Spring of the Blade - Chapter 37

Chapter 37

Qingyuan was the type to endure in silence; she might panic at the start of a crisis, but once she settled down, there was nothing that could truly defeat her.

As for what intentions Shen Run might be hiding behind that beast-faced jade pendant, she no longer wished to investigate. If someone really came to act as a lobbyist, politely requesting that the Fourth Miss become the Commander’s concubine, the matter would certainly not be settled overnight. She would have ways to replace the flower with wood and extract herself from the situation.

Previously, she had been anxious day and night because of that pendant, but now that he refused to acknowledge it, she no longer needed to take it to heart.

She tucked it away carefully, placing it inside the box where she stored her dowry jewelry. In truth, she had considered that if her experiences in Youzhou truly made the road ahead feel impossible to tread, then once she had secured justice for her mother, she would return to Hengtang. Everything in this world had a cause and an effect. Recently, with the Master’s career hindered and everyone in a state of panic, she had been so busy dealing with external matters that she had neglected Madame Hu and Qingru and the others. Now that the dust had settled, the Master was to go out beyond the pass to attack Shibao City—a task that would take anywhere from three to five months, or perhaps two to three years. With such a long time ahead, how could that mother and daughter ever find peace of mind? Besides, that young Marquis was coming again...

Qingyuan began to wait quietly, never stepping beyond the gates, returning to the life she had lived in Hengtang. When she had nothing to do, she would blend incense or tend to flowers, slowly tidying up the Danyue Pavilion in Youzhou until it possessed the elegant charm of her home in Hengtang.

The weather turned that day. A gentle, drizzling rain fell from the clouds that had been obscuring the sun since the afternoon. It lacked the raging wind and rain of midsummer, falling in a very lingering, tender way. The climate in Youzhou was drier than in Hengtang; with the rain, the branches and leaves outside the fence were washed clean, and even the courtyard itself seemed to become clearer and more translucent.

Qingyuan was wiping the leaves of a pot of sword lilies in front of the moon-shaped window when the sound of a young maid’s voice drifted in from outside. It rose and fell, intermittent and unclear, and she couldn't quite make it out. After a while, Chuntai raised the curtain to report that the Old Madam had sent someone with a message, requesting the Fourth Miss to come over.

Qingyuan put down her cloth, washed her hands, and asked, "Did you find out why I am being summoned?"

Chuntai shook her head. "It wasn't someone from the main chambers; they just found a random little maid to pass the message, and she knew nothing at all." As she spoke, she smoothed Qingyuan’s hair, chattering, "In any case, no one visits a temple without a reason. Miss, you should dress up properly; perhaps the Third Young Master has arrived."

Qingyuan had a vague premonition that this was the case. Accompanied by Baoxian under an umbrella, she headed toward Huifang Garden. Raindrops pattered against the umbrella surface, crisp and loud like a drumbeat. Upon entering the courtyard, she saw Qingru’s maid, Lüzhui, standing on the veranda. Baoxian whispered, "The Second Miss is here too. It seems Chuntai was right; there is an honored guest."

The only honored guest who could command the presence of the Second Miss was undoubtedly the young Marquis of Danyang.

Baoxian helped Qingyuan up the steps, turned to close the umbrella and hand it to a maid, and then continued to guide Qingyuan toward the main chamber.

Seeing them arrive, Lüzhui gave a perfunctory curtsy, "Fourth Miss."

Qingyuan nodded and stepped over the threshold. She heard Baoxian seize the moment to needle Lüzhui, "Why is Miss Lüzhui standing outside? It’s raining heavily, be careful not to splash your skirt..."

Yuequan, who was at the door, rolled the bamboo curtain higher. Seeing Qingyuan, she signaled to her with her eyes, "The Fourth Miss is here. Hurry inside."

If one were to talk about the Old Madam, she was a curious person. When the family had been in a tight spot, everything was prioritized for the Fourth Girl. Now that the world was at peace and it was time for the young ladies to discuss marriage, the first to be notified would always be Qingru and the others. As for the Fourth Girl, they only notified her when they had no other choice.

The main chamber was filled with laughter and conversation; it seemed quite lively. The Old Madam was saying, "What a wonderful place Hengtang is! Ever since our Great-Grandfather’s generation, we moved there and lived for twenty years! I originally thought we would put down roots there, never imagining that we would return to Youzhou now. Chunzhi is not an outsider, so I won't hide it from you: if not for the unforeseen disaster, at my age, how would I want to endure the hardships of such a long journey? You only arrived in Youzhou today, so you don't know the difficulties we faced before..." A thousand words could not exhaust her sorrow, and in the end, she let out a long, mournful sigh and stopped speaking of it.

Li Congxin naturally offered words of comfort, "My father often says that ups and downs in officialdom are common. Not to mention high-ranking officials in the capital, even those of us related to the royal family cannot guarantee smooth sailing for a lifetime. Now that the Commissioner has emerged from Jianmen Pass and reclaimed Shibao City, as long as everything goes smoothly, there will be no lack of great rewards upon his triumphant return, and the Commissioner’s career will become wider and smoother. The Old Matriarch will still have endless blessings to enjoy, so please set your heart at ease."

The young Marquis’s words were gentle and kind, and the atmosphere in the main chamber was one of pleasant conversation.

Qingru never showed her fangs in front of outsiders. She said in a sweet voice, "Brother Chunzhi, is your arrival in Youzhou this time for the sake of preparing for the autumn imperial examinations?"

Li Congxin paused slightly before saying that there were still some matters at the official academy that required his return. It seemed his attitude toward the imperial examinations was not like Li Guanling’s; he was still somewhat half-hearted.

Qingyuan bypassed the carved screen and entered the room, only then realizing that the chamber was filled to capacity. The golden-silk curtains outside the eaves-windows had been rolled up, and since it was hot, all the furnishings had been replaced with bamboo. The setting was so refreshing that even though the sky outside was dark and dim, the room did not feel the least bit gloomy.

She stepped forward to pay her respects to the Old Madam and then to Li Congxin, smiling, "It has been a long time. I trust you have been well, Third Young Master."

She did not put on a pose of false intimacy, maintaining the same polite and distant manner as before. It was strange; it had only been two months, yet she seemed more composed and more refined than before.

Li Congxin froze for a moment. Like an inexperienced scholar in a storybook, he had actually been momentarily stunned by a young lady. Once he regained his senses, he felt somewhat embarrassed and hurriedly bowed in return, "I trust you have been well, Fourth Sister."

Their polite exchanges were an eyesore to Qingru, who scoffed inwardly and turned her gaze away with disdain.

In her eyes, Qingyuan’s reserve was all a play of "playing hard to get." It was like the cat she used to keep: if you called it, it would come, but it always maintained a certain distance from you. Once you tried to catch it, it would bolt, yet it wouldn't run far. It would just look back at you from under a table or by a window, leaving you feeling itching with irritation, yet unable to get close.

That was why she hated cats most of all. That cat had finally been caught by everyone working together, stuffed into a sack, and thrown into Guanghan Canal. The cat was gone, but now there was a person, and a person could not be disposed of as easily as a cat. This only made her feel all the more resentful.

Qingyuan took a seat to the side. Only then did the Old Madam smile, "For this matter, we must thank the Third Young Master. It was relying on the prestige of you, the young Marquis, that we were able to visit the Commander’s mansion. Are you and the Shen Deputy Commander old acquaintances?"

Li Congxin said yes. As a brilliant, noble young man, his face carried a gentle air. He said calmly, "I have known him for many years; our friendship is quite decent. When the Old Matriarch’s family moved to Youzhou, I was worried about the Commissioner’s future prospects and specifically handed the roster to the Fourth Sister." As he said this, he glanced at Qingyuan and smiled, "That the Fourth Sister could make use of this roster can be considered not failing to live up to Chunzhi’s intentions. In two days, when the Deputy Commander returns to Youzhou, I will thank him properly. The Old Matriarch need not worry about this matter; I will arrange it properly."

After he finished speaking, the expressions of those present changed instantly. "Not failing to live up to Chunzhi’s intentions"—that could be considered very blunt. He was here for the Fourth Girl. As for the Xie family’s crisis, the Fourth Girl was merely looking out for the overall situation. That she could solve an urgent need was just an unexpected joy; he did not wish to take credit.

Qingru felt her anger rising even more and frowned at her mother. Madame Hu had always been more composed than her daughter, remaining all smiles while slowly turning the prayer beads in her hand.

As for the Old Madam, seeing them engaged in such a lively battle of wits, she already had her own plan for a perfect solution. She immediately smiled, "The Eldest Master has gone on an expedition. We originally wanted to thank the Commander and the Deputy Commander again, but we were afraid they would not give us the honor. Just now, your words have given me a reminder. Third Young Master, please invite the Commander and the Deputy Commander to a banquet. We shall act as the host, which will be our way of showing our appreciation. However, we will have to trouble you to arrange it for us. Once the Commander has received word, we shall set up another banquet to thank you properly, Third Young Master. How about that?"

This was reasonable and fair; it didn't take advantage of others, and the Old Madam’s attitude was very presentable. Naturally, Li Congxin had no reason to refuse, smiling, "That would be fine. Then, in the name of the Xie mansion, I will repay this favor on behalf of the Commissioner first."

Having dealt with the Old Madam, he turned his gaze toward Qingyuan. She sat quietly to the side, not joining the conversation, as serene as if she were about to melt into this humid summer day. Sunlight spilled in from outside the lattice window; she was looking down, her eyelashes dark and thick. That poised appearance meant that even while she remained silent, she could not be ignored.

"Fourth Sister..." Li Congxin suddenly called out, as if frightened by his own abruptness, appearing somewhat sheepish for a moment.

Qingyuan said "Hm?" and only then raised her eyes. Seeing him stunned, and noticing Qinghe’s distracted expression, she said, "Third Young Master, before you came to Youzhou, did you visit the manor of the Founding Count?"

Ah, right! Such an important matter, why hadn't anyone thought of it earlier! The Old Madam looked as if she had suddenly realized something, tapping her knees. "I was just about to ask; I got sidetracked and forgot. You and Lanshan are friends; have you heard anything? We moved back to Youzhou in such a hurry, and I know people behind our backs must be gossiping. The engagement between our Eldest Girl and Lanshan... I don't know what the Founding Count’s manor intends. In your opinion, how are things on Lanshan’s side?"

A perfectly good marriage, left neither here nor there, was suffocating to everyone. It would be cleaner to simply cut the knot once and for all. Qinghe cast a grateful look at Qingyuan, thanking her for remembering her and knowing to ask about what she cared for most in such a situation. If it had been up to the Old Madam alone, she feared that once everyone dispersed, she wouldn't have remembered.

Li Congxin made an "Oh" sound, took a letter from his sleeve, and smiled, "I originally intended to give this to the Eldest Sister privately, but since the Old Matriarch has asked, I will present this to the Eldest Sister now."

Xia Zhi, who was serving in the Old Madam’s room, stepped forward to receive it and delivered it to Qinghe’s hands. Only then did Qinghe breathe a slight sigh of relief. But having released half her breath, she didn't know what was actually written in the letter. If it listed a pile of difficulties and intended to break off the engagement, where would she hide her face... Thinking back and forth, one joy and one shock, her heart went back to swaying anxiously.

Seeing this, Li Congxin knew that since Qinghe had received the letter but couldn't open and read it in public, she must be feeling extremely restless. His words could serve as a calming pill for her, so he said, "I have known Lanshan since we were children. He has always been a persistent person; once he determines a thing, he must see it through to the end. Before I came to Youzhou, I met with him once. He is currently devoting himself to preparing for the imperial examinations and will enter the capital before the autumn trials. Regarding the Commissioner’s reassignment as governor, he didn't say anything, and the Founding Count’s manor is all as usual. In fact, the Old Matriarch can set your heart at ease. Now that the Commissioner has been restored to his official position, although Shengzhou is far from Youzhou, news travels faster than the Old Matriarch anticipates."

The Old Madam nodded slowly, "That is good... Among this generation of girls, Qinghe is the first to be engaged, and to such a good family. If there were to be a mistake midway, it wouldn't be a good example for the younger sisters."

Li Congxin said yes, giving a perfunctory reply before silently glancing at Qingyuan again. That perceptive girl still wore a calm expression, rejoicing that her eldest sister’s marriage hadn't met with any waves. The two sisters exchanged a look, both smiling with curved eyebrows.

He couldn't help but feel a bit forlorn, wondering when such knowing looks would ever fall on him. The young Marquis had passed through many flower gardens; he knew deeply that if a girl in a sequestered mansion didn't have that feeling in her heart, it was difficult even to see her, let alone talk to her. Qingyuan might be the most clear-headed and composed young lady he had ever dealt with; every time she appeared, it was in a group, and the chance to speak across the academy wall last time had been something he only obtained by begging Zhenglun. He had originally thought that after two months, her attitude would soften at least a little, but now it appeared that was not the case.

Perhaps she was still displeased because his mother had sent someone to visit, and she still held a grudge that he had been too reckless. He also regretted his impulsive behavior, but as long as he could get them to speak alone, the misunderstandings between them wouldn't be that difficult to resolve.

And so, he deliberated and said, "Since the Old Matriarch said you wish to invite the Commander and the Deputy Commander to a banquet in the name of the Xie mansion, it would be best if Xie family members were present on the day of the banquet. I was thinking that since the brothers are all in Youzhou, the sisters could also come along to the banquet. It will be lively with more people. In any case, other than the Commander and the Deputy Commander, there will be no external guests. Old Matriarch, what do you think?"

In terms of protocol, this was not standard, but the family culture of military families was more open-minded than that of civil officials. Moreover, the Old Madam knew that the young ladies had reached the age for marriage; going out more and interacting with the scions of noble families and high officials would be beneficial for their future prospects. She smiled, "Since it is all our own people, there is nothing wrong with letting them go out for some fresh air. Just send a few more people to accompany them on that day. Now that the brothers have arrived in Youzhou, making more friends is the most urgent matter. Considering their ages, the Commander and the Deputy Commander are not much older than they are; they will surely have things to talk about."

Once the Old Madam relented, there was of course no reason for the young ladies not to go. Among the four sisters, Qingru and Qingrong were both very willing. Qinghe, having already been engaged, had no interest in interacting with young masters and noble sons. As for Qingyuan, thinking of that inexplicable Commander, she still felt a bit intimidated. It was a pity she couldn't decline, and she understood Li Congxin’s painstaking efforts; for the sake of his gift of the roster, she had to give him this face.

After Li Congxin left, the young ladies returned to their respective courtyards. Madame Hu discussed with the Old Madam, "Mother must have seen it too: that young Marquis has not given up on the Fourth Girl. The Second Girl is spineless, and her constant 'Brother Chunzhi' really gives me a headache."

The Old Madam leaned against her bamboo pillow, "It is no wonder; the young Marquis is a man of talent and looks; there is no girl who would dislike him. But whenever I remember the time the Marchioness of the Marquis’s residence entrusted the wife of the Surveillance Commissioner to visit us, I feel suffocated with indignation. Their Marquis’s residence truly looked down upon our Xie family. But I have also pondered that times change. He is no longer in Shengzhou. Even if the Marchioness had eight hands, she could not control this pampered son of hers..."

Madame Hu was shocked, "Mother, are you saying that you want to fulfill the Fourth Girl and the young Marquis? With the Fourth Girl’s background, I fear the Marquis’s residence would rather lose this son than tolerate the Fourth Girl entering their doors!"

The Old Madam glanced at Madame Hu, knowing her selfishness and that she was blindly favoring her own daughter. But who in this world is without selfishness? The Old Madam had lived to a ripe old age, and having seen and experienced so much, her idea was to scoop up all the ready-made good candidates before them; that was the best policy.

"The Second Girl’s temperament requires someone a bit more scholarly. I reckon that if she and the young Marquis could succeed, the Marchioness would have nothing left to say in the end." The Old Madam said slowly, "As for the Fourth Girl, having suffered the loss caused by her mother, she cannot be stuck on being a legitimate wife. With the Commander’s methods, I expect it would be difficult for the Fourth Girl to catch his eye, but if she could follow the Deputy Commander... His wife is a simple-minded person, and her maternal family has no foundation. If one wanted to overthrow her, it wouldn't be difficult."

After hearing the Old Madam’s high insight, Madame Hu finally set her heart at ease. Ginger is indeed still spicier when it is old. The Old Madam didn't necessarily want the Fourth Girl to be a concubine; after all, the reputation of the Xie family was paramount. Given that girl’s background, being a second wife was not a humiliation to her. Regardless of what would happen to the Fourth Girl in the future, Madame Hu had no time to worry about it; as long as she knew the Old Madam did not oppose Qingru being with the young Marquis, that was enough.