Chapter 119: Husband, Still So Shameless

Chapter 119: My Lord, You’re Still So Unaware of Shame

“The Second Young Master said, ‘Jinghong dared not linger in the same place!’”

Xiao Jinghong suddenly appeared, causing a stillness in the courtyard of Qingning Residence.

All present instantly shifted their expressions.

The eldest duke, Xiao Shen, slightly paused, then sat placidly on his chair.

Xiao Xuanhui, whose face had been grave, now relaxed into a calmer demeanor.

The Xiao Wang, who had spoken in a low murmur moments before, halted mid-sentence, his brows furrowing toward the figure outside the door.

Duke Xiao, however, remained unmoved, his composure intact, gesturing forward:

“Jinghong arrives at the perfect time.”

“Last night, a great matter transpired in Shu Province. I’ve been in consultation with them regarding how to address it.”

Xiao Jinghong strode forward, bowing respectfully as she spoke: “Jinghong learned of this matter from the eldest lady earlier.”

As she spoke, she took a seat beside Duke Xiao. “If it’s confirmed to be the work of the Liu family, there’s no need to rush into action.”

Duke Xiao glanced at the silent Xiao Wang, then smiled and nodded: “Speak your mind.”

Xiao Jinghong stated plainly: “A feud between the Xiao and Liu clans in Shu Province would benefit neither.”

She understood this well.

Neither the Xiao family nor the Tangguo Army, recently reformed, needed further strife.

Engaging in open conflict with the Liu family would surely unleash chaos in Shu Province.

Even the Xiao family itself could not remain at peace.

This would ripple outward, jeopardizing the recent restoration of Tangguo Army’s order.

Upon hearing her words, Xiao Wang’s brows tightened.

“Jinghong, you’re still part of the Xiao family. You should know how hard it’s been for us to sustain ourselves through the years.”

“Forget the distant past. For a decade now, we’ve driven back the barbarian hordes, marched to war in Puxi and Huo, bleeding and weeping—all to secure our family’s present.”

“How have the Liu family treated us?”

“They ordered the Huoyin Sect to loot our supplies, and in Shu Province, they erected the Linglan Pavilion, seeking to crush our Medicinal Hall.”

“My daughter, Yan’er, endured countless hardships. With the Bai Caoguang, she revived our dying Medicinal Hall. Yet the Liu family sent agents to the Bai Caoguang, aiming once more to destroy us.”

“If we do not strike back, how can we face the world’s judgment?”

Her words rang true, her reasoning sound. Even Xiao Xuanhui, upon hearing her, felt a stirring.

The Xiao family had lost countless men in battle these past ten years, all to protect Shu Province and the lands of the Great Wei.

Yet some, ungrateful, pressed closer, their demands growing bolder.

In such a state, who could remain unmoved? Especially a family bearing two centuries of legacy?

Yet after Xiao Wang’s speech, Duke Xiao and Xiao Jinghong exchanged a single glance, both understanding the gravity of the moment.

Regardless, Shu Province must remain orderly.

Duke Xiao raised his hand, dismissing the tension: “Not yet the time.”

Xiao Wang struck his staff against the ground. “When *is* the time? Wait until they crush us first?”

Though not aged, the twin command marks on his face lent his features a stern, unyielding air.

Xiao Jinghong met his gaze, her voice cool: “If you truly wish to act, the Second Young Master, why not ride straight to Jingzhou?”

Xiao Wang blinked, his cloudy eyes fixing on her. “You think I’m afraid?”

“If you consent, Jinghong will escort you there today.”

“You—”

“Enough. Silence.”

Before either could speak further, Duke Xiao raised his hand to halt them, his eyes settling on Xiao Wang:

“I understand your heart, but this matter must not be rushed.”

“Give me three days. If the Liu magistrate offers no reply, let you handle it.”

Xiao Wang withdrew his glare at Jinghong, sneering: “Three days, you say. If they come, I’ll bring the Department of Justice to meet them head-on.”

As he turned to leave, Xiao Jinghong spoke softly: “Second Young Master, I must say something.”

Xiao Wang’s footsteps faltered.

“The Department of Justice belongs to the Xiao family, not to you or any private army.”

Xiao Jinghong regarded him steadily. “Since Grandfather still lives, this house must follow his will.”

Xiao Wang turned his head, his face flickering between dark and light.

“If Jinghong, Princess, finds my actions wanting, summon a clan assembly. I’ll gladly step down as head of the Department of Justice!”

Before she could reply, Xiao Wang turned and strode away.

When all saw this, the matter was settled.

The eldest duke, Xiao Shen, rose after him, smiling warmly: “Eldest brother, I’ll handle this.”

“Though you need not harbor resentment toward the Second Young Master. He’s in a rage, and the Liu family’s recent deeds have even offended me.”

Duke Xiao glanced at him, saying, “Knowing he’s angry, why not try to calm him?”

“Ah, I’ll go do that.”

Xiao Shen bowed to Xiao Jinghong, then departed Qingning Residence.

Xiao Xuanhui bowed silently, saying nothing, and left as well. Within a minute, Qingning Residence stood empty save for Duke Xiao and Xiao Jinghong.

A moment of silence passed.

Duke Xiao smiled: “How goes the market project?”

Xiao Jinghong replied calmly: “All proceeds smoothly.”

“The agreement with the Mountain Clan stipulates they handle threats from the wandering folk, while we address pressures from the court and neighboring merchants ofzhou.”

“The earnings are split seven to three; they take three.”

Duke Xiao’s smile widened: “Well then.”

“Once the market is established, officials from Shu, Jing, Guang-Yue, Xi, and You provinces will come.”

“When that time comes, you represent me in receiving them, and do your utmost to secure booths for them in the market.”

Xiao Jinghong nodded.

This had been planned with Grandfather long ago—no further words were needed.

But upon reflecting on the matter of Liu’s family, she could not help but inquire, “Has the Liu family from Jingzhou sent someone? Why did you not inform me?”

Lord Xiao paused, exhaled a sigh, and said, “I had presumed my strength still remained robust, that those people would show some restraint.”

“It is not as expected; they are in such a hurry.”

“My banquet had only just concluded a month ago, and already they dispatched agents to test the waters, growing all the more urgent.”

Xiao Hong reflected for a moment, then spoke with earnestness: “Might it be that I should intervene?”

Lord Xiao laughed hollowly, waved his hand, and replied, “The situation has not yet reached such a pass.”

He paused briefly, then decided to elaborate further:

“The consecutive battles have inflicted grievous losses upon my Xiao family, revealing to those people a certain possibility.”

“They do not fail to comprehend that a starved camel is still larger than a horse; they have merely caught wind of the scent of opportunity and been stirred by greed.”

“Yet they have forgotten that my Xiao family has stood for two hundred years not through the might of the Changyan Army.”

Lord Xiao’s gaze drifted toward the rain-laden sky beyond the hall, his smile unwavering as he spoke:

“This matter, you need not concern yourself with. First, attend to the affairs of the mutual market.”

Xiao Hong nodded silently. “I understand.”

Lord Xiao withdrew his gaze, and she felt a sense of relief: “Having you to sustain the Xiao family brings me great comfort.”

“It is what a granddaughter ought to do.”

“Whether it should be done or not, I know well. In this vast Xiao household, only you and Wan’er can I trust—few others remain.”

“Even without a weapon, Guan Gun is still young; you must bear the burden with me.”

As he spoke, his face lit up with a smile once more, and he turned to ask: “Have you seen Chen Yi since your return?”

Xiao Hong hesitated, “I have.”

“What is your impression? Have you noticed any difference from before?”

“The grandfather refers to—?”

“Naturally, his talents have become more restrained. Have you not noticed his changes over the past few months?”

Meeting Lord Xiao’s eyes, Xiao Hong’s expression grew slightly awkward as she shook her head. Beyond her knowledge of poetry, her fine handwriting, and a few insights, she had not discerned any other distinction.

Seeing her uncertainty, Lord Xiao said no more, merely cautioning: “Once the matters of the mutual market are settled, spend some time at the manor.”

“After all, you two are now married; you ought to spend more time together, perhaps next year—”

He did not finish, yet Xiao Hong had already sensed his intent.

Her face flushed crimson, her cheeks reddening even around her eyes.

“Grandfather, there are still matters concerning the mutual market. I shall return first.”

Without turning back, Xiao Hong departed from the Pure Dwelling.

Her hurried manner, however, drew a satisfied smile from Lord Xiao.

This only made Xiao Hong feel more embarrassed, quickening her pace beneath her oil-paper umbrella. Yet upon reaching the courtyard, she glanced back toward the Spring Lotus Garden.

Faintly, she heard the conversation between Chen Yi and Pei Menglu.

“Brother, did you write a letter to Sister Hong?”

“Yes.”

“A poem?”

“Did you see it?”

“No, I heard her reciting it. Something about ‘long-lasting love, morning and evening’?”

“Stupid, you didn’t listen carefully. The line was ‘If our love were in a long-lasting time, how could it be in the morning and evening?’”

“Oh, how beautiful! Brother, write me one too—”

Hearing this, Xiao Hong could no longer endure the sound.

With a sudden leap, she vaulted over the garden wall.

Her husband… still so unashamed.

(End of Chapter)