Chapter 99

In the slightly dim hall, it was eerily quiet. The candle flame flickered, causing the light to brighten and dim intermittently. A bronze incense burner shaped like a crane stood on one leg, its long, curved beak gently exhaling wisps of pale blue incense smoke. The incense, known for its calming properties, was called Longdan.

Two girls were sitting in rattan chairs, whispering to each other. Zhiyan and the other maids were watching from upstairs. The octagonal pavilion rarely had visitors, so there was no need for caution. Unexpectedly, Xiao Yushi, who had gone to relieve herself, passed by the window lightly and heard faint voices from inside. She had intended to go in directly but stopped in her tracks when she heard the words "my brother."

Inside, Mu Ningsnow continued to recall the past, speaking softly, "At that time, my father had just passed away. To help me cope with my grief, my mother sent me to stay at your family's villa with Sister Zhu. The princes and nobles who usually admired me, upon learning that I would be in mourning for three years and had never shown any favor to anyone, all began to back off. Some got engaged, and others got married. I felt both disappointed and relieved. But then I met your brother."

Hongye clapped her hands happily and said, "I remember now. At that time, my brother praised your poetry in public, and you gave your poem to him. He was so happy for days, and everyone knew he had someone in his heart."

Mu Ningsnow smiled bitterly and said, "It's all my fault. I knew he was flattering me, but I still foolishly gave him my poor work. I was in a low mood and my thoughts were in disarray. Alas, one misstep and I regretted it for a lifetime."

Hongye immediately protested, "What regret for a lifetime? This is called a heavenly match."

Mu Ningsnow smiled even more bitterly and sighed, "Silly girl, what I did then was, at best, shameless, and at worst, privately luring a man. But I didn't care about my reputation. If someone appreciated my poor work, why not give it to him? Otherwise, how could I say I wouldn't be a mere scholar? Besides, my reputation was already tarnished."

"Who says so?" Hongye quickly said, "At that time, we sisters were ignorant and didn't know you. Later, my second sister envied you, saying you were as brave as a man and could make your own decisions about marriage, which we all admired greatly. I didn't know the reasons behind it, but today I have a better understanding."

"What's there to envy? It just made me a target," Mu Ningsnow smiled bitterly and sighed again, "I never expected that it would lead to a fateful encounter. I thought I could have a few years of peace, but how long did that last? Your brother came along, and he even brought the Prince of Yan. Because the Prince of Yan couldn't be offended, he was allowed into the house."

Hongye immediately became very pleased and laughed, "For you, my brother was so devoted. He had to ask Uncle Prince of Yan, who else could he turn to? Since you were a princess, everyone thought he was reaching too high. But he said you weren't like that, and we asked him why. He said poetry represents a person, and he wouldn't be wrong. Sister, do you think my brother is silly?"

Mu Ningsnow was stunned, motionless and speechless, her heart churning like a stormy sea.

Seeing this, Hongye smiled secretly and continued, "Otherwise, he wouldn't have come to your house as a tutor. I thought it was a waste, not for any other reason, but I was afraid that being a tutor would make you look down on him. If I had known your character, I wouldn't have worried. Ha ha! The sisters scolded him a few times, but he just smiled and didn't argue back."

Mu Ningsnow came to her senses, sweetly recalling the past year. Her eyes sparkled as she smiled, "I didn't expect him to humble himself and willingly become a tutor. At first, I tried to make him give up by letting him wander the garden freely, but he was very respectful and never tried to get close to me. Over time, I began to see him as a good friend, understanding what it means to have a gentle and warm friendship."

"Just a good friend?" Hongye was immediately disappointed and pouted.

Mu Ningsnow laughed, "Silly girl, for a woman to see a man as a good friend, isn't that enough?"

"Oh," Hongye, being at an age where she understood some things but not others, naturally didn't fully grasp the deeper meaning of Mu Ningsnow's words.

In fact, Mu Ningsnow hadn't revealed all her thoughts, but she had recounted the entire process of meeting and getting to know Xu Hao. As Zhu Gaozhi had said, proximity brings opportunity. In ancient times, noblewomen rarely saw young men, and Xu Hao's presence was a rare opportunity. As the saying goes, a good woman fears a persistent man, and this was enough to pique Mu Ningsnow's curiosity.

Moreover, Xu Hao's love letters to the literary girls were far from the light-hearted description Mu Ningsnow gave. To have a girl keep you in her heart meant you were close to success.

Furthermore, Xu Hao's actions, such as his self-discipline, added to his appeal. Although Mu Ningsnow didn't mind if her future husband had concubines, she disliked men who had many women before marriage. For Xu Hao, who had written about his past and present, she had special expectations, and she wouldn't tolerate any flaws in his character before marriage.

Additionally, Xu Hao's actions, such as his strategic thinking, impressed Mu Ningsnow. As the daughter of a famous general, she was well-versed in military strategy. After Xu Hao's name was etched in her memory, she paid close attention to every small detail about him. During the battle with Li Jinglong, who was hailed as a heavenly son, Mu Ningsnow carefully analyzed the entire process and found that Xu Hao had already gained a significant advantage, leaving Li Jinglong helpless.

Although she didn't believe Xu Hao had any military talent, there were many excellent men in the capital. However, it was known that Xu Hao had never shown any interest in military affairs. For someone who had never led troops, to be able to use people wisely, adapt to the environment, and target the enemy's weaknesses, while maintaining control of the situation, was truly remarkable.

Another point was Xu Hao's actions during the raid on the Lan family. Whether it was sending food and blankets to the women or angrily injuring the madam of the brothel, these actions showed his sense of justice, which deeply moved Mu Ningsnow.

Furthermore, Xu Hao's handling of the deaths of Zhang De and others demonstrated his sense of responsibility and integrity. Such a man made women feel secure.

Moreover, Xu Hao was good at planning. At a young age, he knew how to acquire property and expand his wealth, while being frugal and generous to those he wanted to help. Such a man wouldn't squander his family's wealth and would be generous to others, which meant he would be even more so to his family.

Xu Hao was also selective in his friendships, avoiding villains and valuing those he felt a connection with, regardless of their status. He loved sitting at the village entrance and chatting with the villagers, often spending hours there, enjoying it immensely.

In arguments, he was brave and fair, leaving room for retreat and not making enemies. He knew when to advance and when to retreat.

Although Xu Hao's studies were disappointing, he knew how to work hard, and Mu Ningsnow didn't expect her future husband to be a genius. The more talented, the more fickle, and she didn't want a pedantic old scholar.

Xu Hao's personality was rather unpredictable, sometimes lively and witty, sometimes calm and deep. He could be humorous, talkative, or reserved, knowing what to say in different situations. When he was impulsive, he acted like a mischievous child, doing silly things that made people laugh. At other times, he was reserved and polite, understanding and considerate of women, knowing what to protect and what to let go.

Most interestingly, he always brought surprises, making him a person who never bored others.

If Xu Hao knew how deeply Mu Ningsnow understood him, he would be so excited that he would shout to the sky.

Unfortunately, this was both a blessing and a curse. Xu Hao's unpredictability sometimes made Mu Ningsnow feel uncertain, and she preferred a simple and steady man, like her parents, who could keep her husband firmly by her side for life.

Even so, compared to the young and talented men like Zhan Yu and Yu Manting, Xu Hao wasn't necessarily superior in every aspect, but his sincerity and actions had made him the first to win her heart.

Goodwill between men and women grows gradually. As long as the momentum is good, there will always be a day when the clouds part and the moon shines. Love at first sight may be romantic, but it often ends in tragedy because of a lack of understanding.

Thus, Xu Hao slowly won her heart, and the balance of love tilted in his favor. As the saying goes, a gentle breeze can intoxicate the sky, and the silent spring rain brings life.

Outside the window, Xiao Yushi, who had been listening, sighed softly. Her last hope vanished, and she left in disappointment.

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(End of the page)