Song Ke naturally remembered. His father Song Fang was a frequent guest of Marquis Xian Zheng Bai Chuan, and when he was five or six years old, he was often brought to visit the Marquis’ residence. Zheng Jing Xian was a year younger, just a four-year-old toddler then. Her eyes resembled her father’s, and before her features had fully developed, she looked rather boyish.

Yet she would always follow behind him, calling him “Brother Yi Fei.” The ladies would tease, saying: “Miss Xian likes Young Master Ke so much, could she be wanting to be his bride in the future?” Zheng Jing Xian would raise her thick eyebrows, stare with her large eyes, and declare, “Why not? What’s wrong with that!” Everyone would burst into laughter.

Song Ke found it tedious. Having been reincarnated, he wasn’t truly a child and paid no attention to such playful banter. Still, Zheng Jing Xian’s attachment was somewhat bothersome. Later, as they grew older, boys and girls were separated at age seven, and Zheng Jing Xian was confined to the inner quarters, rarely seeing any men outside the family. Their occasional encounters were mere glimpses. Now meeting again, Zheng Jing Xian had grown into a proper young lady, though her eyes still retained their spirited look.

Zheng Jing Xian quietly studied Song Ke. She had last seen him in the Lin family garden, standing beside a bamboo grove with a young servant, gazing toward the Rong Cui residence. His indigo-patterned clothes made him appear like a straight pine tree, yet as light as clouds on the horizon. Zheng Jing Xian immediately recognized him as the “Brother Yi Fei” who often visited their home in her childhood. Her heart began to race, and she couldn’t take her eyes off him, remaining in a daze long after he had left.

Now looking at Song Ke, she felt her face growing warm for some reason.

Song Ke bowed and said, “After so many years, I dare not presume to recognize you.”

Zheng Jing Xian curtsied and smiled, “My father still often mentions Lord Song, saying what a learned man he was and how unfortunate his early death was. He speaks of his only son being exceptionally talented in literature from a young age, wondering how he has developed now.”

Song Ke quickly bowed, “I’m grateful for Marquis Xian’s concern. I shall certainly pay a visit another day.”

This was merely a polite phrase, but Zheng Jing Xian immediately responded, “My father is at our ancestral home now. Tomorrow would be fine – I’ll tell him you’re coming so he won’t go out.” With that, she bowed and took her leave.

Song Ke was startled and shook his head helplessly. Miss Zheng’s temperament remained unchanged – domineering since childhood, even more so now. Proper visits required formal calling cards and choosing an appropriate date, yet Zheng Jing Xian had decided everything with just one sentence.

Yue Xi and Jun Xi had been talking behind the outer study’s gate, and this scene had fallen right before their eyes. They exchanged glances. Yue Xi whispered, “The Marquis Xian’s daughter is quite bold, daring to meet the young master privately in someone else’s home, not fearing for her reputation.”

Jun Xi pursed her lips and said, “I think she’s hoping her reputation will be compromised so she can trap our master. Just look at how she stares at him.”

Yue Xi quickly covered her mouth, saying, “You mustn’t speak so carelessly.”

Jun Xi replied, “If she dares to look that way, why can’t I speak of it?” After thinking, she added, “We should tell Xiang Lan about this. She and the young master have feelings for each other, and Miss Zheng doesn’t look easy to deal with. If she marries into the family, Xiang Lan will surely suffer. We should warn her to be prepared.”

Yue Xi said, “Nothing’s certain yet.”

Jun Xi responded, “She’s already visiting – how is that not certain?”

Yue Xi remembered Zheng Jing Xian’s eager gaze at Song Ke and fell silent. She called Lu Dou over and said, “Go to the back street and find Xiang Lan. Tell her that Lady Wei and Miss Zheng came, praised the young master extensively, and Miss Zheng even asked him to visit her father tomorrow.” She then gave Lu Dou some money.

Lu Dou took the money and went to the back street, knocked on the Chen family’s door, and relayed Yue Xi’s message to Xiang Lan. Being clever, Xiang Lan immediately understood. She gave Lu Dou some fruit and said, “I understand. Please thank Sister Yue Xi for me.” She thought to herself: “The three Miss Lins and now Marquis Xian’s Zheng Jing Xian have all taken a fancy to Song Ke. It’s no wonder they’re so smitten – young ladies in the inner quarters rarely see any men outside their families. Moreover, Song Ke is handsome and refined, with such rare elegance in this world, plus his learning and talents. Even though his family has fallen on hard times, countless innocent young ladies have fallen for him.” She slowly sat down in a chair, thinking, “The Marquis Xian’s family has lasted three generations. Though not as prominent as before, they’re still a proper noble family. This generation has produced one or two talented individuals – not many, but enough to maintain their status. Zheng Jing Xian is Lady Wei’s only daughter from her second marriage and is particularly beloved by the Marquis. If Song Ke marries her, it would give his official career a boost – surely something he would greatly desire.”

She sighed quietly and put away the half-finished shoes she was making for Song Ke into a chest, locking it with a “click.”

The next morning, Song Ke took his calling card to the Zheng family’s ancestral home. The doorman led him in, and a matron showed him to the study. The servant at the door said, “The master is writing and has ordered that no one disturb him. Young master, please wait a moment.”

Song Ke replied, “No matter, I wouldn’t dare disturb an elder.” He stood in the courtyard holding his gifts, thinking to himself: “Marquis Xian puts on such airs. Even for a junior visiting, without urgent business, he should receive them. Yet he’s just writing characters for leisure while making someone stand waiting in the courtyard. Even when Prime Minister Shen held supreme power at court, he wasn’t this pretentious.”

Inside, Zheng Bai Chuan stood behind his desk, brush in hand, making marks on paper. Now over fifty, his temples had grayed. Having inherited his ancestral title, he had lived a life of privilege, once served as an Imperial Censor before retiring, and now spent his days in leisure pursuits like flower arrangement and poetry.

He looked up and saw Zheng Jing Xian secretly peeking through the door crack. He coughed and lowered his eyes, saying, “What are you looking at? He’s only waiting a moment and you’re already anxious?”

Zheng Jing Xian pouted and came over, hugging her father’s arm, “I invited him to visit you, Father. Making him stand in the courtyard is like slapping your daughter’s face.”

“Nonsense,” Zheng Bai Chuan put down his brush and glared at Zheng Jing Xian. “Who ever heard of eagerly inviting someone to visit?” Yesterday when his wife and daughter returned from the Song residence, they couldn’t stop praising Song Ke. Upon inquiry, he realized mother and daughter had gone to look over a potential son-in-law and husband respectively. He wasn’t old-fashioned – such looking wasn’t inappropriate, but since Song Fang’s death, that branch of the family had declined, barely maintaining its former status. Though still technically from an official family, they weren’t particularly distinguished. His daughter Zheng Jing Xian might not be of imperial nobility, but she was still a young lady from a noble family. That she had set her heart on such a family displeased him greatly, hence his deliberate slight to Song Ke today.

Zheng Jing Xian wouldn’t have it. She snatched the brush from Zheng Bai Chuan’s hand and stamped her foot, “You can practice calligraphy anytime – why must it be now? Father, quickly let him in, hurry, hurry!”

Zheng Bai Chuan was helpless against this daughter of his old age. He could only wave his hand and sit down with a sigh.

Song Ke was standing in the courtyard, his mind full of thoughts about Xiang Lan, when suddenly the door opened and Zheng Jing Xian stood there, smiling radiantly, “Sorry for the wait, please come in.”

Song Ke was startled, understanding somewhat. He cupped his hands and entered, seeing Zheng Bai Chuan sitting behind his desk, his slightly plump round face somewhat tense. Song Ke bowed deeply, “Junior Song Ke pays respects to Elder Lord Zheng.”

From the moment Song Ke entered, Zheng Bai Chuan was struck by his bearing and his expression softened slightly. As he was carefully observing him, he noticed Zheng Jing Xian making eyes and gestures at Song Ke, so he coughed and said, “Please sit.”

Song Ke sat in the master chair to the lower left and smiled, “I’ve come in haste and haven’t prepared anything special, but I have an ancient inkstone at home, a renowned piece worth admiring. Please accept it for your collection, Elder Lord Zheng.”

This struck right at Zheng Bai Chuan’s refined tastes, and his expression softened further. Before he could speak, Zheng Jing Xian cut in, “What a wonderful gift! Father loves inkstones – he has over a hundred throughout the house. He’ll surely be delighted!”

Zheng Bai Chuan sighed inwardly and said to Song Ke, “My young daughter has been spoiled and is somewhat unruly. Please don’t take offense.” He turned to glare at Zheng Jing Xian, who stuck out her tongue and retreated to the side.

Song Ke thought to himself: “Indeed she’s been spoiled. A young lady in a guest’s study, not knowing to avoid suspicion – what kind of rules and education does this Marquis’ household have?” But outwardly he smiled and said, “Your daughter is straightforward and forthright in nature.”

Zheng Bai Chuan exchanged some pleasantries with Song Ke, and seeing Song Ke’s appropriate responses and composed manner, he nodded inwardly. He then sighed, “I was quite close with your father. When in the Censorate, we shared similar political views. He would often come to my residence to drink and discuss literature – such delightful times. Who could have known we’d be separated by life and death? It’s truly lamentable.”

Song Ke replied, “My father often praised Elder Lord Zheng’s loyalty to the emperor and country, and your courage in offering frank advice. Your integrity was most admirable, and your political views often inspired him.” Inwardly he smiled coldly: “Zheng Bai Chuan is an old fox. After my father’s death, he cut ties with our family. Despite years of friendship with my father, he didn’t extend a helping hand when we were at our lowest as a widowed mother and orphaned child. He’s hardly a person of virtue worth befriending. If not for Zheng Jing Xian insisting I come, I wouldn’t bother visiting. I can only respond with empty courtesy.”

These words pleased Zheng Bai Chuan greatly. He smiled, “You’re too kind, too kind. But you, young man, are promising indeed. I hear you’re taking the provincial examinations next month – how are your preparations?”

Before Song Ke could answer, Zheng Jing Xian came over and said, “Father, I heard this year’s chief examiner in Jin Ling is Lord Jiang Yun Jiang, whom you promoted. Why don’t you write him a letter and ask him to share some examination questions?” She glanced at Song Ke, her face reddening, and quickly looked away.

Not only did Zheng Bai Chuan’s face darken, but Song Ke also frowned, thinking: “The way Zheng Jing Xian speaks, it’s as if I came here specifically to ask Zheng Bai Chuan to pull strings for examination questions.” He immediately felt displeased. Little did he know that though Zheng Jing Xian appeared cold and proud, she burned like charcoal inside. Having set her heart on Song Ke, she was doing everything she could to help him succeed. But being young and spoiled, and concerned to the point of confusion, she had lost her composure.