His father died in the summer when a corpse could not be kept for long. The family invited Taoist priests to calculate an auspicious day and then sent the body back to Baoding for burial.

It happened that roads in Baoding needed repairs, so the Chen and Ji families planned to discuss not only rebuilding the roads but also renovating both family ancestral halls.

Chen Yan Yun went to the Ji family to discuss this with Master Ji.

Master Ji readily agreed and comforted him: “Jiu Heng, we’ve essentially grown up together, so our friendship needs no explanation. If there’s anything the Ji family can help with regarding the Old Master’s funeral arrangements, just say the word.”

At that time, Chen Yan Yun was only a Junior Mentor of the Heir Apparent’s Household. Though his official career was promising, it hadn’t yet reached a level that would intimidate Master Ji. Their conversation remained unrestrained.

Chen Yan Yun nodded in agreement, and Master Ji invited him to stay for tea: “I see you’re quite exhausted lately. Perhaps you should take this opportunity to rest for a few years. Your family won’t go poor in just a few years, will they…”

With his father’s death, Chen Yan Yun was supposed to return home for the three-year mourning period.

Chen Yan Yun drank his tea silently, then said: “When my teacher’s father died, it was during his busiest time. Many at the court memorialized him for not observing filial mourning, but they were all rebuked by the Emperor. I’ve just entered the Heir Apparent’s Household and haven’t yet clarified everything. If I return home for mourning now, it would inevitably displease my teacher. This matter requires careful consideration.”

Master Ji said: “I hadn’t considered Minister Zhang’s position. You’ve become increasingly cautious.”

Chen Yan Yun smiled bitterly and waved his hand: “It’s hardly a compliment. Let’s not speak of this!”

Just then, the steward came to speak with Master Ji, who suggested Chen Yan Yun take a walk in the courtyard and stay for dinner, as they wouldn’t be able to return to Wanping by then.

Chen Yan Yun didn’t decline. Summer evenings were indeed stuffy, and with his burdened heart, some fresh air would do him good. He walked slowly along the path outside the guest quarters, past a cluster of winter plum trees, and came upon a lotus pond.

He heard a girl’s voice.

It was strong and somewhat childish, giggling about picking lotus pods.

He listened expressionlessly.

Such an innocent age, untouched by worldly sorrows. One wonders if she would remain so innocent when she grew up.

As he took another step forward, he saw two young maids. The one dressed like a young lady was larger than her maid, about twelve or thirteen years old, stretching her hand to reach for a slender lotus stem. The gold bracelet on her wrist dangled, and her wrist was so thin that the bracelet looked as if it might slip off and fall into the water at any moment.

The sight made one’s heart tense.

The little maid was so frightened she was about to cry, but the young girl wasn’t afraid and even threatened to sell her to a mountain village.

Finally, she lost her footing and fell into the water, looking utterly dumbfounded. The little maid hurriedly tried to pull her up, while she scrambled to rise, busy scolding the little maid—the scene was quite chaotic. A faint smile appeared on his face; he thought this liveliness suited the girl well.

Just as he was about to leave, he heard cries for help.

Chen Yan Yun’s footsteps halted.

His true nature was quite cold, and he preferred not to meddle in others’ affairs.

But for some reason, he went back. Perhaps he thought of his fifth brother who had died young, also by drowning.

In that deep pool, he saw a pale little face submerged in water, slowly sinking. She had been so full of life just moments ago but might be gone in an instant.

So fragile, like a flower that could die with just a pinch. It wouldn’t even take much effort.

When the girl was semiconscious, she clutched his sleeve, murmuring for him not to leave, which was both pitiful and somewhat amusing. If he didn’t leave, the girl would probably regret it for the rest of her life once she awoke! He was a married man; to be responsible for the girl would be taking advantage of the situation!

To avoid compromising the girl’s reputation, he left Daxing that night.

A few days later, Master Ji sent a letter asking why he had left without saying goodbye that night.

After reading the letter, Chen Yan Yun had the page bring a candlestick to burn it. He asked calmly: “Did Madam mention what it was about?”

“Madam didn’t say, but it seems to be about the Jiang family,” the page said quietly. “You know that Master-in-law has gotten into trouble…”

Chen Yan Yun didn’t even raise his eyelids, continuing to write while saying: “Ask Madam to come see me.”

Lady Jiang was somewhat embarrassed.

Chen Yan Yun was very respectful toward her. When she needed to find him, she would send a maid with a message, and he would come to her. This time was different—he asked her to come to his study. Lady Jiang stood outside his door with her servant woman for a long time before he invited her in.

What could she do? Her brother—how could she not try to save him? Lady Jiang was never the type to care only about feelings; she understood clearly. Not only did her natal family rely on her, but she also relied on her natal family. Although this matter might be somewhat difficult for Chen Yan Yun, it shouldn’t be too challenging.

Lady Jiang smiled as she served Chen Yan Yun his meal, explaining the situation along the way.

Chen Yan Yun’s expression remained indifferent, as he felt somewhat tired: “I warned your brother about his loan-sharking long ago. I never expected he would dare offend the Eastern Depot. Who do you expect me to ask to protect him?”

Lady Jiang said softly: “Well… there must be a way.” She sat down beside him, sighing, “If there truly is no way, then forget it… You… you shouldn’t get involved! This concubine cannot let her brother implicate you. I’ll speak to my mother; she will understand!”

Chen Yan Yun continued looking at her: “Is that truly what you think?”

Lady Jiang didn’t know how to respond, as if she had fallen into a trap of her own making.

She twisted her handkerchief tightly, biting her lip in silence. She wasn’t having an easy time either; Third Master Chen should understand her!

Her father and mother were counting on her to save her brother. If she couldn’t save him, who would they turn to? He was her brother, after all. Lady Jiang’s eyes reddened slightly as she sat up straight and said: “This concubine has been married to you for so many years and has never asked you for anything. As for this concubine’s true feelings, Third Master understands in his heart.”

Chen Yan Yun sighed and waved his hand, dismissing her.

A few days later, after Chen Yan Yun intervened, Lady Jiang’s brother was released from the Eastern Depot. He came to express his gratitude with two baskets of large crabs but didn’t even get to see Third Master Chen. He left with his crabs, displeased, and afterward, the Jiang family became somewhat distant from the Chen family.

Lady Jiang was deeply pained by this. Her brother was indeed incompetent, but Third Master Chen hadn’t said anything.

He probably understood very well what kind of person her brother was!

Lady Jiang knew that the price Third Master Chen paid to help her this time was considerable. Watching him busy, she sometimes harbored wild conjectures. This worry took root in her heart, and gradually her health deteriorated. Sometimes when the Third Master couldn’t come to see her at night, either sleeping in his study or resting with Concubine Xue, she felt increasingly lonely. Fortunately, she still had her daughter to keep her company; otherwise, the days would have been even harder to endure.

Eventually, Lady Jiang knew she was dying.

That day, she could barely speak, and her five-year-old daughter lay crying at her bedside.

Lady Jiang struggled to raise her head and saw many people around her. Why were there so many people? She didn’t want to see them; they all seemed so unfamiliar.

Lady Jiang closed her eyes, tears flowing ceaselessly. She felt her little daughter holding her hand, the child’s small hand so tender and fragile. After she died, who would protect and care for her?

Finally, she heard someone announce: “Third Master is here!”

Everyone made way, and someone sat down at her bedside, gripping her hand tightly.

He must be suffering too!

Lady Jiang thought hazily that Third Master Chen was a very devoted person. He might not have had excess romantic love for her, but they had been husband and wife for over a decade, and she had accompanied him to this day. He surely had some feelings for her.

Lady Jiang heard him say something like “I’m sorry,” and she wanted to laugh. How could it be him saying sorry?

She seemed to say many things, but when a person is dying, they hardly know what they’re saying—it should be what she wanted to say.

Lady Jiang looked reluctantly at her little daughter, who understood nothing and just kept crying, frightened by everyone around.

Her consciousness faded, and she slowly widened her eyes, as if she could no longer see anything.

Chen Yan Yun gradually felt the frail hand in his grow colder. He placed his hand over Lady Jiang’s eyes.

He slowly released Lady Jiang’s hand and asked quietly: “Where is the Seventh Young Master? Still on his way?”

“He’ll be back soon. We didn’t expect Madam to go so quickly…” someone answered softly.

The room fell silent, with only the sound of maids and servant women crying outside. Chen Yan Yun said: “When he returns, have him come find me.”

He returned to his study in the front courtyard and stayed alone for a long time.

Lady Jiang’s death brought him not only sadness but more profoundly, reflection. Lady Jiang was a year younger than him, still so young.

He told Old Lady Chen that he wanted to observe mourning for Lady Jiang for two years. Old Lady Chen sighed, thinking he was reluctant to part with Lady Jiang, and agreed. By then, Chen Yan Yun’s thoughts on love and affection had grown even more detached. Over the years, his actions had become increasingly precipitous, and he had heard what others said privately, some quite harsh. Once, a clerk whispered to a colleague: “It’s karma; how many times has he acted against his conscience…”

Although Chen Yan Yun didn’t mind these words, he had to guard against others’ gossip. Gradually, he found that believing in Buddhism wasn’t a bad idea—it helped cultivate his character, and if he truly had any sins, Buddha might be more lenient seeing his devotion. Having become a practitioner, he began to observe vegetarian diets and recite Buddhist scriptures. He no longer touched his three concubines, and his temperament appeared increasingly gentle.

Since he no longer had other concerns, he became a sharp blade in Zhang Ju Lian’s hand.

Two years later, he was about to take the position of Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion, becoming the youngest Cabinet Elder, just one final deployment away. That day, Zhang Ju Lian shared a sedan chair with him, walking outside Jiuchun Precinct, looking at the moat water.

“Jiu Heng, do you remember what I told you when you first entered the Heir Apparent’s Household?” Zhang Ju Lian asked.

Chen Yan Yun smiled, “Please feel free to remind me.”

“What you hold in your hand is always the best,” said Zhang Ju Lian.

Chen Yan Yun watched the flowing water heading east and thought it was indeed so. What you hold in your hand is good.

What else matters?