To Hold One’s Joy

hapter 28-1: Her Moods

Luo Biaomei prepared these dishes?

As the four Sheng brothers left Luo Chen's courtyard, the refreshing night breeze embraced them, and doubts filled their minds. Sheng Silang grumbled: "Erge, did you intentionally exclude me from drawing lots because you already knew that Luo Biaojie's cooking is delicious?"

"Stop talking nonsense!" Sheng Erlang lightly slapped Sheng Silang. He then rubbed his chin and smiled at Sheng Sanlang, who became wary. "What's with that smile?" Sheng Sanlang asked cautiously.

Sheng Erlang draped his arm around Sheng Sanlang's shoulder and smiled, "Sandi, I think we might have acted too hastily by relying on drawing lots to decide something as significant as accompanying Luo Biaomei to the Capital. How about we give it another shot?"

Sheng Sanlang rolled his eyes: "Don't even think about it." Luo Biaomei's stir-fried fish is incredibly delicious. Let alone accompany Luo Biaomei to the Capital; he can even consider marrying Luo Biaomei– no, no need for further consideration, he is more than willing!

Fusong tidied up the table in the dining room and weighed the wine jug: "They didn't drink much." Luo Chen smiled but remained silent. Intrigued, Fusong asked, "Young master, did you invite your cousins to dinner because you wanted Sheng Sanlang to take good care of Miss?"

"You don't need to worry about that," the young boy replied. Wearing a serious expression, he left the dining room with his hands clasped behind his back.

A silence settled over the courtyard, with orange lights casting their glow in every direction, illuminating the vibrant green bamboo. Inviting his cousins to dinner was undoubtedly a way to make them regret their actions.

Hmph, who told them to disdain his sister?

As thoughts of Luo Sheng crossed his mind, the boy's smile faded, replaced by a solemn expression. She goes whenever she pleases, still as willful as ever.

The following day dawned bright and sunny, and the streets and alleys of Jinsha County brimmed with early morning liveliness. At the entrance of Sheng Mansion, there were two parked two carriages. The first carriage was meant for people, while the second was filled with goods. Seven or eight guards stood beside the carriages, waiting for their masters to bid farewell.

"Sheng'er, remember to visit me whenever you have the opportunity," Sheng Laotaitai led the Sheng family members to see Luo Sheng off, holding onto her wrist with reluctance.

Luo Sheng nodded slightly. "I will. Waizumu, please rest assured. You can go inside and rest. There's no need to see me off."

"Promise me, alright?" Sheng Laotaitai's eyes glistened with tears as she clung to Luo Sheng. Sheng Dataitai quickly intervened, saying, "Laotaitai, we should allow Luo Sheng to depart before it gets too late." What if Luo Sheng decides not to leave at all?!

Only then did Sheng Laotaitai release her grip on Luo Sheng's hand and take a handkerchief to wipe her tears. "Take care of yourself on the journey, and remember to write me a letter once you reach the Capital..."

As they listened to Sheng Laotaitai's ceaseless instructions, Sheng Dataitai and Sheng Ertaitai exchanged perplexed glances. Did Luo Sheng's departure truly sadden Laotaitai? It shouldn't be.

Though it might be inappropriate to admit, they couldn't help but feel a sense of relief, almost to the point where they wanted to set off firecrackers at the thought of Luo Sheng leaving.

Luo Sheng made a curtsy to Sheng Laotaitai and the other elders. "I apologize for causing trouble to Waizumu, Dajiu, Dajiumu, and Erjiumu during my stay."

Sheng Laotaitai continued to wipe her tears while Sheng Dajiu responded softly, "I should have accompanied you, but circumstances didn't allow it." He then glanced at Sheng Sanlang, who had changed into brand-new clothes, and assumed a stern tone. "Take good care of your Biaomei on the journey. If anything goes wrong, it will be your responsibility!"

Sheng Sanlang beamed with a radiant smile. "Dabo[1], don't worry. I will make sure Biaomei safely reaches the Capital."

Sheng Ertaitai couldn't help but feel exasperated. Why did her foolish son still appear so carefree and blissful with such a challenging task? She wished she could give him a good slap to wake him up.

[1] Dabo: father’s first older brother