After entering the school, days seemed to suddenly pass more quickly.

Master Wang truly lived up to his reputation and was a very good teacher. Though stern in manner, his commentary on essays was penetrating and incisive, making Shen Xiling find every class very interesting.

Speaking of which, her father had also taught her to read, but father had been gentle with her, guiding her through books only to amuse her, without requiring her to achieve much. Master Wang was different—though he outwardly pretended to have few expectations of his female students, he actually hoped for their improvement and truly devoted himself to teaching. He often had students memorize texts, requiring two hundred words daily without exception, testing them the following day with great strictness.

Shen Xiling found it very difficult to adapt at first and secretly felt such rote memorization seemed rather rigid. But as time passed, she discovered its benefits: only when those essays were truly committed to memory could one write as if divinely inspired. In less than half a month, she could already feel her progress.

However, though this method was effective, it was extremely taxing mentally. Two hundred words weren’t difficult to memorize, but what had been memorized three days ago would be fragmented three days later, requiring daily review and recitation to prevent being caught unprepared during the master’s spot checks. This meant spending increasingly more time reading each day. Recently, Shen Xiling rose before the third quarter of the Yin hour, studying before dawn, then going to the study hall for class. After school, she would rest briefly before returning to study again, each time reading until deep into the night.

Though such days were exhausting, they gave Shen Xiling peace of mind. After her parents’ death, she had been drifting aimlessly until recently when she finally felt settled, as if truly entering another phase of life.

Shuipei and Fengshang kept advising her not to exhaust herself studying—that being adequate was enough. But Shen Xiling persisted in working hard. Zijun said, “I think you shouldn’t bother persuading her. Our young miss might become a female top scholar in the future, even surpassing our Second Young Master!”

Speaking of Qi Ying, Shen Xiling had seen very little of him lately.

He was always busy. Since that one meeting during the test, they hadn’t encountered each other again. Only once afterward, during class, she had glimpsed him passing by Chouqin Study, but he was in a hurry, neither entering nor looking in this direction.

Not seeing Qi Ying recently did make Shen Xiling feel somewhat lost, though not particularly sad, because as the days gradually entered February, the twenty-fourth would be her birthday. Last time Qi Ying had mentioned giving her a birthday gift, so she harbored some hope, thinking that even if she couldn’t see him recently, she would likely see him on the twenty-fourth…

Thinking this way, Shen Xiling’s days became even brighter.

School days were very pleasant. Because she studied diligently and never failed to answer Master Wang’s questions, Wang Qing was quite satisfied with her and treated her with increasingly gentle demeanor. Qi Ning and Qi Le were also very kind to her, especially Qi Ning, who occasionally brought her pastries and often chatted with her. Miss Fu treated everyone courteously, always appearing gentle, soft-spoken, and well-mannered. Shen Xiling got along smoothly with her. Even Zhao Yao hadn’t been particularly unpleasant to her recently, because her temper was entirely directed at Fu Rong alone, leaving her no energy to be angry with Shen Xiling.

As for why Zhao Yao was at odds with Fu Rong, this matter traced back to Old Madam Qi.

Shen Xiling had only recently learned from Qi Ning that Miss Fu was actually Old Madam Qi’s maternal relative—her great-niece, in fact. Old Madam Qi intended to arrange a match between Fu Rong and Qi Ying, so recently after school, she would occasionally send her personal maid Yuanyang to invite Fu Rong to sit with the old lady.

These visits weren’t casual—reportedly, Old Madam Qi would also summon her second grandson to her quarters, arranging for the two to meet frequently. Zhao Yao resented Miss Fu precisely because of this, though being unable to act against Fu Rong due to her superior noble birth, she could only glare at her back during classes, earning a scolding from Wang Qing for it.

Actually, Fu Rong was quite wronged. Though she had indeed met Second Brother Qi several times at the old lady’s quarters, more than half the time Left Prime Minister and Yao Shi were also present, and she hadn’t spoken privately with Qi Ying much at all.

There was one time when only he was there.

That was yesterday. Yuanyang had come for Fu Rong, saying the old lady wanted her to visit. When she arrived, Second Brother Qi was already there, accompanying the old lady in conversation.

Fu Rong entered, paid her respects to the old lady, greeted Qi Ying, then was pulled by the old lady to sit beside her on the bed-couch, while Qi Ying sat in the armchair opposite. Fu Rong hugged Old Madam Qi’s arm and asked with a smile, “What secrets are the old lady and Second Brother discussing? Can you include me?”

Old Madam Qi affectionately tapped her nose, saying, “What secrets could we have? Your second brother is going to Nanling tomorrow. That area isn’t peaceful, and I’m worrying for him.”

Fu Rong was startled upon hearing this.

Nanling Commandery was indeed currently an unstable place. Last year’s great defeat of Great Liang by Wei at Stone City had occurred in Nanling. Now Gao Wei still stationed troops across the river, occasionally skirmishing with Nanling garrison forces—who knew if they were still planning another major battle.

Fu Rong glanced at Qi Ying, concern showing in her eyes as she asked, “With military unrest in Nanling, why must Second Brother personally venture into danger there, being a court official but not of military background?”

“That’s exactly what I think!” Old Madam Qi sighed heavily. “The court really uses him as if he were three men. Working at the government office every day isn’t enough—now they’re sending him to Nanling! In a few more years, will they have him lead troops to war?”

Hearing grandmother speak of the court so critically before an outsider, Qi Ying felt it inappropriate. Just as he frowned to dissuade her, the old lady interrupted before he could speak: “Don’t you dare defend that court of yours again. No matter how you justify it, your court handled this poorly—besides, Rong’er isn’t an outsider. What’s wrong with me speaking my mind in front of her?”

Knowing he couldn’t dissuade grandmother, Qi Ying simply remained silent.

Fu Rong observed Second Brother’s expression and consoled Old Madam Qi: “Old lady, please don’t be angry. Second Brother earning His Majesty’s trust is also a good thing.”

Hearing this, Old Madam Qi sighed again, glancing at her second grandson with loaded words: “I’m naturally pleased that Jingchen can protect the nation and bring peace to the people. But he’s so busy now that it delays his personal matters. People say one should establish a family before building a career. I only hope he can find someone suitable, with harmonious marriage and abundant offspring—nothing could be better than that.”

Everyone present understood Old Madam Qi’s intentions, and Fu Rong had long been aware of them. Hearing the old lady’s words now, she couldn’t help stealing a glance at Qi Ying, seeing him calmly lifting his teacup to drink, his expression revealing nothing of pleasure or displeasure.

Fu Rong slightly lowered her eyes.

The Fu family had been delighted upon learning that Old Madam Qi intended for Fu Rong to marry into the Qi family. All the family elders agreed without exception, and Fu Rong’s brother Fu Zhuo also thought this match very suitable. The Fu family was now declining, unable to match the Qi family’s ascending momentum. If she could marry Qi Ying, the Fu family’s prospects for decades to come would be secured.

Fu Rong’s brother Fu Zhuo had said that someone like Qi Jingchen could only be matched by a woman like pine and cypress in snow. Ordinary women were too soft to be Qi Jingchen’s wife; among noble ladies, only Fu Rong, with her gentle exterior but strong interior, was worthy to be Second Young Master Qi’s good match.

Indeed, Fu Rong was quite an extraordinary noble lady. Had she been born male, she could have ascended to court and brought glory to her family. Even confined to women’s quarters, she was like an elegant orchid that didn’t follow vulgar trends. She was willing to marry Qi Ying, but unlike Sixth Princess Xiao Ziyu’s infatuation with Qi Ying, and unlike Zhao Yao’s admiration for him, she simply valued what she and her family could gain from marrying him—she didn’t care at all whether Qi Ying liked her, only whether he was willing to marry her.

She was like an excellent politician.

Currently, Fu Rong couldn’t gauge Qi Ying’s attitude toward this marriage and didn’t want to act rashly and put herself at a disadvantage, so she didn’t respond to Old Madam Qi’s words. Seeing both youngsters remain silent like dumb gourds, the old lady felt frustrated. Then seeing Jingchen rise, saying, “With grandmother having cousin for company, this grandson will take his leave first. I still have things to pack for tomorrow’s departure and must attend to them.”

Seeing his hurried expression as if he truly had urgent matters, Old Madam Qi couldn’t very well prevent his leaving. Though her grandson was young, he had always been filial to her, but his temperament was somewhat difficult for even her, his grandmother, to fathom. She worried that pressing him too hard might displease him, so after much consideration, she reluctantly let him go.

After Qi Ying left, the old lady remained troubled, taking Fu Rong’s hand and saying, “Rong’er, be honest with your great-aunt—what are your feelings toward Jingchen? He’s so busy now that I’ve had great difficulty bringing you two together. He doesn’t speak and you don’t speak either. Could it be you’re unwilling to marry him? Tell me truthfully, or isn’t this old lady just busying herself for nothing?”

Fu Rong saw that Old Madam Qi was somewhat angry, thought for a moment, then said, “Old lady, please don’t be angry—it’s Rong’er who’s been thoughtless…”

Fu Rong kept her head lowered, speaking words of apology, but her expression showed grievance. This aggrieved look reminded the old lady that Fu Rong actually hadn’t done anything wrong, but had rather been wronged by Qi Ying’s cold treatment.

Old Madam Qi had always protected her maternal relatives. Seeing Rong’er’s aggrieved expression, she felt even more tender toward her and guilty for having vented her anger on her moments ago, saying, “Our Rong’er did nothing wrong—it’s Jingchen who… sigh…”

Seeing the old lady come around to her way of thinking, Fu Rong felt reassured. After a moment of silence, she added, “Great-aunt shouldn’t blame Second Brother either. Between him and Sixth Princess… that truly is an unavoidable situation. It’s Rong’er who isn’t worthy of Second Brother.”

These words made Old Madam Qi even more certain that Fu Rong had feelings for Jingchen but was now heartbroken. She hurriedly comforted her, then said with considerable anger, “That Sixth Princess is truly outrageous! An unmarried young lady acting so boldly, yet His Majesty doesn’t discipline her, just hoping to use such a daughter to tie down Jingchen. Do they really think our noble families are easy to bully! Don’t they consider who they relied on during the southern crossing to secure today’s throne!”

Fu Jin, who had achieved extraordinary merit and elevated the Fu family in one stroke, was precisely Old Madam Qi’s younger brother. Her generation had witnessed the rise of noble families and decline of imperial power, harboring the deepest pride in noble lineage and deepest contempt for royalty. She didn’t understand court affairs, only that she didn’t want Jingchen to become an imperial son-in-law—what was so good about a princess? How could she compare to a daughter from a noble family?

Fu Rong listened silently to Old Madam Qi’s criticism of the imperial family without responding. Thinking she was still heartbroken, the old lady consoled her further: “Dear Rong’er, you needn’t worry about such things. Without my approval, Jingchen’s marriage cannot proceed—even a princess cannot enter the Qi family gates!”

Fu Rong kept her head lowered, a trace of smile crossing her eyes.

She had known Xiao Ziyu since childhood and was aware of her years of affection for Qi Ying. Xiao Ziyu guarded against all unmarried noble ladies around her, preventing anyone from approaching Qi Ying, yet had never been wary of Fu Rong, always considering her a close friend. Fu Rong didn’t want direct conflict with Xiao Ziyu—if Old Madam Qi could solve this trouble for her, it would save her considerable effort.

However, besides Xiao Ziyu, Fu Rong had another concern.

She looked up at Old Madam Qi, melancholy showing in her eyes as she said, “Great-aunt’s care for Rong’er is deeply appreciated, but marriage has always been difficult to force. If Second Brother doesn’t like me and prefers someone else, binding him to me would be meaningless…”

Upon hearing this, Old Madam Qi’s brows shot up as she demanded, “What do you mean? Jingchen already has someone in his heart?”

Fu Rong lowered her eyelids again, showing a troubled expression. Seeing this, Old Madam Qi grew more anxious and repeatedly urged her to speak quickly. After much hesitation, Fu Rong said with difficulty, “Such matters are not mine to speak of carelessly… it’s just that Miss Wenwen from the Fang family—Second Brother is very caring toward her. I wondered if perhaps…”

She stopped without finishing, but stirred Old Madam Qi’s imagination.

The old lady recalled that young girl she’d met only once, who was indeed extraordinarily beautiful, so lovely she didn’t seem real. Thinking carefully, it was indeed strange—someone as aloof as Jingchen would bring this orphaned girl to his side to care for her. Even if Minister Fang had shown him great kindness, giving some money would have sufficed. Such elaborate arrangements were truly unusual.

She had originally thought the little girl too young to be a concern, but truly speaking, there were many girls who married at thirteen. That Fang family girl wasn’t really so very young, and if a few more years passed…

Old Madam Qi’s expression grew serious.

Fu Rong silently observed her great-aunt’s increasingly somber expression, feeling more secure in her heart: to grasp Qi Ying, this high branch, she must find ways to eliminate all other obstacles on this path.

Moreover, her brother had long taught her that for such troublesome matters, it was best not to act personally.

However, from recent observation, Fu Rong felt she might be overly suspicious—Qi Ying might not have any special feelings for that Fang family orphan after all. Except for the test day, he hadn’t come to see the little girl since, seeming to have forgotten her existence entirely. Perhaps he truly was just caring for his benefactor’s daughter.

Author’s Note:

Next update’s confrontation scene: Shen Wenwen throwing a tantrum online