The more First Master Fu thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed, and he couldn’t help glaring at his brother once more.
Fifth Master Fu was rather embarrassed.
Had he known this would happen, he should have approached Grand Scholar Yu for advice regardless of face… A trace of regret flashed through his mind, but then he consoled himself: even if the Yu family elders liked Fu Tingyun, if Yu Jingxiu didn’t, just as Yu Jingxiu had said, bringing her home would be merely for show. With an empty nest, once the Yu family elders learned the truth, could they force the bull to drink water? By then, they would not only secretly blame Fu Tingyun for failing to please her husband but would also bestow concubines. Once a concubine bore a child, and Yu Jingxiu showed a little favor, the Yu family elders couldn’t monitor Yu Jingxiu’s household affairs every day. Fu Tingyun’s life would only become more difficult. Moreover, with his examination cheating, the Yu family would likely look down on him if they knew. Far from borrowing their power, it would be good if no rift developed between them. Better to let it be. The Yu family elders, thinking of the former engagement between the families, with Yu Jingxiu mediating, would naturally feel more affection toward the Fu family. If the Fu family had any troubles, the Yu family would help, and in others’ eyes, the Yu family would be honoring old ties. People would only speak of the loyalty between the two families, not of factional interests. This would only benefit both the Yu and Fu families…
Thinking of this, he straightened his back and pretended ignorance as he picked up his teacup and took a few sips.
With his brother refusing to admit his fault, First Master Fu could only sigh inwardly, thinking he should inform their mother, hoping she could discipline this brother of his.
At this point, it could be said that their visit to the Yu family had completely failed to achieve its purpose.
Not only had their relationship with Fu Tingyun become more strained, but they had also left a poor impression on Grand Scholar Yu.
First Master Fu felt as if sitting on pins and needles, patiently sitting to the side, absentmindedly drinking tea.
Fu Tingyun, hearing Grand Scholar Yu mention small gifts, didn’t refuse further and thanked him with a smile. Grand Scholar Yu then began discussing tea classics.
Zhao Ling, who loved tea, saw that Grand Scholar Yu was enthusiastic about the topic and that Fu Tingyun could engage in the conversation. Remembering Yu Jingxiu’s humiliation of Fu Tingyun, he wanted Fu Tingyun to shine in front of the Yu family, to let them know her worth. He merely watched her with encouraging eyes and a smile.
Fu Tingyun didn’t know what Zhao Ling had in mind, but since he wanted her to engage in the conversation, she naturally wouldn’t show weakness in front of Grand Scholar Yu.
One had served as an official for many years and was widely experienced; the other was naturally intelligent and well-read. Their conversation was not only witty but also humorous. Even First Master Fu, who sat there silently, couldn’t help but prick up his ears. When he heard them discussing the tea competitions of the previous dynasty, he couldn’t resist interjecting: “I once saw a treasured silver-gilt tea spoon at Superior Officer Chen’s home, with a lotus seed as the handle and a lotus flower as the scoop—magnificently ornate and quite rare.”
Grand Scholar Yu smiled slightly and remarked lightly, “Tea is valued for its simplicity and naturalness,” before discussing tea racks with Fu Tingyun: “…Red sandalwood is best for Tieguanyin and Oolong tea, while bamboo is ideal for green tea.”
Fu Tingyun’s interest was piqued.
Was Grand Scholar Yu uninterested in First Master Fu’s topic? Or did he see the conflict between father and daughter and didn’t want to appear too intimate with the two Fu masters, thereby causing her antipathy?
Her mind raced, but she responded: “If one were to use spotted bamboo or purple bamboo, that would be even better…”
“Exactly,” Grand Scholar Yu smiled. “It seems Lady Zhao is also a tea enthusiast. As it happens, I have a tea rack made of purple bamboo. Why not give it to Lady Zhao?”
“A gentleman doesn’t covet others’ treasures,” Fu Tingyun smiled. “Grand Scholar Yu, please don’t lead me into impropriety.”
Grand Scholar Yu laughed heartily and praised her to Zhao Ling: “Lady Zhao is truly a person of character.”
“Indeed,” Zhao Ling didn’t feign modesty at all and smiled. “That’s why wherever she goes, she always makes a great many friends.”
Grand Scholar Yu hadn’t expected Zhao Ling to be so straightforward. Slightly taken aback, he smiled and said: “Lord Zhao truly cherishes his wife!”
Zhao Ling merely smiled without speaking, looking toward Fu Tingyun with undisguised tenderness and affection, once again startling Grand Scholar Yu.
Fu Tingyun, feeling somewhat embarrassed by Zhao Ling’s gaze, yet unable to say anything in front of Grand Scholar Yu, coughed lightly, blushed, and lowered her head to drink tea.
A hint of something unusual flashed in Grand Scholar Yu’s eyes, followed by hearty laughter of apparent contentment. Then he sighed: “It’s fortunate that Lady Zhao married Lord Zhao and has found a happy ending; otherwise, my son’s sin would be even more grievous!” Without waiting for others to speak, he leaned forward slightly and said earnestly to Zhao Ling: “All things considered, this matter is entirely my son’s fault. After learning of this incident, I severely punished him. He also knows his mistake and has been wanting to apologize to you both, but he wasn’t sure how Lord Zhao and Lady Zhao would receive him, so he’s been waiting in the study… I hope Lord Zhao and Lady Zhao can be magnanimous and give him a chance to make amends. Having learned this lesson, he will surely think thrice before acting in the future.” As he spoke, he stood up and cupped his hands toward Zhao Ling.
Given his status and position, such humility had already given Zhao Ling and Fu Tingyun considerable face.
First Master Fu and Fifth Master Fu exchanged a glance.
Zhao Ling, however, sat there impassively, as if Grand Scholar Yu’s behavior and gesture had not shown enough sincerity.
“Grand Scholar Yu,” he gazed at him with cold eyes, “not everything has a second chance…”
“I know, I know,” Grand Scholar Yu hastily replied. “That’s why this is my son’s fortune…” Then, as if to silence Zhao Ling, he called loudly, “Huaian! Bring the young master here!”
A shadow moved beyond the curtain.
Grand Scholar Yu’s face was full of apology: “Please forgive my unworthy son, Lord Zhao and Lady Zhao!”
As soon as he finished speaking, there was a clatter as the curtain parted, and the tall and handsome Yu Jingxiu walked in with his head bowed.
From a distance, he bowed deeply to Zhao Ling and Fu Tingyun: “Lord Zhao, Lady Zhao… please don’t hold… my transgression…” Before finishing, his face had already turned red.
Yu Jingxiu had been known for his intelligence since childhood. Born into a noble family, at just over twenty, he had already achieved first place in the imperial examinations, fulfilling the dream of all scholars. One can imagine how high his pride must have been.
Falsely accusing Fu Tingyun was certainly wrong, but with the Yu family’s power, was it necessary to go to such lengths…
He was unconvinced in his heart.
But compelled by his father’s authority, he had no choice but to submit.
Despite this, his first apology in his life came out stuttering and difficult to express.
Zhao Ling saw this.
If he had already recognized his mistake, why send people to abduct Zuo Junjie?
He sneered, about to speak, when Fu Tingyun, sitting beside him, suddenly gave a light cough, put down her teacup, and said composedly: “Young Master Yu, when we first met, I told you that I had been removed from the Fu family register, and we were now two unrelated people. But Young Master Yu owed me a reason for breaking our engagement, which I had to pursue. At that time, Young Master Yu also said that if there were no reason, the Fu family would not have agreed to cancel the engagement. Now that the elders of both the Fu and Yu families are present, I’ll ask the same question: why did Young Master Yu break off our engagement?”
“I was too young then, focused solely on achieving fame in the examinations,” Yu Jingxiu said eagerly, relieved not to have to say those words he found humiliating. “When I first heard about Master Fu’s examination fraud, I simply couldn’t accept it…” As he spoke, he glanced at Fifth Master Fu with unconcealed disdain. “So I…”
The faces of the two Fu masters instantly turned blood-red.
Fu Tingyun, however, burst into laughter.
Everyone in the flower hall looked at her in astonishment.
Seeing their reaction, Fu Tingyun smiled brightly and said in a clear voice: “Young Master Yu, Grand Scholar Yu has shown such sincerity that even I, who came with resentment, have been moved. You are Grand Scholar Yu’s son. Seeing Grand Scholar Yu make such efforts for you, yet you remain unmoved and continue to speak falsehoods—how can it not be laughable?” Her face then turned stern, her gaze frosty as she looked at Yu Jingxiu. “How can it not chill one to the bone?”
Yu Jingxiu was startled.
Grand Scholar Yu remained composed and immovable.
Zhao Ling watched, feeling a chill in his heart.
A flash of coldness passed through Fu Tingyun’s eyes, but she spoke with mockery: “What? Is Young Master Yu too embarrassed to speak?”
Yu Jingxiu’s expression tensed slightly, his peripheral vision glancing at Grand Scholar Yu.
Grand Scholar Yu chuckled: “Foolish actions of youth are often difficult to admit.”
First Master Fu, wiping sweat, said: “It’s all in the past, it’s all in the past…”
“Oh!” Fu Tingyun raised an eyebrow. “I’ve heard that Young Master Yu’s father-in-law, Master Fan, is a man of principle who chose carefully for his eldest daughter, not settling until she was eighteen. But for his second daughter, he seemed quite liberal. Less than a year after news of my ‘death’ circulated, he approved the marriage with the Yu family. Master Fan had favored Young Master Yu for some time…”
Yu Jingxiu’s face changed dramatically, and he angrily cut her off: “Lady Zhao, what are you implying?”
Fu Tingyun slapped the table and stood up: “I should ask Young Master Yu, what do you mean?” She looked at Yu Jingxiu with mockery. “You couldn’t accept examination fraud, yet you took Liu Shoutong as your teacher and freely browsed through his early writings, known for their uninhibited style. In a moment of anger, you eagerly sought out Zuo Junjie and used the promise of helping him pass the imperial examinations as bait to falsely accuse me.” As she spoke, she coldly glanced at Fifth Master Fu and continued icily, “You think others are fools who act without thinking, believing whatever you say. Is this your so-called apology, your so-called admission of wrongdoing?” She looked solemnly at Grand Scholar Yu. “I cannot accept this!”
Staring at the teacup that had rolled to his feet, Fifth Master Fu was utterly shaken. He stared blankly at Fu Tingyun as if seeing her for the first time.
First Master Fu turned his face away.
Grand Scholar Yu was somewhat embarrassed.
For a moment, the room was so quiet one could hear a pin drop.
Zhao Ling slowly stood up: “Let’s go. It seems we’ve come to the wrong place.”
Fu Tingyun nodded and followed Zhao Ling toward the exit.
“Please wait, Lord Zhao,” Grand Scholar Yu hurriedly said. “Let’s talk this through. Getting angry like this won’t solve anything.” He continued, “It’s commendable for young people to have spirit, but if one only has spirit without restraint, it’s easy to cause trouble. In this peaceful era, in the capital region, some people openly rob houses. The Prefect of Shuntian has been too lax; he should execute one as a warning to a hundred. What does Lord Zhao think?”