Chapter Thirty-One: Once Again, Fanzhi Cannot Leave the House

On the first page, Xiao Yi said, "Jing Ren asked me to stay and practice martial arts with him, and I also want to ask the old general for guidance on military strategy and spear techniques." So, he had stayed for the purpose of learning. In his past life, after Xuanzhi became engaged to Xiao Yi, he also studied spear techniques for a time under Xu Qiu, and his uncle praised Xiao Yi for his rapid progress, claiming he was the best material for martial arts he had ever seen. It turned out to be unrequited feelings! Xuanzhi suppressed her doubts; after all, these events had occurred in her previous life, and although the timelines did not match, it should not indicate any issues. However, Xu Jingren was bewildered; when had he ever invited the Ninth Prince to practice martial arts? He hadn't even invited him for a feast, let alone for training. Xu Jingren wanted to ask the Ninth Prince if he had perhaps remembered incorrectly or if someone else had mentioned it—maybe a young lord from another family? But the prince was of royal blood, and to question him would seem like he was trying to drive him away; after all, common folk struggled to even receive such an invitation. Therefore, he kept silent. Xu Jingren ultimately chose not to expose Xiao Yi's strange decisions made in his name, which led him to suspect whether the Ninth Prince had a poor memory or was simply thick-skinned. These thoughts troubled him for several nights, but that was a matter for later.

Xiao Yi decided to stay and then, taking the initiative, invited Minglan, "Your princess mansion has no one around, so why not stay and practice martial arts together while listening to the old general talk about military strategy? I believe you will benefit greatly." Generally, princesses did not have their own residences, especially unmarried ones, but Minglan did—her father’s former noble residence. However, she had long been living south of the Yangtze River, and her mansion had not been well maintained, resembling someone else's abode. With Xiao Yi's proposal, the spirited and martial-minded Minglan readily accepted. Thus, the matter of the prince and princess residing in the Xu family was happily decided without any involvement from the Xu family members. Xu Jingren was left speechless.

During tea, Minglan and Xu Jingren had much to discuss, mostly about the lost territories in the north, with Xiao Yi occasionally chiming in, making the trio quite harmonious. Xuanzhi became a mere ornament. With Xiao Yi present, Xuanzhi was torn between love and hate, her mind filled with conflicting thoughts. However, after realizing her unrequited feelings, she felt a sense of relief. Even though Xiao Yi indirectly caused her death in her past life, he had also helped her significantly, balancing things out. In this life, she resolved to carve her own path and live well. Having come to this understanding, she no longer cast glances at Xiao Yi and was able to enjoy her tea peacefully.

Of course, this led her to miss the fact that, despite talking with Minglan and Xu Jingren, Xiao Yi was distractedly stealing glances at her and, upon noticing she was ignoring him, shot her a few sharp looks. Just after they finished a cup of tea, Xu Qiu entered. He first greeted Xiao Yi and Minglan before glancing at Xu Jingren and Xuanzhi, who seemed hesitant to speak. Xiao Yi was not truly thick-skinned; he recognized that the old general had something to say to his descendants. He signaled to Minglan, who understood that he liked to put on airs and needed to be invited by others. She called out, "Ninth Brother, didn't you say you would teach me a sword technique? I want to learn it now!"

Xiao Yi calmly stood up, apologizing to Xu Qiu and Xu Jingren, “My sister is being willful; we will step out for a moment!” Willful Minglan was left speechless. After stepping outside, however, she did not leave but crouched down near the entrance, only to be quietly called by Xiao Yi, "Be mindful of your status; after all, you are a person of some standing. How can you eavesdrop?" Minglan turned back, pouting, "Don’t you want to know what your little brother is up to?" Xiao Yi silently scoffed and then snapped his fingers. Immediately, his attendant, Xiao San, approached: "My lord!"

Xiao Yi gestured toward the window ledge of the tea house. Minglan was taken aback: was that really any different from eavesdropping? Xiao San’s face flushed, and after a moment of hesitation, he said, "My lord, he’s also a person of some standing!" Xiao Yi rolled his eyes and walked away.

Inside the tea house, Xu Qiu spoke solemnly, "Eldest Brother, your father has indeed suffered a fracture. For the next few days, you need not accompany me to the battlefield; stay and care for him until Er Lang returns!" The Xu family still had some land that needed to be dealt with, and Xu Jingxiao remained at home to manage family affairs, taking several days before he could arrive. Xu Jingren had escorted his mother, sister, and most of their assets ahead. Xu Jingren's eyes widened in disbelief, "How could the family head have fractured his bones?" Xuanzhi blinked nervously, knowing it must be true; after all, he was in such pain, and she wondered who had thought he was faking it.

"He fell by accident; it’s no one else’s concern!" Xu Qiu replied to Xu Jingren, then looked at Xuanzhi, "You should take care of yourself in your room for the next few days; your wound should still be healing!" It had healed already! Xuanzhi obediently nodded, "I understand!" Clearly, Xu Qiu did not want Xu Yang to trouble her, so he advised her to recuperate. Aside from resting, she couldn’t do anything else, nor could she accompany Minglan. Otherwise, it would look bad if she happily spent time with Minglan while Xu Yang needed care due to his injury; it would be seen as unfilial.

Uncle was truly well-meaning. Of course, Xu Qiu was also concerned that Xuanzhi would heal too quickly; he said, "You don’t need to worry about the rest; I will have Dr. Li come to see you every day!" With a doctor to testify, he was not afraid of others gossiping. If arranging for her to return to "recover" was considerate, then arranging for a doctor was especially considerate. Xuanzhi didn’t know how to express her gratitude to Uncle, and her eyes became teary with emotion.

She had not yet matured, her complexion fair, and her eyes glistened with tears as she stared at him, resembling a lost fawn in the forest, particularly endearing. Xu Qiu had no children but adored kids; otherwise, he wouldn’t be so indulgent with Xu Yang, who he had seen grow up. At that moment, looking at Xuanzhi, his heart nearly melted. He smiled and said, "Don’t cry; everything will be fine with your Uncle supporting you. Go apologize to the princess and then return to your room."

Xu Jingren, though simple-minded, was quite clever and immediately caught on to Xu Qiu's meaning. He frowned, "But Uncle, if the family head doesn’t recover, will Little Eight have to stay in the room to heal indefinitely?" It was unreasonable for a daughter to care for her father like that. Xu Qiu sighed inwardly; although his elder brother had other sons, they were all illegitimate. The family head was not easily replaced, so he could not do anything drastic to Xu Yang.

"I will think of a way; don’t worry!" Xu Qiu finally said to Xuanzhi with seriousness. Xuanzhi smiled; regardless of whether Uncle would find a solution, she was already deeply grateful. Besides, she was not as afraid of Xu Yang; after all, he would eventually recover. In a few days or months, he would be fine, or he would make himself better.