preference
In the study of the Xishan Villa, candlelight burned all night long.
The voices of several Confucian scholars, some passionate and some calm, intertwined with the clear responses of the young man as they discussed classical texts and policy essays. Outside the window, Shen Yan, carrying a freshly stewed rock sugar pear soup, walked briskly around the corridor, only to be politely stopped by the old Hanlin scholar's servant guarding the door.
"My lord, the master instructed that no one should disturb the class during the lessons."
Shen Yan narrowed her peach blossom eyes, suppressing her impatience, and spoke in a soft and sweet voice.
"I'll just send you a bowl of soup to soothe your throat, and I won't say a word more."
A moment later, the door opened a crack, and Ling Zhan appeared. She took the bowl and cup, her gaze sweeping over his meticulously dressed robes.
"Thank you. It will take another hour to get here."
"It's alright, it's alright, you guys go ahead with your work, I'll wait, I'll wait."
Shen Yan grinned so wide her eyes disappeared, and while Ling Zhan was taking the bowl, she quickly brushed her fingertips across the back of Ling Zhan's hand. Ling Zhan withdrew his hand and closed the door. Shen Yan didn't leave, but leaned against the pillar in the corridor, listening to the faint sounds of a lecture inside, her gaze fixed on the door, as if she could see through the wood to the person inside.
For three consecutive nights, Shen Yan changed into new clothes every day and naturally stayed at the host's house.
Seeing that he looked somewhat dazed from the daily changes in his appearance, Ling Zhan did not chase him away.
The evening of the fourth day.
Ling Zhan had just finished showering and was drying his hair when Shen Yan slipped in again, carrying a pillow, and very naturally moved closer to the bed.
"Madam, I acquired a new piece of ancient ink today. I'll send it to Yu'er, and he..."
“Shen Yan.” Ling Zhan interrupted him, putting down the cloth, his voice cold, “Go back to your own room.”
Shen Yan froze, then her face contorted with grievance: "Madam? This... this is only the fourth day..."
Ling Zhan remained unmoved: "Rules are rules."
Shen Yan's eyes darted around, and she suddenly leaned forward, grabbing Ling Zhan's hand and pressing it against her taut lower abdomen without a word. Her tone was a mix of playful teasing and serious dissatisfaction: "Madam, feel it! Feel it! I've been training extra hard every day these past few days, not daring to slack off for a moment! My body is even stronger than when I was twenty! But... but every time it's you... you're on top of me! I have so much strength but nowhere to use it, I haven't even tasted the feeling of being in charge! This... what kind of consummation is this? I don't care, you have to let me have my turn tonight!"
Ling Zhan's hand was forcibly pressed down by him, and he could feel the firm, warm muscles and vibrant life force beneath the fabric.
I definitely practiced seriously!
She silently watched the resentment, longing, and tentative tentative glances flickering in his peach blossom eyes.
Seeing that she remained silent, Shen Yan grew bolder and took advantage of the situation, wrapping his arms around her waist and rubbing his chin against her neck, his voice muffled.
"Just once... Zhan... Please let me have this one time... I beg you..."
A moment of silence fell over the air, broken only by the soft sound of each other's breathing.
Finally, Ling Zhan sighed almost inaudibly, a sigh as light as a feather. She didn't push him away, nor did she speak; her previously slightly tense body seemed to relax a tiny bit. Shen Yan instantly understood, a surge of immense joy welling up within him! He abruptly looked up, his eyes shining brightly, gazing intently at her cool profile as if confirming something.
"Ah Zhan...you agreed?" His voice trembled with excitement.
Ling Zhan looked away, his tone still calm, but without the previous coldness.
"...Just this once. Don't keep going on and on; we have important business to attend to tomorrow."
"Hey! I promise it won't be a delay!"
Shen Yan almost roared as he scooped her up in his arms and carefully laid her down on the bed, his movements filled with unprecedented devotion and excitement.
That night, Shen Yan finally got what he wanted and experienced a different kind of dominant, exhilarating feeling.
On the morning of the fifth day.
When Shen Yan woke up, a silly, extremely satisfied smile was still on her lips, and she subconsciously wanted to snuggle up to him.
But there was no one beside me.
Ling Zhan was already dressed and stood by the window watching Shen Xingchen practice martial arts outside.
The morning light outlined her neat figure, making her profile appear even softer.
Hearing the noise, she turned around: "Awake? From today onwards, the rules remain the same. For the next seven days and three days, do not bother me again."
Shen Yan sat up abruptly, opened her mouth, and wanted to say something like "refreshed," "full of energy," or "beneficial to family harmony." But when she met Ling Zhan's eyes, which seemed to see through everything, and remembered her silent indulgence and the almost inaudible gasp last night, all her words of coquetry suddenly got stuck in her throat.
He suddenly understood.
The hurt of rejection and the urge to act spoiled vanished like water being poured over him, instantly turning into a sour steam that stung his eyes. Beneath her seemingly cold and hard rules lay not just tolerance, but utter indulgence. It wasn't that she didn't understand his desires; she was simply more clear-headed and understood better what was important and what was not in this chaotic situation. She allowed him occasional indulgences, like allowing a child to briefly play in the snow in the dead of winter, because… she cared about him and was afraid he would truly feel stifled.
A surge of hot, bittersweet warmth suddenly broke down his defenses.
He threw back the covers and got out of bed, walking behind her. Instead of clinging to her as usual, he gently rested his chin on the top of her head, his voice unusually deep and earnest: "Yes. Listen to your wife. Rules... rules it is."
He paused, then wrapped his arms around her waist, gently pulling her into his embrace, and sighed contentedly, "...This is good."
Ling Zhan paused slightly, but did not break free.
Outside the window, the sounds of Shen Xing and Shen Chen practicing martial arts could be heard, along with Yang Sijian's steady voice giving instructions.
"Grandpa Yang, was Daddy kicked out by Mommy again?" Chen Chen asked softly.
"Don't talk nonsense. Your father and mother have their own way of getting along." Yang Sijian's voice was tinged with laughter.
As Shen listened, he hugged the person in his arms even tighter, his heart filled with an unprecedented sense of peace and happiness.
So what if I'm a scoundrel!
Ultimately, she received the best and most unique favor in the world.
From the direction of the study, a more subdued and steady discussion could be faintly heard.
Little Stone got up early and sat upright. What lay before him was not ordinary classical texts, but a draft of a policy essay criticizing current affairs. Opposite him, the white-haired and white-bearded scholar Li pointed to a passage.
"The quotation from the Discourses on Salt and Iron here to discuss the drawbacks of state monopolies is excellent. However, the argument of 'competing with the people for profit' needs to be explored more deeply. It is not enough to simply point out the drawbacks; we need to identify 'where the drawbacks lie' and 'how to resolve them.' If Your Majesty seeks advice, you need feasible solutions, not empty rhetoric."
The old scholar's voice was steady, "For example, the canal transport in the southeast also involves the interests of officials and the people. Do you know what the people in the market are saying about this recently?"
Little Stone pondered deeply, picked up his pen and wrote down a few keywords on the manuscript paper beside him, and respectfully said: "I am well enlightened. I have recently heard some discussions in the community about changes to the canal transport system, and I am thinking about how to incorporate them into the theory of 'equalization and equalization of transport' to make it more practical rather than just theoretical."
"good."
Another Confucian scholar stroked his beard and nodded, “The key to the imperial examination essays lies in the word ‘practical.’ Citing classics is the framework, while insightful observations of current affairs are the flesh and blood. Yu-ge, although you are young, your insights are quite mature. Remember to maintain this keenness, but you need to be more steady and thorough in your writing.”
"Yes, sir."
Little Stone lowered his head again, carefully revising the article, his pen scratching softly as he immersed himself in philosophical discussions about governing the world and benefiting the people.
The next day, Shen Yan was nagged by Yang Sijian a few times about "the Lord should be calm," and then he was swept by Ling Zhan's cold gaze. He touched his nose and simply took his two energetic sons out to "observe the people's conditions" to find some peace and quiet, under the pretext that he couldn't work behind closed doors.
Inside Baiweilou, the largest restaurant in Beijing, the place was bustling with noise.
Shen Yan chose a seat by the window where she could hear the discussions from all sides, and ordered a table full of dishes.
Shen Xingchen's attention was mostly not on the food, but rather on listening intently to snippets of conversation about the navy and the King of Changyi.
At the next table, a businessman poured wine for his companion: "Brothers, now that this shipment is done, we'll probably have to wait until the new regulations for canal transport come through before we can talk about the next one. I heard the docks are going to be inspected again."
"Sigh, what a hassle. The higher-ups just open their mouths, and the people below are running themselves ragged," another complained. "They say His Highness the Prince of Changyi is compassionate towards the canal workers and wants to reform the corrupt practices, but all this talk is no action..."
The third person lowered his voice: "Don't even mention it! How could the Prince have time to concern himself with such things these days? I heard that a new beauty has entered the manor, the apple of General Huo's eye. How many is this already? The daughter of Grand Secretary Jiang has only been married for a few days?"
The first person to speak winked and said, "Let's drink! Is it any of our business to gossip about the Prince's family affairs? But then again, the Prince is known for his virtue and values talent, so this marriage alliance is a good thing."
"A wonderful story? Of course, it is a wonderful story..." The group clinked glasses, their laughter carrying an unspoken understanding.
Another person changed the subject: "Speaking of which, the navy under the Prince's command is becoming more and more elite. They have been recruiting soldiers and horses. If a good family son can be selected, it is also a way out."
Shen Chen's eyes lit up, and he suddenly grabbed Shen Yan's arm, whispering, "Father! Did you hear that! The navy is recruiting!" Shen Xing also came over, his little face flushed with excitement, "If only we could get on the prince's warship! It would definitely be more impressive than the old, broken ship Father bought the other day!"
Shen Yan flicked one of his fingers on the forehead: "Eat your food! Where is my ship damaged? Besides, is it so easy to enter the navy? It's a real fight to the death!" Despite his words, his eyes drifted to the window, as if he was thinking about something.
At this moment, several young men who looked like scholars at another table nearby were also discussing the matter, and their voices inevitably rose a bit.
"...The King of Changyi is renowned for his virtue, and now His Majesty... Alas, if something truly were to happen, wouldn't the King be the one to bring peace to the realm?"
"Be careful what you say! How can we presume to discuss the matter of the Crown Prince? It's just that Your Highness's actions now are bound to attract attention."
"Just look at the families of the concubines he has taken in, this..."
"I've heard that the Prince has been frequently summoning promising candidates for this year's imperial examinations lately, which is quite reminiscent of the old days when Emperor Taizong was still a prince..."
These words came intermittently. Chen Yan chewed on peanuts, his peach-blossom eyes slightly narrowed, the carefree spirit within them gradually replaced by a hint of caution. Having spent many years in the streets, he understood all too well the turbulent undercurrents hidden behind these discussions. He glanced at his two sons opposite him, who were still clueless and only concerned about whether they could get on the ship, and a string in his heart quietly tightened a little.
Yang Sijian's arrival a couple of days ago was like a timely rain.
He traveled light and simply, arriving at the Xishan Villa with only two old servants he had served for many years and a few boxes of books.
Ling Zhan personally went to the second gate to greet him, and Shen Yan, unusually, followed behind him respectfully.
"Uncle Yang, you must be tired from your journey." Ling Zhan said with respect.
"Uncle Yang! You've finally arrived! Without you keeping things in order, I can't even enjoy my meals!"
Shen Yan grinned and approached, only to be glared at lightly by Yang Sijian: "Lord is still as lively as ever." Yang Sijian shook his head, his gaze then falling on Shen Xingchen who had run over, and a kind smile immediately appeared on his face, "Xing-ge'er, Chen-ge'er, you've grown taller again."
"Grandpa Yang!" The two children hugged his arms on either side, extremely affectionately. "Where's Grandma Yang?!"
“She’s getting old and can’t take any more exertion, so she’ll go back to the manor to rest first.” Yang Sijian patted their heads and said to Ling Zhan, “Don’t worry, Miss, everything in Linzhou has been arranged. This old man will stay in the capital from now on, help look after the family, and keep an eye on these two mischievous monkeys and…” He glanced at Shen Yan, “…some troublesome officials.”
Shen Yan's face immediately fell, but she dared not refute him.
With Yang Sijian in charge, the atmosphere in the villa seemed to become much calmer and more reassuring.
The children now have a learned and kind "Grandpa Yang" to consult when they encounter difficulties in their studies.
Shen Yan now has an elder who will scold him with a stern face for being "solemn in his words and deeds" and "calm and composed." Even the number of times he clings to Ling Zhan is slightly reduced because of Uncle Yang's knowing but disapproving gaze—although the effect usually only lasts for half a day.
Xiao Shitou's preparation for the exam became more systematic. Although Yang Sijian did not directly guide his essays for the imperial examinations, he often discussed historical facts, anecdotes, and local customs with him, broadening his horizons and making his essays not only logical and well-founded but also insightful and sophisticated.
In stark contrast to the atmosphere at Xishan Villa, which, despite its minor troubles, was thriving and full of hope.
The atmosphere in the inner city of the imperial city grew increasingly heavy, as if an invisible hand had choked it.
The young emperor's poor health became a sword of Damocles hanging over everyone's heads.
Even Little Bull hasn't had a day off or come home for a while.
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