Chapter 732: Struggling for Advantage [Thank You! Again! 37k Chapters Owed]

After the Cold Dew,

deep autumn arrived.

That morning, the sky was dark.

“Clip-clop.”

Clear yet chaotic hoofbeats echoed along the street.

Civilians heading into the city for work hurried to the side to make way for the approaching carriage and riders, lanterns glowing in the distance.

At first, the distance and dim light had obscured the details of the procession.

Only when they drew nearer did they notice the leader’s horse was exceptionally tall and majestic.

After the carriage and riders passed, the bystanders resumed their journey.

“Father, did the young master at the front just nod at us?” asked a youthful voice.

“What are you imagining? Why would he nod at you for no reason?” replied the older voice.

“Oh, maybe I imagined it.”

Hearing the conversation behind him, Xu Zaijing, riding his small black mare, sighed and pressed his lips together.

After riding for a long while in the dim morning,

Xu Zaijing’s party crossed the great bridge over the Grand Canal.

From atop the bridge, they could see many boats on the canal already lit with candlelight.

Descending the bridge,

a cold wind swept through, bringing sharp chill.

Leaves on the roadside trees, shaken by the wind, fell from the branches, spiraling down to the ground.

Part of Xu Zaijing’s cloak draped over the broad back of his mare, so several fallen leaves landed upon it.

Others landed on the roof of the carriage behind Xu Zaijing and Qingyun.

But the dim light made them hard to see clearly.

Arriving at Jiying Alley,

as Xu Zaijing dismounted, the leaves clinging to his cloak fell with his movement, landing in the Sheng family’s courtyard.

Mao Shi Er Ke (5:30 a.m.)

In the Sheng family’s study hall,

candles glowed on the desks of Xu Zaijing and the others.

Zhuang Xuejiu entered the hall, chilled by the morning air, and nodded approvingly at the students.

Then he glanced with surprise at Minglan’s seat.

Minglan usually came after daylight, yet she had arrived early.

As Zhuang Xuejiu looked at Minglan, Xiao Tao, seated on the wooden platform at the back, opened her mouth wide and yawned.

After yawning, Xiao Tao smacked her lips, then closed her eyes and leaned against Yunxiang’s shoulder.

Yunxiang, equally drowsy from rising early, glanced at Xiao Tao, then leaned into her, using her weight to rest against her.

As daylight brightened,

Rulan and Molan arrived at the hall, each accompanied by their maids.

When Molan sat down, she glanced at the candle on Minglan’s desk—half burned out—and then at Qi Heng.

The sun slowly climbed higher in the sky.

Zhuang Xuejiu paused his lecture,

glanced at the sun’s position, and said: “All of you, take a break.”

Everyone rose and responded in unison.

After drinking the warm water or tea offered by the servants and maids,

Xu Zaijing and his classmates headed outside to stroll and chat in the courtyard.

As they walked out, the three Lans remained by their desks.

When Xu Zaijing’s group reached the courtyard, the three Lans turned their heads to look out.

Rulan and Molan’s gazes fixed on Qi Heng; only Minglan glanced at Xu Zaijing, then looked away and sat back down.

Soon after, Minglan picked up her brush to resume practicing calligraphy.

After writing only three characters, she looked up and saw her two elder sisters had also sat down.

She glanced outside—Xu Zaijing and the others were already out of sight.

Seeing this, Minglan set down her brush and gazed at the scenery beyond to rest her eyes.

A while later,

“Hahaha, Changbai, well said!”

Though she couldn’t see the speaker, Minglan knew without asking—it was Xu’s cousin’s loud, hearty laugh.

Hearing it, Minglan shook her head in confusion, then glanced worriedly toward the sound.

Seeing a shadow appear between the flowers and trees, she quickly looked away and bent her head to resume her “focused” calligraphy.

Meanwhile, Zhuang Xuejiu, who had been napping on the Luohan bed in front of the hall, had quietly sat up and was watching the entire scene in the hall without obstruction.

Hearing the voices outside gradually drawing nearer, Zhuang Xuejiu shook his head, then rose and walked to his desk.

After another lesson,

noon arrived.

When Cui Mama arrived with the Sheng family kitchen’s carefully prepared meals, the three Lans had already returned to their respective courtyards with their maids.

After Cui Mama left the hall, Qingyun stepped outside.

Xu Zaijing rose and walked out.

“What is it?”

“Master, Rong’s second son sent his servant to invite you to join him at Miss Ruan’s courtyard after class,” Qingyun whispered.

“How many?”

“Just you and Rong’s second son.”

Xu Zaijing paused to think, then nodded. “Alright.”

In the Sheng family’s back courtyard,

Shou’an Hall,

the old lady sat on a Luohan chair, one hand holding a porcelain bowl, the other holding chopsticks; before her lay several dishes identical to those served to Xu Zaijing and the others.

Across from her sat Minglan.

Seeing Minglan’s thoughtful expression as she mechanically ate, the old lady sighed softly and asked: “Ming’er, what are you thinking about?”

“Huh? Grandma, I—I wasn’t thinking of anything!”

“Really?”

Meeting the old lady’s concerned gaze, Minglan pressed her lips and shook her head. “False.”

The old lady turned her head slightly and gave a subtle nod to Fang Mama, who immediately signaled Cuiwei, Danju, and Xiao Tao to leave the room.

When only grandmother and granddaughter remained, the old lady whispered: “Speak. What’s wrong?”

“Grandma, these past days, I’ve heard Auntie and Danju and Xiao Tao say that outside, everyone’s talking about Jing’s cousin—”

“His reputation in Bianjing is already ruined, yet he doesn’t even try to fix it or find out who started the rumors! Today, he was laughing out loud!”

“This isn’t good for him!”

Looking at Minglan’s worried face, the old lady said gently: “Ming’er, your Jing cousin isn’t a girl! Reputation is just gossip—it hasn’t reached the courthouse. For a man like him, it doesn’t matter as much as you think.”

“Look at history: many outstanding men were wild and unruly in their youth, even called wicked youths. Yet it never hindered their achievements.”

“Now Jing-er is both scholarly and martial. Let others say what they will.”

Minglan frowned, her eyes darting as she thought, then said: “Grandma, you’re right—but then how will Jing’s cousin—”

The old lady smiled faintly. “How? Are you afraid your cousin won’t find a bride?”

Minglan nodded vigorously.

Looking at Minglan, who had grown increasingly graceful, the old lady sighed. “Ming’er, you’re overthinking. Even without anything else, Jing’s cousin’s status as the Marquis’s legitimate son ensures he won’t face your fears.”

Minglan looked up at the old lady; the two locked eyes.

As if making a decision, Minglan pressed her lips and nodded. “Yes! Grandma’s right!”

Looking at the girl raised at her knee, the old lady said: “Eat.”

After finishing the meal, Minglan took Xiao Tao to nap.

Standing nearby, Fang Mama watched the old lady, reclining on the Luohan bed with a pillow, eyes closed, brows slightly furrowed, and whispered: “Grandmother, what’s wrong today?”

The old lady opened her eyes, looked at Fang Mama, thought for a moment, then spoke slowly: “Nothing. Just idle thoughts.”

Then she added: “By now, Hong’er has returned home, hasn’t he?”

Fang Mama shook her head. “No, Grandmother. When we left, the Master hadn’t returned. Dongrong said the Master is occupied with official duties today.”

The old lady closed her eyes and hummed softly, then fell silent.

Unconsciously, she drifted to sleep.

After some time, she slowly opened her eyes. The room held only Cuiwei standing by; outside, faint voices drifted in.

“Cough!”

The old lady coughed.

“Grandmother, you’re awake!” Cuiwei hurried forward.

At the sound of Cuiwei’s voice, the voices outside the room fell silent.

As Cuiwei brought in warm water to soothe the throat, Fang Mama lifted the curtain and entered.

“Madam, the Master has returned. Hearing you were napping, he thought to take his leave.”

“Let Hong’er come in.”

“Yes.”

Shortly after,

Sheng Hong, still in his everyday clothes, stepped inside.

“Mother.”

Sheng Hong bowed deeply with hands clasped.

The old lady did not drink, but waved her hand. “Hong’er, sit first.”

“Yes, Mother.”

The old lady sipped a few mouthfuls of water to moisten her throat, then handed the porcelain bowl to Fang Mama, who reached out, and looked at Sheng Hong. “Hong’er, you haven’t changed into your official robes yet, yet you’ve come straight to my courtyard—has something major happened at court?”

Sheng Hong took the tea cup offered by Cuiwei, nodded at the old lady, and said, “Yes, Mother.”

“Drink some water first.”

Sheng Hong obeyed, drank a sip, and set down the cup. By then, Cuiwei had already left the hall; only Fang Mama remained standing by.

“Mother, today while on duty at the yamen, I learned of a major incident in the Guangnan West Road.”

Before the old lady could ask, Sheng Hong continued: “It’s said the Yong Wang’s consort flew into a rage and punished a Nong woman who had married into the Yong Wangfu —unintentionally, she killed her. Upon hearing this, the Nong tribes currently fighting our troops in the south turned back toward Guangnan West Road and are now standing in standoff against our army!”

The old lady frowned. “When did this happen?”

“According to the memorial I read, the incident occurred over half a month ago.”

“You mean the Nong woman was killed over half a month ago—or the standoff with our army?” the old lady pressed.

“The standoff with our army!” Sheng Hong said.

The old lady took a deep breath, frowned, and shook her head. “Guangnan West Road is over three thousand li from Bianjing. It takes nearly half a month just to deliver this news to the capital—now, no one in Guangnan West Road even knows the current situation!”

“Just as the Northern Liao were in turmoil—our golden opportunity! Now the south stirs, and we must divert resources to deal with it!”

After the old lady spoke, Sheng Hong nodded. “Mother is right.”

“So how does the court plan to handle this?”

“Mother, after deliberation, the court officials believe appeasement is best: reprimand the Yong Wang’s consort and grant the Nong people some favors.”

“Besides, Guangnan West Road has the Imperial Guards under Xie’s Marquisate, and before this, Lord Kang’an’s son Xiong had already recruited and trained many soldiers. If the Nong refuse to be civilized, we have means to respond.”

The old lady listened to Sheng Hong’s words and slowly nodded.

“But with Guangnan West Road in chaos, some trade and business will surely suffer,” Sheng Hong added.

Hearing this, the old lady sighed. “I heard some battlefield remedies for stopping bleeding use an herb from the south?”

“Yes, Mother. I heard the Hou Fu is trying to cultivate it, to see if it can be grown on their estates.”

The old lady nodded. “I only hope it doesn’t delay matters up north.”

In the schoolhouse,

by afternoon, everyone had learned of the southern incident.

After class,

those leaving the schoolhouse discussed it briefly.

Outside the Sheng family’s main gate, they all bowed and took their leave, returning home.

Xu Zaijing rode his horse, spotted a Rong family servant waiting by the roadside, leaned over, and said to Zai Zhang: “Brother, tell Mother I won’t be home tonight—Rong Xian is treating me.”

“Alright.” Zai Zhang glanced at the Rong servant, nodded, and turned away.

Then, Xu Zaijing, accompanied by the Rong servant, headed toward Pan Lou’s main street.

In late autumn afternoon,

the air had grown chilly, especially after sunset.

When Xu Zaijing arrived at Pan Lou’s main street, the wooden buildings lining the road cast shadows, dimming the thoroughfare—so the upscale taverns, brothels, and street vendors had all lit lanterns.

Watching the crowds and carriages on the main street, hearing the chatter and music from the buildings beside him, Pan Lou’s main street seemed even livelier than by day.

Under the Rong servant’s guidance,

Xu Zaijing’s party turned off the bustling main street into an alley.

Behind the buildings on either side, the noise and bustle of the street faded sharply.

At a gate bearing a lantern with the character “Ruan,” Xu Zaijing, Qingyun, and Yunxiang dismounted.

Yunxiang, here for the first time, hearing the distant street noise, turned back to look several times.

Before her rose the towering buildings of Pan Lou and Qiyun Lou, lanterns glowing.

“Yunxiang,” Qingyun whispered beside her.

“Oh!” Yunxiang replied, then hurried to catch up.

Inside the courtyard,

“Fifth Young Master, you haven’t been here in ages,” Madam Ruan smiled at Xu Zaijing.

As Madam Ruan spoke, a strikingly beautiful maid beside her glanced at Xu Zaijing, then quickly curtsied.

And as she looked at Xu Zaijing, this exceptionally lovely maid also stole a glance at Yunxiang, who trailed behind, looking curious.

Xu Zaijing smiled and nodded. “It’s been three or four years.”

Sensing Xu Zaijing’s gaze, the maid behind Madam Ruan naturally lowered her eyes to the ground.

Madam Ruan continued: “You’re right, Fifth Young Master—when you last came, Fangniang was still in my courtyard.”

Then, Madam Ruan gestured with a smile. “Please, come inside.”

As she spoke, Madam Ruan glanced at Yunxiang, her eyes filled with admiration.

Xu Zaijing smiled and nodded. “Has Er Lang arrived yet?”

“Yes, just arrived a short while ago.”

Madam Ruan led Xu Zaijing toward the house as she spoke.

As they walked, Xu Zaijing faintly heard music from other rooms—the sound of pipa.

Watching Xu Zaijing’s gaze by candlelight, Madam Ruan smiled. “Fifth Young Master, that’s Xing Shou Yang teaching the girls pipa.”

Hearing this,

Qingyun, behind Xu Zaijing, glanced toward the music.

“Ah.”

Madam Ruan sighed softly. Qingyun, seeing Xu Zaijing say nothing, spoke up: “Madam Ruan, why do you sigh?”

Madam Ruan turned her gaze to Xu Zaijing and smiled. “After Xing Shou Wei and Xing Shou Yang performed at court, they’ve become even harder to invite! Without our old ties, my girls wouldn’t know what to do!”

Qingyun chuckled. “Madam Ruan, you’re too modest. Others might say that—I wouldn’t believe it.”

While they spoke ahead,

Yunxiang had been walking side by side with Madam Ruan’s maid.

The strikingly beautiful maid scrutinized Yunxiang with sharp eyes.

When Yunxiang looked over, the maid quickly turned her gaze away.

Just before reaching Rong Xian’s private room, the maid glanced at Yunxiang again, met her eyes, froze for a moment, then smiled.

Ahead of them,

Rong Xian sat in the private room, smiling as he spoke to Xu Zaijing.

After exchanging a few polite words, Madam Ruan turned and took her leave.

On her way out, Madam Ruan looked at the maid beside her. “Shishi, what was wrong with you? Why did you become so quiet after glancing at Xu Wu’s maid?”

“Where’s that confident, determined arrogance you showed me before?”

Looking at the maid’s pursed lips, Madam Ruan continued: “When you heard Xing Shou Wei once favored this young master, you couldn’t help but compete—so why are you silent now?”

The maid called Shishi glanced at Madam Ruan. “Mother, did you see the maid beside this young master? I thought she’d look at me with rivalry or scrutiny.”

“But her eyes held admiration—and such a gentle warmth.”

Madam Ruan snorted. “Hmph! That girl was raised from childhood—how could she compare to you, a latecomer?”

As the two spoke and walked out, the courtyard gate was knocked again.

Soon, a well-dressed servant entered, bowed, and said: “Madam Ruan, my Lord will arrive shortly.”

Madam Ruan narrowed her eyes politely. “Forgive my poor memory—may I ask which household you serve?”

“Madam Ruan, I’m from the Xiangyang Marquisate.”

As the servant spoke, his eyes involuntarily flickered toward Madam Ruan’s maid.

By the courtyard’s candlelight, he nearly thought he saw a fairy.

“Ahem.” Madam Ruan cleared her throat.

The servant quickly looked away, glanced once more at Shishi’s retreating back, then lowered his head.

“Very well, I’ll inform the two young masters inside,” Madam Ruan replied.

“Thank you, Madam.”

Less than half an hour later,

Xu Zaijing and Rong Xian rose and bowed as Xiangyang Marquis entered the private room.

“Hahaha! You rascal, finally stepping out to play! I heard you’ve taken to calligraphy lately?”

“Come, see how my calligraphy fares!”

Standing to one side, Rong Xian glanced at the Xiangyang Marquis who had spoken, then at Xu Zaijing, and hesitantly said, “Jing Ge’er, shall I too dip my brush and write a piece of calligraphy?”

(End of chapter)