FYM - 49

The jealousy and resentment that Lady Wan and her daughter, Song Shuqian, harbored toward Song Shuyan had been steadily mounting since the previous day’s gift-giving and Fang Xianting’s use of the term “Fourth Sister.” In the past, such grievances would have prompted immediate punishment—beatings or forced kneeling—but with Lady Jiang and Lord Fang residing in the estate, they dared not act overtly. Instead, they resorted to cold glares and biting remarks during daily visits, though their harsh words failed to truly affect Song Shuyan.

Song Shuqian had never endured such humiliation in her life. Watching the man she had long desired gradually show interest in her despised younger sister only deepened her sense of indignation. With her eldest sister and brother-in-law having returned to Yangzhou before the new year, she vented her frustrations on her mother. Lady Wan, torn between pity and exasperation, consoled her daughter, saying, “That wretched girl is nothing—how could she possibly marry into the Fang family? She must have used some underhanded tricks behind our backs to lure your Brother Yi Zhi. Lady Jiang merely humors her out of politeness. Marriage? Never. They wouldn’t let her entertain even a shred of hope…”

“But what if they do!” Song Shuqian sobbed, her eyes swollen like walnuts, tears ruining her otherwise lovely face. “Mother, you didn’t see it—Brother Yi Zhi spoke to that wretch so gently, calling her ‘Fourth Sister’… He’s known me for years, yet he only ever calls me ‘Third Miss’… Mother… you must stand up for me…”

Her impassioned lament fueled Lady Wan’s simmering anger. While softly patting her daughter’s back and murmuring reassurances, her expression hardened when she looked up, her eyes flashing with unmistakable coldness and resolve.

That childless Lady Qiao had once blocked her path to becoming the main wife. Now, her daughter…

…would never obstruct her precious Shuqian’s chance at a good match.

Such insidious malice was not unfamiliar to Song Shuyan. Her stepmother had always treated her harshly, and this was merely an escalation. She braced herself, staying vigilant, though inwardly, she remained largely unfazed.

…Only Fang Xianting could unsettle her.

Their brief encounter in the garden lingered in her mind, replaying endlessly. What was so special about being called “Fourth Sister”? Everyone addressed her that way—not just her siblings, but even acquaintances like Fang’s fourth son or the Lou family’s daughter. Yet, when he said it, she felt disoriented, her heart stirring inexplicably.

Could he… really…

The thought alone made her heart race. A year of calm and tranquility was shattered in an instant. It seemed greed couldn’t be eradicated after all; she still harbored feelings for him.

The monotony of her days suddenly became tumultuous. Each time she stepped outside, she walked with careful precision, yet her eyes instinctively searched for his figure. More often than not, she was disappointed. As a high-ranking marquis burdened with responsibilities, he wouldn’t idle around the courtyards of unmarried daughters. Her second brother mentioned how busy he was—letters arrived daily from both Chang’an and Yichuan. The household now teemed with unfamiliar faces, many resembling officials rather than servants.

…She mostly saw him when Lady Jiang was present.

Lady Wan excelled in hospitality. Even though Lady Jiang was only staying temporarily, she ensured the guest quarters were meticulously prepared, assigning her the exquisite South-facing Yuanxiu Pavilion. However, perhaps due to her prolonged convalescence, Lady Jiang preferred fresh air over confinement. She frequently strolled through the beautifully manicured gardens, resting afterward in the inner chambers with Lady Wan. Each time, she requested Song Shuyan’s company, seemingly fond of her.

One day, she summoned Song Shuyan again. After carefully dressing and grooming, Song Shuyan headed to the Binwei Hall. Upon entering, laughter filled the room—Lady Wan and her third sister were entertaining Lady Jiang. Keeping her head slightly lowered, Song Shuyan discreetly scanned the room. Not seeing Fang Xianting, her heart relaxed slightly, though a faint sense of disappointment lingered.

“Shuyan has arrived—”

Lady Jiang was the first to notice her, beckoning her to sit beside her. After a respectful bow, Song Shuyan settled down, unaware that her earlier glance had been noted by Lady Jiang. Suppressing a smile, Lady Jiang engaged her in casual conversation before turning to Lady Wan. “I only have two children. My eldest daughter, now Empress, rarely visits. Yi Zhi is perpetually occupied with official duties, sometimes disappearing for months when posted to distant counties. Unlike you, I envy your blessings—a pair of charming daughters by your side.”

Lady Wan naturally obliged, waxing eloquent about the esteemed position of Lady Fang’s eldest daughter, now Empress, and praising Marquis Fang’s indispensable role under the current Emperor. Her flattery was artful and heartfelt, but Lady Jiang, accustomed to such praise, remained unmoved. Once Lady Wan paused, Lady Jiang chuckled lightly. “Wealth and glory are fleeting, but familial joy is priceless. Chan Yuan, fetch your lord—he should learn how other children dutifully accompany their elders.”

This remark elicited light laughter from everyone. Song Shuyan, however, tensed, her palms suddenly clammy. Soon, footsteps echoed outside, and he entered gracefully. She glanced up briefly, noting his stone-blue brocade robe and jade belt, which lent him an ethereal elegance more pronounced than his usual black attire.

He didn’t resemble a military officer at all…

In fact, he clearly didn’t…

She quickly averted her gaze, narrowly missing his eyes. Both she and her third sister rose to greet him—one addressing him affectionately as “Brother Yi Zhi,” the other hesitating before formally calling him “Lord Fang.”

Fang Xianting acknowledged their greetings, then exchanged pleasantries with his mother and Lady Wan. Smiling warmly, Lady Jiang invited him to sit, then turned to Song Shuyan. “Why are you so shy, child? Why still call him ‘Lord Fang’? Address him as your sister does—no need to be so formal.”

…Like her third sister?

Call him… “Brother Yi Zhi”?

Song Shuyan blinked, feeling deeply uncomfortable. The title felt inappropriate, and she disliked associating with her third sister. Glancing at Fang Xianting, she noticed his gaze fixed on her, his eyes hinting at a subtle smile—barely perceptible, yet unmistakably tender.

Flustered, her recent turmoil transformed into indescribable emotions. Perhaps deep down, she truly wanted to draw closer to him. Grateful for the excuse, she murmured, “I’ll follow my second brother’s lead…”

Struggling to suppress her racing heart, her earlobes flushed a delicate pink.

“…Third Brother.”

The words were soft, almost inaudible. Hearing them, Fang Xianting felt an inexplicable warmth spread through him, his throat tightening slightly. Clearing his throat to mask his reaction, he couldn’t tear his eyes away, responding faintly, “…Mm.”

His voice had grown hoarse.

To outsiders, this brief exchange might have gone unnoticed, but Lady Jiang and Lady Wan, seasoned observers, caught every nuance. While the former approved, the latter seethed, itching to tear apart Song Shuyan’s deceitful facade. The atmosphere grew tense, and silence reigned momentarily.

“What did you summon me for, Mother?”

Fang Xianting broke the silence, perhaps aware that he had stared too long at Song Shuyan and eager to redirect attention. His mother didn’t press him, replying with a smile, “Nothing urgent. Just thinking of our impending departure north. I’m reluctant to leave without experiencing Jiangnan’s beauty. Are you free these days? Join us on an outing.”

In truth, he wasn’t free.

Still in mourning, he couldn’t return to his post in Chang’an. Yet, the new emperor relied heavily on the Fangs, issuing multiple secret edicts regarding Prince Zheng’s escape westward. Every checkpoint west of Jingji Circuit was on high alert, and reports from both Fang and Lou families required his review. The situation was precarious, demanding contingency plans, leaving him stretched thin.

But…

“As Mother wishes,” he nodded obediently, ever attentive since his father’s passing. “Don’t worry about me.”

Pleased, Lady Jiang smiled. Lady Wan praised Marquis Fang’s filial piety, volunteering that the Song family would gladly host. If the weather permitted tomorrow, they’d finalize plans, ensuring everything was perfectly arranged to Lady Jiang’s satisfaction.

“In that case, we’re in your hands, Lady Song,” Lady Jiang replied graciously. “And thank you, my dear girls, for keeping me company. It’s a joy to be surrounded by such charming companions.”

The atmosphere warmed, harmony restored. Just then, a servant entered—it was Su Mo, Lady Wan’s senior maid. Exchanging a glance with her mistress, she bowed to the assembled guests and announced, “Madam, Young Master Wang of the Wang family has arrived and seeks an audience with Fourth Miss…”