Chapter 807: Candid Honesty
Xiang Shaoyun’s mouth was wide agape, and he didn’t know what to say. They had had an amiable conversation yesterday, but they were conversing as ordinary friends. However, from her current expression, it seemed like she was starting to take their relationship seriously.
“What? Am I wrong?” Tuoba Wan’er asked, somewhat unhappy with Xiang Shaoyun’s response.
Xiang Shaoyun smiled helplessly. “Yes, you’re right, wife.”
Since even she didn’t mind being called that, what was there to hesitate for him?
Tuoba Wan’er had not expected Xiang Shaoyun to change his attitude so fast, and she laughed a laugh so beautiful the world around her seemed to dim.
Xiang Shaoyun sat down and started having breakfast with Tuoba Wan’er. As for the others, they tactfully withdrew from the room. The breakfast was extremely exquisite, consisting of some pastries, bland congee, and fresh tea. This was quite a unique combination of flavors that was enjoyable in its own way.
For high-level cultivators like them, they could go more than 10 days without food. Of course, they still enjoyed the feeling of having a meal, especially when surrounded by such a serene environment.
Xiang Shaoyun chewed his food in silence, thinking of a way to handle his relationship with Tuoba Wan’er. He found it hard to believe that Tuoba Wan’er had truly taken a liking for him. Perhaps he had merely sparked her curiosity, and she would get tired of him in a few days.
At this time, Tuoba Wan’er reached for his face with a towel in hand. He instinctively wanted to move back, but she said, “Don’t move. You have something on your mouth.”
Xiang Shaoyun stopped moving and allowed Tuoba Wan’er to gently wipe his mouth. Her face nearer to his than ever, he felt his heart thumping as an odd emotion started rising within him.
“Done. You need to be careful when eating this pastry, or you will make a mess out of yourself,” said Tuoba Wan’er.
Xiang Shaoyun nodded. “Thanks.”
“There is no need for so much politeness between us,” said Tuoba Wan’er with a smile. She lowered her head and resumed eating, but a blush had crept onto her cheeks. That was the very first time she had been so intimate with another man apart from her grandfather.
When breakfast was over, the first elder appeared before them. A rare smile formed on his face as he said, “Greetings, young lady, holy son-in-law.”
“First grandpa, you are too courteous. Do you need anything?” Tuoba Wan’er asked.
“I’m here to talk about the parade, to see if you want anything changed,” said the first elder. He took out a book and handed it to Tuoba Wan’er.
To his surprise, Tuoba Wan’er handed the book to Xiang Shaoyun and said, “Let the holy son-in-law deal with this. I’m fine with anything.”
The first elder’s eyes lit up as he said, “You’re right. Take a look, holy son-in-law.”
Xiang Shaoyun blanked out momentarily before saying, “I don’t really know much about this. First elder, just do as you see fit. I believe you can arrange it nicely. However, my parents are not around. Should we not delay this matter somewhat?”
“The parade is not the wedding ceremony itself, so it doesn’t matter if your parents aren’t around. In any case, we will only hold the ceremony after the hall master leaves seclusion. It won’t be too late to invite your parents then,” the first elder gave an impeccable reply. It left Xiang Shaoyun with nothing to say and could only allow them to do as they wished.
After the first elder left, Tuoba Wan’er proposed that Xiang Shaoyun play the zither for her. He had no reason to reject, so he did as told. Tuoba Wan’er was completely engrossed in the music, and her gaze when looking at Xiang Shaoyun became increasingly gentle.
After playing a few songs in a row, Xiang Shaoyun stopped. He looked at Tuoba Wan’er with a solemn expression and asked, “Is this really how you want to live the rest of your life?”
He had decided to lay all his cards on the table. He needed to have a proper talk with her before he could decide on his next course of action.
Tuoba Wan’er’s clear eyes blinked as she asked, “Don’t you want this?”
“No,” Xiang Shaoyun replied firmly. The moment he said that, Tuoba Wan’er’s eyes dimmed. Her face also paled somewhat, and just as she was about to say something, he spoke again, “I want to take you away and show you the world. I thought we had agreed on that yesterday? Why must we limit ourselves to only this place?”
Color returned to Tuoba Wan’er’s eyes as she said, “You’re serious?”
Xiang Shaoyun nodded. “Of course. Although our meeting is by sheer coincidence, if you don’t mind having me around, I will also be willing to be your man and spend a lifetime caring for you. I can show you the world and give you a happier life. Naturally, you might think that this is merely a lie I cooked up in my attempt to escape. But I want you to know that I mean every word I said. How will I be willing to give up on a wife as beautiful as you? Of course, if you’re unwilling to be with me, I won’t force you either. But I still hope you can allow me to leave.”
Xiang Shaoyun had thought up many excuses and lies, but he ultimately decided that the truth was the best. That way, he would also be able to show Tuoba Wan’er just what kind of a man he was, letting her understand what he wanted to do. As for her choice, that would be up to her.
Tuoba Wan’er stared at Xiang Shaoyun blankly, evidently not expecting him to suddenly say all that. For a moment, she was at a loss for words.
The two looked face to face for a while before she looked away and sighed, “Actually, the moment you passed the three trials and obtained my grandfather’s acknowledgment, our marriage became inevitable. It won’t change unless I can persuade my grandfather to change his mind, but he never changes his mind easily. Before this, I did have the thought of persuading him after he left seclusion. But after our talk yesterday, I found myself unable to dislike you, even if your cultivation level is lower than mine and you are younger than me. You have seen much more of the world, and you have far greater ambitions. You can also play the zither well. I think I can try being with you. Perhaps we can really spend a lifetime together.
“Nevertheless, you are right. You will leave this place sooner or later. That is something I need to face. Will you leave alone, or will I go with you? I also don’t want to make things hard for others. This is a hard choice. Can you give me some time?”
Xiang Shaoyun smiled. “Of course. I’m just glad I got to be honest with you.”