Chapter 101: New Year (3)

Zhao Yao took one look and noticed that her fourth brother had indeed lost quite a bit of weight recently. His eyes were shadowed with dark circles, clearly indicating sleepless nights. This made her heart swell with both happiness and concern. After gazing at him for a while, she finally said, “Don’t overwork yourself too much, be careful not to harm your health...”

Qi Le gave a hearty laugh, taking his little sister’s hand, which instantly banished any trace of fatigue. He replied, “No worries, no worries. My second brother has been pulling all-nighters like this for ages and he’s fine. Compared to him, I’m just starting. No worries at all!”

At the mention of Qi Ying, Zhao Yao felt an unfamiliar sensation in her heart.

It wasn’t that she still harbored any special feelings for her second brother; rather, he had been a childhood dream for her. Hearing him mentioned now stirred some nostalgia within her.

Qi Le was aware that his younger sister Zhao Yao once had feelings for his second brother. However, he didn’t dwell on it much. First, he considered those feelings as mere childish infatuation, not to be taken seriously. Secondly, he was self-aware enough to know that he wasn’t quite worthy of Zhao Yao. The fact that she, who once liked his second brother, was now willing to give him a chance filled him with joy. How could he possibly harbor any resentment?

Realizing that mentioning his second brother might have been inappropriate, Qi Le was about to say something to make up for it when Zhao Yao asked, “Father mentioned that my second brother is the chief examiner for this year’s spring imperial examinations. Will he help you?”

Seeing that his beloved younger sister still cared about his examination results instead of constantly thinking about his second brother made Qi Le feel elated. With great enthusiasm, he replied, “My second brother is fair. He likely won’t help me cheat. But as long as I prepare well, I can pass on my own. Don’t worry, sister. I won’t keep you waiting for long!”

His words were powerful and moving, leaving Zhao Yao deeply touched. The young couple lingered affectionately until they reluctantly parted ways.

The Qi family was generally aware of the relationship between Qi Le and Zhao Yao, but the person most informed was Qi Ning.

Qi Le shared the closest bond with his third brother, Qi Ning, since they were similar in age and had studied together since childhood. Qi Le confided in Qi Ning about his feelings for Zhao Yao, expressing the joy and excitement of falling in love.

While Qi Ning was genuinely happy for his fourth brother’s happiness, he couldn’t help but feel a tinge of loneliness for himself. Their eldest brother was already married, and it was only a matter of time before their second brother tied the knot with Princess Liu. Now that Qi Le was also set to marry Zhao Yao, Qi Ning was the only one among the brothers whose marriage remained unresolved.

Qi Ning had ambitions and didn’t want to settle for just anyone. However, his situation was more challenging than Qi Le’s. Being a concubine-born son without scholarly achievements made it harder for him to find a suitable wife.

Qi Ning couldn’t help but feel frustrated and disheartened.

Coincidentally, during a recent polo match, his cousin Fu Rong had inquired about his marital status. Upon learning of his troubles, she offered him some advice.

At that time, Princess Liu had been injured, and the second brother accompanied her to rest. With one less female participant, Fu Rong decided to step down from the game. To balance the teams, Qi Ning also withdrew. As the game resumed, he and his cousin chatted by the sidelines.

His cousin smiled and said, “In my opinion, Jing’an, you’re being foolish. A wonderful marriage is right in front of you, and you can’t see it?”

Qi Ning was initially confused and replied with a bitter smile, “Cousin, don’t tease me. Someone as unworthy as me can’t possibly hope for a good match...”

“How can you say that?” Fu Rong glanced at him with a smile. “Isn’t Miss Fang about to come of age?”

Qi Ning was taken aback.

Wenwen?

Fu Rong noticed his surprise and chuckled, saying, “Back when we used to study together, I thought you liked her very much. Have your feelings changed after all these years?”

Over the past three years, Qi Ning had rarely seen Wenwen. He would only catch glimpses of her when visiting his second brother at Fengheyuan or during the annual flower festival when they exchanged brief greetings.

Wenwen had been breathtakingly beautiful as a child, and she had grown into a mesmerizing beauty. Several times, Qi Ning found himself blushing upon seeing her, and even after parting, he couldn’t forget her for a long time.

Such a beautiful Wenwen… of course, he wanted to marry her.

But…

“But,” Qi Ning lowered his head, his tone subdued, “Between Wenwen and my second brother…”

Rumors claimed that she was his second brother’s kept woman. Though he didn’t fully believe it, the fact remained that they had spent three whole years together day and night. Who could guarantee there was nothing between them? Even if there wasn’t, Wenwen was someone his second brother personally raised. Would his second brother allow him to marry her?

Qi Ning didn’t think he stood a chance.

Fu Rong sensed his discouragement and glanced at Xiao Ziyu and Qi Ying sitting side by side under the pavilion. Her gaze deepened before turning back to Qi Ning. She said, “Your second brother is upright and would never act recklessly as the rumors suggest. You needn’t worry too much. Miss Fang will eventually marry, whether it’s to you or someone else. If your second brother truly cares for her, he’ll ensure she marries someone familiar to avoid being mistreated by outsiders.”

Cousin Fu was always gentle and reasonable in her speech. After a few words, Qi Ning began to feel hopeful again.

Indeed, Wenwen would eventually marry. Wouldn’t it be better if she married him instead of someone else? Keep it in the family.

Still wavering, he heard his cousin add, “Moreover, she was personally raised by your second brother and is the orphaned daughter of his benefactor. Naturally, he wants her to live a good life in the future. For her sake, your second brother will surely support you in your official career. Isn’t this a win-win situation?”

Her words struck a chord with Qi Ning.

Absolutely! Marrying Wenwen would mean gaining a stunningly beautiful wife and receiving his second brother’s support in both the examination hall and the court. It was indeed a perfect solution!

He was greatly invigorated and planted this idea in his mind. In the days leading up to the New Year, he became increasingly convinced of its feasibility. However, he lacked the courage to broach the topic with his second brother. Seeing his fourth brother and Zhao Yao so sweetly in love made him yearn for a similar relationship with Wenwen. The more he thought about it, the more his heart raced.

After much restraint, Qi Ning finally mustered the courage to speak to his second brother on New Year’s Eve.

On New Year’s Eve, the family gathered as they did every year, with fireworks lighting up the sky, showcasing the splendor and prosperity of the Jiangzuo’s premier family.

The household had grown with more children. Hui’er was now five years old, and other uncles and aunts had also added grandchildren to the family. During the New Year celebrations, the children played together, creating a lively atmosphere.

Hui’er had grown more talkative and lively. On this New Year’s Eve, she went around the living room wishing elders well and collecting red envelopes. Her father usually doted on her, keeping her close at all times. However, due to his recent mood, he had neglected her care. Today, Han Ruohui had been looking after her.

As Qi Ying entered the living room through the screen, he spotted his eldest brother sitting alone in the corner, sipping tea with a distant expression, out of place amidst the festive cheer.

Qi Ying knew his elder brother was troubled by the reform issue.

Recently, unrest had erupted in various counties, though suppressed by the Privy Council, it remained a latent threat, constantly reminding the court of the urgency of reform.

The responsibility for reforms lay primarily with the Ministry of Ceremonies. After drafting proposals, they would be deliberated by officials and approved by the Emperor before nationwide implementation. Qi Yun, as the Vice Minister of the Ministry, naturally bore the responsibility for reform policies. He advocated abolishing the official salary system, but faced significant opposition in court.

The official salary system was a tax system where households paid additional silk and grain to fund official salaries, adding to the burden of farmers already taxed heavily for military needs. Qi Yun proposed abolishing this system and reducing agricultural taxes to prevent farmers from selling their land and becoming displaced. Displacement would not only hinder tax collection but also potentially incite rebellion, harming both the nation and its people.

This proposal had been ongoing since Qi Yun joined the Ministry, reignited by recent unrest. Despite multiple submissions, it hadn’t passed yet.

Officials understood the necessity of this national policy and acknowledged Qi Yun’s reasoning. However, resistance arose due to vested interests of noble families. Reducing agricultural taxes and rechecking household registers would expose fake registrations used by wealthy families to evade taxes, significantly cutting their illicit gains.

How could they tolerate that!

Panicked, officials opposed Qi Yun en masse. Despite repeated attempts, the Ministry’s directives couldn’t progress, with Chancellery and Office of the Gatekeepers officials stalling. In the last court session before the holiday, officials fiercely debated with Qi Yun in front of the Emperor, practically ganging up on him. Although Qi Yun held the moral high ground, he was outnumbered and left humiliated.

Not everyone opposed Qi Yun; many officials of humble origins supported the proposal. However, their low ranks rendered their voices insignificant, ignored by the majority.

Complicating matters further was the lack of consensus within the Ministry itself.

Most officials within the Ministry hailed from noble families, including the Minister, a relative of the Fu family. How could they sincerely support abolishing the salary system and reducing taxes? Only out of respect for the Left Chancellor did they reluctantly push the proposal forward, leaving the dirty work to Chancellery and Gatekeeper officials.

During that court session, Qi Ying watched helplessly as his elder brother was surrounded and attacked by officials. Though sympathetic, as the head of the Privy Council, he had no authority to interfere in Ministry affairs.

He had to consider the family’s reputation. Intervening forcefully might brand the Qi family as overbearing and autocratic.

Thus, Qi Yun ended up isolated and defeated. The Emperor postponed the discussion on abolishing the salary system until after the New Year.

Qi Ying knew his elder brother was deeply upset, but he also understood that his cold demeanor on New Year’s Eve stemmed from their father’s stance on the issue.

Their father opposed it.

As the patriarch of Jiangzuo’s premier family and a leader among noble families, he understood that implementing the abolition would harm countless influential families. While the Qi family, with its vast wealth and deep roots, didn’t need to exploit farmers for profit, other families might not share the same scruples.

If implemented, the nation and common people would benefit, but what about noble families? Despite their strength, the Qi family couldn’t oppose all noble families. Why insist on pursuing this idealistic path at the expense of the family’s interests?