Choosing a Wedding Residence

She followed Bai Jingyao into the hall.

"Muzhi, do you like pastries?"

"They're all right. I prefer lighter flavors."

Back in the main hall, Bai Mo seemed a little distracted, and Xiao Muzhi gently tugged at her sleeve.

She smiled as if nothing were amiss and slowly sat down in a lower seat.

Everyone was deep in discussion, but Bai Mo couldn't take in a word. She showed no sign of it on her face, looking as though she were listening intently.

"Momo, what do you think?"

Hearing Tang Xin call her name, Bai Mo looked up.

When Bai Mo didn't answer, Tang Xin assumed she wasn't very satisfied with that residence. "What about the one near Ten-Li Long Street? Its courtyard isn't as large as the one behind the Residence of the Earl Who Protects the State, but the area is livelier. You young people should like it."

Bai Mo did remember where it was.

"Aunt, you only need to ask Muzhi about this. As long as he likes it, that's enough."

Great Master Xiao nodded in satisfaction. She thought Bai Mo was very considerate and didn't put on airs as a woman, so her grandson would have a much easier time getting along with her.

"Muzhi, what do you think, then?"

Xiao Muzhi glanced at Bai Mo and smiled gently. "I think the one next to the Residence of the Earl Who Protects the State is very good. The residence is only a little smaller than the earl's residence, which is more than enough room for us. It also has a fairly large lake, and the main house is designed with water on three sides. I like water, so I think this place is good."

Xiao Muzhi's voice was clear yet steady. In modern times, it would have been the quintessential young master's voice, very pleasant to hear.

Bai Mo smiled and nodded along. "Mm, I think this one is good too. It's close to my mother, and close to Uncle's home and the Xiao Residence as well. It'll be convenient for Muzhi to go wherever he wants."

"All right. Then Uncle will arrange for people to start repairs and cleaning the day after tomorrow. I guarantee it'll be bright and grand by the time you get married."

"Sorry for the trouble, Uncle."

Bai Peilan looked at her daughter, feeling that something was off about her. "Momo, if you're tired, get some rest. Once the marriage proposal has been made and the birth records exchanged tomorrow, I'll have your uncle go to Dharma Propagation Temple to calculate the most auspicious date.

Elder Xiao is getting on in years and shouldn't be traveling back and forth. She is still needed to oversee matters in Ru'an Commandery, so it's best to hold the wedding as soon as possible.

As it happens, Miss Xiao will take the imperial examination in the eighth month, and you'll marry in the ninth. Two joys will come to the household at once, and that will cheer the elder up as well."

"Hahaha, exactly."

Everyone in the room was talking and laughing, and they all looked very happy.

Bai Mo nodded to show she had no objections.

Great Master Xiao saw that Bai Mo wasn't saying much, while her grandson's gaze had never left her. She cleared her throat. "Ahem, Muzhi, we elders can discuss the details of the wedding among ourselves. You youngsters shouldn't have had to take part, but your future in-laws have been so courteous and shown you such respect. Why don't you come and thank them?"

Xiao Muzhi hurriedly rose and bowed in thanks.

The more Bai Peilan looked at this son-in-law, the more she liked him. He was handsome and refined, courteous, and distinguished in his speech and manner.

Great Master Xiao waved a hand and added, "Muzhi, take Momo for a walk in the back garden and get some fresh air. There are so many details to a wedding, big and small; it's quite a complicated affair. You may go. Just come back a little early for dinner."

"Yes."

Xiao Muzhi and Bai Mo were both happy to leave.

Xiao Muzhi was happy because he could spend time alone with Bai Mo.

Bai Mo knew nothing about ancient wedding customs, and she felt relieved once she stepped out of the hall.

"I haven't been in the Capital long. The courtyard I'm staying in was arranged by my grandmother, and there isn't much of a view. Let me take you to sit by the lake."

"All right. Sorry for the trouble."

Bai Mo was very quiet around Xiao Muzhi and didn't start conversations herself. Xiao Muzhi thought that was simply her nature and didn't mind, keeping the conversation going himself.

There was a small pavilion by the lake. It wasn't large, but it was exquisitely furnished.

An osmanthus tree stood beside the pavilion. Whenever a gentle breeze blew, it brought down a scattering of osmanthus blossoms. Their fragrance drifted through the air around them, making the place very pleasant.

Bai Mo leaned forward and saw that the lake was full of koi of every color. They were plump and endearing, and much prettier than the ornamental fish in modern tourist attractions.

"Your residence has so many koi...

They've been raised so well. They're plump and round, so cute."

Xiao Muzhi walked to her side. Sunlight fell on her profile, and because she was sitting in the pavilion, half her cheek lay in shadow, making her look very serene. She smiled at the fish, and her shallow dimples seemed capable of drawing a person in.

"Mm, Grandmother loves koi. She often feeds these herself, and she's raised them for quite a few years.

She also likes osmanthus. She planted the two trees beside us herself."

Bai Mo didn't look up. If she had, she would have seen that Xiao Muzhi's eyes were full of deep affection and tenderness.