Spring of the Blade - Chapter 19

Chapter 19

The Xie family was a prestigious household that placed great importance on decorum and rituals. Every aspect of daily life, from eating to sleeping, followed a strict schedule. Consequently, Qingyuan felt quite constrained throughout the entire meal.

Xie Shu, however, behaved as usual. Though he showed a glimmer of guilt upon first seeing her, he soon regained his composure. After all, she was his own daughter. Even if he had let her drift outside in her early years and had never entertained the thought of bringing her back, the bond of blood between father and daughter was deep; how could there be such profound hatred? Now that the child was before him, this kinship, however rocky, had finally been reconnected. As he looked at Qingyuan’s face, he was momentarily reminded of her mother. Her mother, Jin Chunqing, was such a soft, gentle beauty of the south—she had once been the sole reason he was always in such a hurry to return home every day.

But later... later, there were too many upheavals. He was busy with official duties and neglected the inner chambers, unaware of how everything had devolved into such a state. When lives were lost and excuses were made, it only made the faces involved appear more hideous. He had truly loved her mother back then; precisely because he loved her, his overwhelming disappointment had transformed into intense resentment. He refused to recall her face, refused to pass by the courtyard where she had lived, and refused to accept the child she had borne... Now that time had passed and things had changed, looking back, even that hatred had faded into a lingering sense of melancholy. When the Old Madam mentioned in her letters that the household was unsettled and wished to bring the Fourth girl back, he had nothing to say—he simply agreed to whatever the Old Madam wished. It mattered not; one extra mouth to feed wouldn't make a difference to the family. So long as the household remained peaceful, why quibble over anything else?

He scooped a spoonful of Bailong Huo (White Dragon Stew) and placed it into the lotus-leaf dish in front of Qingyuan. "This was made from a mandarin fish caught fresh this morning. It is delicious; you should eat more."

Qingyuan bowed slightly from her stool, thanking him, "Many thanks, Father."

Had it not been for his prior indifference, this single gesture might have been enough to call Xie Shu a good father. Unfortunately, since her return to the Xie residence, every passing moment made her feel as if this were a bottomless den of tigers and wolves. Even in such ordinary interactions, she had to remain on guard, wondering what schemes and plots were waiting for her next.

In truth, she had hoped to take this opportunity to bring up her mother, giving herself a chance to voice her mother’s grievances. Yet, until the meal ended, neither the Old Madam nor her father mentioned a single word. It was as if that person had never existed, as if she were a stray child who had appeared out of thin air and been picked up by them.

"Let the past remain in the past," was the phrase the Old Madam used most often. "Harmony in the family is the key to prosperity. We are all kin; even when we reach the underworld, we shall share the same surname on the King of Hell’s register. Remember this, and you will not be confused in this life." The Old Madam then said to Xie Shu, "I have watched with a cold eye for two months, and of the four girls, it is Qingyuan who most resembles you. They say a dragon produces nine sons, yet each is different; the Eldest girl is timid, the Second is reckless, and the Third, because of her mother, is inevitably somewhat petty. But the Fourth girl—she is intelligent and calculating. She is the one I favor most. It is just a pity for the child; she is bound to suffer from the burdens of others. From now on, Father, you must pay her more mind. In the future, find her a good family; only then will you fulfill this bond between father and daughter."

Xie Shu nodded in agreement, but Qingyuan did not feel that such advice would be of any practical benefit to her. Putting aside the fact that her father never involved himself in inner-chamber affairs, even if he truly took her to heart, it would likely be to pave his own official career. Just like what they were discussing earlier... she couldn't help but shudder. If they truly intended to use her to fill that void, then despite all her talent, she would spend her life steeped in the juice of coptis, bitter to the very core. Throughout history, none who were used as stepping stones for curry-favoring ever met a good end. She had heard of the reputation of the Imperial Guard. Aside from guarding the palace, they also managed investigations across the country. Once power reached a certain level, they could deceive those above and oppress those below, covering the sky with one hand. Not to mention whether they viewed others as living beings—even if one lived a genuine life with such a person, the road ahead would surely be fraught with danger and calamity.

But taking a step back, perhaps because of her awkward status, she might be able to escape the calamity. Feeling slightly reassured, she listened to the Old Madam’s words with a smile, finally replying, "I have only just returned, and I wish to stay at home for a few more years to properly fulfill my filial duty to Grandmother and Father."

These were mere pleasantries for the occasion. She was willing to say them, and the Old Madam was willing to hear them. The Old Madam laughed, "There is no such logic as that. To delay the future of one’s children—who would that be fair to?"

Xie Shu was not a man of many words; he was likely still troubled by his official affairs. Seeing this, the Old Madam felt a bit listless herself. For a time, everyone fell silent. Once the table was cleared and replaced with clear tea, the Old Madam consoled him, "Do not be anxious. In all the years we have established this estate, there have always been connections we can call upon. In a while, I will write a letter to your uncle. He is close with the powerful figures in the capital; I will ask him to negotiate. A living man cannot be stifled by his own waste, can he?"

The Old Madam herself had come from a military family, and while her speech was sometimes unrefined, it always hit the mark. Xie Shu sighed endlessly, "I am nearing fifty, yet I still make Mother worry for me..."

The Old Madam replied, "Even if you lived to be a hundred, you would still be my son. The reputation of the Xie family relies entirely on you. The two mansions have long been split off; the West Mansion still has some standing, but the East Mansion is as filthy as a mangy cat—I do not count on them. If I do not make arrangements for you now, who will? Ease your heart. If the Saint does not look at you, he must still look at the merits of our ancestors. At the very least, we still have room to maneuver."

Xie Shu agreed and, after drinking tea and resting for a while, withdrew from the Old Madam’s chamber.

Qingyuan walked out of Huifang Garden with him. At the moon gate, their paths should have diverged—one to the east, one to the north. Xie Shu walked hurriedly. Qingyuan called out, "Father!" He stopped and turned around, asking, "What is it?"

At fourteen, a girl’s face always bore an innocent expression that made one feel she was harmless, even triggering a father’s tenderness for his youngest daughter. Clutching her handkerchief, her back standing straight, she asked with a smile, "Father, have you ever suspected that my aunt was framed?"

Xie Shu was stunned. He was clearly impatient with this topic, but out of consideration for her youth, he suppressed his temper and said, "It is natural for a daughter to be concerned for her biological mother. In the end, what your mother did damaged your reputation. I do not blame you for asking me this. You do not know the details of the events from that time; there was both testimonial and physical evidence. There is nothing more to say. You are still young—how could you possibly uncover the matters of adults? Henceforth, focus on your studies; in the future, your grandmother and the Madam will handle things for you. You are a young lady of the boudoir; music, chess, calligraphy, and painting are what matter most. Do not ask about anything else—that is your duty as a daughter."

Having said this, he strode toward the bamboo grove. Qingyuan stood there, dazed, as she suddenly experienced the same despair her mother must have felt back then.

In truth, the truth was not hard to uncover; it simply depended on whether people were willing to do so. What was the loss of two concubines? They were people of no consequence; their deaths or departures would not hurt the foundation of the family. But if one were to move against the Lady of the House, half the prestige of the Xie family would collapse. Was it necessary to weigh which was heavier?

Baoxian knew she was heartbroken. She took her arm and said softly, "Miss, we had anticipated such an outcome before. You promised me you wouldn't take it to heart."

Qingyuan finally came to her senses and nodded, "Yes... How did I suddenly become so foolish..." She paused, forcing a smile, "Sigh, I am still sad. Did Father never have a shred of genuine feeling for my mother? Even for a cat or a dog, if you have accompanied it for a time, there is at least some affection."

Baoxian smiled miserably. Her slightly furrowed brows and the faint look in her eyes all betrayed her innocence of the world's malice.

The mistress and servant walked hand in hand toward the Danyue Pavilion. The afternoon sun was dimmer than before, hanging at the treetops in the west. Qingyuan turned her head to look in the direction of Madam Hu’s courtyard and murmured, "Qingru should be back by now!"

She wondered under what guise she had met Li Congxin—perhaps by saying "Fourth Sister is not free today," or by simply not mentioning her at all, pretending they had met by chance. Regardless, having met him today, she must be satisfied. It was only Chuntai who felt deeply indignant, "That was our Miss’s share, yet it was stolen by the Second Miss."

What was even more infuriating was that, ever since that incident, Green-Embroidery (Lüzhui), the Second Miss’s maid, always looked down her nose at everyone, as if the Second Miss had already stepped one foot into the Danyang Marquis house, and they, the slaves, had risen in status along with her.

Qingyuan did not interfere with the squabbles of those below, and when she met Qingru, she remained as she always was. A day later, while delivering a copied painting to the household’s private tutor, she had to pass through a long, winding corridor leading from the inner courtyard to the study. One side of the corridor rested against a continuous wall of lattice windows. As one passed along, one could see the scenery on the other side through the lattices. Gardens in the south were often like this—every step brought a new view, connected yet separated, possessing a beauty that was veiled and half-hidden.

Qingyuan carried the scroll toward the south. As the weather gradually warmed, her spring tunic grew thinner, the soft fabric clinging and undulating against her skin, moving even without the wind.

Such a spring day was truly wonderful. Qingyuan squinted, walking languidly and enjoying the moment, when suddenly she heard someone calling "Fourth Sister" from behind the wall. She glanced at Baoxian and then turned her head to see a person on the other side of the lattice window. A reddish-yellow robe set against the lush spring scenery made his complexion appear all the more fair, like polished jade.

"Third Young Master." She bowed to acknowledge him, having no intention of continuing the conversation, and continued along the corridor.

The person on the other side of the wall followed. His figure could be seen through every lattice window. He seemed somewhat resentful and spoke through the wall, "Fourth Sister, wait a moment." His tone held a hint of interrogation, "I have only one question for you: why did you not come that day?"

Qingyuan stopped her feet. "Not come? Come where?"

"The Great Buddha Temple." His eyes stared at her, deep and dark. "Did you receive my letter?"

If it were an ordinary person, they might have taken the opportunity to complain, indicating intentionally or unintentionally that they had no choice, letting someone else gain the upper hand. Baoxian had thought the Fourth Miss would do the same, but her answer exceeded her expectations. The Fourth Miss shook her head, looking blank, "I never received your letter."

Baoxian suddenly breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that this was the most appropriate answer. It did not place her in the center of the storm, and it immediately made the Danyang Marquis son realize that the letter had fallen into the Second Miss’s hands. One did not need to slap someone to ruin their face; a light touch could move a thousand pounds, saving much tongue-wagging and trouble. She had intentionally let Xiaoxi spread the word, knowing the Second Miss would not miss the opportunity, so she had waited patiently here. If a single letter could throw her into such turmoil, then in the eyes of this young Marquis of Danyang, she was likely not someone of great consequence.

Li Congxin was genuinely stunned, looking at her with confusion. This was likely a new problem that the usually romantic young Marquis had never encountered!

Qingyuan maintained her honest, sincere look, tucking her hands and saying cautiously, "The Third Young Master and I have had no deep acquaintance before. If you did write me a letter, then that was an error of judgment on your part. My status is awkward—everyone in Shengzhou knows it. I am already busy enough being cautious and respecting myself; I do not wish to attract gossip. I beg the Third Young Master’s forgiveness. Please, do not do anything that might cause a misunderstanding. I am of low status and meager fortune; I cannot withstand the rumors of the outside world."

After she finished speaking, she curtsied again and ignored him, heading straight ahead.

Li Congxin was dazed for a long time before he came to his senses. Standing there, he raised his voice and asked, "Fourth Sister, when is your coming-of-age ceremony?"

Qingyuan frowned, not even looking back.

Baoxian, somewhat unwilling, turned her head and asked, "What did the Third Young Master ask that for?"

Unexpectedly, the Danyang Marquis son seemed to have made up his mind and blurted out, "Once I confirm the date, I shall go to your home to propose marriage.”