บท 9: The Contract

After breakfast was served, Xu Feng was immediately drawn into the delectable aromas coming from the platters of food.

The spread included steamed eggs, an assortment of kimchee, a thick rice porridge, and a few local fruits that were the last harvests of the season.

"This pink fruit is very sweet." Xu Feng mumbled to himself as he took a bite of the juicy fruit. The clean taste following the rich porridge had his taste buds tingling and distracted him from the awkward feelings he had.

The madam of the Xuan family stared at the tall ger from the head of the table with conflicting thoughts running across her mind. It was a good thing he was recovering quickly, he would be in better shape to bear a healthy child, but what if her grandson was born a glutton?

After a few more bites of breakfast, Xu Feng couldn't ignore the young master sitting across from him anymore. While Xuan Jian wasn't seated at the table because of the mistress of the family's presence, Xuan Yang's proximity was enough to fluster Xu Feng.

Plus, Xuan Jian was still present in the room, he simply stood behind Xuan Yang respectfully because of his status. This didn't keep Xu Feng from glancing at either of the two men and having flashbacks of the scenes from the night before.

*Cough, cough, cough*

Xu Feng choked on a spoon full of porridge before San brought a welcome cup of water to relieve him. As he sipped the water, Xu Feng was aware all eyes were on him, and his face reddened even more.

For the rest of breakfast, a silence permeated the table as the Xuan mother and son ate with class and grace, and Xu Feng tried his best to maintain the "proper" etiquette. And of course, make eye contact with no one.

Xuan Yang's mother on the other hand, was conflicted for a different reason. She had just managed to put away thoughts of a gluttonous grandson when Xu Feng's behavior once again caught her eye.

The ger seemed to be infatuated with her son. Yes, her son was a great catch, and could marry in a woman from any family in the capital if it wasn't for his special…disposition…But the way Xu Feng was staring at her Yang was too obvious.

He was trying to make quick glances at Xuan Yang and seemed to think he wouldn't be noticed. Although this was a bit troublesome, maybe it could be used to her advantage when it came to the terms of the contract.

The mistress of the Xuan family smiled slyly as she played with her food. Although the Xuan family was wealthy and could afford to give more to the ger, she was the female head of a major family in the capital.

She dealt with her husband's concubines and all the backyard politics. She was not a pushover in any way.

Xu Feng on the other hand, was consumed with shame. Not from accidentally seeing what he shouldn't have seen the night before. Instead, he was ashamed because of his libido!

Xuan Yang on the other, other hand, seemed more like an iceberg than his lover, Xuan Jian. He didn't interact with his mother or pay any mind to Xu Feng outside of a head nod to acknowledge his presence when he arrived.

After breakfast, they moved to a tastefully decorated inner room with pieces of fine paper—the best quality paper the original Xu Zeng had seen in his 16 years of life—writing tools, and extra ink to smudge their fingerprints laid across a mahogany table.

As soon as the three participants were seated around the table, all the servants, even Xu Feng's future mother-in-law's handmaids, were excused. The only servant allowed to stay was Xuan Jian, who Xu Feng took a few peeks at before getting serious about the impending showdown.

"As we discussed, you will birth a grandson for my Xuan family with my son, Xuan Yang," she emphasized, "while the marriage will only be until a son is born, it would be a dream come true for any ger in our great Donghua to serve my Yang."

The smile on Xuan Yang's mother's face was glowing, she clearly believed her own words. Her son was probably heaven's gift to this world in her eyes.

Xu Feng's lips twitched as he recalled said precious son railing his very male servant the night before. Both men were very attractive to him, but in this era, relationships between men were looked down upon.

The longevity of bloodlines was most important to poor and wealthy families alike.

"The lady is right, but the great Xuan family doesn't do charity work or receive charity from those less fortunate, so this must be mutually beneficial for both parties. And we need to be as detailed as possible."

Xu Feng regurgitated the words of the mistress of the Xuan family right back to her. He wasn't from this era, but he wasn't going to be taken advantage of in the least.

"I'm sure the lady can feel my sincerity. I haven't attempted to leave the estate knowing full well you expect me to willingly become a divorcee and live an unfavorable lifestyle."

Mother and son, and son's servant all looked at Xu Feng with strange eyes. This village ger was too witty for his own good. But Xu Feng did not stop, only pausing occasionally to allow his words to sink in.

"I will marry the young master of the Xuan family, Xuan Yang. It can be a very small ceremony to spare the Xuan family too much embarrassment. BUT, a sufficient bride price must be paid, preferable in hard currency."

"As for the Nanshan estate, it would be best to be included as an additional gift in my bride price. This is the best way to spare the Xuan family any shame. We wouldn't want people saying the great Xuan family had to buy a bride cheaply."

"YOU…" Lady Xuan raised her voice in anger, but Xu Feng cut her off.

"I just don't want any rumors to be spread about the Xuan family. For as long as the marriage holds, even if I don't participate in official events, I am a part of the family."

Xu Feng's words once again silenced everyone in the room as they wondered how this village ger was so smart.