Chapter 71: The Beginning (1)

The flower-viewing gathering lasted all day, and by the time the guests dispersed, the moon had already risen above the treetops.

The Qi family was naturally the last to leave.

In previous years, Qi Zhang wouldn’t have stayed until the end. He would usually make an appearance at the beginning and then depart, knowing that his presence might make the younger attendees feel constrained and unable to fully enjoy themselves. However, this year’s incident involving Sixth Princess Xiao Ziyu and Fu Rong prompted him to stay behind to offer some advice to his second son.

He instructed his eldest son to take their third and fourth brothers ahead to the carriage while he and Lady Yao lingered behind. As Qi Ying escorted his parents out of Fenghe Garden, his father took the opportunity to impart a few words of wisdom.

Qi Zhang frowned and asked sternly, “Do you understand what today’s commotion between the Sixth Princess and Miss Fu was about?”

His tone was severe, clearly intending to reprimand. Lady Yao, sensing the tension, quickly intervened to spare her son from criticism. She scolded her husband preemptively, saying, “Why are you blaming him? This matter has already caused Jingchen enough distress. Those two young ladies were merely competing for attention—how can you hold him responsible?”

Ah, how indulgent mothers spoil their children!

Qi Zhang, cut off by his wife, found himself unable to deliver the lecture he had prepared. Though he wanted to remind her not to coddle their children so much, Lady Yao was both beautiful and adept at handling him, leaving him helpless as always. With a resigned sigh, he briefly instructed his second son to ensure Lady Yao was safely escorted down the mountain later, then turned and left Fenghe Garden.

Once her husband was gone, Lady Yao pulled her son aside for a more intimate conversation. Sighing, she said, “Don’t blame your father for being upset. Today’s events were truly absurd—those two young women, neither lacking in upbringing, behaved so recklessly…”

After expressing her dismay, she asked Qi Ying, “Now that things have unfolded this way, what do you plan to do?”

Qi Ying remained calm and replied, “I’ve already spoken with Her Highness. As for Cousin Fu, this marriage arrangement was never serious to begin with. Today’s incident might actually help Grandmother let go of the idea.”

Lady Yao understood the latter part of his response but was confused about the first. She asked, “What did you say to the Sixth Princess?”

Qi Ying answered nonchalantly, “I spoke to her about Wenwen.”

Though Lady Yao loved her son dearly, she often found his habit of answering questions incompletely exasperating. Now, frustrated, she almost wanted to pinch him. “I’m asking how you spoke to her!”

That princess was notoriously haughty and far from forgiving. Today, she had even slapped Fu Rong publicly—a reckless act. Who knew what other outrageous behavior she might exhibit in the future?

Qi Ying sighed and explained, “The princess wanted me to send Wenwen away. I refused.”

Lady Yao was surprised. “You refused, and she didn’t cause further trouble?”

Qi Ying shook his head.

Lady Yao grew anxious but knew she wouldn’t get any useful details from her son. Giving up, she simply said, “I won’t lecture you further. Your father has already said enough. Just be careful.”

Qi Ying acknowledged her words with a nod, then heard her ask, “Did the princess come to Fenghe Garden today to confront Wenwen?”

Seeing her son nod, Lady Yao became concerned and asked, “Is Wenwen hurt?”

Qi Ying thought for a moment before replying, “She isn’t injured, but she was likely frightened.”

Lady Yao nodded. “It’s only natural for her to be scared. Ah, that child has suffered much. Remember to comfort her.”

Qi Ying smiled faintly. “Mm, I’ll do so shortly.”

Lady Yao glanced at him, thinking to herself that he seemed patient enough with the young girl. She had worried he might be careless or inconsiderate, but it seemed her concerns were unfounded.

Satisfied that her son had everything under control, Lady Yao left for the mountain below.

After seeing his family off, Qi Ying returned to Fenghe Garden to check on Shen Xiqing.

The young girl had endured hardships earlier in the day, but he had been too busy to console her. Now that he finally had a moment to spare, he decided to visit her.

However, upon entering Woyu Courtyard, Shui Pei came out to inform him that Shen Xiqing had already retired for the night.

It was barely past the hour of Xu, well before her usual bedtime, but Qi Ying didn’t question it. He assumed she had been frightened earlier and was simply tired, so she had retired early.

He glanced at her darkened window and refrained from entering further, instead asking Shui Pei, “How was her mood today?”

Shui Pei hesitated for a moment before carefully and respectfully replying, “The young miss was somewhat frightened, but her mood was otherwise fine. She ate her meals as usual, read books, and did not cry.”

Hearing that she hadn’t cried, Qi Ying felt somewhat reassured. Nodding, he instructed Shui Pei, “Take good care of her.”

Shui Pei acknowledged his command with a “Yes,” and watched as he turned and left.

Once she saw him walk far enough away, Shui Pei returned to the courtyard and approached Shen Xiqing’s door. Through the door, she softly said, “Young miss, Master Qi has already left.”

There was a brief silence inside before Shen Xiqing’s voice gently responded, “Alright, thank you, Sister. Rest early.”

Though her voice betrayed no abnormalities, her behavior was unusual.

Their young miss had always been eager to approach Master Qi, especially since his return from Nanling, when they had grown even closer. On any other day, if Master Qi visited, she would have happily rushed out to greet him. But today, not only did she not go out to meet him, she even avoided him entirely, instructing Shui Pei to tell him she had already retired. This was certainly out of character.

Actually, Shui Pei had noticed something amiss earlier in the day. After Master Qi and the Sixth Princess left together, Shen Xiqing had soon gone out alone, refusing to let anyone accompany her. When she returned, she appeared visibly distracted, yet when asked what was wrong, she said nothing.

Shui Pei wasn’t sure what Shen Xiqing had seen or heard, and now she hesitated to bring it up. Thinking that her young mistress was still young, perhaps a good night’s sleep would resolve everything, she silently dismissed her concerns for the time being.

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The next morning, after the rest day ended, Qi Ying departed Fenghe Garden.

On most mornings, though he left very early, Shen Xiqing always rose to join him, never missing a day. She also enjoyed sitting close to him during breakfast. However, today, when he dined in the reception hall, she was nowhere to be seen, which surprised him.

After a moment’s thought, he instructed Qingzhu, who was attending him, “Go to Woyu Courtyard and inquire about what’s going on.”

The weather was still chilly, and Qi Ying worried that the young girl might have caught a cold. Knowing her tendency to keep things bottled up, he decided it was best to check.

Qingzhu obeyed and returned with news that Shen Xiqing was fine—she simply hadn’t risen yet.

Qi Ying raised an eyebrow, coughed lightly, and nodded without saying anything further. After finishing his breakfast alone, he set off for court.

Shen Xiqing waited until Qi Ying had left Fenghe Garden before getting up. Her demeanor was as composed as ever, and Zi Jun and Feng Chang noticed nothing amiss. Only Shui Pei still found her behavior strange, though her gentle and quiet appearance seemed unchanged. Unable to pinpoint the issue, Shui Pei could only feel uneasy.

However, this unease didn’t last long. Not long after lunch, Shen Xiqing heard that Mr. Ding, the accountant, had returned from his travels and was waiting in the main hall to see her.

Shen Xiqing was delighted. She had been looking forward to hearing about the fabric shop Qi Ying had mentioned before the flower-viewing gathering. Now, learning that Mr. Ding had returned, she eagerly prepared to meet him.

Mr. Ding was a jovial man in his fifties, with a round face, a pair of small mustaches, and a perpetual smile. Upon seeing Shen Xiqing, he showered her with auspicious greetings, radiating kindness. He said, “A few days ago, I received Master Qi’s letter about gifting the fabric shop on Shunnan Street to you. Unfortunately, I was out of town at the time, which delayed matters. My apologies for keeping you waiting.”

Shen Xiqing quickly replied, “Please don’t be so polite, Mr. Ding. I’m still new to these matters and will need your guidance. Waiting was only proper.”

Mr. Ding stroked his mustache and chuckled warmly. “Not at all, not at all. I’ve already arranged for the shop’s accounts to be reviewed, and they’re ready for your inspection today. There are also specific matters to discuss, so it would be best if you accompanied me to the shop for a visit.”

Shen Xiqing nodded gratefully. “That makes sense. Thank you for your efforts, Mr. Ding. When would you be available?”

Mr. Ding indicated he had time that very day. Shen Xiqing, knowing he must be busy and having nothing urgent herself, suggested they go immediately.

Mr. Ding agreed.

Shen Xiqing invited him to rest briefly while she prepared, then set off.

Zi Jun, who loved excitement, was thrilled to hear Shen Xiqing was going out and eagerly expressed her desire to join. Shui Pei, however, felt uneasy and advised Shen Xiqing, “Young miss, should we consult Master Qi first? If we leave Fenghe Garden without informing him, I worry something might happen…”

Feng Chang, who had become more cautious after the flower-viewing incident, echoed Shui Pei’s concerns.

Shen Xiqing fell silent for a moment, then murmured, “You both raise valid points. But Master Qi is busy—how can I bother him with such trivial matters? I can’t rely on him for everything.”

“Besides,” she added, lowering her gaze and softening her tone further, “Master Qi can’t look after me forever. I need to start making my own decisions.”

Her words passed over Zi Jun and Feng Chang without effect, but Shui Pei felt another pang of unease. Since yesterday, her suspicions had grown stronger. The closeness between her young mistress and Master Qi, which had been so evident recently, had suddenly faded, replaced by a subtle distance.

Unable to think of how to advise her, and seeing her resolute expression, Shui Pei could only silently follow along with Zi Jun and Feng Chang as they accompanied Shen Xiqing down the mountain.

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Author’s Note: My little Wenwen is determined to give you the silent treatment today—brace yourself! (Though it’s not exactly a cold war, haha. Later chapters will delve into Wenwen’s inner world. Their current emotional disconnect is a necessary stage in their relationship.)

P.S.: I was deeply moved by everyone’s encouragement yesterday. I hope to write a story worthy of your warmth and kindness. Thank you, thank you!