I Am This Type of Woman

57

Rong Xia the merchandise that people fought for, was having a guest at home. During the nation mourning period, officials couldn't drink alcohol or enjoy entertainment, so he served tea.

The guest was not an ordinary person, it was the Minister of Revenue Yao Peiji, an important member of the Court.

Yao Peiji was an avid enthusiast of calligraphy and painting, so he had very positive sentiment towards Rong Xia. He and Rong Xia regarded each other brothers despite the 30-40 years gap between them. In fact, if he could put his hands on a treasured painting from Rong Xia, he would be willing to call Rong Xia the 'elder brother'.

"Good painting, good composition." Yao Peiji looked at the painting of a cat playing with flower and plants hanging on the wall. Flushing with excitement, he said to Rong Xia, "Master Count's skill has improved again, this kitten looks like alive. But why does a cat have a peony on it's head?"

Rong Xia smiled widely, "This is just zaixia's little amusement."

"Painting as the heart desires, the object will be more lively. That's how it should be, that's the right way." Yao Peiji rubbed his palms lightly. He suddenly felt that peony was the crucial part of the painting, it had made the cat so cutely naïve, and even a little willful.

A cat ah, should be a little willful to be cute.

After pulling Rong Xia to talk about paintings for quite some time, Yao Peiji sighed ruefully, "Master Count is so talented, wonder what woman is worthy of you."

Rong Xia smiled without responding, he toasted Yao Peiji a cup of tea.

"I think the second miss of Minister Shi's isn't only graceful and intelligent, but also very talented. She is a good match with yourself." Yao Peiji sipped his tea and smiled, "What does Master Count think?"

Rong Xia's face was contemplative, after a long while, he said, "Does Yao-daren mean Minister Shi's second young miss?"

"That's the one." Yao Peiji said, "My wife often mentioned this young lady. Yesterday it suddenly occurred to me this young lady is a good match for you."

"Afraid zaixia has to disappoint Yao-daren," Rong Xia stood up and gave Yao Peiji a salute, apologetically said, "Not going to hide it from Yao-daren, a few days ago zaixia has committed to a marriage. It is not made known yet due to the Grand Princess' mourning period, so requesting Yao-daren to keep this a secret."

"Wha... what?" Yao Peiji looked at Rong Xia in shock. So this Rong lad had been engaged, why there was no news of it? As he was a cultured man, seeing the way Rong Xia said it, he didn't pursue further. "In that case, then laofu wishes Count Rong and the future lady a love lasting longer than gold, together to the end."

* laofu 老夫 = This Old Man (referring to self)

"Thank you Yao-daren for the auspicious words." Rong Xia solemnly bowed to Yao Peiji.

Yao Peiji saw Rong Xia was blushing radiantly with a bright smile on his face.  He ruefully thought it was obvious that Count Rong was truly fond of his future wife, otherwise the smile wouldn't have been that joyous. It was a pity for Shi family because their intention wouldn't come true, he needed to drop by Shi residence.

Rong Xia saw Yao Peiji wanted to leave, after asking him to stay three times, he sent Yao Peiji to the main gates. Only after Yao Peiji's carriage had departed that he ordered the guards to close the gates.

—

At the Right Minister's residence, Shi Jin was recuperating at home. When his father's page boy called him to see a guest, he changed into a plain and not-new long robes, then followed the page boy.