Xie Yun showed no sign of timidity. Grand Scholar Gu stroked his beard and smiled, “Your granddaughter truly lives up to her reputation – graceful and forthright. I find her quite agreeable.”
He then called over a servant and presented Xie Yun with a pair of purple sandalwood paperweights.
Thinking of him as her grandfather, Yi Ning couldn’t help but look at Grand Scholar Gu.
He wore the official robes of the first rank, having been conferred the title of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince by the late emperor. He had slightly high cheekbones and curved eyebrows. The ladies in the room also whispered about Xie Yun, mostly expressing admiration and envy, as it was rare to raise a girl in such a manner. Who else could be like Xie Yun, knowing half of the court’s important officials at such a young age, with even Grand Scholar Gu presenting her with gifts?
Grand Scholar Gu then smiled again, “Seeing your granddaughter reminds me of my unworthy grandson, who now accompanies the Emperor. I wonder if Miss Xie has met him?”
Xu Wei interrupted, “Don’t even think about it. She’s already married. To Cheng Lang, the Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate. Stop trying to play matchmaker, or Cheng might call you out next time.”
Only then did Grand Scholar Gu notice Xie Yun’s married woman’s hairstyle. He just smiled and said nothing more. He was anxious about his grandson’s marriage and always considered potential matches for Gu Jingming whenever he saw a suitable candidate.
Xie Yun’s gaze turned to Luo Shen Yuan, who was drinking tea nearby.
He was talking with Yang Ling, his long, slender fingers with distinct knuckles holding the teacup as he spoke. Yang Ling must have said something amusing, as Luo Shen Yuan smiled and leaned back against the chair.
This man didn’t like her, and her pride would no longer allow her to do anything to please him. She could only blame herself for the misarrangement that led to him marrying someone else while she was now married to Cheng Lang.
Since she was married to Cheng Lang now, she should focus on that relationship. She even found it hard to distinguish whether she liked Cheng Lang or Luo Shen Yuan more at this point.
Xu Wei smiled and said to Luo Shen Yuan, “Shen Yuan, I remember you used to be quite close with Miss Xie, didn’t you?”
Hearing Xu Wei’s words, Luo Shen Yuan stood up slowly and said, “Fourth Lady Cheng.”
Back when he was at the Sun family, he had indeed associated with Xie Yun. He knew that Xie Yun liked him, and although he wasn’t talkative, he was well aware of others’ feelings towards him. When necessary, he didn’t mind taking advantage of such feelings. So Luo Shen Yuan hadn’t been particularly close or distant with her. It was only later that he deliberately kept his distance from Xie Yun.
With mixed emotions, Xie Yun looked directly into his eyes and said, “Lord Luo, it’s been a long time.”
Luo Shen Yuan’s lips curved slightly in a faint smile as he nodded and sat down.
Seeing this, Grand Scholar Gu found it a bit strange. This Miss Xie seemed to have some feelings for Lord Luo…
Xu Wei sighed inwardly. Marrying Xie Yun would have certainly brought Luo Shen Yuan more advantages than marrying Yi Ning. Although Wei Ling was the Duke of Ying, he was still a military official. Elder Xie, on the other hand, was a pillar among civil officials. He couldn’t understand what Luo Shen Yuan was thinking, but now that they were both married to others, it was naturally impossible.
Madam Yang hadn’t noticed the situation outside at all. She placed a piece of braised pork trotter in Yi Ning’s bowl, smiling, “Yi Ning, try this. The Xu household’s cook makes the best pork trotters.”
Yi Ning thought Madam Yang was very straightforward and also put a piece of pork trotter in her bowl. “Please, Sister, don’t stand on ceremony.”
After the meal, Madam Yang took Luo Yi Ning to chat by the pond near the banquet area.
This season, the lotus seed pods had withered, but the ginkgo leaves had turned yellow, creating a different kind of elegance. Madam Yang asked Yi Ning, “Your husband is a vice minister, he must be very busy daily. Yang Ling often returns late.”
Yi Ning snacked on melon seeds with Madam Yang. “He’s alright, usually returns on time. But sometimes he works until late at night.”
Madam Yang’s expression darkened, and she lowered her voice, “I knew that rascal coming home late every day was suspicious. He won’t admit it even when I beat him…”
Yi Ning nearly swallowed a melon seed shell, “Sister Xuan Rong, you beat Lord Yang?”
“What’s wrong with that?” Madam Yang said nonchalantly, “He won’t learn his lesson if I don’t beat him. After a few times, he remembers. Your Brother-in-law Yang Ling is all talk and no action. If I don’t discipline him, he’ll surely deceive you all day long. Sister, I noticed earlier that Fourth Lady Cheng seemed to have some interest in Lord Luo. Your husband is talented and handsome, there must be many who admire him. If he ever makes a mistake, you should take a whip to him. With the Duke of Ying backing you, there’s nothing to fear.”
Madam Yang was the daughter of a tribal chieftain, who was like a local emperor. The position of chieftain was passed down through generations, and such areas often had fierce local customs. Madam Yang was very different from the noble ladies of the capital.
Yi Ning laughed until tears came to her eyes. It was fine to listen, but she wouldn’t dare to beat Luo Shen Yuan – that would be outright rebellion. However, she nodded in agreement, “Don’t worry, Sister Xuan Rong. I won’t let your teachings go to waste.”
Unexpectedly, someone behind them chuckled, “Brother Shen Yuan, listen to this. I’m truly embarrassed!”
Yi Ning turned around abruptly to see Luo Shen Yuan and Yang Ling standing behind them. Yang Ling was trying hard not to laugh, while Luo Shen Yuan’s face was stern. Only then did Madam Yang realize someone had been eavesdropping. Yi Ning immediately stood up, noticing Luo Shen Yuan’s expression didn’t look too good.
Luo Shen Yuan couldn’t keep a straight face anymore and showed a hint of a smile. He walked to her side and gently pinched her chin, “With your build, you want to whip me? Hm?”
Yi Ning felt his hand brush her chin.
She let out a small “ah” and said seriously, “I never said I would whip you. You must have misheard.”
Madam Yang glared at Yang Ling, not wanting to pay him any attention. Yang Ling rubbed his nose. Years ago, his father had offended someone and was sent to serve as an official in Sichuan. When he returned, he excitedly told Yang Ling that he had arranged a marriage for him with a beautiful bride. Yang Ling had looked forward to it for a long time, never expecting to suffer so much after marrying her. But how could he quibble with a woman? He simply let Madam Yang have her way.
Luo Shen Yuan had come to ask Yi Ning if she wanted to pay respects to Grand Scholar Gu, who was now having tea with Lord Xu in the banquet area. After all, he was her grandfather.
He was little Yi Ning’s maternal grandfather. Although the old master was angry after Gu Minlan’s death and ceased contact, when Yi Ning was young, she still received birthday gifts from Old Master Gu every year until she left the Luo family. It was proper to greet him. Yi Ning thought for a moment and decided to go.
The banquet in the reception area had already dispersed. Incense was burning on the long table, and Xu Wei and the others were talking while seated in two rows of host chairs. Grand Scholar Gu was testing Xie Yun’s knowledge.
“Miss Xie has read ‘Zhuangzi’, as have I. I particularly like the Shou Fu Yang Cheng Shou Ce – Chapter ‘Knowledge Wandered North’. There’s a line: ‘Without thought, without deliberation, you begin to know the Way. Without a place to go, without a path to follow, you begin to find the Way. Without a point of origin, without a destination, you begin to reach the Way.’ Miss Xie, having studied with your grandfather, what’s your interpretation of this passage?”
Xie Yun smiled faintly and said, “When Knowledge wandered north and met Non-Action, who didn’t speak of the Way, it was because he no longer knew how to speak of it. When Knowledge wandered south and met Opinions-Galore who spoke of the Way but forgot it, it was because his Way was not the true Way. Grandfather Gu, these lines you quoted speak of being like Non-Action, without thought or origin, indescribable and unattainable.”
Grand Scholar Gu was even more impressed after hearing this: “She’s so young, yet to have such insight is truly remarkable!”
Someone announced from outside that Lord Luo had arrived.
Luo Shen Yuan entered, followed by a young woman of about fourteen, her hair done in a married woman’s style.
Luo Shen Yuan introduced her to Grand Scholar Gu: “This is my wife, Lady Wei.”
Yi Ning glanced at Grand Scholar Gu, seeing no particular resemblance to herself, but noticing his kind white beard. Thinking that this was the grandfather who used to send little Yi Ning nesting dolls, she curtsied and said, “Greetings, Grand Scholar Gu.”
Grand Scholar Gu, however, didn’t understand why she had come to pay respects to him. He glanced at Xie Yun, whom he greatly admired. This young woman before him was beautiful and radiant, but how could Luo Shen Yuan not have chosen Xie Yun instead?
Feeling somewhat indignant on Xie Yun’s behalf, he smiled and said, “You’re quite young, my dear, but I accept your respects. As Lord Luo’s wife, I assume you’ve read some books? I just asked Miss Xie a question. I wonder if you could answer it as well?”
What woman of the inner chambers could have read as much as Xie Yun? Xie Yun didn’t need to learn needlework or household management. Elder Xie considered those things vulgar, believing servants could handle such tasks. Thus, all her focus was on reading. Grand Scholar Gu’s question was quite inappropriate, as most women wouldn’t be able to answer it, bordering on deliberate difficulty.
Luo Shen Yuan frowned. For him, the question wasn’t difficult, but he was a two-time imperial examination graduate. Yi Ning had only studied for a few years under his supervision – what could she possibly know?
He was about to say something quietly to her, but Yi Ning pressed his hand, indicating there was no need. Then she smiled slightly, perhaps regretting coming to pay respects.
She raised her head and said, “‘Knowledge Wandered North’ is long and complex. In my humble opinion, it essentially speaks of the Way being no way. If one tries to forcefully describe it, that becomes knowledge, not the Way.”
All those present were highly respected individuals. Elder Xie had been a Grand Secretary of the Hanlin Academy, Old Master Gu had been an Imperial Tutor, and Xu Wei was the current Grand Scholar of the Jinshen Hall. Their knowledge was vast, so naturally, they needed no further explanation.
Xie Yun’s answer was quite good. Yi Ning’s additional comment might seem like showing off before experts, but she didn’t feel that way. One year, Grand Scholar Gu had sent her a painting of “Knowledge Wandered North” with the inscription “The Way is No-way.” Because of that painting, she had developed a strong interest in “Zhuangzi” and had read it more thoroughly than the Four Books and Five Classics.
The room fell silent for a moment. Then Lord Xie chuckled, “Yun’er, they say you’re knowledgeable, but this young lady is no less impressive. Her insights may even be deeper than yours.”
Xie Yun responded with a laugh, “Grandfather, even if Lady Luo San’s answers were better than mine, how could you praise an outsider like that!” Her deep-seated grudge against Luo Yining seemed unlikely to improve. Refraining from directly confronting her was already an exercise in self-restraint; there was no chance she’d show Luo Yining any kindness.
Lord Xie turned to Lord Gu, saying, “Look at that, the little girl’s temper is showing!” Then to Xie Yun, he added, “Just look at Lady Luo San. She’s even younger than you, yet she doesn’t have such a petty attitude.”
Lord Gu interjected, “Don’t blame young Miss Xie for saying that. Of course, as a grandfather, you’d naturally praise your granddaughter. I think Miss Xie has already spoken exceptionally well. I, for one, admire her!”
Yining noticed Lord Gu’s expressionless face and smiled, “This junior has already paid respects, so I’ll take my leave now.” She curtsied again before turning to exit the room.
Standing outside, she took a deep breath, gazing at the evergreen plants in the flower bed.
Luo Shen’yuan’s expression darkened momentarily. He turned back to Lord Gu, bowing with clasped hands and a smile, “I forgot to mention earlier, Yining is my adopted sister, raised by my elder sister Yihui. By rights, she should have addressed Lord Gu as her maternal grandfather, but she must have forgotten just now.” In truth, Yining had no chance to speak when she first entered, as Lord Gu immediately questioned her.
Lord Gu’s expression finally showed some emotion: “That person just now was… Yining?”
Was she his granddaughter whom he had never met?
After Minlan’s death years ago, the Gu family’s eldest brother-in-law even got into trouble with the Luo family. Afterward, the two families parted on bad terms. Given his advanced age, he had never visited the Luo family. Knowing he had such a young granddaughter, he would send her gifts each year. He had seen her once at her full-month celebration – a chubby baby. In the blink of an eye, she had grown so much!
“She is indeed called Yining,” Luo Shen’yuan glanced at Lord Gu and continued, “We have a copy of ‘Zhi Bei You’re hanging at home, so she’s read that the most. If you had asked about other chapters, she might not have been able to answer.”
He had deliberately challenged Yining with that question… At their first meeting, she had been treated so coldly.
The copy of ‘Zhi Bei You’ was a gift from him. He never imagined she would read it the most because of that.
Lord Gu remained unsettled for a long time, trying to recall her face from earlier but failing to do so. The more he thought about it, the more guilty he felt. She was, after all, his daughter’s orphaned child! He felt a subtle desire to get closer to her, as this child was, after all, related to him by blood. “Could you… call Yining back in. I’d like to ask her a few questions.”
A servant woman came in to report: “Lady Luo San has probably already gone to the back courtyard.”
Lord Gu thought of his daughter and sighed inwardly, “Lord Luo when you have time, could you and your wife pay a visit to my residence as guests?”
Yining had indeed gone to the inner courtyard with Lady Yang, who wanted to personally make some sugar-steamed milk custard for her.
After enjoying the dessert and having dinner, Lord Gu had to go to the palace as the Emperor had summoned him.
In the end, Yining didn’t get to see Lord Gu again.
The sun had already set below the eaves, and the night was starting to cool. Everyone was preparing to leave. Realizing she was going the same way as Lady Yang, Yining decided to share a carriage with her, letting Luo Shen’yuan and Yang Ling take another. Xie Yun also planned to return home, but since Lord Xie was staying for two more days, she had to travel back alone.
Xie Yun said, “I brought my guards, so I don’t need to go with you.”
However, Madam Xu smiled and said, “Since the two of them are going the same way, it’s perfect to take you along. You’ll have company on the road.” She added, “Otherwise, we’d all worry about you going back alone.”
Unable to refuse and with Lady Yang being quite welcoming, Xie Yun could only put on her cloak and board Lady Yang’s carriage with a stiff face, letting her own carriage follow behind.
On the journey, she silently drank tea, while Lady Yang’s attempts at lively conversation fell flat.
In the other carriage, Luo Shen’yuan and Yang Ling were discussing recent official transfers in the court. Eventually, Yang Ling teased him, “How’s married life? You’re strong and healthy – I hope you haven’t been too hard on her?”
Why did everyone like to ask about this? It was none of their business.
Luo Shen’yuan turned back and patted Yang Ling’s shoulder, “Lord Yang – you’re a court official. Please be more proper. Don’t gossip like the neighborhood women, alright?”
If Luo San was saying this, he definitely wouldn’t tell him anything more.
But Yang Ling wanted to know.
Suddenly, the carriage came to an abrupt stop, nearly causing Yang Ling to lose his balance.
The curtain was lifted, and a servant reported, “My Lord, someone on horseback has stopped us, claiming to be from the Xu residence.”
Luo Shen’yuan nodded, allowing the person to approach. Indeed, it was a man dressed as a guard, kneeling on the ground and panting heavily, likely from riding hard: “Lord Luo, I’ve finally caught up with you! Something terrible has happened. Lord Xu sent me to find you as quickly as possible. He needs you to come right away!”
This was Xu Wei’s guard. Xu Wei wouldn’t send him unless it was an emergency.
“What exactly has happened?” Luo Shen’yuan asked after recognizing him, needing more details to assess the situation.
“I’m not sure of the details, my Lord. Lord Xu only told me to get you back quickly. He just received the news, and his face changed color when he saw it…”
Hearing this, Luo Shen’yuan stepped out of the carriage and walked a short distance away from the guard before asking with his hands behind his back, “Is it from the palace?”
The man nodded.
Luo Shen’yuan’s face darkened, “Prepare a horse for me.”
Yining received word from a servant that Luo Shen’yuan had to return to Lord Xu’s residence temporarily and wanted her to go back to the Yang residence with Lady Yang.
Yining wasn’t worried about her safety with her guards, so she told the servant to report back that she understood.
Xie Yun, however, asked nervously, “Has something happened?”
Lady Yang, tired from trying to liven up the atmosphere, drawled expressionlessly, “Miss Xie, how is Lord Luo’s business any of your concern?”
Challenged, Xie Yun naturally retorted, “I was just asking casually. How is it any of your concern, Lady Yang?”
Lady Yang sat up straight and smiled, “I was also just asking casually. Why does Miss Xie seem to take offense?”
When it came to debates, Xie Yun was skilled, but in arguments, she was far outclassed by Lady Yang. Yining felt the two were simply bickering out of boredom.
Feeling offended, Xie Yun frowned and said, “Lady Yang, what connection do I have with you? Why are you being so aggressive?”
Yining sighed and refilled both of their tea cups to soothe their throats. “Please, have some tea. My third brother just had some urgent business at the Xu residence, nothing more.”
Xie Yun, perhaps feeling it beneath her to argue with them further, closed her eyes and fell silent.
Just then, the carriage came to another sudden stop.
What was going on? Why did people keep stopping their carriage?
Yining lifted the curtain to look outside. They had been stopped in an alley. During the day, this place was usually filled with craftsmen selling bamboo baskets, but now it was deserted, illuminated only by moonlight.
Someone came to report, “…My Lady, we’ve been stopped! Those men are carrying ornate sabers – they’re certainly not ordinary people.”
Yining could see the dark figures and the faint glint of their blades.
Xie Yun and Lady Yang stopped arguing and both poked their heads out of the carriage. Lady Yang asked, “Could they be robbers?”
“What robber would be so bold, right next to the Imperial Academy alley?” Xie Yun scoffed. Her experience was broader. “Ornate sabers, you say. Not only are they not robbers, but they might even be officials. Who knows what they’re up to…”
It was already dark, and curfew was about to begin. The streets were empty. This couldn’t be good!
Yining’s face hardened as she commanded, “Why are we stopping? Ignore them and charge through!”
As Shen Lian was about to salute, an ornate saber was already at his face. He raised his weapon to block. The guards immediately engaged in combat, and Yining watched in horror as Shen Lian and the others, whose skills she knew well, were being forced back step by step! In a moment of carelessness, Shen Lian even suffered a cut on his left arm.
Yining looked back and saw that people were blocking the rear as well. There was no way out of this alley!