in love over time.

Listening to his awkward consolation, Li Yunting's indifferent eyes flashed a hint of warmth. She leaned closer to the car window and whispered softly, "The other party is a daughter of the Zuo family. Although she is a concubine, she was raised by her stepmother since childhood. It is said that her character, appearance, and talent are all excellent. To match me as a secondary wife is a bargain for me, so I have no grievances or unwillingness."

Xu Huaiyi asked in surprise, "The Left family Is she the daughter of Lord Left from the Ministry of Rites"

Li Yun Ting nodded, "That's a surprise, isn't it"

Xu Huaiyi frankly said, "When I first heard it, I was very surprised, but after thinking about it, I didn't think much of it. Although the official position of Minister of Rites is not low, your family is a Marquisate with an official title, and there is also a Third Prince behind you. Your status is still very impressive. Besides, you yourself have excellent conditions, both in appearance and talent, being well-rounded in literature and martial arts. You are definitely the first choice for a husband who can ride the dragon's back..."

"That's also beyond my reach. After all, I've been living as a mistress for over ten years, which is something that can't be erased."

Xu Huaiyi said meaningfully, “Didn’t Zuo DaRen make a mistake not long ago”

Li Yunting smiled, "That's right, he accepted bribes from Yao Changjun. If he hadn't confessed proactively and the Emperor had shown mercy, he might have been demoted by now. Even now, while he's still in his position as a Minister, he sits nervously. So, using a marriage alliance to find a patron is the best option."

The left family found support in the Dingyuan Houfu, whose head was the deputy commander of the Imperial Guard with real power and backed by the third prince. This made them a formidable force. Of course, such things take two to tango. The Dingyuan Houfu also wanted to draw the left family closer to the third prince, seeing value in this Minister of Rites, which is why they hit it off immediately.

Xu Huaiyi curiously asked again, "Why didn't you mention Li Yunxuan"

This marriage for the left family is still quite good. Li Yunxuan is more favored in Dingyuan Houfu, skipping over him to give it to Li Yunting is unreasonable.

Li Yun Ting sneered, “Originally, he had considered me first, but he wasn’t up to par. His concubine in the back yard gave birth to an illegitimate son. I don’t know how it got out and was discovered by the Left family. Although the Left family wanted to use this marriage to consolidate their status, they also genuinely cared for their daughter. So, they settled for second best and chose me, his outer chamber wife.”

Xu Huaiyi, hearing this, couldn't help but tease, "So you managed to pick up a bargain! Well done, your luck is good. I was worried for nothing just now, I should be the one congratulating you. When you get married, don't forget to invite me for a drink."

Li Yun Ting said, “I may forget who, but I will never forget you. At that time, you should be my stand-in.”

Xu Huaiyi readily agreed, “As long as you don’t mind my humble status and I bring shame upon you, I will go.”

Li Yun Ting also followed his joke with a humorous remark, "You as the emperor's figurehead, would only add to my glory. You can even get several princes to go out of their way to flatter you, who else has your charisma"

Xu Huaiyi chuckled, "Go quickly, don't keep the young lady waiting."

"Good…"

After arriving at the Sun family, from the doorman to the steward, everyone showed great warmth and enthusiasm towards Xu Huaiyi's arrival.

Xu Huaiyi is kind and gregarious, and he's eloquent as well. Even the servants in the Sun family have a good impression of him.

Since the court is currently sealed, Sun Shangshu is at home. As the head of the household, Xu Huaiyi came to pay his respects and inquire about his well-being.

Sun Shangshu highly regarded him. Not only did he meet with him himself, but he also called upon all other members of his family to speak with him. Generations of the Sun family, from the eldest to the youngest, gathered together. Xu Huaiyi was neither humble nor arrogant, his knowledge and experience were remarkable, and his language was humorous. He could converse with people of any age group for a few sentences. Sitting among the Sun family members, he responded with ease and grace.

At noon, he was still invited to have a meal. After the meal, Sun Shangshu called him to his study. This time, only Sun Yu followed, and no one else had the “honor”.didn't seize control. He didn't hold onto the most important account books, he wasn't power-hungry, greedy, or seeking attention...Logically speaking, this was a golden opportunity for him to make a n...