Ji Cheng sighed softly, “So the Earl’s position can’t be touched, and no matter how much silver Aunt spends on Uncle’s behalf, it’s useless. However, Cousin Shen Jing has a promising future ahead.”
Ji Cheng’s words immediately piqued Ji Lan’s interest. Her eyes urged Ji Cheng to continue, while her face maintained an expression of feigned indifference.
“The Earl is getting old and will have to step down someday. When that time comes, the Shen family will rely on Cousin Jing’s generation to support it. Cousin is well-educated, and if he passes the imperial examinations next year, he’ll be a strong contender against Cousin Yu. If Cousin Jing’s prospects appear brighter, I believe the Old Ancestor will surely support him. After all, among the Second and Third Branches, Old Madam has supported the Second Branch at the expense of the Third. They’re both her flesh and blood, her sons, so she must feel indebted to some extent.”
Ji Cheng was right. If Old Madam hadn’t felt indebted to Shen Ying, how could Ji Lan have married into the family? It was only because Shen Ying’s career prospects were limited that she wanted him to marry someone he liked.
“With that sense of indebtedness, if Cousin Jing proves more capable, Old Madam will naturally favor him. At that time, Aunt can resolve all her grievances,” Ji Cheng explained.
Ji Cheng’s words resonated deeply with Ji Lan. Previously, she had focused solely on Shen Ying, thinking that if he rose in status, Shen Jing would naturally follow. But now, enlightened by Ji Cheng’s words, she realized she should indeed devote more attention to Shen Jing.
Ji Lan fell silent, pondering Shen Jing’s situation while also worrying about Wang Yueniang causing trouble in the palace. She waved her hand, dismissing Ji Cheng.
After Ji Cheng and the others left for their lessons, Ji Lan went to Old Madam’s room to inquire about news, particularly regarding Wang Yueniang.
“I’ve sent Ache to gather information. He has many friends and is well-informed,” Old Madam said.
Ji Lan thought to herself, “Indeed, Shen Che has the most useless friends.” She wondered if Old Madam was becoming senile, relying on that wastrel Shen Che for everything.
“That’s good. Jing also has some acquaintances at Dongshan Academy who might have ways to gather information. I’ll ask him to discreetly inquire as well,” Ji Lan said.
Old Madam responded with a simple “Mm.”
Meanwhile, Shen Che, in whom Old Madam placed such high hopes, was at the dock bidding farewell to Rui Yu.
Perhaps because she had completely given up hope with Shen Che and had grown weary of life at Jiangnan Lou, Rui Yu knew Shen Che was right. Even if it were him, five or ten years might be bearable, but after that, she might regret losing her life’s purpose and becoming just like everyone else.
After leaving, Rui Yu’s first destination was Jiangnan. Shen Che went to the dock to see her off. Like Fang Xuan before her, Rui Yu traveled light, bringing only one maid, pursuing her dreams rather than seeking comfort.
Rui Yu waved to Shen Che from the ship’s bow, feeling the inevitable sadness of leaving the capital where she had lived for over twenty years. The man on the shore, his robes fluttering in the river breeze, was also hard to let go.
Unable to contain herself, Rui Yu ran down from the ship and rushed to Shen Che. “Can you kiss me just once?” she asked, bitter about never having been kissed by the man who had always spurned her.
Shen Che opened his arms, and Rui Yu threw herself into them. She felt his kiss gently touch her forehead, like a brother doting on his sister.
Rui Yu burst into laughter, her body shaking as she cried, “I wonder which bodhisattva will eventually carry out heaven’s will and deal with you, you heartbreaker.”
After Rui Yu turned and left, Chu De whispered in Shen Che’s ear, “How could it be a bodhisattva? It must be a demon who will capture you, you Buddha. You’ve renounced desire so thoroughly; if you give up alcohol and meat next, you’ll be ready to achieve enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.”
Shen Che glanced at Chu De. “What are you upset about?”
“I finally had the chance to hear Miss Rui Yu sing for a few days, thanks to you, and now you’ve sent her away,” Chu De complained.
“You said it yourself—it was thanks to me,” Shen Che coldly retorted.
Chu De grew more dissatisfied. “I say, these young ladies must all have something wrong with their heads. It’s you who toys with them and abandons them, yet they remain devoted to you. Why can’t they see a man like me who’s willing and able to take responsibility?”
“They’re not blind,” Shen Che showed no sympathy for Chu De. “Any movement in the palace these days?”
“Nothing much. Wang Yueniang hasn’t established herself yet, so she’ll have to lay low for a while. No need to worry for now,” Chu De replied.
“I’m not worried. Wang Yueniang harbors a deep hatred for the First Branch. People tend to resent those closest to them more than outsiders. She and Consort Wang are bound to clash sooner or later. Keep an eye on things and help Consort Wang if necessary. Once the Emperor tires of Wang Yueniang, that poisonous tumor should be removed if possible.”
“Tsk, tsk, tsk. You’re so cold-blooded. That poor girl was so devoted to you, and look how you treat her,” Chu De said, shaking his head.
“If you feel sorry for her, why don’t you pursue her yourself?” Shen Che retorted.
This silenced Chu De. “Well, forget about her. She’s a concubine now. You know my wife is weak and hasn’t conceived in several years. My mother is anxious and urges me to take a proper girl as a concubine. Your cousin…”
Shen Che turned and started walking back, saying as he went, “My cousin won’t be anyone’s concubine.”
“Hey, I haven’t even said which one yet,” Chu De called after him.
“It doesn’t matter which one. None of them will do it,” Shen Che answered without looking back.
Chu De cursed, “Damn it, even a dog from your family is more noble than others, is that it?”
By now, Shen Che had already boarded his carriage, possibly not hearing Chu De’s words. Chu De cursed again, “A grown man always riding in a carriage, aren’t you ashamed? Can’t you ride a horse? Why act like a woman?!”
Grumbling, Chu De mounted the horse his attendant had brought. Just as he settled in the saddle, something struck his chest. If he weren’t so stout and stable, he would have fallen off.
“Shen Erzi!!!” Chu De’s scream could be heard from across the river.
Two attendants quickly came forward to steady Chu De, one supporting his leg, the other holding his bottom, helping him sit securely.
Angrily, Chu De kicked away the attendant holding his leg. “What are you looking at? Hurry up and pick up that paper ball for me.”
The weapon used to hit him couldn’t be crushed in anger; it had to be carefully preserved to be opened and read in a safe place. Chu De felt there was no one more pathetic than himself in the world. How had he been so naive and kind-hearted to be tricked onto Shen Che’s boat in the first place?
Autumn is the season of harvest, and many people were eager to reap something this fall, sparing no effort in their pursuits.
It was easy to inquire about Qi Zheng’s whereabouts because he was so conventional. When not on duty in the palace, he spent most of his time at the Yunyang Earl’s mansion. He rarely socialized, apparently disliking such activities. More than three times a month, he would visit Hanrong Studio, the painting and calligraphy shop where Ji Cheng had encountered him before, though the timing was irregular.
Ji Cheng hadn’t expected Qi Zheng’s life to be so simple, with a clear sense of self-discipline. However, remaining pure in a corrupt world often leads to ostracism. As far as Ji Cheng knew, none of the Shen family cousins associated much with Qi Zheng. Their circle was essentially the core group of noble sons in the capital, while Qi Zheng was clearly on the periphery.
Ji Cheng worried about Qi Zheng’s prospects. No wonder the Yunyang Earl title had ended with his father’s generation. If the Qi father and son were a bit more sociable, for a family with ancestral merits and no threat to the current emperor, it would be easy for the emperor to extend their title for another generation.
Although Ji Cheng didn’t care much about the meager salary that came with the title, having an Earl’s title at least kept them among the nobility, which affected their social circles.
In this world, no one is perfect. Ji Cheng found little to criticize about Qi Zheng, but she didn’t know what kind of person Qi Zheng and Qi Hua’s chronically ill mother was, or what her thoughts were on potential daughters-in-law.
Ji Cheng struggled to find ways to gather information, as Madam Qi rarely left home due to her frailty, and few in the capital knew her well. However, there was one person who might be able to help.
“Sister Qi,” Ji Cheng called out to Qi Hua from behind.
“Oh, it’s you, Miss Ji,” Qi Hua replied, not without coldness. Since the incident at the Shen family’s pond, Qi Hua and Ji Cheng barely exchanged greetings when they met, at most nodding in acknowledgment. Qi Hua partly blamed Ji Cheng for ruining her plans and was also somewhat embarrassed that Ji Cheng had seen her at her worst.
Ji Cheng smiled as she walked up to Qi Hua, catching a whiff of medicinal scent. “Sister, you smell of medicine. Are you feeling unwell?”
“It’s not me, it’s my mother. I probably picked up the smell while brewing her medicine,” Qi Hua explained.
“Sister, you seem to have lost weight. Is it because you’ve been tirelessly caring for the Madam?” Ji Cheng asked.
“It’s not tiring. She’s my mother,” Qi Hua replied.
“Heaven will surely see your filial piety,” Ji Cheng comforted Qi Hua. “Where are you headed now, Sister?”
Qi Hua said, “I’m going to pick up medicine for my mother.”
Ji Cheng followed Qi Hua’s gaze to see a traditional Chinese pharmacy across the street. The black sign with gold characters read “Changchun Hall.” Inside, a couplet hung on the wall: “May all people in the world be free from illness; Why worry about medicines gathering dust on the shelves?”
The shopkeeper, upon seeing Ji Cheng, immediately set aside his work and came forward, bowing respectfully, “Third Miss.”
Qi Hua looked at Ji Cheng in surprise.
Ji Cheng waved off the shopkeeper, saying, “Carry on with your work. I’m just accompanying Sister Qi to get medicine.” She then turned to Qi Hua and said, “Pardon me.”
“Is this your family’s shop?” Qi Hua asked.
Ji Cheng nodded sheepishly.
Qi Hua felt a stirring in her heart. “Changchun Hall has an excellent reputation in the capital. They sell genuine medicines with accurate weights, and they distribute porridge and medicine every month. It’s all for the benefit of the people. What are you embarrassed about?”
Ji Cheng smiled gratefully and said with sincere honesty, “Sister Qi, you’re so kind. I thought you might look down on me because my family is in trade, but instead, you’re comforting me.”