Chapter 471: Chapter 279: Nu (2)

"You know, my Fang Yue became a Martial Scholar when he was just a lad..." Ms. Chen said smugly.

Hearing this, the neighbors looked on with envy. "My, Ms. Chen, you’re so fortunate to have such a capable son."

"That’s right! That boy Fang Yue has been sharp as a tack since he was little. He’s bound to go far," another neighbor chimed in.

Ms. Chen swelled with even more pride as she listened to her neighbors’ compliments.

She knew her son was truly exceptional. ’He’s not just smart and competent, but incredibly capable. His official post keeps getting higher—he’s already far more powerful than the County Magistrate from our old little city.’

Of course, there was just one small shame: Fang Yue wasn’t married yet. At this thought, Ms. Chen quickly said to the two women,

"So we have a deal. If you know of any suitable girls, you have to prioritize our Fang Yue. I’m not just boasting, but when it comes to character, looks, and ability, my Fang Yue is absolutely top-notch."

The two women exchanged a smile. One of them teased, "Chen, listen to yourself. You must be going crazy waiting for a daughter-in-law. Don’t you worry. We’re all neighbors here. If there’s a good girl, of course we’ll send her your Fang Yue’s way first."

The other neighbor nodded in agreement. "Exactly. There’s nothing to fault in Fang Yue’s character or looks. Any girl who marries him would have to be blessed from a past life."

Ms. Chen’s heart bloomed with joy, but she feigned humility. "Oh, you’re exaggerating. He’s just an ordinary boy, not nearly as wonderful as you make him out to be. But, that said, if you do know of a good girl, you have to remember to keep an eye out for our Fang Yue."

Just as she said this, Fang Yue walked up to their front door.

"Hey, look! That young man looks so much like our Zhi’er." Ms. Chen had spotted Fang Yue, too, but it clearly hadn’t registered who he was yet.

Before the words were even out of her mouth, Fang Yue walked up to her with a smile. "Mom, are you praising me behind my back again?"

"Ah, Zhi’er! My Zhi’er, you’re really back!" Ms. Chen shot to her feet and pulled Fang Yue into a tight embrace, her eyes glistening with tears. "I haven’t seen you in so long. Have you been well?"

A warmth spread through Fang Yue’s chest as he gently patted his mother’s back. "I’m doing great, Mom, don’t worry. You’re the one who needs to take care of yourself."

Ms. Chen smiled in relief at his words, then released him and looked him up and down. "Mm, you look much stronger. So, how long can you stay this time?"

Fang Yue scratched his head, looking a little guilty. "Mom, I’m afraid I can’t stay too long. I still have some urgent business to handle."

Although Ms. Chen was a bit disappointed, she nodded in understanding. "I know your work is important, so go do what you need to. Just remember to send word home now and then so I know you’re all right."

Fang Yue nodded. "Okay, I will, Mom. I’ll write to you often."

As they were speaking, the neighboring women crowded around to greet Fang Yue enthusiastically. He politely responded to each of them before helping Ms. Chen into the house.

Once inside, Ms. Chen busied herself preparing tea and snacks for Fang Yue. "Zhi’er," she asked while bustling about, "is there anything you’re craving? I’ll make it for you."

Fang Yue smiled and shook his head. "There’s no need, Mom. I can eat whatever I want out there. Please, don’t go to any trouble."

Ms. Chen stopped what she was doing at his words and sighed as she looked at him. "Ai, I know you’re a grown, capable man now. But no matter where you go, in your mother’s heart, you’ll always be the child who needs looking after."

A pang of emotion went through Fang Yue. He sat down beside Ms. Chen and gripped her hand tightly. "Mom, I know you worry about me. But you can rest assured, I’ll take good care of myself. It’s you and things at home that I’m more worried about."

Ms. Chen patted the back of his hand. "Don’t you worry about things here; I can handle it. Right now, the most important thing is for you to focus on your own affairs."

After they sat and chatted for a while, Ms. Chen suddenly remembered the letter she’d been given. "Oh, that’s right, Zhi’er! Mrs. Yu stopped by earlier and left a letter for you."

With that, Ms. Chen retrieved the letter from a cabinet and handed it to Fang Yue. "It’s from their girl, Nu. Go on, read it."

Fang Yue took the letter and saw that it was filled with lines of childish yet graceful handwriting.

A warmth filled his heart, and he quickly tore open the letter to read.

In the letter, Nu expressed how much she missed and worried about him, and also wrote about her recent life and studies.

’Right. That strong little girl from all those years ago... she must be about twelve or thirteen now.’

After reading the letter, an image of Nu’s bright, determined eyes and her resilient childhood spirit surfaced in Fang Yue’s mind. Time flew so fast. In the blink of an eye, Nu had grown into a clever, kind, and lovely young girl.

In the letter, Nu mentioned her recent studies. She wrote that under Widow Yu’s devoted tutelage, she had learned many things, including literacy, arithmetic, and embroidery.

She also told Fang Yue that Widow Yu often told her tales of history and legend, filling her with curiosity and a longing to see the world.

Nu also expressed that she missed Yue very much, and hoped he could return soon to visit her and Widow Yu.

Staring at the lines of childish yet graceful script, Fang Yue’s heart filled with warmth and affection.

"Oh, by the way, Mom, do you know where Widow Yu lives?" Of course, Fang Yue already knew where Widow Yu lived; he was just pretending not to.

After getting the address from her, Fang Yue left the house.

Crossing through the bustling streets, Fang Yue reached the little alley where Widow Yu lived. He slowed his steps, his heart a mixture of anticipation and anxiety.

This was a private courtyard belonging to the Wen Family, one of the four great families of Yujing City.

This was a private courtyard belonging to the Wen Family, one of the four great families of Yujing City. Though located in a prosperous part of the city, it was remarkably tranquil. High walls enclosed a deep courtyard, and its gray bricks and green tiles gave it an air of simple, dignified antiquity.

Fang Yue stood at the entrance to the alley, gazing at the courtyard from afar as ripples stirred in his heart. He knew this was where Widow Yu and Nu lived. It was a Wen Family property, used to house people with whom the family had old ties.

He took a deep breath to calm his nerves, then started walking toward the courtyard.

Arriving at the gate, Fang Yue knocked gently. A moment later, the gate opened, and an old servant poked his head out. A flicker of confusion passed through his eyes when he saw Fang Yue.

"Oh, you’re looking for our Third Young Mistress? She just left."

Fang Yue’s heart sank at the old servant’s words. He quickly asked, "Left? Where did she go?"

The old servant shook his head. "I don’t know the specifics. She just left in a hurry this morning with young Nu, saying they had to go on a long journey."

A sense of loss washed over Fang Yue; he couldn’t believe he was a step too late. He stood at the gate, gazing down the empty alley, his heart filled with sorrow.

Hearing this, a disappointed Fang Yue turned and walked away.

「A while later, inside the courtyard.」

"Mother, why didn’t you let Yue in?" a crisp, young voice asked. Nu looked at Widow Yu, her face etched with a hint of displeasure.

"Once we’re gone, there’s no telling if we’ll ever have the chance to come back. It’s better not to meet at all than to meet just to say goodbye." Widow Yu’s gaze seemed to pierce the walls, following the direction Fang Yue had gone. She sighed.

A complex emotion flickered in her eyes—part reluctance, part resignation.

Nu froze at her words, a flicker of disappointment in her eyes. "Mother, do we really have to go?"

Widow Yu stroked Nu’s hair, comforting her in a soft voice. "Nu, we have more important things to do now. Once our business is finished, I’ll bring you back to see Yue, all right?"

Nu bit her lip. Though her heart wasn’t in it, she still nodded obediently. "Okay. I’ll listen to you, Mother."

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