◎”The book said this punishment is called ‘A Point of Daylight.'”◎

After Su Xingzhou’s burial, because the New Year was approaching, Lan Shanjun didn’t see Yu Qingwu again.

But she sent someone with New Year gifts.

These New Year gifts weren’t sent directly to the Yu residence, but were sent to the Shou residence together with Lady Shou’s gifts.

She didn’t say it explicitly, but she had prepared two portions of everything in the box—all spring pancakes she had made herself. Lady Shou should understand.

Lady Shou was extremely fond of Lan Shanjun now. She smiled and said to the woman who came to deliver the gifts: “Tell Shanjun to come visit me more often. It’s quite lonely here.”

The woman was one who personally served Zhu Shi. When she returned, she said to Zhu Shi: “Our Sixth Miss is about to have great fortune.”

Zhu Shi was naturally pleased and said: “I originally thought that with Shanjun’s background, it would be difficult to arrange a marriage with a high-ranking family. But now with Lady Shou’s favor, who can say? Perhaps we can arrange a good match for her.”

The woman flattered her with a few more words and received five taels of silver. After thinking for a moment, she added: “When this old servant was leaving, I also saw Nanny Zhao leading that girl Ning Dong toward the southern city.”

The excitement at the corners of Zhu Shi’s mouth fell away. She sighed sadly: “That’s to the Zhu family.”

In the past, if Shanjun wanted to befriend the Zhu family’s young lady, she would certainly have said something about it. But after what had just happened a few days ago, she didn’t dare say anything more.

She said: “I know about this matter. If you see it in the future, there’s no need to interfere.”

When Lan Hui came over, she heard her muttering for a long time: “I feel very ashamed in my heart. I never asked about her past before, and she gave me a good talking-to. How can I interfere with her friendships now?”

Huihui didn’t understand: “Why can’t you ask about it?”

Zhu Shi sighed: “That’s why I say you’re still young. Your Sixth Sister’s meaning that day—I’ve thought about it over and over—she wants me not to be too controlling.”

Before she could finish speaking, she heard Huihui say: “Between mother and daughter, where are there so many twists and turns? You’re just overthinking. After we quarrel, have I ever distanced myself from you?”

She consoled her further: “The Zhu family matter is nothing either. Men serve as officials in government, go out to do business—they all value fellow-townsman sentiment, the so-called local factions and merchant guilds. This matter applies to women as well. In the future, if I marry somewhere else, anyone who has lived in Luoyang before, I’ll certainly be closer to them—we can look out for each other and exchange news.”

That may be so, but the Zhu family’s status was still too low. Zhu Shi sighed again.

Lan Hui said with a smile: “Mother, don’t look down on people. For the Zhu family to enter Luoyang from Shuzhou as a vice magistrate—how could they have no ability? Perhaps in the future they’ll be even better than our family.”

Zhu Shi spat several times: “It’s New Year—don’t say such inauspicious things.”

But Lan Hui wasn’t optimistic about her own family. She said: “Grandfather and Father can’t be counted on anymore. Fourth Uncle has clearly reached his limit too. As for Big Brother and Third Brother… Big Brother’s learning is mediocre, but at least he’s steady and can maintain what we have. I can still rely on him in the future. But Third Brother… Ha!”

Just mentioning this made her angry: “I’ve never seen a man who gossips like him!”

Zhu Shi glared at her fiercely but couldn’t scold her—it was New Year after all, and she couldn’t curse people. She was afraid of bringing bad luck to her children.

Both were her children—she loved them equally. She could only say quietly: “Just keep your mouth shut!”

Lan Hui knew when to stop and acted coquettishly: “Mother, the day after tomorrow when we go to Prince Qi’s mansion to pay New Year respects, Sixth Sister and I agreed to both wear yellow. I remember you have a set of yellow gemstone jewelry in your private collection—”

She moved closer: “I’m planning to share it with Sixth Sister. Will Mother give it to us?”

Zhu Shi: “I only have you two daughters. If I don’t give it to you, who would I give it to? Take it, take it!”

At this moment, she remembered to ask: “Your Sixth Sister likes yellow?”

Lan Hui: “Yes, I asked her!”

These past few days, she had been staying at Sixth Sister’s side, afraid she would be hurt by Mother and Third Brother’s questioning.

Zhu Shi sighed: “Now when I interact with her, I’m walking on eggshells, afraid of doing something wrong.”

Lan Hui: “The more Mother acts like this, the more you hurt her feelings and push her away.”

She said quietly: “Sixth Sister’s heart has been hurt, but there’s still a long time ahead. Take it slowly. One day she’ll know Mother cares for her.”

With her younger daughter’s consolation, Zhu Shi finally felt somewhat better. The next day was the second day of the New Year. She took the whole family to the Taoist temple to see the old Duke Zhenguo and her husband.

To tell the truth, having barely seen him for over ten years, even though Zhu Shi had previously been deeply devoted to her husband, her heart was now as calm as still water.

She had complaints about her husband—anyone who kept a living widowhood for over ten years would have complaints.

For over ten years, she had to raise the children alone and support the entire Duke Zhenguo’s mansion—it had been extremely difficult. So after exchanging a few pleasantries, she went to sit by herself.

The old Duchess of Zhenguo didn’t come—she hadn’t left the mansion in over ten years. Fourth Master brought his wife and two sons to greet the old Duke Zhenguo. Lan San and Lan Hui sat beside their father talking about recent events. Only Lan Shanjun, after greeting her grandfather and father once, said nothing more. After waiting a while, she returned to sit down.

This made Zhu Shi… feel a secret joy.

But she still had to advise: “The next time we meet will be next year’s second day. You should at least go say a few more words.”

Lan Shanjun remained unmoved: “Fine, I’ll go over in a bit.”

She had no good impression of these father and son.

Seeing her like this, Zhu Shi felt troubled and somewhat puzzled.

Like Huihui, who had also rarely seen her husband since childhood, she still felt filial affection toward her father.

Shanjun seemed never to have any.

After thinking this through and sighing about it, half an hour had already passed. Everyone had finished talking and was preparing to leave.

Before they left, Duke Zhenguo and his son typically needed to “drive them away” once—this way they could appear to have an immortal demeanor, unattached to the mundane world.

At first, when they drove her away, Zhu Shi would feel reluctant to leave. Now, as soon as they opened their mouths, she would say: “Father and Husband, rest assured. I will certainly look after the household.”

She turned and left with everyone.

After visiting the temple, it felt like completing a task she’d been holding in for a year. Zhu Shi was refreshed. The next day when they went to Prince Qi’s mansion, Princess Qi even teased her: “Indeed, having an extra daughter brings extra joy.”

Although Duke Zhenguo’s mansion had declined, Princess Qi was an amiable person and still gave Zhu Shi face.

She was the second wife, only twenty-four years old this year. She had just given birth to a daughter last month and was in high spirits. She held the little princess for everyone to see: “Look, does she resemble me?”

Zhu Shi nodded: “Her features are extremely similar.”

Lan Hui: “Her eyes are so big.”

Princess Qi: “I think so too.”

She looked at Lan Shanjun and said to Zhu Shi: “I heard that Lady Shou went to Marquis Boyuan’s mansion that day?”

She happened to be in confinement after childbirth, so she hadn’t attended the birthday celebration.

Mentioning this made Zhu Shi somewhat proud: “Yes, we met on the road afterward, and I even went to the Shou residence.”

Princess Qi: “That’s wonderful. I’ve been wanting to pay my respects to the old lady, but I haven’t had the opportunity.”

This was difficult to respond to. Could Zhu Shi say she’d bring her next time? Certainly not. So she changed the subject: “That day at Lady Shou’s, I saw many old patterns on the walls. I said indeed old things are better—seeing them made me like them again. After returning home, I even dug out many old items.”

But Princess Qi had no intention of letting her off. First she said: “That makes sense.”

Then she beckoned to Lan Shanjun: “I heard that Lady Shou particularly likes you?”

Lan Shanjun smiled and said: “Yes, she said I resemble her mother very much.”

Princess Qi: “Oh?”

Lan Shanjun: “She said she recently dreamed of her mother.”

Princess Qi understood. She said: “When people reach a certain age, they like to reminisce about the past.”

Hadn’t Lady Shou gone to Marquis Boyuan’s house because of a dream?

This solved the mystery of why she particularly favored Lan Shanjun.

There were no new stories in Luoyang. After Princess Qi figured it out, she lost interest. She said: “You should come visit with your mother and sister more often in the future.”

Just as she was about to continue with more pleasantries, a maid came in and said: “Princess, the Imperial Grand Grandson, the heir of Prince Wei, the heir of Prince Ning, the heir of Prince Jin, and others have all come to the mansion to pay New Year respects.”

Princess Qi was startled: “Why did they suddenly come?”

She couldn’t attend to the Duke Zhenguo family anymore and immediately said: “Quickly have the kitchen prepare fine wine and food.”

Zhu Shi understood the hint: “There are still matters at home. We won’t disturb the Princess’s peace today.”

Princess Qi nodded and personally escorted them out: “We’ll talk again next time.”

But they waited by the carriage for quite a while without seeing any sign of Lan San. Zhu Shi frowned: “Send someone to Prince Qi’s mansion to urge him again.”

Soon, Third Young Master Lan’s servant came over and said: “Several noble personages arrived, and Third Young Master happened to be there. The heir of Prince Wei is acquainted with our young master. Hearing that he’ll be working as an administrative officer in the Ministry of Finance after the New Year, he said he wanted to ask him about his learning. They’re still talking now.”

Zhu Shi was both pleased and worried.

Prince Wei and Prince Qi weren’t on good terms. For his son to be talking like this with Zhang’er at Prince Qi’s mansion—Prince Qi would probably be displeased.

She said: “Then let’s go back first and leave his carriage here.”

But Lan Hui was worried her brother would cause trouble. Zhu Shi said: “Your Third Brother is still quite sensible when he’s out.”

When Lan San returned, he was also very proud: “The heir of Prince Wei asked me questions, and I answered them all correctly! But I was respectful and proper, not too enthusiastic. When I left, Prince Qi and the heir looked at me with great appreciation, and the Imperial Grand Grandson was also very satisfied.”

Fourth Master had been waiting at home after hearing about this. After listening to Lan San’s words, not only did he not relax, but he became even more nervous: “Is it really like that? You’re not just imagining it, are you?”

He was truly afraid of this nephew’s mouth, and even more afraid of his brain!

Third Young Master Lan: “Fourth Uncle!”

He was very angry: “The heir even invited me to the horse grounds!”

The heir of Prince Qi liked martial arts and often went to the horse grounds to ride horses, shoot arrows, and practice with blades.

Fourth Master fell silent—Really?

Is Prince Qi’s mansion that short on people lately?

He then doubted himself: Could he be even less worthy of being valued than young San?

But Lan San was finally satisfied. The frustration of these past days was swept away completely, and he couldn’t help but boast again: “That day, not only will the heir of Prince Qi go, but the Imperial Grand Grandson, the heirs of Prince Wei and Prince Ning, and several other highnesses will all be there.”

Being able to attend a gathering with such people made him feel he’d finally made it.

Zhu Shi was pleased—this brought honor to the family. But Fourth Master worried: “You must be even more cautious and careful then. Don’t show off.”

Lan San nodded: “I heard there will also be blade competitions. I’ll need to bring a good blade.”

When His Majesty was young, he had gone to the battlefield and loved using blades most. With preferences at the top, flattery followed below. There were quite a few scholars in Luoyang who knew how to use blades.

Fourth Master couldn’t help but give him a few more warnings. Only when he saw his expression become unhappy did he stop.

Lan Shanjun didn’t know about this matter. Zhu Shi and the others hadn’t told her, so she didn’t ask. After peacefully passing the Lantern Festival, on the twentieth day, she accepted an invitation to visit the Zhu family.

Zhu Shi’s thoughts were shallow. She smiled with difficulty and was reluctant when seeing her off.

Huihui couldn’t help but console her: “Today she goes to Miss Zhu’s house, but the day after tomorrow she goes to Lady Shou’s house. She’s only gone to the Zhu family once, but she’s gone to the Shou residence three times.”

A daughter knows her mother best. Zhu Shi finally felt somewhat happier and said joyfully: “Life is truly getting better and better.”

Her son had gained the appreciation of Prince Qi’s heir, and her daughter had gained Lady Shou’s favor—double happiness at the door. Returning to the mansion, she worried about her obedient and sensible younger daughter: Perhaps Shanjun’s marriage needn’t be worried about anymore. When the time comes, she would personally go ask Lady Shou. With her as matchmaker, the match should be excellent.

But Huihui’s still needed planning.

She definitely wanted Huihui to marry into a high-ranking family. How could the two sisters’ situations be too different?

——

Zhu Yun had been waiting at the family gate early for Lan Shanjun. The first thing she said upon receiving her was: “I have something to tell you!”

Lan Shanjun was curious: “What is it?”

Zhu Yun held her hand and walked toward the house: “I actually saw you a while ago.”

Lan Shanjun: “Which day?”

Zhu Yun: “Before New Year, when you were seeing off Young Master Su’s funeral.”

The black umbrella and the coffin were really too conspicuous for people from Shuzhou.

She said: “That day, my brother and I went to the street to buy New Year goods, and we happened to see you.”

“I wanted to go call out to you, but my brother stopped me.”

Zhu Yun said quietly: “My father is the deputy magistrate of Luoyang Prefecture. My brother had heard about Young Master Su and Marquis Boyuan’s mansion and didn’t dare get involved—”

She said guiltily: “Are you angry with me?”

What was there to blame?

Zhu Yun was truly kindhearted. Facing someone like this, Lan Shanjun felt somewhat at a loss and quickly said: “Everyone has their difficulties. You mustn’t take this to heart. It’s not worth anything.”

Zhu Yun’s face reddened, and she held her hand even more earnestly: “Shanjun, you’re so good!”

Lan Shanjun couldn’t help but smile and said: “In the future, if you encounter such matters again, write me a letter. I’m straightforward—I’ll tell you my thoughts, and then we’ll both understand each other’s feelings and won’t have to overthink.”

Zhu Yun was surprised: “We can do that?”

Lan Shanjun nodded: “Why not? People have mouths, hands, and invented brush, ink, paper, and inkstone precisely for this purpose.”

Zhu Yun wanted to walk pressed against her! Her way of expressing affection was so direct that Lan Shanjun’s accumulated worries of recent days lightened, and she smiled: “Have you prepared food?”

Zhu Yun nodded repeatedly: “I personally made many pastries.”

The Zhu house wasn’t large—they reached the inner quarters in just a few steps. Madam Zhu had been waiting and smiled: “Miss Lan.”

Lan Shanjun quickly performed a courtesy and said warmly: “Aunt, just call me Shanjun. I’m troubling you today.”

Madam Zhu was pleased with her attitude. After exchanging a few more words, she stood up: “You sisters play. I’ll go check on the kitchen.”

Lan Shanjun saw her to the door.

Madam Zhu felt comforted. When she reached the courtyard and saw her husband and son indeed waiting nearby, she said quietly: “She has a gentle temperament. Her features look spirited, and in her bones, she has the character of us Shuzhou people.”

In any case, she was a good young lady.

She said: “I heard Yunniang say she can even use a blade.”

The Zhu family’s eldest son, Zhu Shan, was fair and soft-looking and liked to smile. When he smiled, two dimples appeared on either side: “That’s good. Yunniang has been here for a year. When she was in Shuzhou, she could still chat with the neighbor Cuicui. Now she barely speaks. I’ve been worried.”

Master Zhu also had a fair complexion and looked young, like someone in their thirties. He was somewhat concerned: “Duke Zhenguo’s mansion… is the status perhaps too high? Even in friendships, there should be matching status. I’m afraid Yunniang will eventually be neglected.”

Madam Zhu gave him a look: “Don’t you trust my eyes? Shanjun doesn’t seem like that kind of person.”

But speaking of which: “Even if she were, it wouldn’t matter. Who doesn’t make a few friends in their youth who eventually grow apart?”

These were small matters. The important thing was to be happy now.

She waved her hand: “Everyone go about your business. I still need to warm wine for them.”

Zhu Yun’s alcohol tolerance was very good—this was truly surprising.

She looked like someone who couldn’t hold her liquor.

Zhu Yun smiled and said: “My father, brother, and mother all like to drink. I’ve been drinking with them since I was young.”

Lan Shanjun: “I haven’t drunk much. When I was young… I did get very drunk once.”

After the old monk got drunk with her, he went to pound on the old Taoist’s door with his fists. Fortunately, the temple master didn’t hold it against them.

Zhu Yun was an extremely perceptive girl. Hearing that her mood seemed off after saying this, she immediately said: “Do you want to see my bamboo contraptions?”

Lan Shanjun went along readily, smiling: “Sure.”

Zhu Yun tightly grasped her hand and went to the study. As soon as they entered, she saw that Father and Brother were actually there.

She was surprised: “Weren’t you going out today?”

Master Zhu was thick-skinned and said seriously: “Oh, we went out.”

Zhu Shan filled in: “And came back.”

Zhu Yun had to introduce them to each other. Lan Shanjun performed courtesies to the two of them and greeted them respectfully, which made the two Zhu men uncomfortable. They quickly left.

But Lan Shanjun was somewhat surprised by their appearances.

In her previous life, she had only heard of their fearsome reputation but had never seen them. She only knew that father and son both entered the Ministry of Justice and were the most formidable figures in the Criminal Court. It was said that anyone who fell into their hands never came out whole.

She had never imagined they could look so soft-featured.

Truly, one cannot judge by appearances.

She said: “Your family members all look very good.”

Zhu Yun: “I also think they look good, but men don’t like that. I heard my mother say that when Father was young, he started growing a beard to appear dignified. If Mother hadn’t known him since childhood, she wouldn’t have married him.”

Lan Shanjun: “He doesn’t have a beard now.”

Zhu Yun: “Mother won’t let him!”

Lan Shanjun laughed and sat on a stool in the study, watching Zhu Yun search for her bamboo contraptions. She had thought her bamboo work would be small trinkets made for amusement. Who knew she would see Zhu Yun unsteadily carrying out a large piece.

She quickly went to help her take it.

She placed it steadily on the open ground and crouched down in surprise to look: “What did you make? Why is it so big? It looks like… like a river, and mountains too.”

Looking at it, it resembled more of a topographical map.

Zhu Yun envied her strength! Enviously crouching beside her, she said: “This is the river system of Shuzhou that I made based on descriptions and diagrams from books.”

She said quietly: “When we lived by the Min River before, whenever the river flooded, countless people died. Father and Brother often read books on water control and went with the Shuzhou magistrate to manage the floods every year. I followed them and learned some naturally.”

She said: “Unfortunately, Father and Brother came to Luoyang and are very busy. They have no time to continue water control work. I’m idle anyway, so I keep thinking—what if I can come up with a good method for water control?”

Lan Shanjun had never known that Zhu Yun had such great aspirations. She was silent for a long time, then said to Zhu Yun: “Yunniang, you’re truly remarkable.”

Zhu Yun’s face burned: “No, no, no. I’m just thinking randomly.”

Besides her family, she had never shown this to anyone else. Lan Shanjun was the first.

She said: “Shanjun, thank you. Thank you for not laughing at me.”

Lan Shanjun felt somewhat ashamed.

With impure intentions yet not completely devoid of conscience, she had to feel some guilt. She could only treat Yunniang better.

When leaving, she said solemnly: “If you have any confusion or difficulties, you must tell me.”

Zhu Yun’s eyes brightened, quite reluctant to part: “Shanjun, when will you come next time?”

Lan Shanjun: “Whenever I’m free, I’ll come!”

Nanny Zhao watched and laughed. She always felt that the Sixth Miss was too gentle at the Duke’s mansion, like a beautiful but lifeless mask of a Bodhisattva. But how could a child of this age always be like that? Sure enough, she was much better outside.

When Lan Shanjun was about to board the carriage, Nanny Zhao gently stopped her and said quietly: “Nanny Qian is in the carriage.”

Lan Shanjun was puzzled, but Nanny Qian was quite embarrassed: “The old lady and I came to Vinegar Fish Alley to find Master Yu, but we happened to encounter your carriage. I mentioned it casually, and Young Master Yu found out. He asked me to make a trip here.”

Yu Qingwu had been living in the house on Vinegar Fish Alley these past few days. Lady Shou was worried about him and came to check.

Hearing his name, Lan Shanjun’s heart tightened: “Is something wrong?”

Nanny Qian: “Nothing really. He just asked me to bring you a message, saying he found the punishment you asked him to investigate.”

Lan Shanjun’s hands and feet immediately went numb.

A ringing sound rose in her ears: “Since the old lady is there, I must certainly go pay my respects. I can listen while I’m there.”

Nanny Qian smiled: “The old lady misses you very much too.”

Lan Shanjun: “I was planning to go the day after tomorrow anyway.”

When they arrived at Vinegar Fish Alley, Lan Shanjun got out of the carriage. Yu Qingwu was already at the door waiting for her.

When the two met again, there was an indescribable sense of disorientation.

Lan Shanjun first congratulated him: “I heard you’ve already started working at the Hanlin Academy.”

Yu Qingwu nodded, then suddenly said: “I have a salary of ten taels of silver per month.”

Lan Shanjun was startled: “What?”

Yu Qingwu: “This is salary silver and doesn’t involve anything else…”

He knew how difficult it had been for Lan Shanjun to save twenty taels of silver in Huailing. Since he knew, he couldn’t pretend not to see. Having received her kindness, he wanted to repay it and didn’t want her to be without her own silver to use.

He said softly: “I don’t mean anything else. I just think this silver, my silver—all of it should go to you first.”

Why did he have such an idea?

Lan Shanjun was about to refuse when she saw him staring at her: “What you owed Elder Brother has been repaid. This is what I owe you, and it must also be repaid.”

He smiled: “Please don’t refuse, Miss.”

Lan Shanjun could only nod.

She actually still owed Su Xingzhou. Because he had gone to White Horse Temple before his death, Yu Qingwu had come to find her. Although his death was probably due to Marquis Boyuan rather than the old monk, she had begun to consider the old monk as a possible cause of her own death. If this path led somewhere, it would also be a debt she owed.

She said: “You don’t need to rush to give it to me. I’m not short of silver yet.”

Lady Shou and Nanny Qian watched the two of them talking, smiling the whole time without interrupting. Nanny Qian helped her over and said: “When the children are well, we feel happy watching them! Come, sit down first. I’ll bring you tea.”

Lady Shou had Lan Shanjun sit beside her: “Qingwu said you asked him to investigate a punishment?”

Lan Shanjun let out a breath and repeated it again.

Lady Shou frowned: “There’s actually such a torturous punishment?”

But she also felt it was familiar: “I seem to have heard of it somewhere.”

She really loved to inquire about various families’ affairs and loved reading miscellaneous books, so she knew a little about everything—she called herself a know-it-all.

But she was old after all and couldn’t remember many things. She asked Yu Qingwu: “You found it?”

Yu Qingwu nodded: “I saw it in a miscellaneous book.”

Lan Shanjun couldn’t help but straighten her body: “Is there any source?”

Yu Qingwu said: “The punishment I found is eighty percent similar to what Miss described, but twenty percent different.”

Lan Shanjun’s heart was about to leap out: “What’s different?”

Yu Qingwu: “What Miss described was locking someone in a room, sealing the doors and windows so no one could speak to them or ask them anything. But people would deliver spoiled rice, spoiled vegetables, and water so they wouldn’t starve to death.”

“Those parts are the same.”

“But what I found is that besides these things, they also deliver light.”

Lan Shanjun suddenly raised her head: “Deliver light?”

Yu Qingwu: “Yes, deliver light.”

“They don’t open the door or the window, but at the window opening, they use a needle to pierce a tiny hole.”

“When the weather is good, a thread of light penetrates into the room.”

Lan Shanjun murmured: “Penetrates in… and then what?”

Yu Qingwu: “And then, the person has the will to live.”

“At first, they deliver food and vegetables so the person won’t starve to death. But after being confined for a long time, there will always come a day when they want to die. When the person can no longer endure, a thread of light penetrates in, and those with strong will want to live again.”

He said: “The book said this punishment is called ‘A Point of Daylight.'”