novelThat Frog in The Well
| ← Ch.056 | Ch.058 → |
Edited by DancingDolphinsYo
A silence descended upon Wangshu Residence. Wu Xingzi looked at Mr. Lu's ashen face worriedly, wondering if he should ask the physician over to take a look.
Wu Xingzi too understood that Mr. Lu probably had not thought about how to break off this engagement. After all, Miss Yue was very sincere about the relationship. Even though Wu Xingzi had only met her once, he could still sense that the young girl's love for Mr. Lu was not muddled or unclear.
Sighing lightly, while feeling somewhat apologetic to Mr. Lu, Wu Xingzi's heart too ached for Guan Shanjin.
It seemed that these two people still had a long way to go.
"This is a matter between Haiwang and me, there's no need for Mr. Wu to worry over it." Mr. Lu spoke coldly after a pause. Glaring at Wu Xingzi, his eyes were filled with flames.
"Sorry, I've overstepped. Mr. Lu, please forgive me." Wu Xingzi stood up frankly, cupping his hands together in apology. He reflected on himself, whether he spoke too much. This matter, after all, wasn't something he had the right to worry about.
"I'm a little tired now, so I won't be entertaining Mr. Wu any longer. I hope that what Mr. Wu promised me today, will not be easily forgotten." Mr. Lu did not bother standing up. With lowered eyes, his tone was weary, and it seemed like he truly was exhausted."Han Xiao, send Mr. Wu back."
"Yes. Mr. Wu, please."
"Sorry for having disturbed you, Mr. Lu." Glancing at Mr. Lu, Wu Xingzi sighed again, before stepping out of the bamboo pavilion and following behind Han Xiao's back.
On the way back to Shuanghe Yard, they happened to meet Mint who was speeding back from the main kitchen. When Mint saw her elder sister, she pursed her lips, grabbing onto her and started muttering away. Mint diverted her attention to listen to her sister complain, frowning and sighing intermittently. Finally, she looked at her master in disbelief. Her mouth opened, as though she wanted to say something, but when she caught sight of Han Xiao's quiet figure, she suppressed it.
Back in Shuanghe Yard, Han Xiao did not withdraw. Instead, she bowed and then watched Wu Xingzi calmly, making him extremely anxious. Only then, did she speak."What Mr. Wu said just now, was it all from your heart?"
"Huh? Which line are you referring to?" Wu Xingzi looked lost. He could not understand why Han Xiao would ask this question.
"Is it true that you're planning on leaving Bastion City?" Han Xiao decided to just be direct. Hearing this, Mint and Osmanthus too hurriedly stared at their master, holding their breaths and waiting for the answer.
"Uhh..." Wu Xingzi scratched the fleshy tip of his nose, hesitating slightly before he gave a wry reply."There's also no point in me staying here."
Guan Shanjin and Mr. Lu had finally confirmed their feelings for each other. So, there was no longer a need for him, this substitute, anymore, right?
Han Xiao nodded."Mr. Wu is bright and clever, just like how Vice General Man had described."
Next, she took a couple of steps forward, and continued with a lowered voice."Does Mr. Wu plan on returning to Qingcheng County?"
"Uhh..." Of course Wu Xingzi had planned on returning home. However, with Han Xiao's abrupt question, he now hesitated. Although he did not believe that Guan Shanjin would go all the way there searching for him, just in case... Wu Xingzi suddenly registered the quiet anticipation within his heart, and his face paled involuntarily.
"I've been fortunate enough to be able to serve the general for many years, so I would daringly like to give Mr. Wu some suggestions." Han Xiao drew even closer. Afraid that their master would be bullied, Mint and Osmanthus too came closer. Wu Xingzi could only take half a step back to avoid any gossip. Han Xiao shot a look at the two young girls, her gaze amused. Next, she continued respectfully, "The general does not like things to not go his way. For Mr. Wu to leave like this, I'm afraid that this will deeply anger the general."
"Uhh..." Wu Xingzi paused."How about I inform him? He should be able to understand."
For some reason, Wu Xingzi recalled the previous incident when he wanted to go home for the New Year. At that time, when he said that he wanted to leave, Guan Shanjin had even been angered to the point of vomiting blood. However, now that he had Mr. Lu, things should have changed.
The only thing was that Guan Shanjin had no longer sought him out since half a month ago. This "informing" seemed like it would be rather difficult.
Han Xiao observed Wu Xingzi for a moment, then nodded, her slight smile rather ambiguous."This is a good idea. Why don't I help you invite the general over?"
"Could you? I'll be very grateful to you." Wu Xingzi's eyes brightened as he smiled happily."Miss Han Xiao, it's so fortunate that you're here."
"No, no. This is part of my duties." Having done what she was supposed to do, Han Xiao too felt relieved. She gave Wu Xingzi an ambiguous yet sympathetic look, then bowed and withdrew.
As Guan Shanjin's trusted maidservant, she naturally was not someone Mr. Lu could order about, and did not truly take Mr. Lu as her master. However, Man Yue was different. In the general's estate, or rather, the entire Bastion City, right below the general was Vice General Man. This seemingly plump and honest-looking Man Yue, if he were to declare being the second best at being a mastermind, no one would dare call themselves the best. Whether it was Han Xiao or Hei'er, these close subordinates would always listen to Man Yue.
Despite not understanding what Man Yue was planning, Han Xiao dared not treat his instructions lightly.
After sending Han Xiao off, Mint and Osmanthus came back with pouts, asking what were Wu Xingzi's intentions. Upon confirming that he really wanted to leave, the shoulders of the two young girls fell. They were almost about to cry, but managed to hold their tears back.
Wu Xingzi's heart ached greatly! He had doted on these two girls as though they were his nieces. Suddenly saying that he was going to leave, he too was very upset. However, Bastion City was not the place where he could stay forever, as one always had to return home.
That day, all three of them looked very gloomy. Wu Xingzi even had two less bowls of rice during lunch, while he did finish all the dishes. Lazily, he leant in the chair next to the cucumber rack, dozing on and off, taking the opportunity to decipher his own feelings.
Mint and Osmanthus too dragged a stool each and sat down not too far from Wu Xingzi, sewing away as they accompanied him.
The spring sun was warm and not too scorching. The wind brought along with it the scent of nature, carrying a breeze that made one feel very comfortable. Somehow or another, Wu Xingzi fell asleep.
Noticing that he was sleeping, Mint deftly covered him up with a cloak. However, in the next moment, it was taken away by a large and elegantly pretty hand. Nearly screaming out in shock, Mint quickly covered her mouth. Widened eyes trailed up that hand, and she looked up to see Guan Shanjin's flawless face.
"General!" Osmanthus too registered his presence, hurriedly tossing away the needle in her hand and running over. The two of them greeted Guan Shanjin.
"You may stand." Guan Shanjin casually waved at them, returning the cloak to Mint."How long has he been asleep?"
While asking them, his eyes were glued to Wu Xingzi, just like a man finally finding water in a desert.
"General, Mr. Wu has just fallen asleep."
"Mn." Guan Shanjin nodded slightly, bending over and carefully lifting Wu Xingzi in his arms, his motions steady and nimble. Wu Xingzi only made a quiet sound, his head falling onto Guan Shanjin's shoulder. Nuzzling into it, he then smiled and fell deeply asleep again.
Looking at his trusting actions, Guan Shanjin's heart softened. He desperately wished to tuck this person into his arms and never be apart, but was also worried that his actions would be too jerky and disturb the man's sweet dreams. As such, he somewhat clumsily shifted about before he managed to seat the two of them together in the chair.
"The cloak." He quietly called out, holding out a hand to Mint. The young girl was in a daze, and only handed Guan Shanjin the cloak after a glance from him."You can withdraw now."
"... Yes." Both Mint and Osmanthus were not very willing. However, Guan Shanijn's gaze was too frightening, and they had no choice but to leave reluctantly.
After the two girls were a long distance away, Guan Shanjin laughed lightly. He carefully covered Wu Xingzi with the cloak, afraid that he would be chilled. Although it was warm in Bastion City, the wind of early spring still carried with it traces of a chill. If one was not careful, they could catch a cold, and how could Guan Shanjin bear to let Wu Xingzi suffer?
However, Wu Xingzi was sleeping very comfortably. His warm breaths exhaled on to the crook of Guan Shanjin's neck, and the heat sent tingles throughout Guan Shanjin's body. Only by repressing his desire did Guan Shanjin manage not to take this person and have his way with him. Bearing the torture, he patted the back of Wu Xingzi's hips.
Snuggling into each other, Guan Shanjin was unable to see the old fellow's face. Unsatisfied, he pulled Wu Xingzi deeper into his arms, and decided to just close his eyes and rest as well.
Having slept for some time, when Wu Xingzi woke up, the sun was already descending down the horizon. The air he breathed was mingled with the scent of sandalwood and orange blossoms. Regretfully, he huffed out a breath, thinking that he truly had a pleasant dream, to be able to even dream about Guan Shanjin's scent.
"You're awake?" A familiar voice came from above Wu Xingzi. Freezing in the act of nuzzling into the surface that he was leaning on, Wu Xingzi jerked his head up, narrowly missing Guan Shanjin's chin.
"You... You..." The arms around him were too tight, and even when looking up, all Wu Xingzi could see was Guan Shanjin's elegant chin and neck. Only then did Guan Shanjin relax a little, with a faint, mischievous smile, and the two were finally able to look at each other directly.
"Were you shocked?"
"Uhh..." Wu Xingzi nodded slowly. He suddenly recalled that before Han Xiao left, she said that she would request for Guan Shanjin to come over. However, he had not expected that Guan Shanjin would come so quickly. Wasn't he busy preparing for Mr. Lu's wedding? There were barely three days left!
Without thinking, Wu Xingzi asked, "Mr. Lu has told you about it?"
There could only be this possibility, or why else could Guan Shanjin have this free time to come?
"About what?" Guan Shanjin's smile faded away, an indifferent iciness hanging over his brows.
"Umm..." Just as he was about to answer, Wu Xingzi fortunately managed to cover his own mouth, preventing himself from revealing Mr. Lu's feelings. Even though most people knew that Mr. Lu had feelings for Guan Shanjin, there was still the matter of the wedding, and so, Wu Xingzi should not be the one disclosing this to Guan Shanjin.
"Hmm?" Guan Shanjin pulled his hand down. Looking at that half-opened mouth, he could not stop himself from leaning down and kissing those lips, entangling their tongues together and teasing it.
Only after leaving Wu Xingzi gasping for breath did Guan Shanjin pull away reluctantly, brushing Wu Xingzi's kiss-swollen lips with a finger.
Wu Xingzi's face was a blushing red from the kiss, feeling both embarrassed and intoxicated. According to everyone, Guan Shanjin had finally managed to win Mr. Lu over already, and so he should no longer be so enchanted with himself. However, why was he still so passionate?
"Why are you falling into a daze again?" Guan Shanjin had never known that just by looking at someone, he could be this satisfied. He wished deeply that they would forever be able to cling onto each other like this. Even Mr. Lu had never been able to make him feel this way before. Exactly what was so special about Wu Xingzi? Guan Shanjin too could not come to a conclusion, and only knew that he never wanted to be apart from this old quail.
For this couple of weeks, he had endured and suppressed his desires greatly. To make Mr. Lu feel at ease, to make the Yue family feel at ease, and also to make the people behind the Yue family focus on Mr. Lu, Guan Shanjin had no choice but to distance himself from Wu Xingzi. He refused to even sneak a look at him, deeply afraid that it would cause a shift in the situation.
However, when Han Xiao passed a message saying that Wu Xingzi wanted to see him, Guan Shanjin could no longer hold himself back. Fortunately, the results of the past couple of weeks were pretty decent, good enough to let him slack off for half a day, and for him to spend time with this old fellow.
Squinting at him, Wu Xingzi opened his mouth, hesitant."Is Mr. Lu... really getting married three days later?"
"Yes." Hearing another man's name from Wu Xingzi's lips, Guan Shanjin could not help but frown."Why are you asking this?"
Han Xiao had reported to Guan Shanjin that Mr. Lu had invited Wu Xingzi for tea today, and his words to Wu Xingzi had been rather grating, and Guan Shanjin felt unavoidably distressed. Was Wu Xingzi about to air his grievances to him? When this thought popped up in his head, Guan Shanjin was inexplicably delighted. Even his brows had relaxed, and embracing Wu Xingzi, he rocked him slightly.
"I'm thinking about..." His decision to leave was at the tip of his tongue, but Wu Xingzi swallowed it back down. Bowing his head, he wrung the ties of the cloak unconsciously. When Guan Shanjin saw it, he caught that hand, playing about with it.
Their fingers entwined together, then separating and stroking along each other, finally interlocking with each other. It was as though flames were trapped in Guan Shanjin's palm, so heated that Wu Xingzi's palm itched. The warmth spread up to his face, a flush following it, and even the tips of his ears reddened. Still, he obediently allowed Guan Shanjin to hold his hand, but he still did not have the courage to look up at that gorgeous, bewitching face.
"What are you thinking about?"
"Ai, I'm wondering, should I prepare a gift?" Once the words left his mouth, even Wu Xingzi himself felt that he was acting rather perfunctory. This matter had long been decided, and also, to mention the wedding now, he felt as though he was grinding away at Guan Shanjin's ego.
"A gift?" Guan Shanjin raised his brows, and tapped on the tip of Wu Xingzi's nose."What gift? Are you close to Mr. Lu?"
How could they be close? Some of the words spoken by Mr. Lu had been conveyed to Guan Shanjin by Han Xiao, and even he was unhappy after hearing them. If not for the fact that they had came from Mr. Lu's mouth, Guan Shanjin would definitely have dealt properly with that person.
"Uhh... after meeting three times, there's bound to be fate between us..." Wu Xingzi sighed, his shoulders drooping slightly. In Guan Shanjin's arms, he curled himself up into a ball.
"There's no need for a gift. Keep the allowance the estate has provided you well, there's no need to waste it on others." Thinking about Wu Xingzi's pitiful bucket stash of slightly more than nine silver taels, Guan Shanjin's heart ached."Weren't you also planning on treating me to a lamb feast?"
"Ah, if you didn't remind me, I'd have nearly forgotten about it." Silently, Wu Xingzi counted the balance in his money pouch. Together with this month's allowance he had just received a few days ago, he estimated that there should be nearly a hundred and twenty silver taels. The general's estate was truly too generous. Wu Xingzi could not, nor should he take the money along with him, but he should also treat Guan Shanjin to a meal.
"After Mr. Lu's wedding, you can treat me to a meal." Guan Shanjin had only said it casually, but the expression on Wu Xingzi's face had changed.
"After the wedding?" If that was the case, there was no longer the opportunity to do so.
After all, by then, he would be on the way back to Qingcheng County with Rancui.
"What's wrong? Why does your expression look so bad?" How could such a change be concealed from Guan Shanjin? A chill suffused his heart, and he pinched Wu Xingzi's cheek."What did Mr. Lu say to you?"
"Naye, naye..." Nervous, Wu Xingzi slipped into his local accent. Although Guan Shanjin did not understand, he could grasp that he was denying it, and so, it was clear that something did happen.
"Wu Xingzi, don't take to heart whatever Mr. Lu told you, and there's no need to take it seriously." Guan Shanjin lifted Wu Xingzi's chin, looking at him solemnly."When Mr. Lu is married, let's go to the capital."
"The capital?" That was a place miles away."What about visiting my ancestors' gravesites on Qingming?"
Guan Shanjin raised a brow, laughing."I knew you'd worry over such needless worries, alright! I'll wrap up everything in the capital before Qingming, then we'll go back to Qingcheng County for the tomb-sweeping."
Unthinkingly, Wu Xingzi nodded, and lost the opportunity to bid Guan Shanjin farewell.
This was the Great Southern Garrison General after all, and he would need to return to the capital soon to make his reports. Together with the wedding three days later, he was so busy that he barely had time to stop, and could not even have dinner together with Wu Xingzi. After hugging and kissing Wu Xingzi, Guan Shanjin had to leave.
Wu Xingzi sent him off in a daze. Pressing his fingers against his tingling, kiss-swollen lips, even his tongue felt numb from the action, and it seemed to feel rather clumsy.
Should he still return to Qingcheng County? Hmm... Under the setting sun, a tall, large, dark figure appeared out of nowhere right in front of Wu Xingzi. Shocked, Wu Xingzi retreated a few steps, nearly shouting out in alarm with a hand pressed on his chest.
Only after looking carefully did Wu Xingzi realise the newcomer was Hei'er.
"Hei'er?"
"Adviser Wu." Hei'er cupped his hands at him, a certain determination in his swarthy, resolute face.
"Why are you here? Would you like a cup of tea?" The person in front of him seemed a little different from usual, and Wu Xingzi's heart inexplicably skipped a little.
"Would Adviser Wu like to return to Qingcheng County?" Hei'er took a couple of steps forward, his tone slightly agitated.
Wu Xingzi was silent for a few moments, before quietly replying, "Yes..."
No matter what plans Guan Shanjin had, even though Wu Xingzi had wavered just now, Wu Xingzi was still that Wu Xingzi, that little frog in a well.
"Then, I'll take you there." Hei'er fell to one knee, his right hand on his heart."You're my master, I'll keep you safe."
| ← Ch. 056 | Ch. 058 → |