FHJ - 18

Chapter 18: Zhao Yao (2)

Being reprimanded by her mother in front of her second cousin left Zhao Yao mortified, her face flushing even redder. But Qi Ying’s calm reply eased her embarrassment: “It’s an old matter. Auntie need not dwell on it.”

His composed demeanor and detached tone mirrored exactly how he had reacted when she broke the trinket years ago. Back then, while her parents scolded her—and her father even threatened punishment—Qi Ying had shielded her, saying to her father, “Yao’er is still young, and besides, it’s just an object. Uncle, there’s no need to be so angry.”

Indifferent yet protective.

Zhao Yao lowered her head, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

This subtle display of girlish affection did not escape the others’ notice. Though Zhao Qishi said nothing, her sharp gaze flickered toward her sister-in-law. Seeing Lady Yao’s kindly, indulgent smile revealed little beyond warmth. Just then, a commotion arose outside the hall. A servant reported that Qi Ning and Qi Le, the two younger masters, had returned from school upon hearing that their aunt and cousin had arrived.

These two boys were not Lady Yao’s biological sons but were born to two of Qi Zhang’s concubines. Qi Zhang and Lady Yao had always maintained a harmonious relationship, and as the patriarch of a prestigious family, Qi Zhang respected his wife and did not favor his concubines. Under such strict family discipline, the other concubines treated Lady Yao with reverence and dared not overstep. Lady Yao, known for her gentle nature, ensured harmony within the household, and Qi Ning and Qi Le shared a warm relationship with her.

Lady Yao remarked with a smile, “These two monkeys! They’ve been pestering me for days, saying they didn’t want to go to school today because their cousin was coming. Their father gave them quite the scolding. This morning, though they went obediently, I doubt they paid much attention to their lessons—look, they’ve rushed back as soon as classes ended.”

No sooner had she spoken than the two boys entered, declaring, “Mother, don’t slander us! We didn’t slack off today!”

Qi Ning, styled Jing’an, was sixteen years old, while Qi Le, styled Jingkang, was fourteen. The Qi family was renowned for its handsome members, and the young masters were no exception. Qi Ning exuded the vibrant energy of youth, his bright eyes full of life, while Qi Le, though younger, stood tall for his age, nearly matching his older brother in height.

After greeting their mother, aunt, and elder brothers, they exchanged pleasantries with their cousin. Qi Le grinned broadly, saying, “When we were little, Yao’er was just a bit taller than me, and Third Brother teased me endlessly about it. But look at me now—I’ve finally surpassed her!”

The entire room erupted in laughter at the comment. Qi Ning couldn’t resist rolling his eyes at his younger brother and remarked, “Is this all you’ve got to boast about? Comparing heights with a young lady?”

Turning back to Zhao Yao with a smile, he added, “Little cousin, thank goodness you’re here! Your fourth brother has been anxiously waiting for you—he even sent someone early this morning to pick out several crickets to entertain you.”

“Precisely!” Qi Le chimed in enthusiastically. “And Third Brother has scouted a few new restaurants that have opened since you moved to Lichuan. Some of them are said to have exquisite flavors, and we’ve been eagerly waiting to take you there!”

When they were younger, Qi Yun and Qi Ying had already entered officialdom and rarely played with them. However, Qi Ning and Qi Le were closer in age to Zhao Yao, so they spent more time together as children and grew particularly close.

Though their warm hospitality was admirable, it didn’t sit well with the elders and older brothers. Qi Yun frowned and reprimanded them, “Nonsense! Your sister is a young lady of noble birth—how can she run around with you two causing trouble? And as for fighting crickets? Have you both forgotten Father’s previous warnings?”

At their eldest brother’s rebuke, Qi Ning and Qi Le obediently fell silent. Qi Yun continued earnestly, “It’s not that I don’t want you to spend time with your sister, but you two must strive to be more serious. Look at your second brother—he became a jinshi at thirteen! And yet here you are, still acting like children. No wonder Father gets angry!”

Qi Yun lectured them further but eventually stopped, mindful of their aunt and cousin’s presence. He knew full well that despite their outward compliance, these two mischievous boys likely hadn’t absorbed a word of his advice. Just then, a servant announced that Qi Zhang had returned from court and requested Qi Ying to meet him in the study.

Upon hearing this, Qi Ying rose, excused himself to his mother and aunt, exchanged greetings with his elder brother, and turned to leave. As he passed by his two younger brothers, he paused briefly, glancing at them before saying, “I’ve finished revising the essays Father asked me to correct for you. Remember to come see me tomorrow to retrieve them.”

Qi Ning and Qi Le immediately bowed their heads in acknowledgment. Though their second brother wasn’t as strict as their eldest or as severe as their father, they had always been somewhat intimidated by him—even more so than by their eldest brother.

Zhao Yao stood behind Qi Ning and Qi Le, watching Qi Ying’s retreating figure. Her cheeks flushed faintly with a rosy hue.

The main residence of the Qi family, the most prestigious clan in Jiangzuo, was built with perfect symmetry—more formal than elegant compared to Fenghe Garden. Qi Ying walked along the covered corridor, hands clasped behind his back, heading toward Qi Zhang’s study.

A servant stationed outside the study greeted Qi Ying and opened the door for him.

Inside, Qi Zhang was bent over a potted plant, admiring it intently. Qi Ying bowed respectfully, prompting Qi Zhang to straighten up and wave him over. “You’re here? Sit down.”

Though Qi Zhang had already passed fifty, his hair showed no signs of gray. Deep furrows marked his brow from years of frowning, giving him an austere and unsmiling demeanor. This chancellor had navigated the treacherous waters of politics for decades without a single misstep. Externally, he enjoyed the trust of the Liang emperor and the respect of officials; internally, he ruled his household with an iron fist. Qi Ning and Qi Le often bore the brunt of his discipline, and even the steady and reliable Qi Yun hadn’t escaped his stern rebukes. Only toward his second son did the chancellor occasionally soften.

Both men sat down. Qi Zhang picked up a cup of tea, sipped it slowly, and casually asked Qi Ying, “How are things going at the Privy Council?”

The Privy Council was the most critical organ of the Liang dynasty’s government, overseeing military affairs, defense strategies, border security, and other vital matters. It issued secret decrees to assist in governance and was divided into twelve departments. Though Qi Ying held only a fourth-rank position as Vice Minister, the weight and authority of his role were undeniable. The current Chief Minister, Zhang Heng, was cautious but indecisive, and while he occupied the top post, his abilities paled in comparison to Qi Ying’s.

Qi Ying replied, “After the disastrous defeat at Shicheng, there have been frequent personnel changes within the Privy Council, leading to some instability. Minister Zhang seems overwhelmed and hesitant to make bold moves. Among the twelve departments, there are both new and old faces who still need time to adjust. I’m currently working on building rapport with them.”

Qi Zhang nodded. “Building rapport is indeed crucial, but you must also focus on administrative matters.”

Qi Ying bowed slightly. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Qi Zhang continued, “Your eldest brother expressed some reservations about my decision to assign you to the Privy Council. What are your thoughts?”

Qi Ying answered simply, “I will follow Father’s instructions.”

Qi Zhang sighed. “Do you understand why I entrusted you with such a challenging task?”

Qi Ying paused thoughtfully before replying, “The Northern Wei grows increasingly aggressive. Perhaps Father wishes me to address the nation’s crisis.”

Qi Zhang smiled faintly and glanced at his son. “Not entirely.” After a pause, he added, “You’ve only been in the Privy Council for a few days, and already you speak in such diplomatic terms? Not very honest of you.”

Qi Ying lowered his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Then, candidly, he admitted, “Perhaps the fall of the Shen family weighs heavily on Father’s mind.”

Qi Zhang’s eyes brightened, and he regarded Qi Ying with approval. With a deep sigh, he reflected, “Thirty years ago, when the former emperor fled south, he relied entirely on the support of the great families. Over the years, our resistance against the Northern Wei has also depended on their strength. Now, with the downfall of the Shen family, though Shen Qian’s incompetence bears part of the blame, the real implication is clear: the current imperial house no longer wishes to be constrained by the aristocracy as it once was.”

Qi Ying’s gaze darkened as memories of his final meeting with Shen Qian in the Ministry of Justice prison resurfaced.