Chapter 7: As If First Meeting

Liu Huan’an couldn’t help but frown. This Second Young Master He was truly unconventional.

Liu Shunhua’s gaze also grew complicated.

As He Xuandu ran closer, Liu Huan’an considered whether to greet him or step forward to help.

A figure flashed past as He Xuandu leaped onto the Liu family’s carriage.

Before the two inside could react, He Xuandu had already snatched the horsewhip and started driving the carriage away.

Liu Huan’an and Liu Shunhua looked at each other, seeing the same confusion in each other’s eyes before simultaneously turning their gaze to He Xuandu.

He Xuandu cracked the whip, making the carriage speed along. It brushed past the Great White Goose and continued forward.

The Great White Goose flapped its wings in pursuit for a while before finally stopping as the carriage grew increasingly distant.

“My apologies, mind if I squeeze in?”

Under the sunset filled sky, He Xuandu turned around. His peacock gold embroidered brocade robe appeared even more dazzling, his long eyebrows slightly raised and eyes filled with laughter.

Liu Shunhua suddenly recalled their first meeting.

That day had been similar, with twilight clouds merging like jade.

As usual, bored with nothing to do, she had gone to pick lotus seed pods from the backyard pond.

The seed pods were large and plump. After gathering two or three, she stood up happily.

When she turned around, she saw He Xuandu.

Seated in a wheelchair by the lotus pond, He Xuandu held an old book in his hand, dressed in fresh blue robes that appeared clean and elegant.

The sunset reflected on the lotus pond, turning green waves into gold, with the scent of lotus breeze slowly drifting across the water.

He sat quietly, eyes smiling as he cupped his hands in greeting: “Greetings, sister-in-law.”

Staring at the He Xuandu before her, Liu Shunhua felt somewhat dazed and unconsciously shifted aside.

As He Xuandu bent to enter and sit down, Liu Huan’an quickly moved to sit beside Liu Shunhua.

Liu Huan’an said politely: “Second Young Master He, please.”He Xuandu raised an eyebrow with a smile and naturally sat opposite them.”

The carriage continued moving steadily. Liu Huan’an addressed He Xuandu courteously: “Second Young Master He, this humble carriage is rather crude. We apologize for the discomfort.”

He Xuandu glanced around. “It is somewhat.”
The corner of Liu Huan’an’s mouth twitched. “In that case, perhaps we should stop and wait. Your carriage might catch up soon.”

He Xuandu waved his hand. “No matter, we can make do. My carriage was made a complete mess by that Stupid Girl goose feathers everywhere.”

Liu Shunhua remembered that He Xuandu didn’t seem to have brought any maid when he came out.

She blurted out: “Stupid Girl?”

He Xuandu nodded. “Stupid Girl is my Great White Goose. I thought this name suited it perfectly, given how dull witted it looks.”

Liu Shunhua was astonished.

Stupid Girl was a goose.

Liu Huan’an held his forehead, unable to bear the sight.

What sin had he committed to being stuck in the same carriage with such a person?

He Xuandu remained completely unaware. “This Stupid Girl is utterly ungrateful. I kindly helped untie its rope, and in return it repaid kindness with enmity, chasing after me to bite. Fortunately, I ran fast enough.”

Liu Huan’an kept his mouth shut. He feared that saying one more word to He Xuandu would turn him into a fool.

Watching the chattering He Xuandu, Liu Shunhua felt as if he was in a dream.

However, he was rather noisy. Unable to bear it any longer, Liu Shunhua silently lowered her gaze.

Seeing that Liu Huan’an wasn’t responding, He Xuandu turned to Liu Shunhua.

“Miss Liu’s calligraphy is truly stunning.”

Liu Shunhua’s heart stirred, and she slowly looked up.

In her previous life, He Xuandu had never seen her handwriting.

Her calligraphy, like her secret feelings, had never dared to be shown to anyone.

She asked: “You think my handwriting is beautiful?”

He Xuandu was slightly taken aback. For some reason, he felt there was a trace of sorrow in her eyes, along with a hint of… anticipation.

He smiled and said, “Naturally, anyone with eyes can see it.”

Seeing him speak to Liu Shunhua, Liu Huan’an quickly stepped in front of her. “You flatter her, Second Young Master He.”

He Xuandu leaned past Liu Huan’an, tilting his head as he continued asking, “Might I ask who taught you calligraphy, Miss Liu?”

Liu Shunhua bit her lips. “No one. I just practiced randomly, and over time, I improved.”

He Xuandu clapped his hands. “To achieve such skill without formal instruction! To be frank, after seeing your handwriting, I feel deeply ashamed. Thus, I would like to request a calligraphy treasure from you to practice copying. Would you be willing to grace me with your brushwork?”

Liu Huan’an wished he could kick him off the carriage. How could his sister’s calligraphy be handed over to this ne’er do well to defile?

Yet he maintained his composure. “My younger sister is, after all, a woman. It would be improper. If Second Young Master doesn’t mind, I could write one for you instead.”

“To be honest, I do mind a little,” He Xuandu said, scratching his head. “Young Master Liu’s handwriting is too rigid it doesn’t suit me. Miss Liu’s style is much more to my taste.”

Liu Huan’an clenched his fists, struggling to remain calm.

Liu Shunhua quickly pressed her brother’s arm. “It’s alright, elder brother. It’s just a piece of calligraphy. If Second Young Master He truly wishes to practice, I can have someone deliver it another day.”

Xuandu hadn’t expected her to agree so readily. He looked at her with interest. “Miss Liu is truly straightforward. Thank you in advance.”

Only after receiving Liu Shunhua’s promise did He Xuandu finally settle down.

Liu Huan’an remained sullen throughout the journey. As soon as they entered the city, he used the excuse of “different paths” to urgently usher He Xuandu out of the carriage.

Xuandu hopped down and bowed to the two of them in thanks.

He smiled at them. “Thank you both for the ride. From here, I’ll walk alone.”

Liu Shunhua was inexplicably reminded of that lonely figure in the wheelchair.

After the old lady passed away, he sat alone in her courtyard, gazing at the empty sky.

The autumn wind was bleak, withered leaves covering the ground.

She had heard him murmur, “Grandmother, in the end, I’m the only one left in this family.”

By the time Liu Shunhua collected her thoughts, He Xuandu had already turned and walked far away.

Under the molten gold of the setting sun, He Xuandu’s slender figure appeared exceptionally solitary amidst the brilliant golden light.

Liu Huan’an snapped the carriage curtain shut with a sharp “thwack,” unwilling to spare He Xuandu another glance.

“Zhenzhen, why did you agree? I clearly hinted for you to brush him off.”

Liu Shunhua smiled. “Though I’m no teacher, I’ve heard the saying ‘in education, there should be no class distinctions.’ Since he sincerely wishes to learn, why not grant his request?”

Fearing his sister might be deceived out of naivety, Liu Huan’an didn’t hesitate to speak candidly. “You rarely go out, so you don’t know his reputation in Chang’an. The title ‘Chang’an’s Top Ne’er do well’ isn’t given lightly. Today, with that Great White Goose, didn’t you see how absurd he is? And that’s nothing compared to his other antics. They say his courtyard is filled with chickens and ducks, cats and dogs a whole menagerie causing constant chaos in the ministerial residence. With such idle pursuits, how can he possess even a fraction of the dignity befitting an official’s son?”

Liu Shunhua had visited He Xuandu’s courtyard. The vast grounds were cold and desolate, with only a lone goldfish swimming in a water jar under the corridor, nothing like what her brother described.

She shook her head. “Elder brother, you’ve never been there. How do you know it’s not just hearsay?”

Liu Huan’an said, “Though I’ve never been to the Prime Minister’s residence, I’ve seen him on the street several times. Each time he was surrounded by attendants, parading around with a parrot. Moreover, he once lost fifty thousand coins in a single night at the gambling den and was cornered by the casino’s people at the Prime Minister’s gate. This incident became widely known, and it was only resolved when He Xuanhui stepped in. Such a waste of time you’d best not get involved with him, lest it tarnish your reputation. As for the calligraphy request, I’ll find a way to decline.”

Liu Shunhua remained silent.

Seeing Liu Shunhua looking dejected, Liu Huan’an comforted her, “I know you’re worried about me, afraid of offending the Prime Minister’s residence. Don’t worry, He Xuandu isn’t valued in the Prime Minister’s household. Chancellor He only has eyes for He Xuanhui as his son. As for He Xuandu, he merely holds the empty title of the Prime Minister’s son he’s insignificant.”

Liu Shunhua frowned, “Insignificant? But he’s still the legitimate son of the Prime Minister’s residence.”

Liu Huan’an didn’t catch the faint indignation in her words and simply replied, “Someone like him might be tolerated in an ordinary wealthy family, but the Prime Minister’s residence is a place where every move is watched. Chancellor, He has always been reserved and cautious, yet Xuandu acts so recklessly how could he not be despised by the Chancellor? Besides, there’s also He Xuanhui in the residence, who entered the Imperial Academy early and excels in talent and learning. If He Xuandu had even half of He Xuanhui’s ability, he wouldn’t be… Never mind, let’s not talk about him anymore.”

Liu Shunhua didn’t respond further, her heart feeling heavy.

The carriage curtain swayed slightly, and Liu Shunhua couldn’t help but feel a chill.

The spring evening breeze was still cold.

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