At this moment, the Lu family home was indeed bustling with clinking cups and lively chatter.
Lu’s father had invited many familiar friends: former classmates, old colleagues from the county office, and even Lu Yu’s teachers. Invitations were generous; anyone who brought guests was equally welcome.
When word of a guest from the county reached the city, people were eager to attend and make connections.
Bai Dalao, working at the government office, heard of this gathering. Seeing that many of his colleagues were attending, he, though having no direct ties to the Lu family and without an invitation, arranged to accompany a colleague who did have one, not wanting to miss a chance to meet influential people.
Arriving at the Lu home, he saw his superior, Deputy Wang, already engaged in conversation with the hosts. Bai Dalao intended to make a good impression and, seeing Deputy Wang, seized the opportunity to greet him.
“This young gentleman seems unfamiliar. Who might he be?”
Lu’s father, seeing Bai Dalao, pretended not to recognize him and gestured to Deputy Wang for an introduction.
“He is Bai, an office clerk,” Deputy Wang said.
Deputy Wang, with a rather unpleasant face, had been flattered by Lu’s father and Lu Yu before, having drunk several cups of wine in their praise. His cheeks flushed and body carrying the scent of wine, he was slightly startled to see Bai Dalao but quickly regained composure, pulling him forward.
“Xiao Bai, this is Master Lu, currently serving as clerk at Chao Xi estate.”
Bai Dalao, completely unaware of Lu’s father, bowed politely. “I’ve long heard of Master Lu’s esteemed reputation, shining with integrity. To meet you in person today humbles me greatly.”
“A bright and talented young scholar,” Lu’s father replied, then turned to Deputy Wang: “It is fortunate, Sir Wang, to have such accomplished youths here—such poise and elegance, truly your style.”
Deputy Wang, having often endured Lu’s father’s jabs in the past, now basked in the praise, feeling almost ethereal.
Others might not know these two had competed for the same position, but Deputy Wang did. And now, in the midst of this banquet, they were exchanging pleasantries. He thought perhaps some fool had brought him here.
Bai Dalao, fond of drinking and clueless about formalities, eagerly sought to curry favor.
At this moment, Lu’s father called Lu Ling and Lu Yu to meet the guests.
Lu Yu, having met Bai Dalao privately before, acted the host, exchanging cordial greetings.
Bai Dalao, seeing Lu Yu for the first time, was impressed and felt refreshed after a brief conversation. He thought it would be beneficial to cultivate a connection with such a person.
But when he turned to see Lu Ling, he instinctively shivered.
Lu Ling was tall and well-built. Compared with his younger brother’s lean, delicate frame, he exuded martial vigor. Though they shared similar handsome features, their temperaments were almost opposite.
Bai Dalao didn’t particularly like him but politely said, “Master Lu is a remarkable talent.”
Lu Ling, meeting his gaze, returned a formal, measured compliment: “You are also young and accomplished, Sir Bai.”
Bai Dalao felt an inexplicable chill from Lu Ling’s eyes.
At this moment, Deputy Wang came up to ease the tension. “Both young masters are talented. Could marriage be a possibility?”
“The second is still young; his studies take priority,” Lu’s father replied.
“But the eldest,” he continued meaningfully, glancing at Bai Dalao, “is of proper age. We have identified a suitable match and employed a matchmaker. It remains to see if the other family agrees.”
Bai Dalao, puzzled, looked to Deputy Wang.
“Such talented youths—who would refuse? If I had a daughter or son of marriageable age, I would happily make the match, but alas, no such luck.” Deputy Wang, slightly tipsy, joked.
After a few more exchanges, Deputy Wang, feeling light-headed, suggested to Bai Dalao, “Come with me to a side room to rest. The Lu family’s wine is extraordinary.”
Lu’s father arranged for the visit, but Bai Dalao insisted he could go on his own. Together, they went to the side room.
“Why is Master Lu such an important figure? Many colleagues, even the academy’s head, have come. Though a county officer, he is merely a clerk.” Bai Dalao whispered to Deputy Wang.
Deputy Wang hiccuped from the wine. “Don’t be fooled. That county clerk is incomparable. Master Lu graduated top of his class; he could rise to governorship. Still young, with great prospects—far superior to county-level positions.”
Bai Dalao considered this. He was merely a junior scholar, obtaining his clerkship by donation. Even with success, he would at best reach Deputy Wang’s position, far below Lu’s prospects.
“Then there is the second Master Lu—a young scholar, top three in the imperial exam. Brilliant talent, limitless future. Those at the county who came are simply here for wine.”
“No wonder the minor officials feel the young scholar exudes exceptional poise. Truly a person of talent,” Deputy Wang added, subtly hinting at Bai Dalao’s position.
Bai Dalao responded politely and flattered Deputy Wang further. Soon, the wine took effect, and he collapsed onto a couch, quickly falling asleep.
Returning to the main hall, he mingled with both familiar and unfamiliar faces. To his surprise, Master Lu generously included him in conversations; even the second son engaged him with visiting guests, giving him honor and face.
Bai Dalao thought he was fortunate to converse with Deputy Wang and the hosts, but the Lu family’s attentive treatment made him proud. Perhaps it was Deputy Wang’s influence—or the family recognized his talent. Likely the latter, he decided, and he spoke and laughed freely, reveling in the honor.
“Dalao, you finally returned!”
At home, Jiang Shi, anxious and restless, waited for Bai Dalao’s arrival. Seeing him reeking of wine, her brows knitted. “Where have you been drinking again? You look unsteady!”
“Quick, make him a bowl of sobering soup!”
She hurriedly ushered Bai Dalao into the room. “A serious matter has occurred! Wake up, my son!”
“What is it, Mother? I am merry and have met a distinguished family. I merely indulged in two cups of wine. Why are you frantic like an ant on a hot pan? I am no child; I know my limits.”
Bai Dalao’s cheeks flushed. Seeing Jiang Shi so agitated, he muttered in discontent.
“Do not argue about wine! Do you know an official matchmaker came to our house today?”
“An official matchmaker? For whom?”
Bai Dalao asked, still half-drunk, thinking it absurd that matchmakers would come to speak with his mother about marriage. He hadn’t the words to express such a shocking notion.
“For that little rascal Shu Rui!”
“Who?”
Bai Dalao straightened in his chair. “Shu Rui? What matchmaker? How would they know him?”
Jiang Shi explained: “It is said an official Lu family at Chao Xi estate took a liking to him! They returned specifically to arrange the match.”
After the matchmaker left, she had sent people to verify, confirming the family’s existence. She repeated the story to Bai Dalao, furious, scolding Li Mama thoroughly and insisting that Shu Rui’s previous misfortune at Chao Xi estate was no exaggeration.
Bai Dalao, now sober enough, sat upright. “The Lu family… the Lu family on Baiwu Lane in the north of the city…”
“This is the family!”
Bai Dalao exclaimed in surprise. “I just returned from drinking at their house.”
Jiang Shi, equally astonished, pressed him for details. “Did they mention the matchmaker at all?”
Bai Dalao recalled the moment at the banquet when Master Lu had glanced at him meaningfully while discussing Lu Ling’s marriage.
“No wonder they treated me so attentively at the table—it all makes sense now!”
He slapped the table sharply. “Then it’s all true!”
Jiang Shi, receiving this news, felt as if struck by lightning. Her hatred and jealousy for Shu Rui surged; her lips trembled. “Impossible! That ungrateful boy abandoned the Bai family to chase another, yet he’s now trying to attach himself to such a household? Never in his life! Not unless I die first!”
“I’ll summon the official matchmaker immediately and tell the Lu family to drop this notion. This marriage shall not happen! I’ll expose that little rascal’s true character, so they see who he really is! He dares to deceive, claiming he went to Chao Xi estate just to visit relatives—shameless!”
Her anger blazed; she scolded with no restraint. After venting, she felt reassured and proud that her son’s future could still be guided under her hand.
“Think again—don’t even dream of it!”
Bai Dalao’s ears buzzed. He knew his mother still resented Shu Rui for fleeing and marrying into the Wu family. Yet he remained rational, considering the Bai family’s long-term prospects rather than being swayed by anger. He realized that the Lu family’s genuine interest in Shu Rui might not be entirely bad.
Seeing Bai Dalao unmoved, Jiang Shi understood his thoughts. Her eyes red, she grabbed him. “Dalao, if you consent to the Lu family’s match and fulfill that little rascal’s wish, I’ll throw myself down and go find your father!”
“Mother, what are you doing?”
She held him tight. “Do you wish for me and your brother to resent you for life?”
Bai Dalao, seeing her so agitated, calmed her. “Alright, alright. I’ll obey, Mother. Don’t do anything rash!”
Seeing him agree, Jiang Shi’s anger softened slightly, though her eyes grew redder. She buried her face in a handkerchief and wept.
Bai Dalao sighed, then had the official matchmaker decline the Lu family’s proposal.
He thought it simple—refuse once, and a respectable family like the Lu’s wouldn’t struggle to find another match. Yet unexpectedly, they sent another invitation.
“I truly appreciate Master Lu’s favor, but my cousin has already been promised elsewhere.”
Lu’s father, sensing a polite excuse, pressed, “Which family might that be?”
Bai Dalao hadn’t expected such direct inquiry. Speaking tactfully, he avoided mentioning Shu Rui’s betrothal to Deputy Wang, instead giving a careful excuse:
“It is a family chosen by my mother. My cousin lost his parents around age seven and was raised by my mother; they share a deep bond. Though I wish for a match with Master Lu, I cannot overrule my mother.”
Outside, Lu Ling heard this and clenched his fists, nearly believing this hypocritical tale—if not for his knowledge of Shu Rui’s character.
Lu Yu quietly held Lu Ling back, preventing rash action. Yesterday, they had carefully given Bai Dalao face, and based on his nature, he wouldn’t refuse—but now, the second step was necessary.
Lu’s father said, “Sir Bai, could you persuade your mother? Our Lu family genuinely wishes to marry Ji Shu Rui. If this match succeeds, it would bring a lasting union.”
“Master Lu’s family is outstanding; why cling to the Bai family?”
“Many matches exist, but true, suitable matches are rare.”
Bai Dalao, seeing Lu’s father still urging, felt a twinge of desire. Perhaps Shu Rui had already calculated some weakness in the Lu family. Why else would they be so intent?
If the Lu family’s sincerity was genuine, there might still be room for negotiation.
Bai Dalao smiled suddenly. “It’s a parent’s heart, indeed. Master Lu has gone to great lengths for this marriage. I wonder if my cousin is sincere. If I were to persuade my mother, it would be good to have a proper reason ready.”
Lu’s father discerned Bai Dalao’s subtle meaning. Before he could respond, the door burst open. Lu Ling strode in, tossing a stack of documents onto the table.
“Previously, Father was asked to handle this matter with the matchmaker. Sir Bai saw these formalities as insufficient and lacking sincerity. It seems I must now demonstrate my own abilities.”
Bai Dalao froze. “Big… cousin?”
This man, full of martial bearing, disregarded formalities, arranging a match without permission. How impolite! His face darkened, yet he restrained his anger, noting Lu Ling’s formidable presence.
Picking up the papers on the table, he skimmed through them. His face drained pale, fear overtaking him as he dared to look at Lu Ling and Lu’s father.