Miss Truth
Chapter 194 - 123 Visit Ran Residence_2

Chapter 194: Chapter 123 Visit Ran Residence_2

The carriage door opened, and first a servant jumped down, followed by a man dressed in a purple changshan descended from the vehicle.

He was taller and more robust than the average man from Jiangnan. When he stood in front of the carriage, the crowd realized he was a head taller than Ran Wen, with an imposing stature, handsome and strong facial features as if chiseled from stone, eyebrows like drawn swords, eyes like shining stars, and a high nose bridge. He was indeed handsome, yet he exuded an overwhelming sense of oppression.

In the gatehouse, a group of ladies suddenly held their breath, staring unblinkingly at the man, only the youngest girl at the back whispered eagerly, "Why is no one speaking? Is he very handsome, or not very handsome?"

Despite her anxiousness, no one answered her.

Seeing the visitor, Ran Wen quickly greeted him with a beaming smile, "Assistant Minister Xiao graces my humble abode with your esteemed presence, truly an honor that brightens my home!"

"You’re too kind, Uncle Ran," Xiao Song replied with a smile that was subtle yet noble and not perfunctory, especially when he called "Uncle Ran," which delighted Ran Wen immensely.

Two people who had never met before were now entering the house arm in arm, as warmly as a father and son.

Xiao Song, with his hearty laughter, settled into the hall and exchanged pleasantries for a while before turning to the subject of his visit, "Today, I am here to apologize to Uncle Ran and the Ran family."

"Oh? May I ask why?" Ran Wen’s heart tensed slightly, suspecting that whatever could make Xiao Song personally come to apologize must be rather serious!

"It concerns Seventeenth Miss’s marriage prospects," Xiao Song said apologetically, "Last time, when I passed by Suzhou, I had a chance encounter with Seventeenth Miss. Her medical skills are unmatched, her character is impeccable, and she did me a great favor; I owe her a debt of gratitude. I am ashamed to say, a monk once told me that I am burdened with evil spirits which make me a wife-doomer, which is why I am still unmarried at twenty-six; my family is very anxious about this. When I heard of Seventeenth Miss’s virtues, I was eager to propose, admiring her character, but I would not dare to involve her in my misfortune. Hence, I sought the Emperor’s permission to come to Suzhou to supervise the penal affairs, but in truth, I specifically made this trip to apologize."

As Xiao Song spoke, his tone carried a hint of sadness. His usually imposing demeanor was tinged with desolation, making him appear especially pitiable. Even Lady Gao couldn’t help but feel compassion, and Ran Wen was momentarily at a loss for words. Lady Gao quickly took over the conversation, "Assistant Minister Xiao, you speak too modestly. The envoy sent by your mother merely approached us for a private discussion about this matter, which has not yet officially progressed to a proposal. Even if it were to be called off, it would not matter. That Seventeenth Miss has caught your special attention, and you have come in person to apologize, is her good fortune."

"Madam is so magnanimous, it only adds to my embarrassment," Xiao Song replied, quickly standing up and bowing deeply in respect.

Lady Gao stepped aside, protesting repeatedly, "It’s nothing, not at all."

Ran Wen was not pleased at heart, but with the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Justice himself coming to apologize so sincerely and humbly, it would be unacceptable not to accept the apology.

Xiao Song certainly noticed his reluctance and thought even less of Ran Wen, seeming even less considerate than Lady Gao. Although that was his private thought, he showed no sign of it on his face, continuing to proffer advantages to smooth over Ran Wen’s displeasure, "I regard Seventeenth Miss as a close friend. Eventually, she will marry and go to Chang’an. I, alas, have some influence in the court, so if Seventeenth Miss ever needs anything, she only needs to inform me."

These were all formalities; even if Xiao Song was sincere, the Ran family would not dare to trouble him too frequently. Furthermore, Xiao Song had made it quite clear that if Seventeenth Miss ever needed anything, it pertained to her and him only, not involving the Ran family anymore.

Reminded by Xiao Song, Ran Wen remembered Madam Cui. Ran Yan was good friends with Xiao Song and had married into the Cui family. He had been worried that rejecting either family would offend someone, but now the outcome was like killing three birds with one stone, extraordinarily perfect!

With a thought, Ran Wen immediately became overjoyed and began to chat enthusiastically with Xiao Song.

Xiao Song was exceedingly good at conversation, and although he exuded an aura of nobility, he did not put on airs when speaking with Ran Wen. Without showing off or revealing too much, he praised Ran Wen to the skies, leaving him floating in bliss, not knowing whether it was day or night. Even the shrewd Gao family felt light as air being flattered by him.

"Oh, that’s right, I’ve also brought a piece of good news for your Uncle Ran this time!" Xiao Song, sensing the time was ripe, changed the subject.

Drawing on his enthusiasm, Ran Wen asked with an unrestrained smile, "What good fortune do I have that has caught Assistant Minister Xiao’s discerning eye?"

"It’s indeed a great piece of fortune." Xiao Song deliberately played coy and then said, "His Majesty has urgently summoned Sui Yuan back to Chang’an, and this time, the title of the sixth house of the Cui family has fallen upon his head."

Ran Wen’s heart surged with joy. The title of the sixth house of the Cui family was that of a second-class founding count. Although it did not rival Xiao Song’s family’s first-class duke, with two older brothers ahead of him, the title was unlikely to be Xiao Song’s. Once Ran Yan married Sang Chen, she would become a second-class imperial wife!

Lady Gao was slightly startled, her emotions subsiding a great deal as her mind began to clear. Being urgently summoned back to Chang’an—with the marriage yet to be finalized—would he return? It would be best if he didn’t, for if he did, she would be forever overshadowed by Ran Yan as a second-class imperial wife!

Feigning nonchalance, Lady Gao sighed, "With Mr. Sang inheriting the title, I fear... our seventeenth young lady may not be worthy of him anymore!"

Ran Wen also paused upon hearing this, his heart apprehensive.

"Presumably, both of you have also heard of the deeds of Sang Suiyuan. He and I are from the same academic cohort and have been colleagues for a time. Sang Suiyuan’s character is well-witnessed by the world, and once he decides on a matter, he never changes. Lady Gao, by saying such words, are you perhaps doubting Sang Suiyuan’s character?" Xiao Song’s words took on a serious tone.

Ran Wen’s expression shifted slightly, and he hurriedly responded, "The words of a woman who knows not the affairs of the world, mere gibberish, should not be taken seriously, not at all."

Sang Chen’s reputation among Confucian scholars has always been favorable, respected by scholars and admired by great Confucians. If today’s words were to spread, just the outcry from these renowned Confucians and notables of Suzhou would be enough for the Ran family to bear.

Xiao Song’s expression softened a bit, and he faintly smiled, "Such concerns are normal human feelings, but Uncle Ran can trust Sang Suiyuan’s character completely. If he truly behaved so frivolously, I would be the first to denounce him."

Everyone quickly agreed.

Having brushed aside the issue, Ran Wen thought it over and felt that Xiao Song had a point. He decided not to dwell on it anymore and proceeded to host Xiao Song with song, dance, and a lavish banquet.

In such gatherings, Xiao Song was in his element. By the end, he nearly had Ran Wen calling him a brother. However, Ran Wen had other plans in mind, so he still maintained the hierarchy between them. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to cast your recommendation and monthly tickets at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation.)