xymnovel Chapter 31 A Perfect Son-in-Law
Chapter 31 A Perfect Son-in-Law
The window on the second floor of the embroidered pavilion was half-open, revealing a stunningly beautiful face. A complex expression flashed in her eyes as she adjusted her clothes in front of the bronze mirror. The girl in the mirror had exquisite features, yet she couldn't hide the sorrow in her eyes.
Two blue satin sedan chairs landed steadily in front of the main gate of the Ruan residence. The curtain of the first sedan chair was lifted, and a man of about fifty years old stepped out. He was dressed in an indigo-blue robe, with a white jade pendant hanging at his waist. His face was solemn and dignified. He was none other than Song Lian, a great Confucian scholar from Hangzhou.
The young man who emerged from the sedan chair was about twenty years old. He wore a moon-white brocade robe with a matching silk sash around his waist, and stood tall and straight like a bamboo shoot. He had a handsome face, with both a scholarly air and a heroic spirit in his eyes. He was Song Lian's only son, Song Yunzai.
"Brother Song, your arrival from afar truly brings honor to my humble abode!" Master Ruan and his family were already waiting at the door. Upon seeing the guest alight from the sedan chair, he immediately stepped forward to greet him with clasped hands.
Song Lian returned the greeting, saying, "Brother Ruan, you are too kind. I have long heard that the design of your residence is the best in Yuanzhou, and seeing it today, I can confirm that it truly lives up to its reputation."
As the two family heads exchanged pleasantries, Song Yunzai's gaze inadvertently swept over the Ruan family members standing behind Master Ruan. His eyes lingered on Ruan Shanruo for a moment before he politely looked away, stepped forward, and bowed deeply to Master Ruan: "Junior Yunzai greets Uncle Ruan."
His voice was clear and pleasant, and his posture was elegant and composed when he bowed. Every movement was just right, which showed that he had received strict etiquette training since childhood.
A look of appreciation flashed in Master Ruan's eyes, and he quickly helped him up: "Nephew, there's no need for such formality. Come, let me introduce you to your family." He stepped aside and introduced, "This is my wife, this is my daughter Shanruo, and my son Yichen."
Song Yunzai bowed and greeted Madam Ruan, Ruan Shanruo, and Ruan Yichen in turn, his manners as impeccable as ever. When he bowed to Ruan Shanruo, the young woman lowered her head slightly and returned the greeting, revealing a section of her fair and graceful neck. Sunlight shone on her ears, and the faint blush that quietly rose revealed a hint of unease in her heart.
"Young Master Song has come from afar; you must be tired from your journey. Why don't you come to the flower hall for some tea and refreshments first?" Madam Ruan said gently, her gaze lingering on Song Yunzai, growing more and more satisfied with him.
The group walked through the winding corridors toward the flower hall. Ruan Yichen deliberately slowed his pace, walking side by side with Song Yunzai.
The group walked through the winding corridors towards the waterside pavilion and flower hall. Ruan Yichen deliberately slowed his pace, walking alongside Song Yunzai, his tone carrying the eagerness unique to young people: "I heard that Brother Song won first place at the West Lake Literary Gathering last year, where scholars from Jiangnan gathered, and his poetic talent astonished everyone present. I have long admired you, and it is truly an honor to meet you today!"
Upon hearing this, Song Yunzai smiled modestly and waved his hand gently: "Brother Ruan, you flatter me. I am truly humbled. That day was merely a stroke of luck. The many wise men present are the ones with real talent and learning. Even now, I still feel ashamed when I think about it."
Ruan Yichen was surprised by Song Yunzai's humility, which increased her liking for him. The two chatted all the way, feeling as if they had known each other for a long time.
The flower hall is located in a pavilion in the center of the garden, with light gauze curtains hanging around it, which is both airy and elegant. Tea, fruit and snacks have been prepared in the pavilion, and an exquisite celadon tea set is placed on a mahogany round table.
The guests and hosts took their seats. Master Ruan personally poured Song Lian a cup of fragrant tea, and said with a smile, "This is a specially prepared pre-Qingming West Lake Longjing tea, brought from your esteemed place this spring. Brother Song, please try it; is it authentic?"
Song Lian accepted the tea with a smile, took a small sip, closed his eyes to savor it for a moment, and nodded in praise: "The tea soup is clear and refreshing, with a delicate aroma and a fresh, mellow, and sweet taste. It is indeed a top-quality tea from the foot of Lion Peak! Brother Ruan is very kind."
The two heads of the family sipped tea and chatted amiably, their conversation ranging from current affairs and politics to poetry, calligraphy, and painting, and even the recent events in their respective families. There was a clear mutual appreciation between them. Madam Ruan, meanwhile, occasionally glanced at Song Yunzai with a smile. Seeing his composed and elegant demeanor, refined speech, and extraordinary insights, she felt increasingly satisfied with the marriage that had already been arranged.
Ruan Shanruo sat quietly beside her mother, her head bowed, seemingly listening attentively to the elders' conversation, but in reality, she was absent-minded. Her fingers unconsciously twirled the handkerchief she carried with her, but her thoughts had already drifted to the Fang family in Sanlipu Village.
"Shanruo," Madam Ruan gently touched her daughter's arm, "Young Master Song is asking you a question."
Ruan Shanruo snapped back to reality, looking up to meet Song Yunzai's gentle gaze. He smiled and repeated, "I've heard that Miss Ruan is skilled in the zither; would I have the honor of hearing a piece today?"
"I..." Ruan Shanruo was about to decline when Madam Ruan interjected, "My daughter's musical skills are rudimentary, but I am honored that Young Master Song has not disliked her, so I am naturally willing to make a fool of myself." As she spoke, she winked at Qiaoyun, who was standing to the side.
Before long, a guqin was moved into the pavilion. Ruan Shanruo had no choice but to move to the guqin. She took a deep breath, her fingertips gently caressing the strings, and a piece called "Three Variations on Plum Blossom" flowed out slowly.
The music initially sounded slightly hesitant and awkward due to her unsettled state of mind, but as the melodious tune unfolded, she gradually became immersed in the music. The faint sorrow between her brows seemed to dissipate and drift away with the clear and melodious sound. Everyone in the pavilion fell silent, with only the clear, melodious music, accompanied by the faint fragrance of flowers, lingering gently in the breeze.
When the music ended, Song Yunzai was the first to applaud, sincerely praising, "Miss Ruan's piano skills are superb, perfectly expressing the noble spirit of plum blossoms braving the snow, which is truly admirable."
Master Ruan's face showed a proud expression: "My daughter is only slightly versed in music, Young Master Song is too kind."
"My lord is too modest," Madam Ruan interjected. "Shanruo's zither playing is second to none among the young ladies of Yuanzhou. Nephew Song will be in for a treat in the future."
These words were quite blunt, almost implying that the marriage between the two families was a natural progression. Master Ruan and Song Lian exchanged a knowing smile.
That night, in the study, Mr. Ruan and his wife sat facing each other, both wearing satisfied smiles.
"Song Yunzai is indeed a good boy," said Master Ruan, stroking his beard. "He is both scholarly and martial, and comes from a good family. If Shan Ruoruo can marry him, she will have someone to rely on for the rest of her life."
Madam Ruan nodded in agreement: "I think this child is well-mannered and has a good sense of propriety in his interactions with others. Most importantly, the Song family is a good match for us, so Shan Ruo won't be wronged if he goes there."
"But..." Madam Ruan hesitated for a moment, "Shanruo doesn't seem very enthusiastic about this marriage. Today I saw her wearing that plain jade hairpin, not even her favorite gold hair ornament. This child, she hides her thoughts very well."