The next day, Master Chen and Gu Jin Chao went together to pay respects to Old Madam Chen.

Old Madam Chen spoke to her son about the Buddhist scripture she had been reading recently: “Sixth Brother brought me back a copy of the ‘Surangama Sutra’ from Baoxiang Temple, with annotations by Master Jian Ming. I found it excellent as I read it—realizing one’s true nature, cultivating great meditation, and attaining perfect penetration. It brings peace to one’s mind. I’ve personally copied a volume for you to take back and read carefully. Master Jian Ming’s annotations are enlightening with just a glance, and I’ve copied those for you as well.”

A maid brought forth a sandalwood box.

Master Chen accepted it and said to Old Madam Chen: “You’ve gone to the trouble of copying Buddhist scriptures for me. Next time if you find good scriptures, there’s no need for such effort—I can simply borrow Mother’s copy to read.”

Old Madam Chen smiled and shook her head: “I’m willing to copy them for you. My health has been declining lately, and I don’t know how many more years I’ll be able to copy scriptures for you.”

Master Chen frowned upon hearing this and called Madam Zheng over to inquire, “Has the Old Madam been unwell recently?”

Just as Madam Zheng was about to speak, Old Madam Chen waved her hand to indicate it wasn’t necessary.

“When one gets old, the spirit weakens. I’ve been sleeping less lately and feel my energy depleted. But there’s nothing else wrong.”

Master Chen knew his mother’s personality—she didn’t like troubling him. He sighed, “If you’re feeling unwell, you must have Doctor Ji come examine you. If it’s just difficulty sleeping, I’ll have someone from the Imperial Pharmacy prepare some calming medicine for you.”

Gu Jin Chao also noticed that Old Madam Chen’s complexion wasn’t as good as before. As people reach middle and old age, they naturally develop more ailments. Good care should be sufficient. She wasn’t too worried, though—in her previous life, although Old Madam Chen was physically weak, she had lived a long life.

Old Madam Chen was about to decline, but seeing her son looking at her seriously, she didn’t say more.

Master Chen had other matters to attend to, so he left after visiting Old Madam Chen.

Old Madam Chen took Gu Jin Chao for a walk by the lotus pond in the back, looking at her protruding belly with a smile: “You should walk more, it will make childbirth easier. Don’t be like those young ladies from noble families who don’t like to move around, which makes delivery difficult.”

Gu Jin Chao knew this and nodded with a smile: “Rest assured, I walk several rounds around Muxi Hall every day.”

Old Madam Chen thought for a moment and added: “But you shouldn’t walk too much either, that’s not good. I think walking for about half an hour each day is best.”

She treasured her like a precious jewel, worried about everything.

Gu Jin Chao held her arm and also smiled: “Daughter-in-law understands. Let me help you go over there to see the red plum blossoms that are blooming beautifully.”

The two went to appreciate the plum blossoms, cut a large bundle of red plum branches to take back, and arranged them in several vases. When members of each household came to pay respects, they were distributed in turn.

Madam Qin came to consult Old Madam Chen about the Lantern Festival celebration.

Every year, Wanping held a Lantern Festival, and the Chen family would contribute money, considered a festive event for the people of Wanping. They did it quite generously—the lantern show wasn’t held in Rongxiang Alley but in the neighboring Zaozi Fang, though the lantern display extended into Rongxiang Alley. At that time, the ladies from the noble households living around Rongxiang Alley could also view it from their doorsteps.

Madam Wang said to Gu Jin Chao: “Third Sister-in-law hasn’t seen our Wanping Lantern Festival yet; it’s especially lively.”

Chen Zhao clapped her hands and smiled at the mention of the festival: “I want to see the lion lanterns, the embroidered ball lanterns, and the fairy maiden lanterns! Third Aunt, last time when they performed with the lion lanterns, my maid even picked up copper coins!”

Old Madam Chen said to Madam Qin: “Third Son instructed that more money should be invested in this year’s lantern festival. I think we should contribute five hundred taels of silver. Discuss the lanterns and other details with the Chang family.”

The Chang family also contributed to the Lantern Festival. Madam Qin nodded and went to the Chang family.

However, at the mention of the Lantern Festival, Gu Jin Chao couldn’t help but think of Chen Xuan Qing’s pond full of lotus lanterns.

Back then, Rongxiang Alley was especially lively. The ice in the front courtyard pond had just begun to melt, and the pond was filled with lotus lanterns, as brilliant as stars.

Chen Xuan Qing… she wondered how he was doing now. How would Master Chen ultimately resolve this matter?

Gu Jin Chao sighed inwardly.

In the afternoon, after returning to Muxi Hall, Madam Tong came to report: “Manager Luo sent word back saying that Yongchang Trading Company is a newly emerged business, but with extremely powerful backing, likely protected by high officials. The silk sold by Yongchang Trading Company is twenty percent cheaper than that of the Ji family’s business and two other major trading companies. Without the protection of high officials, this would be impossible. No one knows their exact background… Manager Luo has written to Daxing to inquire but hasn’t received a reply yet. However, Manager Luo says the Ji family probably doesn’t know either.”

Such businesses were often the result of collusion between officials and merchants, with shadowy figures behind them, possibly high officials taking profits. No matter how powerful the Ji family was, as merchants they couldn’t compete against businesses with such deep backgrounds.

Gu Jin Chao also asked: “The price of raw silk is generally fixed; how can they sell so cheaply? Did you ask Luo Yongping about this?”

Madam Tong nodded: “Manager Luo said Yongchang Trading Company’s silk is excellent, definitely not inferior goods. If the price is lower, it’s a matter of cost, and the most common way is to bribe the Imperial Brocade Manufacturing Bureau. But this servant doesn’t understand how it works. If you want detailed information, you might need to ask Manager Luo personally…” She could only help Gu Jin Chao manage accounts; she didn’t understand these deeper business matters.

Gu Jin Chao wasn’t concerned about the profit from the silk shop; she was interested in the Yongchang Trading Company. She felt this company was very familiar as if it had appeared around her, but her impression was vague. This was partly because in the last ten years after she moved out of the side courtyard in her previous life, she had almost lived idly, unconcerned with worldly affairs.

She shook her head: “Never mind, he’s busy during the New Year. Just keep an eye on this Yongchang Trading Company for me.”

Madam Tong acknowledged and withdrew.

…

As soon as Master Chen returned, he sent someone to summon Chen Xuan Qing.

He waited for him in Ninghui Hall in the outer courtyard.

After several anxious days, Chen Xuan Qing finally heard that his father wanted to talk to him, which made him feel somewhat relieved.

What must come would eventually come. It was his shamelessness, and he should bear the consequences.

After Shu Mo announced him, he entered the study.

His father wore a dark straight robe with an ash-colored crane robe embroidered with bamboo leaf patterns over it, standing with his hands behind his back behind the desk, his expression calm as he looked at him.

Chen Xuan Qing stopped in front of the desk. His lips moved, and he called out first: “Father.”

Master Chen didn’t speak, slowly walking to stand before him, looking at him for a long time.

Suddenly, he raised his hand and delivered a slap.

The sound of the slap was very loud.

Chen Xuan Qing hadn’t been prepared and was struck so hard that his body swayed and his head turned to one side. His cheek immediately began to burn, and though he took a deep breath, he didn’t dare reach up to touch the wounded area. His father had never struck his face before; when he made mistakes as a child, he was always hit on the palm. Besides, he rarely made mistakes.

Shame and remorse nearly overwhelmed him, and Chen Xuan Qing closed his eyes briefly.

“Do you know why I hit you?” Master Chen asked calmly.

After a moment, Chen Xuan Qing said quietly: “I did something wrong, so I deserve to be hit.”

Chen Yan Yun looked at his eldest son.

He had previously thought Chen Xuan Qing was simply too inexperienced, and not yet ready for important tasks. Now he realized he was not just inexperienced—he was utterly naive in character. With such a temperament, if he didn’t experience hardship, it would be his downfall in the future. He felt more disappointment than anger toward Chen Xuan Qing.

“Do you know what you did wrong?” he continued asking.

Chen Xuan Qing smiled: “Father, this is all my fault. It’s because I still can’t forget her! I originally thought I didn’t like her… but I also hate myself. Your son lived by strict propriety for more than a decade, never stepping over the line. Who knew I would do such a thing upon returning? I’ve kept it inside for too long and didn’t know who to talk to. That day when she asked me those few questions, I couldn’t hold back… But there has truly been nothing improper between us.”

“When you left Muxi Hall, I knew you misunderstood her somewhat. I just wanted to make it clear to you that this isn’t her fault… Perhaps she once pursued me, but now she maintains clear boundaries. Even when we speak in daily life, she insists on having two maids present, being extremely cautious.”

Master Chen quietly waited for him to finish.

“I hit you, firstly because I am her husband, and secondly because I am your father. For all these years, you’ve always been the one I trusted most. When your mother was dying, she held my hand and said to take good care of you and Xi’er.” He paused, looking directly at Chen Xuan Qing, and said, “The word ‘disappointment’ is insufficient to express my feelings. Did you ever consider what would have happened if it wasn’t me, but someone else who discovered these matters? What would you have done then?”

“You might have escaped, but your mother’s reputation would have been ruined, and the Chen family would have been disgraced along with you. You are the eldest legitimate grandson of the Chen family; the future prosperity of the Chen family rests heavily on your shoulders. Yet you could do something so outrageous?” Master Chen’s tone was severe.

“I ask you, do you now understand where your error lies?”

Every word weighed heavily on his heart. Chen Xuan Qing had thought long about this, imagining what his father might say, but hearing these words spoken by his father made them feel incredibly weighty. He nodded silently—violating propriety, honor, and shame was his failure.

Master Chen saw him lowering his head. He sighed and told him to sit down to talk.

“I’ve already arranged for you. In March, you will take up a post in Suning County in Hejian Prefecture. The official documents will be issued after the Lantern Festival.”

Master Chen continued: “Sending you to an outside post at this time is indeed not very appropriate.” Chen Xuan Qing should have spent a few more years training in the Hanlin Academy, accumulating experience as an official before going to Suning County, but now it had to be advanced.

“However, you should leave to avoid the situation for a while. Also, observe the common people and understand the hardships of the world.”

People often develop delusions due to limited experiences. Once they see how vast and deep the outside world is, they realize their hardships aren’t significant. Chen Xuan Qing not only needed to distance himself from Gu Jin Chao, but he also needed some tribulations. Chen Xuan Qing was still too young; time would erode this kind of emotion.

Chen Xuan Qing nodded, understanding his father’s good intentions.

He indeed needed to avoid the situation now, and with his father’s arrangement, there was naturally no need for further trouble.

“Rest assured, by the time I return, whether I’ve truly forgotten or not, at least no one will be able to tell.” Chen Xuan Qing smiled faintly.

Chen Yan Yun then softened his tone: “My guidance to you has always been strict, but you understand in your heart.”

“I know,” he replied, just these three words.

When he returned to Yu Wan Xue, she was shocked by the injury on Chen Xuan Qing’s face.

Shortly after, his father sent someone over with medicine for the wound.

Chen Xuan Qing held the porcelain bottle and smiled slightly, his heart truly calming down. His father was, after all, his father—someone he could never match in his lifetime.