Let Me Explain, Fairy
Chapter 266 - 205: Four Young Masters of the Capital

Chapter 266: Chapter 205: Four Young Masters of the Capital

Along the Dragon Peace River in Smoke Willow Alley, fair ladies sit on jade stools, playing flutes into the night.

Qingyu Pavilion, one of the newly built Hook Bars Xu Yuan had witnessed on the Xuanying Attic.

Compared to those bustling Hook Bars, Qingyu Pavilion’s main appeal lay in its elegant style.

The lotus-shaped Bright Pattern Lamps emitted a soft blue glow which, mixing with wafts of sandalwood, lent the grand hall a chilly ambiance, yet not without a hint of an ambiguous and entrancing haze.

On the stage, serene string music played while a young lady dressed in black silk danced with exquisite grace.

Three young masters clad in luxurious garments gathered in a corner of the hall, discussing state affairs they had overheard at home.

One of them, an ordinary-looking young man with a headband, sipped a fancy brew and asked in a hushed tone,

Jun Wu, I heard from my father that the war in the north isn’t going well?

The one addressed as Jun Wu was a handsome man,

In the misty blue light,

Jun Wu’s eyes bore a feminine softness, and his voice, deliberately lowered and soft, replied with an air of displeasure,

Why are you asking me about the northern battles? And stop calling me Jun Wu.

The headbanded young man, unfazed, pressed on,

With the intense fighting up north, hasn’t your old man received any orders?

Jun Wu scoffed, Intense fighting up north, what’s that got to do with my old man? Our Xi Yuan Army is tasked with those wolf cubs on the Great Desert plains. As he spoke, he cast a sidelong glance at the last of their group, who was absorbed in listening to the music.

The man in brocade was as handsome as could be, a ring adorning the index and middle finger of his left hand, and his gaze fixed intently on the dancer on stage, looking serene and content in the light.

Seeing this, Jun Wu snorted,

Isn’t the person involved right here? Two months ago, Xu Changtian went to propose marriage at the Marquis of Wucheng’s Mansion, and now he’s back in the Capital. Counting the travel time, it fits just right. Minister Xu, you wouldn’t have struck some deal with the Marquis, would you?

........

Xu Yuan turned his eyes slowly towards the peculiar gazes of his mischievous friends,

Yuan Zeng, Cheng Ping, are you out of your minds... Since when do you care about such matters?

Watching these two discuss affairs of state was like watching a sow climb a tree.

The young man with the headband twitched, tapped the table, and grunted,

Xu Buyi, mind your words. I’m now a giving Assistant at the Ministry of Personnel. Be careful, or I might submit a complaint against you to the Emperor tomorrow.

Xu Yuan smirked,

Sure thing. Tomorrow morning, this commoner will be waiting in my father’s study for your petition to arrive.

...... Yuan Zeng.

Cheng Ping gave Xu Yuan a reproachful look, accustomed to his ways,

Enough, both of you say less.

Xu Yuan waved his hand dismissively and glanced towards the entrance screen,

Has Cheng Ping not arrived yet? I remember him being the most enthusiastic about visiting this Hook Bar.

Leaning back on a plush cushion, Cheng Ping replied languidly,

That lad has been arranged by his father to serve as a Qujiang in the Imperial Guards, plus he got married last year.

Xu Yuan was stunned,

Wait, he’s married? To which family’s daughter?

It’s the daughter of the Assistant Minister Liu from the Ministry of Personnel, Cheng Ping answered.

After pondering for a moment, Xu Yuan said,

Assistant Minister Liu... A daughter of an Assistant Minister could hardly keep Cheng Ping in line, right?

At this, Cheng Ping replied with an ambiguous smile,

She can’t. But that lad is more bark than bite~

Conversation ceased,

then all three shared a knowing chuckle.

As the last cup was drained,

Cheng Ping’s effeminate tone took on a teasing note,

Someone’s grandeur has grown after being unseen for two years. We had to personally invite you from your residence half a month since you returned to the Capital. Too inconvenient to step out?

Xu Yuan glanced over the group, replying cheerfully,

Cheng Ping, there seems to be an insinuation in your words.

Being close friends, Cheng Ping was direct,

With Marquis Wucheng’s fiery temperament, there must be something behind you returning to the Capital. Who would believe otherwise?

At that,

he glanced at Yuan Zeng,

Do you believe it?

I don’t.

Nor do I.

.... Xu Yuan.

A sigh escaped him, and after a sip of wine, Xu Yuan got serious,

I am betrothed.

....

An awkward silence ensued,

before the duo burst into laughter.

Cheng Ping clapped Xu Yuan on the shoulder,

For real?

Xu Yuan remained composed,

Before returning to the Capital, my father told me about the marriage arrangement with the Commandery Princess of Marquis Wucheng’s family.

Both friends paused, visibly surprised,

and Cheng Ping quickly whispered,

I recall that the news about your elder brother a couple of months ago suggested not marriage but a marriage by taking the bride’s family name?

Xu Yuan remained unruffled at the mention of marrying into another family, nodding,

Yes, marrying into the family.

......

At this point, Cheng Ping and Yuan Zeng realized that this betrothal was likely a private deal between the Prime Minister’s Mansion and the Marquis of Wucheng’s family.

<p