Dandy Escapes From Marriage - Chapter 42

During the meal, Liu Shu noticed that the tall man showed no signs of embarrassment from earlier and seemed cheerful as he prepared to serve dishes to the person beside him. However, his chopsticks hovered uncertainly over the two plates for a while, unable to decide which one to pick.

 

“These dishes are unfamiliar to us. Are they local specialties?” the fair-skinned man finally asked.

 

“No, these are vegetables,” Shen Ke admitted with guilt, bowing his head towards the two dark dishes.

 

The two guests exchanged looks of confusion.

 

Seeing this, Liu Shu glanced at them disapprovingly, then grabbed a large helping of the food and started eating enthusiastically. “It’s delicious! If you don’t eat soon, I might finish it all by myself!”

 

The guests watched him devour the food eagerly and couldn’t help but wonder—perhaps these dishes looked unappealing but tasted surprisingly good?

 

One after another, they cautiously picked up a bite and tasted. Soon after, their expressions changed.

 

“We have some pickled vegetables from our neighbors at home. If you don’t mind, I can fetch them,” Shen Ke offered as a remedy.

 

Chewing a few more times, the tall man quickly accepted the awkward taste. Having been in the military for years, he was used to hardships. Beside him, the other man was being particularly finicky. Reluctantly, he replied, “That would be appreciated.”

 

Shen Ke went to get the pickled vegetables from the kitchen.

 

Meanwhile, Liu Shu continued to enthusiastically recommend, “Have some porridge! This weather is perfect for it. Ah Ke makes the best porridge!”

 

The guests looked at the mushy white porridge and then at Liu Shu devouring it, deep in thought. After a while, the fair-skinned man unexpectedly spoke up, “If you have the ability, don’t vomit secretly.”

 

“I don’t understand what you’re saying,” Liu Shu denied stubbornly, ignoring their backgrounds and coldly saying, “Whether you want to eat or not, it’s impolite to criticize food someone has worked hard to make.”

 

The table fell silent. Just as the tall man was about to lean over and whisper something, the fair-skinned man picked up his spoon and slowly took a bite of the porridge.

 

Seeing his sullen expression, the tall man couldn’t help but want to laugh. Changing his words at the last minute, he teased in a low voice, “Oh my, Menting, you’ve actually been scolded by a younger generation. Should I help you beat him up?”

 

Menting glanced at him sideways and kicked him under the table. It was just a light tap, but it brought a smile to his face.

 

Watching their interactions, Liu Shu, who had been dissatisfied just moments ago, suddenly felt envious. It took such affection and shamelessness to flirt with each other in front of strangers?!

 

After the pickled vegetables were served, everyone’s appetite improved, but there wasn’t enough porridge.

 

“Sorry, I didn’t know beforehand and only cooked enough for the two of us,” Shen Ke apologized.

 

“It’s our fault for intruding,” the tall man glanced around. The small house was indeed simple but tidy. He looked up at the roof and pointed to a spot, saying, “This area seems about to collapse. As a token of gratitude, let me reinforce it for you.”

 

“You know how to fix roofs?!” Liu Shu exclaimed in surprise.

 

“It’s not difficult.”

 

“Then I’ll go find Brother Mianjin and borrow a ladder!” Liu Shu was about to move but was stopped by the man.

 

“No need.”

 

The group went to the courtyard. The tall man jumped onto the roof and carefully lifted a few tiles. “These ones already have cracks. Could you fetch some new ones?”

 

“Sure!” Liu Shu immediately went to find Brother Mianjin, returning with a basket of tiles. “Brother, I also want to help. Can you take me up there too?”

 

The man jumped down, grabbed him effortlessly, and carried him up.

 

“Woo!” Liu Shu cheered happily. “Brother, you really know kung fu! Can you teach me?!”

 

“I’ve practiced.”

 

“Can you teach me?!”

 

“Let’s fix the roof first,” the man said, then called out to the people in the courtyard, “Since we’re here, and it’s hot outside, why don’t you go inside and cool off?”

 

“Exactly!” At this moment, Liu Shu suddenly felt a surge of pride. He felt like the head of a household, repairing the roof!

 

Shen Ke led the guests into the house. The atmosphere became somewhat awkward, with the man staring up at the person fixing the roof.

 

Shen Ke had no choice but to continue sewing Liu Shu’s clothes. He had torn his sleeve earlier in the morning in the woods and had borrowed needle and thread from Auntie Zhu’s house on the way back.

 

The fair-skinned man’s neck grew tired from looking up, so he pulled his gaze back and rested for a moment, noticing the tiny speck of blood on his finger where he had pricked it with the needle.

 

“…”

 

On the roof, chatter filled the air. After finishing repairs, the two men found a secluded spot to chat, regretting they hadn’t met sooner. Liu Shu led his guest to the vegetable garden, ensuring their conversation remained private.

 

Inside the house, Shen Ke had staunched the bleeding and, seeing the guests with nothing to do, thought for a moment before deciding to give them a tour.

 

Although the guests didn’t think the humble house had anything worth seeing, passing the time was agreeable enough.

 

After a tour of the main hall and kitchen, Shen Ke led him to his own bedroom.

 

The guest immediately noticed books piled on the table, walked over, and glanced at them, instantly understanding the reason behind Shen Ke’s unusual behavior.

 

“You’re a scholar? Is it because you’re preparing for the imperial examination that you haven’t done much housework?” the man asked, his eyes falling on a scroll. Curiously, he inquired, “What’s this? Can I take a look?”

 

“I would be honored.” Shen Ke unrolled the scroll, revealing a painting and calligraphy.

 

“This is an authentic work of the late emperor,” the man recognized at a glance, turning to him with sharp eyes. “How did you come by this?”

 

“Sir Zhao, this was bestowed upon my father by the late emperor during his lifetime, and my father passed it on to me on my tenth birthday,” Shen Ke explained. “My father, surnamed Shen, served in the Hanlin Academy.”

 

“You’re the second son of Shen Yanqing?”

 

“Exactly.”

 

“I’ve long heard of Shen Yanqing’s two sons: the elder displaying sharpness, and the younger, gentle in temperament and skilled in painting and calligraphy. I’ve met Shen Huai a few times, but you’re the first I’ve met in person. However, how did you recognize me?”

 

“Nowadays, intermarriage among men in the Xuan Dynasty is not uncommon, owing to the celebrated marriage fifteen years ago between Zhao Yelan, then the Left Prime Minister, and General Yan Mingting,” Shen Ke paused, smiling, “And since you’ve been married for fifteen years, and with your remarkable presence, I guessed.”

 

Zhao Yelan awkwardly shifted his gaze. “My way of getting along has been spread?”

 

“It’s hard not to spread it. Since ascending to the position of Regent Prince, your every move has been under scrutiny,” Shen Ke replied frankly.

 

“Well, that’s true.”

 

The late emperor passed away early, leaving behind an orphaned heir. Zhao Yelan was appointed Regent Prince to his son, causing widespread controversy amid fears of his ambitious intentions to control the court and usurp the throne.

 

Surprisingly, as the Crown Prince grew older and began to understand state affairs, Zhao Yelan voluntarily resigned and went on outings with General Yan Mingting.

 

“Why are you here?” Zhao Yelan suddenly remembered something. “Before leaving the capital, your father and colleagues mentioned your engagement, expected to be consummated by next spring. So why aren’t you preparing for the wedding in the capital, instead of working as a farmer here?”

 

“To be honest, the engagement was arranged when I was a baby, not my choice. I didn’t want to delay my life or that of another person, so I left the capital. Now that I’ve met Xiaowu, we share mutual affection. I’ve sent a letter to my father to dissolve the engagement, and once it’s annulled, I’ll marry Xiaowu.” Shen Ke explained.

 

It turned out to be another confusing engagement. Even though Zhao Yelan and Yan Mingting are now as sticky as glue, they were both holding their breaths when they were first forced to get married.

 

“Marriage is a big deal, and it’s not a game, especially the one mentioned when you were a baby,” Zhao Yelan said. “If you can’t get Shen Yanqing to move, scare him with this token.”

 

“Thank you, sir.” Shen Ke took the token with a smile and bowed.

 

“If fate allows, I might be able to attend your wedding with Xiaowu,” Zhao Yelan said, jokingly. “At that time, you should not personally cook to entertain guests.”

 

The two men smiled at each other. To thank him for this token, Shen Ke decided to return the peach and reported, “I don’t know if Sir Zhao is interested in the painting and calligraphy of the former Zhang Lao?”

 

“Of course.”

 

“Before, because of my livelihood, I have sold Zhang Lao’s painting, and then the shopkeeper heard that I wanted to redeem it, and wanted to raise prices. If Sir Zhao wants to, why not go and redeem it?” Shen Ke told him the pawnshop’s address.

 

“Alright, we’ll set off soon,” Zhao Yelan chuckled, “You sure know how to give gifts. I’ll have to personally spend money to buy it back.”

 

“If I weren’t in a tight spot right now, I would have gone to redeem it myself and give it to you.”

 

“No worries. How about you give me another one of your own calligraphy or paintings? Maybe one day you’ll become as famous as Zhang Lao, and I’ll be begging for one,” Zhao Yelan joked.

 

“You flatter me, Sir Zhao,” Shen Ke modestly smiled, but nonetheless picked up the brush and started a painting.

 

Zhao Yelan looked at the portrait of the two figures he knew so well, his mouth curling into a smile. “I might just want to take this painting to my grave.”

 

Shen Ke chuckled at his teasing.

 

Before long, the two men returned.

 

“Thank you both for your hospitality. Perhaps we’ll meet again,” Zhao Yelan bid farewell.

 

Shen Ke replied, “Farewell, and may you have a safe journey.”

 

After getting on the carriage, Zhao Yelan looked at Yan Mingting and asked, “What did that kid talk to you about?”

 

“He wanted to learn martial arts from me, hear about our love story, and asked for my help,” Yan Mingting pulled out an amber piece, “He said he’s from the Liu family in Jiangnan. When we pass through Jinling, he wants us to visit his parents and get some money to buy lots of good clothes, shoes, and bowls for his future bride.”

 

“The Liu family in Jiangnan?” Zhao Yelan exclaimed, then chuckled meaningfully, “Interesting.”

 

“By the way, I gave the kid ten taels as a thank-you gift for meals,” Yan Mingting added.

 

“Coincidentally, I secretly left ten taels in Shen Ke’s room.”

 

“We really think alike!” Yan Mingting extended his hand slowly, “I’ve given away every last penny. Sir Zhao, when will you give me some spending money again?”

 

“It’s a pity. I really hit it off with that young man and wanted to learn martial arts from him!” Liu Shu said.

 

“If it’s meant to be, you’ll meet again,” Shen Ke smiled lightly.

 

“Meeting someone from across the country again would indeed be miraculous,” Liu Shu didn’t hold much hope for that, then asked, “What did you talk about with that man? Why do you suddenly seem so close?”

 

“He’s Zhao Yelan, Sir Zhao.”

 

“Oh, him?”

 

Shen Ke couldn’t hold back a laugh, “You do know he’s the Regent, right?”

 

“I know he is, but he’s not involved with us, right?! He can’t be?!” Liu Shu widened his eyes, seeing Shen nod, he almost fainted, “I think I even criticized him in person! Am I going to die?!!”

 

“No, he actually quite likes you.”

 

“How do you know?”

 

“Because of this,” Shen Ke showed him the token, “He promised to help me annul the marriage contract.”

 

Liu Shu stared at the token for a moment, then suddenly realized, “Right, he’s the Regent! Asking your father to agree to annulment would be a piece of cake!”

 

“I hope I won’t need to use this token,” Shen Ke sighed in relief, looking up at Liu Shu, “Xiao Wu, I’ve already sent a letter to my father to request the annulment. Once the contract is dissolved, we’ll be truly free.”

 

Although he could discuss marriage plans in front of Sir Zhao, he hesitated in front of Xiao Wu. He couldn’t provide Xiao Wu with a better life yet.

 

“A letter to request annulment?!” Liu Shu slapped his head, “You’re so thoughtful. I’ll also write a letter to my parents requesting annulment!”

 

“Alright.”

 

Liu Shu picked up the pen and began writing. However, with his limited education, he couldn’t express his feelings in detail. He simply wrote four big characters hastily—I want to annul!

 

“Tomorrow I’ll send the letter to the town.”

 

“Okay.”

 

Liu Shu returned the letter to his room. Shortly after, Shen Ke came over with an envelope, “Xiao Wu, it seems Sir Zhao left some money for us.”

 

“Oh? Big Brother also gave me ten taels. How much did Sir Zhao give?”

 

Shen Ke paused subtly, “Nine hundred and ten taels.”

 

“How much?!!”

 

“Nine hundred and ten taels,” Shen Ke said, “You can use this money to open a shop and manage your finances.”

 

“Is this the financial power of a dignified Regent?!” Liu Shu, who was used to big scenes, had never seen someone casually give away so much money, and asked sincerely, “Ke, do you think I have a good chance of becoming a Regent?”

 

“You don’t want to go to the capital, do you? The position of Regent isn’t suitable for you.”

 

“What a gentle way of rejecting me!”

 

But Liu Shu was happy to hear it, he raised his head and kissed him on the face, then another kiss, and another kiss.

 

Shen Ke smiled and raised his eyes, suddenly stunned, staring straight outside.

 

Following his gaze, Liu Shu saw the wickerworker and that Mr. Shen, both standing stiff in the yard, staring through the window at them.

 

The wickerworker was once again impressed by their deep brotherly love, and when he saw the two were about to come out of the house, he quickly said to the guest beside him, “The road is reached, I’ll take my leave.”

 

“Hey, big brother, what are you running for!” Liu Shu chased after him.

 

“Don’t call me big brother!” The wickerworker was afraid of being caught, kissed a face, and ran fast.

 

——Don’t chase me! Your friendship is too scary, teenagers!