In the ancestral hall, when only two people remained, Minister Wen faced the ancestral tablets and sighed, "The Wen family, in my generation, only has Mo Han as a son, making our lineage rather sparse. And Mo Yu is..."
Minister Wen paused, then said, "Let's not mention her. Xiao family girl, come here."
Xiao Man stepped forward, a pace behind Minister Wen. "Uncle, what is your command?"
"Soon, my wife and I will leave the capital to see the mountains and rivers, and then return to our ancestral home in Youzhou to settle down. By then, Han'er will be alone in the capital. I wish to entrust him to you. He is good in every way, except he doesn't take care of himself. When he's busy, he always forgets to eat. With us gone, only your words will truly reach him, perhaps."
"Your humble servant will certainly take good care of him. Please rest assured, Uncle."
Minister Wen turned, looking at Xiao Man. "I am not asking you to merely look after him, but to take my only son into your care. Han'er admires you and will marry no one but you. I was originally unwilling. You, girl, are too prone to causing trouble. If he marries you, he will surely worry and labor excessively. Moreover, both our families are high-ranking officials, which can easily attract the Emperor's suspicion."
"It is this humble servant who has implicated you."
Minister Wen shook his head. "Han'er is stubborn in his nature, and a devoted lover. Since he has set his heart on you, he will not change, even unto death. I cannot bear to see my son suffer, nor do I wish to endanger his life. Therefore, I have put aside past grievances and am doing my utmost to bring you two together, hoping he can find happiness. Do you understand a father's heart? I love my child just as your father cherishes you, not one bit less."
"Your humble servant understands."
"So, today, in the presence of the Wen family's ancestors, I will speak plainly. Since you have agreed to his proposal, it means you have him in your heart. I am sacrificing my future for him, entrusting him to your hands, only asking that you treat him well. Even if my wife and I are a thousand miles away, we will feel at ease."
"Uncle, there seems to be some misunderstanding. Mo Han and I..."
"I know my own son best," Minister Wen interrupted Xiao Man. "His feelings for you are genuine. The things he has done for you, the injuries he has sustained, I believe you know them all. Even if your heart were made of stone, it should have been warmed by now. Xiao Man, remember my words today. If, one day, you betray him or hurt him, I will not let it go. At that time, do not blame me, an elder, for being heartless. Go now, do not let that foolish boy wait too long."
"Your humble servant takes her leave."
As Xiao Man emerged, Wen Mo Han eagerly stepped forward.
"Did my father trouble you?"
Xiao Man shook her head. "No, Uncle was merely making small talk."
"Really none?" Wen Mo Han sounded doubtful. This was not like his father's usual demeanor.
"What do you mean by that?" Minister Wen emerged and heard his son questioning him, angrily. "Indeed, you have a wife and have forgotten your parents."
Xiao Man's face flushed slightly, and she did not reply. Wen Mo Han held Xiao Man's hand. Seeing her shy, he quickly said, "Father, what are you talking about? Man'er and I... we are not yet husband and wife."
"Show some spirit!" Minister Wen glared at Wen Mo Han. "You should also go to the General's mansion to pay your New Year's respects to the Great General. By rights, you should have gone first. Since the young lady has come first, you should escort her back and pay your respects to the General and his wife, delivering the New Year's gifts you prepared long ago. Truly, a son grows up and doesn't listen to his father. You've never been this attentive to me!"
"Father!"
Minister Wen's wife saw Xiao Man's face turn as red as a ripe apple and quickly pinched Minister Wen. "Have you said enough? You're never serious all day long, chatting about your descendants."
"My dear wife, please calm your anger. I'm just afraid this young man might be disrespectful at the General's mansion." Minister Wen's face immediately broke into a smile. "Hurry and prepare."
"Your son takes his leave." Wen Mo Han pulled Xiao Man and took his leave.
"Xiao Man," Minister Wen called out to Xiao Man. "Remember what I told you."
Xiao Man nodded, bowed, and followed Wen Mo Han out.
As they returned home, Xiao Man pondered Minister Wen's words. Wen Mo Han had done many things for her in secret, and she had a rough idea, but the matter of their engagement... Xiao Man looked up and saw Wen Mo Han looking at her with concern. The words she wanted to ask died on her lips.
"Man'er, are you really alright?" Wen Mo Han asked cautiously. Since leaving the Prime Minister's mansion, Xiao Man had seemed preoccupied, and he felt uneasy.
Xiao Man shook her head. "I'm fine."
Wen Mo Han took Xiao Man's hand and said softly, "Don't keep anything from me. One person's wisdom is limited, while two people's is boundless. If my father said anything to make you uncomfortable, don't take it to heart. He has a sharp tongue, but a good heart."
"Uncle... he loves you dearly," Xiao Man said softly. "Just like my father, he worries himself sick over us."
"As parents, it is natural to worry endlessly about their children," Wen Mo Han chuckled. "Before, I always thought my father was too overbearing, forcing me to study the Four Books and Five Classics from a young age. Other children played, while I read. Only when I grew older did I understand his good intentions, that he only wanted me to succeed."
"Then I must be one of those other children!" Xiao Man stated with certainty.
Wen Mo Han burst into laughter. "You know, when I was little, my father often used you to provoke me. Every time he saw you and Prince Qi tearing down houses and fishing in the river, turning the Imperial Academy into chaos, and the Grand Tutor would detour when he saw you, I felt both envy and jealousy. So, I took... a young servant and went to the lake to fish, nearly drowning. My father beat the accompanying servant half to death, and from then on, I never dared to misbehave again."
Xiao Man understood that Wen Mo Han's pause was because he was thinking of Wen Mo Yu, but he pretended not to notice. "My grandmother also used you two as a comparison every day, saying, 'Look at other people's children, how outstanding, how obedient. And look at you, a firecracker!'"