Chapter 21: New Year’s Eve (2)

When Zhao Yao heard that Second Brother Qi had arrived, she immediately turned to look toward the entrance. Just then, a servant lifted the curtain for him, and he strode into the reception hall.

In the thirteenth year of Qinghua’s reign, Qi Jingchen was already renowned throughout Jiangzuo as an exemplary nobleman and youthful scholar—having achieved the second-highest rank in the imperial examinations at a young age. That same year marked his entry into the Privy Council, where he assumed significant responsibilities despite his youth. Many people harbored doubts about whether such a young man could shoulder such great duties, even within the Qi family itself. But when this young master entered the reception hall with hurried steps, everyone present noticed that his demeanor had shifted from the sharp brilliance of his youth to a more subdued and composed presence. This prompted many to silently marvel: given time, Qi’s second son might surpass even his father.

Madame Qi, the matriarch, was delighted to see Qi Ying and quickly waved him over. With a rare smile, Qi Ying apologized to his grandmother, saying, “I’ve been caught up in official affairs and made our elders wait for me. It was truly improper.”

Qi Zhang scowled and began to reprimand him: “You’re becoming increasingly unruly! I see you—”

Before he could finish, the old lady interrupted him and instead chided Qi Zhang: “It’s the Lunar New Year! Why are you scolding him? He’s so busy now because you haven’t found him a proper position! You’re just being hard on the boy!”

Qi Zhang, unable to argue back, quietly endured the lecture. In truth, everyone knew Qi Zhang didn’t genuinely mean to rebuke his second son—it was merely for show in front of their uncles and cousins. People were perceptive enough to follow the matriarch’s lead, making light remarks to ease the tension before settling back into their seats.

The banquet table overflowed with delicacies, while plays featuring talented scholars and beautiful maidens unfolded on the stage. Amidst laughter, toasts, and cheerful conversation, joyous expressions filled every face.

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Meanwhile, at Fenghe Garden, the scene was bleak.

By all accounts, tonight was New Year’s Eve. Though the master wasn’t spending the night there, Qi’s second son was always generous, and in previous years, he allowed the servants to celebrate the occasion themselves. For fun, they would decorate with lanterns and set off firecrackers. However, this year, things were different. A mysterious girl had collapsed in the snow near death around year-end, and Liu Zi, who went to report it to Master Qi, got scolded by him. As a result, no one felt like celebrating anymore.

Lack of enthusiasm was one thing; what troubled them most was Master Qi’s firm order to save the girl. This proved extremely difficult. Liu Zi had brought several esteemed doctors from Jiankang City to examine her, but none could do anything. The girl couldn’t swallow medicine—even if forcibly fed, she would vomit it out. Her fever soared, her breathing grew faint, and she seemed barely alive, her strength nearly depleted.

Seeing her dire condition, the doctors scrambled to leave. It wasn’t that they were heartless—attending house calls on New Year’s Eve was already a favor owed to the Qi family—but clearly, this patient was beyond saving. If anything went wrong and she died under their care, who knew how Qi’s second son would react? It was safer to leave.

Liu Zi panicked, desperately clinging to the last doctor’s arm, pleading with him not to go and begging him to take another look at the girl. But the doctor refused outright, trying to shake free from Liu Zi’s grip.

Just then, Bai Song arrived.

He had received a hundred lashes just days earlier and still walked with a limp. Leaning against the courtyard wall, he asked Liu Zi, “What’s going on here?”

Relieved to see Bai Song, Liu Zi rushed over, exclaiming, “Big Brother Bai, thank goodness you’re here! Please think of something to help me keep this doctor!”

The doctor, carrying his medical bag, joined them, visibly frustrated yet helpless. “It’s not that I won’t help,” he said. “As a healer, I’d gladly assist if there were any hope. But I’ve already said—the girl can’t take medicine anymore. She’s beyond saving. Holding me here won’t change anything!”

Bai Song listened silently, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. Only when the doctor repeated “beyond saving” did his eyes flicker slightly, the scar between his eyebrows deepening. From afar, he glanced at the door of Shen Xiling’s room, then wordlessly stepped inside to take a look.

The room was warm thanks to the charcoal brazier. A candle burned beside her bed, casting light on her delicate but sickly face. Her cheeks were unnaturally flushed, her breathing labored, and she appeared to be in immense pain.

At that moment, Bai Song didn’t feel compelled to act further. He wasn’t one to meddle unnecessarily. Helping Shen Xiling this far—and enduring a hundred lashes in the process—was already astonishing to him. Logically, he had no reason or ability to do more for her.

Turning to leave, his mind kept flashing back to the carriage ride north to Langya, where Shen Xiling huddled in the corner clutching her mother’s belongings. Despite his cold demeanor, she repeatedly thanked him in a weak voice. Suddenly, he couldn’t bear the thought of her dying alone, treated as an insignificant corpse wrapped in straw, abandoned without support.

Bai Song closed his eyes, sighed deeply, and limped back outside.

Liu Zi was still tugging at the doctor, who was sweating and red-faced from frustration. Approaching them, Bai Song addressed the doctor: “Please wait an hour. If I’m not back by then, Liu Zi, escort the doctor home.”

Both the doctor and Liu Zi froze. Liu Zi leaned closer to Bai Song and whispered, “Big Brother Bai, what are you planning…?”

Bai Song took a deep breath. “Going to the main house—to Master Qi.”

“Huh?” Liu Zi’s eyes widened. “Is that really possible? Tonight is the vigil at the main house. How will he have time? Besides, Master isn’t a doctor. Even if he comes personally, what can he possibly do…?”

After a pause, Bai Song replied, “We’ll try. Either way, it’s up to Master Qi to decide.”

Liu Zi didn’t know how to respond, stuttering awkwardly. The doctor, realizing he’d be detained regardless, reluctantly agreed. “Fine, just one hour,” he sighed.

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At the Qi residence:

After three rounds of wine, the atmosphere loosened significantly. Performances continued on stage, including scenes from The Romance of the Western Chamber . When the female lead sang, “Regretful we meet too late, sorrowful your departure comes too soon. Long willow branches cannot tether jade steeds; alas, I wish sparse woods could hold back the setting sun,” the audience erupted in applause.

Zhao Yao sat among the guests, watching her second brother surrounded by admirers. After waiting patiently for the crowd to disperse, she shyly approached Qi Ying, sweetly wishing him, “Second Brother… Happy New Year, may you live long and prosper.”

Behind her, Qi Ning and Qi Le chimed in together, “Second Brother, Happy New Year! May you live long and prosper!”

Qi Ying smiled warmly at his younger siblings and responded, “Yes, may we all live long and prosper.”

Qi Le, braver than the others, grinned mischievously and asked, “Second Brother, since you’ve recently been promoted, can you give us some New Year’s money?”

Qi Ying raised an eyebrow, about to respond, when Qi Yun interjected, “What nonsense! New Year’s money is given by elders, not peers!”

Everyone turned to see Eldest Brother Qi Yun cradling his daughter, Hui’er, a charming two-year-old bundle of cuteness. Already speaking in broken phrases, she toddled toward them, waving her chubby little hands and babbling, “Happy New Year!”

As Qi Yun approached, Hui’er reached out her arms to Qi Ying, who softened his gaze and gently accepted her. Once nestled in his arms, the little girl beamed with delight, tugging at his clothes and gazing up at him with bright eyes.

Her adorable antics charmed everyone. Qi Ning eagerly pleaded, “Second Brother, let me hold her too! She’s absolutely irresistible!”

Qi Yun swatted him away. “You’re too clumsy. No way!”

Qi Ning pouted, muttering complaints under his breath. Ignoring him, Qi Yun chuckled to Qi Ying, “This little troublemaker keeps pestering for ‘Uncle Two’ to hold her.”

Qi Ying laughed and pulled out a red envelope for Hui’er. The child, surprisingly knowledgeable, accepted it while chirping, “Wishing you prosperity!”—eliciting more laughter from the group.

Watching Qi Ying dote on Hui’er, Zhao Yao felt a pang of envy. Though she knew it was just a child, she couldn’t help but wonder why her second brother couldn’t treat her the same way—or how she might make him do so. Her brows lowered pensively.

Unexpectedly, at that moment, Qi Ying handed her a red envelope. His slender, elegant hand startled her, leaving her momentarily dumbfounded. “Second Brother, this is…”

She watched as he distributed envelopes to Qi Ning and Qi Le as well. They jumped with excitement, shouting, “Thank you, Second Brother! You’re brilliant! The best in the world!”

“Enough,” Qi Ying waved dismissively. “If I find out you’ve squandered it, there won’t be any next year.”

Qi Ning and Qi Le nodded fervently, promising to study diligently and aim for success in the imperial exams. Qi Ying chuckled, nodding approvingly. Clutching her red envelope, Zhao Yao’s heart swelled with happiness, her earlier melancholy swept away. Though these envelopes were given to all the younger siblings, she still felt comforted and finally believed her mother’s words: Second Brother must truly favor her.

Her cheeks flushed pink. Just as she was about to thank him, a servant rushed into the hall and whispered something into Qi Ying’s ear. His brow furrowed, and after a brief silence, he addressed the servant directly, unconcerned about the surrounding guests: “Tonight is the vigil. Unless Wei forces cross the river, don’t mention other matters. Go tell him to decide for himself.”

The servant acknowledged and quickly retreated.

Zhao Yao had never seen her second brother’s expression so cold, leaving her slightly intimidated. Qi Ning and Qi Le, accustomed to such behavior, paid no heed. Qi Yun also saw nothing unusual, taking Hui’er back into his arms and casually asking, “What happened?”

Qi Ying replied indifferently, “Nothing serious. Just minor issues at the other residence.”

Qi Yun nodded. Soon, the brothers were once again surrounded by guests. Outside the throng, Zhao Yao gazed at her second brother’s refined features, illuminated by the New Year’s lanterns. Her face blushed even deeper. At that moment, her mother placed a hand on her shoulder and whispered, “Remember to sit close to your second brother during the vigil tonight.”

Clutching the red envelope tightly, Zhao Yao blushed and nodded shyly.

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After the feast, the younger generation clamored to head outside and set off firecrackers. Even Hui’er begged to join, forcing Qi Yun to accompany them. Still unsatisfied, the little girl tugged relentlessly at Qi Ying’s sleeve, amusing the adults. Eventually, all the cousins spilled out into the courtyard.

The winter was exceptionally harsh. Though no fresh snow had fallen recently, remnants of earlier storms lingered, adding extra chill to the air. As Qi Yun carried Hui’er, walking side-by-side with Qi Ying from the reception hall to the courtyard, he noticed a figure standing in the shadows. Upon closer inspection, it was Bai Song, Qi Ying’s guard.

Surprised, Qi Yun turned to ask, “Isn’t that Bai Song? Why is he standing there?”

Qi Ying glanced indifferently at Bai Song, who remained distant, bowing respectfully. Without acknowledging him, Qi Ying continued walking with Qi Yun, casually changing the subject: “Is Hui’er dressed warmly enough? Her hands look a bit red from the cold.”

Concerned for his daughter, Qi Yun immediately checked on her, forgetting all about Bai Song.

Bai Song stayed bowed until Qi Ying disappeared around the corner. Straightening up, he gazed at the moon and sighed deeply before remaining rooted in place.