flstandardbreds Chapter 171 is all formulaic.
Chapter 171 is all formulaic.
After three years in the army, even an old sow can rival Diao Chan, and Diao Chan is more beautiful than a celestial being.
During his six months in the military camp, Guan Xing was surrounded by burly men who picked their feet and soldiers who didn't bathe. He was surrounded by the smells of sweat, mildew, and stinky feet. Now, when he suddenly smelled a fragrance he hadn't experienced in a long time, he was naturally captivated on the spot.
At this moment, Guan Xing felt as if he had just arrived at the Spider Cave from Lion Camel Ridge. His eyes instinctively followed Sun Luyu's beautiful figure, and the more he looked at her graceful back, the more he felt a criminal impulse.
While he was sizing up Zhou Xun's sister-in-law, Zhou Xun was also sizing him up from behind. Seeing his gaze, which seemed to be drawn to Sun Luyu's back, Zhou Xun couldn't help but think to himself, "So you, Guan Anguo, aren't exactly a gentleman after all. Even the most powerful people have weaknesses."
Thinking this, Zhou Xun stepped forward and patted Guan Xing on the shoulder.
With just a light pat, Guan Xing shuddered as if he had been electrocuted. He turned around and grinned sheepishly, as if he had been caught doing something wrong, saying, "Please, brother."
This time, Zhou Xun did not refuse. He strode into the hall with an air of nonchalance, while Guan Xing followed closely behind like a younger brother.
Once seated in the hall, Zhou Xun raised his wine glass first and said with a smile, "Anguo, we've known each other for so long but haven't had a proper drink together yet. Today, we're determined to drink until we're both drunk. Please."
Guan Xing quickly raised his glass and said with a smile, "Please, elder brother."
After finishing his drink, he made small talk by saying, "The weather is nice today."
His mind was now filled with the graceful image of Zhou Xun's sister-in-law, and he had long forgotten the draft he had prepared in his mind beforehand.
Zhou Xun was thinking about how to subtly advance the plot, and he had no desire to chat idly either; neither of the brothers was paying attention to the conversation.
Just as the atmosphere was about to fall silent again, Sun Luban came out from the back room, stood next to Zhou Xun, bowed and said, "This humble servant greets General Guan. Please forgive me for my poor hospitality."
Guan Xing quickly stood up and returned the greeting, saying, "Sister-in-law, you're too kind. Please sit down."
Sun Luban was also the type that Guan Xing liked, but Guan Xing couldn't bring himself to have any impure thoughts about her.
It wasn't because she was Zhou Xun's wife or his sister-in-law, but because Sun Luban herself was prickly, and he felt he couldn't handle her.
This woman was a powerful political figure in history who once held power in the Eastern Wu court. Such career-oriented women are not easy to control, and getting involved with her can easily lead to trouble.
In comparison, Guan Xing still preferred someone like Sun Luyu, who was kind-hearted, obedient, and sensible.
Therefore, it's best to keep your distance from Sun Luban.
Thinking this, Guan Xing lightly bit his tongue to clear his mind, then clinked glasses with Sun Luban and said with a smile, "Please, sister-in-law."
Sun Luban smiled politely and said, "General, please."
The two sat down and began to chat idly. Sun Luban was very skilled in conversation, subtly guiding the conversation in the direction she wanted. When she had laid the groundwork, she casually sighed, "Anguo, your sister-in-law is worried. You've seen my sister, Xiaohu. She's sixteen and should be looking for a husband. My mother was talking about it with me yesterday, telling me I must help Xiaohu find a suitable husband, but..."
"You know the situation in Jiangdong. All the promising young talents have retreated to Jiangling with Lü Meng. It's really hard to find a suitable husband. Why don't you help your sister-in-law and recommend a few promising young men who are worthy of Xiao Hu?"
Upon hearing this, Guan Xing felt a sudden tremor in his heart, and exclaimed in astonishment, "Ah..."
If I remember correctly, Sun Luyu married Zhu Ju, a cousin of Zhu Huan, the clan leader of the Zhu family in Wu County.
Now that Zhu Huan has surrendered to Cao Wei and Zhu Ju has been taken to Jiangling by Sun Quan, it is clear that Sun Luyu and Zhu Ju have no chance. It is understandable that Sun Luban would help his sister find another husband.
Moreover, it has nothing to do with who Sun Luyu marries, but why does she feel empty inside, as if something has been taken away from her?
I think I felt the same way when I learned that my goddess Liu Yifei had officially announced her relationship in my past life.
The unfortunate man, what he can't have is always stirring his heart.
Guan Xing decisively refused, saying, "How could a soldier like me know any talented young men? I wouldn't even look at the young ladies of those common soldiers."
Sun Luban kept a close eye on Guan Xing's micro-expressions. Upon hearing this, he sighed with feigned regret, "What should we do? The talented men of Jiangdong have either gone to Jiangling or are already engaged. It's really hard to find one. Is Xiaohu going to stay unmarried forever? Wouldn't he be drowned in gossip?"
After speaking, she revealed a heartbroken expression, much like an old mother who was worried sick about her children's marriages.
Seeing that the groundwork had been laid, Zhou Xun coughed and interjected, "An Guo isn't married yet, is he? Which of the talented men in Jiangdong today can compare to An Guo?"
"Ah..." Guan Xing was instantly overwhelmed with joy, and his eyes were full of gratitude as he looked at Zhou Xun.
Good brother, from now on you're my real brother.
Sun Luban's face showed a hint of surprise, as if he had forgotten about her, but he quickly suppressed his regret and sighed, "Of course I know that Anguo is not married, but Anguo has a distinguished family background and has made many military achievements. He has the style of Marquis Huo Qubing. I'm afraid Xiaohu is not good enough for him."
Guan Xing thought to himself, "She is worthy of me, she is worthy of me," but he smiled modestly and said, "Sister-in-law, you are joking. The Second Miss comes from a prestigious family, while my Guan family of Hedong has been poor for generations. It is I who am not worthy of the Second Miss."
Although he really wanted to agree immediately, he couldn't appear too eager; a man should also maintain his composure.
Sun Luban shook his head and said, "General Guan, you are wrong. My grandfather, Wentai Gong (Sun Jian), also came from a poor family. His family background was not much better than that of General Guan. In terms of background, our two families are well-matched."
As she spoke, she got up and sat down at Guan Xing's table, and said with a smile, "Sister-in-law is a straightforward person and doesn't like beating around the bush. Anguo, just tell me directly if you have feelings for Xiaohu. If you do, I'll talk to my mother. If you don't like my Sun family, then just pretend I didn't say anything."
Zhou Xun chimed in from the side, "That's right, Anguo. Are you willing to give me a straight answer? A grown man can't expect Xiaohu to come to you on his own initiative, can he?"
Guan Xing thought about it and agreed. If he didn't take the initiative when he should, he would be at a loss when Sun Luyu found someone else.
Thinking this, Guan Xing began to rummage through his body with both hands. After searching for a while, he realized that he had come in a hurry and had not brought anything with him. Just as he was wondering what to do, he suddenly noticed that the guard Zhu Chao standing behind him had a jade pendant hanging from his waist.
If I remember correctly, I personally selected this jade pendant from the gold and silver jewelry I had amassed and specially awarded it to Zhu Chao.
Never mind, I'll just borrow it for now.
Guan Xing reached out and pulled off the jade pendant from Zhu Chao's waist, handed it to Sun Luban, and said with a smile, "Sister-in-law, since that's the case, I'll have to trouble you. I'll definitely reward you handsomely after it's done."
Zhu Chao's lips twitched with heartache as he watched the jade pendant being dragged away, but he wisely remained silent.
Sun Luban took the jade pendant and said with a smile, "Don't worry, I'll take care of it. You two chat, and I'll go cook you two more dishes."
After saying this, he tucked the jade pendant into his sleeve, stood up, and left. Zhou Xun then said, "This wine is rather tasteless. Why don't we go for a walk? Anguo, you haven't been to the Zhou residence before, have you? I'll show you around."
Guan Xing didn't like drinking, and the big man's wine wasn't very good, so he stood up and said, "That's fine too."
The two left the hall and strolled leisurely to the backyard. After turning several corners, Guan Xing turned his head and before he could catch his breath, he saw Sun Luyu sitting in the lakeside pavilion feeding the fish, and he was taken aback.
Zhou Xun clutched his stomach and cried out, "Ouch, my stomach hurts a little. I need to go to the outhouse."
Without waiting for Guan Xing's reply, she turned and ran away, leaving Guan Xing alone, bewildered in the wind.