Chapter 28-1: Her Moods
Luo Biaomei prepared these dishes?
As the four Sheng brothers left Luo Chen's courtyard, the
refreshing night breeze embraced them, and doubts filled their minds. Sheng
Silang grumbled: "Erge, did you intentionally exclude me from drawing lots
because you already knew that Luo Biaojie's cooking is delicious?"
"Stop talking nonsense!" Sheng Erlang lightly
slapped Sheng Silang. He then rubbed his chin and smiled at Sheng Sanlang, who
became wary. "What's with that smile?" Sheng Sanlang asked
cautiously.
Sheng Erlang draped his arm around Sheng Sanlang's shoulder
and smiled, "Sandi, I think we might have acted too hastily by relying on
drawing lots to decide something as significant as accompanying Luo Biaomei to
the Capital. How about we give it another shot?"
Sheng Sanlang rolled his eyes: "Don't even think about
it." Luo Biaomei's stir-fried fish is incredibly delicious. Let alone
accompany Luo Biaomei to the Capital; he can even consider marrying Luo
Biaomei– no, no need for further consideration, he is more than willing!
Fusong tidied up the table in the dining room and weighed
the wine jug: "They didn't drink much." Luo Chen smiled but remained
silent. Intrigued, Fusong asked, "Young master, did you invite your
cousins to dinner because you wanted Sheng Sanlang to take good care of
Miss?"
"You don't need to worry about that," the young
boy replied. Wearing a serious expression, he left the dining room with his
hands clasped behind his back.
A silence settled over the courtyard, with orange lights
casting their glow in every direction, illuminating the vibrant green bamboo.
Inviting his cousins to dinner was undoubtedly a way to make them regret their
actions.
Hmph, who told them to disdain his sister?
As thoughts of Luo Sheng crossed his mind, the boy's smile
faded, replaced by a solemn expression. She goes whenever she pleases, still as
willful as ever.
The following day dawned bright and sunny, and the streets
and alleys of Jinsha County brimmed with early morning liveliness. At the
entrance of Sheng Mansion, there were two parked two carriages. The first
carriage was meant for people, while the second was filled with goods. Seven or
eight guards stood beside the carriages, waiting for their masters to bid
farewell.
"Sheng'er, remember to visit me whenever you have the
opportunity," Sheng Laotaitai led the Sheng family members to see Luo
Sheng off, holding onto her wrist with reluctance.
Luo Sheng nodded slightly. "I will. Waizumu, please
rest assured. You can go inside and rest. There's no need to see me off."
"Promise me, alright?" Sheng Laotaitai's eyes
glistened with tears as she clung to Luo Sheng. Sheng Dataitai quickly
intervened, saying, "Laotaitai, we should allow Luo Sheng to depart before
it gets too late." What if Luo Sheng decides not to leave at all?!
Only then did Sheng Laotaitai release her grip on Luo
Sheng's hand and take a handkerchief to wipe her tears. "Take care of
yourself on the journey, and remember to write me a letter once you reach the
Capital..."
As they listened to Sheng Laotaitai's ceaseless
instructions, Sheng Dataitai and Sheng Ertaitai exchanged perplexed glances.
Did Luo Sheng's departure truly sadden Laotaitai? It shouldn't be.
Though it might be inappropriate to admit, they couldn't
help but feel a sense of relief, almost to the point where they wanted to set
off firecrackers at the thought of Luo Sheng leaving.
Luo Sheng made a curtsy to Sheng Laotaitai and the other
elders. "I apologize for causing trouble to Waizumu, Dajiu, Dajiumu, and
Erjiumu during my stay."
Sheng Laotaitai continued to wipe her tears while Sheng
Dajiu responded softly, "I should have accompanied you, but circumstances
didn't allow it." He then glanced at Sheng Sanlang, who had changed into
brand-new clothes, and assumed a stern tone. "Take good care of your
Biaomei on the journey. If anything goes wrong, it will be your
responsibility!"
Sheng Sanlang beamed with a radiant smile. "Dabo[1],
don't worry. I will make sure Biaomei safely reaches the Capital."
Sheng Ertaitai couldn't help but feel exasperated. Why did her foolish son still appear so carefree and blissful with such a challenging task? She wished she could give him a good slap to wake him up.
[1]
Dabo: father’s first older brother
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