Chapter 80: The Passage of Time (2)

As Qi Ying entered, an air of authority preceded him, causing the men present to step back and the women’s hearts to race. Whether unmarried maidens or married ladies, they all blushed at the sight of him. Truly, this second master of the Qi family lived up to his reputation—a figure admired by all who beheld him.

He wasn’t alone upon returning; two imperial carriages followed behind. When their occupants disembarked, the guests finally caught sight of them: Princess Liu Xiao Ziyu, Fourth Prince Xiao Ziheng, and his wife, Consort Fu Rong.

First, let’s speak of Princess Liu.

At nineteen years old, nearing twenty, she remained unwed—a rare occurrence among Jiankang’s noblewomen, many of whom already had several children by her age. Yet, she steadfastly pursued Qi Ying, vowing to marry no one else. Thus, she delayed marriage until now.

Untroubled, she seemed to regard Qi Ying as her future husband, deeming a formal marriage certificate unnecessary. In her youth, she trailed after him daily without inhibition. Now older, she grew even bolder, accepting public scrutiny with poise.

Next, Prince Xiao Ziheng and Consort Fu.

The prince married Fu Rong, daughter of the prestigious Fu family, two years ago. Their union sparked debate due to their seemingly mismatched personalities. However, observers later realized it made perfect sense: being close to influential families, marrying Fu Rong solidified his support base against his rival, Third Prince Xiao Zihuan.

Despite the passage of time, tensions lingered between Princess Liu and Consort Fu. Three years prior, they clashed at Qi Ying’s estate when the younger publicly slapped the elder. Though two years had passed since the prince’s marriage, relations between the sisters-in-law remained strained. Entering the Qi estate together, neither acknowledged the other, creating palpable awkwardness.

Fortunately, none of the nobles present lacked tact or failed to perform. They diplomatically ignored the tension between Consort Fu and Princess Liu, greeting the royals before flocking to Qi Ying, showering him with congratulatory words.

Surrounded by well-wishers, Qi Ying was momentarily occupied while the royal siblings greeted Left Chancellor Qi Zhang and Lady Yao. After exchanging courtesies, they took their seats.

Princess Liu, though not formally engaged to Qi Ying, treated Qi Zhang and Lady Yao as her future in-laws. Whenever possible, she lavished them with attention. Unable to engage much with the stern Qi Zhang, she focused on Lady Yao, personally serving her fragrant tea with a charming smile. “Today, Father detained Brother Jingchen longer than expected, delaying your banquet. I hope it didn’t worry you?”

Initially, Lady Yao found such servitude inappropriate but learned resistance only encouraged the princess. Now accepting gracefully, she replied courteously, “Your Highness is too kind. Jingchen serves the court—it’s his duty. Whether detained briefly or overnight, it’s all part of governance. His Majesty detains him out of respect, not inconvenience.”

Her response was impeccable, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

Before Princess Liu could respond, her brother interjected, “Uncle Qi and Aunt Yao are magnanimous, unlike some who lack propriety.”

Annoyed by her brother’s reprimand, Princess Liu glared discreetly before he addressed the hosts, “Today marks Brother Jingchen’s birthday. We happened to meet him leaving the palace and decided to join uninvited for a drink. Please forgive any trouble caused.”

His politeness compelled Qi Zhang to reciprocate, “Nonsense, Your Highness honors us by attending our humble abode. It’s a blessing for my son and our family.”

Each side exchanged elaborate courtesies until finally concluding. Princess Liu intended to further ingratiate herself with her prospective mother-in-law but was preempted by Consort Fu.

Consort Fu inquired, “Aunt, we didn’t see Grandmother today. Is she unwell?”

This topic carried significance.

Years ago, Grandmother Qi fervently sought to arrange a match between Fu Rong and her second grandson. Despite stirring controversy within the household, Fu Rong eventually declined, quickly aligning with Fourth Prince Xiao Ziheng instead. By the time Grandmother Qi realized, the couple had already exchanged vows, deeply disappointing her.

Grandmother Qi harbored resentment, feeling her efforts disrespected. Even after Fu Rong married, Grandmother feigned illness to avoid meeting her. Eventually, her affection for Fu Rong softened her stance, particularly as Fu Rong diligently worked to mend relations.

Tonight, Grandmother Qi’s absence stemmed from practical reasons: advanced age rendered late nights taxing, and noise intolerable. Lady Yao explained this to Consort Fu, who nodded regretfully, “I hadn’t considered that. Next time, I’ll visit earlier.”

Seizing the opportunity, Princess Liu swiftly intervened, pushing Consort Fu aside to resume flattering Lady Yao.

Meanwhile, Qi Ying remained busy entertaining guests.

Nobles approached him, offering wine and boasting about their lavish gifts. The hall buzzed with activity.

Though amiable, Qi Ying accepted the wine but refused the gifts. Guests persisted, urging acceptance. Despite their persuasion, Qi Ying declined, explaining, “I’m grateful for your generosity. However, with ongoing conflicts and the Emperor advocating frugality, I hesitate to accept extravagant gifts. Please enjoy the banquet tonight, but forego the presents.”

Despite his youth, Qi Ying’s presence commanded respect, rivaling seasoned politicians like his father. Invoking the Emperor effectively silenced objections, compelling guests to abandon further attempts lest accused of extravagance during national hardship.

Denied the gift route, guests scrambled for alternative strategies. Observing this, Imperial Academy Scholar Mo Yufeng approached Qi Ying.

Nearly forty, Mo bowed obsequiously before the twenty-four-year-old Qi Ying—a spectacle drawing disdainful glances. Though others might act similarly given the chance, witnessing someone else seize the opportunity provoked envy, cursing Mo’s lack of scholarly dignity.

Undeterred, Mo toasted Qi Ying before earnestly proposing, “Master, last month I inquired if you’d consider presiding over next year’s spring examinations. You deferred then; have you reconsidered?”

This stunned onlookers, silently cursing Mo’s audacity. Presiding over the spring examination—the pinnacle of the imperial exams—was highly coveted. Though seemingly devoid of material gain, the position conferred significant influence as successful candidates became lifelong protégés, bolstering one’s political standing.

Traditionally reserved for senior academicians, Mo’s suggestion shocked observers. Qi Ying, despite his scholarly prowess, primarily handled military affairs, making the proposal incongruous.

After a contemplative pause, Qi Ying politely declined, “I’m not affiliated with the Imperial Academy and remain inexperienced. It’s best left to esteemed academicians.”

Mo persisted, bowing deeply, “Master is too modest. Who doesn’t recognize your literary brilliance and strategic acumen? This isn’t solely my idea—Mr. Wang approved, and the Emperor expressed delight. Please reconsider.”

His eloquent plea impressed observers, culminating in Qi Ying’s resigned sigh, “If so, I cannot refuse.”

Overjoyed, Mo showered Qi Ying with effusive praise, rendering others speechless. Envious murmurs spread—Mo secured the most prestigious gift: the role of chief examiner. Other offerings paled in comparison.

Alas! Alas!

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Author’s Note:

Much transpired over three years, requiring gradual exposition to avoid overwhelming readers. Wenwen will likely appear in the next chapter or the one after.