Su Miao had lost both her parents at the age of three and had moved into the Marquis’s residence at four, growing up alongside that group of boys, and so her temperament was straightforward and bold, without the delicate airs of a proper young lady raised in the inner chambers — but when she threw a tantrum, there truly wasn’t another shrew in the whole capital who could out-shrew her.
Li Jingyun had originally intended to let her matter cool off for a while and find another way around it, rather than force his way down this single narrow path. But he hadn’t expected Su Miao to be so set on it — stamping her foot, she stood right at the study door, trading insults with Li Shoutian.
“What ungrateful wretch, what ungrateful wretch — back when Uncle was dirt poor, didn’t you rely on the Wife You family for your official position? And afterward, don’t you know full well how Madam You died? Oh, and the beam above isn’t even straight, yet you point fingers at the ones below.”
“You wretch!”
“It’s only because you’re my elder that I don’t dare talk back with that word.” Kicking the small wooden chest beside her with the tip of her embroidered shoe, Su Miao said, scrunching her mouth, “All these years in this household, only Aunt ever looked after me even a little. On ordinary days I couldn’t even get a glimpse of your face, Uncle. Today I’m returning these five hundred taels of gold to you — call it my thanks to the Marquis’s residence for raising a fine daughter for the Su family.”
“Quite the generous gesture.” Li Jingyun, standing off to the side of the courtyard watching, shook his head, sounding rather struck. “Really pulling out all the stops.”
Huayue stood beside him, looking at the familiar red-wood chest on the ground, and after some hesitation, said, “That looks like it was drawn from your account.”
Yesterday, when she’d gone to Qifeng Tower, Su Miao happened to be there and said she urgently needed to borrow five hundred taels of gold, promising to return it to the Marquis’s residence by the next day. Huayue had meant to let Li Jingyun know first, but Su Miao seemed so anxious that she hadn’t bothered with formalities, taking the ledger key to Qifeng Tower and going straight to the money house.
Later, with the matter of Shuang Jiang interrupting things, Huayue had forgotten to mention it, and only now, seeing this, did she remember.
So the young miss really had kept her word — sure enough, she’d returned it to the Marquis’s residence the very next day.
Only, something felt rather off.
Li Jingyun, who had just moments ago been watching the show with some amusement, changed expression at this and strode inside at once, scolding, “Su Miao!”
What kind of person used someone else’s money to put on such a show? Had she no shame at all?
Su Miao turned around and smiled at him, raising a hand. “Cousin, don’t bother trying to talk me out of it — with this chest set down, the Marquis’s residence and I owe each other nothing.”
Bah! Talking nonsense in broad daylight — not only was she ignoring what he had to say, she wanted to shamelessly pocket his five hundred taels of gold for free? Li Jingyun sneered coldly. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll take this chest of goods straight to the magistrate and report your Lord Shen for embezzlement?”
Su Miao blinked, momentarily caught off guard, then pouted with a hint of grievance. “What does this have to do with my Lord Shen? Who says I couldn’t have some business of my own outside and saved this up myself?”
Threatening people with veiled words like that — Li Jingyun was so exasperated he nearly rolled his eyes. Truly, a married-off cousin was like spilled water — trying to take it back would only scald your hand.
“Jingyun, don’t try to talk me out of this.” Li Shoutian, gripping the corner of the desk in fury, said bitterly. “For her to do something so unfilial today already means she’s no longer part of my Marquis’s residence. Let her take her parents’ tablets out of the ancestral hall entirely — my Li family won’t provide for them any longer!”
“Father.” Li Jingyun hesitated, wanting to say something.
But Li Shoutian, as though pushed too far in his fury, his eyes reddened, waved his hand without restraint. “Let her go.”
Su Miao took a little skipping step and slipped smoothly right out of the main hall.
“Cousin-in-law, you came too?” Spotting Huayue standing outside, she came over quietly and said, “I’ve stirred up a hornet’s nest — you should get out of the way too, in case you get caught in the crossfire.”
Huayue was rather puzzled. “What is it you’re trying to do, young miss? Everything was fine — why would you go and anger the Marquis like this on purpose?”
“It’s fine, really,” Su Miao said, waving it off without much concern, smiling. “This life of mine has carried bad luck ever since I was three — never destined for a stable place to settle. Having lasted this long in the Marquis’s residence is already more than I could have hoped for. From now on, cousin-in-law, whenever you miss me, just come find me at the Shen residence.”
This young lady carried herself with such ease — her skirt flaring out was like a burst of unquenchable flame.
But watching her, Huayue found she couldn’t bring herself to smile. She looked calmly at Su Miao’s smiling face, watching her so steadily that Su Miao’s eyes reddened slightly, and only then did she say, “I’ll come find you in a few days.”
“Good.” Su Miao quickly turned around, waving behind her without looking back. “See you then.”
Her fiery red skirt disappeared out the courtyard gate, like the most brilliant blossom on the branch, blown by the wind toward another shore.
From behind, in the room, came the sound of Li Shoutian coughing, hoarse and hollow, mixed with a couple of complaints. “What right does she have to say that, what right?”
Li Jingyun didn’t answer him.
Though Su Miao had never been mistreated in the Marquis’s residence, in the end she was only the “young miss” — meaning this was where she lived, not truly her home. Her real family had been gone since she was three, and the Marquis’s residence, busy and full of people as it was, had never given her enough warmth and care. Back when they used to spar with spears on the training grounds together, if he got hurt coming home, Aunt would still ask after him, but if Su Miao got hurt, she’d only have a maid help bandage her up herself.
Now, choosing Shen Zhiluo so decisively — it likely wasn’t because she liked him so very much, but perhaps because she wanted a home that was truly her own.
And besides — looking at the red-wood chest by her feet, with her temperament, she wasn’t one to lose out wherever she went.
Li Jingyun sighed, looking up at the sky where autumn rain was gathering.
Once a round of autumn rain had passed, Zhou Hemin successfully secured the assignment for next spring’s provincial tour. For the imperial household, this was an extremely lucrative task — wherever the tour passed, officials would offer “bright tribute.” The Crown Prince himself had, in his time, accumulated enough silver from one such tour that his faction’s influence had gradually grown from there.
Only those held in particularly high favor by the Emperor would receive such a task, but this time was somewhat unusual — with the Crown Prince deliberately cast into disfavor by the Emperor, Zhou Hemin had been forcibly pushed forward, sitting through the celebratory banquet with a face full of gloom.
“What’s the point?” he grumbled to his attendant. “Riding in carriages, taking boats — staying in the capital would be far more comfortable.”
The attendant paled with fright and quickly covered his mouth. “Little young master, this is an imperial favor — you mustn’t talk like that.”
Zhou Hemin frowned deeply.
“How about this — let this servant tell you some amusing stories to lighten the mood.” The attendant’s eyes rolled, and he leaned in close to whisper. “You know that young mistress of the Marquis’s residence, don’t you? Before, plenty of people in the capital laughed at her background, saying that as the Grand Protector’s principal wife, she’d not only be no help to Lord Li, she’d be a burden instead. But guess what happened?”
“Hm?” He let go of his hand, his interest piqued. “What happened?”
“Well, recently, that young mistress is pregnant and needs company, so ladies and matrons from every household have been rushing over to accompany her. Somehow or other, those ladies go over looking troubled and come back beaming with joy, and along with it, those officials’ households have started having a lot more dealings with the Grand Protector.”
The principal wife in the back courtyard played the role of managing internal affairs and building external connections. This young mistress hadn’t come from an impressive background, but she’d handled things quite beautifully — especially with Lord Huo, the Crown Prince’s attendant, who had recently been investigating a case that traced to the Marquis’s residence and had originally clashed with Li Jingyun. The old dowager had paid a visit to the Marquis’s residence, and after that, Huo Geng and Li Jingyun were able to sit down and have tea together.
Zhou Hemin’s eyebrows shot up as he listened. “That virtuous, huh?”
“Indeed. There are plenty more amusing stories too. This servant heard it from the National Uncle’s wife herself — if you’d like to hear more, this servant can gather more details, and tell you piece by piece during the tour.”
As an attendant, it was only natural to understand his master’s preferences well. Zhang Xi’er had served many masters before — some liked gold and jewels, others liked paintings and fine instruments — but this Fifth Prince was the strangest of all, caring for neither beauties nor riches, yet taking a peculiar interest in the wife of the Grand Protector’s household.
It wasn’t that he had designs on taking liberties with her — it was simply that hearing about her amused him.
Zhang Xi’er didn’t quite understand what that was about, but as long as it gave him something to coax the prince into going on the tour with a lighter heart, he’d take it.
The Grand Protector’s wife was living up to expectations too — though she was resting to preserve her pregnancy, there was always some news trickling out from the Marquis’s residence, enough to fill up quite a stretch of the tour with stories.
“Achoo—”
Shivering for no apparent reason, Huayue sneezed and trembled. The old dowager, who had been chatting with her, quickly had someone fetch a cloak to wrap around her, frowning. “Your health really is too frail — you can’t withstand even a couple of gusts of wind.”
This old dowager was Huo Geng’s mother, who greatly enjoyed chatting with people. Everyone in her household couldn’t bear her endless day-long chattering, but only Huayue listened with great patience, and no matter what she said, could always pick up the thread and respond.
For this reason, the old dowager had grown particularly fond of Huayue. The first visit had only been a formality, but by the second, she stayed a whole afternoon, chatting away and eventually opening up her heart entirely.
“That child of mine in my household is so busy, he doesn’t even have time to marry me a daughter-in-law. If you were from my household, I’d wrap you up warm and snug and raise you plump and healthy.”
Huayue laughed softly. “There’s no need to worry, old dowager. I’ve actually met your son once — he’s quite well-mannered, easy to find a good wife for.”
Mention of Huo Geng made the old dowager exasperated. “Easy to marry off, is it? Plenty of matchmakers have sent portraits to my household, but that child looks down on every single one. With great difficulty I managed to get him to meet with a lady from one family, and he opened his mouth and asked her how the entire pond of water had been drained without any effort. Tell me, isn’t that just him trying to make me furious on purpose?”
Huayue paused slightly, recalling the lotus-leaf stem Su Miao had once snapped off at the altar.
Lowering her eyelids, she gave a soft laugh — so this Lord Huo, now held in such high regard, was also, it turned out, a man devoted in love.
“By the way, has my son been up to anything improper lately?” the old dowager continued. “I heard before that he was investigating a case that traced back to the Marquis’s residence. I scolded him about it when I got home — he’s an obedient child, and he agreed on the spot that he wouldn’t cause trouble for the Grand Protector anymore. I just don’t know how that matter ended up resolving.”
“It all worked out well in the end.” Huayue smiled. “Many thanks, old dowager.”
Shuang Jiang had escaped that disaster and was never taken in for questioning; Huo Geng no longer came to the Marquis’s residence, instead directing his investigation toward several other people. After much back and forth, the matter had finally blown over.
Being pregnant, she hadn’t been able to move around much and had almost been reduced to sitting and waiting for whatever came. But one day while sorting through her clothes, Huayue had suddenly remembered her own background and thought to try getting closer to the Huo family. At first she hadn’t held out much hope, but as the conversations continued, this path had actually opened up.
“There’s no need to thank me at all — that child of mine will need the Grand Protector’s continued care in the future anyway,” the old dowager said with a smile. “Ever since His Highness the Crown Prince promoted him, he’s made no shortage of enemies lately. If something should go wrong for him down the road, I hope you’ll put in a good word for him too.”
“Of course.” Huayue agreed.
Glancing at the sky, the old dowager rose. “I see there are people waiting for me outside — I won’t keep you any longer today. I’ll come again when I have time.”
“Let me see you off, old dowager.” Huayue rose as well.
The etiquette and customs of the Wei people were the most thorough and proper, and applied to the manners of the Liang people, they came across as attentive and gracious. Old Dowager Huo found this most agreeable, smiling as she left through the door and boarded her carriage, even waving back at her.
“Mistress.” Shuang Jiang said at her side, “The one waiting in the side hall is Madam Feng.”
Huayue leaned on her shoulder and asked, brows lowered, “Can we say I’m feeling too tired and won’t see her today?”
Shuang Jiang shook her head. “This is her second visit already. If we don’t see her, this lord might just stop her carriage directly.”
Huayue had previously promised Feng Zixi that once Kang Zhenzhong was dead, he’d be free to take revenge on the Han family. Now, although Kang Zhenzhong hadn’t died by his own hand, he still wanted to avenge Feng Zixu, and he needed her to provide him a path to do it.
Huayue found this awkward. Han Shuang had just recently brought that Lung-Wrecking Paste to stir up trouble, hoping to make Li Jingyun blame her for neglect in Madam Zhuang’s death. Although it hadn’t succeeded, a grudge had certainly formed between them, and now for her to go point the way for someone to kill Han Shuang felt rather like acting out of jealousy.
Heaven and earth could attest, she wasn’t the least bit jealous of Han Shuang, and though this person had a complicated relationship with Li Jingyun, mutual affection was clearly out of the question between them — but as for how much Li Jingyun wished her dead, that wasn’t the case either. This lord talked tough but had a soft heart; if he found out the truth, he might well turn around and blame her instead — then what would she do?
Frowning with worry, Huayue went back to the East Courtyard and tidied her appearance, trying her best to greet Madam Feng with a cheerful expression.
As it happened, the moment Madam Feng walked in, she asked, “Does the madam have a toothache?”
Cupping her cheek, Huayue drew a sharp breath. “Something like that.”
“You should drink some cooling tea, then,” Madam Feng said. “Our household happened to have a fresh harvest of tea this year, and I brought some for you — have your servants brew it up and try it.”
“Many thanks.” Huayue had someone take the gift, and, holding onto a bit of hope, asked, “Has Lord Feng been well lately?”
“Quite well,” Madam Feng said with a smile. “Eating and sleeping soundly every day.”
Good, then, Huayue thought, relaxing a little — with him in such good spirits, perhaps she could delay the matter with the Han household for a couple more days, and act once Li Jingyun went out to inspect the camps, which would be better for everyone.
Madam Feng, however, continued, “He’s been building up his strength every day, saying he wants to go out and get some exercise. He just doesn’t know whether he’ll be able to go out tomorrow, and specifically asked this concubine to come ask the madam.”
Huayue: “…”
So there really wasn’t even a single extra day to wait.
Han Shuang had gradually recovered from the anger of being cast aside by Li Jingyun and had begun moving about the capital again, but she kept many guards around her and only went to heavily secured places. Feng Zixi hadn’t been able to get his chance, and was hoping she could find him an opening.
Feeling like a thief with a guilty conscience, Huayue glanced around before having Shuang Jiang bring paper and brush.
In the courtyard, autumn flowers bloomed in full, swaying in the wind.
Li Jingyun returned from court, passing through the courtyard full of autumn flowers, and as soon as he stepped through the door, he saw Yin Huayue sitting properly upright, nodding to him obediently. “You’re back early today, husband.”
“Mm.” Eyeing her suspiciously, he sensed something was off, turned to glance around. “What trouble have you gotten into this time?”
“How could I possibly?” Huayue said, lowering her eyes demurely, bringing him tea. “Just thinking about how hard my husband works.”
Taking the teacup and sitting down beside her, Li Jingyun felt gratified that she’d finally learned to show some care for others — but so as not to let her get too pleased with herself, he kept a stern face and drank his tea without moving.
Watching him, Huayue thought that this Third Young Master Li had truly grown more unfathomable and deep since taking office — no wonder the new men under him were all afraid of him; even she felt a chill.
“Do you have anything planned for tomorrow?” this lord asked.
Huayue answered quickly, “No, I’ll just be resting at the residence — I haven’t made plans to see anyone.”
“That works out well, then,” he said. “Wen Guzhi mentioned that Han Shuang broke her leg some days ago. The Princess Imperial has spoken up, asking me to go pay her a visit, at least as a matter of courtesy. It wouldn’t be proper for me to go alone, so you’ll come with me.”
Huayue froze, her lashes trembling faintly. “When are we going?”
“Tomorrow,” Li Jingyun said. “It’s already been arranged with them. We’ll go tomorrow after lunch — we won’t need to stay long.”
What a coincidence, wasn’t it — the note she’d sent to Feng Zixi, the timing she’d arranged, was also for right after lunch tomorrow.
Huayue laughed for a good while, then her face suddenly fell, and, forcing herself to stay composed, she asked him, “Can it not be changed to another time?”
Li Jingyun asked curiously, “Didn’t you just say you had nothing planned tomorrow? Why do you suddenly want to change the time?”
Changing it now would make things even more suspicious if something went wrong. Huayue was silent for a moment, then nodded anyway. “All right.”
Worst case, she’d send word to the Feng residence again and have Feng Zixi hold off.
But no amount of calculation had accounted for the distance between the Feng residence and the Marquis’s residence, nor Feng Zixi’s daily schedule. Feng Zixi went to the weapons armory every day at the hour of the tiger and didn’t return home until the hour of the rooster. For word to reach the Feng residence before the hour of the tiger, the servant would need to set out before the hour of the ox.
However, from the moment Li Jingyun returned to the residence, he stuck close by her side without giving her a moment alone, and for fear of arousing his suspicion, Huayue didn’t dare act rashly. By the time she finally found the chance to send Shuang Jiang to pass word along, it was already the early morning of the next day.
Feng Zixi never received the message. Following the plan she had arranged, he arrived outside the Han residence at noon.