Chapter 100: New Year (2)

The resting place of Shen Xiling’s parents was in the secluded little courtyard where she and her mother had once lived. Though it was easy to reach, Qi Ying, ever cautious, worried that frequent visits might draw unwanted attention. If someone were to uncover her identity as Shen Qian’s orphaned daughter, complications would inevitably arise.

Understanding the risks involved, Shen Xiling visited only twice a year—once during the Qingming Festival for ancestral rites and again in the twelfth lunar month on her parents’ memorial day. In previous years, Qi Ying had always accompanied her. Though he never entered the courtyard, he waited outside, a gesture that always warmed her heart.

This year, however, he wasn’t there. Only Bai Song came.

Shen Xiling had expected to see Qi Ying today. After waiting for some time at the base of Qingji Mountain, she saw only Bai Song return alone.

Her disappointment was palpable, but she still clung to hope, asking, “Bai Ge, where is Master?”

Bai Song, as expressionless as ever, replied flatly, “Master is still at the main household.”

Shen Xiling pursed her lips and nodded. After a moment’s thought, she cautiously asked, “Has he been… very busy lately?”

Bai Song fell silent briefly.

Of course, the master was always busy, year-round without respite. But in his view, it wasn’t so busy that he couldn’t spare time to visit her. Thus, he hesitated over how to answer.

He decided against telling the truth; otherwise, this young girl would surely be heartbroken.

With that in mind, Bai Song continued in his usual stoic tone, “Mm, busy.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Xiling felt a mix of relief and concern. Her brows furrowed as she asked, “Oh, I see… What is Master busy with? Has something significant happened?”

This year, peace reigned between the north and south—what major event could possibly occur? Bai Song struggled to fabricate a plausible lie and eventually settled on, “I don’t know, just busy.”

After all, the matters the master handled were confidential, even those close to him weren’t privy to everything.

Shen Xiling nodded, then lowered her head slightly and asked softly, “Today I sent a letter to Master. Does Bai Ge know if he has read it?”

Bai Song, recalling what Qingzhu had told him earlier—that the master hadn’t even glanced at the letter upon receiving it—knew that revealing this would only deepen her sorrow. He couldn’t handle such emotional trouble.

Thus, he simply said, “I don’t know.”

Shen Xiling responded with a note of disappointment, her furrowed brows remaining. Seeing this, Bai Song grew concerned that further questioning might expose the truth. He quickly interjected, “It’s getting late. Let’s go.”

Snapping out of her thoughts, Shen Xiling nodded in agreement.

Visiting her parents’ graves was a private affair, so she always went alone. She didn’t bring anyone—not Shui Pei, Feng Chang, Zi Jun, or Liu Zi—only Bai Song accompanied her.

Just like three years ago, when Bai Song had helped her bury her mother.

The small courtyard remained as she remembered it, though since her last visit six months prior, dust had settled inside from lack of habitation. The place felt deserted and dilapidated. Two graves nestled side by side, surrounded by neglected bamboo that had grown wild. Fortunately, most of the bamboo still thrived, even showing signs of unchecked growth, appearing chaotic and untamed.

Bai Song stood guard outside the courtyard, vigilantly scanning the surroundings while Shen Xiling entered alone to pay her respects.

These biannual reunions with her parents were deeply cherished by Shen Xiling.

She watched the joss paper burn in the bronze basin and gazed at the unmarked gravestones before her parents’ resting place. Her heart emptied, filled simultaneously with sadness and warmth.

This little courtyard often appeared in her midnight reveries, grander in her dreams with towering gates. Yet each time she visited now, it seemed smaller—a peculiar sensation.

Her parents’ faces and voices grew increasingly distant, as if they had truly departed far away, yet sometimes felt as though they were still beside her yesterday.

Kneeling before the graves across the burning basin, she began sharing her recent life with them.

She spoke of her business, her studies, and… that person.

In daily life, she had no one to confide in. Her secret joys and sorrows were locked within her heart. Only here, before her parents, did she feel grounded enough to share everything.

She adored him so much.

Telling her parents about him brought an undeniable sweetness. She recounted the day he fed her crab and their autumn outing. Every glance and word from him lingered in her memory, compelling her to tell her parents.

How she wished they could meet him, though she knew it was impossible.

She was both joyful and sorrowful.

Father, Mother, your daughter is doing well now. You need not worry about me.

I am truly fine, having grown up properly. I’ve also found someone I like, though I’m unsure of his feelings. He is aloof and difficult to understand.

But he treats me kindly. Aside from you both, no one has ever treated me so well.

Please bless him with eternal peace and prosperity, and bless me…

…to be forever with him.

When Bai Song escorted Shen Xiling back to Fengheyuan and returned to the main household, it was nearly midnight. Yet the master was still seated in his study, not yet resting.

Qingzhu greeted him immediately, saying, “You’re finally back. Master has been waiting for your report—go in and update him.”

Bai Song glanced at the candlelight flickering from the study and ascended the steps, calling out, “Master.”

A voice promptly came from within, “Enter.”

Bai Song pushed open the door.

Inside, Qi Ying sat behind his desk, reading late into the night.

In recent years, whenever he stayed up late, it was invariably to review official documents. Tonight, despite the late hour, he held a book instead. Clearly, he wasn’t suddenly inspired to read—it was merely to await Bai Song’s report.

True enough, as soon as Bai Song entered, the master asked, “Did you escort her back safely?”

Bai Song bowed respectfully and replied, “Yes, she’s back and all is well.”

Qi Ying nodded, his gaze still fixed on the book in hand, casually asking, “How was she today?”

Bai Song looked up at him, paused briefly, then answered, “Fine.”

“Fine” was an inadequate word, implying things weren’t actually good. Hearing this, Qi Ying set aside the book, his brows slightly furrowing as he asked, “What happened?”

Bai Song lowered his head again and reported truthfully, “She inquired about you and seemed somewhat disheartened.”

Bai Song, a martial retainer unskilled in eloquence, spoke bluntly. “Disheartened” wasn’t accurate—Shen Xiling wasn’t merely unhappy but rather melancholic and desolate. His phrasing failed to capture her emotions.

Qi Ying showed no reaction, whether he discerned the inadequacy of Bai Song’s words was unclear. After a glance at his expression, Bai Song added, “She also asked when you would return.”

In truth, Shen Xiling hadn’t asked this today—it was Bai Song’s fabrication.

He was helping her again.

Not for any other reason, but the scene of escorting her to her parents’ graves today evoked memories of snowy nights three years ago. He recalled her as a half-grown child, stirring some emotion within him.

Hearing this, Qi Ying fell silent for a while, saying nothing. Eventually, he waved his hand dismissively, signaling for Bai Song to leave.

Understanding he couldn’t say more, Bai Song bowed slightly and turned to exit.

As he closed the door behind him, he glanced back at the still-burning lamp inside. Like Qingzhu, a strange feeling crept into his heart.

The master’s attitude toward that young girl had indeed changed.

By the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth lunar month, officials were granted a seven-day leave to prepare for the New Year.

From this day until New Year’s Eve, visitors arriving at the Qi household occupied a middle ground—not distant enough to visit earlier in the month nor close enough to come on New Year’s Day itself.

The Zhao family fell into this category.

Three years ago, Zhao Run had yet to be transferred back to Jiankang. His wife and daughter returned first, staying at the Qi household for the New Year because their own residence hadn’t been prepared. Since then, however, they hadn’t enjoyed such hospitality and could only visit before New Year’s Eve to maintain ties with the influential Qis.

Naturally, Miss Zhao Yao accompanied her parents.

Over the past three years, she had matured considerably. Blessed with bright eyes, white teeth, almond-shaped eyes, and an elegant nose since childhood, she had blossomed into a radiant beauty. A year older than Shen Xiling, she had undergone her coming-of-age ceremony last year and was now of marriageable age.

Upon their arrival, the happiest among the Qis was undoubtedly Qi Le.

Ever devoted, he had harbored feelings for his “Yao-er Sister” since childhood and remained steadfast. Now, he eagerly pursued her, determined to marry her.

Initially, the Zhaos deemed Qi Le, a concubine-born son, unworthy. However, Zhao Run’s fourth-rank position left them unable to aspire higher, making Qi Le a suitable candidate.

Though a concubine-born son, Qi Le was still a Qi, preparing for the spring examinations. If he passed and became a jinshi, his prospects would be limitless. With his father as the Left Chancellor and two elder brothers holding second-rank positions, surely they wouldn’t neglect him?

Weighing these factors, the Zhaos found the match increasingly acceptable, silently approving.

Zhao Yao herself was fairly content with the arrangement.

Once infatuated with Second Brother Qi, she now understood such dreams were futile. Lowering her expectations, she considered those around her.

Though Fourth Brother wasn’t of the highest birth, he wasn’t lacking either. The Qis were handsome, and Qi Le, familiar since childhood, was sincere and devoted. She felt no resistance, and mutual affection had developed.

That day, after her parents paid respects to the Qi elders, she followed suit. Soon, Qi Le heard of their arrival and hurried from his study.

Madam Zhao, pragmatic, noted the situation and tacitly allowed her daughter a private moment with Qi Le. With her mother’s nod, Zhao Yao, cheeks flushed, strolled with Qi Le in the garden.

Claiming a stroll, these youngsters inevitably sought intimacy.

Behind a rockery, they secretly held hands. Qi Le, gazing at his blushing Yao-er, felt elated. He said, “Yao-er, you’ve finally come! You’ve kept me waiting!”

Zhao Yao, firmly held by him, blushed fiercely, chiding, “Even if I’ve come, we’ll part soon after meeting.”

Seeing her pout, Qi Le hastened to soothe her, “Wait a little longer. Once I pass the spring examinations, I’ll propose to your family. Then, marrying you, we can be together every day!”

His words, though simple, were heartfelt and won her smile.

Face flushed, Zhao Yao playfully scolded, “Who agreed to marry you? Shameless!”

Qi Le, knowing her words were teasing, grinned foolishly, delighted. However, noticing her worried expression, he heard her say, “Will you pass this year? Mother said she won’t allow me to marry unless you have credentials…”

Qi Le nodded earnestly, replying, “Auntie is right—it should be so. Don’t worry, Yao-er. I’ve been studying diligently. This time, I’ll definitely pass and won’t let you down!”