Spring of the Blade - Chapter 47

Chapter 47

Back at the Xie mansion, because the Fourth Miss and her entourage of maids and servants had not returned overnight, the house was thrown into a state of utter pandemonium.

The Old Madam stood in the main chamber, stomping her feet and shouting: "The people have not returned, and they are not at the temple; have they flown into the sky? Where is the eldest grandson? Send the young servants out to search immediately! With such a huge incident occurring, you all are just standing there like blockheads. If any harm comes to the Fourth Miss, see how you will answer to the Master!"

Answering to the Master was merely a threat; the Master paid no heed to this youngest daughter. Even if Qingyuan had vanished, he could easily pretend she had never existed. But the Old Madam’s anxiety was genuine. After all, the Fourth Miss was still a daughter of the Xie family. If something truly happened to her, it would stain the reputation of the house. The Xie family had been high-ranking officials for generations, and the women of their lineage had always been pure and untarnished. If someone in this generation lost their virtue, how would she have the face to face the ancestors of the Xie family after her death?

Zhengze hunched his shoulders and said: "Grandmother, do not worry. I have already sent out everyone I could possibly dispatch. Please wait a moment longer; news will surely come back."

The Old Madam had no choice but to listen, her anxiety causing her to pant heavily. Lady Hu, who was fanning her from the side, said: "Mother, please calm your mind. The city of Youzhou is vast. Perhaps the Fourth Miss intended to procure some things for her mother and left Bihai Temple on a whim."

The Old Madam could not take such platitudes to heart, replying indignantly: "What nonsense! If she needed to buy things, she could have sent a servant or a nanny. What golden mountain or silver sea is there to move that a whole group of people would stay out all night? I know it; I fear this will turn out poorly. Youzhou looks peaceful, but who knows how many bandits there are in the places we cannot see! If the Fourth Miss has fallen into the hands of those people, then... then..."

The Old Madam’s face turned deathly pale with anxiety, her legs trembling and her spirit shattered. She stood up abruptly and hurried a few steps toward the door. "Quickly, send someone to report this to the authorities! Just relying on our own household, I fear we won't find her even by tomorrow."

"We cannot report this to the authorities." Lady Hu intercepted her, turning around to say: "Mother, please be patient. If this matter is publicized, it will bring a hundred harms to our family with no benefit. The Fourth Miss is missing, and my heart aches as well, but Mother, consider this: if a young lady goes missing and causes such a stir with the officials, we lose face if we don't find her, and we lose face if we do. A proper young lady, missing for a whole night—what will the people outside say about us? Even if nothing happened, they will invent some gossip. How will our family be able to hold our heads up in Youzhou? Mother, you must think of the other children. The three sons are taking the military examinations, and Qingru and Qingrong also need to arrange their marriages. We cannot ruin their futures for the sake of the Fourth Miss, don't you agree?"

This logic carried some weight. The Old Madam had initially been too desperate to think clearly, but after Lady Hu's prompting, she began to weigh the importance of things.

Her heart, which had been suspended in her throat, slowly lowered back into place. The Old Madam sat back down on the south kang (heated brick bed), pounding her knees as she mused: "I was truly muddled with worry and nearly caused a great scandal. But the Fourth Miss is still one of us in the Xie family; if she is truly lost, what is to be done!"

Lady Hu also looked troubled, weighing her words before saying: "The best course of action is for us to search secretly ourselves. If we can find her, all the better; if not... Mother, you must try to put your mind at ease. The Fourth Miss was not raised by us, after all. Children raised by others are not close to one's own. As discerning as you are, Mother, surely you understand this logic?"

Qinghe, standing to the side, found this hard to listen to. She had no way to undermine Lady Hu directly, so she merely said to the Old Madam: "Grandmother, the Fourth Miss is an extremely clever person. Although she was raised by the Chen family in her childhood, how could she not know she is a member of the Xie family? If she could run back to the Chen family now, she would not have been willing to return to the Xie family in the first place."

Taking advantage of Qinghe’s opening, Concubine Lian added: "If we want to prevent outsiders from gossiping, the most important thing is to find her quickly. If we fear she ran back to the Chen family, we can just send someone to Hengtang to check. In any case, we must see the living or at least recover the body."

The Old Madam disliked Concubine Lian’s ominous tone and glared at her sharply. "At a time like this, must you speak with such a reckless tongue?"

Concubine Lian had been standing quietly to the side. Because Qingyuan had treated her with respect since arriving at the Xie house, she felt pained at the thought of any mishap befalling the girl. Furthermore, hearing Lady Hu’s insinuation—as if she would be happy if the girl were never found—and determined never to miss an opportunity to spite Lady Hu, she turned to Zhengren and said: "Second Brother, is the Young Marquis of Danyang not in Youzhou? You should go find him. He has broad connections and cares for the Fourth Miss; if we entrust him with the search, he will surely do his best."

Once this was said, Qingru, who had been listening with feigned indifference, was displeased. Half-leaning against the servant girl, Lvzhui, she said: "How many times have we already troubled him? When the Master encountered difficulties, he relied on the Marquis’s influence to smooth things over, and now, even with a missing person, we must ask for his help. Our entire family has become like a crab without legs, needing to trouble others for everything. With so many favors owed, how will we ever pay them back!"

Qingru’s selfishness was clear and undisguised. Concubine Lian retorted: "The Second Miss is wrong. A family member is missing—it is a matter of life and death. To let her go just to avoid owing favors is not the way relatives should behave. The Fourth Miss is already pitiful, having lost her mother young. Now that her whereabouts are unknown, she is desperately waiting for someone to save her. For you to say such things, Second Miss, does it not chill one's heart?"

Because Zhengren was close with Li Congxin and knew how much effort he had invested in Qingyuan, he naturally paid no mind to Qingru’s words, saying: "After the last banquet, he was recalled to the Capital to take up his post, and he has yet to return to Youzhou. I will go find him now and ask him to think of a way to locate her."

Seeing that Zhengren truly intended to notify Li Congxin, Qingru became anxious. Lady Hu swept a glance at her—a look that held a comforting meaning. Qingru felt reassured, knowing that even if Zhengren went, it would change nothing, so she relaxed and leaned back against Lvzhui.

Let them search, let them cause chaos; the outcome would be the same. Although that girl was sly and cunning, she was far too green when facing real danger. A girl of fourteen or fifteen would be scared to death just seeing those vicious thugs. Her little tricks were fine for causing trouble in the inner chambers, but once she encountered real brute force, she would only be waiting to be slaughtered.

Lady Hu exited the Huifang Garden, walking back while stepping on the crisp, new sunlight. As she walked, she asked Nanny Sun: "Is there any word from outside?"

Nanny Sun replied that there was none. "It is actually quite strange. By all accounts, they should have returned to report by now, but at this hour, there is not a scrap of news."

Lady Hu fell silent. It was not that she felt no concern, but she felt the chances of the Fourth Miss escaping were slim. She said in a self-comforting tone: "The mansion is in chaos right now. If they come to report now, would that not be like admitting their guilt? It is better that they remain silent. Let them search the world over. If they find nothing after two days, they will give up on their own."

Nanny Sun agreed, thinking for a moment before asking: "That Jin Er, he is reliable, isn't he?"

Lady Hu curled her lips, revealing a cold, distant smile.

Midsummer was truly hot. The sun had just risen, and one could already feel the rolling heatwaves. Everything under the sky reflected the intense light, and even the lush tree leaves were edged with a faint, thin line of gold.

If life in Hengtang had been ordinary, then coming to Youzhou felt like a fish finding the water. A woman’s natal family is truly of vital importance. These days, marriages among great families emphasize a balance of social status. To enter the Xie family as the primary wife, one’s natal family naturally cannot be someone of insignificance.

Lady Hu had a very well-founded natal family. Her father was a General of Virtue who had once campaigned against enemies, earning great honors and the title of "Imperial Guard General." Though he was somewhat aged and had retired from the battlefield, he still had a few reliable former subordinates in Youzhou. These men were not necessarily high-ranking; the more obscure they were, the more illicit channels they possessed. Since they were officials who also had ties to bandits, they were more meticulous in their actions than she had imagined to ensure they could keep their hands clean.

"Rest assured, whether the Fourth Miss is dead or alive, it will never be linked back to us," Lady Hu said slowly. Looking at the sky, she murmured, "Ten or so hours without a trace—I suppose it is a matter of more misfortune than luck..."

Nanny Sun smiled along with her, whispering: "For such a little girl, the Madam has exerted so much effort; it hardly seems worth it. If the Fourth Miss has reached this state today, who can she blame? If she had learned from the Third Miss and listened to the Madam in all things, she would not have met this calamity. So I say, a young girl's ambition should not be too high. The Second Miss is the direct-line daughter, naturally a cut above, yet she insisted on clashing with the Second Miss—why bother!"

Lady Hu smiled, appearing quite understanding. "Young children; they never know the hardships until they eat some bitterness."

It was just that this bitterness was too much; one might lose one’s life without even realizing it. That young girl, right now, was likely exposed to the elements under some patch of sunlight. In such hot weather, even if they found her, she would likely be unrecognizable.

In the Palace Guard Headquarters in the Capital, Qingyuan, who should have met a tragic end, was alive and well. She smiled subtly at Shen Run. "Commander, you may rest assured. This is a government office, and the doors are open; no one will misunderstand. It is only because of yesterday’s case that I am here answering your questions. If anyone misinterprets your intentions, Commander, I am willing to clear your name. I will never allow anyone to speak ill of you behind your back."

Shen Run did not seem satisfied with her reply. He looked at the robe in his hands and asked with a furrowed brow: "My official robe is draped over you, Fourth Miss. Do you think they will believe you have a close relationship with me, and from now on, everyone will look at you with different eyes?"

This caused Qingyuan some embarrassment. In truth, even without the robe, she could clearly feel that the guards had become much more respectful toward her. It made sense; their superior was unmarried and had no close companions at his side. Catching a young, unmarried girl in his presence, they would surely feel the Commander’s heart had been stirred and that it was highly likely he would marry her.

However, one could not explain it to every single person. She said calmly: "For the moment, I may enjoy some convenience, but later, when you marry, Commander, or when I am betrothed to someone, the misunderstandings will naturally dissipate."

She did not seem to intend on letting the mistake continue, and her resolve to draw a line between them remained unchanged. Shen Run laughed upon hearing this, half-joking, half-serious: "The misunderstanding of others can be solved, but I fear the misunderstanding might be mine, and later on, you will find it difficult to marry another."

He had a hidden meaning in his words. After finishing, he shifted his gaze and cast a leisurely, sidelong glance at her. Qingyuan feared this look most of all; she always felt he had already dug a trap and was just waiting for her to fall into it. Dealing with people like him was the most exhausting. She could only cover it up: "Is the Commander not usually very busy with official business? If you return to Youzhou less often in the future, there will be no misunderstandings."

Who would have thought this hit exactly what he wanted? He nodded with mock seriousness. "My duties are indeed very busy. If I don't go back, Fourth Miss can come to the Capital. That would also be fine; it would spare me the suffering of traveling back and forth. As it turns out, Fourth Miss does care for me after all."

Qingyuan fell into despair, as if she had fallen into a deep sack from which she could never escape. She called out "Commander" in a fit of pique—a sound that was half-petulant, half-resentful—which actually startled him. "What is it?"

His eyes—rarely showing such raw emotion—revealed a touch of pure, genuine surprise after being shocked.

Seeing him like this, Qingyuan felt a bit embarrassed and laughed. "I was reckless, Commander; please forgive me. My point was that you are a generation older than me; to me, you are a teacher and a friend. But since you keep saying such unsettling things, I cannot help but let my imagination run wild and suspect that you are only teasing me because of my lowly status. I just snatched a life back from the jaws of death yesterday, and today I am still in shock. For you to keep scaring me—is that not taking advantage of someone in a vulnerable state?"

She spoke these words fluently, without anger or harsh words; her facial expression was as if she were talking about everyday matters. Yet, it left Shen Run momentarily tongue-tied.

He began to reflect—perhaps it really was not the right time. Although he had an instinct to seduce her every time he approached, she was worried about her uncertain future; how could she have the heart to engage in romance with him?

Since she did not like it, he would treat her in the way she preferred. He turned to drape the robe back over the back of the chair and said solemnly: "I have never cared about family background, and I have never intentionally disparaged or mistreated you because you are the daughter of a concubine. I have reached the rank of Commander; what kind of women have I not seen? Why would I painstakingly approach you? I already explained that to you that day in the side chamber of my residence. Fourth Miss, you are quick-witted; you cannot be unaware of my meaning."

His expression grew grave, and Qingyuan finally let out a sigh of relief. This kind of conversation actually made her feel more secure.

Who exactly was Commander Shen? Every step he took naturally had its profound meaning. He and Li Congxin were two completely different types of people. Even if Li Congxin thought simply, at least he was upright and open. Shen Run was not so; his various interactions with her were always in hallways or side chambers. The meaning of "side chamber" was self-evident. Qingyuan did not know if she had misinterpreted, but the worry in her heart could not be dismissed. Furthermore, stepping back—if Commander Shen could truly disregard worldly prejudices and welcome her, a concubine’s daughter, as his primary wife, did she have the confidence and courage to spend an entire lifetime with such a man?

Qingyuan bowed slightly. "I am honored by your misplaced affection, Commander. Marriage is a lifelong matter; I still need to walk and watch. Please grant me some time. One day, I will surely give you an answer."

It seemed it would be difficult to make her speak her mind in an instant. He saw this clearly; a girl with her own ideas was a hundred times better than those who compromised on everything and had no standards.

Shen Run said fine. "Ever since the Shen family met with disaster, and old acquaintances and friends watched from the sidelines, I have never waited for an answer from anyone. Fourth Miss’s prudence is truly impressive. Then, I, Shen Run, will wait for the day you nod."

It felt as if her entire life had been reserved. This strange situation was truly helpless. Qingyuan smiled faintly, wondering if she should be glad that even in the worst-case scenario, she could serve as a concubine for Commander Shen. A concubine—the same path her mother took. Her mother’s family, the Jin clan, was gone, and Xie Shu accepted her along with her private property. As for herself? Having a family was no different from having none, yet there were so many people who wanted to call the shots for her. If it were not for the Chen grandparents who loved her, where in this world would she find a place to stand?

They had negotiated; a boundary line had been drawn. This was for the best.

At that moment, hurried footsteps came from the corridor. A guard reported: "Commander, the Young Marquis of Danyang requests an audience." Before the words were finished, the person requesting the audience appeared behind him.

Li Congxin walked in haste, his fair cheeks faintly flushed. He saw Qingyuan over the guard's shoulder, and with a mix of surprise and joy, he called out to her: "Fourth Sister, I finally found you."

That "Fourth Sister" was like a stone thrown into a lake, sending ripples of aftertones. Shen Run saw Qingyuan’s eyes crinkle with a smile—that relaxed calmness seemed to be something she had never shown him.

He furrowed his brows slightly and arrogantly shifted his gaze. He pondered in his heart: It was a pity that the Ministry of Personnel, where Li Congxin served, was in the Capital. He had gone to the trouble of notifying the Minister of Personnel to urge him to take his post, all to prevent him from taking advantage of the situation while Qingyuan was visiting the temple. Yet, despite all his machinations, he could not get around it. He began to consider whether he should find another assignment for this young marquis, perhaps sending him to Hualing to be the Mausoleum Official; that should be quite excellent.