Xue Ru had originally planned to find Tang Ning. Ever since she became literate, her elder sister not only allowed her to attend the academy but also taught her to manage household affairs.
These past few days, she had been reviewing the account books and had some questions she wanted to ask her sister about. However, just as she passed through the back gate connecting the two residences and before she reached Helü Hall, she heard that Xiao Yan had returned.
Xue Ru paused, hesitating with the items in her hands, and decided to return to the Tang residence.
“Why aren’t you going in?”
A voice suddenly came from the pomegranate tree by the wall. Xue Ru jumped, looking up to see the spirited young Di Tao squatting on the wall, playfully tossing a bright red pomegranate in his hand.
Seeing the young girl below remain silent, Di Tao asked curiously, “Weren’t you heading over there? Why are you suddenly going back?”
Her earlier direction clearly indicated she was going to Xiao Yan’s residence.
Xue Ru didn’t answer his question, instead deftly changing the subject. “Is Young General Di here to see Governor Xiao? He’s at Helü Hall.”
“I know.”
Di Tao looked down at Xue Ru, his gaze lingering on her delicate features. “I saw you heading this way when I arrived, but why did you suddenly turn back?”
Xue Ru smiled gently, her demeanor polite. “I was going to see my sister, but I remembered I have other matters to attend to. I’ll go later.”
She glanced at the bold and striking young man, giving him a slight curtsy. “My sister tasked me with managing household matters, and I haven’t finished my work. Since Young General Di is here to see Governor Xiao, I won’t disturb you. I’ll take my leave.”
“Hey!”
Di Tao didn’t have any urgent business with Xiao Yan. He had recently taken up his post at the suburban military camps and had only come by to find an excuse to see Xue Ru.
He had climbed the Tang residence’s wall after spotting her heading this way, but just as he started talking, she was about to leave.
Grabbing the pomegranate, Di Tao leapt down from the wall and hurriedly chased after her.
“I don’t *have* to see him. The people at the Xiao residence said my uncle just returned from the palace, and he might have other matters to handle. Why don’t you keep me company and chat for a bit?”
He stepped in front of her, offering the bright red pomegranate. “Here, have a pomegranate.”
Xue Ru’s delicate brows furrowed slightly. She wasn’t used to people getting too close and stepped aside to avoid him. “Thank you, Young General Di, but I don’t like pomegranates.”
Di Tao didn’t take offense at the rejection. Shamelessly, he turned to walk beside her, talking as he walked backward.
“Then what do you like to eat? I’ll treat you! Consider it thanks for helping me choose a residence the other day.”
Xue Ru quickly declined. “Young General Di already thanked me that day. Besides, it was just a residence granted by His Majesty. I only took a look, it wasn’t a big deal.”
“How is that not a big deal!”
Di Tao raised an eyebrow. “I’m new to the capital and don’t know anything. His Majesty only said he’d grant me a residence but didn’t specify where. If you hadn’t helped, who knows how the people below would’ve fooled me.”
“You spent the whole day running around with me, helping me buy things and even giving me a housewarming gift. A simple ‘thank you’ isn’t enough.”
Xue Ru patiently replied, “That gift was from my sister, not me.”
“It’s the same thing. You and the princess are sisters, what’s hers is yours.”
Di Tao’s sturdy build was unlike the refined noblemen of the capital, his skin slightly tanned. As he walked backward, his dark eyes sparkled, and his bright smile revealed white teeth, exuding a warm and lively charm.
“How about I treat you to Xijue Tower? Or maybe Hengting Pavilion? I heard their food is great. Oh, and there’s Feng Tower too.”
“I heard they have opera performances there. I didn’t get to see much of that in the northwest. How about we go check it out together?”
Fearing her refusal, he toned down his smile, putting on a pitiful expression. “You know I’m new to the capital and don’t have many friends. Uncle Xiao is busy with palace matters and doesn’t have time for me. The people here are too cunning, I’m not used to dealing with them and might get tricked. Miss Xue, do me a favor and come with me to see the sights.”
Xue Ru shook her head. “Men and women should keep their distance, and I have other matters to attend to. Young General Di, you should go on your own…”
“It’s no fun going alone. I’d just look pitiful by myself.”
Di Tao pleaded, “I know you have concerns. How about you wear a veiled hat and bring a maid? I promise to behave. If anyone asks, I’ll say you’re my sister, no harm to your reputation.”
Xue Ru felt a bit troubled by his persistence.
She didn’t dislike Di Tao, but she had no intention of getting close to him. Helping him choose a residence that day was only because she sensed his special status and noticed that Xiao Yan and her sister were unusually indulgent toward him.
She vaguely sensed Xiao Yan’s plans, and with her sister involved with him, Di Tao, being the only son of the northwest army’s commander, was someone she didn’t want to offend, lest it cause trouble for her sister and Xiao Yan.
But going out with him…
Di Tao, oblivious to the concept of shame, was shaped by the bold northwest culture where men pursued the women they liked. His father had won his mother through sheer persistence, resulting in him and his sister. The night Xue Ru bumped into him, he’d been smitten at first sight. Though it started as attraction to her beauty, the more he saw her, the more he liked her.
In battle, hesitation was fatal, seize the opportunity and charge!
Seeing Xue Ru hesitate, Di Tao pressed his advantage. “Come on, let’s go! If you don’t like opera, we’ll just grab a bite and come back.”
“I also want to get some stationery for my study to soak up some scholarly vibes. I’m not familiar with the capital, but you’re well-read, attend that big academy, and are so clever. Help me out and come with me.”
He clasped his hands together, bowing to her, his eyes full of pleading.
“Come on, please!”
Xue Ru, exasperated, had never met such a persistent man. Thinking her sister might need the Di family’s support in the future, she hesitated. “We don’t need to eat. I’ll take you to buy the items, and then we’ll come back.”
“Deal, no problem!”
Di Tao agreed without hesitation. Getting her to agree to go out was enough, everything else could be figured out later.
“Let’s go!” he said enthusiastically.
Xue Ru blinked. “Now? Didn’t you say you were here to see Governor Xiao?”
Di Tao lied without missing a beat. “Palace matters are keeping him busy, and nine times out of ten, he’s with the princess and won’t have time for me. I’ll come back to see him after we buy the stuff.”
It’d be the perfect excuse to “conveniently” escort A’Ru back. He was such a genius.
Not giving Xue Ru a chance to refuse, Di Tao turned and headed out. “I came by carriage. I’ll go get it ready. You grab your veiled hat, and I’ll wait for you outside.”
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You can read ahead to chapterr 470 (100+ extra chapters) here
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