Chapter 1 The Orphan Girl Living in Her Home
Sword and Her
Text by Shi Dai
"Bai Tingzheng, Minister of Revenue, inherited the late Emperor's mission of opening up new paths and revitalizing the country. However, he abused his power for personal gain, formed cliques, neglected his duties, and extorted money from the people. He prioritized his own interests and disregarded the grand plan of the court. Considering his past merits, he is pardoned from the death penalty, stripped of his title, and demoted to a commoner. He shall never be summoned to the capital again... This is the imperial decree."
As soon as the eunuch's shrill, grating voice finished proclaiming the imperial decree, soldiers stormed into the mansion, confiscating all the valuables and property.
The Bai family members knelt and received the imperial decree, then retreated in disarray. Amidst the uproar and chaos, the entire mansion was in disarray, with no time to pack their belongings. They set off in tattered clothes, fleeing the capital in a sorry state.
As the carriage receded into the distance, the scene suddenly became hazy and indistinct, like ripples on water.
When her vision cleared again, she heard only mournful cries and saw countless paper offerings from the underworld fluttering in the air—in a foreign countryside, beside two coffins, a frail young woman lay prostrate beside her parents' coffins, her cries plaintive and sorrowful…
My heart is throbbing with pain, and I have difficulty breathing.
Bai Hua felt suffocated and woke up from her dream in a cold sweat. A fine layer of sweat covered her forehead, her chest heaved violently, the hem of her blue robe trembled, and her heart was half-wet.
Her eyes were pitiful, tinged with confusion. She looked around the room, and after a while, she seemed to realize something. She quickly and carefully concealed her sorrowful expression.
The maid Xiao You was dozing on the drum stool in the outer room when she heard the commotion inside and hurriedly got up and ran over.
Lifting the green gauze curtains by the bed, she saw Bai Hua lying languidly on the couch with her brows slightly furrowed, her eyes wet and looking lost. She quickly guessed that her young mistress was having another nightmare.
Xiao You quickly poured a glass of warm water and stepped forward with concern to ask, "Miss, drink some water to soothe your throat. Did you recall any sad things from the past during your afternoon rest?"
Bai Hua held the teacup in her hand, drank half a cup, and finally felt a little better.
With her long, dark eyelashes drooping, she came back to her senses and said, "Sorting through my mother's old belongings during the day, seeing these things and seeing her inevitably stirred up some memories of the past. I never imagined I would have such a deep nightmare after falling asleep. The scene just now was so vivid, as if time had truly turned back..."
After saying this, he couldn't help but sigh, feeling a deep sense of melancholy.
Xiao You gently patted the girl's back and comforted her, saying in a low voice, "Please don't worry, Miss. The troubles and worries are over. Now we have taken refuge in the Rong family and are able to find shelter. Madam Rong is your aunt and treats us, mistress and servants, very well. In addition, Young Master Rong is deeply in love with you. If we can become even closer in the future, we will have a safe place to live."
Bai Hua was moved, grateful for the kindness her aunt and cousin had shown her.
With Xiao You's help, she slowly leaned against the pillow screen and said, "My aunt's birthday is approaching, and I don't have enough money to buy a decent birthday gift. So I thought I would give my aunt the original of the famous calligraphy that my mother loved when she was alive so that she could look at it and make a copy. I just hope that my aunt will like it."
Xiao You immediately said, "Miss's intentions are sincere, and Madam Rong will certainly be comforted. The calligraphy itself is precious, not to mention that it carries the emotional attachment of sisters. Madam Rong will definitely cherish this birthday gift as a treasure."
Bai Hua smiled and felt relieved. She instructed Xiao You to leave the manor as soon as possible to find a skilled craftsman and quickly commission an exquisite box to hold the birthday gifts.
Xiao You smiled and agreed, secretly thinking to herself, "Once Madam Rong's birthday is over, shouldn't we move up the wedding date for the young lady and young master Rong?"
Since we'll be family sooner or later, why not put the girl's mind at ease sooner?
...
On Madam Rong's birthday, colorful ribbons fluttered and drums resounded in the Agarwood Garden, creating a joyous and lively atmosphere.
The mansion sent out invitations to many local gentry, officials, and wealthy merchants to attend the banquet. The banquet was lavish and sumptuous, and by local standards, it was not a small affair.
Bai Hua deliberately waited until all the guests were seated and had started eating before arriving late, sneaking in through the back gate to offer her congratulations to her aunt.
Now that she is living in a separate residence, she is unwilling to attract attention. In addition, given her father's status as a disgraced official, if she is recognized by someone with sharp eyes, she will inevitably suffer some underhanded slander.
Since the Bai family was convicted, she went from being the glamorous legitimate daughter of the Earl of Jingqi to a helpless commoner orphan overnight. She has witnessed the coldness of human relationships and suffered endless pointing fingers and whispers.
Now that she has left the capital to stay with relatives and is far away from the vortex of trouble, Bai Hua only wants to live a peaceful life. She does not want to become the subject of gossip for strangers, nor does she want to be looked at with pity or sympathy.
Therefore, he had no choice but to avoid being seen in public.
Inside the main hall of Chenxiang Garden, only Madam Rong and the two young ladies of the Rong family were present. They had received quite a few birthday gifts today, and the three of them were recording them and storing them in the archives for future gift returns.
Upon hearing the sound of someone entering, the three of them simultaneously stopped what they were doing and turned their gazes toward the curtain.
The beaded curtain was lifted, its tinkling sound revealing Bai Hua's bright and beautiful face. With her delicate eyebrows, rosy lips, and fair, radiant skin, she looked like a flying apsara from a temple mural, her posture and demeanor both extraordinary and remarkable.
After standing still, she gracefully bowed, her proper posture, personally trained by the palace maids, was far more pleasing to the eye than the girls in the distant capital.
Bai Hua was only concerned with being polite and courteous, not realizing that in the eyes of her second cousin Rong Chifei, her politeness and humility were seen as affected and pretentious, and even the way she looked at her was full of scrutiny and disdain.
Madam Rong smiled and stepped forward, considerately helping the person up. With a kind expression, she said, "Hua'er is late. When we enter the family banquet later, you must drink a few more cups of warm wine."
Bai Hua smiled and nodded, affectionately taking her aunt's arm, and gestured for Xiao You to step forward and present the gift.
Xiao You approached, carrying an exquisitely crafted black lacquered box with outlining, and handed it over with her arm outstretched.
Bai Hua said, "Aunt, this is a birthday gift prepared for you. It's a small gift, but I hope you will accept it with a smile."
Madam Rong looked relieved and affectionately patted Bai Hua's shoulder, speaking softly, "Hua'er has always been considerate and sensible, far superior to your two older cousins."
Bai Hua, not one to compete with others, immediately replied humbly, "My two cousins are truly moved by your filial piety. I heard that my eldest cousin specially visited a private collector and spent a lot of money to find a gold ingot from the Mengdiexuan collection, once worn by a concubine of the previous dynasty, as a congratulatory gift for my aunt. My second cousin went to great lengths to find a renowned embroiderer from Jiangnan to specially tailor several twelve-panel yellow silk skirts for my aunt. My sisters have put in far more effort than I have."
Eldest cousin Rong Chifang said, "These are all the sisters' good intentions. No matter how small or heavy they are, Mother will be happy as long as the sentiments are there."
Second cousin Rong Chifei, however, did not take it seriously. Her gaze fell on the box held by Xiao You, and she raised her chin and said, "So mysterious, what is inside? Cousin Bai was born into nobility and was once a great beauty who was famous throughout the capital. In previous years, many young noblemen must have surrounded you with gifts on your birthday. Even if you just took out something inconspicuous, we merchants would stare in amazement."
Upon hearing this, Bai Hua's expression changed slightly. These words sounded like a compliment on the surface, but in reality, they were tantamount to stabbing her in the wound.
With the Bai family convicted of a crime, all their property was confiscated. Even if Bai Hua had previously used some rare items, those were now relics of the past. Now, things had changed. She had lost her respectable title as the daughter of an earl and was merely an orphan living in another mansion, subservient to everyone. Where would she find any extra wealth?
Her aunt had already done a great service by taking her in, and Bai Hua was grateful for her kindness, so she did not respond to her second cousin's difficult behavior.
Fortunately, her aunt was not biased. Realizing that her words were inappropriate, she immediately frowned and scolded, "Chi Fei, don't speak so recklessly. As an older sister, you should set an example. What nonsense are you spouting?"
Rong Chifei, feeling resentful after being reprimanded, pouted and gave a perfunctory reply.
Madam Rong withdrew her glare and looked at Bai Hua, her expression returning to its gentle warmth. She accepted the gift and opened the box in front of everyone with expectant eyes.
Upon opening the wooden box, no glittering jewels were found; instead, there was only a simple calligraphy scroll with the scent of ink.
Although it may seem ordinary, a knowledgeable person would recognize that this is no ordinary item. It is an authentic work by Yan Fu, a great calligrapher of the previous dynasty, which is priceless. Bai Hua is not an expert and has no intention of talking about the monetary value of the famous calligraphy. She only said that her mother cherished it when she was alive.
“Aunt, these are my mother’s old things. She loved calligraphy and painting and enjoyed studying them herself. When we left the capital in a hurry, we were searched by the soldiers. These are the things that were hard to hide. I saw that you also like to copy calligraphy, so I prepared this small gift for you.”
Bai Hua modestly said it was a small gift, but Rong Chifei took it seriously.
"What? Just a few sheets of paper? Bai Hua, my mother has treated you very well, even taking you in despite the gossip. And yet, you treat my birthday, which only comes once a year, so casually. Don't think we don't know you're hiding your own little stash of money. It's one thing to be stingy and not give anything out normally, but to be so stingy on my birthday today? For the past year or so, you've been eating and drinking your way through the Rong Mansion. You're incredibly shameless."
Rong Chifei was aggressive and had the shrewish manner of a common woman.
Bai Hua's fingers were hidden in her sleeves, and she was pinching herself hard, suppressing her anger and remaining silent.
Madam Rong looked like she had a headache and said sternly, "Chi Fang, why don't you take your sister away right now? Has she gone mad? She doesn't need to come to the family dinner tonight. Tell her to go to her room and reflect on her actions!"
After her two daughters left the room, Madam Rong looked at Bai Hua with a face full of apology, comforting her while saying that she had spoiled the children.
Bai Hua had no right to be overly critical. Given her current situation of being dependent on others, no matter how wronged and angry she felt, all she could do was be tolerant, understanding, and generous.
Back when she was famous in Kyoto, she was spoiled and pampered by her parents. But life is full of twists and turns, and after many ups and downs, her sharp edges have long been worn down...
Bai Hua pulled herself out of her thoughts and asked softly, "Does Aunt like this calligraphy copybook?"
"Ah..." Madam Rong hesitated briefly, then looked at the black lacquered box again, a smile spreading across her face. "Of course I like it. It's a small gift but carries great meaning. As long as it's Hua'er's wish, your aunt will like it. Don't take Chi Fei's words to heart. Even if you have money, that's only right. Your aunt treats you like her own daughter and only hopes that you can live a good life."
Upon hearing this, Bai Hua pondered for a moment. She raised her eyes as if to say something, but ultimately swallowed her words after careful consideration.
She nodded gently, appearing obedient, suppressing her doubts and not saying anything more.
...
In the evening, the guests left the house, leaving only close relatives to gather for a family dinner.
Although the aunt strictly ordered the second cousin to stay at home and reflect on her mistakes, after the uncle pleaded on her behalf, the aunt, having received Bai Hua's magnanimous forgiveness, instructed the servants to call the second young lady to dine together.
Xiao You was furious at how easily they handled it.
Bai Hua remained unfazed, knowing that someone living under someone else's roof should know their place as a guest.
The dishes were all served, but the atmosphere at the table was not warm. Uncle was quiet, Rong Chifei had a stiff face and was still sulking. Aunt occasionally chatted with her or her older cousin, but most of the time she was craning her neck to look towards the door, hoping that her son would come home soon.
Half an incense stick's time had passed, and before the food had cooled down, Rong Linyan finally entered the courtyard, looking travel-worn.
Hearing footsteps, Aunt's eyes lit up and she immediately got up to greet them. Her two older cousins also smiled and chatted with their brother, but Rong Linyan responded indifferently. His gaze only settled slightly when it swept over Bai Hua, before becoming deep and unreadable.
He was busy during the day, responsible for selecting disciples for the sword academy, and had no time to return home. The first thing he did when he returned in the evening was to congratulate his mother on her birthday, and he also mentioned that the gift had been delivered to Chenxiang Garden.
Upon hearing this, Madam Rong could not contain her impatience and immediately got up to go and see.
Rong Linyan stopped his mother and said with a helpless smile, "Mother, don't be in a hurry. The gift is in Chenxiang Garden and it won't run away. We can check it later. We've received so many gifts today, why are you in such a hurry for me to receive one more? Besides, I'm starving. Right now, I just want to take advantage of Mother's kindness and have a bowl of hot longevity noodles to fill my stomach."
Madam Rong's doting on her only son was evident in her words and actions. She patted Rong Linyan's hand and said, "Yours is extraordinary."
Upon hearing this, Rong Chifang and Rong Chifei feigned annoyance and exclaimed "Oh!" as if their mother was being unfair. Their father, Rong Pengyuan, stroked his beard and laughed along.
Madam Rong laughed and scolded them for teasing her. While laughing, she instructed the maid to take the half-cold food to the kitchen to heat it up and to quickly cook the longevity noodles.
The servant woman responded and withdrew.
Looking at the scene before her, Bai Hua thought to herself, "This is what a warm and homely atmosphere should be like."
She couldn't get a word in edgewise, feeling out of place, and silently lowered her head.
Rong Linyan's attention was never actually off Bai Hua. Although he was talking to his mother, he would occasionally glance to the side.
After he sat down, he immediately turned around and asked Bai Hua, "I wonder what gift Hua'er has prepared for Mother?"
As soon as she finished speaking, Rong Chifei let out a sneer, tinged with a hint of mockery. After being glared at by Madam Rong, she immediately coughed lightly to cover it up, as if she had only made the sound because she had accidentally choked.
Rong Linyan's attention was only on Bai Hua, and he didn't pay attention to his second sister's misbehavior.
Bai Hua smiled and replied to her cousin, "A calligraphy copybook is just a small gift, not as thoughtful as my brother and sisters."
Rong Linyan looked at her with gentle eyes: "My mother loves to copy calligraphy, and the gift you gave me is the one that pleases her the most."
Rong Chifei pouted and deliberately undermined him: "Brother, you don't even know what my sister and I gave you before making such a conclusion. It seems you only care about your good sister and not your own sister."
Rong Linyan was not spoiled: "You are all the same two things, always inseparable from fine clothes, hairpins and powder."
Madam Rong echoed her son's words: "You understand them best; you guessed correctly."
As they were talking, the servants who had gone to heat up the food returned and put the plates back on the table.
Rong Linyan was probably really hungry after a busy day. He didn't speak during the meal and quickly finished a bowl of plain noodles.
Bai Hua thoughtfully added another dish for him. Rong Linyan looked over in surprise, feeling a little flattered, and his eyes warmed involuntarily.
The two did not speak, but their eyes exchanged subtle glances.
This scene, witnessed by onlookers, evoked various thoughts among the Rong family members.
Madam Rong was used to it and did not react much, but Rong Chifei frowned unhappily, secretly mocking the little vixen who was sending flirtatious glances, saying that she was really reckless and always thinking about how to seduce her brother.
Bai Hua naturally noticed Rong Chifei's intense gaze, but she pretended not to notice and met her cousin's eyes, feigning embarrassment.
Rong Chifei gritted her teeth inwardly, feeling even more frustrated and angry.
...
After the family banquet ended, the women returned to their respective courtyards.
Rong Linyan was summoned to the study by his father, Rong Pengyuan. He thought he had concealed it well enough, but he still couldn't escape his father's keen eyes.
"Lin Yan, I noticed a hint of worry on your face just now. Is something troubling you?"
Facing his father, Rong Linyan frankly said, "Today, General Wang has personally come to Jiling and posted a notice on the city gate, intending to find a swordsman with outstanding martial arts skills to be his right-hand man. This is probably my last chance to enter officialdom."
Upon hearing this, Rong Pengyuan's gaze immediately sharpened, and he asked, "Really? Does that notice specifically seek out only masters of swordsmanship?"
"Yes, I have personally confirmed it. My Rong family has been imperial merchants for generations. We have been blessed by the Emperor and become extremely wealthy. We have also been honored with official titles. However, with the new Emperor's ascension to the throne and the reforms, the appointments have been revoked, making it difficult for the Rong family members to fulfill their ambitions. Their status has plummeted, and they have gradually become just ordinary merchants. I thought I would never be able to realize my ambitions in this life. But unexpectedly, the Emperor's grace has been bestowed upon the Rong family members again."
As Rong Linyan finished his impassioned speech, his father, Rong Pengyuan, could not hide his excitement.
The Rong family was no ordinary merchant family; they had once enjoyed glory and prominence. However, three years ago, a new emperor ascended the throne and purged the family to establish his authority. The Rong family was made an example of, and they had no choice but to give up their wealth and status and cut their losses to survive.
After being unable to become imperial merchants, the Rong family opened a sword hall in Jiling, took in disciples, and promoted swordsmanship. However, how could they be content to remain just unpaid martial artists?
He was unwilling to accept it, and his son, who harbored lofty ambitions, was naturally even more unwilling!
Rong Pengyuan believed it was the blessing of their ancestors and the miraculous power of the ancestral tablet. He looked at his son with boundless expectation: "In terms of swordsmanship, no one in Jiling can surpass you. The position of the right-hand man of the Great General is rightfully yours. If there were a public selection, who could compete with my son?"
Rong Linyan, ever prepared for any eventuality, dimmed the light in his eyes slightly, frowned slightly, and said, "There is still one person."
Rong Pengyuan: "Who?"
The father and son exchanged a glance, old memories resurfaced, and they tacitly thought of the same name—Ning Jue.
A lone swordsman who arrived in Jiling a year ago, temporarily residing on Xianyang Mountain on the outskirts of the city. He has no affiliation or sect, his swordsmanship is unpredictable, and his hands are stained with blood.
Furthermore, the sword style he used was very similar to the Rong family's ancestral sword technique. Although the two sides had never actually fought, the opponent's strength was clearly not to be underestimated.
If Ning Jue is also attracted by the offer and has the desire to enter officialdom, he may become a formidable rival to Rong Linyan.
Thinking of this, the father and son's expressions turned solemn.
...
When Rong Linyan came out of his father's study, the night was already deep and the dew was heavy.
As he was about to walk into his courtyard, his peripheral vision caught sight of a light-colored skirt billowing in the night breeze, like waves rippling across the wall.
Rong Linyan was overjoyed and immediately changed direction.
"Hua'er, what are you doing here?"
Bai Hua waited for quite a while. The autumn night was cool, and she was dressed in thin clothes. The wind made her face look pale and her body shiver.
Seeing this, Rong Linyan felt heartbroken and quickly stepped forward to stand in the wind to shield her: "Why don't you wear more clothes? Xiao You is nowhere to be found, yet she can't take good care of you."
“I wanted to see my cousin alone, so I sent her away,” Bai Hua explained, handing over the food box in her hand, revealing a section of her fair and white wrist, which was really eye-catching. “I made honey-flavored osmanthus soft cheese for my cousin during the day, but I didn’t expect you to come back so late and then be called away by my uncle after dinner, so I haven’t had a chance to give it to you.”
Rong Linyan took it, his eyes no longer showing any weariness, only tenderness remaining: "Hua'er is so thoughtful. I'll go back to my room to eat later."
Bai Hua nodded and smiled gently, appearing compliant. Noticing that the candlelight in the study not far away had gone out, she hesitated before asking, "Cousin, have you encountered some troublesome matter? Can Hua'er lend a hand and relieve your worries?"
Rong Linyan looked at Bai Hua, his eyes suddenly darkening. After a long while, he hesitated to speak.
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