Chapter 758: Still Coming? [Thank You! Again! 38k Chapters Owed]

Yin Bo waved his hand and said, “Jing’er, what you’re doing isn’t right.”

“Master, what’s wrong with it?” Xu Zaijing asked, puzzled.

Yin Bo looked at the silver in his hand: “Instead of hiring yamen runners or patrolmen, why not…”

As he spoke, Yin Bo glanced at Ah Lan, whose forehead was bound with cotton cloth.

Xu Zaijing looked at Ah Lan, a thought stirring in his mind: “Master, I understand!”

The next day,

in the morning,

taking advantage of the warm weather, Shu Bo set up his stall.

Since the sun made it warm, he didn’t raise the shade canopy.

Shu Bo’s stall was not far from the Hou Fu’s main gate, and occasionally customers came by.

“One bowl of hot mutton soup!”

A customer, seeming about twenty years old, called out and sat down at a table on his own.

“Coming right away, sir!” Shu Bo smiled.

The customer glanced toward the wall beside the Hou Fu.

By the wall stood a man with white cotton cloth tied around his head, faint red bloodstains visible on the cloth, and several armed yamen runners standing nearby.

“Old man, what’s going on over there?” the customer asked.

“They say someone threw something into the Hou Fu yesterday and hit someone, so they reported it to the authorities!”

“What did they throw?”

“Seems like pebbles,” Shu Bo said without looking up.

“Pebbles?” the customer exclaimed.

“Yes!”

After a moment’s thought, the customer added, “That’s really cruel.”

“Who says otherwise!” Shu Bo agreed.

After speaking, Shu Bo continued to lower his head and make soup.

When he looked up again, the customer was gone—only a few copper coins remained on the table.

At the entrance of Quyuanjie,

the customer who had been at Shu Bo’s stall walked toward a luxurious carriage that didn’t match his attire.

The servant standing nearby hurriedly bowed.

Stepping onto the carriage using the mounting stool, the customer shook his head inside: “This doesn’t make sense.”

The servant who followed him in whispered, “Master, what’s wrong?”

The customer sighed and gave a brief explanation.

The servant, looking troubled, said, “Master, just follow the old madam’s instructions—hand the item to that Hou Fu young master yourself!”

“Last morning, you woke up late and carelessly tossed silver ingots inside—how could that possibly work?”

The customer glared: “It was just after mao hour! The sky wasn’t even light—how much earlier do you want?”

The servant urged, “Master, I just asked at a roadside shop—they said the shop opened at yin hour’s end, and that young master was already gone.”

Seeing his master’s expression, the servant continued, “The cousin is the old madam’s own ward—she grew up under her care. You know her condition; she wouldn’t lie to the old madam.”

“Fine! We’ll talk about it tomorrow!”

The next day,

at the entrance of Quyuanjie,

a sliver of sunlight slipped through the carriage curtain and lit the interior.

The young man wrapped in fur robes opened his eyes, rubbed his face, and asked, “Has he not come out yet?”

“Report, Master—no sign of him.”

The young man pondered: “What’s going on?”

The servant outside asked, “Could that young master be leaving through another gate of the Hou Fu?”

The young man thought a moment: “Let’s go visit the best archery shop in the capital.”

“Master, but—”

“No more talk. Go.”

On the main street of Pan Lou,

Zhou’s Archery Shop,

the shop manager held a bow stave, smiling as he waved to his apprentice: “Sir, you’ve strong arms—why not try this one?”

The young man who had appeared at Quyuanjie’s entrance handed his hard bow to the shop assistant, then took the stave.

After stringing it and testing it, he smiled: “Fine bow—I’ll take this one. Do you have good slingshot strings?”

“This way, sir.”

Moments later,

the young man smiled and waved to the servant: “Pay.”

The third day,

at the Hou Fu’s riding ground,

Xu Zaijing rode a small chestnut mare, clad in armor.

After circling once to warm up, he slowly urged the horse forward—the rhythmic thunder of hooves echoed across the ground.

As he began his third lap,

Xu Zaijing began drawing his bow from horseback, training his mounted archery.

When the galloping horse passed near the wooden shed, he did not draw again—there was no target.

Suddenly,

“Twang!”

Hearing the sound,

Xu Zaijing and Qingyun both spun around sharply toward the courtyard wall nearby.

Beyond the wall lay Quyuanjie.

They turned because they had heard the vibration of a bowstring.

“Who’s there!” Qingyun barked.

Before Qingyun’s words faded,

“Ping!”

A small object struck the arm shield Xu Zaijing had instinctively raised.

“Ping.”

Another light impact.

The second ping was the sound of Xu Zaijing using his arm shield to deflect the object midair.

“Stop! Don’t run!”

Someone outside the wall shouted loudly.

“Squeak.”

The wooden shed door opened—Qingcao rushed out, startled: “Master, Qingyun, what’s wrong?”

Xu Zaijing, having pulled his horse to a stop beside the shed, caught the flying object in his hand, glanced at it in his leather glove, and said, “Qingcao, it’s nothing.”

Seeing Qingyun prepare to ride after the attacker, Xu Zaijing called out: “Qingyun, don’t chase!”

“Huh?” Qingyun stared at Xu Zaijing in surprise.

“Look.” Xu Zaijing tossed the object onto the ground.

Qingyun caught it, and by the candlelight beside the shed, he saw what lay in his palm.

“Master, this…” Qingyun weighed it in his hand. “Is this gold?”

Xu Zaijing nodded: “Possibly.”

“Qingyun, let me see,” Qingcao said, stepping closer.

Seeing Qingcao reach for the object and prepare to bite it, Qingyun quickly pressed his palm against her forehead and scolded: “Girl, are you greedy? Don’t you know it might be poisoned? You’d put it in your mouth?”

“Ah? Oh! Qingyun, I—” Qingcao turned to look at Xu Zaijing.

Seeing Xu Zaijing shake his head, Qingcao lowered her gaze—then heard him say: “What did you notice?”

Qingcao immediately looked up: “Master, if it’s real gold, it’s probably over one tael.”

Xu Zaijing’s small treasury held many gold and silver items—Qingcao was used to handling them.

Qingyun glanced at the wall: “Master, to throw this gold so far—it must’ve been a slingshot. And so accurate—this fellow’s skilled.”

Xu Zaijing shook his head: “He’s also an idiot. Doesn’t he fear hitting the horse and spooking it?”

Qingyun nodded vigorously: “Wonder if we can catch him.”

Watching the maid lean close to the candle to examine the object, Xu Zaijing said: “Qingcao, stop looking. Use yesterday’s silver beans to pay for Ah Lan’s healing. This, exchange for grain and send to the Ju Yang Yuan.”

“Yes, Master,” Qingcao nodded.

As they rode toward Jiyin Alley, Qingyun, riding beside him, said: “Master, this sort of thing had stopped for a while—why has it started again these past two days?”

Xu Zaijing rode onto the bridge, gazing at the morning canal: “Perhaps someone clever figured it out—or someone who saw results told others.”

Qingyun nodded, then his eyes brightened as he recalled a certain woman from before.

But after glancing at Xu Zaijing, Qingyun said nothing.

Arriving at the Sheng household,

Since it was still early in the first lunar month and the weather remained chilly, the classroom still hung cotton curtains and kept the heated floor burning.

After pulling back the curtain and entering, the classroom showed only one candle lit before Chang Bai’s desk—and an additional candle beside it.

Seeing Chang Zhi rise to bow, Xu Zaijing smiled and nodded: “Seventh lad, sit. I’ve told you several times—no need for such formalities among relatives.”

“Yes, Fifth Brother Xu.”

At noon,

After Master Zhuang stepped out of the classroom,

Through the cotton curtains, Xu Zaijing and the others inside faintly heard voices speaking outside.

Hearing the voices, Zai Zhang hurriedly rose and walked toward the door.

Soon,

Zai Zhang’s voice rang in: “Greetings, Father-in-Law.”

After some polite exchanges, Zai Zhang returned to the classroom and looked at Chang Bai: “Brother Bai, I just heard Master Zhuang and Father-in-Law talking—it seems—”

Chang Bai nodded: “Brother-in-law, that’s exactly what Master Zhuang meant.”

Behind them, Xu Zaijing, Qi Heng, and the others stared in confusion.

“Second Brother, what are you two talking about?” Chang Feng asked.

Zai Zhang smiled sideways: “Master Zhuang and Father-in-Law have decided to let Chang Zhi take the county examination.”

“Ah?”

Hearing this, everyone in the classroom looked startled.

“How old is Chang Zhi? How can he take the county exam already?” Gu Tingye frowned.

Zai Zhang smiled: “It’s Master Zhuang’s idea.”

Everyone shook their heads.

“Chang Bai, how old were you when you passed the county exam?” Xu Zaijing asked with a smile.

Chang Bai didn’t turn around: “Twelve.”

In the afternoon,

Jin’an Study,

“The Master has arrived!”

The maid in the courtyard announced.

Inside, Wei Shuyi, who had been embroidering by the bright window, looked up in surprise.

After pinning her needle into the embroidery, she straightened her clothes and hurried toward the door.

Before she reached it, Sheng Hong pushed back the curtain and entered with a smile.

“Greetings, Master,” Wei Shuyi said, seeing Sheng Hong’s radiant smile fixed on her—she was momentarily speechless.

“Shuyi, you’ve raised a fine child! Master Zhuang has praised Zhi’s studies endlessly.”

Wei Shuyi bowed her head: “Master, I am unworthy of such praise. It is Grandmother’s concern for Zhi’s studies and Lady’s repeated instructions that have brought him this far.”

“Mmm!” Sheng Hong nodded with a smile: “Come, sit!”

Wei Shuyi replied, “Yes,” and sat beside Sheng Hong at the table.

Soon, Qiujiang smiled as she brought hot tea: “Master, please have some tea.”

“Good,” Sheng Hong nodded with a smile.

After serving the tea, Qiujiang stepped aside.

Sheng Hong looked at Wei Shuyi before him.

Wei Shuyi’s entry into the Sheng household had originally been arranged by the Wang family to divert Lin Qin’s favor.

Not only was she from a scholarly family, but her beauty was exceptional—otherwise she could never have competed with the charming Lin Qin.

“Shuyi, when we were in Fujian, I saw you were aloof. But since coming to Bianjing, I’ve noticed you’ve changed greatly,” Sheng Hong said with a smile.

Wei Shuyi smiled, glanced at Sheng Hong, then said: “Master, you see clearly. When we were in Fujian, I worried for my mother and younger sister. Now that they’re both in Bianjing, I’m much at ease.”

Sheng Hong nodded: “Did managing the household tire you?”

Wei Shuyi smiled and shook her head: “Lady’s accounts are clear, and Madam Cui and Madam Liu assist me. Though I am slow and clumsy, I’ve never been overburdened.”

Looking at the woman before him—her skin fair and flushed, her demeanor gentle and captivating—Sheng Hong’s spirits lifted, and he smiled: “You’ve been in my household for over a decade, yet you look hardly changed.”

Wei Shuyi smiled: “Master flatters me.”

Sheng Hong nodded, lifted his teacup, sipped the hot tea, then set it down and glanced around Jin’an Study.

Seeing the several calligraphy scrolls on the walls—all his own handwriting—his mood improved further.

Suddenly,

Sheng Hong frowned slightly,

For Wei Shuyi, like Wang Ruofu, had hung Buddhist, Daoist, and Confucian paintings together—as if worshipping them all at once.

Sensing Sheng Hong’s gaze, Wei Shuyi smiled: “Master, Zhi often complains to me.”

“Hmm? Zhi is a good boy. What does he complain about?” Sheng Hong turned his gaze away, puzzled.

“He often says your calligraphy is too exquisite. Though he practices hard, he can never capture the spirit of your strokes.”

Sheng Hong shook his head and waved his hand: “This boy is too ambitious for his age.”

Though he shook his head, he was deeply pleased.

As he spoke, Sheng Hong rose and walked around the room, saying: “Shuyi, I’ve seen your calligraphy—it’s excellent. Why don’t I see any of your work?”

“I am unworthy,” Wei Shuyi bowed her head.

“You—you really—” Sheng Hong shook his head, leaving the sentence unfinished.

Stepping to the window, he looked at the embroidery frame and his eyes brightened: “This flower is beautifully stitched.”

Wei Shuyi walked over and smiled: “Thank you, Master. Next month is Fifth Young Lady’s coming-of-age ceremony—this is my small offering.”

Sheng Hong nodded with a smile, his eyes betraying a hint of regret: such a fine piece seemed wasted on his own Rulan.

Then,

Sheng Hong turned, grasping Wei Shuyi’s arms.

The gesture made her body tense instantly.

“Shuyi, I came here today with good news.”

“Master, please speak.”

“At noon, Master Zhuang told me he plans to let Zhi take the county exam next month.”

“County exam?” Wei Shuyi asked, puzzled.

Sheng Hong nodded with a smile: “I’ve agreed.”

After a moment’s thought, Wei Shuyi smiled: “Master Zhuang is a wise teacher, and you, Master, are a Jinshi of great talent. If both of you say so, there must be reason.”

Sheng Hong nodded with a smile, looking at Wei Shuyi with sincere emotion: “Shuyi, you’ve given my household a fine son! When I told Mother, she was overjoyed.”

“If Master and the Old Lady are pleased, I am pleased too.”

“Good! I’ll come to Jin’an Study tonight.”

“Yes, I’ll have the main kitchen prepare some fine dishes to send over.”

“And prepare several jugs of good wine,” Sheng Hong emphasized with a smile.

“Yes.”

“Then I’ll go to my study first. You continue your work,” Sheng Hong smiled and turned to leave.

Wei Shuyi, with Qiujiang, escorted Sheng Hong to the courtyard gate. Only after watching him and Dong Rong disappear around the corner did she return inside.

Returning to the embroidery frame,

Wei Shuyi picked up the needle again,

Ready to resume stitching,

But the needle hovered above the fabric, moving several times—yet never pierced it.

“Young Lady, what’s wrong?” Qiujiang asked, concerned.

Wei Shuyi shook her head: “My heart is unsettled. I can’t stitch.”

“Then rest a while!” Qiujiang urged.

“Mm.”

Saying this, Wei Shuyi rose, pushed open the window, and stood with her hands clasped, lost in thought.

She knew well why Sheng Hong had been so kind today—it was because Zhi showed promise.

Feeling the cold wind on her face, Wei Shuyi was suddenly reminded of her days in Yangzhou.

On days like this, with the sun high, she had loved to embroider in sunny, sheltered corners.

Back then, no matter how hard she tried, she never imagined that in this official, scholarly household, someone could be so cruel—plotting to destroy her.

Nor did she imagine that, after arriving in Bianjing, she would manage the household—and for so long.

A memory flashed: herself, wearing clothes with frayed sleeves, visiting the Xu family relatives. She sighed softly.

Though her sister and Xiaodie had told her many tales of that young master’s reckless deeds, she still remembered how he had arranged a physician for her family.

Thinking of these things, Wei Shuyi turned to gaze at the hanging scrolls on the wall.

Walking over, she lit incense, placed it in the holder, knelt on the cushion, and prayed sincerely.

(End of Chapter)