Chapter 44: February (1)

After entering the private school, time seemed to suddenly pass more quickly.

Mr. Wang truly lived up to his reputation as an excellent teacher. Although he was strict, his critiques of essays were incisive, and Shen Xiling always found his lectures engaging.

Her father had once taught her to read, but he was lenient with her, teaching her only for fun without expecting much from her. Mr. Wang, however, was different. Though he appeared to have low expectations for his female students, he still hoped they would strive for excellence and genuinely put effort into teaching. He often required his students to memorize texts—two hundred words daily, no exceptions—and quizzed them on previously memorized material every other day, enforcing this rigorously.

At first, Shen Xiling struggled to adapt. She secretly thought such rote memorization was too rigid, but over time, she began to see its benefits. Only when those texts were truly ingrained in her mind did she find writing came effortlessly. In less than half a month, she could already feel herself improving.

However, while this method worked, it was mentally exhausting. Memorizing two hundred words wasn’t difficult, but what she had memorized three days ago would fall apart by the third day, so she had to review and recite daily to avoid failing the teacher’s random quizzes. As a result, her study hours grew longer each day. Lately, Shen Xiling rose before dawn every morning, studied early, attended classes, rested briefly after school, and then returned to her books, often studying late into the night.

Though tiring, this routine gave Shen Xiling a sense of stability. After her parents’ passing, she had drifted aimlessly, but now she finally felt settled, as if she had stepped into a new chapter of life.

Water Pei and Wind Robe often urged her not to overwork herself, suggesting she should take it easy, but Shen Xiling persisted in her efforts. Zi Jun joked, “You might as well stop trying to persuade her. Our young miss may very well become a female zhuangyuan one day, surpassing even our Second Young Master!”

Speaking of Qi Yin, Shen Xiling had seen little of him recently.

He had been extremely busy. Since their brief encounter during the last exam, they hadn’t crossed paths again. Once, during class, she happened to glimpse him passing by the Chouqin Study, but he moved hurriedly, didn’t enter, and didn’t glance in her direction.

Not seeing Qi Yin lately left Shen Xiling feeling somewhat disappointed, though not heartbroken. As February approached, her birthday was coming up—the 24th—and since Qi Yin had promised her a birthday gift, she held onto hope. Even if she couldn’t see him now, surely she’d see him on the 24th…

With this thought, Shen Xiling’s days grew brighter.

Life at the private school was pleasant. Because she studied diligently, she never failed to answer Mr. Wang’s questions correctly, earning his satisfaction. His demeanor toward her became increasingly warm. Qi Ning and Qi Le treated her kindly as well, especially Qi Ning, who occasionally brought her snacks and frequently chatted with her. Miss Fu was polite to everyone, always gentle and refined, and Shen Xiling got along smoothly with her. Even Zhao Yao had stopped being unkind to her lately because all her irritation was directed at Fu Rong, leaving no energy to be angry with Shen Xiling.

As for why Zhao Yao disliked Miss Fu, this traced back to Lady Qi, the matriarch.

Shen Xiling only learned recently from Qi Ning that Miss Fu was actually related to Lady Qi, making her the matriarch’s great-niece. Lady Qi intended to arrange a match between Fu Rong and Qi Yin, so lately, after school, she often sent her trusted maid, Yuanyang, to invite Fu Rong to her quarters.

These visits weren’t idle; Lady Qi sometimes summoned her grandson as well, ensuring the two met regularly. This arrangement made Zhao Yao resent Miss Fu deeply, though she dared not act out due to Fu Rong’s higher status. Instead, she glared at Fu Rong’s back during class, earning reprimands from Mr. Wang.

In truth, Fu Rong was rather innocent. Though she had indeed met Qi Yin in Lady Qi’s quarters a few times, more often than not, Left Chancellor Yao or others were present, so they rarely spoke privately.

Once, though, it was just the two of them.

It happened yesterday. Yuanyang fetched Fu Rong, saying Lady Qi wanted her company. When Fu Rong arrived, Qi Yin was already there, chatting with the matriarch.

Fu Rong entered, greeted Lady Qi, exchanged pleasantries with Qi Yin, and then sat beside the matriarch on the kang bed. Qi Yin sat across from them in a grand armchair. Fu Rong leaned against Lady Qi’s arm and asked with a smile, “What secret are you whispering about with Second Brother? Can I join in?”

Lady Qi affectionately tapped her nose and said, “What secrets could we possibly share? Your second brother is leaving for Nanling tomorrow—a place far from peace. I’m worried sick about him.”

Fu Rong was taken aback.

Nanling Commandery was indeed a turbulent region. The Great Liang had suffered a major defeat against Wei at Shicheng last year, which was part of Nanling. Now, Gao Wei’s forces remained stationed across the river, occasionally skirmishing with Nanling’s garrison. It was unclear whether they planned another large-scale battle.

Fu Rong glanced at Qi Yin, concern flickering in her eyes. “Nanling is plagued by unrest. Why must Second Brother, a high-ranking official but not a military man, risk going there?”

“I agree!” Lady Qi sighed heavily. “The court works him like three men. They keep him grinding away in the office daily, and now they’re sending him to Nanling! A few years from now, will they expect him to lead troops into battle?”

Qi Yin frowned, sensing the impropriety of his grandmother criticizing the court in front of outsiders. Before he could interject, Lady Qi cut him off. “Don’t defend your precious court! No matter how you spin it, this situation reflects poorly on them. Besides, Rong isn’t an outsider. What harm is there in me voicing my concerns in front of her?”

Knowing better than to argue further, Qi Yin fell silent.

Fu Rong observed his expression and consoled Lady Qi, “Please don’t be upset, Grandmother. Second Brother’s importance to the emperor is a good thing.”

Lady Qi sighed again, glancing meaningfully at her grandson. “I’m delighted Jingchen serves the nation and protects its people, but he’s so busy that he neglects his personal affairs. People say one should marry before establishing a career. All I wish is for him to find a suitable partner, live harmoniously, and have children. That would be ideal.”

Lady Qi’s intentions were clear to everyone present. Fu Rong had long understood them. Hearing the matriarch’s words, she stole a glance at Qi Yin. He sipped his tea, his calm face revealing nothing of his emotions.

Fu Rong lowered her gaze slightly.

When the Fu family heard Lady Qi’s intention to marry Fu Rong into the Qi household, they were thrilled. The elders approved wholeheartedly, and Fu Rong’s brother, Fu Zhuo, deemed the match fitting. The Fu family, now in decline compared to the flourishing Qi family, saw this marriage as a guarantee for decades of prosperity.

Fu Zhuo remarked that someone like Qi Jingchen could only be matched with a woman as steadfast as a pine tree in the snow. Ordinary women were too frail to be Qi Jingchen’s wife, but among noble daughters, Fu Rong stood out—gentle on the outside yet strong within, making her an ideal match for the second young master.

Indeed, Fu Rong was no ordinary noblewoman. Had she been born male, she might have ascended to the court and brought glory to her family. Even confined to the inner chambers, she was a rare orchid untouched by vulgarity. Her willingness to marry Qi Yin stemmed not from blind infatuation like Princess Xiao Ziyu nor admiration like Zhao Yao. Instead, she valued the benefits her marriage would bring to her and her family. She cared little whether Qi Yin liked her, only whether he’d agree to marry her.

She was, in essence, a brilliant politician.

Currently uncertain of Qi Yin’s stance on the marriage, Fu Rong refrained from acting rashly, lest she reveal weakness. Thus, she didn’t respond directly to Lady Qi’s hints. Seeing both youngsters remain silent, the matriarch grew frustrated. Just then, Qi Yin stood and said, “Grandmother has Cousin Rong for company. I’ll take my leave now. There are still preparations for tomorrow’s journey.”

Seeing his hurried expression, Lady Qi hesitated to stop him. Though young, Qi Yin had always been filial, yet his temperament remained unpredictable. Fearing she might displease him by pressing too hard, she reluctantly let him go after much deliberation.

After Qi Yin left, Lady Qi remained troubled. Taking Fu Rong’s hand, she said, “Rong, tell me honestly—how do you feel about Jingchen? It’s not easy bringing the two of you together. If neither of you speaks, does that mean you’re unwilling to marry him? Speak frankly, or am I wasting my efforts?”

Seeing Lady Qi’s frustration, Fu Rong replied, “Please don’t be angry, Grandmother. It’s my fault for being immature…”

Her head bowed, her words sounded repentant, but her expression betrayed a trace of grievance (grievance). This subtle grievance reminded the matriarch that Fu Rong hadn’t done anything wrong; instead, she seemed to have suffered from Qi Yin’s coldness.

Lady Qi, protective of her maternal relatives, felt even more affection for Fu Rong upon seeing her aggrieved look. Feeling guilty for venting earlier, she said, “Our Rong hasn’t done anything wrong—it’s Jingchen who… Alas…”

Seeing the matriarch align with her perspective, Fu Rong felt reassured. After a pause, she added, “Grandmother shouldn’t blame Second Brother either. Regarding Sixth Princess… well, that situation is beyond help. Perhaps I’m simply unworthy of him.”

This statement reinforced Lady Qi’s belief that Fu Rong harbored feelings for Jingchen but was hurt. She comforted her warmly and expressed frustration, saying, “That Sixth Princess is truly outrageous! An unmarried girl behaving so recklessly! The emperor lets her act this way, thinking she can tie Jingchen down. Does he think our noble families are so easily manipulated? Has he forgotten who helped secure the throne during the Southern Crossing?”

During the Southern Crossing, Fu Jin, Lady Qi’s younger brother, had performed remarkable feats that elevated the Fu family. Those of her generation witnessed the rise of noble families and the decline of the imperial house, fostering deep pride in their lineage and disdain for the royal family. Lady Qi didn’t understand court politics, but she opposed Jingchen becoming an imperial son-in-law. What was so special about a princess? How could she compare to the daughters of noble families?

Fu Rong listened silently to Lady Qi’s criticisms of the royal family without comment. Assuming she was still upset, Lady Qi reassured her, “Don’t worry, Rong. You needn’t harbor such doubts. Without my approval, not even a princess can enter the Qi household!”

Fu Rong lowered her head, a faint smile flickering across her eyes.

She had known Princess Xiao Ziyu since childhood and understood her long-standing affection for Qi Yin. Xiao Ziyu guarded against all unmarried noblewomen, forbidding anyone from approaching Qi Yin, yet she never suspected Fu Rong, considering her a close confidante. Fu Rong preferred avoiding direct conflict with Xiao Ziyu. If Lady Qi could handle this troublesome matter for her, it would save considerable effort.

However, aside from Xiao Ziyu, Fu Rong had another concern.

Looking up at Lady Qi, she revealed a melancholic expression. “Grandmother has been so kind to me, and I’m deeply grateful. But matters of marriage cannot be forced. If Second Brother doesn’t like me and prefers someone else, binding him to me would be meaningless…”

Lady Qi’s eyebrows shot up. “What do you mean? Does Jingchen already have someone in mind?”

Fu Rong lowered her gaze, appearing hesitant. Seeing her distress, Lady Qi pressed urgently for an explanation. After much deliberation, Fu Rong hesitantly said, “I shouldn’t spread rumors… but there’s Wenwen, the younger sister of the Fang family. Second Brother seems to take particular care of her. I’ve been thinking… perhaps…”

She trailed off, leaving her words hanging in the air, but they were enough to ignite Lady Qi’s imagination.

The matriarch recalled the young girl she had met only once—unusually beautiful, almost unreal in her appearance. Upon reflection, it was indeed strange. Someone as aloof as Jingchen had taken this orphaned girl under his wing and cared for her. Even if Fang Da-ren had done him a great favor, a monetary gift would have sufficed; such elaborate arrangements seemed rather unusual.

At first, Lady Qi thought the girl was too young to be of concern. But then again, girls married at thirteen were not uncommon. The Fang girl wasn’t exactly a child anymore, and in a few years…

Lady Qi’s expression grew stern.

Fu Rong silently observed her great-aunt’s increasingly somber face, feeling more assured. If she was to secure her position with Qi Yin, she needed to eliminate any obstacles along the way. Her brother had long advised her that troublesome matters like these should not be handled directly.

However, after recent observations, Fu Rong began to wonder if she had been overly cautious. Perhaps Qi Yin didn’t harbor any special feelings for the Fang girl. Apart from their encounter during the exam, he hadn’t visited her since—it was almost as if he’d forgotten about her existence. It seemed he merely took care of her out of gratitude to her father.