HMHSE - 68

Aside from that one letter from Shan Zong, for a long time afterward, no other letters were delivered to the Duke of Zhao’s mansion.

So long that almost two months had passed.

Shen Rong sat in the Pei family’s garden, listening to Zirui quietly reporting what she had recently learned: “I heard that Hedong is still not open.”

“Mm,” she gently responded. After being back for so long, the reorganization of Hedong hadn’t yet concluded. She surmised that the mining and smelting in the mountains should have already yielded some results.

She could only wonder about the specifics. Now, Chang’an and Youzhou seemed to be completely isolated from each other.

As for what was written in Shan Zong’s letter, she still hadn’t figured it out.

She also felt that, given that man’s arrogant demeanor, it was highly probable he had been direct with her mother.

As soon as she thought of this, her heart would inevitably race. She gently pressed her hand to her chest, only then able to continue sitting as if nothing were amiss.

At the other end of the garden, two Pei family cousins approached from a distance, waving at her. “A-Rong, come into the hall quickly! The ‘Burning Tail Feast’ is about to begin.”

Hearing this, Shen Rong rose and walked over.

After Pei Shaoyong successfully passed the imperial examination, he had been busy with affairs related to thanking those who helped him and settling into his new office. It wasn’t until today that the Pei family found time to host a grand banquet for their guests.

Taking up a new official post was commonly seen in the market as akin to a fish leaping over the dragon gate, where it gains celestial fire to burn away its tail and ascend to the heavenly gate. The banquet held to entertain guests was thus named the “Burning Tail Feast.”

She had been invited to attend the feast today.

The banquet hall was already filled with guests.

Shen Rong was seated among the relatives, surrounded by her Pei family cousins. Opposite her was the small table of her cousin, Changsun Lan.

Eldest Cousin Pei Yuanling hadn’t arrived yet; only Changsun Lan sat alone. The two sisters hadn’t seen each other in a long time. However, they weren’t seated close, so she could only give Shen Rong a gentle smile.

Platters of delicacies were continuously brought to the individual tables before each guest.

Amidst the cheerful voices and laughter, Pei Shaoyong, adorned in brocade robes and a jade crown, entered, surrounded by several people, immediately drawing cheers and applause from everyone.

This was the usual lively scene. The more cheers and applause, the more it signified congratulations. Shen Rong, accustomed to it, only glanced at them twice.

Pei Shaoyong’s smile was uncontrollable. He pushed aside the few people who were teasing him and walked straight to Shen Rong, sizing her up.

Today, for the banquet, Shen Rong had specially adorned herself. Her brows were painted, her lips reddened. Hairpins, like wings, were nestled in her high-coiled, cloud-like black hair. Dressed in a strapless ruqun, she was indescribably captivating just sitting there.

He unconsciously looked again and again. “A-Rong, you should congratulate me too.”

Shen Rong then looked up and smiled at him. “Then I wish Second Cousin continuous promotions.”

Pei Shaoyong’s smile deepened until he was playfully dragged away by those teasing him again, and invited to the head seat.

The Pei family elders were hosting government officials in the main hall. He had just returned from toasting there. This hall was entirely for peers and relatives. As the guest of honor today, he naturally sat in the top seat.

Pei Shaoyong sat down at the head and still didn’t forget to glance at Shen Rong before remembering to invite everyone to begin the feast.

Amidst the clinking of glasses, Pei Yuanling walked in, dressed in a glossy silk round-collared robe. As he entered, he smiled and exchanged congratulations with everyone.

Passing by Shen Rong’s table, he paused and smiled meaningfully. “A-Rong came early today. You should have walked more on the street before coming.”

Shen Rong couldn’t help but find it amusing. “Where did Eldest Cousin come from? You clearly arrived late yourself, yet you’re saying I came early.”

Pei Yuanling laughed. “Just busy with something.” He smiled as he walked to Changsun Lan’s side and sat down.

Shen Rong felt he was somewhat teasing her. She glanced at him again. Changsun Lan was shaking her head helplessly at him, softly chiding him for being late, as if she had no control over him.

Pei Yuanling merely smiled, quietly comforting her with a few words.

Shen Rong saw this and, for no reason, thought that although Eldest Cousin was reliable in front of elders, he was sometimes quite unrestrained in his actions. No wonder he was an old acquaintance of that man; that man was clearly even more uninhibited and reckless.

At this thought, her heart paused. She lowered her head and picked up her chopsticks to get some food, thinking, Why am I thinking of him again for no reason? She deliberately tried not to think about him.

Halfway through the banquet, a servant bowed and entered from outside, delivering a hot-stamped booklet with both hands to the head table. He announced loudly, “Please, Second Young Master, select the dishes for the ‘Upper Burning Tail’ feast.”

The hall immediately fell silent.

Shen Rong also glanced upwards.

Pei Shaoyong had been appointed as a Imperial Palace Secretary by the new emperor this time, meaning he could now enter and exit the palace to draft documents and offer strategies for the new emperor. This was an excellent start, akin to a rapid rise in status.

For someone like him, when holding a Burning Tail Feast, a table of dishes also had to be offered to the imperial palace to thank the Saint.

The menu for thanking the Saint naturally had to be meticulously chosen, and a booklet detailing it had to be prepared for the palace’s review and comparison.

Normally, this would be handled by the new official’s wife. Since Pei Shaoyong was not yet married, it was naturally up to him to decide personally.

Pei Shaoyong took the booklet but didn’t open it. He looked down at Shen Rong, a shy smile appearing on his face. He held the booklet, then looked around, especially glancing at Pei Yuanling, then turned back to Shen Rong, saying cautiously, “Or... perhaps A-Rong could decide it for me?”

Shen Rong had just set down her chopsticks. Hearing this, she was momentarily stunned and looked up.

Pei Shaoyong had already handed the booklet to the servant, who brought it over.

The hot-stamped, gold-edged booklet was presented before her, and all the relatives in the hall coincidentally looked over.

Shen Rong looked at it impassively for a moment, then turned her gaze to Pei Shaoyong above her, and suddenly smiled faintly. “Second Cousin knows I’m not good at these things. You’re deliberately trying to trick me.”

Pei Shaoyong paused. “No...”

“I underestimated Second Cousin. You’ve only just passed the exams and you’re already putting on airs. It’s bad enough you want to make me look foolish in front of everyone, but you also want me to make a fool of myself in front of the Saint.” Shen Rong interrupted him, stood up with a cold expression, “It seems I’ll have to go tell Aunt about this.”

Pei Shaoyong watched her walk out without further explanation, almost going after her. Seeing that the crowd was still watching, he forcibly sat back down.

With a hearty laugh, Pei Yuanling raised his wine cup and said, “I told you not to tease A-Rong, but you wouldn’t listen. How is she easy to bully? You deserve to be complained about. Just wait for Mother to scold you!”

The originally surprised onlookers immediately burst into laughter.

Changsun Lan was watching the doorway where Shen Rong had exited. Only now did she understand, and she smiled demurely. “I’ll help Second Brother decide it.”

The booklet was handed to her, and that was that.

Pei Yuanling covered for his brother, then looked up, frowning slightly.

Pei Shaoyong saw his expression, his eyes flickered, and he also frowned, glancing towards the doorway. He wondered if Shen Rong had understood his meaning.

Shen Rong walked all the way out of the Pei family’s main gate before stopping. She looked back and lightly pursed her lips.

Pei Shaoyong had grown up with her and was always gentle to everyone. Although he frequented the Changsun family the most and was closer to them, he had never made any improper moves. What was he doing this time?

To give her something that should have been decided by his future wife was completely indefensible.

“Young Mistress, are you leaving the banquet already?” Zirui had been waiting at the doorway since Shen Rong took her seat. Seeing her suddenly come out, she quickly went to meet her.

The Duke and Lady of Zhao were also invited guests today and were currently in the Pei family’s main hall. Zirui hadn’t expected her to leave so quickly.

Shen Rong hurried towards the carriage. “I’m going back now.”

She would rather have misunderstood what happened at the banquet earlier.

The sky wasn’t completely dark yet. The setting sun was low in the west, and Chang’an’s main street was still bustling with people.

As the carriage drove down the street, Shen Rong absentmindedly looked out the window. Rows of shops receded, and pedestrians passed by in twos and threes, children with braided hair chasing each other.

She thought over the events at the banquet again, still finding them strange. One hand reached out to part the thin gauze on the window.

Out of the corner of her eye, several figures on horseback suddenly flashed by. Her hand paused. “Stop!”

The carriage stopped. Donglai, who was outside, asked, “Young Mistress, what is your command?”

Shen Rong lifted the carriage curtain and looked out, but saw nothing. She slowly sat back. “Nothing.”

Just now, she had clearly seen several soldiers in armor. That kind of black leather soft armor was only found in the Youzhou military compound.

She thought she might have seen wrong.

The carriage continued forward for a short distance, then stopped again.

Donglai, who was guarding outside, said, “Young Mistress, someone has stopped the carriage and wishes to see you.”

Shen Rong leaned forward slightly, parted the carriage curtain, and saw a female figure beside the guard. Her hair was styled in a slanted bun, and she wore a colorful silk robe. Her delicate eyes looked into the carriage, and she smiled as she curtsied to Shen Rong. “We said we’d meet again in Chang’an another day, and here I am seeing you today, noble lady.”

It was Du Xinnu.

Shen Rong looked at her. “What a coincidence. It’s as if you were waiting for me.”

Du Xinnu smiled. “Nothing can be hidden from the noble lady. Actually, it was Young Master Pei who asked this humble servant to wait here for you. I thought I’d have to wait until evening, but I didn’t expect to see you so soon.”

That was only because she had left the Pei family early. Shen Rong asked, “What is it?”

Earlier at the banquet, she had heard her Eldest Cousin tease her, saying she should walk more on the street. Was he referring to this?

Du Xinnu covered her mouth and laughed. “Please come with me, noble lady, and you’ll know.”

Shen Rong thought for a moment. “Then get in the carriage and lead the way.”

Du Xinnu said “If I may be so bold,” then lifted her robe and boarded the carriage, inviting Shen Rong to accompany her.

It wasn’t far, still within the same district as the Pei family’s residence.

The carriage turned into a secluded courtyard. Du Xinnu got out first, saying, “We’re here. This is this humble servant’s residence.”

Shen Rong took Zirui’s hand and got out of the carriage, following Du Xinnu into the courtyard. As she entered, she could already faintly hear the sound of a konghou. She couldn’t help but glance at Du Xinnu.

Du Xinnu cleverly noticed. As she led the way, she smiled and said, “Noble lady, please don’t misunderstand. In the past, this humble servant entertained many distinguished guests with her skills from the Music Bureau. Young Master Pei was one of them, recognized from banquets. But now, this place only teaches skills; I no longer make a living that way.”

“Mm,” Shen Rong followed her to a room. “Why exactly did you ask me to come here?”

Du Xinnu raised her hand, inviting her in. “Noble lady, please come in and wait a moment.”

Shen Rong glanced inside, gestured for Donglai and Zirui to wait at the door, then lifted her robe and entered.

The room retained the furnishings from when distinguished guests were entertained with music and enjoyment: small tables, with drapes hanging all around.

She walked inside. Just as she lifted a drape with one hand, she suddenly felt a presence behind her. She immediately turned, and a hand already reached out, gripping her wrist and gently pulling.

Shen Rong was startled. As she lunged towards the figure, her other hand pushed out, pressing through the drape onto the man’s solid chest. She was momentarily stunned. Then, her waist was pulled, and she was embraced tightly, completely falling into the other’s arms.

A low chuckle came from above her head. “It’s me.”

The obstructing drape was pushed aside by a hand, revealing the man’s handsome face.

Shan Zong was staring at her.

Shen Rong looked at him in disbelief. Perhaps it was because she had been startled just now, but her heart was still pounding. “You actually came?”

Shan Zong’s voice was low. “Could it be false?”

Shen Rong observed him. He was still wearing his usual black Hu-style robe, looking the same as when they parted in Youzhou.

Without any warning, he had simply appeared.

“How did you come?”

A smile tugged at his lips. “I told you there would always be a way.”

Shen Rong immediately remembered the soldiers she had seen on the street; it hadn’t been a mistake after all.

Presumably, her Eldest Cousin had known all along, which was why he had spoken to her that way.

She shifted slightly, only then realizing she was still firmly held in his embrace. She said softly, “Are you going to keep talking like this?”

Shan Zong released her. “I was afraid you’d cry out just now. Donglai is still outside. Why are you panicking?”

Shen Rong raised an eyebrow. “What if I really did cry out?”

He smiled, lifted her chin, and brushed his thumb over her lips. “Then I would just have to shut your mouth.”

Shen Rong’s lips instantly felt warm, but her face still defiantly stared at him.

Shan Zong’s thumb rubbed off some of her lip rouge from her lips. He looked at the hairpins on her head, her exquisitely made-up face, those eyes challenging him. He lowered his head. “Dressed like this, where did you go?”

Shen Rong remembered what happened at the banquet earlier and didn’t really want to mention it. Touching his nose, entwining with his breath, she steadied herself and said, “Nowhere.”