Chapter 87: Signs (2)

Over nearly three years by Qi Ying’s side, Shen Xiling had gained some understanding of the affairs of noble families.

Among the three prominent surnames, the Qi family held the highest prestige, followed by the Han family, and then the Fu family.

The Qi clan alone, under the leadership of Qi Zhang, boasted three officials of the second rank or higher. Every major administrative affair in Jiangnan passed through the hands of the Qi family members, truly wielding immense power. The Han family was also prestigious; General Han Shouye still commanded significant military authority, enjoying high esteem in the army. Especially since Crown Prince Xiao Ziteng shared half of the Han bloodline, should he ascend to the throne, the Han family’s influence would rise even further.

The Fu family lagged behind, somewhat awkwardly.

Though Fu Bi, the head of the family, served as the Right Chancellor, historically in Jiangnan the right was subordinate to the left. Court officials respected Qi Zhang more than him, making his position seem less substantial. Moreover, the Fu family had declined; the older generation with military experience had either died or aged, and military power tilted towards the Han family, rendering the Fu clan increasingly insignificant.

However, people often say a sinking ship still has three thousand nails. Though the Fu family had fallen from its former glory, it remained one of the most prominent households in Jiangnan. Because they couldn’t compete with the other two families politically or militarily, they focused heavily on commerce, surpassing both the Qi and Han families in business acumen.

Shen Xiling had heard of Fu Hong early on. He was Fu Bi’s third uncle, and thus the younger brother of Madam Qi, now around sixty years old. In his youth, like his sister, he was known for his ruthless tactics, and he backed the Weaving Guild.

While Shen Xiling pondered, she heard Manager Feng continue, “Exactly, one of the three great families! In Jiangnan, the word of the nobility is law. Who dares to say no when they demand their share? Justice? Justice is nonsense! Not worth a single copper coin in their eyes!”

Angry and frustrated, tears streamed down his face again. He lamented, “For years we endured, thinking that once the Shen family fell, those oppressive days would finally end. But now, with the Shen family gone, the Fu family comes! When will this torment end?”

Manager Feng’s eyes were bloodshot, while Shen Xiling… was momentarily stunned.

Shen.

…She hadn’t heard that name in many years.

Since being saved by Qi Ying three years ago, others called her “Miss Fang,” and he affectionately called her “Wenwen.” No one mentioned her true name—it was a secret, a taboo.

Her father had always been distant. There was hardly any tangible proof of their blood connection. She never had a clear or profound understanding of her origins. She was simply Shen Xiling, daughter of her parents, unconnected to the once-prosperous Shen family that had collapsed spectacularly.

She felt nothing for that family. Hearing others talk about it was like listening to stories unrelated to her. Yet, sometimes it wasn’t entirely so—after all, the master of that family had been her father.

Her father was a gentle and virtuous man, fond of poetry and Buddhist scriptures. He wasn’t extravagant, enjoyed cooking for her and her mother, and even made toys for her when she was young.

He wasn’t greedy or overbearing.

But now she heard Manager Feng mention the Shen family, his hatred and disgust undeniable. He had truly suffered oppression and felt utterly helpless.

Shen Xiling couldn’t describe her feelings at that moment. Suddenly, Manager Feng’s eyes gleamed with fervor. He grabbed her hand, startling her.

Naturally protective, Shui Pei, Feng Chang, and Liu Zi quickly pulled Manager Feng away. Shui Pei scolded, “Manager Feng, speak your mind properly. Such inappropriate behavior won’t be tolerated. How dare you offend our Miss!”

Manager Feng meant no harm. Upon hearing this, he knelt abruptly, apologizing profusely to Shen Xiling. He said, “Miss Fang, my shop is insignificant. Today’s destruction by the guild was merely to set an example. Their target isn’t me but Miss Fang. If you ignore this matter, the guild will surely provoke trouble with other shops under your protection. This ordeal will never end.”

“We are all from humble backgrounds. How can we contend with noble families?” Tears streaming down his face, Manager Feng gazed at Shen Xiling with fervor. “But Miss Fang is different! You have backing and can fight them! Please, Miss, pity us and seek justice for us!”

With that, he suddenly kowtowed to Shen Xiling!

Though only fourteen, Shen Xiling was faced with a man over forty performing such a grand gesture. Naturally, she dared not accept it. She and Liu Zi hurried to help him up, consoling him, “Manager Feng, please don’t do this. It is my duty to handle this matter, and I will do my utmost—though I have no backing, I believe in justice and conscience.”

This was true.

Though the fabric shop was a gift from Qi Ying, he had never interfered in its management over the years. Shen Xiling encountered numerous obstacles but chose not to rely too much on him, never seeking his help.

This situation was no different.

Since it was her own matter, she saw no reason to delegate—especially not to him.

Unexpectedly, as soon as she finished speaking, Manager Feng revealed a subtle expression, looking at Shen Xiling and saying, “Why hide it, Miss? If you had no one to protect you, how could you have started this white cotton business out of thin air? The guild is omnipotent; how could they allow someone to grow powerful right under their noses?”

A midnight bell, a sudden awakening.

Once again, Shen Xiling was left speechless.

That night, Qi Ying returned to Fenghe Garden for dinner.

In previous years, the intense warfare between the north and south kept the Secretariat officials extremely busy, especially Qi Ying, who often stayed overnight at the office. Even when he returned to Fenghe Garden, it was usually late at night.

However, now both countries were exhausted from war and began recuperating, allowing a rare period of peace. Thus, he could finally relax a bit and return home to dine with Shen Xiling.

Yet tonight, the young girl seemed somewhat distracted and showed little appetite. She already ate sparingly, but tonight she barely touched her food, merely holding her chopsticks for appearance’s sake due to his presence, though she didn’t eat a single bite.

Qi Ying watched her poke around her dishes with her chopsticks, then set his own down, looked up at her, and asked, “Something on your mind?”

He had always understood her well, able to discern her thoughts even when she tried to conceal them. Tonight, with her mind too cluttered to mask anything, he saw through her instantly.

Shen Xiling knew she couldn’t hide anything from him, so she didn’t deny it. She glanced at him, then lowered her gaze, nodded slightly, appearing somewhat weary.

Qi Ying chuckled and picked up his chopsticks again, saying, “Finish eating first. Tell me what’s on your mind afterward.”

Shen Xiling pursed her lips, stole another glance at him, and softly said, gripping her chopsticks, “Today… I’m not very hungry. Can I skip dinner?”

Her tone was pitiful, her eyes pleading slightly, her brows furrowed, soft and beautiful, making her charming mole particularly endearing. Anyone who saw her would soften, agreeing to whatever she said.

Unfortunately, the person she appealed to was Qi Ying.

“No,” he rejected her without hesitation, his expression stern. “Eat properly.”

Seeing his brows beginning to furrow, Shen Xiling felt a bit apprehensive. She pursed her lips and slowly started eating.

He was always like this—sometimes appearing gentle and accommodating, favoring and caring for her in many matters, yet unbending on certain issues, insisting she comply. Shen Xiling had no doubt that if she didn’t start eating properly, he would sternly reprimand her, just like when she was a child.

Not wanting to be scolded, she forced herself to eat a bit more.

Seeing the girl finally pick up her chopsticks, albeit reluctantly and slowly, Qi Ying felt somewhat satisfied. Her constitution was weak, and now she was entirely consumed by her business, mentally and physically exhausting herself. Lately, he noticed she had grown thinner. Moreover, she often neglected meals unless he was present, eating only a bite or two before setting her chopsticks aside.

Petulant tantrums wouldn’t work; there was no room for negotiation on such matters.

After dinner, Qi Ying entered the Forgetfulness Room to handle official duties.

Not long after sitting behind the desk, he heard some movement at the door. Looking up, he saw Shen Xiling push the door open a crack, standing outside without entering, watching him.

The young girl stood behind the door, not pouting, but he immediately knew she was sulking and waiting for him to pacify her.

Qi Ying couldn’t help but smile.

Though Shen Xiling’s nature hadn’t changed much from childhood, subtle differences were noticeable, especially when she was alone with him. For instance, she wouldn’t throw tantrums like this when she was younger; mostly, she obediently listened to him, exceptionally well-behaved. Now, having grown up, she occasionally threw fits, perhaps learning from her pet Xuétuán—the little creature got upset if denied a ball, fish, or belly rubs, but easily soothed afterward, endearing itself to her.

She was becoming more like it.

Actually, Qi Ying rather liked these changes in Shen Xiling, especially her liveliness and openness, unlike her reserved self in childhood. He enjoyed pacifying her. Seeing the girl hesitating at his door, he set down his pen, smiling faintly, and offered her a way out, saying, “Looking for a book? Come in.”

This cleverly offered escape route was irresistible to Shen Xiling. After lingering at the door for a moment, she stepped inside.

Entering, she didn’t speak to Qi Ying or sit down, instead walking to the bookshelf, not picking up any books, just standing awkwardly, her eyes fixed straight on Qi Ying.

Just like a sulking little cat.

Author’s Note: Shen Wenwen: I don’t want to eat (poking with chopsticks) Gu Juhang: …Alright, no forcing.

Qi Jingchen: What are you thinking? Hurry up.

(Forcibly mentioning a scene from Volume 1 Chapter 3 to support male lead #2 from being forgotten)