Having no one to consult when facing problems – this was a common difficulty for young ladies who married far from home. Previously, when Fangchun associated with her, she was willing to share her innermost thoughts, and though Qingyuan herself remained in the inner chambers, she could deeply empathize with such feelings. Having longed for a child, and finally expecting one, only to find oneself at a loss – at times like these, one needed to find a trustworthy person to discuss matters with. It didn’t matter what they discussed, as long as they could talk and make some preparations for welcoming the child.
Qingyuan was genuinely happy for Fangchun, smiling all the way. Baoxian watched her and smiled too, “Our young lady truly is something, being so delighted about someone else’s matters.”
Qingyuan replied, “Because there aren’t many things worth being happy about, and her wanting to tell me about her child means she considers me someone of importance.”
Though she said this, she secretly harbored other premonitions, wondering if anyone in the capital had been informed. If Shen Che knew, he would surely tell Shen Run, and if Shen Che returned, would Shen Run return as well?
Lost in these thoughts, she remained preoccupied throughout the journey, keeping her concerns to herself. Youzhou was a strange place, and its people represented one unexpected encounter after another for her. Previously, she rarely dressed up, only wearing comfortable clothes and showing little interest in accessories. But now things were different – she carried an extra item, that small pouch seeming to have become a permanent part of her, no longer just for Shen Run’s inspections but a habit formed over time.
Ah, this dusk was somewhat vexing. She smiled self-mockingly and shifted her gaze outside the window, watching the setting sun and lone birds, observing the smoke rising from the town’s households, gradually finding peace. She had traveled the road to the Commander’s mansion several times now, and by her estimation, the sun would be setting just as they reached the front gate.
Baoxian carefully checked the gifts they had brought again, muttering something continuously, to which she responded absent-mindedly, watching as the clouds grew increasingly heavy in the sky, slowly covering the remaining light, leaving only a narrow line, like a thin, elongated eye in the heavens.
The young servant driving the carriage shook the bells on his whip outside, turning his head to report, “Fourth Young Miss, we’ve arrived.”
As he finished speaking, the carriage stopped, and the servant turned back to open the carved flower door, placing a footstool in front of the carriage. A maidservant came up to assist, pushing him aside to the horse’s head. Fourth Young Miss’s moonlight-colored skirt billowed in the wind before settling gently, her slender figure floating through the Commander’s mansion’s main gate in the remaining light. Only then did the young servant dare to raise his eyes to look around; guards still stood like nails on both sides of the gate. Not daring to linger, he took the reins and led the horse to a parasol tree nearby.
“Fourth Young Miss has arrived?” A maidservant came forward to bow, her dress and manner suggesting she was the mansion’s housekeeper.
Qingyuan nodded slightly, “I’ve come to see your lady.”
The servant smiled and responded, “Our lady sent word, instructing me to receive Young Miss at the gate. I am the inner courtyard’s housekeeper, surnamed Zhou. Fourth Young Miss may call me Old Woman Zhou.” As she spoke, she called to the waiting maids nearby, “Those who came with Young Miss must be tired from the journey, and it’s about mealtime, quickly take them for some food.”
Thus two maids eagerly gathered around, leading Baoxian and the others toward the back corridor, while Old Woman Zhou smiled and gestured to Qingyuan, “Young Miss, please follow me.”
Having arrived at someone’s mansion, one naturally followed their arrangements. Qingyuan followed the guidance into the garden, where the wooden corridor dividing the east and west compounds held a rustic beauty in the twilight. At its end, the west compound lay to the right, the east to the left. She felt anxious, worried that Zhou Mama would lead her to the east wing, but fortunately, this didn’t happen. However, they didn’t turn toward the side corridor on the right either, but continued straight ahead, passing through a small courtyard to reach an even larger garden.
Lanterns were already lit in the garden, clusters of light creating a shadowy atmosphere all around. She had never been here before and was secretly surprised that the Commander’s mansion was larger than she had imagined. Not seeing Fangchun, she called out to Old Woman Zhou, “Where is your lady?”
As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized the question was unnecessary. Someone was leaning against the moon gate ahead, with an elegant figure and relaxed demeanor. A clear voice like flowing water falling on a seven-stringed zither spoke carelessly: “The couple is having their reunion after a brief separation, Fourth Young Miss shouldn’t disturb them. I’m free though, so I can keep Fourth Young Miss company.”
Qingyuan stood there without moving, her earlier premonition finally proven true, bringing a sense of settled dust. But the timing was wrong – meeting someone she shouldn’t at the wrong time was a serious transgression. She said, “What unfortunate timing, I didn’t know the Commander had returned to Youzhou. It’s getting late, and since I can’t see Fangchun, I should take my leave.”
As a proper young lady from a respectable family, she didn’t engage in nighttime private meetings. After speaking, she turned to leave. Shen Run made a sound of protest, “Fourth Young Miss, please wait. There have been developments in the case of your previous assault, and I was hoping to tell you about it. Would you like to hear?”
Qingyuan stopped at these words, tilting her head to ask, “What happened?”
The person at the gate tilted his head in return, “Shall we stand here and talk? Fourth Young Miss isn’t meeting me for the first time – do you not trust my character?”
Regarding trust, it was obvious, but when the character was mentioned, one had to be extremely careful. Qingyuan smiled, “How can the Commander say such things? I was once saved by the Commander, which is why I’m standing here today. Even if Qingyuan distrusted everyone else in the world, she wouldn’t distrust the Commander.”
He found these words somewhat satisfactory, turned around, and said while walking, “Then let’s enter the garden, sit down, and have a proper conversation.”
Qingyuan looked back; Old Woman Zhou had disappeared at some point, and only a few maids carrying lanterns could be seen passing by in the distance, chatting and laughing. She had no choice but to follow him into the garden. In the twilight, small stones crackled under their feet. The person ahead wore a pleasant fragrance, like xunyi mixed with suhexiang oil, creating an air both cool and lingering in the deep dusk.
Commander Shen was different from ordinary military men, which was indeed rare. She had seen him in court robes and casual attire when at leisure; few men could be pleasing to the eye whether walking or sitting. The temporary decline of the Shen family had only strengthened his resolve and made him more methodical, leaving no ugly marks on his person.
In the cool, breezy night, his voice was equally crisp, “That day I only offered Fourth Young Miss the simple tea and food of the Palace Command. I’ve felt bad about it and thought about it for several days. Today, fortunately, provides an opportunity to make up for that shortcoming – we can talk while we eat.” He turned his head slightly, revealing his handsome profile and half of his neck, smiling as he said, “Surely Fourth Young Miss won’t refuse this favor?”
For some reason, though his current behavior was entirely proper, she could still detect an air of enchantment about him. This showed how important first impressions were – once fixed, no amount of reform could change them.
As for her, would the embarrassing sight of her hiding in the cabinet also remain in his mind forever? It was too late to regret her past actions now, so she could only try to maintain her composure, responding vaguely, “Shouldn’t we invite the Metropolitan Commander and Fangchun?”
Shen Run was very direct, “What’s the point of inviting them? I find them bothersome.”
He often had such forthright moments when speaking, and Qingyuan, having heard them many times, was no longer surprised. However, it felt strange for just the two of them to sit and dine together. After taking her seat, she remained more concerned about the case, “What developments did the Commander mention? Have you identified the mastermind?”
Shen Run poured her a cup of wine, responding in a mild tone: “It was Liang Yi, the Defender-in-Chief of the Xilong Guard. He previously served under Lady Hu’s father and only joined the Xilong Guard after Old General Hu retired. This man values old relationships – when his former superior’s daughter asked for help, he agreed, thinking a young lady like you would be easy to deal with. He didn’t expect my intervention, and now he’s probably regretting it deeply. I’ve already sent people to find him. Fourth Young Miss needn’t worry; if he’s sensible, he’ll come to see me on his own.”
“What if he feigns ignorance?” Qingyuan asked, “What does the Commander plan to do then?”
He raised his eyebrows with a smile, “If we couldn’t handle him, wouldn’t that make my Palace Command a useless department! I have a hundred ways to make him talk, but unfortunately…” He cast a meaningful glance at her and sighed.
Qingyuan hesitated before asking, “Commander, please speak freely – unfortunately what?”
“Unfortunately, among my hundred methods, there isn’t one that could make Fourth Young Miss fall in love with Shen Run.” He propped his chin up, speaking in a plaintive tone, “Does Fourth Young Miss like Shen Run today?”
Qingyuan thought for a moment, then shook her head, “Commander, why do you always speak such predatory words? I’m a proper young lady – if you continue to jest like this, I’ll leave.”
Shen Run was stunned by her words, “‘Predatory words’?” The phrase was perfectly chosen – perhaps he truly did seem predatory to her now.
As she stood to leave, he quickly reached out to catch her sleeve. Given their seated positions opposite each other, this gesture carried a somewhat pleading quality. But the Commander never cared about appearing humble before someone he liked, so while he wouldn’t release her sleeve, his tone softened, “Alright, alright, can’t I have a proper conversation with Fourth Young Miss?”
Qingyuan knew in her heart that this man was fundamentally improper – her righteous corrections would last at most the time it takes to drink a cup of tea before his old ways would resurface like rekindled ashes.
However, still wanting to learn more from him, she noticed his grip on her sleeve was very light, as light as a feather brushing against her heart. Qingyuan sat down again, “If Liang Yi implicates Lady Hu, how does the Commander plan to handle it?”
Shen Run withdrew his hand, his fingertips pinching the fine porcelain cup as he turned it, watching the tide-like curves spread across its surface. Though the fruit wine was mild, its fragrance was rich. She didn’t drink, and he didn’t urge her to, only raising his eyes to look at her, “I want to ask Fourth Young Miss, what are your thoughts?”
The girl’s complexion was stunning under the lamplight, with a faint golden glow tinting her eyebrows and eyes, making even her hesitation at the corners of her eyes and brows appear enchanting.
She rested one arm on the table, her slender wrist adorned with a five-colored tourmaline bracelet, not as ostentatious as those wearing gold or silver, but delicate and reflecting a young lady’s charming sensibilities. She seemed very hesitant, her five fingers gripping then releasing, releasing then gripping, before finally saying: “If it were up to my heart since she harmed my mother before and now tried to harm me, I would want her to pay blood for blood immediately. But in this matter, though there was a plan, it wasn’t carried out, and I’m still alive. Even if the matter were raised, the Xie family wouldn’t stand idle. For the principal wife to be involved in such a lawsuit would greatly damage the Xie family’s reputation. The Old Madam would try everything to save her, and if I were to persist, it might lead to rumors of me framing my stepmother, which would be counterproductive. As for that servant, he was a house-born slave – if the master accidentally killed him, at most there would be a hundred strokes and some monetary compensation. If the bereaved family doesn’t pursue the matter, it will pass. She sighed, “It’s all because I escaped death, and the show couldn’t go on – there’s no way to properly deal with her.”
Shen Run heard this and sneered, “If you had died, would trading two lives for her one be worth it? It’s better to be alive – alive to watch her fall into disgrace. Isn’t it more satisfying to laugh in her face while she cries?”
Hearing him say this, Qingyuan smiled, “The Commander speaks well, that’s exactly what I was thinking. However, letting her off so easily still leaves me unsatisfied.”
He put down his wine cup and served her some dishes, “Fourth Young Miss, don’t just talk – try the skills of our private kitchen. This was just made by our new chef from Jiangnan, see if it suits your taste.”
Only then did Qingyuan pick up some shredded venison, savoring it carefully before nodding, “This is the right taste. Our Hengtang dishes are somewhat sweeter and emphasize rich sauces. Commander’s mansion harbors such hidden talents – where did you find such an excellent chef?”
Shen Run merely smiled without speaking, naturally not telling her that this chef had been recruited from the largest restaurant in the capital. He always planned – she was born in the South and would always miss her hometown’s cuisine. In the future, when she was married and expecting a child like Fangchun, if she craved Southern dishes, having a ready chef would save trouble.
But he couldn’t tell her this – if he did, she might hit him, so he casually said: “Since there’s good news from Shen Che’s household – this is our Shen family’s first child. Shen Che isn’t often in Youzhou, and since you’re close to her, please look after her in the future! Feel free to visit the mansion often, and you can direct the servants as you wish. If you want something good to eat, just tell Old Woman Zhou to arrange it.” He spoke in a completely familial tone, then asked her, “Do you need anything? Like rouge and powder… there’s a good cosmetics shop in the capital, even the palace consorts send people to buy from there. In a few days, I’ll have someone send you several boxes – keep what you like for yourself, and give away what you don’t.”
Qingyuan felt somewhat embarrassed, not understanding why he was being so familiar. A girl’s rouge, handkerchiefs – these were very private things, little pleasures belonging to a young lady’s inner chambers. Once a man got involved, it felt inappropriate.
She lowered her head, holding her chopsticks between her teeth, mumbling, “We have servants specifically in charge of buying these things…”
He reached over and gently removed the ivory chopsticks from her lips, “Don’t talk with chopsticks in your mouth, you might chip your teeth. I’m worried those servants discriminate – giving the best items to the First and Second Young Ladies, leaving you with only leftovers.”
Qingyuan felt increasingly uncomfortable – in front of him, she seemed like an inexperienced child, and he was even worried about her chipping her teeth. Though it was true that she used others’ leftovers, she didn’t mind such things. She rarely used rouge and powder anyway, and if she got worked up over such minor matters, she’d have endless grievances in daily life.
She made a sound of acknowledgment and put down her chopsticks. He looked puzzled, “What’s wrong? Is the food not good?”
Qingyuan said no, “I’m full.”
Shen Run laughed, “You’re full after just two bites? In the future, when we eat together more often if you’re this reserved, won’t you go hungry at every meal?” As he spoke, he scooped up some braised meat, “This is good, it’s the most common dish from your Hengtang – you must have eaten it at the Chen family. I didn’t often eat Southern cuisine before, always thinking it was too sweet, but now I find the taste just right, with the perfect balance of salt and sweetness, like you.”
But there he went again. Qingyuan touched her forehead and said, “Commander, you can’t keep trying to flirt with me, it makes my heart flutter.”
“That’s exactly right,” he said calmly, “If I don’t flirt with you, how will you willingly become my wife in the future? You’ll have to get used to my impropriety when I’m with you. After all, I don’t flirt with anyone else – you’ll come to appreciate my good points in the future.”
Qingyuan’s face and neck reddened at his words. Annoyed, she scooped up some food and stuffed it into her mouth forcefully, “If the Commander thinks I’m like a proper young lady from a good family, suitable to marry and manage the household, then you’re mistaken. I’m very crude, bad-tempered, and hold grudges.”
He said it didn’t matter, “I’ll make you like me.”
The conversation had reached another dead end. She stared at him blankly, truly unable to understand how someone could be so clear about their intentions.
He noticed her gaze fixed on his face and generously showed her an enchanting smile, “Why are you looking at me like that?” The words rolled lightly off his tongue, their exchanged glances like hooks catching and holding tight, as he leaned his face closer. Then his gaze moved down to her rouge-red lips, “Has Fourth Young Miss developed some thoughts about me? Looking at a man like this isn’t proper. If you keep looking… if you keep looking, I’ll have to…”
Qingyuan startled, quickly covering her mouth with her hand.
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