TSWRLM -Chapter 363 So What Are You Waiting For?

After rejecting Xu Junheng, Xiao Qinghe arranged to meet Third Young Master Fu at a teahouse.

As her father and brothers had investigated, this Third Young Master Fu had spent many years in the monastery, cultivating himself. His demeanor was ethereal and detached, with a faint aura of compassion for all living beings.

Xiao Qinghe often visited Yunshan Temple to pay respects and listen to the abbot’s sermons. When discussing Buddhist teachings with Third Young Master Fu, she expressed her own insights. After a long, pleasant conversation, Fu was delighted and couldn’t help inviting her: “I see that Miss Xiao has a sharp mind. Next month, I plan to visit the Golden Buddha Temple in Yuzhou to pay respects to the abbot. Would you accompany me?”

“My grandmother is elderly and still recovering from illness. I want to spend more time caring for her, so I won’t be going with you, Young Master Fu.”

Xiao Qinghe refused directly. Fu felt regret but tried to persuade her: “Everyone dies eventually. Since you have such wisdom, Miss Xiao, you must have understood this already. Even if you stay by your grandmother’s side, it cannot change what must come.”

Fu’s tone was detached, yet Xiao Qinghe smiled faintly: “I cannot change fate, but I can spend a little more time with my grandmother. That, at least, is a good thing.”

Xiao Qinghe remained firm, and Third Young Master Fu didn’t push further.

After he left, Quezhi couldn’t help complaining: “This Third Young Master Fu is so heartless. Miss has clearly said she wants to stay with Grandmother. Even if he didn’t care about Old Madam’s health, that’s one thing, but to persuade Miss to go on a long trip with him—he has no sense of human kindness at all.”

Xiao Qinghe replied calmly: “Third Young Master Fu has been physically weak since birth and was sent to the monastery at an early age. He has had little interaction with family, so it’s normal that his sense of familial ties is faint.”

After leaving the teahouse, Xiao Qinghe went to the medical shop to buy some incense.

Grandmother liked using incense, and Xiao Qinghe could spend time with her at Songhe Courtyard blending scents.

Returning home, Xiao Qinghe headed straight to Songhe Courtyard. At the entrance, she heard Xiao Yecheng’s voice:

“This old ginseng root was carefully sought from the mountains. I had a physician from Chuntang examine it. It’s quite aged and should benefit Grandmother’s health.”

“You’re a good child, thoughtful as always.”

Old Madam Xiao’s tone was pleased.

Xiao Qinghe had intended to turn back and return later, but then heard Grandmother say: “He’er has already agreed to consider remarriage. Today, she even went to meet Third Young Master Fu. You’ve heard this news, haven’t you?”

Xiao Qinghe froze.

Why would Grandmother specifically discuss her remarriage with her brother?

Inside, Xiao Yecheng was also taken aback by Grandmother’s sudden words. He had indeed been secretly observing the young lady’s every move.

Could it be that Grandmother had sensed his feelings and wanted him to keep his distance?

Xiao Yecheng was shocked. Unsure how to respond, he heard Grandmother continue: “Back when He’er was nearly humiliated at the Wei residence, you rescued her. For He’er’s reputation, you even contemplated ending your own life that night. I thought that once He’er divorced, you would confess your feelings. Two years have passed, yet you’ve made no move. Have you lost your heart?”

Outside, Xiao Qinghe was stunned.

During her conflicts with Wei Lingze, Xiao Yecheng had helped her several times. But after she rejected his covert protection, he had strictly adhered to boundaries, never overstepping.

She had thought he acted out of gratitude to the Xiao family. She hadn’t expected that he had even considered self-harm to protect her reputation.

If it was purely to repay kindness, it was… extreme.

Grandmother, despite her age and slightly clouded eyes, could see Xiao Yecheng’s heart clearly.

Xiao Yecheng could no longer hide and quickly said: “Please, Grandmother, believe me. My admiration for the young lady is deeply rooted and unwavering.”

Old Madam Xiao raised an eyebrow: “Then what are you waiting for?”

Xiao Yecheng pressed his lips together, hesitating for a long moment before speaking: “The young lady is the treasure of the Xiao family, a moon beyond my reach. I’ve always wanted to protect her quietly, but it has caused her trouble. I fear that if I confess, she may avoid me.”

Over the past two years, simply seeing her and hearing her call him “Brother” had been enough to satisfy him.

Grandmother pressed further: “If she marries someone else, she will also keep her distance. Are you willing?”

Xiao Yecheng frowned, struggling with his feelings before saying: “If that is the young lady’s choice following her heart, I will bless her.”

“You won’t regret it?”

“As long as she is happy, I will have no regrets in this life!”

His answer was unwavering. Old Madam Xiao shook her head and sighed: “Truly a foolish boy.”

Soon, Xiao Yecheng left the room.

Xiao Qinghe had already hidden in the shadows with Quezhi.

His hands were bandaged, likely from an injury while seeking the old ginseng root, but he hadn’t mentioned it in front of Grandmother, just as he had strictly respected Xiao Qinghe’s boundaries over the past two years without revealing his feelings.

Once he had gone, Xiao Qinghe entered the room.

Old Madam Xiao, slightly tired after drinking the ginseng soup, perked up: “Have you met Third Young Master Fu? How was it?”

Xiao Qinghe immediately saw through her grandmother’s intention: “Grandmother deliberately didn’t let the servants warn me someone was here, so I could learn of Brother’s feelings. If you favor him, why even ask about Third Young Master Fu?”

Old Madam Xiao’s eyes curved with amusement: “I am not favoring anyone. I just wanted to give you another choice. The most important thing is your preference. There are countless eligible young men in Zhaoling—you can take your time. If none appeal, you could even pick a husband from the spring examination results.”

The grandmother and granddaughter talked a while longer before Old Madam Xiao rested.

Leaving Songhe Courtyard, Xiao Qinghe’s ears still rang with the conversation between Grandmother and Xiao Yecheng.

So Brother had always secretly admired her.

After the initial shock, Xiao Qinghe quickly accepted it.

Looking back over the past two years, Xiao Yecheng’s hidden love had actually left subtle traces.

Back in her own courtyard, Xiao Qinghe calmly attended to the documents delivered by the gate, just as she normally would.

Quezhi, unable to contain herself, finally asked: “Miss, General Xiao loves you. How can you remain so calm? You’re not planning to completely disregard him, are you?”

Xiao Qinghe raised her eyes: “You seem to have known this for some time already?”

With the grandmother having revealed everything, Quezhi spilled it all without restraint: “Whenever you visited the princess’s residence, General Xiao always followed. It was impossible not to notice. Whenever you got drunk, he carried you into the carriage. The way he looked at you was like a hungry wolf! But General Xiao warned me not to speak. I had to play dumb to protect my life.”

Xiao Qinghe: “…”

You weren’t really playing dumb—you told me every time I got in the carriage on my own.