Chapter 322: Those Carefree Days Of Youth (V)

“Brother Ci, Father is drinking tea in the front hall.”

Wei Ci walked out of Jiang Pengji’s house. He briefly refreshed himself before heading to his master’s house to visit.

Even though Master Yuanjing was known––presently the most well-known scholar–– throughout the nine prefectures, he lived simply. His residence was neither big nor small. Its decorations were unassuming, and he worked on the courtyard layout himself. It looked like a natural field.

Just as he lifted his hand to knock, the door opened by itself. A somewhat prominent, young, fresh face, full of vitality, appeared in the doorframe.

The person who opened the door was the master’s youngest daughter––the most beloved one, who was born when he was old––Zhu Qing Ning.

Wei Ci smiled, tucked his sleeve in, and said, “Is this due to Master’s incredible foresight again?”

Qing Ning did not give Master Yuanjing face. She added, a hint of playfulness in her voice, “Of course not. The truth is that Sanwu, who was in the inner courtyard, suddenly ran around joyfully. It was so noisy that Father was helpless. Thus, he knew Brother Ci was here. He is not as powerful as Brother Ci says.”

Sanwu was the cat Master Yuanjing unexpectedly picked up. It had a difficult pregnancy, and coincidentally, Wei Ci was at the manor visiting and was pulled by Qing Ning to help. It eventually gave birth to four pure black kittens. Perhaps because of that event, Sanwu was very close to Wei Ci.

Due to the incident, Wei Ci was teased by many of his fellow students––of course, there was malicious laughter too.

Those who mercilessly teased him said that if he had no achievements in the future, he could help women deliver their babies.

In response to their ill-meant words, Wei Ci just laughed. He did not take it to heart.

He imagined the scene of Master drinking tea in the hall and then being disturbed by Sanwu’s many antics. He suddenly could not help but laugh, showing his joyful face.

Qing Ning looked at him and couldn’t help but blush.

She was one step behind, hurrying to catch up. She gently bit her lower lip and asked shyly, “Brother Ci, did you just come after visiting your friend?”

“Yes,” Wei Ci said, “Master’s birthday is in early March. I will rush back no matter what.”

Qing Ning made an Oh sound, hung her head down, and said, “Then… does Brother Ci remember what happens on the sixteenth of February?”

“Sixteenth of February?” Wei Ci looked confused. “I know the fifteenth of February is the flower festival, but what is on the sixteenth?”

Qing Ning looked disappointed and tried hard to cover up her unhappiness. Luckily, they reached the front hall. She then hung her head and hurriedly took her leave.

Wei Ci was confused. Why were the thoughts of children so difficult to understand these days?

Master Yuanjing saw his youngest daughter’s disposition and knitted his brows, but did not make it obvious.

“Master,” Wei Ci greeted.

“Don’t stand on ceremony.” Master Yuanjing used his right hand to carry Sanwu, who was struggling to scratch him, while he tidied his sleeve. He appeared somewhat embarrassed.

Wei Ci held his laughter and said, “If Master cannot carry Sanwu, please allow his disciple to carry it on his behalf.”

Just as he finished speaking, Master Yuanjing relaxed his hold. Sanwu snuggled into Wei Ci’s bosom and found a comfortable spot to curl.

Master Yuanjing subtly twitched his mouth. Another person who was mesmerized by his youthful appearance… The old man was despised.

“You were happily talking to Wunaing just now. What was it about?”

Qing Ning was born fifth in the family, so many of her elders call her Wuniang.

Wei Ci did not understand and said, “Wuniang asked me if I remembered what happens on the sixteenth of February.”

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Master Yuanjing sighed and said, “That is Wuniang’s birthday.”

Wei Ci froze on the spot. His hand, which was stroking Sanwu’s neck, stopped moving. He inevitably came up with an absurd thought. It was indeed frighteningly absurd from Wei Ci’s point of view.

He feigned ignorance and smiled. “I understand now. She wanted to ask me for a birthday present.”

Master Yuanjing put on a serious face; he saw past Wei Ci’s disguise. “Wuniang will be thirteen after the sixteenth of February. She is of marriageable age.”

Since they were already on the topic, if Wei Ci continued to feign ignorance, it would be too much. He could only smile bitterly.

“I have seen Wuniang grow up. I am seven to eight years older than her… I only see her as my sister. I do not harbor any wishful thinking.”

“Your master knows you live a life of suffering and are not interested in the things of the world, but Wuniang is still young…” Master Yuanjing said and paused. He restrained himself and spoke softly, “With regards to this, your master will be glad if it happens, but the decision lies with you.”

He liked Wei Ci. Master Yuanjing watched Wei Ci grow up, so he knew his temperament. If he could have him as his son-in-law, it would be best. He loved Wunaing deeply––his child that he got at old age. As an old father, he naturally wished that she would lead a good life.

Wei Ci was shocked. Sanwu, who was in his bosom, sensed the change in his emotions and used a foot pad to pat Wei Ci, making multiple “meow” sounds.

“Your disciple has no such intention,” Wei Ci shook his head. “Moreover, Ci does not want to hurt her.”

The truth was that Wei Ci almost got married at the age of fifteen. Regretfully, when the two families exchanged cards containing their horoscopes, the prospective bride’s family was afraid and rejected the marriage.

Disregarding the marriage rejection, his reputation was almost completely damaged.

Those who were willing to befriend him were his true friends. Wei Ci treasured them dearly.

Regardless of their family or status, if they saw Wei Ci’s Bazi, who would dare to marry him?

Master Yuanjing discreetly rolled his eyes. Wei Ci’s reason for declining could fool the ignorant, but not him.

Bazi Mingge states that, “The one who believes will be under its control , while the unbeliever will be set free.”

Master Yuanjing sighed. “So be it. This old man will not be detestable and break up the lovers.”

Wei Ci’s expression turned stiff, as if he thought of something, but had the intention to avoid it.

“Young ladies are indecisive. They fall hard for something, but after they find a replacement, their affection wanes,” Master Yuanjing said humorously. “It’s soon to be the flower festival. Get your Master’s wife to don some unique makeup for Wuniang that is on par with your looks when the time comes. That should be the end of the matter.”

Wei Ci felt somewhat awkward. He was to be blamed for being handsome? His parents should have been responsible for the matter. However, Master Yuanjing stated his stance, which enabled Wei Ci to heave a sigh of relief.

He had lied, however. He did not see Qing Ning as his sister… In fact, he saw her as his daughter or granddaughter. He considered the difference in seniority and amended his speech.

Master Yuanjing and Wei Ci talked extensively about diverse topics before he was called by his Master’s wife, who had something to tell him.

Master Yuanjing watched Wei Ci leave. He kept silent and diverted his eyes to the screen at the side of the hall.

“Did you hear all that?”

Qing Ning sulked. Her eyes were teary, full of red vessels, and her face was marked with tear stains.

“You should smother wishes that are unattainable. Your father will find a worthy husband for you. Good girl, there are plenty of marriageable men in the world. Though not all of them are as good as your father, there are men like Zixiao out there.”

Master Yuanjing loved his young daughter, but he was not without principles. It was only troublesome with Wei Ci.

“I refuse to believe that Brother Wei is fated to mourn the death of his wife, children, parents, master, friends, and nine clans. I am not afraid!”

“Your father is not afraid either, but there is someone in Wei Ci’s heart. You cannot enter. Why suffer?”

After Qing Ning heard his words, she started weeping profusely. Father, this is not what we agreed upon from the start.