Ji Cheng had long prepared her response to Shen Qian’s question, anticipating that Shen Qian would certainly ask these questions.
Shen Qian couldn’t discern the truth in Ji Cheng’s words, but she was not one to be coy and had her way of handling things. She smiled shyly, “Sister Cheng, have you all noticed that I like Cousin Zhenchang?”
To be honest, such words might seem shameless, but coming from someone as innocent and straightforward as Shen Qian, they only seemed endearing. Ji Cheng leaned towards Shen Qian, “Yes, we have.”
Shen Qian’s face turned as red as peach blossoms in March. “I know it’s a bit shameless, but I can’t help myself. Ever since I first watched his polo match, I couldn’t see anyone else.”
Is Shen Qian clever or foolish? Regardless, with her saying this, Ji Cheng had to put aside any other thoughts, simply because Shen Qian spoke first, and did so openly, without the usual feminine reserve.
Ji Cheng playfully tapped her cheek, “A young lady like you saying such things, aren’t you embarrassed?”
Shen Qian jumped up to pinch Ji Cheng’s face, and the two of them playfully ran to the Jiuli Courtyard.
As soon as they entered the courtyard, Shen Qian sniffed the air, “I smell roasted meat!” She lowered her voice, “My Second Brother must be home; otherwise, Yu Yi wouldn’t be roasting meat.”
Shen Qian put a finger to her lips, signaling Ji Cheng to be quiet. “Let’s sneak over; whoever sees it gets a share.”
Familiar with the Jiuli Courtyard, Shen Qian led Ji Cheng up the stone path to the mountain. “My Second Brother loves roasting meat at the top of the mountain in the Nest Cloud Pavilion. The pavilion is on the ridge, offering the best view of the entire Qing Garden. I should have guessed; it snowed heavily yesterday, his favorite weather. The ridge of Jiuli Courtyard is never cleared of snow; he loves drinking in the snow.”
Fortunately, Ji Cheng wore small leather boots today. The paths in Qing Garden were cleared of snow, keeping her feet dry, but inside Jiuli Courtyard, the snow reached over Ji Cheng’s ankles. As they approached the ridge, the snow was up to Ji Cheng’s calves.
Holding hands, Ji Cheng and Shen Qian trudged through the snow, leaving footprints behind. After passing a large cluster of fragrant wintersweet flowers, Ji Cheng looked up to see Shen Che not far ahead. The Nest Cloud Pavilion resembled a bird’s nest, woven from withered branches into a low pavilion, open to the wind. Shen Che wasn’t sitting inside but on a millstone-sized rock outside. He had cleared a pile of snow and lit a fire, roasting meat on an iron skewer.
Yu Yi was not far from Shen Che, brushing marinade on the meat, while Ni Shang was warming wine in the pavilion.
“Second Brother, we were just talking about wanting to eat roasted meat today. Sister Yuan asked me to invite Yu Yi, but I see you’re already eating, so we can join you. The more, the merrier,” Shen Qian said, lifting her skirt and running forward.
Unfortunately, her balance wasn’t great, and after a few steps, she tripped on a stone hidden under the snow and fell forward. Ji Cheng, following behind, couldn’t ignore it and lunged to catch Shen Qian, but the momentum was too strong. Ji Cheng, not yet accustomed to walking in such deep snow, also fell, one after the other, into the snow.
Since Shen Qian was in front, Ji Cheng twisted her body to avoid landing on her, ending up in a worse position. Ni Shang and Yu Yi hurried over to help, and when Ji Cheng got up, her face was covered in snow, even her mouth.
This comical scene didn’t elicit sympathy but rather Shen Che’s hearty laughter. Ni Shang brushed the snow off Ji Cheng and led her to the fire, “Warm up quickly. Do you need to change your clothes and shoes, Miss Ji?”
Ji Cheng shook her head, “No need.” She wasn’t that delicate.
Shen Qian, now standing in front of Shen Che, snatched the skewer from his hand, “Second Brother, you saw us fall and didn’t help, yet you laughed so heartily.”
Shen Che replied, “You came uninvited to share my roasted meat; shouldn’t you first pay your respects?”
Unable to out-argue Shen Che, Shen Qian took a bite of the meat, which was tender and delicious. “What kind of meat is this? It’s so tender.”
“Rat meat,” Shen Che replied.
Shen Qian immediately threw the skewer into the snow, but Shen Che caught it just in time.
Poor Shen Qian had already swallowed the meat, and now she could only spit out saliva, exclaiming, “Ptooey, ptooey!”
Ni Shang and Yu Yi laughed at Shen Qian’s antics. “Miss Qian, don’t listen to the Young Master. It’s not rat meat; it’s venison that Young Master Chu sent over this morning.”
“Which Young Master Chu?” Shen Qian’s ears perked up at the mention of “Young Master Chu.”
Shen Che pretended not to notice Shen Qian’s reaction. He was about eight years older than her and had watched her grow up, like a brother and a father. Seeing her so infatuated didn’t please him, so he chose to ignore it.
Turning to Ji Cheng, who was sitting by the fire, Shen Che said, “You should go back and change. You’ve just recovered from an illness, and if the snow soaks through your clothes, you might relapse.”
“Indeed, although I have clothes in Jiuli Courtyard, Sister Cheng is half a head taller than me, so they might not fit. Sister, you’ve just recovered; you mustn’t catch a cold again. When you go back, if you see Sister Yuan and the others, tell them to come to Jiuli Courtyard quickly. We haven’t had fun together in a long time,” Shen Qian said, smiling after realizing Young Master Chu wasn’t Chu Zhen.
“Alright,” Ji Cheng agreed, standing up.
“I’ll walk you down. It’s harder to go down than up, and the path is slippery. I thought it might deter a few monkeys, but they just climb higher,” Shen Che said, standing up as well.
Shen Qian knew Shen Che was displeased with her inviting friends over, but she just smiled and said nothing. “You two go ahead.”
Shen Che instructed Ni Shang, “Prepare some chrysanthemum drink and xuanmai tea for them. Too much-roasted meat can cause heat.”
Ni Shang nodded, and Shen Che told Yu Yi, “Watch over Ah Qian. She’s only allowed three skewers, no more.”
Today, Ji Cheng saw Shen Che’s meticulous side, which she hadn’t expected. However, not many people could enjoy such care.
Ji Cheng followed Shen Che down the mountain. He wasn’t just being polite; the path was indeed treacherous, with snow trampled into ice. A careless step could lead to a fall.
Unlike Ji Cheng, who walked cautiously, Shen Che strolled as if on a sunny path. However, to accommodate Ji Cheng, he walked slowly, taking one step at a time.
After passing the plum trees, Shen Che stopped and said to Ji Cheng, “The medicine seems to have worked well. Let me check your pulse again.”
Ji Cheng glanced back to ensure they were out of Shen Qian’s sight before extending her hand.
Shen Che took her pulse, “You’re recovering well. Stop taking the medicine. Although it calms the mind, relying on it for sleep isn’t sustainable. If you still have trouble sleeping, try a small cup of Western grape wine before bed; it might help.”
Ji Cheng nodded. She had been sleeping better lately and had considered taking more medicine, but Shen Che’s advice changed her mind.
Ji Cheng had something to discuss with Shen Che, so she stopped walking. “Cousin Che, now that I’m in the capital, it takes six or seven days for letters to travel between here and Jin. Do you have a faster way to send messages?”
“I’ll think of something for you,” Shen Che replied, turning to continue down the mountain. At the steepest part, he extended his hand to Ji Cheng, “Come down; I’ll hold you.”
Climbing in a lady’s dress was indeed inconvenient. A misstep could lead to a serious fall. Ji Cheng didn’t hesitate, placing her hand in Shen Che’s and, with his support, jumped down.
“Cheng Sister!” Su Jun’s sharp voice rang out. She and Shen Yuan followed the path after hearing from the gatekeeper that Shen Qian and Ji Cheng had gone to the ridge, arriving just in time to see Shen Che holding Ji Cheng’s hand.
Ji Cheng quickly withdrew her hand, feeling awkward under Su Jun and Shen Yuan’s gaze. It wasn’t a big deal, but Su Jun’s exclamation made it seem suspicious.
“Sister Yuan, you’re just in time. The path was too slippery; I fell hard earlier and needed to change my clothes. Sister Qian asked me to tell you she’s already eating roasted meat up there. I’ll join you after changing,” Ji Cheng said, trying to ease the situation.
Ji Cheng then turned to Shen Che, “Thank you, Cousin Che, for walking me down.”
Shen Yuan, seeing Ji Cheng’s straightforwardness, relaxed, while Su Jun remained silent.
Shen Che said, “It was on my way; I have business down here too.”
Shen Yuan helped Ji Cheng out of the situation, “Sister Cheng, go change your clothes.”
Ji Cheng nodded and headed down the mountain, hearing Shen Che instruct a servant to escort Shen Yuan and the others up, but he didn’t accompany them himself.
Back in her small courtyard, Ji Cheng changed clothes and felt too lazy to move. She wasn’t particularly interested in the roasted meat and didn’t want to give Su Jun more to think about.
So, after changing, Ji Cheng didn’t rush to Jiuli Courtyard. Instead, she sat by the south window, occasionally glancing at the plum blossoms in the corner, her thoughts drifting to Jin. She wondered if her father could persuade Uncle Ling.
The information Shen Che provided was also useful. Everyone has weaknesses, especially in complex families like the Tan and Chen.
Ji Cheng was dozing off when she heard a commotion in the courtyard. It was Lu Ying, Shen Yuan’s maid, inviting her to Jiuli Courtyard.
“Miss, why are you lounging here? I was wondering where you were. Come to Jiuli Courtyard; it’s lively up there. Even your brother, Young Master Ji, is here. The Old Madam was so surprised she sent venison over. You’re the only one missing,” Lu Ying said rapidly.
“I just felt a bit dizzy earlier, so I leaned back for a moment. I’ll go with you now,” Ji Cheng said as she stood up. Liu Ye’er came over to help her tidy her clothes. Ji Cheng thought for a moment, “It’s cold outside, so you all stay indoors. I’ll just take Nan Gui with me.”
Nan Gui was skilled in martial arts, so whether going up or down the mountain, Ji Cheng wasn’t worried about any mishaps.
When they reached the ridge of Jiuli Courtyard, Ji Cheng found it bustling with activity. All the siblings were present, except for Shen Yu, who never liked such gatherings.
Besides the Shen family, the big fellow Chu De was also there. He was the one who brought the venison, likely to enjoy Yu Yi’s culinary skills.
Ji Yuan approached Ji Cheng as soon as he saw her, “Why have you lost so much weight?”
Ji Cheng had been ill, and Ji Yuan had visited her, but his studies were demanding, with the autumn examinations approaching next year, so he couldn’t frequently return from the academy. Seeing Ji Cheng’s face thinner by a circle, he couldn’t help but comment.
Ji Cheng touched her face, “I lost my appetite while sick, but I’ll regain it in a few days. Don’t worry, Big Brother.”
Ji Yuan nodded and said no more. He was always a serious person, even when concerned about his siblings, he kept it to himself. Ji Cheng was used to it and didn’t feel disappointed, though having Shen Che as a brother for comparison left her with a slight sense of regret.
No matter how rational Ji Cheng was, the desire for affection was a basic human need. Sometimes, overly reserved emotions can easily hurt those you care about.
Compared to the reserved Ji Yuan, her cousin Shen Jing was much more enthusiastic.
“Sister Cheng, why are you so late? Come, I’ll roast some meat for you,” Shen Jing said, guiding Ji Cheng to the fire. He took a skewer of meat from Yu Yi and placed it over the fire. “Sit down and warm yourself by the fire. I’ve already roasted some; you can start eating.” Shen Jing reheated the meat he had roasted before Ji Cheng arrived and handed it to her.
Ji Cheng thanked him and didn’t refuse, taking small bites. Yu Yi’s culinary skills were indeed excellent; the marinade was perfectly balanced, neither too dry nor too greasy.
Shen Jing hadn’t had a chance to talk to Ji Cheng for a long time, so he was reluctant to waste this opportunity. “Sister Cheng, thank you for the snake oil ointment you sent me. It worked wonders; the chilblains on my hands are no longer swollen or painful. My classmates keep asking where I got it.”
“I’m glad it helped. Doesn’t your academy have stoves?” Ji Cheng asked.
“The teacher often says that when Heaven is about to place a great responsibility on a person, it first tests their resolve and toughens their sinews. He also says that when we enter officialdom, we must understand the hardships of the people to serve them well. So, the academy never lights stoves,” Shen Jing explained.
Ji Cheng nodded, understanding why even a young master like Shen Jing would get chilblains. “I don’t know much, but I think your teacher makes a good point. However, it’s not good to damage your hands. Cousin, you should wear thicker clothes. If the snake oil ointment runs out, I have more. It’s not a rare item; many people in Jin use it.”
While snake oil ointment was common, the effective kind was not. The one Ji Cheng gave Shen Jing was a special remedy from Jin.
“Sister Cheng, it’s kind of you to think of my chilblains even while you were ill,” Shen Jing said, touched. When he and Ji Yuan visited Ji Cheng, he had hidden his hands in his sleeves, fearing they would frighten her. Yet, Ji Cheng noticed and sent the ointment along with a padded jacket for Ji Yuan.
It’s no wonder Shen Jing’s affection for Ji Cheng deepened. Her attentiveness and care made him feel that having such a wife would leave nothing more to desire.
Shen Jing believed Ji Cheng shared his feelings, but for Ji Cheng, it was merely a gesture of goodwill, leading to a sweet misunderstanding due to differing expectations.
As Ji Cheng and Shen Jing conversed quietly, the big fellow Chu De watched with amusement and said to Shen Che, “Your cousin is quite something. Not only does she have your cousin wrapped around her finger, but even Chu Heilian treats her differently. But she is indeed beautiful; I feel half my bones melt just looking at her. No wonder even Wang Yueniang says she surpasses Wang Fourth Miss as the most beautiful woman in the capital. With her figure, few can compare when she sways her waist.”
Chu De’s words reminded him of the incident at Tianxiang Tower. He hadn’t known the dancer that day was Ji Cheng. After the tower was raided, he sent people to search for her, only realizing later that the dancer was Ji Cheng. His jealousy towards Shen Che grew, as his cousins were all exceptionally beautiful.
Shen Che glanced at Chu De, “Didn’t you learn your lesson last time?”
Chu De recalled the paper ball that hit his chest, a painful reminder. But he couldn’t help himself; he had a loose tongue around beauties. Among the Shen sisters, he dared not jest, and Su Jun was engaged, leaving only Ji Cheng and Lu Yuan.
Compared to the spirited Lu Yuan, Chu De’s eyes naturally favored the more graceful Ji Cheng.
“You’re so stingy. Can’t even talk about it?” Chu De complained. He didn’t enjoy hanging out with the Shen family, always having to act properly. In his view, roasting meat in the snow was best enjoyed with the company of women, with one hand holding a warm, soft beauty and the other a cup of wine.
Shen Che said coolly, “Ah Cheng is helping me with the Western business. Show her some respect, or you might find yourself in trouble. She’s not to be underestimated.”
Chu De knew Shen Che had recruited Ji Cheng but hadn’t realized how much he valued her. This piqued his interest. Chu De, with his large frame, was not one to be trifled with and loved a challenge. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have married a fierce wife.
Chu De moved to sit beside Ji Cheng, “When eating roasted meat, don’t just pick the lean parts. The fatty ones are the best, sizzling and flavorful. Try it.” He offered her the skewer.
Although Ji Cheng adhered to the principle of not offending others unless necessary, associating with someone like Chu De was always risky for a proper young lady. Society admired beauty, and while someone like Shen Che was considered charming, Chu De’s demeanor came off as lewd.
Ji Cheng, who even avoided Shen Che, certainly wouldn’t entertain Chu De.
“Thank you, Young Master Chu, but I’ve already had lunch and am quite full,” Ji Cheng replied without taking the skewer.
Chu De wasn’t offended and continued eating.
Shen Jing, not wanting Chu De to get close to Ji Cheng, said, “Too much meat can be greasy and hard to digest. Ni Shang has prepared some plum tea. Sister Cheng, why don’t you get a cup?”
Ji Cheng stood up and went to the Nest Cloud Pavilion. Su Jun watched her back, convinced of Ji Cheng’s frivolity. Why else would someone like Chu De approach her? Su Jun turned away, as if looking at Ji Cheng any longer would taint her eyes.
After the crowd dispersed, the snow-covered ground was left in disarray, black footprints marring the pristine white, making the scene unappealing.
As Yu Yi cleaned up the dishes, she complained to Ni Shang, “I don’t know how long it will take for the snow to cover this mess again. The Young Master loves the snow, and now he probably won’t come up for a while.”
Ni Shang replied, “There will be more snow this winter. Don’t worry.”
Yu Yi blushed, “What am I worried about?”
Ni Shang smiled gently and said no more. It was clear Yu Yi was concerned about not having snow to keep someone around.
However, Ni Shang was right; there was plenty of snow this winter. To mark the season, Ji Cheng painted a set of four “Snow Plum, Snow Bamboo, Snow Pine, Snow Boat” stationery for sale at Qingcang Tower. Although the sales were good, the money was insignificant to Ji Cheng; it was more about reputation.
When Shen Qian came to find Ji Cheng, she had just finished painting. With sharp eyes, Shen Qian immediately noticed the new stationery. “Sister Cheng, you’ve made new stationery again?”
Ji Cheng nodded her eyes on the unfamiliar girl beside Shen Qian. “And who is this?”
“Oh,” Shen Qian, engrossed in the new stationery, almost forgot her friend. “This is Ah Ning. She just returned to the capital a few days ago, so you wouldn’t know her.”
He Ning was the cherished daughter of the Protector of Annan. Her mother was the daughter of the capital’s Grand Master Zhou. They returned to the capital to celebrate Old Madam Zhou’s birthday. Shen Yu’s first wife was also a granddaughter of the Zhou family, so there was a familial connection. Shen Qian and He Ning had played together since childhood until He Ning moved to Annan.
“Sister Cheng, you wouldn’t know, but Ah Ning and I have been writing to each other these past two years. For the last six months, she’s been asking about the beautiful stationery I use. Now that she’s back in the capital and heard the maker is in our family, she insisted on meeting you,” Shen Qian said, pushing He Ning towards Ji Cheng.