“The gentleman is like jade.” Perhaps this is the kind of person they mean. At least on the surface, he has that air.
A young man suddenly appeared, accompanied by the housekeeper Wen Kui in person. The key point was that he was brought to Jade Garden, where the third young lady lived.
An unmarried woman’s residence is not a place any man can just enter. Wen Kui would not be ignorant of the rules.
Yu Qing did not need to think hard to guess who had come. It could be no one other than that Young Master Yuwen. It seemed this time he really would have to meet Wen Xin.
What annoyed him more was that this so-called Young Master Yuwen was truly no less handsome than him. He also seemed far more refined than this country bumpkin. Who knew what Wen Xin would feel upon seeing him.
Yu Qing muttered curses in his heart. Not even married yet, and already eager to meet. What a shameless face!
He had no desire to run over to Yuwen Yuan and bow and scrape, because the other was not worthy!
So even though the housekeeper Wen Kui was accompanying him personally, he pretended not to see. He pretended his attention was on the chessboard. He did not alert Xiao Hong, who had her back to them.
Xiao Hong knew nothing of this. She could not play chess while casually dividing her attention as Yu Qing could…
Yuwen Yuan actually did not know this was Jade Garden, where Wen Xin lived. After all, he had not entered through the main gate. He had wandered in through a small side gate and had not seen the name plaque.
The small gate was a moon gate later opened to make it convenient for Wen Xin to take a shorter route to the main courtyard for meals.
Wen Kui had also not told Yuwen Yuan that they were coming to Wen Xin’s residence.
This was also old master Wen Mao’s idea. Since his granddaughter was shy and unwilling to come meet him, he would arrange for Yuwen Yuan to stroll through Jade Garden. If they met, all the better. If not, he was sure to let his granddaughter secretly see him.
Later he would arrange it the other way around, letting Wen Xin stroll about and be “accidentally” seen by Yuwen Yuan.
Wen Mao still had confidence in his granddaughter’s talent and beauty.
Of course, it was also to set the young couple’s minds at ease. Pushing the marriage back two or three years really made it hard to say what might happen. Who knew what variables might appear.
Wen Mao walked and chatted with the honoured guest. The two naturally saw the scene of the chess match in the pavilion.
Seeing it was two servants, actually having the leisure to play chess in broad daylight under the gaze of all, was truly rare. At least Yuwen Yuan had never seen such a thing.
“Seeing one spot reveals the whole leopard. Even servants have such refinement. One can see the harmony of the Wen clan. A thousand-year-old noble family truly lives up to its name.”
Yuwen Yan sighed sincerely. A household that could indulge its servants so was indeed rare. At least in his home, even if the servants had nothing to do during the day, they would not dare to do so openly.
Wen Kui smiled without speaking. He did not explain. Compliments could be accepted.
Of course, he also understood that the situation in Jade Garden was special. Not every place in the Wen residence could be like this.
Seeing this scene suddenly, Yuwen Yuan found it rather interesting. Since he was just strolling anyway, he unconsciously walked toward the pavilion where the chess match was taking place.
Wen Kui was slightly startled but said nothing. He continued to accompany him, only quietly glancing twice toward the building where Wen Xin lived, wondering if Wen Xin could see.
Yu Qing had already seen the two approaching from the corner of his eye. He muttered in his heart, what are they coming over for?
He did not want to salute Yuwen Yan in the capacity of a servant. If they really came over, he would have no choice, unless he did not want to work for the Wen clan anymore.
Soon, Yuwen Yuan and Wen Kui entered the pavilion. They did have manners, arriving quietly without disturbing the two playing chess.
Yu Qing continued to pretend he did not know. He pretended to be engrossed in the game, hoping these two would just look around and then leave.
He wanted to pretend, but Xiao Hong did not cooperate. Xiao Hong suddenly noticed extra figures on the chessboard. She looked up in surprise. Seeing Wen Kui, she was startled and quickly rose to salute. “Steward.”
Even though she was by Wen Xin’s side, she did not dare to be disrespectful before Wen Kui.
It was the same as before. Although Wen Kui was also a servant, he was the true number two figure in the Wen clan.
As for the young man beside him, Xiao Hong did not know him and did not know how to address him. But she quickly reacted and roughly guessed who he was. Her eyes kept secretly sizing him up. One must know, this might be her future master.
Yu Qing had no choice. He had to stand up too, putting on a fearful and respectful appearance to salute. “Steward.”
Since things had come to this, Wen Kui made an introduction. “This is Young Master Yuwen Yuan.”
“Young Master Yuwen.” Xiao Hong and Yu Qing quickly bowed together to pay their respects.
Having confirmed her guess, Xiao Hong’s face was already flushed with excitement. She found that Young Master Yuwen was truly good-looking. She kept stealing glances toward the room, wondering if the young lady had seen.
Yuwen Yuan waved his hand. “No need for formalities. It is I who have disturbed you. Pay me no mind. Continue your game. I guarantee I will watch the chess in silence.”
How could they dare to ignore them and continue playing? Xiao Hong bowed and was the first to back away and turn to leave.
Seeing her go, Yuwen Yuan helplessly spread his hands toward Yu Qing. “It seems I am a spoilsport.”
Yu Qing muttered in his heart, good that you know.
Wen Kui said, “The young master speaks too seriously. For the young master to watch them play chess is their honour. Young master, why not sit and rest your feet?” He naturally knew Xiao Hong had gone to inform Wen Xin. He wanted to see if Wen Xin would come out to meet.
Yuwen Yuan, whose eyes were examining the chessboard, replied, “Not tired.” After that, he reached out and grabbed a white piece from the pot, slowly placing it on the board. Taking Xiao Hong’s place, he helped her make a move. Then he waved to indicate to Yu Qing, “Come, continue.”
Yu Qing and Wen Kui were both stunned. Then they both understood what he meant. Being able to play chess with a mere servant showed he was approachable and had no airs.
Yu Qing’s brow slightly raised on one side. He found that someone really had come knocking to get a thrashing.
He refused to believe he could not win at chess against the other. Although he had not played with many people, it was the basic skill he had once trained in the Word Observation Technique to practice his deduction ability. If he was not even as good as others at chess, then he would admit he was trash, and deserved for Wen Xin to marry the other.
Fine. Wen Kui just happened to hope to create an opportunity for Wen Xin and Yuwen Yuan, so he also indicated, “A Qing, since Young Master Yuwen does not disdain to instruct you, brace yourself and take his moves. It is good to broaden your horizons.”
Yu Qing’s reaction was actually quick. He took the chance to speak the ugly words first, also intentionally provoking, “Steward, you really want me to brace myself and play?”
That tone was very obvious, as was that glance toward Yuwen Yuan. It clearly said, are you not afraid of making Young Master Yuwen lose face?
Hearing these words, Wen Kui’s heart inexplicably skipped a beat. He remembered. This person was not an ordinary servant. His true identity was still unknown. His chess skill was probably not something an ordinary servant could match. If he won against Yuwen Yuan in the capacity of a servant… if even a Wen residence servant was superior, it would be a bit awkward.
But the words were already spoken. He could not help hesitating over his wording, thinking how to smooth things over.
Yuwen Yuan had originally been making an approachable gesture, a small expression of apology. Now he suddenly found the flavour had changed. Hearing Wen Kui’s earlier words, he had still wanted to politely say something like they could learn from each other. But Yu Qing’s following words stunned him. Now seeing Wen Kui’s reaction, he was speechless. What was the meaning of this? Could Steward Wen really think he was not as good at chess as a Wen residence servant?
If he had no idea of the depth, that would be one thing. But he was not blind. The unfinished game was right here, laid out before his eyes. At this level, and Steward Wen was still hesitating? Was this a joke, or was he looking down on him?
He was immediately amused. He did not know if he was amused or angered into laughter. He smiled at Yu Qing, “Naturally you should brace yourself and play. Are you looking down on me, planning to deliberately let me win?”
Wen Kui wanted to speak but stopped. In the end he said nothing. It was already too late to say anything more. To say more would be looking down on Young Master Yuwen. He was afraid Young Master Yuwen would misunderstand.
Seeing he had successfully sealed his mouth, Yu Qing immediately nodded to accept the challenge. He bowed and invited, “Young master, please sit.”
Yuwen Yuan, who had originally wanted to casually place a piece for fun, sat down. He also reached out to let him sit. “It is your turn.”
Yu Qing’s eyes swept over the chessboard. He picked up a black piece and, without a second thought, placed it down cleanly and crisply.
Only after that did he slowly sit down. He reached out and grabbed a handful of pieces to prepare for battle. That momentum was just short of rolling up his sleeves to get to work. He had also steeled his heart in his mind. If I cannot make this pretty boy leave a bad first impression on Wen Xin today, I will resign my position as sect leader and yield to a worthier man!
This servant’s decisive and crisp placement of the piece was felt by the smiling Yuwen Yuan. He looked a couple more times. Then his gaze returned to the board, deliberating as he placed his piece.
Wen Kui also braced himself to watch from the side…
Xiao Hong rushed straight to the study. She knocked on the door. Hearing permission, she immediately pushed it open. She saw the young lady sitting behind the desk, writing stroke by stroke.
Xiao Hong quickly ran back to the door and closed it again. Only then did she run to the side of the desk, excitedly reminding, “Miss, he is here. Young Master Yuwen is here, accompanied by the steward. He is right outside in the pavilion.”
Wen Xin’s hand holding the brush trembled slightly. She was clearly a bit nervous. She made a sound of acknowledgement and continued writing.
Xiao Hong said in surprise, “Are you not going to see him?”
Wen Xin asked back, “Did he say he was here to visit me?”
Xiao Hong thought and said, “He did not say so. It looked like the steward was accompanying him on a stroll. But there is no need to say so, is there? Is that not what it means?”
Wen Xin shook her head again. “Since he did not say he was visiting, and the man is unmarried and the woman unmarried, it is not proper according to etiquette.”
The Yuwen family was a famous literary family. She had heard they valued etiquette. She did not want to let others look down on her.
Xiao Hong did not understand. “He is already here. Even if he is just a guest, the host should still show her face to receive him, should she not?”
Wen Xin said, “Is Grandfather Kui not currently playing the host?”
Xiao Hong sighed and had to give up. Then she smiled again. “Miss, Young Master Yuwen looks quite good. Have you seen him?”
Wen Xin shook her head.
She had not known Yuwen Yuan was coming before. Now she did know. She actually wanted to look too, but with Xiao Hong right beside her, she was too embarrassed to go peek.
Xiao Hong immediately urged, “Then go and look.”
Wen Xin was nervous and her face was red. She was still shaking her head.
Unable to force her, Xiao Hong was helpless. “I will go serve them tea first.” She turned and walked away quickly. Reaching the door and opening it, she saw the scene in the pavilion. She was stunned. Then she quickly came back. “Miss, this is bad. This is bad.”
Wen Xin stopped and looked up. “What is it?”
Xiao Hong said, “A Qing has no sense of propriety. He is actually playing chess with Young Master Yuwen in the pavilion.”
Wen Xin was slightly startled. How did those two end up sitting together playing chess?
“That lousy chess player A Qing cannot even beat me, yet he dares to show off his ugly skills before Young Master Yuwen. Is this not a disgrace to our Jade Garden? He truly infuriates me.” Xiao Hong stamped her foot in anger. She truly looked somewhat unhappy.