Dandy Escapes From Marriage - Chapter 22

“Do you really have an engagement?” asked Hui Shang.

 

Shen Ke replied with a simple “Hmm”: “Sorry, I didn’t mention it before.”

 

Li Shu, still in a daze, suddenly remembered that he also had a confusing engagement. He was about to say something when Shen Ke continued, “I didn’t tell you guys because I won’t agree to this marriage. Miss Zhang, don’t let slip of the tongue.”

 

Li Shu immediately shut his mouth, thinking that he wouldn’t agree to his own engagement either. It’s better to avoid unnecessary trouble. His face returned to anger, and he whispered, “So, did you deliberately find an excuse for her to give up?”

 

Shen Ke nodded slightly.

 

“Don’t worry, I can keep a secret, but someone else might not.” Li Shu looked meaningfully at Hui Shang. “Someone might slip up after drinking too much porridge.”

 

Hui Shang remained silent for a moment before saying, “No, since Brother Ke has no intention, why bother to do something useless? It’s to prevent giving false hope to infatuated people, isn’t it, Brother Ke’s intention?”

 

The people around gradually dispersed, and those invited by the county magistrate began to leave in their carriages. Hui Shang was not among them, urging them to catch up quickly.

 

Outside the city gate, there were several carriages parked. As they passed by, the curtains on one side suddenly lifted, and Zhang Moyang impatiently shouted, “Get in the carriage quickly.”

 

Inside the carriage, the atmosphere was very strange.

 

Zhang Mocheng kept his head down and remained silent, while Zhang Moyang stared at Shen Ke intently, occasionally letting out a cold snort. Li Shu glared back at him.

 

Shen Ke withdrew his gaze from the window and saw these two locking eyes like roosters.

 

Zhang Moyang finally gave in, rubbing his eyes and looking displeased. “Now it’s a mess. That little brat Fang Qiong will definitely come to harass Mo Cheng later.”

 

Shen Ke asked, “Does the county magistrate know about this?”

 

“He turns a blind eye. Fang Qiong is his eldest son and at the age to marry. The townspeople all like Moyang, so he’s eager for her to marry over and give him a good reputation for nothing.” Zhang Moyang didn’t know what he was thinking, his face becoming even more unpleasant. “No one has dared to propose to our family in recent years. Surely they’ve been warned behind our backs.”

 

Zhang Mocheng raised his head, comforting his brother’s emotions. “It’s okay. We’ll be at the Fang’s soon. It’s just a meal. After we finish eating, we’ll leave.”

 

Zhang Moyang looked at the two men sitting opposite him, one was the person his sister liked, but unfortunately, this damned person actually had an engagement. 

 

The other was his sister’s intended husband, but the guy who was supposed to be married suddenly fell in love with a man, and according to unreliable rumors, the person he liked might be Zhang Moyang himself. It was terrifying!

 

In short, neither of them could marry his sister, but the town couldn’t find a third person with their looks!

 

The carriage stopped, and everyone got off one by one. Li Shu and Shen Ke raised their heads at the same time, looking at the two large characters on the plaque, “Fang Residence,” and followed behind the Zhang siblings, walking side by side into the house.

 

Inside, some guests had already arrived and were busy getting close to the county magistrate. When they entered, the county magistrate’s face became warmer, obviously welcoming Zhang Moyang, while the two men behind him were just incidental.

 

Although Li Shu was attending the Golden Chrysanthemum Festival as the leader, no one cared about it now. So they naturally became transparent.

 

Before long, Fang Qiong reappeared in the hall, wearing a clean and beautiful outfit. He saw Zhang Moyang at a glance, and with his hands behind his back, he strode over with great pomp. “Miss Zhang, sorry for the wait.”

 

Zhang Moyang: “…Didn’t wait for you.”

 

“I heard that you like osmanthus, so I specially planted osmanthus in the backyard for you to admire. Can I invite you to appreciate it? Zhang Moyang had not yet answered when others laughed and cheered, “Young Master Fang is really thoughtful.”

 

“Young Master Fang’s friendship with Miss Zhang is truly admirable.”

 

“Unfortunately, I’m a man, otherwise, I would want to marry Young Master Fang.”

 

Everyone laughed, and suddenly a clear voice sounded in the crowd: “Even if you’re a man, you can still get married. Our dynasty is open-minded, and can accommodate your preferences. Young Master Fang is handsome and suitable for you.”

 

Everyone was stunned and looked towards the speaker. It was a young man sitting half on the doorstep, looking casual, with one hand propping up his cheek. He spoke innocently.

 

That face was unforgettable, and almost instantly, everyone remembered that he was the winner of the Golden Chrysanthemum Festival today.

 

“This young… gentleman is joking,” the person who spoke just now smiled awkwardly. “I was just making a joke.”

 

Liu Shu: “You dare to make jokes at our young master’s expense?”

 

The person’s face stiffened, immediately looking towards the county magistrate and Fang Qiong, hurriedly explaining.

 

Fang Qiong stared straight at Lui Shu, cursing him inwardly, but upon noticing his shabby attire, he felt somewhat relieved. What’s the use of being handsome? Mr. Zhang wouldn’t marry his daughter to someone so destitute!

 

For now, he temporarily ignored this baseless threat, continuing to invite Zhang Mohseng, who replied, “I don’t like osmanthus.”

 

“Is that so? I don’t believe it.”

 

“…” Zhang Mohseng could see through the intentions, but with so many guests present today, he wouldn’t dare to do anything excessive. “Then please lead the way.”

 

Fang Qiong beamed, quickly leading her towards the backyard. However, upon passing through a corridor, he stopped and turned to look at the three men who inexplicably followed, “What are you here for?!”

 

“I am Mohseng’s elder brother, accompanying her to appreciate the flowers. Is that not allowed?” Zhang Moyang said calmly.

 

Fine, from now on, he’ll be the elder brother-in-law. Fang Qiong suppressed his annoyance, then pointed to Lui Shu and asked, “And you?!”

 

“I am Mohseng’s elder brother too, accompanying her to appreciate the flowers. Is that not allowed?” Lui Shu raised an eyebrow.

 

“Elder brother?!” Fang Qiong turned to Zhang Mohseng, “Is he your elder brother?!”

 

Zhang Mohseng glanced at Lui Shu, nodding awkwardly, “Yes.”

 

“And you—” Fang Qiong glared at Shen Ke, who just smiled amiably and nodded.

 

“So many elder brothers?!” Fang Qiong looked at Zhang Mohseng in disbelief.

 

“Yes.”

 

Finally, Fang Qiong stood in his meticulously prepared osmanthus garden, not understanding why he was admiring the flowers with three big men…

 

This was completely different from the romantic scene he had imagined!

 

Zhang Mohseng claimed to feel unwell as soon as they entered the osmanthus garden, asking the maidservant to take her to rest. Only her three brothers remained, standing there with blank expressions, occasionally engaging in conversation.

 

“Ah Ke, smell that, it’s so fragrant.”

 

“Yes, these are four-season osmanthus, not just blooming in autumn.”

 

“The scent isn’t too strong, quite pleasant… Oh, that one is huge!”

 

“We can also plant some in the courtyard.”

 

“Can we plant a pomelo tree too? I’m craving pomelos.”

 

“Sure.”

 

Fang Qiong watched them standing under his osmanthus tree with smiles on their faces…

 

This scene was so familiar, he had rehearsed it a thousand times in his mind—

 

This was the romantic scene he wanted, but now it had become him planting trees while others enjoyed the shade!

 

Fang Qiong was furious, shouting, “Get out of here!”

 

Both Lui Shu and Shen Ke looked at him simultaneously, then Lui Shu raised his foot. Fang Qiong reflexively covered his stomach and took two steps back, only to realize he was only moving forward. Next moment, he heard Lui Shu say, “Sister, he told us to leave.”

 

“Okay, then let’s go quickly.” Zhang Mohseng said.

 

Fang Qiong turned abruptly to stop them, “No no, I meant them, not you.”

 

“But they are my brothers, I can’t leave them.”

 

“There’s no danger here.”

 

As soon as the words fell, Lui Shu casually exclaimed, “Oh no,” grabbing Shen Ke’s arm, “This ground is slippery, my foot hurts.”

 

Fang Qiong: …Can you be any more fake?!

 

“Then let’s go find a doctor.” Zhang Moyang immediately said, “Let’s go, let’s go.”

 

Suppressing a smile, Shen Ke went along with the act, supporting him as they walked forward, whispering, “I’ll ask the county magistrate about something later. You go back with Zhang Moyang first.”

 

Lui Shu, intending to ask what he wanted to ask, was instantly captivated by his profile.

 

Noticing his intense gaze, Shen Ke asked in confusion, “What’s wrong?”

 

“You have something on your face.”

 

“What?” Shen Ke touched his face, but found nothing.

 

“Let me help you.” Lui Shu reached out his thumb and wiped his cheek twice.

 

With a gentle touch, Shen Ke lifted his gaze to meet Lui Shu’s eyes, then after Lui Shu stopped, he asked, “Are you done wiping?”

 

“…Not yet.” Lui Shu’s neck flushed slightly, feigning composure as he continued to pat his face.

 

Just as Fang Qiong, who was conversing with Zhang Mohseng, unintentionally glanced up and saw the two men standing so close, touching faces and locking eyes, he cursed inwardly. Wasn’t this affectionate scene something he had imagined a thousand times?!

 

Before the banquet began, the Zhang siblings announced they would take Lui Shu to see a doctor and bid farewell to the county magistrate.

 

Glancing at Lui Shu, who was piggybacking on Shen Ke, the county magistrate couldn’t discern the truth or falsehood and didn’t insist, only casting a glance at his disappointing son before letting them leave.

 

Shortly after, he saw the person carrying Lui Shu on his back return, heading straight towards him with courtesy, asking, “Lord Fang, I have something to discuss with you. Could we change the location?”

 

As night fell, the banquet had already begun.

 

In the courtyard filled with guests, a figure slipped away from the corner, unnoticed by anyone.

 

Stepping out of the bustling gate, Shen Ke breathed a sigh of relief. Here, no one recognized him, sparing him the trouble of exchanging pleasantries with unfamiliar people.

 

He turned and headed towards the Zhang family’s direction. Just as he took a few steps, a figure suddenly darted out from the alley, covering his eyes from behind.

 

Shen Ke remained quiet for a moment, then suddenly chuckled, “I thought you went to the Zhangs, why are you still here?”

 

“Was it that easy to guess?” Lui Shu smiled as he let go of his hand, walking back to the inn together with him, asking, “What did you talk to the county magistrate about?”

 

“The bandits.”

 

Lui Shu paused, recalling those damn bandits that had left him penniless. But then he thought, if not for that encounter with the bandits, he might never have met Ah Ke.

 

“A few days ago, I overheard others in the inn saying the bandits have been active again recently. With the corn ripe, they’ve started stealing crops. With reduced harvests, it’s hard for the farmers to make ends meet,” Shen Ke said.

 

“No wonder Hui Shang mentioned an increasing number of people coming to beg for porridge recently. What did the county magistrate say about it?”

 

“He said he would send people to capture the bandits, let’s hope he means it.” Shen Ke paused, his expression darkening. “I’ve inquired. This group of bandits has committed multiple crimes, yet the officials have yet to capture them. When questioned, they always say they’re in pursuit, the terrain is difficult, or they’ll notify them if there’s any news…”

 

“In that case, you’ve probably wasted your breath this time as well,” Lui Shu shrugged.

 

“If it’s a waste of breath, then I’ll just have to run more errands and report it.” Shen Ke said.

 

Glancing at him sideways, Lui Shu sensed a hint of another meaning in his calm tone, as if he had already made this plan and was just waiting to see what response the county magistrate would give.

 

But he had no power, no money, and no influence. It was as easy for the county magistrate to crush him as it was to crush an ant.

 

“Okay, you can do whatever you want, I’ll accompany you.” Lui Shu said.

 

Shen Ke’s eyes flickered, gazing at his profile, the dim light from the street casting shadows on his face. Despite the faint shadows, they couldn’t conceal his carefree smile. Shen Ke couldn’t help but look at him a few more times before slowly curling up his lips. “Alright.”

 

The street was lively, much more vibrant and entertaining than the nights in the village. Suddenly, Shen Ke slowed his pace, as if he had thought of something, and turned to ask, “Do you want to take a stroll?”

 

“Where?” Lui Shu asked.

 

“Anywhere, is there anywhere you want to go?”

 

Initially intending to refuse, thinking there was nothing worth seeing in this small town, just as he was about to decline, he suddenly realized that this was an opportunity for the two of them to stroll together, to build their relationship!

 

“Then let’s just wander around?”

 

“Okay.”

 

Lui Shu and Shen Ke wandered the streets together. The previously dull streets now felt different, and even aimlessly walking around brought them a sense of joy.

 

As Lui Shu was about to step on Shen Ke’s shadow, Shen Ke suddenly stopped and turned to look at him.

 

He nervously lifted his head. “Why did you stop?”

 

“What did you and Hui Shang, Zhang Moyang, and the others do when you went out?” Shen Ke asked.

 

“Huh?” Lui Shu turned his eyes around and realized he couldn’t come up with anything to say. He chuckled awkwardly, “We didn’t do anything special, just wandering around.”

 

“Really?” Shen Ke looked at him with a mixture of belief and doubt. “I tend to take your words seriously.”

 

“…,” Lui Shu felt for the first time how difficult it was to lie!

 

Seeing his guilty expression, Shen Ke knew that he and Zhang Moyang and the others had gone out to do something secretly, something they didn’t want him to know.

 

“Did you go to the gambling den?” 

 

“Absolutely not!” Lui Shu straightened up immediately. “Seriously, after you mentioned it last time, I haven’t gone to the gambling den again!”

 

“Oh, sir, you’re here again?” At this moment, a young woman walked by, dressed in a cool outfit, reaching out to grab Lui Shu. “Why didn’t you bring Master Zhang with you today?”

 

Lui Shu paled in shock. Wasn’t this the courtesan from before? He looked up and realized they were right in front of the brothel!

 

“Sir? Again?” Shen Ke’s eyes narrowed, his voice chilly.

 

“Allow me to explain!” Lui Shu pleaded.

 

Someone might slip up after drinking too much porridge.  

 

In the text, the phrase “喝人家的粥” (hē rénjiā de zhōu) literally translates to “drinking someone’s porridge.” However, in this context, it’s used metaphorically to mean “benefitting from someone’s generosity” or “being supported by someone.” It implies that someone has been receiving favors or support from another person, possibly to their advantage. So, it’s not literally porridge but rather a figurative expression to convey a sense of dependency or reliance on someone else’s goodwill.