Chapter 75: The Kitten (2)

Melancholy was a novel emotion for Qi Ying, and unsure how to handle it, he naturally couldn’t escape the keen observation of his perceptive older brother.

Qi Yun had already noticed that his second brother seemed troubled recently. Initially assuming it would resolve itself in a few days, he grew concerned when, after over a month, the situation worsened instead. As the elder sibling, he felt compelled to offer guidance. One day after court, he invited Qi Ying onto his carriage, claiming to escort him to the office, and began probing into the matter.

This issue was difficult to articulate, and Qi Ying momentarily struggled with how to explain. Though not one to share personal matters, he decided consulting his brother might help. After all, Qi Yun had experience raising a daughter—though Hui’er was still young and less rebellious than Shen Xiqing, he might still offer useful insights.

With this in mind, Qi Ying recounted a few instances of Shen Xiqing’s recent unusual behavior.

Qi Yun initially feared trouble at the Ministry of Military Affairs, but upon listening, realized the issue stemmed from Miss Fang. Amused, he marveled at his wife’s foresight—she had immediately sensed something amiss between his younger brother and Miss Fang. He chuckled inwardly, recalling how he had once defended Qi Ying’s innocence.

Clearing his throat, Qi Yun carefully analyzed what his brother had shared, then cautiously asked, “So, you’re troubled because she no longer seems as close to you as before—is that correct?”

Qi Ying quickly denied, “Not exactly.”

Qi Yun nodded, feigning humility, and pressed, “Then what is it?”

Caught off guard, Qi Ying hesitated. Seeing his brother struggle, Qi Yun suppressed a smile and gently guided, “Let’s focus on the essence of the matter. Regardless of details, the crux is that Miss Fang has suddenly grown distant—is that accurate?”

After a pause, Qi Ying nodded reluctantly.

Qi Yun continued, “And your current dilemma stems from not understanding why—correct?”

Another pause, another reluctant nod.

Qi Yun, demonstrating exemplary elder-brother wisdom, advised, “This isn’t overly complicated. You’ve been busy with state affairs, and Miss Fang has taken on the fabric shop, leaving her equally preoccupied. Naturally, prolonged lack of communication leads to estrangement. Sit down, have an open conversation, and ask her why she’s acting this way. Problem solved.”

Qi Ying sighed, finding this advice unhelpful. “Brother, I’ve already questioned her once. She evaded my inquiries, unwilling to elaborate. What more can I do?”

As the eldest, Qi Yun felt responsible for guiding his siblings. While he often managed Qi Ning and Qi Le, his second brother had always been self-reliant, leaving little room for intervention. Now, presented with an opportunity, Qi Yun was determined to seize it.

Drawing on years of marital wisdom, he earnestly advised, “Jingchen, women are fundamentally different from men. Their thoughts are intricate, and they seldom voice their feelings outright. Often, you must deduce their emotions carefully. Miss Fang is clearly harboring something. Direct questioning won’t yield results—you need subtlety.”

Qi Ying frowned. “What do you mean by subtlety?”

Qi Yun, exuding confidence, declared firmly, “Gift-giving.”

Qi Ying blinked in confusion. “...?”

Seeing his brother’s skepticism, Qi Yun adopted a solemn expression to emphasize his point. “Don’t doubt me! Most women have tender hearts. Present the right gift, and they’ll be more inclined to listen. Speak gently, acknowledge your shortcomings sincerely, and they’ll likely empathize, opening up to you.”

Though Qi Ying remained skeptical, his brother’s conviction swayed him somewhat. Recalling how touched Shen Xiqing had been by his birthday gift, he reasoned that another thoughtful present might encourage her to confide her recent peculiarities.

Unbeknownst to Qi Ying, while he sought advice on handling a daughter, his brother inadvertently dispensed marital counsel. Seemingly discussing the same issue, their perspectives diverged significantly.

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The next day, a kitten appeared in Shen Xiqing’s courtyard.

That morning, she left with Shui Pei, Feng Chang, and Liu Zi to manage her business affairs, leaving Zi Jun behind to watch the house. Upon returning, before entering, they heard Zi Jun’s loud exclamations from within the courtyard.

Entering, they found her standing beneath the grapevine trellis, hands on hips, gazing upward.

It was early summer, and the vine flourished with vibrant green leaves and tiny yellow flowers. Following Zi Jun’s gaze, they saw nothing unusual until faint mewing sounds reached their ears.

Shen Xiqing paused, then looked up again. Amidst the foliage sat a small white kitten with striking sapphire-blue eyes. Perched high on the trellis, it mewed pitifully, evidently unable to descend.

Shui Pei, astonished, asked Zi Jun, “Where did this kitten come from?”

Fenghe Garden rarely housed pets, and this feline’s beauty suggested it was a rare breed—not a stray.

Zi Jun explained, “Qingzhu brought it today. It’s part of this year’s tribute from the Western Regions. Master Qi specially requested it from His Majesty for our young miss to keep as a pet.”

The maids were both surprised and delighted. Shen Xiqing, too, was momentarily stunned.

She hadn’t seen Qi Ying in a while since their strained interactions post-flower-viewing gathering. His sudden gift puzzled her.

Uncertain and reluctant to accept, Shen Xiqing considered returning it. Before voicing this, however, the kitten leapt from the trellis into her arms, eliciting gasps from the gathered maids.

Surrounding her, they admired the adorable creature, cooing with delight.

Shui Pei teased, “This little one truly lives up to its royal origins—beautiful and discerning, knowing just whom to charm.”

Amidst laughter, Feng Chang chimed in, “Such a lovely creature! Miss, give it a name?”

Though captivated, Shen Xiqing resisted. “No, it’s too precious. I can’t care for it properly. Let’s return it to Master Qi.”

The maids exchanged glances. Zi Jun and Feng Chang looked dismayed, while Shui Pei understood her mistress’s ongoing estrangement with Qi Ying. Recognizing the gift’s conciliatory intent, she intervened diplomatically.

“Perhaps,” Shui Pei suggested, “if the young miss dislikes cats, returning it isn’t unreasonable. However, Master Qi has been exceedingly busy lately, rarely visiting. Returning it now might seem abrupt. Why not keep it temporarily? If, after a few days, you still wish to return it, we can do so then.”

Observing her mistress’s wavering resolve, Shui Pei added, “Besides, it’s just a baby. Abandoning it could prove fatal. A life lost due to neglect would weigh heavily.”

Her words softened Shen Xiqing further. At that moment, the kitten mewed softly, its sapphire eyes locking onto hers, nuzzling her hand affectionately. Even the bystanders felt their hearts melt.

Gazing at the kitten nestled in her arms, Shen Xiqing’s resistance waned. After a prolonged silence, she relented, “...Alright, we’ll keep it until Master Qi returns. Then, we’ll decide.”

Zi Jun and Feng Chang pouted, but Shui Pei smiled triumphantly, pressing further, “Even if only temporary, it needs a name. Shall we call it something?”

Meeting her maids’ expectant gazes and the kitten’s pleading eyes, Shen Xiqing sighed in resignation.

Noting its snowy fur and round form, she murmured, “...Fine. We’ll call it ‘Snowball.’”

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Author’s Note: Both elder brother and sister-in-law are astute, especially the brother’s analysis—worthy of a top-tier marriage counselor! P.S.: A kitten alone won’t mend things for Shen Wenwen. Qi Ying should prepare his lines thoroughly!