HomeA Cup of LoveYi Ou Chun - Chapter 30

Yi Ou Chun – Chapter 30

Commander Shen had probably never encountered such a carefree girl before. Was his reputation not fearsome enough, or had yesterday’s cold treatment not been sufficient? When she saw him, she showed no fear or avoidance. A curtsy would have been enough, yet she even smiled. This smile left him somewhat puzzled – though he maintained his cold expression as they passed, he couldn’t help but give her a second glance.

Baoxian, accompanying Qingyuan, dared only raise her head after the footsteps on the wooden corridor opposite had faded away. The Xie family was now entirely under the Palace Guards’ control – everyone entering or leaving had to undergo scrutiny at the gate, so the entire household was extremely wary of those in golden armor.

“Was that the Commander?” Baoxian secretly glanced again at their retreating figures. Even without their armor, these tall men gave off an overwhelming presence. The group came in like a whirlwind and quickly entered the eastern banquet hall. Perhaps because that martial hardness was embedded in their bones, Youzhou’s men weren’t like the southern young nobles with their delicate, gentle sensibilities and refined, moonlit elegance. They were like the world’s sharpest blades – capable of cutting gold and jade, splitting even a hair.

Qingyuan nodded that it was him, walking while expressing relief, “I was just worried he wouldn’t come. If he had refused to honor us with his presence, the Master’s situation would have become even more precarious. This is good now – though that Commander isn’t easy to deal with, as long as he showed up, a great weight has been lifted from my heart.”

Indeed, for a young lady in the inner chambers making such a great effort for the first time, naturally, she hoped it wouldn’t be in vain. Baoxian smiled, “Ah, I didn’t expect Commander Shen to be so young.”

Qingyuan made a sound of agreement, “Though young, he’s weathered more storms than those much older. If I speak of hardship, it’s only been half a year, but his hardships have lasted a full decade.” She shook her head, “It hasn’t been easy getting to where he is today. His current aloofness might well come from having tasted too much of life’s bitter coldness. If the Xie family had offered help back then, why would we need to curry favor so desperately today?”

Master and servant whispered as they walked toward the kitchen.

She didn’t know the situation on the east side, but carefully questioned the gatekeepers, who said all the guests the Master had invited had arrived, and the side hall’s feast was arranged. Granny Jiang asked Fourth Miss, “What time did the Old Madam say to begin serving?”

Qingyuan looked outside – the sky was gradually darkening, and hearty laughter came from the eastern flower hall, suggesting the attending guests were getting along well on both sides. She turned back and said, “Serve now,” while dispatching a servant, “Send word to the Elder Master that the dishes are ready and the feast can begin.”

The servant acknowledged with an “Ah” and bounded away to deliver the message. Qingyuan checked everything once more, and seeing all was in order, returned to the western hall to report to the Old Madam.

While the ladies were engaged in lively conversation, the Old Madam smiled and said, “We’ve been in Hengtang for nearly twenty years, neglecting our old friends in Youzhou – this wasn’t right. Now that we’re back, we should visit frequently. From now on, let our Master busy himself with his duties – we won’t leave. I’m getting on in years, and they say fallen leaves return to their roots. While in Hengtang, we were content with southern life, but returning to Youzhou, we realized home is still best. The water and soil here are nurturing, the local accent familiar – it’s even better than the south.” As she spoke, she stood and gestured, “We’ve prepared a modest feast, with cooks brought from the south specially preparing southern dishes. Please, ladies, have a taste.”

So the noble ladies gracefully moved to the small flower hall next door. Here, windows opened on all four sides, making it particularly cool on an early summer night. Through the layered latticed windows, one could see the delicate crescent moon in the sky.

Outside the windows, bamboo rustled; inside, the ladies drank and chatted. The wife of the Grand Master of Remonstrance loved inquiring about Southern matters, saying with a smile, “When I was unmarried, I stayed in the South for a while with my husband. The mountains and waters there are so beautiful, more delicate than here. Pleasure boats passing on the river, washing girls singing southern tunes – ah, I truly love that accent, it sings straight into one’s heart.”

The Training Commander’s wife, fanning herself, said, “My cousin initially refused a thousand times to marry into Shengzhou, but now she’s taken root there…” Then to Madam Hu, she said, “The Old Madam and Madam probably know her – she married the Marquis of Danyang and has a precious son about the same age as your young masters.”

Qingru’s attention was immediately caught by anything related to Li Congxin, but Madam Hu remained indifferent, as the previous time when the Marchioness had sent the Observer’s wife to clear things up, basically ending any hopes of a marriage alliance with the Danyang Marquis’s family.

Yet she maintained a warm exterior, “Hengtang is small, unlike Youzhou at the emperor’s feet. The Danyang Marquis’s household is imperial kin, very prestigious in Shengzhou. The young Marquis and my three sons were classmates, often visiting each other.”

The Training Commander’s wife nodded, “I haven’t had news of her in ages. When Chunzhi was in Youzhou, he rarely came to my residence. I wonder if he’s engaged now?”

Qingru’s hope hadn’t died – she secretly tugged at Madam Hu’s sleeve under the table. Madam Hu ignored her, only saying, “Young masters these days are unwilling to get engaged so early. I haven’t heard about the young Marquis’s marriage – perhaps the Marchioness’s standards are too high, not easily satisfied with young ladies of humble origin.”

Madam Hu maintained an observer’s stance, deliberately speaking for Qingyuan to hear. After speaking, she glanced at Qingyuan, reminding her that even if Li Congxin had given her the officials’ register, it meant nothing. Her background was original sin – even if the young Marquis favored her, she could never enter that household. If Qingru couldn’t succeed, she shouldn’t even think about it.

But Qingyuan appeared completely oblivious, smiling as she served food to Qinghe, saying, “Elder Sister, try this – the kitchen’s skills have improved since before.”

It was precisely this inability to land a punch that made one uncomfortable. Sometimes one truly suspected this girl was heartless – that young Marquis must have been blinded by infatuation to be so obsessed with her.

The Old Madam was more concerned with today’s banquet’s main purpose. After exchanging drinks with the noble ladies, she probed indirectly: “Commander Shen must be twenty-six this year. Though he suffered some hardships earlier, now that he’s been restored to office, why is he still alone?”

The Censor’s wife said, “Perhaps it’s because there are no elders to make decisions at home. With both parents gone, the two brothers had it very hard. The Commander’s wife was met in Yunzhong, her family without much foundation – just a Chief Minister of eighth rank. The Commander is loyal and righteous – after entering the Palace Guards, he didn’t forget old feelings and married her. Ten years ago, with that young Madam Shen’s family background, how could she have entered the Shen family’s eyes!”

The Old Madam smiled and nodded, “This is what they call ‘don’t ask about a hero’s origins’ – it’s also young Madam Shen’s good fortune. We sent an invitation today, originally hoping to make connections for future frequent visits, but unfortunately, she said she wasn’t feeling well and couldn’t attend the feast.”

“Quite the delicate and sickly one,” everyone smiled ambiguously, then moved on to other casual topics. Unequal matches inevitably invited gossip – the more prominent the Shen brothers became, the more criticism their women would attract.

Madam Jiang was always straightforward in any situation. Knowing the Old Madam had reservations and was beating around the bush, she simply spoke directly, smiling, “Ladies, since you’re all old friends with the Shen family, why not act as matchmakers for the Commander?”

The noble ladies smiled awkwardly. The Training Commander’s wife said, “How many twenty-six-year-olds of second rank have there been throughout history? With such high status, who would dare to arrange such a match? Besides, if the Commander himself isn’t interested, others shouldn’t make casual suggestions.” The rest went unsaid – a man who had traversed mountains of swords and seas of fire was different from those raised in ordinary wealthy households. Young ladies from good families were all raised in honey pots – in the hands of such an iron-blooded man, they would be like flowers on a sword tip, risking their lives if things went wrong. If the match was equal in status, they feared the delicate young lady couldn’t bear the hardship; if of lower status, it wouldn’t suit the Commander’s position and background. Such matchmaking was most difficult – better to keep quiet.

Madam Jiang, wanting to embarrass Madam Hu, glanced at Qingru and abruptly blurted out, “Our three young ladies aren’t betrothed yet. In my opinion, Second Miss’s appearance and background would suit the Commander well.”

After she spoke, everyone was stunned. Madam Hu hated this loose tongue’s gossiping, while the noble ladies felt the Xie family’s ambition was truly too great. They could barely protect themselves, having just invited these people as guests today to try to curry favor with the Commander. They didn’t even know if their flattery had hit its mark yet, but they were already eager to make him their son-in-law. Did they think they could have all the good fortune in the world?

Qingyuan had been leisurely eating pine nuts when she noticed the sudden silence at the table and looked up. Each elegant face wore a different expression. The Old Madam seemed displeased, which Qingyuan found amusing. Though Second Madam was unrestrained in speech, she had voiced what was in their hearts. Why did they now find her words excessive? If the noble ladies had eagerly agreed, Second Madam might have suddenly transformed into a meritorious official!

Such awkwardness needed smoothing over to avoid an unsightly scene. The Old Madam, having gotten a sense of things, realized these ladies would be of no help as matchmakers and needed to find another way. She smiled and said, “Our Second Madam has always been most concerned about our nieces. Whenever she sees a suitable match, she first thinks of her children. Commander Shen’s position is too high for us to aspire to… Ah, ladies, don’t be polite, try this flower-pattern tripe. It’s our kitchen’s specialty. When Prince Jingde came south, staying at our mansion, this dish had to be served at every meal. If we forgot to prepare it one day, his face would show his displeasure.”

Everyone began laughing and talking again, except Second Madam, who felt extremely unlucky, sitting there neither able to laugh nor show anger, and finally chose to say nothing at all.

The female guests didn’t dine as long as the male guests. After a few cups of wine, the wine dishes were cleared for fruit plates. At this time, people could move about. The Xie family’s old mansion had quite a history – after the whole family returned to Youzhou, it had been renovated once more. The outer walls and the wooden painted towers and corridors had been repainted, and with the rocks and trees of seventy or eighty years, it created a unique feeling of old and new merged.

Madam Hu accompanied the ladies to enjoy the moon and cool air in the garden. The Old Madam finally had a moment of leisure, but worried about how things were going on the other side, appearing somewhat preoccupied.

Qingyuan stayed by her side without leaving, but young people were easily distracted – her gaze was drawn to the fireflies flickering dimly at the treetops, and she kept looking up.

The Old Madam sighed, “I wonder if the Commander has agreed.”

Qingyuan returned her attention and said, “Grandmother, ease your mind. Since the Commander was willing to come, with several officials mediating, things will likely take a turn for the better.”

The Old Madam nodded but remained worried, turning to whisper, “Go alone quietly to the side courtyard and see if those wine urns are properly prepared. Have people load them onto the carriage, tie them securely, and cover them with oilcloth. Don’t let anything go wrong on the way – it would be terrible if others noticed.”

These days, the Old Madam liked to entrust her with anything related to the Commander’s household. Though she hadn’t handled these matters from the beginning and was now suddenly sent to arrange things, she could only vaguely agree and withdraw from the western flower hall.

From the reception garden to the back courtyard was an arrow’s flight away. Lanterns hung at both ends of the blue brick path, and one could see light from the opposite side, but in the middle, it was pitch dark. Qingyuan had someone bring a small lamp, its fist-sized light just enough to illuminate the path ahead without drawing too much attention.

Early summer days were long, and with the first round of feasting finished, it was already very late when the banquet ended. As night deepened, the darkness became thick as ink. As she hurried forward, suddenly someone grabbed her hand, spinning and pushing her against the wall.

Qingyuan was startled and about to ask who it was when a whiff of wine breath hit her face. The small lamp in her hand was knocked away, clattering as it fell beside her feet.

“Where is Fourth Miss going?” he asked in a drawling voice, his words carrying a lazy flavor.

Qingyuan was already panic-stricken, and recognizing his voice made her even more terrified. “Commander? Why are you here?”

He didn’t answer her, his hands pressing heavily on her shoulders, preventing her from moving.

Qingyuan knew he had drunk too much – though not completely drunk, he was intoxicated, probably seven or eight parts drunk.

“Commander, the inner quarters are back there. You’ve gone the wrong way,” she tried to steady her breath, pointing toward where she’d come from. “There… follow the path that way, past the side gate is the reception courtyard.”

He still didn’t respond. The lamp at their feet had gone out. Qingyuan’s eyes were wide open, and as they adjusted to the darkness, she saw him shoulder-lit by the cold moon, his tall silhouette like a mountain, slowly leaning closer, forming an ambiguous posture as he inhaled the fragrance at her neck.

Her heart twisted in fear. In all her years, she had never been treated so rudely. Now in the dark of night, with no third person present, if this got out, how could a young lady’s reputation survive? But if she didn’t speak up, she would suffer in silence. She could only soften her tone and try to reason with him, “If Commander doesn’t know the way, I can escort you back to the flower hall.”

He gave a derisive laugh, “Fourth Miss seems very afraid of Shen Run.”

He spoke right by her ear, his low whisper like feathers tickling her heart. Qingyuan’s heart pounded like a drum, but she forced herself to remain calm and said, “I’m not afraid of the Commander, I’m protecting the Commander’s reputation. If someone misunderstands this situation, it wouldn’t be good.”

“Afraid of misunderstanding…” he mumbled, his speech somewhat slurred now, his hand fumbling at his waist, forcefully pulling off his hanging jade pendant and stuffing it into her hand. “This is for you.”

Qingyuan was dumbfounded, hesitating before asking, “Commander, why are you giving me this?”

He didn’t answer, fumbling at the other side, but after struggling couldn’t pull anything loose, and swayed as he said, “Nothing else, this will do.”

Qingyuan thought he must be truly quite drunk, going the wrong way and randomly giving away things. But though he was drunk, she couldn’t treat him like a drunk. The object in her hand felt like a pendant – such a personal item couldn’t be accepted under any circumstances. She tried to push it back into his hand, “Commander, you dropped this, please keep it safe.”

He paused, seeming to understand, “Not enough?” and began fumbling at his waist again.

Qingyuan, worried he would give her everything on his person, quickly said it was enough, holding the hot potato in her hands, feeling like a bronze bird embroidered on a cage.

Satisfied, he drew back slightly, gave a soft laugh, and patted her shoulder as he would a subordinate, then staggered off toward the flower hall.

The strange encounter felt like a dream – if not for the weight still heavy in her hand, she would have treated it as one. Qingyuan kicked with her toe, finding the fallen small lamp, and picked it up with a sigh. The lanterns hung high in the side courtyard, their light not reaching her location. She could only feel her way along the wall, regretting following the Old Madam’s instructions. If Baoxian had been with her, this wouldn’t have happened.

Fortunately, no one knew, she thought secretly. Suffering harassment without telling anyone was a helpless measure to protect a young lady’s reputation. But what to do with this thing…

Finally reaching the side courtyard gate, she opened her palm to look. In it lay a jade pendant carved in openwork with a beast face – the taotie pattern fierce and greedy, its bright pair of eyes staring at her as if ready to devour someone.

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