Yang Yucheng clicked his tongue in amazement: “What if the Ninth Master someday becomes a high official like the Marquis of Yingchuan? He probably wouldn’t even have time to eat.”

Jin Yuanbao, having worked for the Marquis of Yingchuan, didn’t view him as unreachably high as Yang Yucheng did.

He refuted with disapproval: “According to what you’re saying, wouldn’t the Marquis of Yingchuan never eat? When one’s position becomes higher, those who come to visit also measure their importance. Those who are worthy of association are few, even throughout the entire court. Besides, some people are so self-important that they avoid encounters even when they meet. In contrast, it’s people like the Ninth Master who are the busiest.”

Yang Yucheng thought about it and found it quite reasonable, sighing: “It would be good if the Ninth Master could someday reach the position of the Marquis of Yingchuan.”

Fu Tingyun smiled and said: “There’s nothing perfect in this world. Even the Marquis of Yingchuan has his difficulties. I think things are quite good now. We have friends, good friends, good health, a successful career… why envy others!”

Yang Yucheng’s wife, Lady Zhang, nodded: “I think Sister-in-law is right. My father says, ‘A tree that stands out in the forest will be broken by the wind.’ The Marquis of Yingchuan fears being targeted by others, so he manages his subordinates very strictly. While stewards from other families walk proudly in Zhangjia Harbor, or at least keep their heads high, those working for the Marquis are always cautious, not daring to offend even a common soldier… I just feel it must be an uncomfortable life!”

Zhangjia Harbor was a necessary transit point for southern goods traveling north, and few merchants doing substantial business didn’t have a foothold there.

Fu Tingyun became curious and asked: “Do all the noble families in the capital allow their stewards to do business openly for them?”

“It has always been a case of ‘hide from superiors but not from inferiors,'” Lady Zhang smiled, “When you’re riding high, even if everyone knows, no one dares to say anything; once you fall from favor, even if no one knows, they’ll find ways to pin blame on you. Why not be forthright and do what needs to be done while in power!”

This was the first time Fu Tingyun had heard such a perspective.

Fu Tingyun had always taught her children to be low-key, steady, and to follow the rules.

She exclaimed, “Oh my!” and smiled, “I didn’t realize Sister-in-law had such deep family learning. I’ve been educated! Thinking carefully, there’s truth in what you say.”

No wonder Master Zhang had remained steadily in his position as patrol inspector of Zhangjia Harbor for so many years!

Lady Zhang smiled with pursed lips.

Yang Yucheng, however, showed a look of superiority and said dismissively: “Sister-in-law, don’t praise her. She’s just parroting a few words she’s heard from her father!”

Lady Zhang frowned upon hearing this, pouting with displeasure and complaining softly: “You criticize everything I say. Why can’t you learn from Uncle Jin, who always speaks gently and kindly to Aunt Jin?”

Lady Shi, who had been sitting to the side listening to their conversation, was surprised, a faint smile appearing at the corners of her mouth as she cast an affectionate glance at Jin Yuanbao.

Jin Yuanbao happened to look over at that moment.

Their eyes met, and the couple, somewhat embarrassed, turned away from each other.

Yang Yucheng, exasperated, said: “He is he, and I am I. Are you living with him or with me?”

Lady Zhang’s expression froze, her face immediately turning bright red, looking cornered, with tears welling up in her eyes.

Fu Tingyun glared at Yang Yucheng and said sternly: “Is that any way to speak? Fortunately, we’re all family here, but if this were in front of outsiders, where would you have Sister-in-law put her face? I think Sister-in-law has been accommodating you so much that you’ve lost all sense of propriety. If you say one more word, I’ll tell the Ninth Master, and see how he deals with you!” She then consoled Lady Zhang, “Don’t you know what he’s like by now? The closer he is to someone, the more unrestrained his words and actions… Don’t take it to heart.”

Yang Yucheng smiled awkwardly.

Lady Zhang, feeling sorry for her husband, quickly said: “Sister-in-law, don’t be angry. He treats me very well daily. I’m just upset that he doesn’t give me face in front of you.”

“Did you hear that?” Fu Tingyun reprimanded Yang Yucheng, “Sister-in-law always puts you first!”

Lady Shi felt it inappropriate to remain silent and quietly laughed: “This confirms what Sister-in-law said: there’s nothing perfect in this world. Sister-in-law Zhang envies how well-spoken my husband is, but I think my husband is like a closed gourd, keeping everything inside, unlike Brother Yang, who speaks his mind and discusses everything with Sister-in-law Zhang!”

Jin Yuanbao laughed upon hearing this and stood up, patting Yang Yucheng’s shoulder: “I think we’d better leave. When women start comparing, there’s no end to it. I don’t want to stand here being used as a target.” He gave Yang Yucheng a way out.

Yang Yucheng, of course, wouldn’t waste the opportunity.

He went along with it: “No wonder my wife always compares me to you. My judgment truly isn’t as good as yours!” Saying this, he nodded to Fu Tingyun and left the hall with Jin Yuanbao.

Only the women remained in the room.

They chatted cheerfully about everyday matters until it was time to light the lamps.

Zhao Ling returned.

Everyone engaged in lively conversation once more.

It wasn’t until the third watch of the night that everyone retired to their rooms.

Zhao Ling discussed Yang Yucheng and Jin Yuanbao’s situation with Fu Tingyun: “…I think, staying in the capital like this, who knows when they might secure positions that could benefit their wives and children. It would be better if they came with me to Xuanfu.”

“In battle, fathers and sons stand together; when hunting tigers, brothers stick close.” Fu Tingyun certainly agreed, “Having them by your side would be excellent.” But she also had concerns, “However, they have both started families. Whether to go or stay probably requires some consideration.” She added, “If you were to ask directly, they certainly wouldn’t refuse, but forced compliance isn’t sincere. Why not let me first sound out their wives, see what they say, and then you can step in if needed.”

Zhao Ling nodded: “I’ll leave this matter to you then.”

Fu Tingyun then brought up Ah Sen’s marriage: “After the New Year, Master Wang kept his eldest daughter at home to take in a son-in-law…” She had barely begun when Zhao Ling picked her up and rolled her onto the bed.

“Why so much idle talk?” He kissed her neck, “We can talk later. Let’s attend to more important matters first!” In a few quick moves, he had removed her undergarments.

Fu Tingyun was speechless, though not unwilling, and went along with his passionate advances for a while.

Zhao Ling then said, “What were you saying earlier? Master Wang kept his eldest daughter at home to take in a son-in-law—is the engagement or the wedding happening these days?” Then, feeling somewhat guilty, he added, “With me not at home, it’s inconvenient for you to go out. When the time comes, I’ll accompany you and spend a few days at the Wang family.”

What nonsense was this!

Fu Tingyun chided: “You don’t even listen clearly before jumping to conclusions.” Playing with Zhao Ling’s fingers, she softly explained the whole situation to him.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ling sat up: “Unacceptable! How can Ah Sen marry into their family? Wouldn’t he be unable to hold his head up for the rest of his life?”

“You never let people finish speaking!” Fu Tingyun grew anxious, “If Ah Sen didn’t care for the Wang family’s eldest daughter, why would I go propose marriage? Both of us have suffered from reputation issues. Is reputation more important? Or living a happy life? Besides, the Wang family has agreed to my condition that Ah Sen won’t change his surname. Even if Ah Sen doesn’t marry into their family, wouldn’t he still show filial respect to the Wang family if anything happened? Moreover, Master Wang and his wife are people of upright character. Living with them, Ah Sen can learn how to conduct himself. What’s not good about that?”

Zhao Ling felt a headache coming on.

Fu Tingyun continued to persuade him in detail: “Whether tea is hot or cold, only the drinker knows. Whether life is good or not, only those living it know. When you first picked him up, wasn’t it so he could survive and have a good life? He feels that being with the Wang family’s eldest daughter is worth overlooking everything else—that’s the good life he wants. If you block this, aren’t you going against your original intention?”

Zhao Ling knew his wife’s reasoning made sense, but he still felt uncomfortable.

He turned over and pulled up the blanket: “I give up! Do whatever you want.”

That meant he agreed!

Fu Tingyun smiled, leaning over his shoulder, kissing his face and murmuring: “Ninth Master, you’re so good!”

Zhao Ling didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He turned and took Fu Tingyun in his arms, teasing: “I never realized I was so important in your heart.”

“Ninth Master!” Fu Tingyun took his hand, acting coquettishly.

Zhao Ling smiled helplessly: “Alright, alright. When the time comes, give all the property you’ve prepared for Ah Sen to him to take over there! We can’t let Ah Sen truly depend on the Wang family for food and shelter.”

“Mm!” Fu Tingyun nodded with a beaming smile, “Then I’ll formally reply to the Wang family.” She added, “Why not, while you’re home, settle this matter?”

“Fine!” Having agreed, Zhao Ling was no longer ambiguous about it, “As long as the Wang family doesn’t think it’s too rushed, I don’t mind.”

The couple, nestled together, began discussing other matters: “…About the business opportunity Shopkeeper Ye San introduced, do you think we should go ahead with it?”

Zhao Ling thought for a moment and smiled: “You’re short on silver, right? Just use some of those calligraphy and paintings as partial payment. I originally bought those things because silver was too conspicuous and I was afraid of attracting unwanted attention on the way back to Jiangnan, causing unnecessary trouble.”

“How can that be?” Fu Tingyun, coming from a scholarly family, believed that calligraphy, paintings, and books were the most precious things in the world. Only families in decline, unable to make ends meet, would eventually sell their artwork. Her family was living well, so how could she sell artwork? “I think it’s better to pawn my jewelry. It’s a temporary measure, and when we have money later, we can redeem them!”

“Don’t worry about this matter.” Zhao Ling simply ended the topic, “It’s ten thousand taels of silver, right? When is it needed? I’ll have Anxin come back at that time.”

Fu Tingyun’s attention sharpened: “Where will you get so much silver?”

“Borrow from Mo Yi,” Zhao Ling said bluntly, “If he agrees readily, we’ll return it when we make a profit; if he’s reluctant, then we won’t return it.”

He wasn’t a person who didn’t know right from wrong. Since he spoke this way, there must be some reason.

Fu Tingyun didn’t pursue the matter further, only cautioning him: “Don’t let money come between you and others. There are no completely windproof walls, and rumors would sound bad.”

“Don’t worry,” Zhao Ling said, “I know what I’m doing.” Then, feeling the atmosphere had become too serious, he called out “Hey” and said, “Can we stop talking about these miscellaneous matters and talk about our affairs?”

Fu Tingyun, seeing his dissatisfied expression, hid in his arms, laughing and said: “You tell me, what should we talk about?”

Zhao Ling’s eyes rolled, and he whispered intimately in her ear with a smile: “For instance, which position did you enjoy most just now…”

Before he could finish, Fu Tingyun had already punched his shoulder: “Stop talking nonsense!”

“Alright, alright, alright!” Zhao Ling laughed heartily and teased, “I won’t talk nonsense. How about I act nonsensically instead…” With that, he pressed Fu Tingyun beneath him.

“You rascal…” Fu Tingyun couldn’t help but laugh…