I Am This Type of Woman

83

The further he walked inside, the more Rong Xia found things not usually seen in other people's house.

Lounges with soft cushions, swing sets, hammocks, upholstered chairs, fresh fruits on the table. The most eye-catching was an unconventional platform in the middle of the courtyard.

"The residence keeps some singers and story-tellers, sometimes Furen or Junzhu ask them to perform." The steward explained with a smile when he noticed Rong Xia's line of vision, "Master Count, this way."

"Very good." Rong Xia nodded, he followed it by, "When I go back, I'll have a platform built in the inner courtyard too."

The steward smiled without replying, there were things a subordinate like him should not say, "Master, this is it. The masters like to have meals together without servants around." He led Rong Xia past an inner door, stood on the stone steps and said, "Master Duke, Count Cheng'an is here."

Rong Xia looked up at the name of the room, on the plaque was written 'Taotie Pavillion'. The writing was beautiful, spirited and yet graceful, seemed to be a woman's handwriting.

"Please come in."

Ban Heng's voice was heard from inside, Rong Xia straightened his robe and stepped in.

"Wanbei has met Uncle, Aunt."

After he finished smiling, he realised, when was the last time he lost manner like this?

"Sit down, we are not particular about formalities." Ban Huai saw Rong Xia was still in the same clothes as earlier. "Have you eaten yet?"

An educated person would say they have eaten, even if they have not.

Rong Xia looked at Ban Huai and Ban Hua, and slowly shook his head, "Was just at Dalisi, have not eaten yet."

"How come a young man doesn't eat." Ban Huai beckoned a servant to prepare at once.

"Uncle, this is not good," Rong Xia hurriedly said, "I......"

"Didn't I just say, our family doesn't observe useless rules." Ban Huai rose and patted Rong Xia's shoulder, "Eat when hungry, drink when thirsty. Obeying rules doesn't mean torturing ourselves. We haven't eaten enough yet, we'll accompany you eating."

In less than half a sichen, several steaming bowls of noodles and a stack of side dishes were laid out on the table.

The dishes were nothing elaborate but Rong Xia's appetite was exceptionally good, it had been a long time since he ate with anyone. It was just some simple noodles, and they did not observe the rule of not speaking during meals.

"Sis, why do you eat so little?" Ban Heng was next to her, he had put himself between her and Rong Xia to separate them, "Did you eat at the palace?"

Ban Hua shook her head, "I am just accompanying all of you eating." She raised her head, "Did you say you just went to Dalisi?"

"Yes. I have some contacts at Dalisi, I went to talk to them." Rong Xia couldn't help smiling when Ban Hua smiled. "You went to the Palace, did it go well?"

Ban Hua nodded, "His Majesty and Niangniang said it will be investigated thoroughly."

Rong Xia laughed softly, "If I have known Hua Hua is this powerful, I wouldn't have gone to Dalisi."

"Don't say so. This is called approaching the problem from two sides." Knowing Rong Xia had put efforts on her father's matter, Ban Hua pushed the plate of side dish in front of her to Rong Xia's direction, "Here, this is for you."

"Thanks."

Ban Heng between them: " ........ "

He felt himself to be the Milky Way separating the Weaver Girl and the Cowherd Boy.