AWB Chapter 437 A Smile
Chapter 437 A Smile
The scenery in the suburbs is beautiful, with verdant mountains in the distance, rippling lake water, and blue waves reflecting the sky.
A pavilion is nestled among the lush greenery.
A carved stone table was placed in the pavilion, and tea and fruit had already been set on it.
As the weather gets warmer, Qin Jiuwei is dressed lightly today, in a thin gauze dress with the hem fluttering gently.
Holding a silk fan in her hand, embroidered with elegant plum blossoms.
With a gentle sway of her fingers, the fan sent a few wisps of breeze through her slender wrist, making her appear even more graceful and charming.
Xie Yanli sat next to her, his eyes deep and somber.
His gaze lingered on her, unable to leave her for a long time.
In front of the pavilion is a wide lawn, as green as a carpet.
Xie Jue and Xie Jingchun were playing around on the grass.
The two chased and laughed, their clothes fluttering, their laughter ringing out.
Inside the pavilion, Qin Jiuwei and Xie Yanli sat side by side, while Xie Jing sat quietly beside them, keeping them company.
After exchanging a few words, Xie Yanli lowered his gaze slightly and turned to look at Xie Jing.
He changed his tone and asked in a low voice about the recent situation in the court.
Xie Jing suppressed his smile and began to speak seriously with Xie Yanli.
From the matter of troop deployment on the frontier to the situation in the capital, Xie Jing spoke clearly and logically, his words already displaying the composure and calmness of an adult.
Qin Jiuwei listened quietly, her gaze falling on Xie Jing, and a sense of relief welled up in her heart.
After the two paused for a moment, she chuckled softly, "It's really rare that our Jing-ge'er is so young and can already talk about these things."
Xie Jing was a little embarrassed and lowered his head modestly, saying, "It's all thanks to the teacher's excellent teaching; I dare not boast."
"The teacher taught well, but you also have to be willing to learn. You are also smart enough to understand things immediately."
Qin Jiuwei praised Xie Jing without reservation.
Xie Yanli listened quietly, and seeing that she was only looking at Xie Jing, he pursed his thin lips slightly.
Suddenly, he blurted out, "When I was fourteen, I went on a campaign with the late emperor."
Xie Jing: ...
Who asked?
Qin Jiuwei immediately understood, suppressed a smile, and looked up at Xie Yanli.
Her eyes crinkled into crescents as she softly replied.
"My husband is also remarkable. He was able to join the army at the age of fourteen. He is truly a talent that others cannot match."
Upon hearing this, Xie Yanli's tense expression immediately relaxed.
His thin lips were pursed, but the corners of his mouth subtly curled up slightly.
Just then, a series of light footsteps came from outside the pavilion.
A richly dressed lady walked slowly toward the pavilion, followed by two maids.
The lady wore a light crimson silk dress, her hair adorned with pearls and jade, and her face was well-maintained.
Qin Jiuwei looked up and recognized her as Madam Zhao, the Vice Minister of Revenue.
Zhao came from a prominent family in the capital, and as a fourth-rank noblewoman, she enjoyed considerable prestige among the nobility.
Madam Zhao smiled warmly and entered the pavilion to exchange pleasantries.
"Greetings, Young Master Xie and his wife. The daytime is perfect, and I've come to the lakeside with the younger members of my family to relax. I never expected to meet you here. What a coincidence!"
Qin Jiu smiled and returned the greeting, saying gently, "Madam Zhao, there's no need for such formalities."
Xie Yanli raised his eyes slightly, ignoring him.
Madam Zhao glanced around and saw Xie Jing sitting to the side.
Her eyes brightened slightly, her smile deepened, and she began to praise him.
"This must be Jing-ge'er, right? He is indeed distinguished by his appearance, and it's clear at a glance that he is a bright and good boy."
"I heard that Jing-ge'er has entered Jingyuan Academy and was personally accepted as a disciple by Master Gu. Now, which scholar in the capital doesn't take him as an example? Those boys from the Zhao family go back and keep saying they want to learn from Jing-ge'er. It's really enviable."
Xie Jingwei lowered his head slightly, his voice humble and gentle: "Madam Zhao is too kind. I am of shallow talent and need to work harder."
Madam Zhao was even more pleased upon hearing this.
His gaze then turned to Qin Jiuwei, and he smiled, "Jing-ge'er's achievements today are not only due to his own intelligence, but also to the excellent upbringing he received from the young master's wife. It's truly remarkable."
"Nowadays, the young masters in the manor are all outstanding, and the young lady is truly virtuous and well-rounded, with a far-reaching reputation that commands respect."
Upon hearing this, Qin Jiuwei smiled and returned a gentle greeting, her demeanor serene and graceful.
"Zhiqing, come and pay your respects to the young master and his wife."
Madam Zhao waved her hand behind her.
Only then did they notice that a little girl was following behind Madam Zhao.
The little girl looked to be no more than eight or nine years old.
She wore an elegant embroidered dress, her hair was simply tied in a small bun, her eyebrows and eyes were delicate, but her face was full of unease.
She huddled behind Madam Zhao, timidly revealing only half of her face.
Madam Zhao urged, "Why aren't you hurrying up?"
Upon hearing this, the little girl twisted the hem of her clothes with her fingers, froze on the spot, and looked clearly scared and helpless.
Seeing that she didn't move for a long time, Madam Zhao's face darkened slightly, and she secretly gave her a push from behind.
Caught off guard, the little girl stumbled and her eyes immediately welled up with tears.
She was so frightened she wanted to cry, but she held it back.
Biting her lip, she carefully stepped forward, gave a curtsy, and spoke in a voice barely audible.
"Greetings, Young Master, Young Madam, and Young Master Jing."