HomeA Cup of LoveYi Ou Chun - Chapter 32

Yi Ou Chun – Chapter 32

Being able to leave the house was quite a joyful thing. The carriage moved leisurely through the streets, stopping halfway through the journey when she reached out through the window to buy three iced treats. One for herself, one for Baoxian, and one for the carriage driver. Away from the mansion, there weren’t so many rules and regulations. Though the street food was crude—unlike at home where shaved ice would be mixed with melon pieces and nuts—this simple bowl of ice drizzled with two spoonfuls of sugar syrup was deliciously satisfying and brought great happiness.

With the small curtain rolled up, she watched the scenery outside. Unlike that day when she had carried such a heavy burden, today felt very relaxed. Daytime Youzhou was different from the evening—people wore loose, comfortable clothing that moved with the wind when there was a breeze, and when there wasn’t, the people themselves moved.

Ahead was a decorated bridge with willows swaying along its banks. The Commander’s residence lay just beyond it. Today’s carriage didn’t need to skulk through small alleys like last time; it could drive straight to the front gate. After the carriage stopped, Baoxian got down first, opened the oil silk umbrella, and helped Qingyuan step down using the mounting block. Looking up, she felt the imposing presence of the Provincial Administrator’s residence—this was her second visit, yet she still felt its overwhelming pressure.

The guard at the gate remembered her and greeted her with clasped hands when she approached.

Qingyuan smiled brightly and said, “Please trouble the officer to announce me—Xie Qingyuan has come on my grandmother’s behalf to pay respects to the Commissioner’s wife.”

A girl who always wore a smile was never unlikeable. The guard said, “Please wait a moment, Young Lady,” and strode inside. The Palace Guard’s people were extremely disciplined—the guards at the Commander’s residence were as formal as those at the imperial palace, wearing solemn armor that clinked clearly with each step.

Qingyuan waited calmly under the gate’s eaves. Just then, a cabbage butterfly flew over from somewhere, its snow-white body marked with black wing patterns, fluttering up and down. Though so delicate and tiny, not even half the size of her palm, in this leisurely daytime it seemed to stir up a whirlwind, its wing beats almost audible.

Qingyuan watched it lovingly for a while until word came from inside, saying the Young Lady was invited to enter.

She turned her attention back, gesturing for Baoxian to follow. Perhaps because she was here to see the Madam, and because Baoxian carried gift boxes, the gate guard didn’t make things difficult.

They followed their guide deep into the courtyard, walking quite a distance. An exquisite wooden corridor extended lengthwise, and after passing through two flower-hung gates, they entered another world entirely.

The serving girl leading them turned back with a smile, “This is the Commissioner and Madam’s courtyard. Please follow me, Young Lady—Madam is waiting for you in the flower hall ahead.”

Only then did Qingyuan understand that the long gallery had divided the Commander’s residence in two?

Shen Run hadn’t married, while Shen Che had already taken a wife. Perhaps due to experiencing misfortune in their early years, the brothers hadn’t split their household. However, for convenience, they lived separately within the same compound—the east court was where Shen Run stayed when he returned, while the west court belonged to Shen Che and his family.

After passing through another long flower corridor, they reached where the Commissioner’s wife received guests. Before coming, Qingyuan had heard some rumors about this Young Madam Shen. Her background wasn’t particularly distinguished—her maiden name was Dong, and she had a pleasant given name, Fangchun.

The summer flower hall had its bamboo blinds rolled up and gauze curtains hung, which created an elegant atmosphere as they floated in the breeze. Following the maid’s indication, Qingyuan looked ahead to see a figure pacing behind the gauze. Hearing footsteps approach, she lifted the gauze with her fan and looked out.

She was a young, beautiful woman with delicate features who, setting aside family background, matched Shen Che perfectly. Perhaps because they had received an enormous sum from the Xie family the previous night, she appeared extremely warm upon seeing Qingyuan today.

She came out to welcome them, standing in a line of shade under the eaves, smiling as she said, “Fourth Young Lady has arrived—please, come inside.”

Qingyuan was somewhat puzzled but courteously curtsied, saying, “I’ve come unannounced and am disturbing Madam.”

Fangchun was originally very easy to get along with and didn’t like putting on air. She gestured for Qingyuan to enter while saying, “The Commissioner returned last night and mentioned we might have honored guests from the Provincial Administrator’s residence today, telling me to receive them well. On such a hot day, to trouble Fourth Young Lady to make this journey—I’m quite embarrassed!”

Whether people can get along doesn’t require three winters and four summers to determine—sometimes just a few words, or observing someone’s expression and manner, is enough to get a sense. Qingyuan found Young Madam Shen’s face kind; when she looked at people, her gaze was sincere, and her smile was bright and open, showing she was someone with a broad mind and cheerful disposition.

Qingyuan relaxed. She didn’t have much experience with social occasions—during the few banquets at home, all the noble ladies looked the same to her, mostly appearing magnanimous in public but sharp-tongued in private. Before entering the Shen residence, she had worried privately about the Old Madame’s instructions to probe for information, fearing the other side would be tight-lipped and she wouldn’t learn anything. Now, looking at the Commissioner’s wife, she didn’t seem difficult to get along with. Though relieved, she didn’t dare become complacent. She glanced at Baoxian, who understood and placed the gift boxes on the round huanghuali table inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

“This is a small token from my grandmother. Yesterday we had hoped to invite Madam to our residence for a visit, not knowing Madam was unwell. My grandmother has been concerned. Because there were many people yesterday and we couldn’t come over, today I’ve come on my grandmother’s behalf to pay respects to Madam. These are some tonics for peace of mind and energy—though your residence surely doesn’t lack such things, it represents my grandmother’s sincerity. Please accept them with a smile.”

Her words were measured and appropriate, pleasant to hear.

When Shen Che returned home last night, he had just smiled when speaking of his brother, insisting there would be distinguished guests tomorrow. Fangchun had been puzzled then, wondering who it might be. Seeing now it was a young and beautiful lady, she was pleased and vaguely understood something, becoming even more attentive.

After ordering someone to take away the gifts, Fangchun smiled and said, “Thank you for the Old Madame’s kind consideration. The day before yesterday, I caught a chill while trying to stay cool, and had a headache all day at home, only feeling better today. Please convey my thanks to the Old Madame, and once I’m fully recovered, I’ll visit the Provincial Administrator’s residence to pay my respects to her.”

The courtesies of ladies’ chambers were mostly like this—after exchanging formal greetings, they sat together and gradually became more familiar.

“How old is Fourth Young Lady this year?” Fangchun asked. “I have a younger sister at home who’s sixteen this year—seeing you remind me of her.”

Qingyuan smiled shyly, “I’m fifteen, just had my coming-of-age ceremony last month.”

Fangchun made a sound of understanding, “Then you’re even a year younger than my sister—no wonder you look so fresh and tender.” As she spoke, she took Qingyuan’s hand and continued, “My hometown is in Yunzhong, and I haven’t returned since getting married. Life in Youzhou is good, but the Commissioner is busy with his duties, and the Palace Guard rotates shifts, only returning home once every half month. I get bored alone at home and look forward to having visitors to keep me company. I’m truly happy Fourth Young Lady came today. I feel we’ve hit it off—would you like to visit each other like sisters from now on? You can often come to sit with me, and when I’m free, I’ll visit you too, alright?”

Being so intimate at the first meeting was somewhat unusual, and Qingyuan felt secretly uncertain, but she couldn’t refuse such goodwill. So she smiled and said, “Madam honors me—how could I not comply? Our family also just moved back to Youzhou. Though we had an old residence here before, our generation had never been to Youzhou, and we don’t know anyone here. Now that Madam speaks this way, I’m truly overwhelmed. In the future, whenever Madam wants the company to relieve boredom, just send someone a message. Though I’m not clever with words, I can certainly listen to Madam talk.”

Oh my, what a clever young lady indeed—Fangchun liked her even more.

Of course, this fondness contained some personal interest—establishing good relations now would make future interactions easier.

“Youzhou is right under the Son of Heaven’s feet, filled with nobility. Speaking of family status, naturally, everyone here is above others, but the more it’s like this, the harder it is to get along,” Fangchun gave a bitter smile and said, “We’re from a small place, and others might not think much of us. Even though a wife gains status through her husband, though others politely address me as Commissioner’s wife, in their hearts, they’re reluctant to associate with me. So I rarely go out or make friends—just appreciating flowers and doing embroidery is enough to pass the days.”

These were sincere words. Last night when those noble ladies mentioned her, they had covered their mouths and laughed dismissively, calling her sickly and melancholic. Qingyuan understood that Youzhou’s noble circles were far harder to enter than Shengzhou’s. The Commissioner’s wife was forthright and didn’t hide her thoughts. Qingyuan thought of herself—those noble ladies, after leaving the Xie residence, must surely discuss the Fourth Young Lady’s background. If she had been narrow-minded during these past six months since returning, she would have worried herself to death.

However, she couldn’t follow along with such talk, lest she inadvertently create awkwardness. So she said, “I also love needlework. Different regions are fashionable for different patterns now—in the south, we love to embroider trailing branches, while Youzhou favors lantern brocade. Next time I’ll bring some southern patterns for Madam to see, and please teach me some Yunzhong patterns as well.”

Fangchun immediately agreed, “I brought a chest full when I came to Youzhou—I’ll pick out some nice ones for you later.” She continued, “Since we’re friends now, let’s stop with all this ‘Madam’ business. My name is Fangchun, and I’m a few years older than you, so I’ll presume to be your elder sister, how about that?”

Qingyuan smiled and nodded, rising to curtsy again, “Sister Fangchun.”

Fangchun also stood to return the courtesy, smiling, “For now at least… blessings to you, little sister.”

Making such a friend, regardless of whether it was part of the Xie family’s urgent desire to form connections, made Qingyuan happy. Looking back at Baoxian, who stood quietly behind her, she too seemed delighted. For a young lady in a grand household, no matter how clever, she was still confined. This Commissioner’s wife was her first friend. New relationships brought breakthroughs—her world was no longer just the Xie family. Stepping out of that vast compound, she now had someone to talk to.

Since they were getting along so well, Fangchun spoke directly, “I know why you came today—it’s about your father’s matter, isn’t it?”

Qingyuan nodded, “Please advise me, sister.”

Fangchun said, “I shouldn’t inquire about official matters, and I really shouldn’t reveal anything to you. But I know the Commander is a man of his word—you can rest assured this matter will be resolved.”

That one sentence was enough. Qingyuan nodded, glancing outside, “Is the Commander here today?”

A smile with an unclear meaning appeared on Fangchun’s face. “Oh? You’re looking for the Commander?”

Qingyuan hesitated—the matter of the jade pendant couldn’t be shared with others, so she answered vaguely, “Family matters are naturally worrying. Knowing the Commander’s whereabouts would help put my mind at ease.”

“He and the Commissioner have returned to the capital. The Palace Guard has many trivial matters requiring his attention. This leave was short—originally he was supposed to return to the capital yesterday, but because of attending the banquet at your residence, he had to leave early this morning instead.”

Qingyuan made a sound of understanding, “Then when will he return to Youzhou?”

Fangchun replied, “That’s hard to say. He’s the Commander, so he doesn’t need to be at his post constantly. If there’s something worth returning for, it’s only an hour’s fast ride from the capital to Youzhou—he can return whenever he wishes.”

It seemed she wouldn’t be able to return the item today. Qingyuan felt dejected but chatted idly with Fangchun a bit more before taking her leave.

“What should I do?” Sitting in the carriage, she held the beast-faced pendant in both hands, looking helpless.

Baoxian said, “Keep it for now. He’ll return eventually, and then you can return it just the same.”

But Qingyuan wasn’t worried about that—she only worried that the longer the interval, the more awkward the return would be.

“That Commissioner’s wife…” Baoxian said, “Doesn’t Young Lady find her somewhat strange?”

Qingyuan made a sound of agreement, “Strange how?”

“For someone of her status as a noble lady, to be so friendly with Young Lady—if it’s not genuine compatibility, there must be other reasons.” Baoxian smiled, “Young Lady is so clever, I don’t believe you haven’t thought of this.”

As for Qingyuan, she hoped such friendship came from true sincerity, but where in this world is there sincerity without reason? When people interact, the benefit is a prerequisite—without benefit, relationships certainly cannot last. She had some vague presentiments but felt it improper to voice them, so she just smiled and let it pass ambiguously.

Baoxian looked at her softly and quietly called, “Young Lady, the Commissioner’s wife probably heard something from the Commissioner.”

Qingyuan leaned against the carriage wall, made another vague sound of agreement, and lowered her head to wrap up the jade pendant, tucking it back into her sleeve.

Returning to the Xie residence, she went directly to Huifang Garden to see the Old Madame and relayed the Commissioner’s wife’s words, finally saying, “Grandmother, please set your mind at ease. The Commander and Commissioner have returned to the capital and taken Father’s memorial with them. Submitting it to the emperor is but a simple task—they surely won’t deliberately make things difficult. Moreover, Father has outstanding military achievements and is familiar with the territories beyond the passes. Why would His Majesty pass over someone close at hand to seek another?”

The Old Madame nodded, “That’s all we can do now—just wait. You’ve worked hard these past days, bustling about for your father’s affairs. I’ve always said among the four young ladies, only you take after your father. When you sisters each marry out in the future, perhaps only you will be able to help the family.”

Hearing these words, Qingyuan couldn’t help but laugh coldly inside. The Old Madame had said before that the fourth girl was only fit to marry into a humble family, find an unsuccessful son-in-law, and climb up step by step. Now she had changed her tune, wanting her to help her natal family—in truth, whether as principal wife or concubine, as long as she could speak up before her husband, that would be enough.

She contained herself, speaking diplomatically, “Among my three sisters, only the eldest sister is betrothed. The second and third sisters are still here, their futures unlimited. As for me, I’m content to stay and serve Grandmother and Father.”

The Old Madame sighed, “Speaking of your eldest sister’s marriage, we don’t know how it will turn out. Over a thousand li away, our influence doesn’t reach. If we were still in Hengtang, we could have the Prefect’s wife mediate, pick an auspicious date, and proceed. Now we haven’t reached that step, and contact with the matchmaker has been lost—I fear this will delay your eldest sister. She looks worried all day, and it pains me to see it.”

Regarding Qinghe’s marriage, they were indeed in an awkward position. The Founding Earl’s family was also watching to see if the Xie family would safely pass this hurdle or fall never to rise again.

As they were discussing this inside, Madam Hu unexpectedly entered from outside. After paying respects to the Old Madame, she stood aside and said, “I was just coming to discuss with Mother—regarding the eldest girl’s marriage, I think it’s better to cancel it. It’s not like years ago when the bride’s family couldn’t break off an engagement and had to wait for the groom’s family’s decision. Everyone knows our situation now—we can’t return to Hengtang, so why keep this engagement and let the child marry thousands of li away? In my opinion, we should seek a practical marriage here in Youzhou. The family can look after her then; otherwise, a girl alone in another’s household, watching others’ expressions to eat—wouldn’t she be bullied to death!”

Madam Hu again used the pretext of “though the child isn’t mine by birth, I treat her the same as Qingru” to persuade the Old Madame to break the engagement. A concubine-born daughter marrying into a noble family was indeed not good for the legitimate daughter—she had opposed this marriage from the beginning but had no way to prevent it. Now with reality before them, overturning this deadlock to start anew was perfectly justified!

Qingyuan smiled, curtsied, and quietly withdrew from the main hall.

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