When Shen Xiling was brought to the main hall by the two Qi young masters and Zhao Yao, Qi Ying was still conversing with Zhao Run and Zhao Qishi. Qing Zhu, serving behind Qi Ying, saw Shen Xiling arrive and his expression changed. Qi Ying, sitting in the hall, glanced at her but had no other reaction—quite calm and indifferent.
Zhao Qishi was the first to notice Shen Xiling. Seeing a young girl as precious as pearls and jade suddenly appear beside her daughter, she couldn’t help but be startled. She subtly restrained her surprised expression, beckoned Zhao Yao to her side, and lovingly scraped her nose, laughing, “Look at you, you’ve worked up a sweat from playing—did you cause any trouble for your brothers?”
Qi Ning and Qi Le returned to their previous seats. Hearing Zhao Qishi’s words, Qi Le replied, “What are you saying, aunt? Yao’er is very well-behaved.”
Everyone took their seats, but there were no remaining chairs in the hall. Shen Xiling stood alone, somewhat at a loss. Then she saw Qi Ying beckon to her, saying quite naturally and casually, “Wenwen, come here.”
The expressions of everyone in the hall varied. Shen Xiling lowered her head, still feeling like she had thorns in her back, but at that moment she had no attention to spare for other concerns—her ears were filled only with Qi Ying calling her “Wenwen.” He hadn’t called her Fang Jun, nor Miss Fang, but Wenwen. Was it because he knew she minded this false name? She didn’t know why her heart suddenly beat faster. She couldn’t help but steal a glance at Qi Ying, seeing he had already turned his face to instruct Qing Zhu to add a seat for her.
Qing Zhu bowed and went to arrange it. Qi Ying glanced at Shen Xiling again. She quickly lowered her head, pressed her lips together, and walked toward Qi Ying. Qing Zhu had already had someone add a chair right beside Qi Ying. Shen Xiling hesitated for a moment, then slowly sat beside him.
Watching second brother call that Fang Jun or whatever to sit beside him, Zhao Yao’s indignation and grievance could hardly be contained. Her hands clenched tightly, her cardamom-painted nails digging into her palm flesh. Zhao Qishi saw her daughter’s state from the corner of her eye and felt very distressed. She secretly patted her daughter’s hand, then looked toward Qi Ying with a smile and asked, “Jingchen, who is this?”
At this question, not only Zhao Yao but also Qi Ning and Qi Le pricked up their ears to listen, especially Qi Ning, eagerly waiting for his second brother’s answer.
Qi Ying’s manner was composed as he answered, “When I first entered the Bureau of Military Affairs, I received life-saving grace from Minister Fang Yukai. Minister Fang died to save me. Wenwen is Minister Fang’s daughter. She recently arrived in Jiankang not long ago and is temporarily staying at Fenghe Garden.”
Upon hearing this, Zhao Yao’s heart calmed somewhat.
The assassination attempt on Qi Ying back then had caused quite a stir, even alarming His Majesty. Their family in Linchuan had also heard about it, and she’d heard that uncle had been so furious he killed many Northern Wei prisoners. She had indeed heard that an official had taken a sword for second brother, but she hadn’t expected that the girl before her was the orphan of that Minister Fang. Her heart settled somewhat—she finally understood the connection between second brother and this girl. Keeping her at Fenghe Garden was merely to repay a debt of gratitude, nothing more.
However, Zhao Yao still snorted coldly in her heart, thinking this was truly a case of predecessors planting trees for descendants to enjoy the shade. Her father took a sword through the chest and earned such good prospects for his daughter—it could be considered worthwhile.
At this moment she heard her father Zhao Run say, “So this is Minister Fang’s daughter—her father saved Jingchen, truly showing great righteousness.”
Hearing these words, Shen Xiling felt somewhat bitter in her heart.
She couldn’t help but think of her own father, Shen Qian. He was the head of an aristocratic family and perhaps acquainted with all the people present. If her father were mentioned, how would they speak of him? Would they praise his righteousness like they praised this Minister Fang? Or would they curse her father as worse than a beast, like those people in prison?
She lowered her eyes to conceal her thoughts and answered very quietly and appropriately, “Thank you for your praise, sir. If my father knew of this in the afterlife, he would surely be comforted.”
Qi Ying glanced at her lightly without speaking, and quickly looked away.
But Zhao Yao saw second brother’s glance, and her heart burned with nameless fire, a stifling frustration making her uncomfortable. She secretly calmed her emotions, put on a joyful and pleased expression, and smiled at Shen Xiling, “Since Miss Fang’s father saved second brother, then he is also my benefactor! Today happens to be the Lantern Festival. Would Miss Fang be interested in joining us to go see the lanterns on the street? I have no sisters at home, and meeting you feels quite congenial. Going together today would surely bring much joy.”
Shen Xiling didn’t immediately respond. Being naturally sensitive and observant, she could naturally detect Zhao Yao’s change. In the plum grove just now, she had clearly shown hostility toward her, but now she was being kind—naturally this made Shen Xiling suspicious. She didn’t want to go in her heart, but refusing would also seem inappropriate. Most importantly, she didn’t know what Qi Ying thought, whether he would allow her to go or not, so she looked at him questioningly.
Before Qi Ying could speak, Qi Ning encouraged from the side, “Yes, yes, Sister Fang should come along. More people makes things livelier.”
Not knowing how to answer, Shen Xiling could only look at Qi Ying again. Qi Ying smiled lightly and said to her, “If you have nothing else to do, then go together.”
When it came time for dinner, Qi Yun arrived with his wife Han Ruohui and holding Hui’er.
Qi Yun had already paid his respects to uncle-in-law before, so this time was more familiar. After exchanging pleasantries, he took his seat in the flower hall. Everyone dined at the same table, preparing to go see the lanterns on the street after finishing dinner.
Shen Xiling was also at the table. Seeing her, Qi Yun raised an eyebrow, seeming somewhat surprised. After thinking for a moment, he showed a look of understanding, then politely asked, “This must be Miss Fang?”
Qi Ning and Qi Le were greatly surprised and asked in unison, “How does eldest brother know?”
“Jingchen mentioned it to me earlier,” Qi Yun smiled, then turned to Shen Xiling with a gentle and polite manner, “Speaking of which, the Qi family was inconsiderate. Your father saved Jingchen—this is a great favor to the Qi family. When Miss Fang came to Jiankang, the Qi family should have properly cared for you.”
Qi Yun was indeed the eldest son of the Qi family. His conversation naturally carried an elegant and upright bearing of a great family, and unlike Qi Ying, he had more gentle warmth, making people feel like they were basking in spring breeze upon meeting him.
Hearing this, Shen Xiling naturally had to express gratitude. She then saw Qi Yun turn to Zhao Run and say, “There’s one matter that mother discussed with me previously. Since uncle-in-law, aunt, and Yao’er are all here today, I’d like to ask your opinion.”
Not knowing what he meant, Zhao Run felt somewhat uneasy and asked, “What matter, Jingyuan?”
“It’s nothing major,” Qi Yun smiled, “Master Wang, who teaches Jing’an and Jingkang, was once a scholar at the Hanlin Academy. Uncle-in-law should know him too. He has now requested retirement from court and usually teaches young people. Recently by coincidence, uncle-in-law was promoted and cousin Yao’er returned to Jiankang. Mother is fond of Yao’er and intends to have her enter the Qi residence to study. What do uncle-in-law, aunt, and Yao’er think?”
Zhao Run and Zhao Qishi looked at each other, both very surprised. The difference was that Zhao Run was merely surprised, while Zhao Qishi was delighted. Looking at Zhao Yao, she was even more overjoyed.
Zhao Run hesitated somewhat, “This… wouldn’t this be too much trouble…”
Hearing her father speak this way, Zhao Yao couldn’t help but become anxious, fearing her father would decline such a good opportunity. What an honor it would be to enter the Qi residence to study at the Qi family school! As long as she could regularly visit the main Qi residence, not only would she have many more opportunities to see second brother, but she could also establish herself among Jiankang’s noble ladies. No matter who it was, they would have to look up to her.
Zhao Qishi also feared her somewhat useless husband would delay their daughter’s prospects and was about to interject, but heard Qi Yun say, “Uncle-in-law needn’t worry. Jing’an and Jingkang were going to study anyway. It’s just a matter of adding one more seat—nothing improper about it. As long as Yao’er is willing, she can start attending classes soon.”
Hearing this, Zhao Yao was overjoyed. She stole a glance at Qi Ying, her eyes shy and timid, and heard Qi Le beside her say foolishly and cheerfully, “That’s wonderful! This way we can see sister Yao’er every day!”
He turned to Zhao Yao, eagerly saying, “Sister, you mustn’t refuse just because studying is hard! Mother dotes on you—you can’t disappoint her good intentions!”
Watching from the side, Qi Ning thought his fourth brother was truly foolish. Couldn’t he see that Yao’er’s eyes were practically glowing as she looked at second brother? If not for propriety requiring some politeness, she would have agreed immediately and probably even wanted to go home and pack her school bag right now. Yet he thought Yao’er would refuse.
Qi Le’s words gave Zhao Yao a perfect way out. She restrained herself for a moment, showing a troubled expression. Qi Le naturally fell for it and continued coaxing. Zhao Yao accordingly looked toward her mother with difficulty. Zhao Qishi was best at cooperating with her daughter. Seeing this, she also pretended to persuade her, “Since your brothers are all urging you this way, don’t be afraid of hardship and difficulty. Go study and broaden your knowledge, and spend more time being filial by your aunt’s side—wouldn’t that also be wonderful?”
At this point, Zhao Yao finally felt the performance was sufficient. She looked around and showed an expression of finally being convinced, nodding with some difficulty, “In that case… then I thank you brothers for your kind intentions.”
Qi Le was so delighted he almost clapped and cheered. Zhao Yao secretly looked at second brother again, seeing him calmly pick up his teacup and sip some tea without looking at her. But his noble bearing still made her heart flutter, wishing she could go to the Qi family first thing tomorrow morning and stay with second brother every day.
Hearing Zhao Yao agree, Qi Yun smiled with relief, “That’s excellent. Mother will surely be delighted to know she can see Yao’er every day.”
After speaking, Zhao Run and his wife naturally had to express gratitude. Both sides exchanged pleasantries for a long time before this matter was concluded.
Unexpectedly, Qi Yun then looked at Shen Xiling and politely asked, “I see Miss Fang is about the same age as Yao’er. Have you studied before?”
Shen Xiling hadn’t expected Qi Yun to suddenly ask about her. She was startled for a moment before answering, “I’ve only read some simple texts—it hardly counts as studying.”
Qi Yun smiled, “If you have some foundation, that would be best. Jingchen also spoke to me about this matter the other day, saying if you’re interested, why not enter our Qi family school to study together with Yao’er?”
At these words, Zhao Yao was both shocked and angry. She thought that although she wasn’t a Qi family daughter, she at least had some family connection, so entering the Qi family school made some sense. But what gave this girl surnamed Fang the right? Had eldest brother lost his mind, actually letting her study alongside herself? A country bumpkin from Ba Commandery whose parents were dead—was she worthy? Moreover, a ridiculous thought suddenly arose in her mind: could it be that second brother instigated this family school matter just to bring this orphan girl into the Qi family?
As for Shen Xiling, she was completely bewildered at this moment.
She looked at Qi Ying in surprise. Qi Ying seemed to sense her gaze and looked back at her with a calm expression, making Shen Xiling’s heart turn over a thousand times, unable to describe the feeling.
The Qi family school… such a place was not easy even for someone like Zhao Yao, a noble lady with family connections to the Qi family, to enter, let alone herself? That Qi Ying had made such arrangements for her made her very anxious. She was naturally grateful, but at the same time couldn’t help but have another thought: did he not want her to stay at Fenghe Garden? Did he… find her troublesome?
Qi Yun was still waiting for Shen Xiling’s response, but Qi Ying intervened, saying to Qi Yun, “Let her think about it more. This matter isn’t urgent.”
Hearing this, Qi Yun nodded, “That’s right.” He looked at Shen Xiling again and said very kindly, “Miss Fang, when you’ve decided, you can tell me anytime.”
His wife Han Ruohui smiled and tugged at Qi Yun’s arm, “Tell you what? Jingchen is here.”
Hearing this, Qi Yun laughed, “Indeed, indeed. That was confused of me to say.”
This matter was thus lightly passed over, and everyone at the table began discussing other things. Shen Xiling sat in her seat eating silently, but it tasted like chewing wax.
Author’s Note: Seeing you all say I’m too short… Do you think just because you say I’m short I should double update?
Yes, that’s exactly right. I’ll immediately prepare a double update, posting before eleven o’clock (humble). But without comments it’s really hard to keep going. Promise me you’ll give me some charitable comments to encourage Sticky Peach to update, okay? (humble)