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There was a hint of playful threat in his words, yet they overflowed with endless affection for her, making Shen Xiling giggle uncontrollably.
She had been somewhat lost in the lingering passion from earlier, but his teasing dissipated much of it, and she quickly returned to her usual self. However, Grand Tutor Qi was not so easily calmed. Even after some time, he still felt the lingering effects of desire. To give himself space, he suggested that Shen Xiling rest while he took a walk in the garden alone.
This only made Shen Xiling chuckle softly as she recalled how, early in her pregnancy, he often did this. Whenever they indulged in intimacy before bed, he would retreat to the garden for a stroll, returning only after a long while, his clothes cool from the night air.
Perhaps she still had a conscience, after all.
Shen Xiling pursed her lips and reached out to him, clinging tenderly. “Don’t go, alright? This is Master Wang’s estate—it’s not as convenient as home… Let’s just sleep. I won’t bother you anymore.”
Indeed, having traveled far from Jiankang, they were invited to stay overnight. However, there were many other distinguished guests tonight, making movement less convenient.
But if he stayed, he knew he would toss and turn all night, unable to find rest. “It’s better if I go out for a bit. You sleep first—don’t wait for me.”
Hearing this, Shen Xiling felt both amused and a pang of pity, leaving her exasperated yet fond.
Outside, the moonlight bathed everything in a soft glow.
This was someone else’s residence, so Qi Yin didn’t venture far. Fortunately, the Wang family had assigned them quarters near the rear garden, which offered some privacy.
The garden was spacious, and in the quiet night, the waves of passion stirred by his little wife gradually subsided.
Whenever he thought of her, Qi Yin’s expression softened considerably. Her unexpected tenderness tonight had particularly moved him, and even now, his heart still fluttered.
He truly loved her deeply.
Without realizing it, a gentle smile spread across Qi Yin’s face. He settled into an octagonal pavilion, intending to wait a while longer before returning to her.
In the past, these solitary moments under the moonlit sky had been his most cherished. But now, for reasons unclear, he felt a tinge of loneliness. Could it be that he had grown accustomed to her presence, making solitude less appealing?
Before he could delve deeper into this thought, an uninvited guest interrupted his peace.
“Forgive me for disturbing you, esteemed sir,” came a voice.
The word “disturbing” was somewhat exaggerated, as Qi Yin hadn’t noticed anyone nearby until she spoke. Turning, he saw a young woman, about fifteen or sixteen years old. He didn’t scrutinize her features closely, but noticed a red mole between her brows, reminiscent of his Wenwen.
He furrowed his brow slightly.
Her name was Zheng Qingqing. Though not entirely unfamiliar, she was the younger cousin of Zheng Xi, who had been named Bangyan in the 17th year of Qinghua.
To elaborate on this, years ago, when Qi Yin was known as the “Second Young Master Qi,” the title of Zhuangyuan carried immense prestige. Thus, Zheng Xi, honored as Bangyan , basked in glory for a time. As a scholar from humble origins, he attracted significant attention, with many noble families eager to recruit him as a son-in-law.
However, his triumphant days were short-lived. In the first year of Jiahe, the Qi family fell from power, and those who entered officialdom alongside Zheng Xi faced repeated setbacks. Zhang Deci, the Tanhua , even lost his life defending the reforms championed by the Qi family.
Zheng Xi was no fool. Seeing Qi Yin struggling, he quickly sought ways to distance himself. Lacking Zhang Deci’s sense of justice or the resilience to endure the harsh political climate, he soon aligned himself with the Fu family, becoming a trusted aide to their eldest son, Fu Zhuo.
For Zheng Xi, lofty ideals like fairness and governance were mere fantasies. The world was cruel and pragmatic. Only by leaning on powerful patrons could someone like him, who had nothing, secure his position.
Under Fu Zhuo, Zheng Xi enjoyed a few stable years. However, the Fu family was different from Qi Yin—they were ruthless and suspicious, exhausting Zheng Xi despite ensuring his safety.
And worse still, the Fu family eventually fell from power too!
He never expected the seemingly dormant Grand Tutor to strike so decisively. In silence, Qi Yin orchestrated their downfall. The entire Fu family was purged—some executed, others exiled or imprisoned. Other noble families were stripped of power, while commoners, once thought incapable of rising, ascended rapidly. Li Wei, who had passed the imperial exams the same year as Zheng Xi, was now Vice Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
Though Qi Yin’s actions weren’t directly aimed at Zheng Xi, and he hadn’t committed any crimes, Zheng Xi was merely transferred to the Hanlin Academy as a compiler. Yet, he remained unsatisfied, unwilling to accept mediocrity.
He was determined to make a comeback! If Li Wei could rise, why couldn’t he?
Thus, after the chaos of Xiaoshan, Zheng Xi began plotting his resurgence. During a trip to the countryside, he discovered his younger cousin, Zheng Qingqing.
She bore a striking resemblance to the Grand Tutor’s wife!
In today’s Great Liang, who didn’t know that Qi Yin had married a widow from the North? Yet, he had embraced her without hesitation, even making her his legitimate wife. Still, no man, no matter how broad-minded, could truly overlook his wife’s past, could he? Passion might mask such concerns temporarily, but what about when feelings cooled?
Zheng Qingqing was different. She was pure and innocent. If she entered the political arena, wouldn’t the Grand Tutor naturally favor Zheng Xi?
Zheng Xi’s calculations were shrewd, and when approached, Zheng Qingqing eagerly agreed.
The Grand Tutor’s elegance captivated her. A single raised brow sent others trembling, yet his gentle care for his wife left her breathless.
What made that woman so special? Was it merely her beauty? Zheng Qingqing believed herself no less charming, younger and untainted. Surely, if the Grand Tutor met her, he’d recognize her worth, and everything would fall into place.
Thrilled, she waited anxiously for her opportunity. When her cousin summoned her, saying she could meet the Grand Tutor, she was overjoyed. With meticulous preparation, she ensured her appearance surpassed her usual charm, bolstering her confidence as she sought him out.
The night was bathed in beautiful moonlight, accentuating her ethereal grace. Yet, after her respectful greeting, the Grand Tutor remained silent, neither speaking nor inviting her to rise. Confused, she hesitated until his soft sigh broke the silence.
“It’s fine. Rise,” he said indifferently.
Though spoken lightly, his words stirred Zheng Qingqing’s heart.
She felt dizzy, his deep, melodious voice reverberating in her ears, intensifying her excitement. Rising, she remained somewhat dazed.
She vaguely saw the Grand Tutor glance at her—his gaze distant yet compelling, drawing countless admirers hoping to leave an impression.
Her heart raced wildly.
At that moment, she heard him ask, “Are you a daughter of the Wang family?”
He was speaking to her again.
Zheng Qingqing’s heart soared, her fingers trembling. Struggling to compose herself, she replied, “I am from the Zheng family. My name is Qingqing.”
“The Zheng family?” The Grand Tutor raised an eyebrow, struggling to recall.
Desperate to connect with him, she added, “My elder cousin, Zheng Xi, was personally chosen by you as Bangyan .”
This clarification seemed precise, though honestly, Qi Yin still struggled to remember.
Zheng Xi’s position was relatively low, and over the years, Qi Yin hadn’t personally overseen all his students. Most were initially screened by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, then reviewed by Han Feichi and Li Wei, with Qi Yin only occasionally intervening.
Still, Qi Yin’s memory was formidable. After a moment’s reflection, he recalled Zheng Xi and his subsequent misfortunes. Observing the young woman before him, he understood the motives behind this encounter.
The red mole on her brow inexplicably irritated him. After a pause, he told her, “Ask your cousin to come see me.”
Zheng Qingqing was taken aback. “What?”
The Grand Tutor no longer looked at her, his expression growing colder. “If he seeks something, I’ll give him an answer.”
By the time Zheng Xi, sweating profusely, followed his cousin to the pavilion to meet Qi Yin, he was already drenched. Unlike years ago when he first arrived in Jiankang, he immediately collapsed onto his knees before Qi Yin, trembling. “Student Zheng Xi... pays respects to my teacher.”
His cousin, Zheng Qingqing, trailed behind, expecting a warm reunion given their teacher-student bond. Perhaps the Grand Tutor would even invite them closer.
The garden was silent, devoid of even insect sounds in late autumn. The Grand Tutor’s voice cut through the stillness. “We are not lord and subject. Such formalities are unnecessary—rise.”
Though reasonable, Zheng Xi didn’t comply.
Instead of standing, he kowtowed twice, his forehead hitting the ground with resounding thuds. Through gritted teeth, he declared, “Student is foolish and weak, failing to aid my teacher in times of peril. Seduced by treachery, I neglected the state—I am filled with shame!”
His voice trembled, tears streaming down his face. “Teacher entrusted me with great hopes and responsibilities, yet I betrayed you and the people. Please punish me!”
With each word, he kowtowed again, blood staining the pavilion floor.
But Qi Yin was no longer moved by such displays.
Looking down at Zheng Xi kneeling before him, he recalled taking these newly minted scholars to Yi Pavilion years ago. Back then, untainted by politics, they spoke freely, full of youthful ambition. Those dreams, however, had long since evaporated.
Perhaps this was the nature of worldly affairs.
After a brief silence, Qi Yin finally spoke. His tone was calm, reminiscent of years past. “You’ve misunderstood. I bear no grudge. Move forward—you’re no longer trapped.”
The night grew colder.
“As for the future,” his voice grew softer, “the nation is rebuilding, and capable individuals are needed. Your talents may not align with my methods, but there’s ample room elsewhere. Rest assured.”
His words, though seemingly simple, carried weight, leaving Zheng Xi drenched in cold sweat. He bowed his head lower, unable to utter another word.
He sensed... his career was over.
What could he do now? Should he beg for mercy or simply give up? He knew he wasn’t inferior to Li Wei or Zhang Deci, even surpassing many newly promoted officials. He had merely taken the wrong path.
...A single misstep.
By then, the Grand Tutor had risen and turned to leave, offering no further chance for explanation.
Zheng Qingqing hadn’t anticipated this. Searching his cold eyes for warmth, she hastily raised her head to call him back. Just then, he paused, turning to look at her.
Startled, she froze.
“Such behavior may suit Miss Zheng poorly. Avoid it henceforth,” he advised.
A thousand miles apart.
Different from him and her.
Despite Qi Yin’s cautious steps upon returning, the sleeping figure on the bed stirred slightly as he approached.
She shifted lazily, her eyes too heavy to open. Perhaps sensing his familiar scent of sweet pine, she murmured groggily, “Did you return?”
She appeared to sleep soundly, snug beneath the covers, her lovely face tinged with a soft blush. The warmth reassured him.
His mood lightened somewhat.
He softly acknowledged her, carefully settling beside her in bed.
Clingy one.
Unconsciously, he smiled, whispering soothingly into her ear, “Sleep now.”
She must have been extremely tired, for she mumbled faintly in response before drifting off again, her breathing steady and peaceful.
He closed his eyes.
The moon hung silently in the vast night sky.
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