Concubine? Why Not! . . .
Cha Eun Xiao was overcome with warmth in his heart. Song Jue's affectionate care was a testament to the deep familial bond they shared. The value of such a bond was immeasurable.
"Good! You're a man now, kid. Like father, like son!" Song Jue was elated, and his hearty laughter filled the air. He cast a delighted gaze toward Xuan Bing, who stood shrouded in a black robe and silk mask. "Xiao Xiao, you've done well. You have no idea how much I've missed you two. And to think you've come together today. I couldn't be happier. Hahaha..."
Cha Eun Xiao, however, remained puzzled, unable to grasp the full meaning behind Song Jue's words.
"Stop pretending! Is this supposed to be a surprise? You've got me!" Song Jue chortled. "You're a clever lad. You've found Bing'er and brought her to me. I've been tirelessly searching for her, but to no avail. Hahaha. Bing'er is a fine girl..."
A quizzical expression crossed Cha Eun Xiao's face. "Uncle Song, there must be some misunderstanding."
His words were gentle, an attempt to defuse the situation. Song Jue's words had been far too presumptuous. They brought back memories of Song Fei's disrespectful behavior that had led to the unfortunate fate of the men in her entourage. Cha Eun Xiao didn't want a similar situation to unfold with Xuan Bing.
Song Jue, however, was undeterred and dismissed Cha Eun Xiao's response with confidence. "Nonsense! Don't play games, you little rascal! Your Uncle Song has keen eyes; I don't make mistakes. This is Bing'er. And if she isn't, I'll pluck out my own eyes and trample them on the ground! You may not know her as well as I do."
He took on a more serious tone. "Xiao Xiao, Bing'er is alone. She has no one. You must treat her well, at the very least giving her the status of a concubine! I've made the decision for you. I can do it!"
With a pointed finger at Xuan Bing, he continued, "She's intelligent and lovely. What? Do you think it's beneath you to have her as a concubine? Enough with your grumbling. Or I'll give you a good smack."
A loud slap resounded as Song Jue emphasized his point.
Han Bingxue, who had been present during the conversation, was stunned into a bewildered stupor. He found it challenging to comprehend the situation.
"A concubine?"
"The girl?"
"This..." Han Bingxue clutched his head and muttered, "I no longer understand... What is happening? Is the world going mad?"
The idea of Xuan Bing being designated as a concubine had sent shockwaves through Han Bingxue's mind, causing him to feel as if he might faint.
"It's Xuan Bing!" he thought, "We're talking about Xuan Bing!"
"Song Jue must be incredibly audacious. He's pointed at her and casually talked about her becoming Cha Eun Xiao's concubine, even calling her Bing'er with such certainty..."
Cha Eun Xiao forced a wry smile and intervened. "Uncle Song, it's a misunderstanding. Truly, she isn't Bing'er. No..."
His primary objective was to elicit sympathy from Xuan Bing, demonstrating Song Jue's significance in her life. He hoped this would prevent any adverse consequences. Yet, he knew he would face some sort of punishment.
His bitter smile was indicative of his predicament. Song Jue differed from Han Bingxue; his temperamental disposition might lead to dire consequences. He would not easily accept a reprimand from a young woman.
Song Jue, however, shook his head and retorted, "How is that even possible? Are you blind? She is Bing'er! Listen, if you even think about forsaking her, I'll give you a good thrashing, kid..."
He then turned to scrutinize Xuan Bing more closely.
But Xuan Bing didn't appear angry, per se. Rather, she seemed troubled.
Xuan Bing had gone to great lengths to conceal her identity. She had carefully shrouded herself, ensuring that no one could recognize her. Yet, even without a closer inspection, Song Jue somehow managed to discern her true identity. This left her feeling unsettled.
However, her discomfort wasn't directed toward Song Jue. She held him in high regard as he had always treated her with kindness and affection, akin to a father figure. His intentions, when he spoke to Cha Eun Xiao, were rooted in genuine concern for her well-being. How could she possibly harbor any ill will toward such a kind-hearted man?
Moreover, what Song Jue said wasn't entirely incorrect. Bing'er did serve as a concubine to Cha Eun Xiao, and she took pleasure in that role. She desired to be a part of his life.
But she was no longer Bing'er; she was now the esteemed Elder Xuan Bing of the grand Misty Cloud Palace. Song Jue's comments had merely brought her a sense of embarrassment.
Cha Eun Xiao, unaware of the situation's true nature, quickly interjected, "Uncle Song, you're mistaken..." He began to implore, "She truly isn't who you think."
Song Jue turned to look at Xuan Bing, his surprise evident. He mumbled, "Not her? Really? But..."
"I assure you, she is not Bing'er," Cha Eun Xiao affirmed.
Song Jue felt a profound sense of embarrassment. Upon seeing Xuan Bing following Cha Eun Xiao, he had a strong inkling that she was Bing'er. In his enthusiasm, he had spoken without thinking, without any concrete evidence to support his assertion. After reevaluating the situation, he began to doubt his initial judgment.
"Well... I suppose it happens sometimes," he thought, "mistaking one person for another. But I didn't even see her face earlier... What came over me? Why did I speak so hastily?"