As the carriage headed toward the Commander’s residence, wind from the window blew in, rustling the hair by Qingyuan’s temples and tickling her cheeks. She turned her head slightly to rub against it, a childlike gesture still retaining the innocence of youth.
Baoqin reached over and gently tugged at her sleeve, clearly startled by her earlier decision. “Miss, if the Palace Commander asks about it later…”
Qingyuan gave her a reassuring look, telling her to set her mind at ease. When someone has been suppressed for too long, they develop an intense desire for destruction. She knew exactly what she was doing.
Qingru had been too well protected by the Xie family. Whether it was the old lady or Madam Hu, no matter how unreasonable or difficult she became, they would ultimately forgive her without question. Qingyuan could never forget that slap – though she was just an unremarkable concubine’s daughter in the Xie family, in the Chen family she had been her grandparents’ treasure, and no one had ever laid a finger on her. Yet after returning to the Xie family, when they treated her with such disrespect, the old lady never spoke a word of justice. When Qingru was told to apologize but refused, the matter was simply dropped.
A gentleman’s revenge can wait ten years – Qingyuan had always been patient. What was the most unbearable thing in this world? It was having a long-cherished dream shattered, with no room for argument or recovery, like water spilled on the ground that cannot be scooped up or gathered back, forcing you to watch helplessly as it seeps into the dust. Only those without desire are without weakness, and Qingru was full of desires and thus full of weaknesses. Li Congxin was her greatest ambition. What would happen if this hope were crushed? Perhaps there would be tears and she would become a laughingstock. Qingyuan didn’t want anything specific to happen to Qingru – just for her to receive one harsh lesson would be enough.
“Guess how Second Miss will wear that jade pendant?” Qingyuan smiled innocently. Someone eager for quick success would use such an item to its fullest extent – she was looking forward to seeing Qingru’s performance.
But Baoqin remained worried, “I fear we might offend the Palace Commander…”
Indeed, this approach might not be entirely without self-harm, but she wanted to take the gamble. Recent events seemed shrouded in mist, making it difficult to see clearly. Perhaps this would be an opportunity to break through – if she could just sort out all these little details, she would know which path to take in the future.
The distance from the Xie residence to the Shen residence was considerable. While usually manageable in normal weather, the increasing sultriness made the small confined space feel stifling after a while. Finally, the carriage stopped, and with the jingle of the servant’s whip, Baoqin pushed open the door to descend, then turned back to assist her.
Fangchun came out from inside. This time she didn’t call her “sister” but addressed her properly as “Fourth Miss” according to etiquette. Of course, they were still familiar – she secretly winked at her and said softly, “You must be tired from the journey. I’ve prepared iced drinks, please come in quickly.”
After becoming a married woman, even if one disliked socializing, one had to learn to navigate such situations. Fangchun went on to receive the other Xie young ladies, correctly acknowledging their order of seniority, and smiled, “I heard from Fourth Miss that all the sisters are close in age. How wonderful – the four of you standing together all look about the same age. Sisters of similar ages must have much to talk about.”
Qingru had heard people discuss this Administrator’s wife’s background at gatherings. Although she had now achieved social elevation through marriage into a prominent family, it couldn’t change the fact that her natal family was of low status. In the current society, noble ladies generally cared greatly about family background, and someone like the Administrator’s wife, coming from such humble origins, truly couldn’t meet her standards.
Of course, such thoughts remained private, while her face maintained a proper smile, every movement meeting the standards of a young lady from a great family.
Qinghe, being the eldest sister, naturally represented her younger sisters in exchanging courtesies with the Administrator’s wife. She made a proper curtsy and said with a smile, “Thank you for your hospitality. We’ve come with so many people, we must be troubling you.”
“Not at all,” Fangchun smiled, “The masters are busy with official duties and rarely home. Having such a lively gathering is my delight. The male guests will be attended to separately – we needn’t concern ourselves with them. Young ladies, were you hot on the journey? I’ve had ice mirrors placed in the rooms – you’ll be cool once inside.” While speaking, she took the eldest miss’s hand, then the second miss’s, while keeping an eye on the third miss, amiably guiding them into the residence.
Indeed, upon entering, they saw a massive bronze ice mirror placed in the center of the floor, even larger than the one brought to Huguo Temple that day. Qingyuan couldn’t help but smile – Fangchun’s summers were inseparable from this wonderful item. Though she feared heat to such an extent, while bronze mirrors were easy to find, being able to afford the ice inside was no simple matter.
With both the ice mirror and the seven-wheeled fan, two maids knelt to the side slowly turning the axles, the cool breeze carrying the mirror’s chill quickly filled the room with refreshing coolness. Fangchun, fulfilling her duties as hostess, had prepared cool tea and ice-chilled fruits and pastries. Having finished here, she still needed to attend to the male guests, finding herself somewhat stretched thin. Finally, she smiled and suggested to everyone: “Since there are no elders at today’s banquet, and that side only has your brothers and Chunzhi, and you’ve all met the Commander and Administrator before… why not join together? It would be livelier with more people. Like your Spring Banquet at Hengtang, there weren’t so many restrictions originally. If we insist on strict separation of men and women, it might seem rather affected.”
Since the hostess had spoken thus, naturally no one had reason to object. They all rose to move to the great flower hall. Qingru, who had been somewhat listless before, came alive again at the mention of joining together. Supported by Lvzhui, she gracefully followed the group. Just as they passed each other, Baoqin noticed the beast-faced pendant hanging from her button and turned to look at Qingyuan in surprise.
Qingyuan remained completely composed, taking her hand and saying, “Let’s go.” The jade pendant had originally been in a small pouch, but Qingru found the pouch cumbersome and simply removed it openly – who could blame her?
The group moved into the great flower hall. Qingyuan had never been here before and couldn’t help but exclaim what a spacious place it was! North and south ground-level windows faced each other, with bamboo blinds hanging neatly. Sunlight penetrating through the bamboo created dappled tiger-stripe patterns on the lotus-patterned blue bricks. This was a man’s world – cold, decisive, magnificent. The people originally chatting in the flower hall stood up to welcome them as they entered, and so into the heroic spirit that could swallow mountains and rivers was inserted the gentle turns of the Yang Pass melody, and that hardness could no longer maintain its edge.
Among all these people, besides the three Zhengze brothers who came sincerely to attend the banquet, everyone else had their private thoughts. Li Congxin was delighted to see Qingyuan emerge from behind the hanging flower gate, while Qingru was delighted that her heart would finally find its place. Earlier in the carriage, she had carefully considered that from beginning to end, she had never expressed her feelings to Chunzhi, and if this continued, she might miss a good opportunity. Qingyuan had always kept a low profile – since she didn’t dare aspire to the Marquis of Danyang’s family, it would be good to let this young marquis give up hope. Just look – she had given away his jade pendant, and the register he kindly provided to help her escape difficulties had led her to find an even more illustrious match. What must the Third Young Master be thinking? Last time at the Great Buddha Temple, when she had taken Qingyuan’s place to meet with him, hadn’t they chatted pleasantly? He was a gentle and affectionate person, perhaps not entirely without feelings for her. If she were more proactive and pressed a little harder, she might force a good outcome.
So that jade pendant appeared in a conspicuous position on her clothing, visible to everyone opposite, including Li Congxin. For a young lady to go to such lengths, wearing a man’s ornament on herself, showed how great her determination was – great enough to move even herself.
Li Congxin naturally saw it and was secretly surprised by the Second Miss Xie’s boldness. As it happened, Zhengze was sitting beside him, so he tilted his head, smiled, and raised his chin slightly, “So your sister’s heart belongs to someone – how come I never heard you mention this before?”
Zhengze was stunned for a long while, wondering if he had missed something – when had Qingru been promised to someone? He didn’t know about it. Therefore, when Li Congxin asked, he couldn’t answer. Seeing his sister sitting properly opposite them, he felt quite embarrassed, wishing his sigh could reach her ears – quickly hide that man’s ornament, stop embarrassing yourself.
Qingyuan sat with Qinghe, carelessly picking pastries for her and saying softly, “Doesn’t food from another kitchen always taste better? Why do I feel the Shen residence’s cherry cakes are more delicious than ours?”
Qinghe had received a letter from Li Guanling two days ago, filled with tender sentiments, promising their marriage remained unchanged and that his family was arranging to select an auspicious date. Once they determined a favorable day, they would send the formal notice by express messenger to Youzhou. With such assurance, Qinghe’s heart had finally settled, becoming increasingly detached from outside matters and focusing entirely on small details. Hearing Qingyuan’s words, she lifted her sleeve and raised her chopsticks, “Really? Let me try.”
A banquet couldn’t be without elegant music and dance. Kucha girls entered dancing the Huteng, their strip-fashioned skirts billowing like lanterns. Snow-white lotus feet twirled on brocade cushions the size of plates, each step landing with perfect precision as if their toes would take root where they touched. Everyone’s spirits were lifted, with applause rising and falling. Qingyuan, busy with pastries, finally looked up, smiling and keeping rhythm with the intense melody.
This Huteng dance combined graceful charm with wild magnificence. The Kucha girls wore beast bone decorations at their waists but delicate bells on their wrists. Four people, four hands, shaking together, gathering to form the shape of a lotus, then suddenly dispersing – where the petals paused, there appeared a pair of eyes, two gazes. Qingyuan couldn’t avoid it in time and met them directly – they were Shen Run’s eyes, looking at her coolly.
The Palace Guard Bureau had always been meticulous in its affairs. He couldn’t have missed such an obvious display on Qingru’s chest, yet he showed not the slightest emotional response. This made Qingyuan even more uneasy.
“When will this banquet end?” Qingyuan smiled, shifting her gaze to tell Qinghe, “I want to go home.”
Qinghe was also bored but had to maintain an interested expression, saying softly, “My face feels like it’s been nailed in place – I hardly know what I’m smiling about anymore.”
This made them want to laugh – so everyone was just putting up appearances. The Commander’s feast wasn’t so enjoyable after all.
However, once the hardest part passed, everything became livelier again. After the meal, Qingyuan had been anxious for a while, but seeing that Shen Run hadn’t come to cause her trouble, her suspended heart finally settled completely.
Her previous denial had led to today’s predicament – truly, fate had its plans. Surely Commander Shen had noticed Qingru by now? Coaxing Qingru to wear that jade pendant both crushed her hopes of marrying into the Marquis of Danyang’s family and directed Shen Run’s attention toward her – such a dual achievement perfectly matched Qingyuan’s original plan.
Fangchun was also somewhat confused, “Your Second Miss… why is she wearing a man’s pendant?”
Qingyuan smiled and shook her head.
Fangchun felt somewhat helpless – someone too strong-minded was difficult to influence. She decided not to interfere and turned to instruct servants to bring in the large fruit table, laden with various fruits and cold dishes for everyone to help themselves.
On the other side of the flower hall, after the Huteng dance, two men performed Kangju sword techniques. Those foreign performances were quite flashy – the sword backs seemed to grow from their bodies, running from neck to waist against their skin, able to spin into patterns.
Qingyuan didn’t like watching that, finding it too bloody – one never knew when a mistake might lead to disaster. So she walked out of the flower hall, preferring to enjoy the scenery from the corridor. Inside was too noisy, with waves of bili pipes making her head ache – outside was more peaceful. Youzhou’s courtyards were built very deep, unlike Hengtang where buildings were tube-shaped and people in the courtyard felt as if they were at the bottom of a pond. The depth here was a scenic depth, with landscapes layering one after another into the distance. Though people praised the unique ingenuity of Jiangnan gardens, in terms of layout, Youzhou was far more intricate than Hengtang.
If only it would rain – the garden would surely be more beautiful after rain than under a bright sun… As Qingyuan was contemplating this, a small side door suddenly opened, and someone reached out to pull her inside.
It was a man’s strength, the pull and drag startlingly forceful. Qingyuan’s heart nearly jumped out of her throat as she stumbled, unable to catch her balance, and fell straight into the person’s embrace.
As for who it was, what need was there to verify? She was both shocked and angry, wondering why private meetings always happened like this – last time in the alley, this time being dragged in here. After barely steadying herself, she hurriedly pushed him away, retreating several steps until her back hit a long table. Unable to show anger, she stammered, “Palace Commander, if you have something to say, let’s discuss it properly. You’re always like this – it’s too improper.”
Propriety? Shen Run smiled, “I’ve never been one for propriety.” Seeing her glance toward the wall shared with the flower hall, he moved even closer, “I advise you to think carefully. If people were to come, even if you don’t want to follow me, I’m afraid you wouldn’t have a choice.”
Qingyuan wasn’t a fool – for a moment she did consider calling for help, but quickly dismissed the idea. This was where young ladies were at a disadvantage – the more they valued their reputation, the easier they were to manipulate.
Shen Run was experienced in matters of romance, with no shortage of techniques for playing with emotions. He lowered his head, one hand propped on the table beside her, his lips curving into a smile. His posture and expression were like those of an elegant predator, holding her firmly, leaving her nowhere to escape.
He enjoyed seeing her flustered state. From the first time she entered his residence, speaking confidently and neither servile nor arrogant, he had desired to see just how brave this young child could be. Now he saw that her courage was indeed great – though he had seen through the deeper meaning behind her actions immediately, having his jade pendant worn by another woman was enough to make him feel insulted.
Qingyuan felt uncomfortable, unable to understand why this commander, so dignified in public, showed such frivolous behavior in private. A military officer’s figure was tall and athletic – dealing with a young lady was as easy as turning his palm. He was too close; when people breach that kind of distance, it inevitably creates a sense of insecurity.
Warm breath fell softly by her ear, and she instinctively flinched, “Palace Commander, please show restraint. Though I’m insignificant, I am still a young lady from a respectable family.”
“Respectable family?” He laughed softly, “The Xie family counts as respectable to you?”
Qingyuan found herself unable to answer. The Xie family truly wasn’t respectable – everyone was selfish and greedy. She couldn’t help being born into such a family, but surely that couldn’t negate that she was a pure and proper young lady.
“I’ll ask you just one thing.” His low voice, suppressing anger, echoed in her ear, “Why is what I gave you on someone else’s body?”
Qingyuan shrank back as if feeling cold fangs touch her neck. When she retreated slightly, he advanced slightly, until she was bent into an awkward arc. Only then did he stop, satisfied, waiting for her answer.
“Has the Palace Commander forgotten what happened at Huguo Temple that day? I repeatedly tried to return the item to you, but you insisted it wasn’t yours. Since it wasn’t…” She smiled innocently, “Naturally, I could dispose of it as I wished.”
“Oh?” His tone was strange. Seeing her still smiling, he realized this young lady was somewhat thorny. But such composure under pressure truly exceeded his expectations. His interest grew even more, and he said lazily, “Surely Fourth Miss isn’t planning to attribute virtues like ‘a man of his word’ to me? Haven’t you heard of Shen Run’s notorious reputation? When my belongings are in your possession, you should keep them well – you can’t refuse them, or give them away. Your actions today have disappointed me greatly. Shen Run is someone who takes revenge for the slightest grievance – have you considered what might happen if you anger me?”
At this point, playing dumb was useless. Qingyuan took a breath, trying to negotiate with him: “Palace Commander, shall we stand properly and talk? Lately, I’ve noticed my family’s elders do seem interested in forming a marriage alliance with you. In my humble opinion, someone of your status and family standing would be better matched with a legitimate daughter. I presented the jade pendant on your behalf – why not consider my Second Sister? She’s born of the first madam and greatly favored by the old lady. If you’re willing, I can help arrange an introduction. What do you think, Palace Commander?”