Chapter 355: Chapter 351: Xue Shaoqin’s Gift

Behind the inner courtyard gate of the Duke Yan Mansion is the hall where the hostess receives guests.

However, since Lady Yan became pregnant, it has mostly been Miss Tang handling the household affairs here.

With the year-end rush, the Second Miss has also joined in.

From the morning, the stove in the hall was lit, and people were frequently coming in and out.

Tang Jiaojiao sat in the main seat, with a steward speaking to her in front.

As she listened, her gaze drifted towards Tang Xiaobai, who was at the side.

After looking twice, she noticed Tang Xiaobai was still holding the same invitation card and couldn’t help but speak up, “What are you dazing out for? How can one invitation card take so long to look at?”

Tang Xiaobai snapped back and looked up, saying, “It’s Xue Seventh Son’s invitation card.”

Xue Seventh Son, formerly known as the Wannian County Magistrate Xue Shaoqin.

“He’s back?” Tang Jiaojiao raised an eyebrow.

After Xue Shaoqin resigned, he went traveling for his studies.

Tang Xiaobai hadn’t paid attention to where exactly he went.

Bringing this invitation card was mainly to announce his return to the Capital City.

And also,

“There’s also a gift list—” Tang Xiaobai took out the gift list tucked inside the invitation card, feeling a bit surprised.

Honestly, although Xue Shaoqin once helped the Duke Yan Mansion, there wasn’t much interaction between them.

He didn’t notify them when he left the Capital City, so why suddenly looking to build connections upon returning?

“I remember Xue Seventh Son seems to like astronomy and calendrical calculations, could he be seeking an introduction to the Eastern Palace from you?” Tang Jiaojiao speculated.

“His surname is Xue…”

The Xue Family doesn’t need her introduction.

Moreover, the Chongwen Hall is currently hiring talents eagerly, with no need for introductions at all.

So, why the gifts?

Tang Xiaobai glanced over the gift list, then looked up at Tang Jiaojiao with a peculiar expression.

“Why are you looking at me?” Tang Jiaojiao asked, baffled.

Tang Xiaobai handed the gift list to her.

Tang Jiaojiao glanced at it, frowning.

The gift list was not long, mostly local specialties, not typical year-end gifts, but simple ones; only two items looked quite unusual.

One called Jade Beauty Snow Flower Pill, the other Red Mohe.

“Bring them up for a look,” Tang Jiaojiao instructed.

They brought up two square wooden boxes.

One was made of rosewood, the other a lighter color, unknown material.

Both had peony carvings but with different styles: the rosewood peonies were grand and beautiful, while the light wood ones were cold and alluring.

Tang Xiaobai couldn’t help but glance at her sister again.

It’s as if they were custom-made for Miss Tang?

Tang Jiaojiao did not reach out to take them, only ordered the servants to open them.

The rosewood box opened to release a faint fragrance.

Inside was a snow-white pill, whose origin and components were unknown.

Presumably, it’s the Jade Beauty Snow Flower Pill.

The light wood box held a gem about the size of a chestnut, cherry-colored, red, and beautiful.

This…

Tang Xiaobai looked again at her family’s beauty.

Miss Tang sneered, saying, “Who sends only single gifts? So stingy!”

Speaking like this made Tang Xiaobai feel a little hurt, “Such fine things, even one piece is hard to find, and not everything can come in pairs.”

Tang Jiaojiao sneered, “You recognize these two items? Just know they’re good things?”

Tang Xiaobai scoffed, “Even if I don’t recognize them, I know they’re good things.”

Although the Xue Family is famous, Xue Shaoqin’s branch was a widow and orphan, not wealthy yet not penniless either.

The compensation to the Duke Yan Mansion before was aided by Xue Shaojian from the main family.

With Xue Shaoqin’s family situation, bringing out these two items is truly unexpected.

It must have been gathered during his travels and purposefully brought back as gifts.

Who would believe these two items aren’t meant for Miss Tang?

Unexpectedly, Xue Shaoqin had this idea…

Miss Tang, however, seemed indifferent, waving her hand dismissively, “Put them away!”

“How should we return the favor?” Tang Xiaobai asked.

“Do I have to teach you that?” Tang Jiaojiao retorted, clearly uninterested in the matter.

Tang Xiaobai had no choice but to look through the warehouse records herself.

After flipping two pages, she suddenly remembered something.

Wasn’t Xue Shaoqin also an astronomy enthusiast?

Previously caught secretly reading ’Ling Xian’ during work hours by her and her brother, who even snatched the book from him, wasn’t it him?

He was even blackmailed by her and her brother for that book!

Now that he’s back, isn’t it just right to try for the Chongwen Hall?

With this thought, Tang Xiaobai quickly picked up the pen to write a reply.

Tang Jiaojiao was watching her and frowned, “Is it necessary for you to write the reply personally?”

Drafting a return gift doesn’t require the host to personally handle it, nor does a usual reply.

“I want to meet him,” Tang Xiaobai answered without lifting her head.

“What’s your purpose in meeting him—” Tang Jiaojiao said half-way, paused, then changed her tone, sarcastically, “You’re so busy… bring more people with you!”

A while later,

Just as Tang Xiaobai finished writing the reply, the elder sister suddenly said, “Send both items back!”

…

Tang Xiaobai and Xue Shaoqin arranged to meet three days later at a street-side tea house in the East Market.

When Xue Shaoqin appeared, Tang Xiaobai felt a brightening sensation in her eyes.

She hadn’t seen Xue Shaoqin for several years.

Her memory of him was of a slightly frail youth, gentle seeming but lacking vitality.

Upon this meeting, he seemed overly spirited, bordering on exuberant.

After the courtesy, Tang Xiaobai couldn’t help asking, “Does Master Xue have any happy news?”

Xue Shaoqin’s face flushed, “How, how did you know?”

Tang Xiaobai: …

It’s written all over your face!

Xue Shaoqin realized this, shyly touching his face, “It- it’s… I’m getting married…” He said, his face growing redder, eyes sparkling.

Tang Xiaobai was momentarily stunned.

Then why send such items for Miss Tang?

Seeing Xue Shaoqin’s puzzled expression, Tang Xiaobai quickly collected herself and smiled, “That truly is joyous news! May I ask, who is Master Xue’s bride-to-be?”

At the mention of his fiancée, Xue Shaoqin’s face brimmed with tender joy, “She’s not from the Capital. We met during my travels in Shu. She has no relatives, and once in the Capital, I hope the Second Miss will look after her.”

A free love affair, how wonderful!

Tang Xiaobai smiled, accepting, then asked, “Has the wedding date been set?”

Xue Shaoqin answered, “My mother has been informed, and we’re currently seeking an auspicious date. Most likely, it’ll be in March next year.”

Tang Xiaobai calculated silently.

Next March also happens to be when the imperial examination results are announced; it seems many plan their marriages around that time!

After some pleasantries, the tea began to boil, and they moved to the main topic.

“Is it your intention to apply to the call from Chongwen Hall this time?” Tang Xiaobai, as usual, got straight to the point.

Xue Shaoqin showed a brief surprise, then immediately composed himself and said, “That is indeed my intention!”

“To be honest with you, Second Miss, I’ve been fond of astronomy and calendrical science since childhood. Even as an adult, I’ve thought about joining the Observatory, but unfortunately, I failed the examination.” He confessed, appearing a bit embarrassed.

Tang Xiaobai nodded in understanding.

Her little ancestor had told her that the Observatory was dominated by Zheng Shidao’s people.

Lin Xujiji managed to stay there not only because of the Lin Family’s generations of Heavenly Officials but also likely because the Xue Family didn’t want him wading into troubled waters.

“I heard that the Chongwen Hall is recruiting astronomical officials, which is why I plan to return. If I’m fortunate enough to be selected and partake in revising the almanac, there won’t be any regrets left in my life!”

Xue Shaoqin spoke with emotion, but more noticeably, he exuded a sense of ambition and pride, different from his previous self as a magistrate.

Tang Xiaobai smiled, “Then let me wish Master Xue all the best in realizing his wish!”

The feeling of fulfillment wasn’t just felt by Xue Shaoqin.

Tang Xiaobai felt equally accomplished knowing Xue Shaoqin would participate in the Palace selection, almost forgetting the task Miss Tang had assigned her.

Just as they reached the door, she recalled and said, bringing the two items up to Xue Shaoqin, “These gifts are too generous.”

Xue Shaoqin blushed again, whispering, “Actually… I was just delivering them on behalf of someone else…”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep