Spring of the Blade - Chapter 38

Chapter 38

Summer rain comes and goes as quickly as it arrives. As she stepped over the threshold of the Xie family home, Qingyuan happened to encounter a sudden clearing of the sky. On the newly scrubbed expanse of the heavens, the clouds had yet to fully dissipate, and suddenly, a cascade of light poured down from the edge of the overcast sky. That waterfall of light flowed over the dark, cyan-black roof ridges, pouring down from every dormant tile, propping up countless rhyming beats of radiance.

Li Congxin stood under the eaves. Having seen the young lady who had been on his mind for so long, his turbulent mood had not settled in the slightest. However, this clear, bright world suddenly invigorated him. He drew a breath and walked lightly down the steps toward his carriage.

The young servant driving the carriage held a whip and was sitting on the shaft, watching the distant scenery. Catching a glimpse of someone approaching, he hurriedly jumped to the ground and walked over quickly to assist, "Third Master, where shall we go now?"

The Danyang Marquis estate had a secondary residence in Youzhou. Li Congxin boarded the carriage, lowered the curtains, and said, "Go back."

First, he would settle everything, and then he would begin to prepare for the banquet. If the previous inability to speak with Qingyuan in private had left him feeling a bit regretful, then the upcoming banquet gave him hope. He understood Qingyuan’s predicament; her status in the Xie family was awkward. Whether it was the elders or her siblings, few truly cared for her. She had to be cautious at every step just to barely survive within those walls. As for her feelings, beneath her exterior, which was as still as a deep pool, there were likely turbulent waves. As long as he could get her to step out of that deep mansion and away from the watchful, tiger-like surveillance of her elders, he could carefully discuss his thoughts with her. Perhaps if she heard them, she might change her perspective on him—it was not impossible.

To create an opportunity for them to be alone, the young Marquis had truly gone to great lengths. It was also a coincidence: he had assumed he would have to wait several days for Shen Che’s leave, but on the third day, someone came to the door to report that word had just arrived—both Commander Shen and Deputy Commander Shen had returned to Youzhou.

Li Congxin did not delay and immediately headed straight for the Shen mansion. He drove the carriage in a rush, pulling hard on the reins to bring it to a halt only when they reached the front gate. The jade-maned steed tossed its front hooves and let out a neigh. Shen Che happened to be walking out of the gate, and seeing him like this, he was startled, laughing, "Who is this? We’ve only been apart for half a year, and you’ve missed me this much?"

The friendship between men was bold, straightforward, and heroic. Li Congxin jumped off the horse, and Shen Che stepped out to meet him. The two men slapped palms and bumped shoulders in a show of intimacy, finally walking into the courtyard with arms draped over each other’s shoulders.

"How have you been this past half-year?" Shen Che smiled as he poured tea for him. "With you not in Youzhou, our group of brothers has gathered less often. Xu Yin was just promoted to Cavalry Commandant last month; we originally wanted to set a banquet to celebrate, but knowing you were returning, we specifically pushed it back."

Li Congxin picked up a teacup, and the two clinked their cups, using tea instead of wine. They were old friends of many years and did not shy away from discussing personal matters. Li Congxin took a sip of tea and simply shook his head, "I hadn't been in Youzhou long when the Old Madam at home became restless. The last time, she used a minor illness as an excuse to summon me back with an 'eight-hundred-mile urgent' dispatch. When I arrived, it was just a bout of headache, but the letter had made it sound so terrifying—it nearly scared me to death. Once I was home, she wouldn't let me return to Youzhou under any circumstances. This time, my father secured me a post as a Metropolitan Administrative Official at the Ministry of Personnel, and I only managed to slip away from home by using the excuse of taking up my post."

Shen Che felt quite envious, "Everything at home is arranged for you; what else could you possibly be dissatisfied with?" After he finished speaking, he bowed to him, "I have yet to congratulate you. You are now a man with an official position—Administrative Official Li."

Li Congxin laughed loudly, "An eighth-rank title, what is there to congratulate! It is Xu Yin who should be celebrated for his promotion to the fourth rank. But we brothers have plenty of time to catch up; I am here today at the request of another. Commissioner Xie has already returned to Jiannan Circuit to report on his duties. His Old Matriarch wants to thank you, but she fears that since the host is away, she might be lacking in hospitality to honored guests, so she asked me to organize a banquet on their behalf and invites you and the Commander to grace it with your presence."

Shen Che made an "oh" sound, "Are you already acting as a son-in-law? Do you even have to run errands for such things?"

In normal times, the young Marquis would have enjoyed this beautiful misunderstanding, but today was different. The more genuine his feelings for Qingyuan became, the more he loathed those unclear rumors. He smiled and explained, "What son-in-law? I just have some friendship with the Commissioner’s three sons. Since the Old Matriarch has entrusted me with this, I cannot refuse out of respect for them."

However, Shen Che did not believe him, laughing, "Last time, the Fourth Miss of the Xie family came to find me with your calling card, saying it was recommended by you. What is the relationship between you and this Fourth Miss?"

Li Congxin felt as if he had contracted a strange illness; whenever anyone mentioned Qingyuan, his heart felt a very subtle tug. But given his rashness last time, which had brought her so much trouble, he dared not succumb to the habitual acquiescence to romantic rumors as he had in the past.

"There is no relationship. We just met by chance at the Spring Banquet, and because of her brothers, we are a little closer, that is all."

Shen Che was even less convinced, "Just a little closer? There are several young ladies in the Xie family; why didn't I see you hand the roster to any other lady, but specifically to her?"

Li Congxin fell silent, lowering his eyes. His long, slender eyelashes covered his pupils. After a long while, he said, "I will not hide it from you: I do indeed have some feelings for her. While in Hengtang, I had requested my family to entrust a matchmaker to propose marriage, but..." He shook his head slowly. "Since the Palace Guard has handled the task of guarding the Xie family, you must know everything about the Fourth Miss’s background. It is because of this that my family does not entirely approve."

"And what about the Fourth Miss’s feelings for you?" Shen Che was intent on probing, smiling as he said, "I’m afraid she is also counting on the young Marquis to save her from a den of tigers and wolves, isn't she?"

Li Congxin said no, sighing with immense regret. "If she had those feelings, I would dare to act boldly. Last time, I begged my mother to have a matchmaker go, but instead, my mother ended up humiliating her, which caused the Fourth Miss to be reprimanded. Even now, I feel deeply sorry for her. That temperament of hers—even if she is wronged, she doesn't speak of it; she just keeps her distance from you. I saw her a couple of days ago, and she seemed even more self-reflective than before. I don't know if it's because she was hindered by the presence of her elders, or if she has never had me in her heart at all..."

Shen Che almost laughed. "The young Marquis is used to mixing in the world of makeup and powder. What has happened to you? To be so gloomy over a small illegitimate daughter—which eye should I look at you with?"

Li Congxin thought for a moment and laughed self-deprecatingly, "I have owed too many romantic debts; I suppose I must repay them. She really is different from the girls I have known before. If you speak of being seductive, she is proper and upright, never stepping over the line in the slightest. Yet, I know not why, she remains unforgettable. I have thought about it: my family will indeed need such a mistress in the future. If she were in charge, perhaps I could improve myself."

Shen Che was startled, then couldn't help but smile dumbly. It turned out he wasn't the only one who thought so. Could it be that this Fourth Miss had the "bearing of a mistress"? In the end, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. He had also met Xie Qingyuan, but he had never thought that such a young girl could handle the trivialities of a household.

After chatting for a long time, it was time to get to the point. Li Congxin said, "I have scheduled the banquet at my estate for the sixth. You must come. The Xie siblings will also be attending."

Shen Che was just about to agree when he heard a voice from across the partition, "The sixth happens to be a holiday. My superiors are being considerate of the Palace Guard’s hard work during this period and have granted us two extra days to make up for the previous deficit."

Shen Che and Li Congxin both stood up. The person had arrived at the door just as the words were spoken. Shen Run had a gentle and clean appearance; even in his usual leisure, he lacked any aggressive aura, appearing instead relaxed and elegant, possessing the refinement of a scholar. He smiled as he walked, saying, "The last time we attended the Xie family’s banquet, we never had the chance to return the favor. I think, let's do this: we shall hold this banquet at our mansion. We can't let people laugh at us military families for not knowing etiquette."

Li Congxin hesitated. He had made Shen Che’s acquaintance, and naturally, he had had dealings with Shen Run, but he had never noticed before that he was such a thoughtful person.

Shen Che immediately understood and laughed, "That’s a good idea. Fangchun once told me that she likes the Fourth Miss of the Xie family very much. If we hold the banquet at our mansion, she will surely be happy to know it."

Their enthusiasm was unexpected to Li Congxin. When the Shen family had been convicted, the brothers had endured humiliation to achieve their current status. Shen Che was slightly better off, having not suffered too much under the protection of his brother, but Shen Run was different. The burden of restoring the family business had rested entirely on him. Over the years, he had seen through the coldness and warmth of the world and did not like lively occasions, nor did he maintain overly close relationships with people. Except for Shen Che’s wedding, the Shen family had never held any banquets. That they were making an exception now was simply unthinkable.

"The sixth, it’s settled." Shen Run ignored Li Congxin’s hesitation. "Everything will be prepared by our mansion. When the time comes, you and the members of the Xie family just need to arrive on time."

The Commander was, after all, the Commander; there was always an unquestionable firmness in his words. Li Congxin frowned and smiled. Though he had doubts, he could not very well argue with him, so he said, "Since it is the Commander’s intention, I will surely convey it to the Xie family on your behalf. I only fear that the Old Matriarch might take offense, as they originally said the Xie family would host."

Shen Che just brushed it off with a laugh, "Fangchun hasn't been feeling well lately and cannot go out even if she wants to. Hosting the banquet at home serves two purposes: first, it allows her to enjoy the liveliness, and second, it saves you the trouble."

With the matter put this way, Li Congxin had to compromise. After leaving the Commander’s mansion, he sent someone to the Xie family to pass on the message. Though he did not understand Shen Run’s intentions, being able to spend half a day with Qingyuan outside the Xie mansion already achieved his goal.

On the other side, after the Old Madam received the news from Li Congxin the day before, she received the invitation the next day. She summoned Qinghe and her sisters to Huifang Garden and instructed them carefully, "I originally intended to trouble the Third Young Master to host on our behalf, but now that plans have changed, the Commander’s mansion will be hosting on the sixth. While this gives us face, you must be extremely cautious in every word and action. You know how much silver and money the Eldest Master’s affair cost. You also don't know what kind of intentions that Commander Shen might harbor. In any case, remember: we have only monetary dealings with them, and we must be on guard. Even in the most casual conversation, you must keep your guard up. Do not let slip a single word that could be used as a handle against us, causing further trouble later on."

Qingru’s mind had always been simple. After listening to the Old Madam’s instructions, she was secretly displeased and muttered in a low voice, "If we have to attend a banquet but fear saying the wrong thing, then what is the point of going! It would be better to hold the banquet ourselves and invite Brother Chunzhi to the estate, and just make an excuse of illness to brush off the Shen family. That way we wouldn't have to be on pins and needles, not even daring to breathe."

Although the Old Madam was sixty, her hearing was excellent. She heard Qingru’s ungrateful words and immediately barked with a stern face, "They sent a formal invitation, and you say you won't go just because you don't want to? Do you think they can’t deal with you? Don't think that just because the Eldest Master has passed his recent hurdle, everything will be smooth sailing from here. They are close officials to the Emperor, while the Eldest Master is a local official. Use your brain to think about the closeness and distance between these positions! When has literary talent ever been more effective than a whisper on a pillow? If you had read more books, you wouldn't be saying something so irresponsible today."

The Old Madam’s scolding terrified Qingru. She stared with wide eyes and looked at Madame Hu in panic. Madame Hu had to smooth things over, saying gently, "Mother, please calm your anger. The Second Girl is just being outspoken. She was afraid that if we went to the mansion, she might accidentally commit a taboo and cause trouble for the family."

To tell the truth, the Old Madam sometimes found Qingru’s simple-mindedness infuriating. She had been born well, into the womb of the proper wife. If there hadn't been people to point things out for her and protect her everywhere, she would have been plotted against until not even her bones were left.

A young girl’s heart for love was like flowers blooming in spring and fruit ripening in autumn; it was human nature. But one could not just calculate how to satisfy one’s own desires. Climbing up to the Danyang Marquis estate was certainly not bad, but why not flatter the hot new noble in the imperial court? Since the Shen mansion was holding a banquet, it wasn't without reason. Even if one took the step back and assumed there was no ulterior motive, it was still good for them to go and socialize.

Qingyuan retreated from the main chamber, saying nothing, only sighing lightly.

Baoxian asked, "Is the Miss not wanting to attend that banquet?"

Qingyuan squinted at the trees in the distance and murmured, "I fear it is a Hongmen Banquet."

Baoxian was stunned, "Then how does the Miss intend to handle it? Or, as the Second Miss said, we could just pretend to be ill. As long as you don't go, if any disaster happens, no one can blame the Miss."

But since they had set a trap, if you didn't go, wouldn't they target you even more? Qingyuan frowned and shook her head, "You can hide from the first of the month, but you cannot hide from the fifteenth. We shall attend the banquet, and when the time comes, you just need to stay by my side at all times. If trouble still comes looking for us... I will simply lay everything out in the open. They are people who have seen the world; surely they wouldn't harass a little girl like me."

Once she had made up her mind, there was actually nothing to worry about. She found the jade pendant that hadn't been returned that day; it would be enough to just leave it somewhere visible while Shen Run was in the mansion. They were all smart people; once she returned the original item, he would have nothing to make a fuss about.

The next day was the sixth. Everyone packed and prepared, bidding farewell to the Old Madam as they set out. It was a banquet with an uncertain future, and the mood was nowhere near as good as it had been for the Spring Banquet. Because Qingru had been scolded by the Old Madam the day before, she took all her anger out on Qingyuan. Sarcastic remarks were a daily requirement; as they passed each other, she mocked in a singing tone, "Fourth Sister has truly climbed up to the Shen Commander brothers this time. Today, thanks to your breeze, we also get to open our eyes in the Shen mansion."

The family atmosphere of the Xie family was just like this: even if you worked yourself to death, you wouldn't receive a kind word. Listening to Qingru’s words, which were like needles wrapped in cotton, Qingyuan felt surprisingly at ease. Seeing them boarding their carriages, as Baoxian moved to assist her, she withdrew her hand and turned toward Qingru’s carriage.

Qingru was about to lower the curtain, but seeing her approach, she was immediately startled, shifting backward and asking, "What do you want?"

Qingyuan kept her eternally harmless face and reached in, whispering, "Second Sister, please take this."

Qingru did not know her intention. Seeing that she was holding a pouch made of fine gauze, she hesitated, not daring to take it.

Qingyuan forced it into her hand and said softly, "Does Second Sister know what this is?"

Qingru shook her head.

"It’s what the Third Young Master gave me before." Qingyuan showed a hint of sadness on her face, and said forlornly, "Ultimately, he and I cannot be together. But Sister has also seen that he still has feelings for me. I’ve thought about it over and over; if things continue like this, it won't be good for either of us. Let’s use this banquet today to make a clean break. This item is gifted to you, Second Sister; please keep it well."

Qingru and Lüzhui looked at each other. Although they didn't believe she was that kind, they couldn't resist the allure of Brother Chunzhi. Thus, she pulled open the drawstring of the pouch to look, not forgetting to warn her while doing so, "You had better not try to play games with me..." The result was a beast-faced jade pendant.

Qingru froze for a moment. This kind of object was obviously a man’s possession at first glance. They hated Qingyuan to the bone, but they also knew that aside from Li Congxin, she had no contact with men from the outside. Therefore, it could almost be concluded that this object was Li Congxin’s.

"Why give it to me?" Qingru glanced at her sideways, "What are you planning?"

Qingyuan blinked those pure, deer-like eyes, "Second Sister, don't you have feelings for the Third Young Master... Or did I misunderstand? If Second Sister doesn't want it, then give it back to me, and treat it as if I were never here."

She made a move to take it back, and naturally, Qingru wouldn't allow that. Seeing this, she didn't fuss about it, softly instructing, "Find a way to let him see it. The Third Young Master is a smart person; as soon as he sees it, he will understand what it means." After saying this with an encouraging smile, she turned and walked toward her own carriage.