Back at Chao Xi estate, after the unexpected encounter with Li Mama, Shu Rui remained uneasy.
Though Li Mama had caused no trouble at the inn, once she returned, she might inform the Bai family. If they learned of him, they could come to fetch him.
In a few days, with May arriving, the Lu family prepared to return to Gan County.
The night before departure, Shu Rui checked Lu Ling’s pack again. Shu Rui traveled lightly, bringing only two sets of clothes and minimal luggage. He packed a set of toiletries and essential medicine, but nothing more.
A new fast horse had been bought, and they considered hiring a driver, but Lu Ling insisted on driving himself. Shu Rui knew he was capable, and time was of the essence.
“There are post stations along the way. With your documents, everything at the official stations will be in order. Keep your luggage light.”
Lu Ling, freshly washed, saw Shu Rui still packing and spoke up.
Shu Rui knew well and repeated the motions, perhaps because he was reluctant to part ways, yet didn’t dare say so.
“Mm,” he responded, glancing at Lu Ling in his thin nightclothes, hair still wet and dripping down his shoulders and back.
May nights were warm but not suited to remaining wet. Shu Rui took a dry cloth and gently dried Lu Ling’s hair.
“This trip will take ten to fifteen days. Of course, I’ll miss you, and we won’t be apart yet.”
Turning to face him, Lu Ling asked, “Will you miss me?”
Shu Rui paused, looking down at Lu Ling. “I’ll be occupied with important matters, but I’ll think of your progress every day.”
“I mean me.”
Lu Ling raised an eyebrow, slightly displeased, and pinched Shu Rui’s waist.
Shu Rui’s touch tickled, so he covered Lu Ling’s face with the cloth. “And you?”
Lu Ling pulled it away, meeting his gaze. “Of course I’ll always think of you.”
Shu Rui pressed his lips together and sat close. “Mm.”
“I’ll miss you too.”
Lu Ling smiled slightly, taking Shu Rui’s hand. His hand was cool; he enveloped it completely.
“You’ve been uneasy these past days. I worry about you. Once I leave for Jizhou, take care of yourself. Don’t fret—everything will be handled properly. Family will protect you.”
Shu Rui felt a pang of emotion, nodding slightly, leaning on Lu Ling’s shoulder.
The feeling was not distress over the Bai family, but a deep gratitude and relief that someone was shielding him, solving his troubles, and sparing him from even a fraction of the blame.
Shu Rui rarely showed such vulnerability. Seeing this, Lu Ling couldn’t help but feel a pang of concern. He gently held him, saying nothing, simply staying by his side and comforting him quietly for a long while.
It wasn’t until Shu Rui’s hair had been dried by the breeze that Lu Ling spoke: “Don’t let your mind wander. Rest early. Once I leave for Jizhou tomorrow, there will be no small burden here—you’ll have to oversee the business. Take care of your health.”
Shu Rui responded lightly and looked up, urging Lu Ling to also return to his room and rest.
But Lu Ling didn’t move. Instead, he lifted Shu Rui in his arms and carried him to the bed.
“I’ll stay with you, and you stay with me. Once you fall asleep, I’ll go back to my room.”
He lay down beside Shu Rui, honest in his manner, keeping his hands to himself. Shu Rui lay on the inside, gazing at him silently.
Seeing this, Lu Ling understood that Shu Rui had long been used to his antics. Today, Shu Rui refused to indulge him, so when Lu Ling tried to get up, he was pulled back by Shu Rui’s hand.
“Lie down.”
Lu Ling’s brow twitched; hearing Shu Rui’s firm tone, he carefully lay back.
Once steady, a familiar fragrance pressed against him. Shu Rui had leaned over, resting his head against Lu Ling’s chest.
This treatment was unheard of before. It had always been Lu Ling making bold advances, never Shu Rui acting first. Lu Ling’s body stiffened, momentarily flustered.
Listening to the steady thrum of Lu Ling’s heartbeat, Shu Rui’s lips curved slightly. Still unsatisfied, his hand moved down, exploring Lu Ling’s waist.
The thin clothing could not fully conceal the firm muscles beneath. Unlike the soft, untrained flesh on his own body, these muscles were taut and springy.
Shu Rui realized Lu Ling was nervous.
Lu Ling’s back tensed further, and he drew a deep breath. “Shu Rui… tonight… tonight might not be appropriate.”
Hearing this, Shu Rui tilted his head, looking at him. “Why not appropriate? You don’t want to?”
“How could I not?” Lu Ling’s heart was clear, yet he coughed lightly. “It’s just… I leave for Jizhou tomorrow.”
Shu Rui thought: what does it matter if he leaves the next day? Still, he appreciated that Lu Ling had some restraint.
He withdrew his hand and returned to his pillow, quietly pleased.
Lu Ling, seeing Shu Rui stop, closed his eyes and lay to one side, assuming Shu Rui was upset.
“Don’t be mad,” he murmured.
“I’m not. Sleep.”
Hearing this, Lu Ling blinked, moving slightly closer. “You’re not sending me back to my room?”
“You can go if you want,” Shu Rui said softly.
Lu Ling quickly snuggled back into the blankets, settling on one side, and thought: if every day could be this good, life would be perfect.
Shu Rui, however, ignored him, intending to truly sleep. He extinguished the light and drew the curtain.
The room fell silent. With Lu Ling beside him, Shu Rui quickly drifted into sleep.
Lu Ling, still excited, caught whiffs of Shu Rui’s familiar fragrance. Normally cool and faint, it now carried warmth, mingling with the close air under the blankets.
He shivered slightly, turning over, and in the dimness could make out Shu Rui’s pale face.
“If you really want… it wouldn’t be impossible,” he whispered.
Shu Rui, half-asleep, heard the words and opened his eyes.
“…I really want?”
Lu Ling interpreted the question as a statement and moved slightly closer. Before touching him, he lightly smacked Shu Rui’s face. “You wishful thinker.”
“If you can’t sleep, go back to your room yourself.”
Lu Ling immediately obeyed. “Sleep, sleep.”
By mid-May, Jiang Shi had found him and was about to summon Shu Rui for another trip to Chao Xi estate.
Before she could fetch him, Li Mama hurried in.
“Madam, something strange has happened.”
Jiang Shi raised an eyebrow and pressed her throbbing temple. “What’s so urgent now?”
Li Mama came closer. “A matchmaker has arrived, saying they came to propose a marriage to our household.”
Jiang Shi’s fine brows knit. “Nonsense. There are no suitable children in the house—what matchmaker would be so foolish as to come here?”
Their household had only two children: Dalang was married, and Erge had wed late last year. Who of marriageable age remained for matchmaking?
“Exactly. I thought to dismiss them, but the visitor isn’t some rogue—he’s a proper official matchmaker.”
Li Mama added, “It’s a proper match. Normally, common families wouldn’t dare offend such an official matchmaker.”
Jiang Shi, hearing “official matchmaker,” was even more puzzled. She rolled her eyes. “Have them bring tea. I’ll go out properly and see what foolishness they intend.”
Li Mama obeyed. Jiang Shi dressed, put on her headdress, and with an air of authority, went to the main hall to receive them.
“Madam Jiang, sorry to intrude,” the matchmaker said, rising to bow. His tone was cheerful. “Your household has a joyous occasion!”
Jiang Shi saw the matchmaker’s impressive demeanor, smart attire, and polite speech. She, keeping proper manners, invited him to sit.
“My apologies. I do not know what joyous matter brings an official matchmaker to our home.”
The matchmaker smiled. “In the north of the city, on Baiwu Lane, there is a Lu family. The head, Master Lu Ju, was promoted last year as a clerk in the Ministry of Works. His career prospers, favored by his superiors. They have only two sons. The eldest, since youth, has been talented and diligent, trained away from home in the capital for years. The second son is even more outstanding—he passed the imperial exam last year with top honors. Their future is boundless…”
Jiang Shi fanned herself lightly, listening. The family seemed excellent, though she doubted it. Dalang had served in the government for over half a year, yet he never mentioned such a family. If they existed, he would have sought connections.
Matchmakers usually painted the best picture; truth had to be verified later. Still, even if true, what business did this outstanding family have with theirs?
“Now, Lu’s eldest is of proper age. They wish to arrange a marriage, ensuring someone capable of caring for him. He is handsome, poised, and of marriageable age.”
Jiang Shi masked her skepticism with a polite smile, curious to see what joke the matchmaker intended.
“The Moon Elder finally tied the red string. Your cousin is intelligent and well-mannered. Last year, he visited Chao Xi estate and, by fate, caught the eye of Lu’s parents. They wish to have your cousin as a son-in-law. After careful inquiry, we confirmed his family background. Hence, I am entrusted to come to your household.”
Jiang Shi was stunned. “You’re saying the Lu family took a liking to our cousin?”
“Exactly,” the matchmaker replied cheerfully. “Madam, this is a rare and fortunate match. The Lu family, with two sons of scholarly merit, a promising official future, is unmatched in the county.”
Li Mama, serving nearby, felt her heart skip. Her shock equaled Jiang Shi’s.
What was going on? Shu Rui, once imprisoned by a cruel innkeeper, looked pitiful and ragged—how could such a prominent family now take notice and send a matchmaker?
Her head buzzed with confusion. Jiang Shi, equally puzzled, glanced at Li Mama for guidance—none came, only more questions.
The matchmaker noticed Jiang Shi’s silence. Normally, any family would rejoice at such a prospect. Even composed scholars would show joy. Yet Jiang Shi’s face held only shock and doubt.
She politely asked, “Madam Matchmaker, may I ask your source?”
Jiang Shi tried to maintain calm. “You’re not mistaken?”
“How could I be?”
The matchmaker, sensing doubt, clarified: “I am no third-rate, money-grubbing matchmaker. I speak only the truth. The Lu family formally employed me. If I were fabricating, I would not dare mention a government household.”
“Madam, if you wish to verify, feel free to send someone. The Lu family sincerely desires this match, returning to the county during the spring holiday. They are hosting a banquet for friends and the second son’s mentor will attend.”
The more the matchmaker spoke, the more baffled Jiang Shi became. Shu Rui was indeed at Chao Xi estate, yet this story of him being noticed by the Lu family aligned perfectly.
According to the matchmaker, Shu Rui had gained favor and standing with the Lu family, yet according to Li Mama, he had been treated miserably. Two entirely different worlds.
For a moment, Jiang Shi didn’t know whom to trust. Under the circumstances, how could she respond to the official matchmaker? The matter was serious—she had to wait for the head of the household to return and discuss it together before giving an answer.
Still, she maintained the decorum of a prominent family. “Such a good match deserves your effort in coming to speak for it. I shall consider it carefully. Thank you for making the trip.”
The matchmaker, seeing this, urged her a few more words: “Madam, your family also has connections in the government. Should this marriage succeed, the benefits are self-evident. The Lu family is sincere; please consider it well.”
Having said all that, knowing a single visit rarely settles a match, the matchmaker gracefully took her leave.
No sooner had they left than Jiang Shi had no time to argue with Li Mama. She immediately called two reliable servants. “Quickly, go and investigate. Find out if there really is a Lu family up north in the city.”