FYM - 52

Lady Wan, who had been eagerly awaiting this moment, would certainly not turn the young man away. She bypassed Song Shuyan entirely and turned to Lady Jiang, asking if she minded letting the young visitor speak briefly. Lady Jiang, sharp as ever, hadn’t fully grasped the implications of the earlier song but now realized something was amiss. With a silent sigh for Song Shuyan’s troubles, she glanced at her son. Seeing his darkened expression, she understood today’s drama was far from over. Too old to intervene directly, she nodded to Lady Wan, saying, “We are not opposed… A junior should always pay respects to elders.”

Lady Wan beamed, thanking Lady Jiang profusely before calling out, “Quickly, let him in! It’s been so long since I’ve seen our dear nephew!”

The door opened, and Wang Xu entered swiftly, clad in flowing blue robes. His gaze immediately fell on Song Shuyan, who sat with her head slightly bowed. Even her profile was breathtaking. He stared, entranced, feeling that none of his poetic works could capture even a fraction of her beauty. Snapping out of his reverie, he bowed deeply to Lady Wan.

“Nephew, there’s no need for such formalities—”

Lady Wan was all smiles, nearly ready to offer him a seat and invite him to stay for a meal. However, when Wang Xu glanced at the unfamiliar faces of Lady Jiang and Fang Xianting seated nearby, Lady Wan restrained herself and vaguely introduced them. “These two are esteemed guests of your elder uncle. Greet them properly.”

Her words were deliberately ambiguous, prompting Wang Xu to speculate:

Yesterday, Su Mo had hinted that Song Shuyan was surrounded by many admirers. Perhaps these two were rivals vying for her hand? The handsome stranger particularly caught his eye. Given Shuyan’s youth, he feared she might be deceived. How could he allow such a beauty to slip away?

It was lamentable. Though Wang Xu hailed from an official family—his father, the governor of Xuanchou, held considerable prestige in Jiangnan—their rank was too low to remain in Chang’an. Thus, he had never encountered the famed Fang family. Now, assuming Fang Xianting was merely a shallow pretty face who lured women with charm, Wang Xu felt disdainful. His greeting was perfunctory, lacking proper respect.

“Never expected to meet you here at Jiangyun Pavilion…”

Lady Wan noticed Wang Xu’s arrogance and feared he might offend someone of high standing, ruining her plans. She quickly interjected, “...but may I ask what brings you here?”

Beside her, Third Miss Song couldn’t contain herself. Eager to link Wang Xu to the previous brothel scene, she teased, “You’d better explain clearly. We saw you disembark from that pleasure barge. If you’re involved with those courtesans, how could you possibly marry my Fourth Sister?”

This was too blatant. Observing, Song Shuyan felt contemptuous, while Wang Xu earnestly explained, “No, no, no, Third Miss misunderstands—my visit to the barge wasn’t for pleasure but for the lyrics of that song…”

Indeed, it was true.

In Jiangnan, even licentious pursuits demanded refinement. While Wang Xu hadn’t excelled in scholarly pursuits, he was a master of writing elegant verses. Renowned in Xuanchou, he became a guest of honor in Jinling’s pleasure quarters. Courtesans sought his compositions for their performances. However, his repeated setbacks in pursuing Song Shuyan left him disinterested in such frivolity, refusing invitations until now.

But inspiration flowed freely. Envisioning Shuyan’s beauty, verses poured forth. Unable to resist, he transcribed one yesterday, sealing it in crimson paper and delivering it to Song Shuyan, hoping she’d understand his devotion. Alas, his hopes were dashed. Following Su Mo’s advice, he arranged for courtesans to sing his lyrics publicly, ensuring both his beloved and the entire city knew his feelings.

“Ah, so that poem was written specifically for Fourth Sister?”

Song Shuqian feigned surprise, her voice high-pitched and teasing.

“‘Fragrance lingers, grace remains still’… I hadn’t noticed before, but you’ve embedded her name within the verse. Such thoughtfulness…”

This explanation was overly enthusiastic, seemingly intended to ensure Lady Jiang and Fang Xianting understood. Meanwhile, Lady Wan sipped her tea, a cold smile playing on her lips. Families like the Fangs, though noble, prioritized a bride’s reputation above lineage. While Shuyan might have earned Lady Jiang’s favor, her name now featured prominently in a risqué song spreading throughout Jinling. Her reputation was tarnished, leaving marriage to the Wangs of Xuanchou as her only option.

Lady Wan and her daughter exchanged knowing looks, effectively slandering Shuyan. Even oblivious Song Mingzhen grasped their scheme, flushing with anger and itching to pummel Wang Xu.

Song Shuyan understood her stepmother and sister’s machinations. Jealousy indeed drove people to debase themselves. Noblewomen stooped to such underhanded tactics—how different were they from animals fighting over scraps?

“Lord Wang’s affection is overwhelming; I fear I cannot reciprocate…”

She raised her head, her tone and expression icy.

“As a man of noble birth, you should understand the value of a woman’s virtue. By embedding my name in a suggestive poem and spreading it widely, are you attempting to coerce the Songs into marriage through public pressure?”

Wang Xu was startled, unprepared for her to expose his ulterior motives so bluntly. Before he could respond, she turned to her sister, continuing, “Third Sister’s admiration puzzles me. Is it ignorance or intention? Coincidence seems unlikely given the circumstances.”

This was unusually direct for her. Accustomed to restraint, she now openly accused them. Song Shuqian was speechless, her face reddening like Wang Xu’s. Sensing disaster, Lady Wan intervened, glaring at Song Shuyan and chastising her harshly, “Fourth Daughter, you have a betrothal with the Wangs. Your sister merely expressed joy. Why are you so aggressive, disrespecting your elders? Have we taught you nothing about propriety?”

All eyes were on them. Song Shuyan knew silence was prudent, yet indignation burned fiercely within her. Perhaps Lady Jiang and others would disapprove, but she had endured enough slander.

“Betrothal?”

She smiled faintly, her words sharp.

“Mother should recall I grew up in Qiantang, away from parental guidance. Any betrothal requires my grandmother’s approval. I know Mother schemes for Third Sister’s future, but needlessly demeaning others harms more than helps. Overreach risks diminishing Third Sister in noble eyes.”

These words…

Not only rebutted Lady Wan’s accusations but exposed their scheming completely. Since becoming mistress, Lady Wan had ruled the household unopposed. Humiliated before the Fangs, she seethed. Meanwhile, Song Shuqian, publicly shamed before Yi Zhi, burst into angry tears. Lady Wan, enraged, slammed the table, wishing to tear Song Shuyan apart.

Amidst the chaos, another voice interrupted—a senior official announcing, “Madam Song, congratulations are in order today—”

They turned to see Jinling’s governor, Han Fangping. Realizing he had been waiting outside, perhaps aiding Wang Xu’s cause, he hastily greeted Fang Xianting, bowing deeply. “Your humble servant greets Lord Fang…”

This sudden intervention unsettled everyone, especially Wang Xu.

“Lord Fang”?

Only one man bore that title—the illustrious Fang Xianting. Pale-faced, Wang Xu knelt, realizing today’s debacle offended not just Shuyan but also the formidable Fangs. Trembling, he awaited Fang Xianting’s verdict.

“I’m still in mourning and haven’t returned to court. Governor, no need for such formality.”

His voice was chillingly detached, unlike his usual tone with the Songs. Han Fangping quaked, recalling their brief encounter years ago. Fang’s authority now was undeniable.

“Yes, yes…”

He stammered, cursing his oversight in missing Fang’s presence in Jinling, squandering an opportunity to curry favor.

Before he could dwell further, Fang continued, “Less than three months since the late emperor’s passing, the court has banned entertainment during mourning. Yet Jinling revels openly. Governor, how do you justify this?”

This…

Han Fangping wasn’t reckless. After the emperor’s death, he had enforced mourning laws strictly, though laxity crept in later. Even distant provinces likely flouted bans. Fang’s accusation targeted Wang Xu directly.

Realizing his misstep, Wang Xu panicked, kneeling and kowtowing frantically. “Please forgive me, Lord Fang! My actions today were unintentional. I vow to reform and uphold propriety henceforth!”

The thuds of his head against the floor echoed ominously. Lady Wan and her daughter exchanged glances, realizing the situation was irreparable. Fang Xianting remained impassive, then stated, “Governor of Xuanchou fails in disciplining his son, hinting at broader moral lapses. Jiangnan’s censors will investigate. No need to bow to me, Lord Wang.”

Pausing, his cold gaze turned to Lady Wan. His voice dropped further, each word deliberate. “I hold Master Song in high regard and won’t stand idly by. Rest assured, Fourth Sister’s virtue is precious and must not be sullied. This matter will conclude swiftly.”