Qingyuan was the type of person who excelled at enduring silence. Though she might be flustered at first, once she settled down, nothing could truly trouble her. Whatever ulterior motives Shen Run held regarding the beast-faced jade pendant, she no longer wished to investigate. If someone were to come as a messenger, subtly suggesting that Fourth Young Lady become the Commander’s concubine, such arrangements wouldn’t be settled in a day or two anyway. She had ways to distance herself from this matter.
Previously, she had worried day and night about this jade pendant, but now that they denied any connection to it, she need not dwell on it any longer. She carefully put it away in the box where she kept her dowry items. In truth, she had considered that if her various encounters in Youzhou made her future path seem difficult, she could return to Hengtang after seeking justice for her mother. All things in the world have their cause and effect. During the recent crisis when the Master’s official career was obstructed, causing widespread anxiety, she had been busy dealing with external matters and had neglected Madame Hu and Qingru. Now that the dust had settled, the Master was to leave the pass to attack Shi Fortress. This campaign would take at least three to five months or possibly two to three years. During such a long period, how could that mother and daughter remain idle? Moreover, that Young Master Hou was coming again…
Qingyuan began to wait quietly, not stepping outside the inner or outer gates, resuming her life as it had been in Hengtang. When there was nothing to do, she would blend fragrances and tend to flowers and plants, gradually transforming Danyue Pavilion in Youzhou, recreating the elegant charm of Hengtang.
That day, the weather changed. A gentle rain fell from the afternoon’s sun-obscuring clouds, lacking the fierce winds and sudden downpours of midsummer, instead falling in a lingering manner. Youzhou’s climate was drier than Hengtang’s; after the rain, the branches and leaves beyond the fence were washed clean, and the courtyard itself seemed to become more transparent.
Qingyuan was wiping the leaves of a pot of gladiolus by the moon-shaped window when the voices of young maids drifted in from outside, rising and falling intermittently, too indistinct to make out clearly. After a while, Chuntai parted the curtain to report that the Old Madame had sent someone to summon Fourth Young Lady.
Qingyuan put down her clothes, washed her hands, and asked, “Did they say why I’m being summoned?”
Chuntai shook her head, “It wasn’t someone from the main house, just a random little maid sent to deliver the message. She knew nothing when asked.” While speaking, she helped arrange Qingyuan’s hair, chattering, “Nothing happens without reason at the three treasures hall. Young Lady should dress up nicely, perhaps Third Young Master has arrived.”
Qingyuan had a similar premonition. She walked with Baoxian under an umbrella toward Huifang Garden, the raindrops hitting the umbrella surface crisp and loud like drumbeats. Entering the courtyard gate, they saw Qingru’s maid Lvzhui standing in the corridor. Baoxian whispered, “Second Young Lady is here too. It seems Chuntai was right about having distinguished guests.”
What distinguished guest could summon Second Young Lady? It must be the Young Master of Danyang Marquis without a doubt.
Baoxian supported Qingyuan up the steps, then turned back to close the umbrella, handing it to a small maid before escorting Qingyuan toward the main house.
Seeing them approach, Lvzhui gave an insincere smile and curtsey, “Fourth Young Lady.”
Qingyuan nodded and stepped over the threshold, hearing Baoxian seize the opportunity to needle Lvzhui, “Why is Miss Lvzhui standing outside? The rain is heavy, be careful not to splash your skirt…”
At the door, Yuequan raised the bamboo curtain higher, and seeing Qingyuan, gave her a meaningful look saying, “Fourth Young Lady has arrived, please go in.”
Speaking of the Old Madame, she was quite a peculiar person. When the family had fallen on hard times recently, all matters had given priority to the fourth girl. Now that peace had been restored and it was time to discuss the young ladies’ marriages, she would certainly notify Qingru and the others first. As for the fourth girl, only when she couldn’t be overlooked would someone reluctantly be sent to inform her.
Inside the main house was lively with conversation and laughter. The Old Madame was saying, “Hengtang was such a good place. Since our master’s generation, we moved there and lived for twenty years! Originally thought we would put down roots there, who knew we’d return to Youzhou now? Chunzhi isn’t an outsider, I won’t hide it from you – if we hadn’t encountered misfortune, at my age, how would I be willing to endure the hardship of such a long journey? You’ve just arrived in Youzhou today, you don’t know of our previous difficulties…” A thousand words couldn’t express all her worries, finally ending in a long sigh as she let the matter drop.
Li Congxin naturally offered kind words of comfort: “My father often says that rises and falls in official circles are common occurrences. Not just the high officials at court, even those of us related to the imperial family dare not claim smooth sailing for life. Now that the Commissioner is leaving Jianmen Pass again to recapture Shi Fortress, as long as all goes well, there will surely be great rewards after his triumphant return, and the Commissioner’s official path will become increasingly broad. Old Madame still has endless blessings to enjoy, please set your mind at ease.”
The Young Marquis spoke one word after another gently and agreeably, creating a very pleasant atmosphere in the main house.
Qingru never showed her fangs in front of outsiders, saying sweetly: “Brother Chunzhi, have you returned to Youzhou this time to prepare for the autumn imperial examinations?”
Li Congxin paused slightly, only saying that there were still some matters at the official school requiring his attention, seemingly not as determined about the examinations as Li Guanling, still somewhat ambivalent.
Qingyuan circled the carved screen to enter, finally seeing the main house packed full of people. The golden silk curtains outside the window frames were all rolled up to the eaves, and in the hot weather, all implements had been replaced with bamboo versions. With such refreshing furnishings, even though it was gloomy outside, the room didn’t feel dark at all.
She stepped forward to curtsey to the Old Madame, then to Li Congxin, smiling as she said, “It’s been a long time, Third Young Master, I trust you’ve been well?”
She didn’t affect an overly familiar attitude, remaining as politely distant as before, though strangely, after just two months apart, she seemed more composed and even more refined than before.
Li Congxin was stunned for a moment, like an unworldly scholar from a storybook, actually becoming dazed at the sight of a young lady. When he came to his senses he felt somewhat embarrassed, hurriedly returning the gesture, “Fourth Sister, I trust you’ve been well.”
Their polite exchange of courtesies greatly irritated Qingru’s eyes, causing her to sneer quietly and turn away her gaze in contempt.
In her eyes, Qingyuan’s reserve was all an act of playing hard to get, like the cat she had kept before – when called it would come, but always maintained a certain distance. Once you tried to catch it, it would run away, yet never far, either under a table or by a window, turning back to watch you, making you itch with frustration at being unable to get close.
That’s why she hated cats the most. That black and white cat was eventually caught through collective effort and thrown into the Guanghan Canal in a sack. The cat was gone, but now there was a person, and people couldn’t be disposed of as casually as cats – this made her even more resentful.
Qingyuan took her seat to the side, and the Old Madame then smiled and said, “We must thank the Third Young Master for this matter. It was only by relying on your Young Marquis’s influence that we managed to enter the Commander’s mansion. You and Official Shen are old friends, aren’t you?”
Li Congxin said they were, and as the noble young master of Xian Huan, with a gentle expression, he said calmly, “I’ve known him for many years, and our friendship is quite decent. When your family moved to Youzhou, I was concerned about the Commissioner’s career being obstructed, so I specially gave the register to Fourth Sister.” He glanced at Qingyuan and smiled, “That Fourth Sister was able to make use of this register means my intentions weren’t wasted. In a few days when the Commander returns to Youzhou, I’ll properly thank him. Old Madame need not worry about this matter, I will arrange everything appropriately.”
After he finished speaking, everyone present showed different expressions. “My intentions weren’t wasted” was quite direct – he was interested in the fourth girl. As for the Xie family’s crisis, it was merely a matter of the fourth girl considering the bigger picture. Being able to solve their urgent crisis was just an unexpected blessing; he didn’t wish to take credit.
Qingru grew increasingly angry listening to this, frowning as she looked at her mother. Madame Hu had always been more patient than her daughter, still wearing a smile as she slowly fingered her prayer beads.
Old Madame Xie, seeing their heated exchange of glances, had her perfect solution in mind. She immediately smiled and said, “Now that the Master has gone to battle, we originally wanted to thank the Commander and Official again, but feared they wouldn’t honor us with their presence. What you just said has reminded me. Third Young Master, please go ahead and invite the Commander and Official. We’ll provide for the feast, showing our appreciation. Though it troubles you to help us maintain appearances, after things are settled with the Commander, we’ll hold another banquet to properly thank you. How does that sound?”
This suggestion was reasonable, not taking advantage of anyone’s kindness, and the Old Madame’s attitude was quite proper. Li Congxin naturally had no reason to refuse, smiling as he said, “That would be fine. Then I’ll extend the invitation in the Xie family’s name, and first repay this social debt for the Commissioner.”
Having dealt with Old Madame Xie, his gaze turned toward Qingyuan. She sat quietly to the side, not interrupting, so graceful she seemed to melt into the humid summer day. Sunlight streamed in through the window frame; with her head lowered and thick dark eyelashes, her dignified bearing demanded attention even in silence.
“Fourth Sister…” Li Congxin suddenly called out, as if startled by his abruptness, becoming somewhat embarrassed.
Qingyuan responded with a soft sound, finally raising her eyes. Seeing him dazed and Qinghe looking distracted, she asked, “Third Young Master, before coming to Youzhou, did you visit the Founding Count’s mansion?”
Ah, right, such an important matter – how had everyone forgotten about it until now? The Old Madame had a look of sudden realization, patting her knee as she said, “I was just about to ask that too, but got distracted and forgot. Third Young Master, you and Lanshan are usually in contact, have you heard anything? We moved back to Youzhou in such a hurry, that I know people must be talking behind our backs. Our eldest young lady’s marriage to Lanshan… I wonder what the Founding Count’s family is planning. In your opinion, how is Lanshan’s situation?”
Such a fine marriage arrangement, neither mentioned in light nor darkness, makes one feel uncomfortable. Better to make a clean cut between life and death. Qinghe cast a grateful look at Qingyuan, thanking her for remembering and knowing to ask about what concerned her most in such a situation. If it were up to the Old Madame alone, they might have all dispersed without remembering.
Li Congxin made a sound of acknowledgment and took a letter from his sleeve pocket, smiling as he said, “I had originally intended to give this to Eldest Sister privately, but since Old Madame asks, I’ll present it to Eldest Sister now.”
The Old Madame’s attendant Xiazhi stepped forward to receive it and delivered it to Qinghe, who finally breathed a slight sigh of relief. But having released half her anxiety, she still didn’t know what the letter contained. If it listed a bunch of difficulties and intended to break off the engagement, where would she put her face… Thinking back and forth like this, between joy and fear, her heart began to flutter anxiously again.
Li Congxin observed this, knowing that although Qinghe had received the letter, she couldn’t properly read it in public and must have been very anxious. His words could serve as a reassuring pill for her, so he said, “I’ve known Lanshan since childhood; he’s always been the persistent type, seeing things through once he’s decided on them. Before coming to Youzhou, I met with him once. He’s currently immersed in preparing for the imperial examinations and will also enter the capital before the autumn examinations. Regarding the Commissioner’s transfer to become Prefect, he didn’t say anything about it, and the Founding Count’s family continues as usual. Old Madame need not worry. Now that the Commissioner has been restored to his original position, although Shengzhou is far from Youzhou, news travels faster than Old Madame might expect.”
Old Madame Xie slowly nodded, “That’s good… Among this generation of girls, Qinghe was the first to become engaged, and to such a good family too. If there were any mishap midway, it wouldn’t set a good example for her younger sisters.”
Li Congxin agreed, though his words were merely perfunctory as he quietly glanced at Qingyuan again. That perspicacious girl still maintained a serene expression, relieved that her elder sister’s marriage remained undisturbed. The sisters exchanged glances, smiling with curved eyes.
He couldn’t help feeling somewhat melancholic, wondering when such knowing glances would fall upon him. Though the Young Marquis was experienced in matters of romance, he knew well that it was difficult to even meet a young lady from a proper household without her having some inclination. Qingyuan was probably the most clear-headed and composed among all the young ladies he had dealt with, always appearing only in group settings. Even the chance to speak across the wall at the academy last time had only come through Zhenglun’s help. He had thought that after two months apart, her attitude might have softened somewhat, but now it seemed it hadn’t.
Perhaps she was still unhappy about his mother sending someone to visit, still resenting his impetuousness. He also regretted his momentary impulse, but if only they could speak privately, the misunderstandings between them weren’t so difficult to resolve.
So after some consideration, he said, “Since Old Madame mentions hosting a feast in the Xie family’s name for the Commander and Official, it would be better to have members of the Xie family present that day. I think, since the brothers Zhengze are here, the sisters could also attend the feast together – more people would make it livelier. Besides the Commander and Official, there won’t be any outside guests. What does Old Madame think?”
Speaking of propriety, it wasn’t quite appropriate, but military families were more open-minded than scholarly ones. Moreover, the Old Madame knew that the girls had reached the age for discussing marriage, and going out more to interact with sons of noble families and officials would benefit their prospects. So she smiled and said, “Since we’re all our people, letting them go out for some entertainment isn’t bad. Just send more attendants with them that day. Now that the Zhengze brothers have arrived in Youzhou, making friends here is urgent business. In terms of age, the Commander and Official aren’t much older than them, surely they’ll have things to talk about.”
With the Old Madame’s permission, the young ladies naturally had no reason not to go. Among the four sisters, Qingru and Qingrong were extremely willing, while Qinghe, being already engaged, had lost interest in socializing with young gentlemen. As for Qingyuan, thinking of that puzzling Commander, she still felt somewhat uneasy. Unfortunately, she couldn’t decline, and she understood Li Congxin’s good intentions. Regardless, considering the favor of his giving her the register, she couldn’t refuse to give him face.
After Li Congxin left, the young ladies all returned to their respective courtyards. Madame Hu discussed with the Old Madame: “Mother must have noticed that the Young Marquis still harbors feelings for the fourth girl. And the second girl has no spirit, always ‘Brother Chunzhi’ this and that, it gives me a headache.”
The Old Madame, leaning against a bamboo pillow, said: “It’s understandable, the Young Marquis is talented and handsome, no girl would dislike him. But when I think of that time the Marquise had the Inspector’s wife come to visit, I feel quite upset – their Marquis’s mansion looked down on our Xie family too much. However, I’ve also considered that times have changed, and with him not in Shengzhou, even if the Marquise had eight hands, she couldn’t control this precious son…”
Madame Hu was shocked, “Mother means to facilitate the fourth girl and the Young Marquis? With the fourth girl’s background, wouldn’t the Marquis’s family rather lose this son than allow her to enter their door!”
The Old Madame glanced at Madame Hu, knowing her selfish interests lay with her daughter. But who in the world isn’t selfish? The Old Madame had lived many years, seen and experienced too much. In her opinion, capturing all the good prospects before them in one net would be the best strategy.
“The second girl’s temperament would ultimately be better matched with someone more refined. I reckon if she and the Young Marquis could work out, the Marquise would eventually have nothing to say,” the Old Madame said slowly. “As for the fourth girl, having suffered from her mother’s circumstances, she can’t stubbornly insist on being a primary wife. Given the Commander’s methods, I suspect the fourth girl would have difficulty meeting their approval, but if she could follow the Official… his wife is simple-minded, and her natal family has no strong foundation. Wanting to bring her down wouldn’t be difficult.”
After hearing the Old Madame’s wise words, Madame Hu finally put her heart at ease. Indeed, the older ginger is spicier – the Old Madame might not intend for the fourth girl to become someone’s concubine, after all, the Xie family’s reputation was important. Given that girl’s background, becoming someone’s second wife wouldn’t be degrading for her. Anyway, Madame Hu had no time to concern herself with the fourth girl’s future; she only needed to know that the Old Madame didn’t oppose Qingru following the Young Marquis, that was enough.
Velha asquerosa