#131: Stillness and Motion (2)

After court adjourned, Qi Ying immediately returned to the Privy Council.

In the past few days, preoccupied with the Spring Examination and recovering from his injuries, he had somewhat neglected the affairs under the Privy Council’s jurisdiction. Though there had been correspondence, he still felt uneasy about the situation.

Upon urgently summoning his subordinates, he learned that the situation in Gao Wei had changed again.

Previously, rebellions had erupted across the northern territories, prompting Emperor Gao Mian of Wei to dispatch the Gu family to suppress them. Young Master Gu Juhan, the only son of the Yan Duke, had swiftly captured several rebel leaders within a month, signaling that the rebellion might soon be quelled.

If the internal turmoil in Wei were resolved before launching their campaign, Liang would lose a critical force to counterbalance the Gu family. After much deliberation, Qi Ying decided to send Xu Zhengning personally, disguised, to secretly support several local rebel factions in Wei. Before the northern campaign commenced, it was imperative to prevent Gu Juhan from gaining the upper hand.

Xu Zhengning had always respected Qi Ying and immediately accepted the mission.

Disguised travel northward was no small matter, requiring detailed instructions. Knowing he wouldn’t be able to leave tonight, Qi Ying wrote a note to Shen Xiling before convening the meeting, informing her that he wouldn’t return to Fenghe Garden and not to wait for him. He handed the note to Qingzhu to deliver personally, then began a day of intense work.

Xu Zhengning was a reliable man with martial skills, making him the ideal candidate for this mission. Besides covertly inciting unrest in the north, Qi Ying also tasked him with investigating the border defenses.

Unlike the Military Department, the Privy Council didn’t directly involve itself in battlefield matters but oversaw everything else. The struggle between nations wasn’t confined to the battlefield; it extended into intangible realms—court intrigues, currency flow, cultural governance—all infinite aspects of statecraft.

Xu Zhengning knew his superior was astute, patient, decisive, preferring strategic planning over direct confrontation. Since taking charge of the Privy Council, Qi Ying had woven an intricate, invisible web. During normal times, others remained oblivious, but once activated, its presence became overwhelming and inescapable.

Now was the time to tighten that net.

Xu Zhengning met secretly with Qi Ying late into the night. Upon leaving the room, he noticed Qingzhu, his superior’s servant, waiting outside with a food box in hand.

Qingzhu greeted Xu Zhengning, then knocked and entered the room.

Seeing the food box, Qi Ying immediately recognized it as something Shen Xiling had sent. His expression softened unconsciously. Upon opening the lid, he saw today’s rare egg custard and found a note tucked at the bottom of the box.

He unfolded the note to find only two words:

“Cheater.”

It made him laugh at first sight.

He marveled at how this young girl could write characters so tenderly, each stroke seemingly designed to captivate. He had indeed promised her he’d return in the evening when he left that morning, and now he had broken that promise. He wondered what expression she wore when writing those two words—was it gentle and sweet or slightly reproachful?

Though he hadn’t seen her reaction, he knew... it must have been utterly endearing.

While Qi Ying busied himself arranging the northern campaign, Shen Xiling also resumed her activities.

She delved back into her business ventures, consulting Song Haotang about recent developments and personally reviewing the accounts of various shops. She also finally learned about Yang Dong’s death.

Hearing this news startled her, and she immediately asked Song Haotang how he died, fearing Qi Ying might have acted out of anger. Only upon learning that it was a verdict passed by the Court of Judicial Review did she feel slightly reassured.

She knew Qi Ying always protected her. Yang Dong’s previous actions were unforgivable, and Qi Ying must have been furious. It was impossible for him to let Yang Dong off easily.

Unaware that Yang Dong was her uncle, or that Qi Ying had killed him partly to conceal her identity, she was initially shocked and somewhat guilty, thinking his death was related to her. But then she reconsidered—what about Manager Feng and his innocent family? Yang Dong had committed numerous crimes over the years; repaying those victims was justified. Gradually, she came to terms with it.

Without guild constraints, Shen Xiling’s textile business in Jiankang flourished even more. Shopkeepers who had previously hesitated now approached her eagerly, vying to do business with her. Though naturally ungreedy and unwilling to monopolize, she remembered Qi Ying’s advice to act normally and avoid revealing any hints of their impending departure from Jiankang. Thus, she reluctantly accepted their requests and began expanding her business empire properly.

Initially agreeing half-heartedly, she soon became invigorated daily. Whether it was her natural inclination towards business or earning silver, her attendants teased her about being a money lover.

Shen Xiling felt a bit embarrassed but justified herself internally. Monetary wealth, though somewhat vulgar, was essential for basic needs. Moreover, when she and Qi Ying lived anonymously, she needed to earn well. Though she could endure poverty, someone of Qi Ying’s upbringing couldn’t possibly be accustomed to such a life.

She wouldn’t let him suffer.

With this resolve to support him, her enthusiasm for earning silver soared. She ventured beyond textiles and restaurants into other industries like clinics, pawnshops, medicinal herbs, and rice trade. While exploring, she carefully selected profitable yet inconspicuous businesses to prepare for their future life together.

Engrossed in these tasks, she temporarily distracted herself from missing Qi Ying. The days he couldn’t return to Fenghe Garden due to official duties no longer seemed unbearable.

Meanwhile, the Qi household had its own minor commotion, involving Qi Le.

Since failing the Spring Examination, Qi Le had been despondent, confining himself to his room. After a few days, he became frenzied and started frequenting the Zhao residence, pleading with his aunt and uncle for another chance.

His persistent presence at their gate likely drew too much attention, prompting the Zhao family to relent and let him in. Once inside, Qi Le seized the opportunity, imploring his aunt and uncle earnestly, oblivious to his aunt’s harsh words. His sole focus was on marrying Zhao Yao.

Though his devotion failed to move his mother-in-law, it deeply touched Zhao Yao.

Having grown up with Qi Le, their bond ran deep. Especially after Zhao Yao abandoned her impractical infatuation with his second brother, she increasingly appreciated Qi Le’s sincerity. Unlike his illustrious brother, Qi Le’s genuine affection for her moved her profoundly—despite her mother’s disapproval, he hadn’t given up.

This realization brought memories of Qi Le’s kindness flooding back—the crickets they’d battled, the restaurants he’d taken her to, the jokes he’d told. She concluded that Qi Le was wonderful, certainly better than marrying some strange man—even if those men had better prospects, most weren’t as handsome as Qi Le!

She refused to marry an unattractive man!

Thus, Zhao Yao’s feelings began shifting, causing further commotion at the Zhao residence. In the front hall, Qi Le pleaded earnestly, while in the back courtyard, Zhao Yao wept bitterly. They resembled star-crossed lovers forcibly separated, evoking more sympathy than theatrical performances, exasperating the Zhao elders. Even formidable Madam Zhao eventually relented after Zhao Yao’s two-day hunger strike, gradually softening her stance.

This was astonishingly good news for Qi Le!

He had never been interested in scholarly achievements or high-ranking positions, believing such ambitions were best left to his brothers. As a lesser-born son of a noble family, he thought being an ordinary dandy was perfectly fine. His earlier distress over failing wasn’t about his career but because he thought he’d lost Zhao Yao. Now seeing hope rekindled, he was overjoyed, forgetting all troubles and reveling daily.

His happiness made him forget his resentment towards his second brother and abandon his self-pity entirely, becoming carefree once more.

This behavior infuriated his third brother, Qi Ning.

Qi Ning, already emotionally dark due to his misfortunes, had expected Qi Le to empathize since they shared similar disappointments. Instead, this fool quickly forgot everything after receiving a glimmer of hope from the Zhao family!

Did he forget how their second brother hurt him and how their father was biased and heartless?

Even Zhao Yao’s current favor was merely due to lack of better options. If she could climb higher socially, would she remember Qi Le’s name?

Such spinelessness was maddening!

The angrier Qi Ning became, the lonelier he felt. He believed no one in the Qi family truly understood or cared for him. Everyone focused on their happiness, ignoring him completely.

Brooding over these emotions for days, he received an invitation from a friend for a casual gathering. Bored and aimless, Qi Ning decided to accept and leave the estate to clear his mind.

This friend was none other than Fu Ran, the illegitimate son of the Fu family, who had conversed with Qi Ning at the flower festival on Qingji Mountain three years ago.

Qi Ning originally had little to say to this Fu family illegitimate son. However, during the provincial examination a few years ago, their testing booths happened to be adjacent, fostering a sense of camaraderie through shared confinement. Over time, they became good friends.

Fu Ran, already slender three years ago, was now almost skeletal, with pale skin and a peculiar languid demeanor, still speaking with a slight upward tilt of his neck.

Qi Ning initially didn’t understand why Fu Ran was like this but later learned of his habit of consuming Five-Stone Powder. The Qi family’s strict morals meant its offspring never touched such substances. Shocked and repulsed upon first learning about Fu Ran’s habit, Qi Ning nearly severed ties. Seeing Qi Ning’s strong aversion, Fu Ran never used it in his presence thereafter.

However, sometimes it was irresistible. When Qi Ning arrived late at the private room of the restaurant, he caught Fu Ran using it. Though Fu Ran quickly hid it upon seeing him, Qi Ning noticed.

The room smelled acrid. Qi Ning frowned but said nothing, simply taking his seat.

After settling down, Fu Ran poured him tea. Qi Ning accepted it and casually asked, “Why are you using that stuff in broad daylight?”

#131: Stillness and Motion (Continued)

Fu Ran, seeing Qi Ning call him out, didn’t bother to hide it. He simply smiled openly and said lazily, “What’s the harm? After failing the Spring Examination, isn’t it only natural to seek some amusement? Jing’an is being far too harsh.”

Half-joking, he had touched a sore spot. At the mere mention of the Spring Examination, Qi Ning’s expression tightened once again, his mood darkening.

He glanced at Fu Ran sitting across from him and said, “I almost forgot—weren’t you taking the examination with my fourth brother this year? Did you fail as well?”

“Do you even need to ask?” Fu Ran gave a strange smile. “Your second brother’s hand was so ruthless, he didn’t hesitate to exclude even his own brother from the top tier. What hope could someone like me have?”

Qi Ning set down his teacup in silence.

Fu Ran glanced at him, then changed his tone and said with a chuckle, “But I must say, I truly admire your second brother—knowing something is impossible yet doing it anyway. Not everyone can achieve that.”

Qi Ning had come today already fuming. Now, barely seated for a moment, he’d heard Fu Ran mention his second brother twice, which naturally made him increasingly irritated and stirred up stronger resentment toward him.

His face darkened as he said to Fu Ran, “What’s there to admire? Do you think my second brother is some great man of righteousness? He’s nothing but a fame-seeker, untrustworthy and shameless. Let’s not talk about him.”

This statement was somewhat inappropriate.

Even if Qi Ning were furious, he wouldn’t normally speak so recklessly to others. But Fu Ran was different. He had long been criticizing his legitimate older brother in front of Qi Ning, making Qi Ning feel as though he had someone on his side. With that sense of security, Qi Ning spoke without restraint.

Fu Ran was indeed his confidant. Seeing Qi Ning’s displeasure, he immediately chimed in, saying, “Yes, yes, fame-seeking, fame-seeking. He sacrificed your family for his own reputation. I heard from my father that they’re planning a military campaign—it was your second brother’s idea, supposedly to cover up his mistakes in the Spring Examination. Truly remarkable—because of one person’s gains or losses, the entire nation must suffer. Wars are started just like that.”

These words fueled Qi Ning’s anger further. He finally felt he had found someone who understood—someone unafraid of his second brother’s power, unlike his spineless fourth brother. For the first time, he felt an incredible rapport with Fu Ran, more than with anyone else in his life!

Just then, the waiter brought in the wine and dishes. The two began drinking and talking freely, each venting their grievances about their respective brothers. Their conversation grew increasingly uninhibited, leaving Qi Ning feeling thoroughly satisfied.

However, this satisfaction was fleeting. Once it passed, confusion returned with a vengeance.

After all, what good did it do to curse his second brother with others? It was merely a momentary release. He was still no match for his second brother—he lacked his power, his family’s favor, and his effortless charm with women like Wenwen. All he could do was envy him while remaining utterly powerless.

What was he supposed to do after today? Study harder for a few more years and retake the provincial exam? What if he failed again? The imperial examinations were already incredibly difficult, and now, with his second brother’s actions, it would be even harder for aristocrats to enter officialdom. How could he possibly succeed? If he achieved nothing, what kind of wife could he marry? Would he end up like his fourth brother, groveling and crying outside someone’s door?

Never!

But what could he do moving forward…

Lost in these chaotic thoughts under the influence of alcohol, Qi Ning suddenly heard Fu Ran say, “Jing’an, there’s something… I’d like to ask your opinion on.”

Seeing Fu Ran’s hesitation, Qi Ning found it odd and said, “Why are you being so hesitant with me? Just say it—is there something you need help with?”

Fu Ran, having consumed Five-Stone Powder and alcohol, was radiating heat. He loosened his clothes and leaned back in his chair, looking particularly lazy and disheveled yet strangely carefree.

He raised his cup to Qi Ning and said, “No need for your help. I have a lucrative business proposition and wanted to see if you’d like to join me.”

Qi Ning was taken aback. “Business?”

Fu Ran drained his cup and laughed loudly. “Exactly, business! Commerce may be looked down upon by our families, but in the end, money is reliable. It buys comfort and pleasure—far better than staying cooped up reading those tedious books every day!”

These words struck a chord with Qi Ning, perfectly aligning with his thoughts!

He immediately felt a spark of excitement but still harbored some doubts. “What kind of business? …How much can we earn?”

Fu Ran, who had been lounging, now sat upright and leaned closer to Qi Ning, beckoning him over. Qi Ning moved closer, and Fu Ran whispered, “A guaranteed profit-making venture. If done well, within a year, we could make around…”

He stopped speaking and held up three fingers.

Qi Ning stared at his gesture and swallowed hard. “Three hundred taels?”

Fu Ran burst out laughing. “Ten times that.”

Th-three thousand taels?

Qi Ning was shocked!

What kind of business could yield such profits?

He feared it might involve murder or theft and didn’t dare trust it blindly. He immediately asked Fu Ran for details. Fu Ran’s usually lazy demeanor turned excited as he leaned in and asked softly, “Jing’an, what generates the most silver?”

Qi Ning frowned. Fu Ran answered himself: “Itself.”

Money generating money…

Qi Ning wasn’t sure. After a moment, he asked, “You mean… private loans?”

Fu Ran chuckled silently and nodded.

Qi Ning swallowed again. “What interest rate?”

Fu Ran held up four fingers.

“Four percent?” Qi Ning’s eyes widened. “Are you mad? That’s against the law!”

Private lending wasn’t new, especially during famines when wealthy families lent grain, earning ten thousand coins in interest per county—a hundredfold profit. However, when private lending became rampant, borrowers couldn’t repay, destabilizing society. Thus, Liang enacted laws: monthly interest was capped at three percent per tael, with no compound interest allowed.

Four percent far exceeded legal limits. If caught and reported, minor offenses resulted in flogging; larger sums meant execution!

Fu Ran, however, was unfazed. Mockingly, he said, “Jing’an, your family may have strict morals, but surely you’re not so naive?”

“The law?” Fu Ran laughed. “That’s just for commoners. Who are your father and brother? Would they let you suffer punishment? Besides, this business has existed for ages. Half your family probably engages in it—they just don’t tell you.”

Fu Ran’s casual mockery made Qi Ning flush with embarrassment and stubborn defiance. Collecting himself, he said, “I’m not afraid of trouble. But four percent is too high. Why would the poor borrow from you instead of those with lower rates? Even if they do, what if they can’t repay later? Wouldn’t that be wasted effort?”

Qi Ning wasn’t foolish—his questions hit the mark. But Fu Ran remained calm, answering confidently, “Lower rates? None exist. If they do, you can eliminate them easily—it’s just a matter of words.”

“As for repayment, it doesn’t matter. Before borrowing, they must mortgage their land. If they can’t repay, we take their land—a fine deal indeed.”

Qi Ning understood.

It was a ruthless scheme: first, violating the law by lending at exorbitant rates; then using coercion to prevent lower-rate lenders, forcing people to borrow from them. If borrowers defaulted, their land served as collateral—truly foolproof! Three thousand taels a year was an understatement!

Was this business lucrative? Of course! Qi Ning couldn’t deny being tempted. But as a member of the Qi family, though some relatives were reckless, his father and elder brother were upright men who wouldn’t allow such dealings. If anything went wrong…

Fu Ran noticed Qi Ning’s hesitation, his eyes gleaming. Leaning closer, he coaxed, “What are you afraid of? This is our family’s business. If you join, you’ll be under me. Any issues will be handled by our elders—you’ll just reap some small profits.”

Draining another cup, he said, “Jing’an, I consider you a close friend and see how miserable you’ve been. I genuinely want to help. If you refuse, I won’t push further. Forget I mentioned it.”

With that, his expression turned cold, tinged with displeasure and disdain, mocking Qi Ning’s timidity.

Qi Ning, unable to tolerate provocation, saw Fu Ran’s dismissive look and couldn’t bear it. Moreover, he now regarded Fu Ran as a rare confidant and didn’t want to lose this connection. Drunk and muddled, he steeled himself and said, “I’m not ungrateful—I just asked a few questions. Your concern means a lot to me. Let’s not dwell on it. Count me in—I’ll share whatever comes our way!”

Hearing this, Fu Ran’s expression brightened, easing Qi Ning’s tension. Fu Ran laughed loudly, “Excellent! But remember, I’m pulling you in to help you. There’s no storm for you to weather—just wait for overflowing profits!”

Qi Ning echoed his agreement but awkwardly admitted his limited funds due to strict parental control. Unsure how much capital was required for private lending, he hesitated.

His trusted friend immediately reassured him, “No problem. Since you’re new to this, it’s wise to start cautiously. A small trial run is fine—invest whatever you have, and I’ll cover the rest. No worries.”

This was perfect. Qi Ning felt even more grateful toward Fu Ran, admiring his generosity and reliability, offering countless thanks.

With the matter settled, both were elated. They drank heartily, continuing their meal until afternoon before parting ways.

After bidding farewell, the two young masters boarded their carriages and departed. But once Qi Ning’s carriage was out of sight, Fu Ran quietly returned to the restaurant. Climbing to the third floor, he entered the private room adjacent to where they had dined earlier.

Pushing open the door, the person inside was none other than… Fu Zhuo.

The legitimate son of the Fu family, and elder brother to Fu Rong and Fu Ran.

Fu Ran, who had just moments ago drunkenly cursed his elder siblings with Qi Ning, now completely transformed, bowing deeply to his older brother with utmost respect. “Elder Brother.”

Fu Zhuo, leisurely sipping tea, waved for his younger brother to sit. “Did you relay everything Sister taught you to Qi San?”

Fu Ran kept his head bowed. “Everything. His resentment toward his second brother runs deep, and his future prospects are bleak, just as Sister predicted. I barely said a few words, and he agreed to the lending scheme.”

Fu Zhuo smiled, seemingly satisfied, and nodded. “Good. Give him some initial benefits, but don’t rush.”

Fu Ran continued to bow his head respectfully. “Understood.”

Fu Zhuo set down his teacup, rose gracefully, and prepared to leave. Fu Ran followed behind, hesitating before calling out, “Elder Brother…”

Fu Zhuo turned back, understanding. He patted Fu Ran’s shoulder and said, “You’ve done well. I’ll mention it to Father and Mother. Auntie Ding will be proud of you too.”

Auntie Ding, concubine to Fu Bi and mother to Fu Zhuo.

Fu Ran trembled, his expression a mix of sorrow and joy. Coming to his senses, he bowed deeply again. “…Thank you, Elder Brother.”

Fu Zhuo smiled faintly, patting Fu Ran’s shoulder once more. His eyes held a hint of disdain and pity before he turned and left.