114: Deep in the shadow of the locust tree

The afternoon sunlight filtered through the gaps in the locust tree leaves, casting fragmented spots of light onto the stone table in the courtyard, looking like gold leaf scattered across the ground.

Cao Guang stood with his hands down in attendance; once the report was finished, the hall fell into a brief silence.

Jiang Ya's jealous remark was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, sending ripples outward.

Mei Shuang gently tugged on Jiang Ya's sleeve, signaling her to stay calm, but her own cool gaze involuntarily fell upon Situ Jun's face, carrying a silent inquiry.

Lan Yanliu picked up her teacup and took a small sip, a faint, ambiguous smile playing on her beautiful face as if saying:

"Let's see how you explain this."

Situ Jun understood clearly; he wasn't annoyed by Jiang Ya's coquettish jealousy, but instead found it somewhat cute.

He tightened his grip on Jiang Ya's hand, his voice gentle yet unmistakably clear:

"Yaer, Shuang'er, Yanliu, Liu Xuaner... and Xiuxiu, they are all people I treasure, just like you. It's just that their situations are a bit more complicated than yours were when you first arrived."

He paused, his gaze sweeping tenderly over the three women, filled with a sense of reassurance:

"They were also being bullied and were about to be sent to the Xihua Sect when I rescued them and brought them to East Lin to settle down. I wasn't intentionally hiding it from you. First, it was to conceal their tracks; second, they have quiet temperaments and no desire for conflict, only wishing to live a stable life. I went to see them because, firstly, I truly missed them; secondly, to ensure they were safe and without trouble; and thirdly..."

He gave a slight, bitter smile and continued:

"It was also to tell them about your existence. Since we'll all be in the same city in the future, we're bound to meet. Rather than having them find out by accident and increasing their suspicion, it's better to be honest."

These words were reasonable and moving, clarifying the special circumstances and independent personalities of Liu Xuaner and the others while emphasizing Situ Jun's regard and honesty toward them.

The jealousy on Jiang Ya's face faded slightly as she muttered:

"Then... when you see them, you must come back early. You must be careful at the Mining Area."

"Don't worry."

Situ Jun smiled and squeezed her fingertips:

"With Cao Guang looking after things in the city and Tu Xiong stationed nearby, ordinary thugs won't dare to act up. The Mining Area only has some trivial matters; once I've handled them and have time, I'll return. You all stay here with peace of mind and get familiar with the environment. If you need anything, just tell Cao Guang."

Lan Yanliu set down her teacup, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief:

"Husband, just go and come back quickly. Don't keep those sisters waiting too long, and save the three of us from worrying in an empty courtyard, wondering if you've provoked another girl with a 'complicated situation' out there."

She placed special emphasis on 'complicated situation,' causing even Mei Shuang to break into a smile.

Situ Jun shook his head helplessly:

"Yanliu, that mouth of yours is truly..."

He turned to Cao Guang:

"Cao Guang, I'll have to trouble you to take care of things here. Settle the matter of the maids as soon as possible; they must have clean backgrounds and be diligent workers."

Cao Guang bowed and replied:

"Rest assured, Master, I understand. I have already selected some candidates and will bring them over this afternoon for the Madams to inspect."

"Mhm, go then." Situ Jun nodded.

Cao Guang bowed again and respectfully withdrew.

Situ Jun shared a few more tender moments with the three women, telling them to rest and recover, before finally standing up to leave.

Jiang Ya straightened his collar, her eyes full of reluctance to see him go.

Mei Shuang pinched him and whispered:

"Take care of yourself and don't get too tired; you still have three at home waiting for you to look after them."

Having said that, her face flushed red, and she gave Situ Jun a sidelong glance.

Lan Yanliu leaned against the doorframe, watching with a smile, and only said:

"Remember to bring back some local candied fruits from East Lin."

After bidding farewell to the reluctant trio, Situ Jun walked out of the small courtyard.

The moment he closed the mottled wooden door, the warm smile on his face faded slightly, and a trace of depth flickered in his eyes.

He didn't head straight to Liu Xuaner's residence in the city. Instead, he wound through several quiet alleys to ensure he wasn't being followed before heading to the location of the Silk Shop Cao Guang had provided.

This newly opened Silk Shop was named "Yuxiu Pavilion."

It was clearly opened by Chen Yufei and the Embroiderer; Situ Jun couldn't help but chuckle as he walked inside.

The two women were also pleasantly surprised to see Situ Jun. After giving some instructions to the shop Waiter, they pulled Situ Jun toward the backyard.

The backyard of the Embroidery Workshop was quiet and elegant.

When Situ Jun's figure appeared before the moon gate, Liu Xuaner, who was painting in the courtyard, suddenly froze.

She looked up, her autumn-water eyes instantly filling with unbelievable joy, which then turned into a hint of resentment and grievance.

"Why are you here?"

She put down her paintbrush, her voice carrying a trace of imperceptible trembling.

Situ Jun also hadn't expected to see Liu Xuaner here. He strode forward and, ignoring her slight struggle, pulled her into his arms.

With a lapful of warm, fragrant jade, the faint scent of silk mixed with orchid perfume lingered around his nose.

He lowered his head and gently kissed away the tears about to fall from the corners of her eyes, his voice deep and powerful:

"Xuaner, I've made you worry."

After saying that, he pulled both the Embroiderer and Chen Yufei into his embrace as well:

"During these days, I've also missed you all very much. I'm very happy to see that you're all doing well."

After some pleasantries, Situ Jun honestly informed them of the existence of the three women: Jiang Ya, Mei Shuang, and Lan Yanliu.

Liu Xuaner's body initially stiffened, but upon hearing that the other women were like her, given away by the Bei Batian, the resentment in her heart gradually dissipated.

Especially hearing him openly admit his relationship with the other three women, this honesty actually allowed the heavy stone in her heart to drop.

"You troublemaker..."

The Embroiderer beside him sighed softly and leaned her head on his shoulder:

"Forget it; in these chaotic times, to be treated with sincerity by you is already a great fortune. As long as there is a place for us in your heart, Younger Sister Liu, Younger Sister Consort Yu, and I... will be content."

She looked up, and although there was a hint of bitterness in her eyes, there was more relief and affection:

"Are they... easy to get along with?"

Seeing the nervousness in her eyes, Situ Jun felt even more pity for her and kissed her forehead:

"Don't worry, Yaer and the others are all sensible and good women. I've already settled them in; I'll have Cao Guang take you to meet them another day. This East Lin City will be one of our homes from now on."

Chen Yufei, this former daughter of the nobility, now lived hidden in the marketplace and ran a silk business with the Embroiderer; her life was going quite well.

Seeing Situ Jun look at her, she ignored her shyness and threw her arms around his neck to pour out her longing from the past many days.

Afternoon birds frolicked and flitted among the eaves, their cheerful chirping echoing in the courtyard and startling fallen leaves... In the sweltering room, the Embroiderer's exquisite face was soaked with sweat, with a few playful strands of hair sticking to it, adding a touch of charm to her flushed face.

Liu Xuaner's fair skin was also stained crimson; the sweltering weather didn't diminish her passion in the slightest, like a rose blooming fully under the scorching sun.

Chen Yufei had a face full of smiles, her resentment from many days swept away as she clung to Situ Jun's arm, unwilling to let go.

"Let's go sit in the courtyard; look at how hot you've become."

Feeling distressed for them, Situ Jun wiped away their sweat and smoothed the hair behind their ears.

Hearing this, the women all gave him a sidelong glance, their eyes filled with both reproach and love...