Song Ke felt dazed all morning, with every word from the great scholar seeming to pass through his ears like wind. When his mind wandered to the stationery set made by Xiang Lan, it felt like a sharp knife piercing his heart, followed by rising anger.
He thought to himself: “Chen Xiang Lan, you little girl, how could you present me with such a difficult problem right before the autumn imperial examinations, not giving me a moment’s peace! You’re just a maid by birth, so why are you unwilling to be a concubine? Our feelings run deep, and I’ve shown you great kindness, yet you’re heartless enough to leave me? What if I simply refuse to let you go and keep you by my side – what could you do then?”
But then he deflated, thinking: “Yes, she has both beauty and charm, not to mention her cleverness and quick wit, plus her skill in painting. With such talent and learning, how could she willingly become someone’s concubine… Even if I keep her here, what good would it do if she’s unwilling? Living in daily hatred would be worse than never seeing each other again…”
Lin Jin Ting, sitting beside him, watched as Song Ke alternated between glaring, gritting his teeth, and clenching his fists, then becoming dejected and forlorn. He kicked Song Ke and whispered, “Yi Fei, what’s wrong with you today? Usually, you’re so lively in class, staring at the scholar so intently you could bore holes, but today you look like frost-beaten eggplant…” He smirked, “Could it be you’re lovesick?”
Song Ke glared at Lin Jin Ting. When the cloud board sounded, he hastily packed up his books and said, “I’m not feeling well today, my head hurts. I’m going home to lie down.”
Lin Jin Ting quickly said, “Then you should let Doctor Luo check your pulse.” He continued with a grin, “If it’s lovesickness, that’s treatable too. Tell me which family’s daughter it is, and I’ll find a matchmaker to propose marriage for you.”
Song Ke replied irritably, “My illness, Doctor Luo can’t cure; and this lovesickness, your matchmaker can’t treat either.” With that, he left.
Lin Jin Ting had just been joking and didn’t believe Song Ke had fallen for someone. He muttered to himself, “I don’t think he’s sick; he must have taken the wrong medicine today.”
Song Ke ordered his servant to bring his horse and then rode home. Somehow, as if possessed, he rode to the back street of the Song residence, arriving beneath Xiang Lan’s tower. He looked up and saw the small window propped open with stone lion figurines, and bamboo blinds swaying gently in the wind, but couldn’t tell what the person inside was doing – whether painting, grooming, or perhaps doing needlework…
The servant Si Mo observed his master’s expression and thought to himself: “This is Miss Xiang Lan’s home. Could it be the young master misses her? No wonder he’s been so distracted lately.” He softly suggested, “Young Master, shall I knock and ask Sister Xiang Lan to come out? She’s been home for several days now; we could bring her back.”
Song Ke shook his head. Though he wanted to see Xiang Lan, his mood was too chaotic at the moment – what would he say if he saw her? He sighed, “Let’s go back.”
Unknown to him, Xiang Lan was hiding behind the bamboo blinds, quietly watching him. She saw Song Ke still maintain his elegant, jade-like bearing as he gazed longingly at her window. Her heart ached, but when she saw him leave, she silently sighed and slowly withdrew.
Song Ke turned his horse around to leave when he saw a tall, fair-faced scholar approaching but paid him no mind. As he neared the back gate of the Song residence, he looked back and saw that scholar knocking on the Chen family’s door!
Song Ke immediately reined in his horse.
Madam Xue came out to answer the door, wearing a smile and appearing very familiar with the scholar. They chatted for a while, and the scholar took out a package to give to Madam Xue. She initially refused but eventually accepted it after some persuasion, then exchanged a few more pleasantries before closing the door.
The scholar didn’t leave, instead standing below the tower with his hands in his sleeves, gazing up in a daze for quite some time before turning around. He met Song Ke’s gaze and was startled.
This scholar was Xia Yun, who had obtained some fine tea these past few days and eagerly brought it to Chen Wan Quan, hoping to see Xiang Lan. But Madam Xue wouldn’t even let him through the door, leaving him dejected. Turning around, he saw a young master on horseback, handsome and refined, riding a chestnut horse with a servant holding the reins – clearly from a wealthy family.
Xia Yun noticed the young master studying him, his face dark with displeasure, and felt puzzled. But then the young master suddenly turned his horse and left.
Song Ke returned to the front gate and dismounted, his heart heavy and frustration growing. He could tell the scholar’s intentions from one look and was so angry he could hardly breathe. He wanted to ask Xiang Lan who that scholar was, how long she had known him, and if she favored him – was that why she was trying to leave?
As he strode inside, he noticed carriages in the courtyard and asked, “Who has come?”
The doorman had wanted to announce the visitors but seeing Song Ke return in such an angry state, hadn’t dared approach. Now that he asked, the man quickly replied, “The ladies from the Marquis Xian’s household have come to visit. The Madam said to have you pay respects to your elders when you returned.”
Song Ke nodded, went to his room to change into formal clothes, and wiped his face in preparation for receiving guests.
In the room, Aunt Song and Lady Wei, the Marquis Xian’s wife, were chatting pleasantly. Aunt Song smiled, “We should have visited your residence first, yet you’ve come to us instead.”
Lady Wei laughed, “We’re all connected through various relations – what difference does it make who visits first? We’ve also come back to see our ancestral home, and we don’t know many people in Jin Ling. Since we got along so well at the Lin residence last time, especially with how well the girls played together, we should visit more often.”
Aunt Song smiled, “Of course.”
Lady Wei continued, “Eleven or twelve years ago when we were in the capital, our two families often visited each other. At that time, Lord Song was a frequent guest of my husband, and he would bring the young master to play at our home. Whenever our sons and daughters celebrated their birthdays, they all received Lord Song’s calligraphy. He truly had excellent handwriting.”
Aunt Song sighed wistfully, “Indeed, how many years have passed in the blink of an eye – the children have grown up, we’ve all aged, and my husband…” Her eyes welled with tears, but remembering she had distinguished guests present, she forced a smile and said, “Look at me, why am I talking about such things?” She repeatedly ordered the maids to bring out fresh fruits and refreshments.
Lady Wei quickly said, “No need to be so formal – we’re just here to chat and reminisce… Speaking of children, your young master must be sixteen or seventeen now?”
Aunt Song’s face lit up at the mention of her son, and she smiled, “Indeed, he’ll be seventeen after the New Year. He’s just like his father, and he’s endured much hardship since his father’s passing, supporting us widowed mother and child, establishing our household. Yet he’s diligent in his studies and has already become a scholar. He’ll be taking the provincial examinations this autumn. Not to boast, but our eldest is quite scholarly – he always ranks first in the academy examinations. If he hadn’t been delayed by family matters these past two years, he might have already become an imperial scholar like his father.”
Lady Wei maintained a polite smile while thinking disapprovingly, “Wanting to become an imperial scholar at just seventeen? Does she think it’s as simple as buying vegetables? Those who passed the imperial examinations before twenty in this dynasty can be counted on one hand. Her son may have some talent, but how can she be so presumptuous?” However, she said aloud, “Elder sister is truly blessed to have such a son – you’ll have someone to rely on in your later years.”
This comment struck right at Aunt Song’s heart, making her beam with joy. Seeing Zheng Jing Xian sitting in the chair to the right, holding a handkerchief, though not exactly delicate in beauty, she was still quite pretty with the bearing of a noble family. Aunt Song praised continuously, “Sister, don’t just talk about me – you’re blessed as well. Look at Miss Xian, such beauty, with a bearing that no young lady I’ve seen can match. Has she been betrothed yet?”
Lady Wei sighed, “Not yet, it’s quite worrisome.”
Just then, Song Ke entered, clasping his hands in greeting, “Junior pays respects to Lady Wei.”
This was Lady Wei’s first time seeing Song Ke. Seeing his handsome appearance, like the bright morning sun, wearing a mulberry-dyed straight-cut robe with a lotus belt that enhanced his refined bearing, she exclaimed delightedly, “This child, with such bearing, puts all our young masters to shame!” After looking him over, she immediately felt affection for him and said warmly, “No need to call me ‘Lady’ – it’s too formal. By generational order, you should call me Aunt, and I’ll call you nephew, which is quite proper.”
Song Ke clasped his hands and agreed. Aunt Song then introduced Zheng Jing Xian. Song Ke bowed and addressed her as “sister,” and Zheng Jing Xian rose to return the greeting.
After the introductions, Lady Wei asked Song Ke in detail about what books he studied, his daily activities, which academy he attended, and who his teachers were. Song Ke had planned to make a brief appearance and return to contemplate Xiang Lan’s matter, but finding himself unable to refuse Lady Wei’s questions, he could only respond politely.
Aunt Song, who already saw her son as perfect, rarely had the chance to praise him living in the inner quarters. Now seeing someone who recognized his worth, she became particularly excited, agreeing with Lady Wei’s words and praising Song Ke from head to toe until even he became uncomfortable, his ears reddening as he repeatedly signaled Song Tan Chai with his eyes.
But Song Tan Chai pretended not to notice, instead winking at him and covering her mouth to hide her giggles.
Hearing that Song Ke managed shops and farmland at such a young age, Lady Wei’s gaze grew even softer.
When the conversation finally concluded, Song Ke took his leave and went to the courtyard, where he saw the osmanthus flowers blooming. He remembered Xiang Lan once telling him with a smile: “When autumn comes and the osmanthus flowers bloom in the courtyard, I’ll pick some to make osmanthus wine. The osmanthus wine in the market is too sweet and strong – I’ll make it more fragrant. Then I’ll make some pastries with it – they’ll be delicious!” He stared at the osmanthus tree for a while before sighing heavily and walking back. At the hanging flower gate, he suddenly saw a handkerchief fall at his feet. Looking up, he saw Zheng Jing Xian and a maid had somehow appeared behind him.
Zheng Jing Xian usually dressed with a masculine air, wearing only pale colors like corn yellow or grass green, with her hair simply done up and a red gold necklace as her only ornament. Today, however, she wore a peach-colored dress embroidered with peonies, her hair intricately styled with dangling red gold phoenix hairpins, and some powder on her face. This transformation softened her usual masculine air, making her appear every bit the proper young lady of a noble family.
Song Ke knew it was improper for ladies to meet men privately. In his moment of surprise, Zheng Jing Xian’s maid Yue Er had already stepped forward to retrieve the handkerchief. Zheng Jing Xian, however, remained composed, smiling at Song Ke and saying, “Brother Yi Fei probably doesn’t remember me, but you visited our residence when we were young.”