Chen Xianglan never expected Song Ke to say such words. Her heart surged with emotion, and her throat tightened, leaving her unable to speak despite opening her mouth.
Song Ke clenched his fist, his heart pounding like a drum. He licked his dry lips and said, “Would you… return home with me first? After the imperial examinations, I will give you an answer.” He held his breath slightly after speaking.
Xianglan’s bright eyes gazed at him, seemingly filled with clear autumn waters, maintaining such a long stare that Song Ke suddenly felt he understood her heart, yet immediately doubted his understanding.
Growing anxious, he reached for Xianglan’s small hand. Just then, the water on the stove bubbled loudly, and the sound of tea implements clinking came from the inner room. Madam Xue emerged with a tray, saying, “Young Master Song, our home is humble and we don’t have any fine tea, but someone recently gave us a jar of new tea—please try it.”
Song Ke had to withdraw his hand and awkwardly return to his seat. Xianglan personally served him tea. Seeing his embarrassed expression, her lips couldn’t help but twitch with amusement. Song Ke caught sight of her momentary smile and was transfixed, absently responding to Madam Xue while his eyes remained fixed on Xianglan until she lifted her skirts and went upstairs.
Fortunately, Madam Xue was busy searching for the best snacks to serve Song Ke and didn’t notice anything unusual between them, continuously asking about his family’s situation.
Song Ke responded distractedly, still pondering the meaning behind Xianglan’s actions. He lifted the tea for a sip, not noticing its temperature and burning his mouth again. In his awkward moment, he heard the stairs creaking, and Xianglan descended with a bundle, saying calmly, “Didn’t Young Master come to take me home?”
Song Ke was overjoyed and quickly stood up, saying, “Yes, yes indeed.” Fearing she might change her mind, he said to Madam Xue, “I have matters to attend to at home and cannot stay longer, but I’ll visit another day. Aunt Xue, if you miss Xianglan, feel free to send someone with a message, and she can come stay for a few days.”
Madam Xue expressed endless thanks as she saw them out.
Upon returning to the Song residence, Song Ke first paid respects to Aunt Song. When he returned, he found Xianglan tidying his study. He sat at his desk, pretending to read while watching Xianglan busy herself around the room. His heart finally settled, feeling secure and at peace.
He cleared his throat and said, “Tea.”
Xianglan went to the tea room and brought back a cup of warm tea, placing it before Song Ke. He took a sip and frowned slightly, “Why is it only warm?”
As Xianglan walked away, she replied, “Weren’t you burned enough by the hot tea earlier? Do you need to be scalded again?”
Song Ke felt slightly embarrassed but caught her hand, eventually saying, “Don’t go home again when you’re upset. Give me time to think things through clearly.”
Xianglan nodded. Actually, after returning home, she had felt somewhat regretful. With the provincial examinations approaching, she regretted choosing this moment to force the issue. If it affected Song Ke’s performance in the examinations, she would bear some responsibility.
Seeing her lowered head and docile manner, Song Ke felt pleased and said softly, “Yesterday the estate sent four pots of chrysanthemums—one Rouge Snow, one Jade Teapot Spring, one Dark Ink, and one Pink Dawn Peach. Each flower is as large as a bowl, like beautifully embroidered balls. Go choose two pots, and have Little Yi take one to Mother’s room and one to my sister.”
Xianglan replied, “Tch! Instead of giving the best to your mother and sister first, you let me choose? If word gets out, won’t people gossip?”
Song Ke laughed, “It’s just us here—who would spread such talk? Besides, aren’t you good at painting? Keep two pots you like and paint them for entertainment.” Seeing Xianglan’s silence, he coughed and added, “See how good I am to you… could you find anyone else in the world who’d treat you this well?”
Xianglan raised her head slightly, her moist eyes glancing at him once before lowering again.
Song Ke said, “Since I’m so good to you, tell me about that poor scholar who went to your house yesterday?”
Xianglan was startled, “Poor scholar?”
“The tall, thin one. He brought something to your house and talked with your mother for a while, then stood below your house looking up—he didn’t look like a decent person.” Song Ke frowned, completely forgetting that he had once stood beneath the Chen house looking up.
Xianglan thought for a moment, vaguely remembering Madam Xue mentioning that Xia Yun had come yesterday and brought a jar of tea. She glanced at Song Ke with a half-smile and said, “I should be the one asking you questions. Dressed so properly, you don’t look like you were going to study at the academy. Could it be you were visiting your future father-in-law?”
Hearing the jealousy in Xianglan’s voice, Song Ke was pleased again and said, “What father-in-law? It’s quite troublesome.” He then explained the past dealings between the Song family and Marquis Xian’s household.
Xianglan thought for a moment and said, “I don’t understand much about men’s business affairs and career paths, but one thing is clear: evil deeds will have consequences, though it’s amusing how people treat this as mere hearsay. Since Marquis Xian is a callous person, it’s best not to associate too closely with him.”
Song Ke nodded, “Indeed. If not for Miss Zheng’s forceful insistence on my visit, I would have maintained a respectful distance from their family.”
Xianglan thought to herself: “Zheng Baichuan pretended to be friendly with my grandfather while secretly conspiring with the Eighth Prince to rebel, falsely accusing and eliminating opponents, harming loyal officials. His indifference to the Song family is understandable. Though Zheng Jingxian has feelings for Song Ke, I fear it’s like flowing water without sentiment—her efforts will be in vain. Even if Song Ke is determined to advance himself, he wouldn’t stoop to associate with such unsavory characters.”
Lost in thought, she felt Song Ke squeeze her hand and ask, “I’ve told you my story, now tell me, who was that poor scholar?”
Xianglan replied, “He was just a former neighbor who asked my father to help sell some of his copied writings.”
Song Ke frowned and said, “That man looks shifty and untrustworthy—better to have less contact with him!”
Xianglan deliberately said, “I heard he’s been a reading prodigy since childhood and is also taking the provincial examinations this year. Young Master Song should focus on his studies, lest he perform worse than even this ‘shifty’ character and lose face.”
Song Ke said angrily, “How could I possibly perform worse than him? Tell me his name—after the results are posted, I want to see if he ranks above me!” While speaking, he picked up a book to read.
Xianglan smiled slightly and turned to look at the four chrysanthemum pots in the corner, secretly sighing, “Very well, we’ll wait until after his examinations to discuss matters.”
To make a long story short, in mid-August, Song Ke took the provincial examinations and returned home to sleep for two days straight. On the third day, he rose and resumed his studies. When the results were announced in September, Song Ke achieved the top rank of Yuan. The entire Song household rejoiced. Aunt Song wept with joy and immediately went to the family shrine to kowtow before the Buddha and Song Fang’s memorial tablet, inevitably breaking into tears again. Song Tanchai’s face also beamed with happiness. Aunt Song held her hand and said, “Amitabha Buddha, once your brother returns as the top scholar, we can arrange a good marriage for you.” Song Tanchai blushed and lowered her head without speaking.
For several days, visitors came continuously to offer congratulations. From the prominent Lin family and Marquis Xian’s household who had old connections with the Song family, to local gentry and landlords, and even those who had heard Song Ke was unmarried and wished to arrange marriages or act as matchmakers. Song Ke wasn’t troubled and dealt with each visitor appropriately, naturally engaging in various social obligations. Because the Lin family’s congratulatory gifts were too valuable, he visited to express his gratitude. Besides the traditional scholarly items sent by Zheng Baichuan’s steward, Zheng Jingxian secretly sent a very expensive decorative sword through her servant. Song Ke declined to accept it and had it returned directly to Zheng Baichuan, after which Zheng Jingxian fell silent.
After handling all these mundane affairs, Song Ke packed his belongings and prepared to leave for the capital with Shi Mo.
Xianglan filled a trunk with various necessities, carefully checking everything several times before sitting on the couch lost in thought. It was early October and quite cool. The room was warmed with fragrant incense, and thick felt curtains hung at the door and windows.
Song Ke came in from outside and, seeing Xianglan’s dazed expression, sat beside her and said, “Why so glum? If one day apart feels like three autumns, shall I take you to the capital? The Song family still has an old house there—though not large, it’s well-maintained. You’ve never been to the capital; it would be good to get a change of scenery.”
Xianglan wrinkled her nose and said, “The capital’s winters are cold—I’d rather not go. Besides, if I leave, your sister won’t have anyone to confide in. How can that be right?”
Song Ke said, “Both Lin family ladies have said that while I’m in the capital, they’ll host my mother and sister at their home, but how can another’s home compare to one’s own? If they do go, just lock up the house well and have the maids stay in your room for company and entertainment. Don’t paint late at night—be careful not to strain your eyes. I’ve put another hundred taels of silver in the rosewood box; use it if there’s any emergency.”
Xianglan agreed to everything and added, “I’ve packed the fur coat, hand warmers, and foot warmers in the trunk for you to use on the journey. The writing implements are all your usual set. I’ve packed six sets of clothes—if that’s not enough, you can get more in the capital. There are also two boxes of pastries in case the food on the road isn’t clean; eat those if you’re hungry. You’re too ambitious, but everything has its proper time. Just do your best and take care of yourself. Don’t worry too much about home—we’ll just keep to ourselves and live quietly.”
Song Ke said, “Yes, if there’s any emergency, go to Third Master Lin of the Lin family—he can always help.” He pulled Xianglan into his embrace and whispered in her ear, “Wait for my triumphant return.”
Xianglan nodded, her eyes growing moist.
Song Ke reached out and pulled an old silver hairpin that she often wore from her hair, saying, “Give me this as a keepsake.”
Xianglan laughed, “This is the hairpin I use most often, and you want to take it? The pouches, writing implement cases, belts, and shoes you use—which one wasn’t sewn by my hand? Yet you insist on taking this hairpin.”
Song Ke waved the hairpin and smiled, “This is the only thing you wear constantly. I’ll use it to tie my hair during the examinations.” After sharing more intimate words, he went to see Aunt Song and Song Tanchai.
Naturally, there were many emotional farewells at the Song family gate. After Song Ke gave several instructions and spoke to the household servants, he finally boarded the carriage, lifted the curtain, and waved goodbye as he departed.
Xianglan didn’t join the crowd but watched from a street corner. Only after Song Ke’s carriage had disappeared into the distance did she collect herself and return home, remembering his parting words: “When I return, we’ll properly address our matter.” She then closed the door and waited single-mindedly for Song Ke’s return.
Who could have imagined that in these few short months of Song Ke’s absence, sudden storms would arise and circumstances would change dramatically?