Therefore, Qi Zhang had called his eldest son into the study the day before yesterday to severely scold him, warning him never to mention this matter in court again after New Year. Though reforms could continue as a show, all practical implementation must stop here.

Qi Yun naturally felt distressed about this, only feeling that his father was narrow-minded and the aristocracy even more narrow-minded – to disregard the common people of Jiangzuo and the state of Great Liang for mere money was most vexing and disappointing. At this moment, sitting in the reception hall, his anger still hadn’t subsided. When relatives saw his appearance, none were willing to rush forward and risk his displeasure, so within a zhang’s distance around him there wasn’t half a person’s shadow – quite desolate.

Qi Ying understood the causes and consequences, his heart filled with complex feelings. He approached and sat beside his elder brother, pouring him tea and saying: “I know elder brother’s worries, but tonight is New Year’s Eve with many people and loose tongues – it would be better not to let others notice anything.”

Seeing Qi Ying arrive and perceiving the understanding in his eyes, Qi Yun’s heart calmed somewhat.

He knew his second brother was one of the few in court who truly supported abolishing the salary system. At this moment he couldn’t help but speak with emotion, accepting the tea Qi Ying poured while sighing: “I don’t wish to be like this either, but seeing these vermillion gates with brilliant lights, I can’t help but think of the common people’s homelessness – Jingchen, father calls me pedantic and foolish, perhaps it’s truly so, but I always… feel unwilling to accept it.”

Unwilling to do nothing and let the suffering of Jiangzuo’s people continue.

Qi Ying looked at the somewhat bleak expression in his elder brother’s eyes and remained silent.

Perhaps this was reality: even with the Qi family’s noble aspirations to govern and pacify the realm, once they tried to implement anything concrete, they would immediately encounter countless obstacles. Not only would nothing be achieved, but even their own clan would regard them with hostility.

Great Liang was an already-built golden tower and jade pavilion, every mortise and tenon joint intertwined with powerful families’ deep roots – no matter how much one maneuvered, it couldn’t be budged in the slightest.

It would continue this way until collapse, decay, and destruction.

Qi Ying thought bleakly, then heard Qi Yun say: “If only there could be more officials from common backgrounds, if only they could have a voice, this matter wouldn’t be so…”

He finally didn’t finish, only letting out a deep sigh.

Upon hearing this, Qi Ying’s beautiful phoenix eyes lowered as he continued his silence. Then, hearing the voices in the hall growing louder, he knew grandmother must have arrived, so he turned to Qi Yun and said: “Let’s go over first – grandmother has come.”

Qi Yun sighed and nodded to Qi Ying. The two brothers rose together and walked toward the depths of the reception hall.

Old Madam Qi remained energetic and vigorous. After the New Year’s Eve dinner and before keeping the year-end vigil, she sat in the reception hall chatting with her children and grandchildren.

The Qi family was large with many descendants. Many officials posted elsewhere weren’t normally in Jiankang, but they would return to the main residence during holidays to see their relatives, each bringing their own children and grandchildren back. It was truly a grand gathering, bustling with activity. This scene of flourishing progeny greatly delighted the old madam.

The younger generation gathered around Old Madam Qi one by one to speak auspicious words, but even with all these descendants, none brought her as much joy as her accomplished second grandson.

She specifically had Qi Ying sit beside her, happily chatting with him while praising him to other clan members: “Now Jingchen’s official career is going the best – he’s promising and is our Qi family’s pride.”

Qi Ying modestly deflected a few times, then heard grandmother say with a laugh: “You needn’t be too modest. Good is good – anyone would say it’s good. My grandson is the very best, incomparable to anyone!”

Those nearby all echoed her words, each praising this young chancellor in the family. Old Madam Qi laughed happily, then said to the other children and grandchildren: “You must all learn well from your second brother, study diligently, take the imperial examinations early, and achieve high office and rich salaries in court someday to be worthy of our Qi family’s reputation.”

The younger generation all agreed, while their parents gathered around Qi Ying, either subtly or explicitly requesting that he support their children in next year’s spring examinations. For a moment, the networking became quite vigorous. Old Madam Qi also helped from the side, smiling at her second grandson: “After all, everyone is of the same lineage. Jingchen, you must remember not to disappoint your uncles and aunts – take care of those you can, hmm?”

Qi Ying looked at the clan members surrounding him, then glanced indifferently at his elder brother outside the crowd.

Behind him happened to be a jade Buddha statue, reminding him of some scenes from Qixia Temple.

Qi Ying silently withdrew his gaze, turned to grandmother, and answered: “Grandson will remember.”

Old Madam Qi was delighted upon hearing this, and all the Qi family elders in the hall were delighted, praising Qi Ying’s ability and generosity while having their children thank him. This New Year’s Eve was harmonious and lively indeed.

After the children went out to set off firecrackers, it was properly time for the year-end vigil.

Though Old Madam Qi was still quite energetic, she was advanced in years and couldn’t stay up late. These past two years she had gradually stopped staying up with her children and grandchildren, so this year only the younger generation sat in the main hall keeping vigil.

It was at this time that Qi Ning approached his second brother to discuss his marriage.

At that moment, second brother was quietly discussing something with elder brother. After he approached, second brother noticed him and paused his conversation with elder brother, turning to look at him and asking: “What is it?”

Qi Ning inexplicably felt nervous. He pressed his lips together, gave himself encouragement, then also lowered his voice: “Second brother, I… I have something I want to discuss with you.”

His second brother raised an eyebrow, glanced at him, paused, then asked: “Speak here or go outside?”

Qi Ning looked at the main hall packed with various relatives, then at father and mother sitting in the place of honor. He swallowed and answered somewhat evasively: “Out… outside.”

His second brother nodded, then turned to elder brother and said a few words. Elder brother seemed quite surprised and glanced at him, then nodded to second brother.

Second brother then stood up, saying to him: “Come out.”

Qi Ning’s heartbeat grew increasingly rapid. He quickly responded and rose to follow second brother out of the main hall.

Outside was the cold winter of the twelfth month, but this winter had no snow – only bone-piercing cold air.

The scene outside was desolate and should have made one shiver with cold, but Qi Ning’s heart was currently steaming hot. Not only was he not trembling, he actually felt somewhat warm, even breaking into a sweat on his forehead.

His second brother apparently noticed his abnormal state, frowning as he asked: “Jing’an, what’s wrong?”

Seeing his second brother frown, Qi Ning became even more nervous.

He had been somewhat afraid of second brother since childhood. Though elder brother had managed him more when they were young and second brother was much more aloof, he was still afraid of him. Now he was even more afraid, thinking his second brother was indeed an influential figure in court – just a frown created pressure that left him nearly speechless.

Perhaps his nervous appearance was too obvious, making his second brother somewhat sympathetic. His brow relaxed and his expression grew gentler as he said: “It’s fine, speak.”

Seeing second brother’s brow relax, that invisible pressure diminished somewhat. Qi Ning’s emotions stabilized slightly, then he steeled himself and said desperately: “Second brother, I… I want to discuss my marriage with you…”

This rather surprised his second brother, who raised an eyebrow. He had probably originally thought his younger brother had gotten into some trouble and needed help, not expecting it to be about marriage.

This matter should be discussed with parents or elder brother – by any account, it wasn’t something to discuss with second brother. Qi Ying naturally felt surprised and asked: “Your marriage?”

Qi Ning’s heart pounded as he met second brother’s gaze, nodded, swallowed, and said: “I was thinking that sister Wenwen is about to come of age and will have to marry eventually. We studied together as children and are at least acquainted. Moreover, I… moreover, I was extremely fond of her then, and now we’re well-matched. I was thinking that if second brother could agree, I would… I would marry her as my wife…”

He closed his eyes and finished in one breath, his heart thundering as he waited for second brother’s response. But after waiting quite a while, he heard no response from second brother.

Qi Ning couldn’t help but raise his head to glance at his second brother, only to see second brother… displaying a very complex expression.

He found it difficult to describe what kind of expression it was, only that he had never seen it on second brother’s face in all these years.

His second brother had always been composed and calm – in his and Qi Le’s eyes, even aloof and stern – yet now he seemed somewhat dazed, and also somewhat…

He couldn’t describe it, only sensing that second brother’s aura had changed, making him suddenly feel the surrounding atmosphere shift in a way that made him fearful.

Qi Ning couldn’t withstand such pressure and wanted to retreat, but he was truly too unsuccessful – lacking both legitimate birth and official titles. Now even fourth brother, whom he had always looked down upon, was about to marry, leaving only him with nothing to his name.

He was unwilling to accept this, so instead he found desperate courage, holding his breath and hardening his resolve to continue: “Second brother, sister Wenwen has a gentle nature. If she marries an outsider, she’ll inevitably be bullied. She has no natal family either – if she’s wronged, who could stand up for her? But if she marries me, it would be different. I would definitely treat her well, have only her for my entire life, be good to her day and night, and never let her suffer any grievance! Even if I truly acted foolishly, it would all be under second brother’s watchful eye. When second brother and mother wanted to scold me, I would listen – wouldn’t that be much better than those outsiders?”

He finished his eloquent speech, but his second brother remained silent.

A superior’s silence is frightening, especially when his second brother’s eyes held a coldness he had never seen before, making his heart tremble even more.

Qi Ning lowered his head, thinking: It’s over.

Perhaps he had thought too simply. Perhaps his second brother truly had some relationship with sister Wenwen. Perhaps cousin Fu had been entirely wrong. Having spoken so rashly to second brother, if second brother became angry about this, what should he do…

As he was thinking in panic, he suddenly heard his second brother ask: “Have you asked Wenwen about this matter?”

Qi Ning was stunned, then suddenly came to his senses. Carefully considering the meaning of his second brother’s words… it seemed promising!

His heart filled with great joy as he immediately perked up, answering rather quickly: “I haven’t spoken with sister about it yet. I thought this matter required second brother’s approval first. If second brother agreed, then I would speak with sister Wenwen…”

This was implicit flattery, but his second brother received too much flattery daily. Qi Ning didn’t know if his words were useful, only seeing second brother expressionlessly glance at him, nod, and say: “Wait until after her coming-of-age ceremony to discuss this matter.”

Upon hearing this, Qi Ning understood his second brother had somewhat agreed! Even if not agreement, at least there was hope! This was excellent!

Qi Ning was overjoyed, repeatedly nodding to his second brother: “Yes, yes, yes, all according to second brother’s wishes, all according to second brother’s wishes…”

While the main residence was bustling with activity, Fenghe Garden was much quieter.

Though quiet, it couldn’t be called desolate, as Shuipei, Fengshang, Zijun, and Liuzi were all by Shen Xiling’s side. Additionally, there was the rather mischievous Xue Tuan’er providing entertainment for everyone, making this New Year quite lively.

Everyone shared a sumptuous New Year’s Eve dinner, then went together to set off firecrackers afterward. Shen Xiling was generous, giving each person a large red envelope. Everyone who received one was beaming with joy, saying endless auspicious words to their young mistress.

Shen Xiling also smiled radiantly, but the maids around her all knew her mood wasn’t good.

Though in previous years the young master hadn’t been at the separate residence on New Year’s Eve, this year their mistress seemed particularly melancholy, simply because they hadn’t seen each other for a long time before New Year’s Eve – calculating carefully, it had been nearly two months. Moreover, the letters their mistress sent to the main residence had received no response.

This had never happened before.

Their mistress had always been so attached to the young master, yet this year she had suddenly received such cold treatment. She naturally couldn’t be happy. Now forcing herself to celebrate New Year’s Eve here was merely for the sake of these servants.

She didn’t want them to worry.

Shuipei and the others had served Shen Xiling for quite some time and were increasingly familiar with her temperament. They knew she was someone who kept troubles in her heart. Tonight, seeing her poor mood, none of them insisted she keep vigil. Especially Shuipei, who was most considerate, even advised her to rest early – they could keep vigil themselves.

Shen Xiling indeed had no mood for keeping vigil, so she simply accepted Shuipei’s kind intention, holding Xue Tuan’er as she returned to her room to wash and rest under the maids’ care.

However, lying on the bed, she couldn’t fall asleep for a long time, constantly thinking about Qi Ying and what he might be doing.

She tried hard to recall the appearance of the main residence three years ago, remembering every blade of grass, tree, flower, and leaf there, as well as every pavilion, tower, building, eave, and veranda. She couldn’t help but imagine where in that mansion he might be at this moment, what kind of dinner he had tonight, what color the lamplight was, who might be around him. The more she thought, the less sleepy she became, and her longing for him grew even more intense.

She really missed him so much.

Missed him so very much.

Unable to sleep, she turned over and played with Xue Tuan’er. The little creature was still energetic too, contentedly rolling around on the bed as she gently stroked its small belly.

She held it for a while until it fell asleep, then got out of bed and retrieved a small box from a chest, returning to bed with it and gently opening it. Inside were the small grasshopper and little rabbit he had given her three years ago.

She stared at these two woven grass toys, remembering the night he had given them to her, remembering that rainy night when he had just returned to Jiankang from Nanling, remembering his gentle words and his embrace filled with the fragrance of sweet pine.

Thus her longing became even more intense.

She extended her lustrous, delicate fingers to carefully touch the grasshopper’s antennae and the rabbit’s ears, allowing her longing for that person to become unstoppable. Beyond the longing, a faint sense of grievance rose from the depths of her heart.

She didn’t know what was wrong with him or why he wouldn’t come to see her.

Brother Bai said he was very busy, but in previous years, no matter how busy he was, he would squeeze out time to come see her. Yet this year, when there were clearly no military campaigns, he hadn’t returned.

She was sensitive and understood him well. She knew something must have happened.

At a time she didn’t know about, in a place she didn’t know about, something related to her had occurred, and he was unwilling to tell her about it all.

She felt very powerless.

After growing up, she rarely had this feeling of powerlessness again, yet at this moment it surfaced once more.

She should be calmer, should try to think, but matters involving that person always easily threw her into complete chaos, making all her hard-won growth over three years disappear.

Shen Xiling sighed, gazing at the small box in her hands in a daze until very late at night when she finally made up her mind.

If he wouldn’t come to see her, then she would take the initiative to find him. No matter what had happened, they could only clarify things after meeting face to face.

She wouldn’t allow herself to be distanced by him without understanding why.

Absolutely not.

Author’s Note: This chapter is finished. Still three chapters until they’re officially together~