Chapter 27 Intimacy I don't care about her entanglements with the powerful, but today I...
At 1:15 AM, Po Mo brought in mouthwash and a toothbrush dipped in flavored tooth powder. Zhu Xuanning, still half-asleep, took a small sip of warm water, rinsed her mouth briefly, and then gently brushed her teeth.
He splashed ink into the hot soup, adding delicate flower petals picked that morning, and asked, "Miss, would you like to burn incense and pray for blessings after you've finished washing up?"
Zhu Xuanning lightly wiped the corner of her lips with a silk scarf, then shook her head: "No need, you only need to mention this to Shuqing."
She didn't need to make things difficult for herself, and no one could see it anyway. Besides, with Yu Xuan's knowledge and family background, getting into the second rank was a sure thing. Once he passed the imperial examination, his official career would be much easier.
"During the imperial examination, Miss went to the temple to burn incense and pray for blessings. I thought Miss would pray for blessings today as well." Po Mo said, then put the matter out of her mind and turned to get the Naihua face cream.
A casual remark caused Zhu Xuanning to pause for a moment, reminding her of the young man she had long forgotten. But only for a moment, and Zhu Xuanning quickly dismissed that unnecessary emotion.
Before dusk, candidates began to emerge slowly from the side gate of the Meridian Gate. Although Yu Xuan's usual calm and gentle expression showed slight fatigue, it did not diminish his jade-like appearance. As the spring sun gradually waned in the west, the receding rays cast a tender warmth on the young man's tall, pine-like figure.
The palace attendant who was leading the way only glanced at him once, but was immediately struck by his extraordinary appearance, and his attitude towards Yu Xuan became even more respectful.
Your Majesty is fond of good looks, and this young man is indeed handsome. Although he is dressed in plain clothes, he exudes a refined and noble air. As long as his knowledge is adequate, he will surely become a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations).
Upon exiting the palace gates and seeing Shuqing, Yu Xuan could no longer suppress his exhaustion and leaned against Shuqing before closing his eyes.
He slept like that all night, and when he woke up again, it was already the next morning.
"Young master, an invitation to a literary gathering has arrived. Would you like to attend?" Before the imperial examination, Yu Xuan had refused all invitations to poetry and literary gatherings. Now that the imperial examination is over, those invitations are flooding in like snowflakes.
Yu Xuan wanted to refuse, but when he looked up, he saw the plain yellow hemp paper that was completely out of place with the gold-flecked, silk, and jade materials.
He reached out and grabbed it, his gaze suddenly stopping when he saw the line from right to left in the vertical column: "Pei Yu of Huizhou, Pingjiang Prefecture".
When Pei Yu received the reply, he was having breakfast with his fellow townsman in a restaurant. He looked at the servant who curtsied to him with surprise and bewilderment. The servant was wearing a clean-colored fine linen robe and a headband that matched the color of his clothes. He had no superfluous ornaments, but he exuded the fragrance of ink that permeated his writing.
When Shuqing handed over the reply with a smile, neither humble nor arrogant, Pei Yu finally realized what was happening.
The second son of the Yu family comes from a prestigious family, achieved fame at a young age, and is renowned for his talent in the capital. Yet, before the provincial and imperial examinations, he never attends any poetry and literary banquets hosted by other scholars, keeping a low profile to the point that he almost only exists in their conversations. Now, he has actually accepted Pei Yu's invitation from among numerous invitations to banquets and small gatherings. How could this not be astonishing?
As a fellow townsman of Pei Yu and a scholar who had passed the imperial examinations, he was so envious that he felt a pang of jealousy.
Pei Yu lowered his head, his fingertips tracing the reply letter made of plain Chengxintang paper, then shook his head. The bewilderment on his face gradually faded. Although he was somewhat happy, he was not as excited as his fellow villager: "I don't know. I have never met this young man before, but it should be a good thing that Young Master Yu is willing to attend this small gathering."
Although Pei Yu said this, he covered his purse with one hand, and a hint of struggle appeared on his face.
A few days later, at the banquet, Yu Xuan arrived as promised. He was a young man as tall as a pine tree reaching into the clouds. When he entered with the maid who led the way, the scholars who were talking all fell silent for a moment.
There was no other reason than that this young scholar's appearance and demeanor were truly outstanding. Pei Yu even felt that the phrase "like cutting and polishing jade, like carving and grinding stone," originally used to describe the character of a gentleman, was perfectly suited to describe Yu Xuan's appearance.
"But it is Pei Jieyuan of Pingjiang." Yu Xuan first greeted the host, then walked over gracefully. He smiled faintly and first bowed to Pei Yu, showing no arrogance of a scion of a noble family.
Pei Yu was slightly taken aback. He only stared at Yu Xuan for a moment in the warm spring sunshine before quickly returning the greeting.
The scholar, who already knew that the other party had come to the meeting after receiving an invitation from Pei Yu, once again turned his attention to Pei Yu.
At this moment, Yu Xuan took the initiative to start a conversation with Pei Yu.
"Yesterday's palace examination questions were not easy. I wonder if Scholar Pei was confident in his ability to answer them?"
Pei Yu was taken aback for a moment, then quickly asked Yu Xuan to remove the title, before saying that he had only done his best in this palace examination and dared not hope for too much.
Although his attitude was humble, there was no flattery or servility. He did not display the aloofness of someone from a humble background or the unease of a farmer. Instead, he possessed the demeanor that only someone from a noble family could cultivate.
Yu Xuan breathed a sigh of relief and chatted for a while about yesterday's palace examination before slowly turning the topic to Huizhou.
Pei Yu had admired Yu Xuan's reputation and was not wary of him. During their conversation, he found that the two shared similar interests and views. After only a few rounds of tea, he foolishly revealed most of his thoughts.
A scholar sitting not far from Pei Yu looked at him with a slightly strange expression. He seemed to have overheard something and hesitated to speak.
The two stopped talking only after the literary gathering officially began.
After Yu Xuan left the table, Pei Yu's fellow townsman finally struck up a conversation with him.
"You seem to have hit the jackpot." The fellow villager lowered his voice, blocking the envious, jealous, or disdainful glances from the other candidates.
Pei Yu was still immersed in the joy of meeting a kindred spirit in a foreign land. After hearing his fellow villager's words, he looked at him with confusion and doubt: "Why do you say that?"
"Young Master Yu, perhaps you'd like to be introduced to someone. If you pass the imperial examination, you'll likely find yourself in a good marriage." His fellow villager spoke mysteriously, hoping to see joy on Pei Yu's face, but was caught off guard when he suddenly froze.
Immediately, Pei Yu's face paled, and even her brows and eyes showed more anxiety. She felt both ashamed and angry, and all traces of the joy she had shown earlier vanished.
"Why aren't you happy? Marrying a daughter of the Yu family, even if she's just a distant relative, would be a significant change in your social standing." Seeing Pei Yu's displeasure instead of joy, his fellow villager's gaze turned strange.
“Brother Song, be careful with your words.” Pei Yu rarely used a serious tone to stop his fellow villager, but he still tried his best to keep his voice down: “I already have someone I love, and we have agreed to marry after I pass the imperial examination and become an official. Please don’t say anything more about such unfounded things, Brother Song.”
His fellow villager was initially displeased after being reprimanded, but after hearing Pei Yu's explanation, that slight displeasure subsided. He opened his mouth, glanced at Pei Yu with a shocked and complicated look, and then fell silent.
Yu Xuan had come for Pei Yu, and now that he had obtained the information he wanted and confirmed that Pei Yu was the boy who took Zhu Xuanning away back then, he made an excuse and left leisurely.
When the carriage reached the corner of the shops on East Street, Shuqing rolled up the curtain. He just wanted to get some fresh air, but after only glancing outside, he exclaimed, "Young master, I think I see Miss Zhu."
Yu Xuan, whose eyes were half-closed, trembled as she followed Shu Qing's gaze.
In the warm sunlight, gold seemed to shimmer and dance. A girl with an umbrella, her hair adorned with silk flowers and pearls, a gold apricot blossom and pearl tassel around her neck, and a lotus-colored silk shawl draped over her arm, walked slowly. Her straight sleeves and skirt swayed gently, like delicate flowers swaying in a courtyard in the Jiangnan region during a light rain.
"Stop the car." Yu Xuan's gentle voice was tinged with an emotion he himself was unaware of.
The carriage marked with the character "Yu" came to a smooth stop. Shuqing opened the door, and Yu Xuan bent down to get out. Zhu Xuanning seemed to sense something and, as she turned to the side, met his gentle, spring-like gaze.
"I hope Fifth Miss is well." Yu Xuan greeted her respectfully, his voice clear and melodious.
Zhu Xuanning was stunned, then returned the greeting, remained silent for a moment, and then managed to squeeze out a topic: "How did the palace examination go yesterday, Second Brother Yu?"
"It's acceptable," Yu Xuan said reservedly.
The two fell silent again, and even the usually oblivious Shuqing felt a little awkward in their silence.
Fortunately, Yu Xuan first started a conversation, and when he got off the oxcart, he saw some small things that Po Mo was holding in his hands.
"Is Fifth Miss returning to the manor today?"
"Yes." Zhu Xuanning was not surprised that Yu Xuan could see it. She nodded, and when her gaze fell on the things in Po Mo's arms, she frowned and showed a bit of worry.
Yu Xuan understood, and as he turned his head, Shu Qing stepped forward in small steps.
He whispered a few words, and Shuqing immediately ran back to the oxcart and pulled something out of the drawer.
"Please accept this, Fifth Miss Zhu." Shuqing presented it with both hands, bowing her head and looking down.
He was holding a book, on which rested two small boxwood boxes, each about an inch square. One was plain and unadorned; the other had a lid decorated with cranes and a sun, and an inlaid jade eight-beast ring on the side, clearly indicating that it was extremely valuable and heavy.
Zhu Xuanning did not refuse. After accepting the gift, she gracefully smiled and thanked Yu Xuan, saying, "Thank you, Second Brother Yu."
Then, Zhu Xuanning thought for a moment, and to express her gratitude, she changed the subject. First, she thanked Yu Xuan for giving her the servant to teach her cooking skills, then she praised the pastries the chef made, and then she got to her real purpose.
"I heard from Old Chen that Second Brother likes sweets. I wonder if Second Brother can eat rice cakes?"
Yu Xuan looked at Zhu Xuanning, then looked away and replied, "What you like to eat."
After replying, he paused for a moment and then said, "If you mix in some millet and buckwheat, I'll like it even more."
Shuqing's eyes widened, realizing for the first time that her master loved rice cakes mixed with coarse grains; even Pomo was taken aback, but then, remembering the girl's earlier speculation, it didn't seem so surprising.
"I've got it." Zhu Xuanning nodded, her smile growing even sweeter.
"Then once I've finished, I'll just splash some ink and send it to my second brother," Zhu Xuanning said innocently.
Yu Xuan suppressed his laughter, saying, "It's still inappropriate to come to your door with ink splashed on it. How about we set a time and place, and I'll have Shuqing wait there?"
Zhu Xuanning naturally agreed, and the two discussed the time and place before finally settling on a plan.
A considerable amount of time had passed, and Zhu Xuanning, having achieved her goal, was about to take her leave. However, after taking a few steps forward, she suddenly saw half a figure emerging from the alleyway.
Zhu Xuanning suddenly turned to Yu Xuan.
Yu Xuan saw Zhu Xuanning stop and look into the distance. When her gaze came closer, he felt the silk gauze in front of him magnified infinitely. He heard the tinkling of hairpins and rings, and then the cold tassels and beads hit his neck heavily.
Without warning, the girl fell into Yu Xuan's arms. Yu Xuan's eyes flickered slightly, and he stiffly raised one hand. His silky black hair moved in the wind and softly fell onto the exposed part of his wrist bone.
Yu Xuan dared not move, his arms stiffening as he stretched them out through his robes to straighten the gasping girl.
He was completely captivated by Zhu Xuanning at that moment, and therefore failed to see Shu Qing's expression, or rather, Yu Xuan did not want to see Shu Qing's expression.
A corner of a robe appeared at the bend in the road, and as they walked into the straight alley, they gradually came to stand directly in front of them. Yu Xuan raised his eyes at the sound of footsteps.
Pei Yu blushed, looking at the scene before her with a conflicted and troubled expression, and suddenly realized that she had come at the wrong time.
Yu Xuan's hand was still resting on Zhu Xuanning's slender arm. Even with his clear and honest expression, it was enough for outsiders to misunderstand their intimate relationship.
"What brings Pei Jieyuan here?" Yu Xuan's gaze deepened, and although his tone was gentle, it was already somewhat impolite.
It carried the tone of an interrogator from someone in a high position.
Zhu Xuanning's slender arm trembled slightly in Yu Xuan's palm. Yu Xuan seemed to understand something, hesitated for a moment, then reached out and put his arm around the girl's back, gently pulling her into his embrace.
Pei Yu silently recited the rule of not looking at what is improper, immediately turned his back, and calmed his breathing, which was still short from walking. Then he blurted out, "I am grateful for your kindness, Young Master Yu, but my heart has already been given to you, and we have made a vow long ago. Although we have not yet been betrothed, how can I break my promise? My humble home is not worthy of your noble home. I hope you will forgive me, Young Master Yu."
This series of words stunned Yu Xuan for a moment, and even Zhu Xuanning was so shocked that she slightly withdrew her hand, her raven feathers trembling.
Did Yu Xuan know him? And was he even going to arrange a marriage for him?
"It's a misunderstanding, Prime Minister Pei has misunderstood." Shuqing spoke first.
Yu Xuan went through the matter in his mind and then understood why Pei Yu had caught up with him.
Yu Xuan naturally knew that his deliberate attempt to get close to Pei Yu would cause misunderstandings. This was exactly what he wanted outsiders to misunderstand: to use the influence of the Yu family to slightly elevate Pei Yu's status, which could also be considered a way of repaying him.
But to his surprise, Pei Yu started thinking about marriage.
“Young Master Pei, you have misunderstood. My friendship with you is not for the sake of marriage. It is because I saw your poem one day and felt as if I heard the sound of the pines in the valley in the ‘wind in the pines’. That’s when I was moved and accepted your invitation.”
Yu Xuan explained slowly, this time using a more intimate form of address.
Pei Yu was stunned, then her face slowly turned red, and her neck and the back of her ears turned red as well.
He turned around hastily, bowed deeply, and was so ashamed that he could not straighten up: "I am truly unworthy of Young Master Yu's appreciation. I misunderstood Young Master Pei's intentions and was too narrow-minded."
After apologizing, Pei Yu was too ashamed to stay any longer. He bid farewell to Yu Gao and left in a hurry.
Pei Yu left for a moment, and Yu Xuan withdrew his arm. Po Mo quickly stepped forward to support Zhu Xuanning. Before Zhu Xuanning could apologize or thank him, Yu Xuan asked, "Fifth Miss, your foot injury has only healed a few days ago. How are you now?"
Yu Xuanxin was worried and even came up with an excuse for Zhu Xuanning.
Zhu Xuanning lowered her head, shook her head, and whispered, "It's alright. I've already been delayed for so long, I'll head back to my residence now."
After Zhu Xuanning finished speaking, she bowed and left without even raising her head, supporting herself on the ink-splashed palm.
Yu Xuan stood still until Zhu Xuanning was out of sight before turning around and saying, "Let's go."
Yu Xuan spoke softly, and Shu Qing responded in agreement. She glanced at the young master discreetly and clearly noticed that he was in a bad mood.
Shuqing couldn't understand why the young master was in a bad mood when not only did he meet Miss Zhu Wu, but Miss Zhu Wu was also going to personally cook sweet cakes.
Thinking this, Shuqing asked the question honestly.
Yu Xuan remained silent, clasped his hands together, and stroked the back of his fingers. After a long while, he whispered: "My heart is filled with love, for when they seek me, I am not pleased, for my heart is bound to them; I offer myself willingly and pour out my heart, yet I see their sorrow; I am filled with anxiety, yet I am consumed by my own burning desire."
This was the first time Yu Xuan had so openly expressed his feelings for Zhu Xuanning to Shu Qing. Shu Qing was shocked and confused. She opened her mouth but didn't know what to say. She felt a pang of heartache and then silently brewed tea for Yu Xuan.
Yu Xuan picked up the teacup, which was green on top and white on the bottom, and stared blankly at the clear tea: "Pei Langjun is her fellow townsman and she has a childhood friendship with him. She wanted to avoid Pei Langjun, so she used me as a shield. When Pei Langjun explained and politely refused, I saw her eyelashes tremble and even her breathing became a little disordered."
Her entanglements with the Mei family, with Song Ming, and with Jingzhi didn't bother me; but today, I'm actually a little saddened.
Yu Xuan knew that Zhu Xuanning was ruthless towards them, and that she would turn her attention to him when he was about to gain power; but now that he had run into Pei Yu again, Yu Xuan knew that in Zhu Xuanning's heart, this young man was different from them.
Shuqing was so shocked he was numb. He chewed on his young master's words for a long time before he finally came to his senses: "No, young master, Miss Zhu grew up in Mengze, how could she be from the same hometown as Prime Minister Pei, and even have a childhood friendship?"
If we're talking about fellow townsmen, shouldn't we mention the young master and Prime Minister Pei?
Everyone in the household knew that their young master was born in Huizhou and was only brought back to the capital by the head of the family at the age of twelve. It was for this reason that the arrogant gatekeeper was willing to accept Pei Yu's invitation; otherwise, he would have been dismissed long ago.
What? You say the other party is a promising scholar who has passed the imperial examination this year, and that such rudeness is unacceptable? But the head of the Yu family has served as a prime minister to three emperors; even a young master like him could easily reach the top of the civil service. What is this mere poor scholar from this year's examination, some insignificant ant?
Shuqing always attributed the reason why the young master accepted the invitation and became close to Pei Yu to his pity for his fellow townsman. His so-called appreciation for Pei Yu's literary works was just a pretext. He knew that the young master only started collecting Pei Yu's works after accepting the invitation that day!
Yu Xuan looked at Shu Qing with a hint of wistful reminiscence in his eyes. Then, amidst Shu Qing's shocked and confused expression, he nodded: "Yes, you've finally come to your senses."
Shuqing remained silent. Although the young master had never mentioned his past with Miss Zhu, the rumors that had circulated in the manor had reached his ears. Now he could fully understand the young master's actions. Shuqing felt both sad and relieved, but he was also worried that the young master had mistaken gratitude for infatuation.
Yu Xuan seemed to see through Shu Qing's thoughts. He put down his teacup and gently comforted Shu Qing, "Don't act like this. I know my own feelings. I like her."
Years ago, the Yu family in Kyoto, having no heir, finally decided to investigate the brothel where he had once been known for his promiscuity. If it weren't for the fact that he bore a face almost identical to that of the Yu family head in his childhood, the Yu family would never have brought him back. Even though he was the only heir of the Yu family, because of his lowly bloodline, Yu Xuan was still considered a stain on the Yu clan.
Yu Xuan always remembered Zhu Xuanning's kindness. After carefully establishing himself in the manor, he immediately prepared money and letters to send over. However, these items were intercepted the moment they left the manor. He was slapped to the ground by the mistress, and the young master Yu was so enraged that he used those items to smash his head until it bled, threatening to kill the woman if he dared to contact her again.
Then Yu Xuan knelt alone in the ancestral hall for two days and two nights. After being carried out and fed some food, he was locked in a dark solitary confinement cell, where he endured the days and nights for quite some time.
From then on, he never wrote to Huizhou again.
The Yu family was a prestigious family, but they did not treat him well. The mistress was sweet on the surface but bitter on the inside. Although the master and the head of the family initially disliked his mother's bloodline, they were still willing to be friendly to him and teach him because he was their only son.
After the birth of his legitimate son, the master ordered him to give up his usual courtyard. Then, his courtyard was separated from the main residence, and he was only allowed to enter during the New Year's Eve vigil. From then on, the servants' neglect and the taunts of the servants became the norm in his life.
What sustained him through it all was his mother, the sweetness of those few days he spent with his benefactor, and the belief in "repaying kindness"—these things, over time, became ingrained in his very being. It wasn't until he saw Zhu Xuanning again, ridiculed by the crowd, that Yu Xuan realized time had already etched these emotions into love and remembrance.
The rising steam from the tea blurred Yu Xuan's vision, and it wasn't until Shu Qing reminded him that he realized he had arrived home.
Yu Xuan raised his hand, rubbed the slight redness under his eyes, then put on his usual gentle and soft smile and stepped into the deep red gate.
Because of the palace examination, Yu Xuan returned to his residence and slept until 9 AM, without even going to pay his respects as usual. He then rested for several days. When there was finally some activity in the courtyard, it was to attend a banquet. Therefore, even if the head of the family wanted to ask about the palace examination, he could only hold back.
Now that Yu Xuan has returned, he went to see the head of the family first.
Despite his white hair, the head of the Yu family was still very energetic. When talking to Yu Xuan, he was just like a gentle old man, and his eyes even occasionally revealed his love for his grandson.
After receiving the palace examination paper produced by Yu Xuanmo, the head of the Yu family was very pleased. Yu Xuanmo stood in front of the head of the Yu family, respectfully and gently bowing his head to listen to the old man's praise and instructions.
Just before leaving, the head of the Yu family remembered something and softened his tone to remind him, "Good child, your grandfather and mother know you've worked hard. Take a good rest at home these next few days and don't go to your mother's place to pay your respects morning and evening."
Yu Xuan understood, bowed in agreement, and then respectfully left.
Shuqing was worried because the young master would be tormented by the mistress again in the next few days. When she heard Yu Xuan say that the head of the family had exempted him from paying his respects for the next few days, she immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
"Fortunately, the palace examination is in early March, otherwise you would have had an even harder time during this period." Shuqing was relieved, but thinking about the mistress's methods, she felt a lump in her throat.
Ever since the mistress's own son died a few years ago, the young master has been tortured in various ways every time this happens, leaving him with hardly any unscathed flesh.
Only when there were only two people in the study could Shuqing dare to be so presumptuous.
Yu Xuan did not reprimand him, nor did he utter a sound. He only paused for a moment while writing, thus ruining a perfectly good piece of calligraphy.
Shuqing was heartbroken, thinking that the new pen was not handy, so she quickly left the study to get the one that Yu Xuan used to use.
After Shuqing left, the study became even quieter. Yu Xuan sat with his eyes downcast, and the breeze blowing through the room sounded like the sobbing of a child.
Yu Xuan, who was always upright and virtuous, stared at the unclean hands for a long time with deep thoughts.
Then, he gave a mocking smile, raised his hand above his head, and gripped it tightly, as if seizing the howling wind. When Shuqing returned, Yu Xuan was still gripping his hand, turned his head and smiled at him: "Go prepare some paper money. After the rankings are determined, write another letter and burn it, so that my brother can also share in this joy."
Shuqing was still planning to write some sarcastic remarks to infuriate that brat again, completely unaware of any unusual behavior from her young master.
The author says: When the heart is filled with love, the other seeks me; when the other is not pleased, the heart is attached to the other; I offer myself willingly and pour out my heart, and I see the other's sorrow; I am filled with anxiety and fear, and I am not burning with my own scorching pain.
(This is an adaptation of the Book of Songs)
Poetic sentiment: I love her deeply, and I am overjoyed when she is close to me; but she does not love me, and her heart is filled with other things. Even so, I am willing to give her everything. Seeing her filled with sorrow, I am extremely anxious...
Only after Zhu Xuanning boarded the carriage did she have time to look at the two gifts Yu Xuan had given her.
She opened the lid, and a scent, like honey and dew, lingering like a lush forest after rain, wafted out.
Zhu Xuanning had just focused her gaze when she heard a gasp from beside her: "It's ambergris of such high quality!"
Even though Zhu Xuanning had never been involved in the art of incense appreciation, she had heard of the reputation of ambergris. She couldn't help but ask, "What is the market price of ambergris of this quality?"
“It’s priceless; even this box can’t be bought with money.” After Po Mo finished speaking, he saw his young lady open another box made of boxwood that was completely undecorated.
The box was empty except for a lining of pure white, translucent porcelain glaze. Zhu Xuanning immediately understood the purpose of the box.
She carefully placed the ambergris into the unremarkable box and then sealed the lid.
Then Zhu Xuanning opened the sealed cardboard box, inside which lay two tattered books.
The cover was so worn that the nanmu wood was exposed, and the paper was so brittle that it was almost like a cicada's wing. Seeing this, Zhu Xuanning only dared to carefully lift the cover. After seeing the several faded red seals printed at the beginning of the book, she dared not turn the pages anymore, for fear that these two fragile rare books would be broken in her hands.
"It's actually the original edition by the previous Tang master." Zhu Xuanning clutched her chest, muttering to herself as she felt a faint pain spreading through her body.
Her first exposure to literacy was through dispensing medicine. Her real exposure to poetry and prose came from Tang Dazhi. Her older sisters always liked to act as teachers, using Tang Dazhi's poems to teach her the rhythm, but they never taught her to sing. However, she heard it so many times that she memorized it.
Once, when her mother was treating Li Niang, who was the kindest to her, she saw Li Niang crying in pain. She remembered that when guests cried, Li Niang would always softly sing a tune by Tang Dajia. So she sang it too. She thought that this would also soothe Li Niang and stop her from crying, but she didn't expect that Li Niang would cry even louder. After her mother packed up her medical kit, Li Niang even ran over crying and hit her all over the room.
Only after she cried and promised never to sing again did Liniang hug her tightly and stop going crazy.
The scene, which I hadn't thought about for several years, resurfaced because of the appearance of this rare copy.
Zhu Xuanning stroked the edge of the parchment, and her eyes slowly reddened.
Po Mo noticed that the girl was in a bad mood, so he quietly prepared a piece of candy and a soft silk cloth, and coaxed her, "Miss, have a piece of candy to sweeten your mouth."
Zhu Xuanning accepted the candy and put it in her mouth. As the candy melted and she tasted its sweet flavor, she felt even more like crying.
Zhu Xuanning held back, and it took a lot of effort to suppress those memories back into her heart, so she turned to seriously consider another question.
Why did Yu Xuan go to such lengths?
She knew her own limitations; even if she were offered a fortune for a bone, she wouldn't be that bone.
If it were something else, Zhu Xuanning might still believe that Yu Xuan was doing it out of consideration for "Song Ming".
But this is the original edition of Ambergris and Tang Dajia's book. Even if siblings got such a good thing, they would not be willing to give it up so generously.
Thinking this to herself, Zhu Xuanning blurted it out.
Po Mo knew how dangerous these things were, but looking at the girl's face, which resembled that of a fairy, she was stunned for a while, but felt that the girl shouldn't be so insecure.
Even the most virtuous gentleman is just a mortal. There's a saying: "Food and sex are human nature, and a virtuous lady is the object of a gentleman's affections."
Don't you see, her former master's son was completely captivated by her face after just one glance, losing all reason?
The more Po Mo thought about it, the more he realized it made sense, so he told Zhu Xuanning everything he had been thinking.
Hearing Po Mo's confident words, Zhu Xuanning was taken aback. She pondered for a moment and felt that something was amiss, but since she couldn't figure it out, she kept it to herself and instead instructed Po Mo on another matter: "Go and see if you can find out what happened between that Pei Langjun and Yu Er today."
After Zhu Xuanning finished speaking, she paused for a moment: "Find out all the details about that Young Master Pei carefully."
She couldn't say directly that she wanted to know Pei Yu's future plans and departure time, for fear of arousing suspicion, even by splashing ink.
She is now the Fifth Miss Zhu, who grew up in Mengze and stayed in Pingzhou Prefecture to board the Mei family's merchant ship. Without power or influence, and with neither the Zhu family nor the Qin family having fallen, she cannot let anyone discover her true identity.
As the master and servant were talking, they arrived at the Zhu residence.
Upon returning to the manor, Zhu Xuanning first paid her respects. Madam Zhu greeted her with a smile and asked a few polite questions, but when the topic turned to probing Zhu Xuanning's relationship with the nobles, she always managed to deflect the question by changing the subject to other matters.
Seeing that Madam Zhu was about to twist the handkerchief in her hand, Zhu Xuanning felt that she had grasped the situation well enough.
She lowered her eyes and took the initiative to say, "I was so busy talking to my aunt that I forgot I brought gifts back to the manor."
After Zhu Xuanning finished speaking, the ink-splashing pillar went out and came back in carrying the items.
Madam Zhu was immediately drawn to the plain box made of boxwood, and leaned forward, her gaze intense.
Zhu Xuanning didn't keep them in suspense and told Po Mo to step forward. Jiao Yu, the head maid of Madam Zhu, naturally went over and took the things from Po Mo's hands.
"This is ambergris given to Xuanning by an honored guest. Xuanning thought that her younger sister loved incense, so she took the liberty of accepting it, considering it a gift for her younger sister to play with."
As Zhu Xuanning spoke, Jiaoyu opened the lid.
The crisp, woody scent, tinged with a hint of moisture, wafted over, startling all the servants in the room. Even Madam Zhu, who was used to seeing fine things, found her breathing becoming heavier.
She composed herself, her hands trembling slightly as she accepted the gift, feeling that all the anger she had endured these past few days had been worthwhile.
"My dear girl, you always keep your sister in your heart. You're so thoughtful." Madam Zhu's smile became genuine, and even her way of addressing her changed.
Her gaze couldn't help but fall on the tightly wrapped kraft paper again.
Zhu Xuanning then continued, "Splash the ink, go and open it, be careful."
Zhu Xuanning knew that it was somewhat presumptuous of her to instruct Po Mo to do this before Jiao Yu, and she didn't want to give Jiao Yu any reason to criticize her, so she gave Jiao Yu a half-bow. Jiao Yu was already somewhat displeased, but when she saw Zhu Xuanning, a proper young lady, about to bow to her, she was so frightened that she quickly dodged and dared not accept her bow.
“Please forgive me, Miss Jiaoyu, but this package contains the original edition of Tang Dajia’s work. Although I am clumsy, I have already learned how to open it, which is why I called her out,” Zhu Xuanning continued.
Jiaoyu's discomfort was soothed away. At this moment, Pomo had already taken the things, so she knelt down and bowed to Zhu Xuanning, begging for forgiveness: "Fifth Miss, you really scared me to death. Jiaoyu is just a grass seed that has just taken root in the manor. How dare I act like a young lady in front of you? You have to apologize to me."
"Young lady is the mistress, and she handles things beautifully and appropriately; she doesn't need to explain herself to me. If you continue to treat me this way, I'll have to kneel before you and weep to apologize."
Jiaoyu praised Zhu Xuanning again and subtly complimented Madam Zhu on her adherence to etiquette. Her emotions were full, and her smiles and scoldings were just right, which made Madam Zhu laugh and scold her, and the atmosphere immediately became lively.
This enthusiasm reached its peak when Madam Zhu heard that Zhu Xuanning wanted to give this rare book to Zhu Xiyue.
She only uttered one word of praise, and the maids and servants around her immediately opened their mouths, showering Zhu Xuanning with compliments like water, practically elevating her to the highest level of obedience and filial piety. Po Mo felt a little anxious listening to this; she hesitated, but stopped speaking when she noticed the calm in Zhu Xuanning's eyes.
Zhu Xuanning presented the last gift, a dish from Rongweizhai, which was rare even under normal circumstances, but it was really not presentable compared to the previous two.
Madam Zhu felt somewhat uncomfortable, but thinking that she had made things difficult for people before and that her children had already benefited, her discomfort dissipated.
She said a few polite words, ate a few bites of pastry in front of Zhu Xuanning, praised Zhu Xuanning again, and then considerately told Zhu Xuanning to go and rest.
After Zhu Xuanning left, the smile on Madam Zhu's face faded slightly. Jiaoyu immediately stepped forward with a handkerchief and gently caught the jujube cake that Madam Zhu spat out.
"Send someone to examine it." Madam Zhu wiped her mouth, rinsed it, and gave the order casually.
After the physician and the old woman checked and found no problems, Madam Zhu nodded, but she still felt guilty and dared not eat, so she simply asked someone to dispose of the food.
"This girl does have some talent and good fortune." Looking at the two priceless gifts, Madam Qin was satisfied but also quite indignant. How could such a girl have won the favor of such a noble person?
Madam Qin was displeased, so her maidservant spoke softly to persuade her: "Fifth Miss knows how to be kind to her younger siblings. In my opinion, this is a good thing. If she can be favored by that noble person, she can become a concubine and help the household. Why should Madam be angry?"
Qin didn't speak, clearly not appeased. Hua Mama glanced at her and knew what Qin was thinking. She snorted, "She's in a subordinate position and is resentful, but she's pretending. Didn't you see that Madam made things difficult for her a few days ago? And this girl only brings Madam food from Rongweizhai?"
If she were a good person, treating the madam as family, why wouldn't she utter a single word when the madam tried to inquire about the girl's relationship with the nobleman? Could it be that she's afraid the madam will ruin her good marriage prospects?
Upon hearing what Madam Hua said, Madam Qin felt a little relieved. She wrung out her handkerchief, turned around and scolded the maid: "Don't talk about being a concubine anymore. Master said that none of the daughters of the Zhu family can be concubines."
After the palace examination, the master approached her and mentioned that he wanted to marry her off to a talented man who had passed the imperial examination. Fearing that she was still thinking about making Zhu Xuanning his concubine, he bluntly said that it would hinder his official career and make his children in the family unable to hold their heads high in the capital.
Terrified, Madam Qin immediately abandoned the idea of forcing the girl to become a concubine in a high-ranking household. However, she still didn't want the household to pave the way for this wretched girl, so she took a step back and brought up the matter of her becoming a second wife. After obtaining her husband's permission, Madam Qin happily began to investigate in the capital.
“Miss, they are clearly trying to elevate you and put you in a cage of obedience and filial piety, so that they can control you in the future.” As soon as the door was closed, Po Mo spoke without any restraint.
“I know, that’s the reputation I want too.” Zhu Xuanning laughed and took Po Mo’s hand: “Good Po Mo, don’t worry, I know when I’ve ever let myself suffer a loss.”
It remains to be seen who will be the one to control whom in the future.
After resting for a while, Zhu Xuanning asked Po Mo to prepare the ingredients for making pastries.
After Zhu Yuli returned home from his official duties, she sent Pomo to deliver food from Rongweizhai to him.
The couple each received a box of Rongweizhai, which was perfectly fair.
When Zhu Yuli returned to his residence, he learned about Zhu Xuanning's gift. He laughed when he saw the gift brought up by his attendant. After laughing, he opened the food box and ate a piece of pastry.
Only after he could no longer eat did Zhu Yuli have his attendants take the food away and preserve it.
The day arrived when the results of the palace examination were announced.
Zhu Xuanning got up before dawn. She carefully and attentively made a steamer of rice cakes before washing up and getting ready.
After finishing her breakfast, she left the mansion and took the tray of rice cakes to the restaurant.
That restaurant was one of the properties she had Po Mo acquire. Although she was puzzled as to why she was able to buy a property in such a prime location, the broker's explanation was perfectly self-consistent, and the contract had already been transferred, so Zhu Xuanning did not investigate further.
Zhu Xuanning lifted her skirt and went upstairs, entering the room that had been reserved for her, and then opened the window.
Before 9 AM, the main street outside the left gate of Kyoto was already packed with onlookers.
Someone shouted "The top scholar has arrived!" and then gongs were sounded, the imperial guards cleared the way, banners fluttered, and drums and music filled the air.
In an instant, a cacophony of voices surged like a tidal wave, and flowers, colorful silks, and sachets rained down, almost burying the top scholar in his red horse and red robe.
Zhu Xuanning watched as the young man slowly approached, bathed in the warm sunlight. Then, she raised the delicate crimson crabapple blossom in her hand and tossed it out the window.
As if sensing something, Yu Xuan raised his head, and the beautiful crabapple blossom carried by the wind was thrown out of the window, landing squarely on the boy's slightly trembling black gauze wings.
Across the clamor of voices, Yu Xuan and the girl leaning against the window, her face half-hidden, gaze at each other from afar.
He was lost in thought for a moment, then suddenly let out a pleasant chuckle.
The handsome scholar with black hair and red lips raised his hand, carefully and gently plucking the delicate, velvety flower that trembled in the wind, then twirled the soft little bud to his lips. He lowered his head, his eyes dimming, and lightly kissed the beautiful crabapple blossom.
How could this be!
The more Zhu Xuanning thought about it, the tighter she bit her lip, and her heartbeat quickened uncontrollably.
Yu Xuan did not dare to raise his head to look for the girl high up. He only lowered his eyes to gaze at the gentle color in his palm, a smile curving his lips. Then he gathered the velvet flower into the depths of his crimson robe sleeve and carefully treasured it.
Yu Xuan only appeared before Zhu Xuanning after the parade ended, having changed into casual clothes and thanked the gatekeeper.
The young man wore a moon-white straight robe, his hair was tied up with a wooden hairpin, and a jade belt cinched his waist. Without any superfluous adornments, he already possessed a graceful and elegant appearance.
Shuqing quietly withdrew, carrying the food box and the inkstone, leaving only the two of them in the empty room.
Zhu Xuanning's calm emotions suddenly fluctuated when she saw Yu Xuan smile at her. Her eyelashes trembled uneasily, and she seemed hesitant to retreat.
Yu Xuan had already taken a step forward. The usually gentle and mild-mannered man had now defiantly broken through the safe distance he had been maintaining.
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