Chapter 32 – He Dropped To His Knees And Kowtowed To Her Six Times (3)
Xia Qinglian pondered and said, “Fifth Uncle had always been so gentle and courteous, I have never heard anything of a rebellion. I wonder how he has made mother so angry! She has left him practically no room for considerations.”
“The court is in such an urgent situation but they still have the mood to think of such things! They truly are…” Yu Xingyi closed his mouth. One was his parent, and the other his younger brother. So, he swallowed down those profanities commonly heard in the barracks. “Let us ignore what mother thinks for now. What do you think of this Miss Zhou?”
“If we should describe only her character, I would say Sister Zhou is quite the special one.” Xia Qinglian thought for a moment and said, “No woman I know is as bright and hearty as she, but she is not at all vulgar nor rude. Having interacted with her this past month, I do say we get along rather well.”
“My wife, you are so noble a woman that it is rare to see you compliment anyone. In this case, I will write up a reply to mother. After fifth brother gets married in the future, we will send Miss Zhou to the capital. We will arrange a banquet for him to make her his concubine, and that shall be it. After all, she saved his life, people will have no room to talk.”
Xia Qinglian could not help but laugh. She knew that her husband was a bit slow in this regard. “If he wished only take her his concubine, then that would have been no issue. My husband, you have not read through the letter carefully, have you?”
“A marriage involves the family of two, so one’s parents must definitely be respected. We are sons of the duke, and both of us are men of prestigious titles. To marry a simple commoner is simply preposterous! He will not utter those rebellious words ever again. I think this is just a young and frivolous impulse, it will be just a matter of time. Mother should not be too worried. Fifth brother has always been a sensible kid since he was young, he will definitely learn better as he grows.”
“I do not think so. I have also watched over him since he was young. Everyone calls him a gentle child, but they do not know of the pride in his heart. He has a strong will that none can ever bend. If he is serious, then I’m afraid his mind will not change so easily.” Xia Qinglian frowned. “Not to mention, this Miss Zhou may not accept being a mere concubine either.”
Yu Xingyi was displeased. “And what, does she hope to become a proper young noble lady of our household?”
Xia Qinglian reached out to tap a finger on her husband’s forehead and laughed. “Do you think only men of the duke’s household can marry? Do you think she would not be able to find another man she loves, and to become the proper wife of a different, simple man?”
“Would she ever entertain that thought?”
“From my observations of her, it definitely seems so.”
“In this case, I must trouble my wife to give her an invitation. Ignoring this matter, she has given her life to save fifth brother after all. I must thank her in person.”
Zhou Xiaoxiao had been living in the general’s residence for some time, but she had never actually seen the Dingyuan General, Yu Xingyi himself.
On this day, the general’s wife came personally to invite her and said that the general has requested her audience.
After tidying her dress, she followed Xia Qinglian to the main building and entered the main hall.
Then, she saw the tall stately officeholder dressed in finely-carved silver armor, and his hair secured into a golden crown. He had a strong body, and his face was about half similar to Yu Xingzhi, but with more fighting spirit within it.
Zhou Xiaoxiao knew that this must be Yu Xingyi, Yu Xingzhi’s second brother. Just as she was about to cup her fist in greeting, her hand was taken by Xia Qinglian, and she was led inside the hall to sit.
Suddenly, Yu Xingyi pushed aside his dignity and dropped to his knees, kowtowing to her six times.
Zhou Xiaoxiao was shocked. Just as she was about to help him up, a thread connected in her mind, and she instantly understood his meaning.
If me and Yu Xingzhi could continue our relationship, his family would not have done so. Since a big man like his brother could get down on his knees, that meant he wanted to settle this debt completely and cut off their relationship.
After understanding this, Zhou Xiaoxiao also slowly steadied herself and accepted the six bows. Then, she reached out to him and said, “For the general to offer this great bow is something this one cannot be worthy to accept.”
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