After the Dragon Boat Festival passed, the footsteps of midsummer arrived promptly. At noon, with the wind rustling through the bamboo leaves, the tireless cicadas outside the window continued their rhythmic chirping. Amidst the sound of flipping pages, a soothing and gentle voice emerged, reciting, “The Master said: ‘When parents are alive, do not wander far. If you must travel, let there be a clear plan.'”
The reader paused for a moment, his thoughts drifting uncontrollably, winding through the long corridors of time until they settled in a long-dispersed schoolhouse. A fourteen-year-old girl, propping up her chin, her eyes bright with curiosity, asked in a soft voice, “Master, where is your hometown?”
He lifted his head from the pages of the book, smiling as he replied, “My hometown is far from the capital. Even by carriage, it takes several days and nights to arrive.”
The girl tilted her head, pondering for a moment, unable to grasp the concept of a journey lasting several days and nights. She then asked, “What does your hometown look like?”
He slowly set down the book, gazing out the window, his thoughts drifting afar. “There, unlike the bustling streets of the capital. Due to frequent wars, many people have moved away. But still, there remains a group of people, for they can witness the most beautiful sunset, the magnificent mountain scenery, and the shadows left by eagles soaring over the city walls.”
The girl was deeply moved by his description of the scenery, her face filled with longing. Then, she sighed with disappointment, saying, “I have never even been to the Wanxiang Mountain in the capital. I’m afraid I will never have the chance to see such beautiful scenery in my life.”
His gaze returned from afar, gentle as it fell upon her face. After a while, he softly said, “Wanwan, when you grow up, I will take you to see my hometown, alright?”
The girl immediately lit up with a bright smile, exclaiming, “Really? Can I go?” This smile reflected in his eyes, but as time passed, it gradually faded away like drifting sand, leaving no trace behind.
“Master? Master?” Several crisp calls snapped Luo Yuan back to reality. Xiao Zhixuan sat on the side, having waited for some time without hearing him speak, poking her head out from behind the screen and looking at him curiously. Since Luo Yuan began tutoring her as her private tutor, there had been a few days, and to avoid suspicion, a separate flower hall was set up in the courtyard as a study room, with a screen separating the two.
Luo Yuan shook off the memories that had lingered in his mind, smiling apologetically. “I was distracted by the sound of cicadas outside.”
Xiao Zhixuan smirked, “I bet you’re tired, Master. Why don’t you take a nap here secretly? I promise not to tell my brother.”
Luo Yuan laughed at her suggestion, shaking his head. But seeing her yawning despondently, he guessed that she was feeling tired and wanted to rest but was too embarrassed to say so. Just then, a pair of embroidered golden-green soft boots appeared at the door of the hall. Luo Yuan quickly stood up and bowed, saying, “Master.”
Xiao Du turned to the two of them, smiling, “How about it, am I not a mischievous little sister who’s hard to teach?”
Luo Yuan quickly replied, “Miss Zhi Zhi is exceptionally gifted and learns very quickly. As for being playful and active by nature, I believe there is no need for excessive restraint. Just let nature take its course.”
Hearing the praise, Xiao Zhixuan’s face lit up with joy, and she immediately grabbed Xiao Du’s arm and said, “See, before, those old scholars who were invited always forced me to recite and copy characters. But Mr. Luo is discerning and knows how to teach according to the student’s aptitude.”
Xiao Du saw Xiao Zhixuan’s pouting face, and shook his head helplessly, saying, “Look at you, now you can’t even concentrate. Go back to your room and rest first.”
Xiao Zhixuan immediately turned happy, “Great, thank you, big brother.” Then, after bidding Luo Yuan farewell, she left with two maidservants carrying fans.
Xiao Du had a pot of well-chilled plum wine brought over and removed the screen, dismissing all the servants waiting in the hall. Turning around, he saw Luo Yuan calmly tidying up the books and papers on the table, looking as if everything was in order. Xiao Du sat down opposite him, saying, “Mr. Luo seems to have been prepared for this for a long time.”
Luo Yuan put down the book in his hand and smiled, “I was a bit distracted by the cicada outside just now.”
Xiao Zhixuan smiled slyly, “I think, Master, you must be tired. Why don’t you take a nap here secretly? I promise not to tell my brother.”
Luo Yuan was amused by her words, shaking his head. But seeing her yawning despondently, he guessed that she was feeling tired and wanted to rest but was too embarrassed to say so. Just then, a pair of embroidered golden-green soft boots appeared at the door of the hall. Luo Yuan quickly stood up and bowed, saying, “Master.”
Xiao Du turned to the two of them, smiling, “How about it, am I not a mischievous little sister who’s hard to teach?”
Luo Yuan quickly replied, “Miss Zhi Zhi is exceptionally gifted and learns very quickly. As for being playful and active by nature, I believe there is no need for excessive restraint. Just let nature take its course.”
Hearing the praise, Xiao Zhixuan’s face lit up with joy, and she immediately grabbed Xiao Du’s arm and said, “See, before, those old scholars who were invited always forced me to recite and copy characters. But Mr. Luo is discerning and knows how to teach according to the student’s aptitude.”
Xiao Du saw Xiao Zhixuan’s pouting face, and shook his head helplessly, saying, “Look at you, now you can’t even concentrate. Go back to your room and rest first.”
Xiao Zhixuan immediately turned happy, “Great, thank you, big brother.” Then, after bidding Luo Yuan farewell, she left with two maidservants carrying fans.
Xiao Du had a pot of well-chilled plum wine brought over and removed the screen, dismissing all the servants waiting in the hall. Turning around, he saw Luo Yuan calmly tidying up the books and papers on the table, looking as if everything was in order. Xiao Du sat down opposite him, saying, “Mr. Luo seems to have been prepared for this for a long time.”
Luo Yuan stood up and poured each of them a cup of chilled plum wine, taking a sip before saying, “I can’t help but feel, that Lord Hou didn’t invite me here just to teach.”
Xiao Du took the wine cup, his expression indifferent as he said, “And what does Mr. Luo think my purpose is?”
“Since Lord Hou is unwilling to say it plainly, I’ll take the liberty to guess. I speculate that although Xia Xian was expelled back to the capital, he is not likely to give up easily. He may even be more wary of the Xiao family’s military power. Hence, he dared to attempt an assassination during the Dragon Boat Festival. The Xia family’s power has grown steadily over the past two dynasties, with key figures in all six ministries. With Xia Xian controlling the court and Xia Taihou controlling the inner palace, the current emperor has been on the throne for only three years and has to make concessions to them. Lord Hou and the Xiao family’s military power rely solely on Wang Shoucheng, an assistant minister of the Ministry of War. So even if Lord Hou harbors suspicions about me, he can’t help but want to test me.”
Xiao Du placed the wine cup down heavily, his tone becoming somewhat stern, “I didn’t expect a mere minor official like you, a Hanlin Scholar, to dare to speculate about the affairs of the court. Even if what you say is true, and the Xia family has a strong grip, what use are you, a fifth-rank civil official, to me?”
Luo Yuan replied solemnly, “In my view, the Xiao family’s control over the tens of thousands of troops stationed at Pingdu Pass is Lord Hou’s greatest leverage. And what Lord Hou needs most now is someone to keep an eye on the court’s every move and prepare in advance. Although I hold a small position, I handle various imperial edicts and reports, making me the best candidate for this task.”
Xiao Du narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing him, and said, “Why are you helping me in the first place?”
“My intentions were already made clear during our last meeting at the villa. Although I am just a minor figure, I have some sense of justice and cannot bear to see loyal soldiers and patriots being eroded by the power of the imperial relatives. So I am willing to contribute my meager strength to serve Lord Hou.”
Luo Yuan stood up, bowed deeply, and said, “I have already pledged my life to you, Lord Hou. It’s up to you whether to trust me or not.”
Xiao Du stared at him, his finger tapping lightly on the table as if he were deep in thought. The hall fell into silence, and the sound of cicadas outside became clearer. But Luo Yuan was not in a hurry; he simply walked to the door, plucked a sprig of osmanthus flowers, and scattered them into the plum wine. The sweet fragrance of osmanthus blossomed and filled the room, adding a gentle touch to the atmosphere.
Just as the fragrance was about to dissipate, Xiao Du finally let out a sigh and took out a letter from his bosom, handing it to Luo Yuan, saying, “What do you make of this?”
Luo Yuan knew that this was the first step of trust from Xiao Du. He quickly took the letter and read it carefully, then furrowed his brows and said, “Wang Shoucheng wants his sister to be made a concubine?”
“Yes,” Xiao Du snorted coldly, “He has been harboring this idea for years and has hinted at it several times. Originally, because of his relationship with him, we have been tolerant of Wang’s sister. But unexpectedly, they are still not satisfied and want to take advantage of this opportunity to force their way into the palace.”
Luo Yuan thought for a moment and said, “Does Lord Hou and Madam know about this?”
Xiao Du nodded and said, “Father has always been indifferent to this matter. He thinks that a concubine is just a title, and if they want to give it to them, so be it. But Mother’s reaction is a bit strange. She doesn’t seem too angry, just saying that as long as it’s what we want.”
Luo Yuan said, “In recent years, Wang Shoucheng has been repeatedly promoted, and the emperor values him greatly. He even intends to support him to enter the cabinet. With his current status, his only sister being just a concubine has always been a thorn in his side. Lord Hou should consider this and agree to it.”
Xiao Du nodded and said, “I originally didn’t have any objections to this matter. I’m just worried that Wang’s sister, relying on her brother’s power, has become more and more arrogant. If she becomes a concubine, I don’t know what tricks she will play. At this critical moment, I don’t want any more trouble in the Hou Mansion to be picked up by outsiders.”
Luo Yuan paused and said, “Since we’re on this topic, have you ever thought about who would benefit the most if you don’t have a legitimate son?”
Xiao Du suddenly turned his head and said, “Are you talking about the incident at the villa?” He thought for a moment, then shook his head and said, “Although my aunt has some tricks up her sleeve, she can’t hide too deep. I doubt she would dare to harm Madam.”
Luo Yuan continued to advise, “Even though that may be the case, this is a major matter concerning Madam’s safety. Lord Hou should still be more vigilant.”
Xiao Du looked at his genuinely concerned expression and felt somewhat uncomfortable in his heart. He couldn’t help but sneer inwardly: Do I need you to remind me to care about my wife? So he waved his hand impatiently and said, “I will investigate these matters thoroughly. You don’t need to worry about it, Mr. Luo.”
Seeing his expression, Luo Yuan knew that further persuasion would be inappropriate, so he sighed lightly in his heart, picked up the chilled wine on the table, and finished it in one gulp.
Meanwhile, in the room they were discussing, the new Madam of the Hou Mansion, Yuan Xi, was sitting and flipping through the account books of the villa. As she read on, her brows furrowed, sensing that something was amiss.
Just then, the door burst open, and Rong Qiao rushed in, saying anxiously, “Madam, something’s wrong! Come with me quickly!”
Yuan Xi was startled, quickly putting down the account books and following Rong Qiao outside, asking, “What’s wrong?”
Rong Qiao seemed extremely flustered, out of breath, and kept pulling her along, saying urgently, “It’s Lord Hou… Madam, you’ll know as soon as we get there.”
Yuan Xi felt a sense of unease growing in her heart as she followed Rong Qiao further and further until they reached a secluded side door. Finally feeling that something was wrong, she stopped in her tracks, intending to ask for more details. But just as she stopped, she suddenly caught a whiff of a strange fragrance. Then her head started spinning, and her body went limp, collapsing to the ground.
In her last moments of consciousness, Yuan Xi saw Rong Qiao tearfully looking at her, choking out an apology, “Madam, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to… I didn’t know what it was…”
As Yuan Xi closed her eyes, Rong Qiao panicked and quickly turned away. Then, with sudden horror, she widened her eyes and exclaimed, “You!”