Spring of the Blade - Chapter 62

Chapter 62

He bent his tall frame, a gentle weight falling onto her—it was his cheek resting against the top of her head.

"Fourth Miss, do you feel a sense of attachment to me now?" He was filled with a small sense of triumph. His voice in this moment was like watching the sun through a layer of shark-silk—bright and soft, yet not scorching. He held her lightly, fearful of being too abrupt, his arms always maintaining a slight distance. Yet, the longing to be close to her had not diminished in the slightest, so he tilted his head slightly, able to feel the softness of her hair.

He was always so certain of victory, and this time seemed no different. However, she dared not respond. After a moment of hesitation, she gently wriggled out of his embrace, took a half-step back, and said, "Commander, I cannot promise you anything right now. You have expended too much effort on my behalf, and I fear that I will disappoint you in the future."

He understood her meaning. Because she had already given her word to Li Congxin, she had to prioritize him for now, even if she felt regret.

Shen Run nodded slowly. "Even as things stand, marrying the legitimate son of the Marquis of Danyang is indeed better than marrying me. Although the Palace Guard Command appears glorious, it creates too many enemies. None of the successive Commanders have met with a good end. Any girl who marries me cannot avoid living in fear. The Fourth Miss is afraid too, is she not?"

Qingyuan was silent for a long moment, but eventually, she gave an "en" in agreement. "I recall how it was when our whole family moved from Hengtang to Youzhou. We hurried and scurried for over half a month on the road. When we finally arrived, there were so many Palace Guards standing before the mansion gates, counting our heads one by one... My heart was in my throat every day back then, fearing that at any moment, an imperial decree might come down to send us all to prison. I am afraid, indeed, but..."

But one must look at whether the person is worth the risk and the fear. In truth, she knew she wasn't afraid of trouble; for instance, despite Madam Hu’s repeated attempts to frame her, she was always prepared to strike back. Now that Qingru had ended up like this—although it was an indirect revenge against Madam Hu—the price of sacrificing a girl’s purity was truly too high. She had begun to harbor thoughts of retreating. Just as he said, she could no longer stay in the Xie house, and she could not return to the Chen house. Her only way out was to marry. Unfortunately, she had spoken too quickly with her promise, and now she no longer possessed the qualification to talk marriage with anyone else. She could only wait for the Danyang Marquis estate’s response.

Shen Run did not pressure her. It was settled that they would discuss it after Li Congxin returned. Regardless, he had plenty of means at his disposal; whether it was Li Congxin or the Xie family, applying pressure from both sides would be enough.

He raised his head to look at the sky. The moon was a half-circle tonight; in two more days, it would be the fifteenth. The clear radiance shone on every part of the garden, making everything look hazy, and the person before him appeared even more petite against this blurry backdrop. He said, "I cannot stay here long. There are too many eyes, and if I linger, it will invite gossip." As he spoke, he looked around. "Where is your courtyard? I will walk you back."

Qingyuan turned and walked forward in silence. After a few steps, she said, "I can go back on my own. The grand display today is enough to intimidate Madam."

Shen Run chuckled. "How could that small bit of intimidation be enough? Keeping her around is of great use to me."

Not far ahead was the Danyue Pavilion, and there was already a maid waiting with a lamp by the door. He walked her all the way to the entrance, finally fixing his gaze on her face before taking a small bottle from his sleeve and handing it to her. "This is medicinal ointment for bruising from the government office. Apply it, and you will be better by tomorrow. I must hurry back to the capital. If anything happens, send someone directly to the Commander’s Mansion. There are guards on duty there; as long as you give the word, they will come to pick you up immediately."

Qingyuan nodded. "Thank you, Commander, for looking after me so thoroughly." She then called for a young maid to hold the lantern to light the way for the Commander as he left the garden.

He laughed. "Does the Fourth Miss fear I cannot find the way home?"

She squinted and smiled. Earlier, he had been wandering aimlessly through this garden. If he were left to find his own way back, she feared he would walk and walk until he ended up in someone else’s courtyard.

He naturally did not oppose her arrangements, raising his arm to wave farewell. The tian-shui-bi (sky-blue) colored pipa sleeves had a border of gold thread; the understated color gave him a uniquely refined and scholarly air.

Qingyuan watched him walk into the distance until Baoxian, who had returned ahead of her, gently called out, "Miss, let us go back."

Only then did she retract her gaze, gave an embarrassed smile, and turned to enter the courtyard gate.

So much had happened today that only upon returning did she feel completely exhausted. After washing up, she lay down, staring blankly at the top of her bed. The light and soft silk canopy puffed up as a slight breeze blew through; she watched it heave slowly, undulating softly like water waves.

Her mind was a haze, many things flowing through it in a torrent, until finally, the thing that settled in her heart was the look in Shen Run's eyes. Although he didn't say it, Qingyuan knew that he must have been at Huguo Temple today. He had witnessed everything that occurred. Had it been her who fallen into the hands of the thieves, he would have appeared long ago.

She suddenly felt secure—the kind of security that comes from having no worries, knowing that even in the most dangerous situation, someone was behind her to support her. Because he also had no one to rely on, a sense of "sharing a fate" began to take root.

Yet, perhaps he wasn't quite as miserable as that, she thought, smiling self-mockingly. He was supported by high status and a handsome salary; it was always her who was the one receiving his favors. But this man was truly strange. The first time they met, he acted high and mighty, speaking in official jargon. The second time he came to the Xie estate for a banquet, he scammed the family out of a large sum of money while conveniently gifting her a jade pendant. That pendant was almost like a betrothal token; later, he forced her to wear it as if, once accepted, she belonged to his household...

With some reluctance, she reached under her pillow and pulled out the small pouch. The jade pendant was still inside. She tipped it out, held it by the cord, and swung it. The snarling taotie (mythical beast) had originally looked ugly and repulsive to her. But now, the feeling was different; it seemed that beyond its ferocity, it possessed a foolish charm. After looking at it for a long time, it could make one laugh.

The light from the lantern under the eaves shone through the window screen. The girl's slender arm held the jade pendant, which was clearly visible through the canopy like a shadow puppet. Baoxian, who was on night duty, propped herself up and coughed gently. The person in the bed hastily tucked the item away and then turned over, acting as if nothing had happened.

Baoxian couldn't help but sigh softly. The Third Young Master was clearly neglecting one thing while focusing on another, having been busy for a month returning to Hengtang to seek his parents' command, unaware of how much had happened in that month. As for that Commander Shen, he was approaching the Fourth Miss with flawless precision. How could a young, inexperienced nobleman be a match for an old fox?

Of course, the old fox's methods were far simpler than merely winning over the girl. Two days later, a liaison officer from the Commander’s command arrived at the Xie residence, presented his calling card, and stated plainly that he wished to see the Jieshi (Commissioner's) wife. Madam Hu was anxious, pacing in her own courtyard for half a day, before finally gritting her teeth and ordering Nanny Sun to lead the man into the reception hall.

The liaison officer was named Yan Fu. He possessed a stern face, with thick whiskers covering both cheeks; at first glance, he looked exactly like a reincarnation of Zhong Kui. After seeing Madam Hu and bowing, his first words were to request that she dismiss her attendants.

Madam Hu knew she could not escape this disaster, but she had no choice but to endure, so she signaled Nanny Sun to clear everyone out.

The maids standing in the corridor retreated one by one. Madam Hu forced a smile. "I do not know what official business brings the Dutou (officer) here?"

Yan Fu said, "I have been ordered by the Commander to specifically ask the Madam: do you recognize Liang Yi, the Zhenwei (Mighty) Captain of the Xilong (War-Dragon) Guards?"

Madam Hu was shocked. Last time, she had entrusted Liang Yi to hire the culprits in an attempt to get rid of Qingyuan in one stroke. She had assumed that since Liang Yi held an official position, he would be even more anxious to clear his name than she was, and even if those men fell into the hands of the Palace Guard Command, they would never be able to trace anything back to him. As it turned out, this useless man had bungled the job and implicated himself. Panic washed over her, and for a moment, she was at a loss for how to respond.

The officer in golden armor glanced at her sideways, not needing her to answer, and continued, "I was ordered a few days ago to visit Captain Liang. Captain Liang had a long, earnest talk with the Commander at the Palace Guard office yesterday. Captain Liang mentioned the Jieshi wife in his words; it is clear that your relationship with the Madam is not ordinary. Madam, every household has internal strife; it is common for teeth to bite the tongue. If children are disobedient, one might scold or beat them, but what you have done—using actual blades and weapons to take a life—is truly rare. Captain Liang has already written a confession stating that everything was done under your direction. Because the Commander wants to show respect to the Commissioner, he has suppressed this matter. He sent me to notify you first and hear what your stance is. Furthermore, the culprits who were disrespectful to your residence's Second Miss at the Huguo Temple have also confessed truthfully. I did not expect that this, too, was related to you..."

Madam Hu’s complexion was impossible to look at—a mix of green and gray—frightening enough to make one fear she might collapse from fear. Yan Fu saw this, and a smile appeared on his rugged face. "As far as I know, the Second Miss is your own daughter, Madam. Why would you treat your own flesh and blood this way? Could it be that you hate the Commissioner so much that you want to wipe out all his daughters? Your impartial treatment, regardless of blood relation, truly makes me admire you."

Madam Hu listened to those stinging words, yet she could not refute even half a sentence. The Palace Guard Command was indeed a formidable office; even the smallest thread of a lead could be traced back to the roots. Now that her weakness had been grabbed by Shen Run, she had long known this day would come. Back then, she had extorted ten thousand taels from the Xie family just by handing a memorial to the Master; now that he held such leverage, who knew how he planned to drain her blood dry?

This dog-eat-dog world was exactly like this. These past two days, she had exhausted all her strength trying to soothe Qingru. Now, looking back, it was the most ironic thing in the world: she had to spend a massive amount of money to hide the truth that her daughter had been bullied. Sometimes, she felt so guilty she wanted to die, but upon reflection, she couldn't. Qingru had ended up like this; if she no longer had a mother to scheme for her, how would she survive in the future?

So, she had to endure. She let out a long sigh. "Since the Commander sent the Dutou here today, he must have already made his plans. Why ask me?"

Yan Fu made a clicking sound with his tongue. "Judging by the Madam's tone, do you intend to just let fate take its course? I did not go straight to see the Old Madam, but came to see you first—do you not understand the Commander’s painstaking intentions? If that is the case, there is no need for nonsense. I shall go to see the Old Madam now, handle this by the book, and everything will be straightforward, yes?" As he spoke, he cupped his hands and turned to leave.

Nanny Sun hurried up, blocking his path. "Officer, please calm your anger. Our Madam has not been feeling well these past few days and didn't clearly understand your words... Everything is negotiable. Please suppress your anger. Our Old Madam is advanced in age; there is no need to trouble her with these things..." Seeing Madam Hu still in a stupor, she called out "Madam" twice, winking and signaling her to soften her stance, considering it a case of spending money to avert disaster.

Madam Hu was, after all, the great matriarch of an aristocratic family. Being led by the nose now, she felt like a tiger trapped on the plains. Although resentful, there was nothing she could do. She forced herself to lower her voice. "Since the Dutou has come on the order of the Commander today, let us speak plainly. Please, Commander, name your price."

Yan Fu sneered at her. "I am here under the Commander’s orders to inform you of the results of the investigation. The Commander has never instructed me to accept 'midnight gold' (bribes) from you; the Madam must never implicate the Commander. This is merely me, Yan, trying to think for your sake, giving you some advice off the cuff. You need only keep this in your heart. After all, the face of the Commissioner's residence is important. If it were known that it was the biological mother who harmed the Second Miss, it would not be a pleasant story to spread."

This was the classic case of wanting to be a prostitute while demanding a monument to one's chastity. Who didn't know the ways of the official world? Madam Hu said, "Then I ask the Dutou to point the way for me."

Yan Fu thought for a moment and held out a hand, shaking it. "Madam, give this amount. I will handle the rest for you; you may rest assured."

"Fifty thousand taels?" Madam Hu looked at that hand, feeling dizzy. Angry and helpless, she lowered her voice. "Fifty thousand taels is no small amount. How could I possibly scrape together so much!"

Yan Fu smiled without warmth. "The Xie family is a century-old clan, and the Madam’s own family are high officials of many generations. A mere fifty thousand taels is nothing but your private pocket money; how can you say you cannot take it out! I am here to notify you today, not to negotiate business. Whether you do it or not is entirely up to you."

Fifty thousand taels... Fifty thousand taels... The total annual income of several estates combined was barely seven or eight thousand taels. This extortion by Shen Run would take away several years of harvest from the estates in one blow, yet he used the word "mere." It showed how massive his appetite was.

But the price had been stated, and there was likely no room for negotiation. At this point, she could only pay for peace. She gritted her teeth and nodded. "I will find a way to get these fifty thousand taels. But how can I be guaranteed that fifty thousand will end this matter? Will there be another hundred thousand or one hundred and fifty thousand later?"

"Madam, you are being overly cautious. When the time comes, I will settle those two fake monks and hand over Captain Liang's confession to you. However, before that, I must ask you to do one favor for our Commander," Yan Fu said. "The Commander has taken a liking to your Fourth Miss. You know this, Madam. But now that the Marquis of Danyang’s son is involved, the Commander's intention is for you to find a way to break off this marriage engagement. Think about it: once the Commander marries your Fourth Miss, you will be the Commander's legitimate mother-in-law. Even for the sake of preserving the dignity of the Commander’s mansion, he could not allow the Commander's wife's maternal family to become a laughingstock. Having this tie is much more useful than silver. Think it over carefully, Madam; am I right or not?"

Madam Hu laughed coldly. Shen Run was indeed calculating. In this way, he gained both the person and the money. After going through such a massive circle, the one who ended up fulfilled was him.

Yan Fu was still waiting for Madam Hu's answer. He knew that this titled lady was likely disgusted to the core, but if he hadn't made her feel disgusted, he wouldn't have needed to make this trip. Things in the world were always relatively fair; she harmed others, and now she fell into another's trap. This was what was called "retribution." However, the men of the Palace Guard Command did not have much patience. Seeing her hesitate to respond, he frowned. "If the Madam feels it is difficult, then we shall not discuss it. Farewell."

The result, of course, was that it would be discussed. Even if Madam Hu smashed things in her room afterward, the situation did not allow her to waver.

In any case, she had to cross this hurdle first, and deal with the future later. Although she wished she could swallow the Fourth Girl alive, the current situation was such that if she kept causing trouble, it wouldn't be just Qingru who was ruined; it would be Zhengze. Zhengze must not suffer any setbacks. He was the eldest legitimate son of the Xie family; if he were to be shamed because of her, his future official career would be over.

Over the next few days, she tried every possible way to scrape together the fifty thousand taels. It wasn't enough to use her private savings; she had to have people sell jewelry on the sly. By patching holes here and there, she emptied everything she could. Finally, she was still short five thousand taels. She didn't have the face to beg her own family for help, so she had no choice but to sell two of Huifeng’s shops to barely make up the sum.

The problem of silver was solved. What remained was the marriage on Li Congxin's side. This, however, was not quite so urgent. Nine out of ten people in the Xie family believed that the Marquis and Marchioness of Danyang would never agree to this marriage. They were, after all, imperial relatives, and especially since the two families had previously had a grudge. If this marriage were to happen, it would be difficult for the in-laws to interact in the future. Someone as shrewd as the Marchioness of Danyang would never take on such a daughter-in-law and bring trouble upon herself.

So when the maid at the gate came in to report that the Third Young Master of the Danyang Marquis estate had arrived, her heart didn't feel a ripple of emotion.

Qingru heard it, lying on the bed without moving, but tears rolled down from the corners of her eyes. She knew that this girl was, in the end, unwilling, but this sentiment could only stop here. She lowered the bed curtains for her and said coldly, "You cannot marry the Young Marquis, and Qingyuan cannot marry him either. To let go of each other’s hands like this... is perhaps for the best…”