Chapter 63: Settling In (2)

That night, the maidservants were kept busy. Before they could even exchange a word with Shen Xiqing, they had to change the bedding and tidy up the room.

Shen Xiqing changed into a clean set of clothes and, with Zi Jun’s help, placed some absorbent paper. Just as they finished, Qingzhu arrived with a doctor in tow.

Shui Pei, ever thoughtful, knew that Shen Xiqing would feel embarrassed to see anyone at this moment. She said to Qingzhu, “Thank you for your trouble, but we’ll take care of things here. You may leave now.”

To her surprise, Qingzhu remained rooted to the spot outside the door, his face impassive. Without acknowledging her dismissal, he replied, “No need. I’ll wait here for the doctor’s diagnosis and then report back to Master Qi.”

With that, Shui Pei could say no more. She closed the door and left him standing outside.

In truth, Shen Xiqing had simply started her monthly cycle, which didn’t require a doctor’s visit. However, Qi Ying, concerned about her weak constitution—especially after she had knelt in the snow for half the night at the entrance of Fenghe Garden—felt it was better to have a doctor examine her just to be safe.

After taking her pulse, the doctor concluded that her body was cold and somewhat frail. He prescribed some warming tonics, and after thanking him, Feng Chang escorted him out.

Shen Xiqing knew that Qingzhu was still waiting outside and that he would soon relay her condition to Qi Ying. The thought of him witnessing her earlier embarrassment made her cheeks burn hotter with each passing moment, filling her with regret and mortification. Though the maids noticed her emotional distress, when they asked what was wrong, she only gave vague answers, remaining listless and withdrawn.

Though she didn’t speak of it, the maids easily guessed what had transpired. But knowing how delicate Shen Xiqing’s pride was, they refrained from teasing her further. Instead, they prepared a hot water bottle to warm her abdomen and helped her settle down to rest early.

While they didn’t tease Shen Xiqing directly, once her bedroom door was closed, the three of them gathered in the side room to gossip, unable to resist discussing what had happened. They quickly concluded that the strange atmosphere they had sensed upon entering the room earlier was most likely due to Master Qi witnessing their young mistress’s first menstrual cycle.

This revelation was incredibly stimulating!

Their second young master always carried himself with an air of aloof elegance. It was hard for the maids to imagine what it must have been like for him to encounter their young mistress in such a situation. Moreover, Shen Xiqing was so beautiful—it was impossible not to find the scene somewhat… alluring…

Seeing Zi Jun and Feng Chang blushing furiously, caught between giggles and flights of fancy, Shui Pei couldn’t help but laugh and lightly swat them both. “Shame on you!” she scolded playfully. “What are you thinking about?”

Zi Jun and Feng Chang burst into laughter, with Feng Chang retaliating by lightly hitting Shui Pei back. “You’re the shameless one! If you weren’t thinking about it, how would you know what we were thinking?” she teased.

Of course, Shui Pei had been imagining things too, but being the more mature of the three, she laughed for a bit before advising, “Alright, let’s stop talking about this. If word gets out, it might not be good for our young mistress…”

The other two agreed, though Zi Jun added, “Even if it’s not ideal for others to know, this incident is ultimately a good thing for our young mistress.”

Feng Chang didn’t understand. “How so?”

Zi Jun proudly tilted her head, feigning seriousness as she explained, “Are you really that dense? If Master Qi hadn’t witnessed this, he’d probably still think of our young mistress as a child. Now that he has, things are different.”

Feng Chang suddenly understood.

Yes, the longer these two spent together, the more their relationship would inevitably solidify. If Master Qi continued to see her as a child, that perception would likely persist. But now, with this incident—and considering how attentive Master Qi was toward their young mistress…

Ah, the implications were delightful.

The maids exchanged knowing glances, bursting into laughter again as they playfully accused each other of being shameless. They joked and roughhoused for a while before finally retiring late into the night.

Due to Shen Xiqing’s sudden onset of menstruation, Qi Ying postponed his plan to begin tutoring her, allowing her to rest for a while.

During this time, two significant events occurred.

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Wang Qing, known for his integrity, lived in a modest residence that wasn’t nearly as luxurious as those of high-ranking families. His home consisted of a few simple courtyards, likely ancestral properties, with a somewhat aged appearance. When Qi Ying visited, Wang Qing was holed up in his study, surrounded by towering piles of books.

Raising his head from the sea of ancient texts, Wang Qing smiled upon seeing Qi Ying. “Earlier, my servant told me you’d come, but I didn’t believe it. So it really is you—sit, please sit.”

Qi Ying thanked him and carefully navigated around the stacks of books, which reached waist height in some places, before taking a seat across from Wang Qing. Glancing at the book in Wang Qing’s hands, he asked, “Master, are you compiling lost works of Lord Yingshan?”

At the mention of scholarly pursuits, Wang Qing’s enthusiasm soared. “Exactly! Lord Yingshan’s writings are exquisite. These pieces seem to be his lost works, and I’m organizing them so future generations can learn from them.”

Qi Ying smiled softly. “Master, your own works are already monumental. Yet you continue to write tirelessly, leaving us juniors feeling humbled.”

Wang Qing waved his hand dismissively, gazing at Qi Ying. “If only the world were at peace, and you weren’t burdened by worldly affairs, you could certainly surpass me in scholarship. But alas…”

Qi Ying bowed slightly. “I am unworthy of your expectations, Master.”

“How is this your fault?” Wang Qing sighed. “With the nation in peril and no one else in court capable, you are a pillar of talent destined to guide the realm. To confine you to dusty old texts like me would be a disservice to the people…”

His tone was tinged with regret, but he soon brightened. “Still, the politics of the court inevitably taint the heart. If you grow weary, you can retreat into the classics like I do—it has a calming effect, at least.”

Both teacher and student chuckled, and Qi Ying relaxed visibly. “You are right, Master.”

Wang Qing returned to his writing, pausing to ask, “So, why have you come? To persuade me to resume teaching at the Qi household?”

Qi Ying replied, “Nothing escapes your notice, Master.”

Wang Qing snorted. “You know my temperament well. Whether dealing with people or matters, I value only ‘justice.’ Your grandmother acted unjustly, and I cannot condone that. No amount of persuasion will change my mind—not even from you.”

Qi Ying nodded, unsurprised. Wang Qing was known for his unbending righteousness, unwilling to remain silent in the face of injustice. “Grandmother’s handling of the matter was inappropriate. I thank you for standing up for Wenwen,” Qi Ying said.

Wang Qing snorted again, firm in his stance. “I wasn’t speaking for her! I spoke for justice alone. Don’t confuse the two!”

Qi Ying didn’t argue, apologizing for his misstep. Seeing Wang Qing’s mood soften, the latter sighed and added, “That child… truly is remarkable. Her temperament is calm, she endures hardship, and she possesses resilience. Despite being the youngest, she never made a single mistake in recitation tests. It’s clear she holds herself to high standards.”

Qi Ying agreed wholeheartedly.

Though Shen Xiqing was young and gentle in her interactions, her character had sharp edges. For instance, when she first joined the Qi household, Qi Ying hadn’t expected her to independently learn the dialect of Bajun. Later, when she began attending lessons, he was equally surprised by her diligence in studying.

She often surprised him in subtle ways.

Wang Qing set down his brush and leaned back in his chair. “However, she is overly cautious in her dealings with others. This likely stems from her current position as a dependent. When I punished her earlier, it wasn’t solely for helping Miss Zhao cheat—it was meant as a lesson.”

Hearing this, Qi Ying realized how much Wang Qing genuinely cared for Shen Xiqing, going to great lengths to teach her. Grateful, he said, “Thank you for your efforts, Master.”

Wang Qing glanced sidelong at Qi Ying, pausing before asking, “Is that girl with you now? Did she complain about me?”

Qi Ying smiled. “She is with me, but she hasn’t complained. In fact, she likes you very much.”

Wang Qing snorted again, unsure whether to believe him. Then Qi Ying added, “The household dynamics are complicated, and it’s unsuitable for Wenwen to remain there. I’ve discussed this with Father and Mother. From now on, I will personally tutor her.”

Wang Qing was astonished. While he knew Qi Ying to be an excellent student, he doubted whether he could be an effective teacher. Given his busy schedule and taciturn nature, Wang Qing struggled to imagine how Qi Ying would manage tutoring someone.

He offered some advice. “Have you truly considered this? Teaching is no easy task. Imparting knowledge, guiding morals, and resolving doubts all require immense effort. With your heavy political responsibilities, will you have the time? Moreover, raising a child involves teaching them how to navigate life, which is even more challenging. Are you prepared for this?”

Qi Ying sighed inwardly, recalling how deeply he had felt the difficulty of caring for her after accidentally witnessing her first period. He nodded solemnly. “Your advice is well-taken, Master.”

Seeing Qi Ying’s determined expression, Wang Qing realized further persuasion would be futile. He couldn’t help but reflect on his own overthinking: Who knows if Qi Ying truly intended to raise her, or if this was just another way of fostering affection?

He had indeed overestimated Qi Ying’s gentlemanly demeanor!

Feeling a mix of resignation, Wang Qing heard Qi Ying continue, “Since Wenwen won’t be returning, and justice must be served, I believe Yao’er should also withdraw from the academy. This incident began because of her, so it’s only fair. As for Cousin Fu, it wouldn’t be appropriate for her to study alone with my younger brothers either.”

Wang Qing understood. Qi Ying’s proposal was clear: since Miss Fang couldn’t continue her studies, the other girls might as well return home too, ending their schooling altogether.

Though this decision carried hints of favoritism, Wang Qing found it reasonable. He then heard Qi Ying add, “Grandmother is aging and often unwell. I hope you can overlook past grievances and return to teach Jing’an and Jing’kang.”

Seeing Qi Ying’s earnestness and satisfaction with the arrangement, Wang Qing’s resentment had largely dissipated. However, he felt it would be too easy to agree outright, so he grumbled and eyed Qi Ying skeptically for a while, enjoying the latter’s repeated entreaties. Only after sufficient persuasion did he reluctantly agree to return to the Qi household to teach.

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Lady Yao rarely visited her second son’s estate, but this time, she came to assist Qi Ying in preparing for the flower-viewing gathering.

Though the gathering celebrated nature’s beauty, its organization required significant manpower. Details like the arrangement of servants, the preparation of cushions and fragrant tea for esteemed guests, and the grouping of families on specific hillsides were all meticulously planned. As one of Jiangzuo’s grand events, nothing could be overlooked.

Lady Yao brought many maids and servants from the main house to assist, and naturally, she encountered Shen Xiqing.

Shen Xiqing felt immense gratitude toward Lady Yao, the matriarch of the Qi family. During the incident at Rongrui Hall, she had been the target of everyone’s ire, with no one defending her except Lady Yao. Later, despite the pressure, Lady Yao secretly sent her to Fenghe Garden. Without her intervention, Shen Xiqing might have already left Jiankang, drifting to an uncertain fate.

Reuniting with Lady Yao filled Shen Xiqing with joy and gratitude, though she also felt inexplicable nervousness and shyness, unsure of what to say. Fortunately, Lady Yao was always kind to younger generations. Upon seeing Shen Xiqing, she immediately asked about her injury and health, to which Shen Xiqing responded politely, easing Lady Yao’s concerns.

However, Lady Yao’s arrival brought another major development: she deemed the courtyard Qi Ying had assigned to Shen Xiqing too remote, small, and poorly oriented. She promptly arranged for Shen Xiqing to move to a new residence.

Such generosity overwhelmed Shen Xiqing, who felt undeserving. Already living under someone else’s roof, she believed that having even a modest shelter to weather the storms was more than enough. How could she dare to complain or expect better? Moreover, she genuinely didn’t find any fault with her previous quarters and felt there was no need for such an elaborate change.

Lady Yao, however, paid no heed to her protests. Before Qi Ying returned, she had already made the decision. Servants were instructed to pack Shen Xiqing’s belongings, and the move was completed on the same day.

The new courtyard, named Woyu Yuan, was located in the western section of Fenghe Garden, very close to Qi Ying’s own Huaijin Yuan. Separated only by the Wangyuan Pavilion, it was conveniently accessible, requiring just a short walk to reach the study hall. The courtyard was spacious and adorned with grapevines, which, though not yet in season, exuded vibrant greenery full of life. The main building was meticulously constructed, both elegant and grand, complete with a small reception hall for guests. Intricate carvings decorated the doors and windows, thick carpets covered the floors, and the interior furnishings were luxurious and complete—though lacking in warmth, as it had been unoccupied for some time.

Upon seeing the opulence of her new quarters, Shen Xiqing grew even more hesitant to move in. She repeatedly insisted on returning to her old room, but Lady Yao laughed and gently pulled her to sit on the bed in the central chamber. “This courtyard has been empty for a long time,” Lady Yao explained. “It was originally built as a guesthouse, but Jingchen rarely entertains overnight visitors, so it has remained unused until now. If you don’t take it, it would be a waste to let it gather dust.”

Before Shen Xiqing could respond, Lady Yao took her hand and began showing her around the room. Pushing open a carved window, sunlight flooded in, brightening the space. Smiling, Lady Yao said, “You’re a delicate child who needs a bright and cheerful environment. Your previous room was rather dim and not conducive to your recovery.”

The sunlight was clear and warm, characteristic of spring days, filling Shen Xiqing with a comforting warmth. She listened as Lady Yao continued, “Jingchen is thoughtful in taking care of you, but being a man, there are bound to be oversights. You must have endured some hardships…”

At these words, Shen Xiqing quickly interjected, “Second Master has been extremely kind to me. He has never made me feel wronged—I’m truly grateful to him…”

Lady Yao chuckled at how earnestly Shen Xiqing defended Qi Ying. “I didn’t say anything bad about him. Why are you so quick to defend him?”

Shen Xiqing’s face flushed red with embarrassment.

Though Lady Yao smiled warmly, her gaze turned serious as she addressed Shen Xiqing. “Lord Fang was a benefactor to Jingchen, and the Qi family owes a great debt to your father. As a mother, I am deeply grateful to him. When the matriarch acted unjustly, I couldn’t intervene directly, but I can at least provide you with a brighter and more suitable living space. Even so, this is but a small gesture compared to the immense gratitude we owe Lord Fang. Wenwen, please settle in here without further protest.”

With these words, there was no room for Shen Xiqing to object further. Though she appreciated Lady Yao’s kindness, she felt an even heavier burden in her heart. She was not truly the orphaned child of Lord Fang, yet she was basking in protection and privileges that weren’t rightfully hers. This sense of imposture… filled her with deep unease.

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Author’s Note: Our little Wenwen has such a wonderful mother-in-law~

[BTW, when I said “four chapters,” I didn’t mean four updates in a row (hides head).]