The dim alley went unnoticed by the bustling crowd on the main street. Wei Zhuo pressed his foot down harder on the man lying on the ground, who let out a pained groan. Wei Zhuo asked again, “Enough small talk. Why did Lu Wenhan send you here?”
“You…” The man tried to struggle, but Wei Zhuo stomped down harder, nearly breaking his ribs. Cold sweat broke out on the man’s forehead as he caved in, stammering, “The… the master sent me to… to investigate this household.”
Wei Zhuo frowned. “It’s just an ordinary family. What’s there to investigate?”
“I… I don’t know. I’m just following orders,” the man replied.
After a moment’s thought, Wei Zhuo lifted his foot. The man scrambled up, not even bothering to dust off his clothes. He darted a few steps away, thinking he was out of reach, then turned back with a snarl. “You dare meddle in my master’s affairs? You must be tired of living! If you’ve got the guts, tell me your name!”
Wei Zhuo smiled coldly. “Tell your master that Wei Zhuo has taken an interest in this family’s affairs.”
“Wei Zhuo? Wei… Zhuo?!” The man repeated the name in confusion, and then his face suddenly changed. “You… you…” He stammered, unable to finish his sentence, then fled in terror.
Wei Zhuo brushed off his robe and turned to leave the alley. As he walked, he said, “Little girl, you can come out now.”
A young woman stepped out from the corner of the alley entrance, smiling. “Uncle Wei, you were impressive.” It was Ming Shu, who had returned after helping her mother home.
“Wei Zhuo has taken an interest in this family’s affairs.”
Those words sounded so powerful that Ming Shu’s admiration for Wei Zhuo skyrocketed. She felt her trip back hadn’t been in vain.
Wei Zhuo chuckled at her reaction, his fierce demeanor from earlier replaced by a gentle, reserved manner.
“Ming Shu, has your family offended anyone recently?” he asked, his expression turning serious.
Ming Shu thought carefully. Nothing significant had happened lately, but she had made enemies: Yin Liangjun from the Yin family, Tang Li and Xie Xi from Songling Academy, and Xie Xi’s entire clan. They all probably held grudges against her, but surely they wouldn’t resort to secret surveillance.
After pondering for a while, Ming Shu shook her head. “Uncle Wei, do you know who they are?”
“Minister Lu Wenhan. Have you offended him?” Wei Zhuo asked.
Ming Shu was surprised. “No, not at all. My brother and I even helped him at Songling Academy.” She then briefly recounted the events at the academy to Wei Zhuo.
As they talked, Ming Shu’s legs grew tired, so she sat down on a clean spot on the stone steps nearby. Wei Zhuo joined her. After hearing her story, he fell silent, puzzled by Lu Wenhan’s motives.
“Don’t worry too much,” he finally said. “If anything happens, come find me at the northern military camp. I’ve served on the battlefield for over twenty years and earned some rank. I should be able to help.”
“Thank you, Uncle Wei,” Ming Shu said gratefully. Then she asked, “Do you know Minister Lu?”
Judging by the servant’s reaction to Wei Zhuo’s name earlier, she suspected they were acquainted.
“We’ve crossed paths once or twice, but we’re not close. Those scholars rarely respect military men,” Wei Zhuo said dismissively.
“What’s wrong with being a military man? Without you, could those weak scholars pick up a brush and fight on the battlefield? Or would they drown the enemy with their spit?” Ming Shu retorted.
Wei Zhuo was taken aback and then burst into laughter. Ming Shu felt embarrassed, realizing she might have exaggerated. She quickly changed the subject. “Uncle Wei, I have some questions… if you don’t mind.”
“What is it? Feel free to ask.”
“Well…” Ming Shu hesitated, then asked directly, “Uncle Wei, are you married?”
This was her real reason for coming back.
Wei Zhuo was surprised by the question but answered, “Before I went to war, my family arranged a marriage for me.”
Ming Shu’s eyes showed a hint of disappointment, but she quickly accepted it. How could a man of Wei Zhuo’s age and character not be married?
“Unfortunately, I was ordered to the frontlines less than a hundred days after the wedding. I spent years at war, and during that time, my wife fell ill and passed away.” As he spoke of his late wife, guilt clouded Wei Zhuo’s eyes. Though their time together had been brief, she had fulfilled filial duties on his behalf, but he never had the chance to repay her kindness.
Ming Shu lowered her head, feeling ashamed. “I’m sorry, Uncle Wei…” She shouldn’t have asked.
“It’s alright. It’s been over ten years,” Wei Zhuo said. “After she passed, I didn’t remarry. Partly out of guilt, and partly because I felt I couldn’t care for a family while constantly away at war. I didn’t want to hold back another young woman’s life.”
Wei Zhuo didn’t know why he was sharing such personal matters with this young girl. Perhaps it was because he had taken a liking to her, or maybe because she and her mother reminded him of the happiness of having a family. He had lived half his life alone, without a wife, concubine, or children, and sometimes envied others’ lively households.
Hearing this, Ming Shu felt a deep respect for Wei Zhuo. He had returned from war deserving of glory and riches and taking a wife or concubine would have been easy. Yet, half a lifetime later, he remained alone out of respect for his late wife. Such integrity was rare.
“Uncle Wei, I admire you,” Ming Shu said, bowing respectfully.
She had originally intended to scout him as a potential match for her mother, but after hearing his story, she felt her intentions might have been disrespectful to his character. She decided to let things unfold naturally. If it was meant to be, they would become family.
“Little one,” Wei Zhuo smiled, pointing towards her home. “You should head back now, or your mother will come looking for you.”
“Yes!” Ming Shu stood up and waved goodbye. “Goodbye, Uncle Wei.”
Wei Zhuo remained seated on the steps, watching her leave with a smile. He thought to himself that if he had a daughter, she would be about Ming Shu’s age now.
Lately, Lu Chang focused entirely on exam preparation, oblivious to the outside world. Ming Shu rarely disturbed him, only bringing meals and water, treading lightly to avoid disturbance. Occasionally, she’d peek through the door crack to see Lu Chang calmly reading by the window, neither tense nor worried.
Her brother gave her one overwhelming impression: stability.
One night, Zeng Shi prepared a late snack for the siblings – sweet mung bean soup with roasted bamboo shoots. Ming Shu took Lu Chang’s portion upstairs.
His door was ajar, firelight spilling through the crack. Ming Shu knocked twice, then gently pushed the door open when there was no response. “Brother, I’ve brought a snack. I’m coming in.”
Lu Chang was asleep in his chair by the window, head tilted back, brow slightly furrowed, and a book resting on his lap. The open window let in a cool breeze.
Ming Shu tiptoed in, set down the food, and closed the window. She picked up Lu Chang’s outer robe to cover him and reached for his book.
As she lifted his hand from the book, Lu Chang suddenly woke, startled as if from a dream. He gripped her wrist and pulled her towards him.
Ming Shu gasped, falling against his chest, dropping the robe and book.
“Brother, it’s me,” she said, steadying herself against his chest.
Lu Chang’s eyes were half-open, clouded with confusion. He didn’t release her, instead tightening his grip and staring at her blankly.
“Brother, did you have a nightmare?” she asked softly, noticing his furrowed brow.
Lu Chang stared at her for a moment before fully awakening. He had dozed off while reading and dreamed of Ming Shu regaining her memories and distancing herself from him, repeating the words she’d said when they parted:
“You have grand ambitions, while I have no desire to stay. Let this tea serve as wine to bid you farewell. We shall not meet again. May your future be as prosperous as bamboo, growing taller each year, with success in all endeavors.”
His heart raced with panic and fear before he woke.
“I’m sorry,” Lu Chang said, releasing her.
Ming Shu rubbed her wrist and picked up the fallen items. “Are you alright, Brother? You look unwell. Have you been studying too hard? The exam is just a test of your decade of learning. There’s no need to cram now. Rest and conserve your energy.”
“I know,” Lu Chang replied.
Seeing him pinch the bridge of his nose, Ming Shu pulled his hand away. “Does your head hurt? Did you catch a chill? Shall I massage your head or shoulders?”
“No need,” Lu Chang shook his head.
“Then eat something? Or shall I keep you company for a while?” Ming Shu offered, bringing over the mung bean soup.
Lu Chang took the bowl but didn’t eat. Instead, he asked, “Ming Shu, are you uncomfortable living in the capital?”
“Not at all. Mother and you dote on me, and the capital is so prosperous. It’s a life many dreams of. I think it’s wonderful,” Ming Shu smiled brightly in the candlelight. “Why do you ask, Brother?”
“It’s nothing. I just felt this difficult life was unfair to you. Once I pass the exam, I’ll be able to…”
Ming Shu interrupted him: “Brother, I don’t find it difficult. Mother is open-minded, and you’re so caring. You both support me even when I cause trouble outside. How many girls get to do what they want? I don’t want to be like Shujun, waiting for an arranged marriage, or like Wen’an, exhausted by household politics. You and Mother make me feel I can take a less conventional path. I’m very happy.”
Lu Chang sat up straight, gazing at her silently. He had thought her fall from luxury was painful and had been trying to restore her former life. But for her, life in the capital might be a new kind of freedom.
She had her inner world and didn’t want an ordinary life.
Her family’s support gave her wings to soar.
Once a cherished pearl, she might now become a bright moon.
“I understand,” Lu Chang said slowly. “Ming Shu, do what you want, become who you want to be. I, Lu Chang, will always support you.”
Ming Shu was surprised he didn’t refer to himself as her brother, but she was overjoyed.
Her brother’s approval meant everything to her.
His affirmation outweighed all other praise.
“Then I’ll do the same for you. I’ll always be by your side, whether you rise to great heights or remain in humble circumstances like now. I’ll be with you,” she declared, her eyes bright and sincere.
Lu Chang narrowed his eyes, studying her closely.
“Always?” he asked.
“Yes, always,” Ming Shu nodded.
“Good!” Lu Chang’s response was simple but heartfelt.
Ming Shu smiled sweetly, and Lu Chang’s lips curved into a smile, his mood greatly improved.
“Ah!” Ming Shu suddenly straightened. “I remember, Song Qingzhao gave us some calming medicine that might help with headaches. I’ll get it for you. Take it tonight and get some good sleep!”
The tender moment was instantly shattered by the mention of “Song Qingzhao.”
Time flew by.
In March, as spring bloomed in full, the imperial examination drew near.