Chapter 102: New Year (4)

Therefore, a few days ago, Qi Zhang summoned his eldest son to the study and harshly reprimanded him, warning him not to bring up the matter in court again after the New Year. The reforms could continue as a formality, but all practical actions would cease.

Qi Yun naturally felt bitter about this. He thought his father was narrow-minded, as were the noble families, prioritizing mere wealth over the welfare of Jiangzuo’s millions or the stability of the Great Liang dynasty. This made him both angry and deeply disappointed. Even now, sitting in the living room, his anger lingered. Relatives, seeing his demeanor, avoided approaching him, leaving a wide empty space around him, making him appear even more isolated.

Qi Ying understood the situation and felt a myriad of emotions. He approached and sat beside his elder brother, pouring him a cup of tea, saying, “I understand your concerns, Brother, but tonight is New Year’s Eve with many people around. It’s best not to let others notice anything.”

When Qi Yun saw Qi Ying approach and noticed the understanding in his eyes, he felt somewhat relieved.

He knew that his second brother was one of the few officials in the court who genuinely supported abolishing the 班禄制 (official salary system). Unable to suppress his feelings, he accepted the tea Qi Ying poured for him and sighed, “I don’t want it to be like this either, but seeing the luxurious celebrations of the wealthy makes me imagine the plight of homeless commoners—Jingchen, Father scolds me for being impractical and foolish. Perhaps he’s right, but I... I just can’t bear to do nothing and let the suffering of Jiangzuo’s millions continue.”

Qi Ying gazed at the sorrowful expression in his elder brother’s eyes and remained silent.

Perhaps this was reality: despite the Qi family’s aspirations to govern the nation and bring peace, every attempt to implement these ideals encountered insurmountable obstacles. Not only could nothing be achieved, but their own kin would also oppose them fiercely.

The Great Liang was like a magnificent golden pavilion, with every joint intricately connected to powerful families. No matter how much maneuvering one did, it couldn’t be moved an inch.

It would remain this way until it eventually collapsed, rotted, and was destroyed.

As Qi Ying pondered silently, he heard Qi Yun say, “If only there were more officials from humble backgrounds, if only they had a voice, this matter wouldn’t have ended like this…”

He didn’t finish, ending with a deep sigh.

Qi Ying listened, his beautiful phoenix eyes lowering, continuing his silence. Soon, he heard the growing noise from the hall, signaling that Grandmother had arrived. He turned to Qi Yun and said, “Let’s go over first; Grandmother has arrived.”

Qi Yun sighed, nodded at Qi Ying, and the two brothers rose together, walking towards the deeper part of the living room.

Grandmother Qi was still energetic and lively. After the New Year’s Eve dinner and before the night vigil, she sat in the living room chatting with her children and grandchildren.

The Qi family was vast, with numerous descendants. Many officials stationed outside Jiankang returned home during festivals to meet relatives, each bringing their children and grandchildren, creating a bustling, lively scene that delighted the elderly matriarch.

The younger generation took turns offering auspicious greetings to Grandmother Qi. However, none of these descendants brought her as much joy as her accomplished second grandson.

She invited Qi Ying to sit beside her, happily conversing with him and praising him to the rest of the family, saying, “Nowadays, Jingchen’s career is flourishing the most. He is successful and our pride in the Qi family.”

Qi Ying humbly downplayed the praise, but Grandmother laughed and said, “Don’t be too modest. Good is good, and everyone says so. My grandson is the best, incomparable!”

Hearing this, those present echoed in agreement, each praising the young Privy Councillor. Grandmother Qi smiled happily and told the other descendants, “You must learn from your second brother, study hard, take the imperial exams early, and achieve high positions and prosperity in the court to honor our family name.”

The younger ones promised eagerly, while their parents gathered around Qi Ying, subtly or explicitly requesting his support for their children in the upcoming spring examinations. The atmosphere was filled with fervent networking. Grandmother Qi added her support, smiling at her second grandson, “After all, we are all of the same clan. Jingchen, remember not to disappoint your uncles and cousins. Help them where you can, alright?”

Qi Ying glanced at the relatives surrounding him and then subtly looked at his eldest brother standing apart.

Behind him stood a jade Buddha statue, reminding him of scenes from Qixia Temple.

Qi Ying quietly withdrew his gaze, turned to Grandmother, and replied, “I will remember, Grandmother.”

Hearing this, Grandmother Qi was delighted, and the entire Qi family was jubilant, praising Qi Ying’s abilities and generosity. Each child thanked him, making this New Year’s Eve exceptionally harmonious and lively.

After the children went out to set off firecrackers, it was time for the night vigil.

Although Grandmother Qi was still energetic, her age prevented her from staying up late. In recent years, she had gradually stopped accompanying her descendants through the night. Thus, this year, only the younger generation stayed in the main hall for the vigil.

It was during this time that Qi Ning approached his second brother to discuss his marriage.

At that moment, his second brother was quietly talking with their eldest brother. Upon noticing Qi Ning approach, he paused the conversation, turned to him, and asked, “What is it?”

Qi Ning felt an inexplicable nervousness. He pursed his lips, mentally encouraged himself, and then whispered, “Second Brother, I… I have something to discuss with you.”

His second brother raised an eyebrow, looked at him, paused, and asked, “Shall we talk here or go outside?”

Qi Ning looked at the crowded relatives in the main hall, then at his father and mother seated at the head, swallowed, and hesitantly replied, “Let’s… go outside.”

His second brother nodded, then turned to say a few words to their eldest brother, who gave Qi Ning a somewhat surprised glance and nodded back.

His second brother then stood up, leaned down, and said, “Come with me.”

Qi Ning’s heart began racing faster. He quickly responded and followed his second brother out of the main hall.

Outside, it was the depth of winter, bitterly cold without snow.

The outdoor scenery was bleak, but Qi Ning’s heart was ablaze. Instead of shivering, he felt warm, even breaking into a sweat on his forehead.

His second brother likely noticed his unusual state, frowned, and asked, “Jing’an, what’s wrong?”

Seeing his second brother frown, Qi Ning became even more nervous.

He had always been somewhat afraid of his second brother. Although his eldest brother disciplined him more when he was young, he strangely feared his second brother more. Now, this fear intensified. He realized his second brother’s slight frown exerted immense pressure, making it difficult for him to speak.

Perhaps his nervousness was too obvious, prompting his second brother to soften his expression slightly, becoming gentler, and saying, “It’s fine, speak.”

Seeing his second brother’s frown ease, some of the invisible pressure dissipated, calming Qi Ning slightly. Determined, he blurted out, “Second Brother, I… I want to discuss my marriage with you…”

This statement surprised his second brother, raising an eyebrow. He probably expected his younger brother to seek help for some trouble, not to discuss marriage.

Such matters were usually discussed with parents or the eldest brother, not the second brother. Naturally, Qi Ying was surprised, asking, “Your marriage?”

Qi Ning’s heart pounded wildly as he nodded under his second brother’s gaze, swallowing nervously before saying, “I’ve been thinking that Wenwen is about to come of age and will soon marry. We studied together as children and know each other well. Moreover, I… I liked her very much back then. Now, we seem compatible. If you agree, I would… I would marry her as my wife…”

He rushed through his words, eyes closed, waiting anxiously for his second brother’s response. However, he waited in vain for quite a while.

Unable to bear the silence, Qi Ning glanced at his second brother, only to see a very complex expression on his face.

He found it hard to describe the look—it was something he had never seen on his second brother’s face.

His second brother had always been calm and composed, appearing aloof and stern to him and Qi Le. But now, he seemed somewhat stunned, and…

Qi Ning couldn’t articulate it, only sensing a change in his second brother’s demeanor. This sudden shift in atmosphere made him apprehensive.

Under such pressure, Qi Ning wanted to retreat. However, he felt frustrated—he lacked the status of a legitimate son, had no scholarly achievements, and now even his less-accomplished fourth brother was getting married, leaving him alone, unable to rise.

Unwilling to accept this, he gathered courage and persisted, saying, “Second Brother, Wenwen is gentle and weak. If she marries an outsider, she might be bullied. She has no maternal family to support her; if she suffers, who will stand up for her? But if she marries me, it’ll be different. I promise to cherish her, have only her in my life, treat her kindly day and night, and ensure she never feels wronged! Even if I make mistakes, I’ll be under your watchful eye. When Mother and you reprimand me, I’ll listen. Isn’t this better than strangers?”

He spoke passionately, but his second brother remained silent.

The silence of someone in power was terrifying. Moreover, his second brother’s eyes held a coldness Qi Ning had never seen, causing his heart to tremble.

Qi Ning lowered his head, thinking, “It’s over.”

Perhaps he had been too simplistic. Maybe his second brother and Wenwen already had something going on. Perhaps Sister Fu’s advice was wrong. He had been rash in speaking to his second brother. What if his second brother became angry?

While he panicked, he suddenly heard his second brother ask, “Have you spoken to Wenwen about this?”

Qi Ning was startled, then quickly regained his composure. Reflecting on his second brother’s words, he sensed… there might be hope!

Overjoyed, he immediately perked up, replying hastily, “I haven’t spoken to her yet. I thought this matter required your approval first. If you agree, I’ll then talk to Wenwen…”

This was an implicit flattery, though his second brother was accustomed to receiving such praise. Qi Ning wasn’t sure if his words had any effect. He saw his second brother’s expressionless face, glance at him, nod, and say, “Let’s discuss this after her coming-of-age ceremony.”

Hearing this, Qi Ning understood his second brother’s partial agreement! Even if not fully agreeing, there was potential! This was excellent news!

Overjoyed, Qi Ning nodded repeatedly, saying, “Yes, yes, whatever you say, Second Brother, I’ll follow…”

Meanwhile, the main house was bustling with activity, whereas Fengheyuan was much quieter.

Though quiet, it wasn’t desolate. Shui Pei, Feng Chang, Zi Jun, Liu Zi, and others were with Shen Xiling. Additionally, an energetic little snowball entertained everyone, making the celebration lively.

They enjoyed a sumptuous New Year’s Eve dinner together, then went out to set off fireworks. Shen Xiling was generous, giving everyone a large red envelope. Each person received it joyfully, showering their mistress with auspicious words.

Shen Xiling smiled warmly, but her attendants knew her heart wasn’t truly happy.

Although Master Qi hadn’t been at the residence during previous New Year’s Eves, this year Miss Shen felt particularly lonely. They hadn’t met for a long time before the New Year, nearly two months. Moreover, the letters she sent to the main house went unanswered.

This was unprecedented.

Miss Shen, who had always been so attached to Master Qi, suddenly faced such neglect. Naturally, she couldn’t be happy. Her forced cheerfulness during this New Year’s Eve was merely for the sake of her servants.

She didn’t want them to worry.

Shui Pei and the others had served Shen Xiling for quite some time, becoming familiar with her nature. Knowing she was someone who kept her troubles to herself, they noticed her unhappiness tonight and didn’t insist she stay up for the vigil. Especially Shui Pei, being the most considerate, advised her to rest early, letting them handle the vigil instead.

Indeed, Shen Xiling wasn’t in the mood to stay up. Accepting Shui Pei’s kindness, she took Snowflake back to her room, where the maids helped her wash and retire.

However, lying on her bed, she couldn’t fall asleep for a long time, constantly thinking of Qi Ying, wondering what he was doing at that moment.

She tried recalling the appearance of the main house three years ago, remembering every blade of grass, tree, flower, and leaf, and every pavilion, terrace, and eave. She couldn’t help imagining where he was in that mansion now, what he had for dinner tonight, the color of the light under his lamp, and who was by his side. The more she thought, the more sleep evaded her, and her longing for him grew stronger.

She missed him so much.

So, so much.

Unable to sleep, she got up to play with Snowflake, who was still energetic. It contentedly wriggled on the bed as she gently stroked its belly.

After playing with it for a while until it fell asleep, she got out of bed, rummaged through a chest, and retrieved a small box. Returning to bed, she opened it carefully, revealing the little grasshopper and rabbit he had given her three years ago.

She stared at these two small grass-woven toys, recalling the night he gave them to her, the rainy night he returned from Nanling to Jiankang, his gentle words, and the embrace filled with the scent of sweet pine.

Her longing intensified.

With her delicate white fingers, she gently touched the antennae of the grasshopper and the ears of the rabbit, allowing her thoughts of him to run wild. Amidst her longing, a faint sense of grievance (grievance) surfaced from the depths of her heart.

She didn’t know what had happened to him, why he hadn’t come to see her.

Big Brother Bai said he was busy, but even in the busiest times, he always found time to visit her. Yet this year, without any warfare, he hadn’t returned.

Sensitive and knowing him well, she understood that something must have occurred.

Something related to her had happened somewhere, without her knowledge, and he chose not to tell her.

She felt powerless.

Since growing up, she rarely felt this helpless. Yet now, this feeling resurfaced.

She should remain calm, try to think things through. But anything concerning him easily threw her into disarray, undoing three years of hard-earned growth.

Shen Xiling sighed, lost in thought while gazing at the small box, finally making a decision deep into the night.

If he wouldn’t come to see her, she would take the initiative to find him. Whatever had happened, they needed to meet to clarify things.

She wouldn’t allow him to distance himself from her without explanation.

Absolutely not.