CHAPTER 31
In the Xia Marquis Mansion in the middle of the night, Su Qian'an was playing two roles in the house for Xia Chu.
It turned out that in the afternoon, Du Ming, the second son of the Prime Minister's Mansion, found out that Qiu Zhiting had gone to see Bingwen. He took some people to Bingwen and asked them about the details of their meeting.
Bingwen didn't panic at all when he saw Du Ming coming over with someone. On the contrary, there was a cold air about him, completely different from his long-standing scholarly elegance, humility, and courtesy. He looked at Du Ming as if he were a poisonous snake spitting out venom—it was very scary.
Xia Chu smiled when she heard this and asked, "And then?"
Bingwen asked who was coming, whether he had an official position, who sent him, and whether he had documentation. That Du Ming was stunned by Bingwen; he had probably never seen anyone be so rude to him. Gritting his teeth, he said that he was the son of Prime Minister Du Cheng and that he was ordered by Prime Minister Du to inquire.
Bingwen didn't even smile—just showed contempt. Xia Chu was reassured.
Su Qian'an nodded in amazement and imitated Bingwen: "Yes, Bingwen just smiled like that." Then he replied, "It turns out to be Prime Minister Du Cheng questioning. I am just a scholar who came to the capital for the Spring Examination. I arrived early and usually made a few pleasant friends here to discuss poetry and literature. The person Du Cheng is asking about, I’ve only met a few times. It was merely casual encounters."
"Bingwen is talking nonsense, one line after another." Xia Chu smiled and said, "Du Ming must have gotten angry after hearing that."
Su Qian'an had a strange feeling that the Young Master was at the scene at that time...
Then Du Ming snorted and said that Bingwen had a clever mouth. He wanted to take him back to the Prime Minister's Mansion to see if he would still be so hard-mouthed. After Su Qian'an finished speaking, he straightened his waist, beat his left chest with his right hand, and raised his head proudly, saying: "Then I stepped in according to your instructions and took out the Marquis Mansion token you gave me. I told him that this place belongs to the Young Master. If he wants to take someone away from this establishment, he should speak to you."
"Well done." Xia Chu nodded, praised him, and then asked, "Did Du Ming leave?"
"No, but he was much more polite and courteous. He even asked whether Gongzi Bingwen would be interested in discussing poetry together."
"This Du Ming is really boring." Xia Chu didn’t need to think to know that he must have been rejected.
Bingwen held his poise, looked Du Ming up and down, and sneered in the end: "I don’t think you’re suited for it, please leave." When Su Qian'an recounted this, he couldn’t help but laugh. After regaining his composure, he continued: "Later, this Du Ming rushed downstairs, stood at the door for a long time, and then flicked his sleeves and left angrily."
Xia Chu thought, right now, Du Hanfei can't be touched. Let him vent and be angry through his son—it’s fine.
"Young Master, what should I do next?" Su Qian'an asked.
"Wait."
"Wait?"
"Don’t worry, unless something unexpected happens, it's time to wait for tomorrow..."
"Yes."
"You go back and rest first."
Su Qian'an answered yes and retreated.
Xia Chu thought as she knocked on the table that the curtain had been lifted and the main event was about to appear. Now, she should be getting impatient and wanted to cut off Du Hanfei's right-hand man first...
In the early morning court session on the fourteenth day of the first lunar month, the hundred officials were divided into three factions.
One faction, headed by Prime Minister Du Cheng, claimed that the culprit, Qi Haizhou, the Shou of Runan County, had gone to Dali Temple last night to confess his guilt. Master Zhu was really framed by someone and imprisoned unjustly, so he should be acquitted and his innocence restored.
One faction, headed by Grand Tutor Wu, argued that this matter was extremely strange. Lord Lu had been wronged for more than half a year, sentenced to be beheaded with his entire household, and no one had paid attention to it. Zhu Chenlin had just been imprisoned, and now Qi Haizhou turned himself in. The case must be riddled with corruption and should be thoroughly investigated.
There was also a faction headed by Lord Xu, the servant of the household department, who remained neutral and did not offend either side.
Actually, Grand Tutor Wu's side couldn’t be called a full faction. In addition to Grand Tutor Wu, a few influential officials had joined him.
At present, a few voices were not enough to overcome the majority, and the trend was showing a one-sided inclination.
At this time, Xiao Yanjun stepped out of the queue and added the final straw. Facing the emperor, he said: "Your son believes that since Qi Haizhou has surrendered, this matter should be concluded. Lord Zhu has always been an honest official and fulfilled his duties. As the second grade minister of the Xiao Kingdom, he must not continue to be detained in prison and slandered."
After Xiao Yanjun finished speaking, he glanced at Prime Minister Du Cheng with his peripheral vision, and when he saw him bowing slightly, he raised his head and looked at the emperor sincerely.
The emperor's brows furrowed into a river, his face darkened, and he was about to speak.
"Your son's opinion is slightly different." Xiao Zimu, who had always been concerned about court affairs, stood up at this time.
CHAPTER 32: The Early Dynasty
"Erchen" (儿臣) is a humble way for a prince or royal child to refer to themselves when speaking to the emperor, usually their father.
Taifu means Grand Tutor
The emperor looked at Xiao Zimu with a surprised expression, and the words that came to his mouth were changed to: "Oh? What do you want to say?"
"Erchen just heard what the fourth brother said, Lord Zhu is an honest official. But the people of the capital are now rumoring that he has been looting the people's food and medicine for a long time, and the people of Jiangzhou are miserable."
"That's all rumors, how can you take it seriously." Prime Minister Du Cheng glanced at Xiao Zimu and retorted.
Everyone echoed one sentence after another: "Yes, how can you take it seriously? Seriously! I can't think it's true......"
Xiao Zimu smiled when he heard this and did not argue with them. He turned to Xiao Yanjun and said, "Since Qi Haizhou, the magistrate of Runan Prefecture, has confessed, and Lord Zhu, as the second-rank governor of our Xiao State, cannot continue to be wrongfully detained and slandered—then why has no one suggested acquitting Lord Lu, the third-rank prefectural magistrate of Xiao State, up until now?"
Xiao Zimu has always been gentle and courteous in dealing with people, and he has never even spoken loudly. At this moment, he suddenly spoke forcefully. The surrounding area fell silent, and the people who were jesting were speechless.
After a long time, the hundred officials came back to their senses, and only echoed resignedly: "It's time to let Master Lu go first."
"As for the case of embezzlement of official silver, Erchen and Grand Tutor Wu have the same opinion. Rumors are spreading in the capital. A strict investigation is needed to return Lord Zhu's innocence." Xiao Zimu retracted the sharpness of his tone and regained his usual warmth, and said slowly.
After hearing this, the officials on Taifu Wu's side had already opened their mouths excitedly: "What His Royal Highness the Seventh Highness said is very true, and the Emperor Wanwang will see it......"
Prime Minister Du Cheng immediately spoke up again and again: "Since Lord Lu is to be released, then all the more reason Lord Zhu should be as well. Otherwise, it would damage Lord Zhu's official reputation even further based on unfounded rumors..."
The emperor watched the ministers below fight and quarrel. It was like a shrews fighting in the market, pointing fingers and screaming hoarsely. With a black face, he smashed a purple stone canal inkstone, and said angrily: "In the court and in front of me, you behave like this!"
The crowd was silent, and they all bowed their heads in fear.
"Pass along my decree: Zhu Chenlin and Lu Mingxi are to be acquitted. The final decision shall be made at three o'clock in the afternoon on the sixteenth day of the first lunar month of Qihai Zhou (Calendar year)."
“The emperor is wise.” Hundreds of officials bowed in unison.
One official stepped forward as if to protest, but was stopped by Taifu Wu.
The emperor flung off his robe and left the hall in anger. Just as he stepped down from the dragon throne, he turned and ordered Eunuch Li to prepare a residence for Lu Mingxi and send an imperial doctor to check on his condition.
Eunuch Li acknowledged the command and left the palace on the emperor’s errand.
The ministers in the court supported each other to their feet, and those aligned with Prime Minister Du Cheng and the Fourth Prince left together.
Lord Xu also led a group of officials to bid farewell to Wu Taifu and Seventh Prince before departing.
Only Taifu Wu and Xiao Zimu remained. They exchanged a glance and smiled before walking out of the palace gates side by side.
“Your Highness the Seventh truly impressed this old man today,” Taifu Wu praised as they walked.
“Not at all. After all, Master Zhu has been released,” Xiao Zimu said with a touch of regret.
“At least Lord Lu has also been freed. It wasn’t all for nothing.”
“Yes, and my father has rewarded him with a residence and sent an imperial doctor. It should at least bring some comfort to Lord Lu.”
“The emperor has always been compassionate toward loyal ministers, and he also meant to warn Du Hanfei. In truth, His Majesty sees everything clearly, but because of pressure from the collective appeal of so many officials, he decided to give Du Hanfei some face.” After saying this, Mrs. Wu snorted coldly and spat in the direction where Prime Minister Du Cheng and his faction had gone. “Officials protecting officials—it makes things difficult even for the emperor…”
Xiao Zimu watched Taifu Wu, amused by his righteous anger.
He thought to himself, why hadn’t he realized before how endearing Taifu Wu could be?
Later that day, two groups of people stood outside the gates of Dali Temple. One was Du Kun and his men, sent to retrieve Zhu Chenlin and bring him home. The other group was led by Eunuch Li, who had brought Imperial Doctor Xiang Chengfang to escort Lu Mingxi to the residence arranged by the emperor.
Caught in the middle was Hu Yingmao, the secretary of Dali Temple, who found himself in a very awkward position. On one side was the son of Prime Minister Du Cheng—a man not to be slighted. On the other was Eunuch Li, the emperor’s close attendant, who likewise couldn’t be neglected.
Hu Yingmao’s head throbbed from the pressure. He finally stepped back a few paces and gestured to both groups.
“You’ve all waited a long time. It’s windy outside. Why not come inside and enjoy a hot cup of tea?”
“No need. This old servant is on duty and dares not accept such hospitality,” Eunuch Li replied with a polite bow, though his voice was clearly cold.
Upon hearing that, Du Kun had no intention of entering either.
Left alone in the wind, Hu Yingmao stood awkwardly, his face stiffening from the cold. He quickly ordered his assistants to hurry up, and they went to escort the two officials.
After about the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, Zhu Chenlin and Lu Mingxi finally emerged from Dali Temple one after the other, just as Hu Yingmao had hoped.
Unaware of the full situation, Zhu Chenlin assumed Prime Minister Du Cheng had pulled some strings to release him. Seeing Eunuch Li waiting outside, he mistakenly thought the emperor had sent him as a gesture of comfort. He rushed toward Eunuch Li, tears brimming, and wailed pitifully: “His Majesty is wise and just! Even personally sending Eunuch Li to escort this humble servant—this minister is deeply moved.”
Du Kun, standing nearby, looked like he had a toothache. His face darkened, and just as he opened his mouth to say something, Eunuch Li cut in with a sharp voice: “Lord Lu has suffered severe injuries and hasn’t uttered a word. And you, Lord Zhu, unscathed as you are, what are you howling for? The young master of Prime Minister Du Cheng is here to take you. This old servant is here for Lord Lu. Go back to the Prime Minister’s Mansion and show your gratitude there.”
Zhu Chenlin looked at Eunuch Li in embarrassment, then turned to Du Kun’s darkened face.
His mind went blank for a moment. He quickly wiped away the tears that were about to fall and was yanked aside by Du Kun, whose fury was barely contained.
Meanwhile, Lu Mingxi, supported by Hu Yingmao, stepped forward and bowed deeply to Eunuch Li. When he learned that the emperor had sent him personally, his heart swelled with emotion.
Eunuch Li’s face softened into a smile. He reached out to steady Lu Mingxi and said, “Lord Lu, there’s no need to be so formal. His Majesty knows what you’ve endured. He has ordered Imperial Doctor Xiang to care for your injuries and has granted you a residence where you can recover in peace. Please allow this old servant to take you there.”
On the other side, Du Kun could no longer watch the emotional exchange. He nodded his farewell to Hu Yingmao and Eunuch Li, and escorted Zhu Chenlin away.
Lu Mingxi watched their retreating figures for a long moment, finally convinced that he had truly been released. He recalled Eunuch Li’s words and turned to kneel in gratitude, but Eunuch Li stopped him.
“The emperor knows you are injured, so he spares you the formalities. Let’s head to the house first, shall we?”
Lu Mingxi nodded, tears glistening in his eyes, and was gently helped into the carriage by Imperial Doctor Xiang and Eunuch Li.
CHAPTER 33: Happiness and Complaints
In Wentian Pavilion, Bingwen summoned Su Qian'an to the second floor and asked, "Young Master, when will he see me?"
"The Young Master said he’ll visit your courtyard after the lantern market tonight."
"Okay, then Bingwen will wait for the Young Master."
"The Young Master also said he might go later—you could head to the lantern market yourself. You might run into each other by chance." Su Qian'an nudged Bingwen with his shoulder.
Bingwen's eyes lit up, and he saluted Su Qian'an.
"Why are you in such a rush, and won’t even tell me what it’s about?" Su Qian'an asked curiously.
"It’s nothing serious. The Young Master will be leaving the capital tomorrow. Before that, I just want to see him."
But Bingwen didn’t merely want to meet. Ever since the four decrees were issued yesterday, he had been longing to see Xia Chu.
He wanted to drink and talk with her.
Zhu Chenlin’s downfall, Du Hanfei’s resignation—
The boulder that had weighed on his heart for so long had finally cracked, leaving a gap. At last, he could breathe.
His joy couldn’t be shared. But his hatred could.
Only with Xia Chu...
Bingwen looked at Su Qian'an and said with envy, "I really want to trade places with you. I want to follow the Young Master too."
"Don’t even think about it. I can’t do your job." Su Qian'an quickly waved his hand and backed away.
Bingwen gave a bitter smile,"No need to envy me. The Young Master is leaving tomorrow. From now on, we’ll have to support each other." Su Qian'an saw Bingwen’s furrowed brow, stepped forward, patted his shoulder, and offered comfort.
As Su Qian'an headed downstairs, he ran into Qiu Zhiting, who had come looking for Bingwen.
Qiu Zhiting went up to the second floor.
Upon seeing Bingwen, he bowed deeply and respectfully handed over the final payment of four hundred thousand taels, along with the signed contract for the two batches of adult goods.
Bingwen accepted them and helped him up.
"There’s no need for such formality."
"It’s only proper. Thanks to Young Master Bingwen, the Anfeng Dart Bureau not only earned a good reputation but was also named the Imperial Dart Bureau. Our master said that if you ever need an escort from Anfeng, just show your seal. Of course, this isn’t part of the previous agreement. It’s simply a token of our gratitude to Young Master Bingwen."
"Thank you." Bingwen didn’t decline the offer.
"There’s one more thing."
"Go ahead."
"I was also asked by Lord Lu to extend an invitation. Would Young Master Bingwen be willing to visit Luomei ju so Lord Lu can thank you personally?"
"That’s not necessary."
Qiu Zhiting wanted to say more, but Bingwen raised a hand to stop him. Disappointed, Qiu Zhiting bowed again and prepared to leave.
"Lord Lu is a good official. What I did was minor. Please tell him I hope he recovers quickly and returns to Jiangzhou to serve the people." Bingwen took a box from the nearby bookshelf. Inside was an elixir Su Qian'an had brought from Xia Chu.
Qiu Zhiting accepted the box, bowed deeply, and left Wentian Pavilion.
Back at Luomeiju, Qiu Zhiting relayed Bingwen’s message and presented the box.
"I should thank him in person," Lu Mingxi said, accepting the box with a sigh.
"My lord, you can’t even leave your bed. And Young Master Bingwen might not want you to come in person—it may not be good for him. Everyone knows it’s not necessarily in his best interest." Qiu Zhiting tried to comfort him.
"Lord Lu, Imperial Doctor Xiang has arrived."
A young attendant called from outside. Qiu Zhiting bowed and stepped back as Lu Mingxi gave the order for the doctor to enter.
Imperial Doctor Xiang entered, bowed, and approached to check Lu Mingxi’s pulse. Lu Mingxi set the box aside and extended his hand.
"Doctor Xiang, please be honest. How long will it take me to recover?" Lu Mingxi asked seriously.
"Well..."
After a pause, Imperial Doctor Xiang decided to speak truthfully.
"Lord Lu, your wounds are healing, but your vitality was deeply harmed by the torture in prison. With proper care here in the capital, you might recover in three to five years."
"That’s too long. The people of Jiangzhou can’t wait. Spring is already here; the summer floods aren’t far off."
"Your heart is admirable, but your body can’t bear the strain."
"If I just return home to recuperate, how long would that take?"
"At least a year."
"Truly? Can’t it be faster?"
"Lord Lu, neither I nor any other doctor could speed it up. The key is proper recovery so you can resume your post in Jiangzhou and serve the people."
"Return to Jiangzhou and serve the people..." Lu Mingxi repeated. That was what Qiu Zhiting had said earlier, relaying Bingwen’s words. He looked at the box and handed it to Xiang Chengfang.
Imperial Doctor Xiang was puzzled and asked solemnly, "Lord Lu, I’m a doctor first. If this is a bribe, I cannot falsely report your recovery."
"No, it’s not that. This box contains an elixir from a friend. I don’t know if it will help." Lu Mingxi couldn’t help chuckling at the seriousness.
"What kind of medicine could..." Xiang Chengfang began, then froze as he opened the box and sniffed the pill. "This is..."
Lu Mingxi grew alarmed. "Is something wrong with it? Doctor Xiang, are you alright?"
Imperial Doctor Xiang suddenly hugged the box to his chest, walked to the center of the room, stomped his foot, and lifted the box like a sacred relic.
Lu Mingxi was bewildered. Unable to get out of bed, he called for the young attendant outside.
Imperial Doctor Xiang stopped the boy, silently pushed him out, and closed the door.
"Imperial Doctor Xiang?" Lu Mingxi asked cautiously.
Imperial Doctor Xiang shut the door, straightened his robe, composed himself, and returned to the bedside. He bowed deeply and solemnly asked, "Could Lord Lu introduce this friend of yours to me?"
Lu Mingxi wasn’t sure what he meant, and didn’t want to reveal Bingwen’s identity. "Is something wrong with the medicine?"
"Yes!"
Lu Mingxi was alarmed. "What will happen if I take it?"
"Someone actually refined this elixir! How?! Lord Lu, if you take this pill, you’ll be up and walking in under two months. With proper care, you’ll be fully healed within a year!"
Lu Mingxi raised his hand to stop him.
"Isn’t that a good thing? Why make it sound so dramatic?"
"It is!"
"Then why say there’s a problem?"
"I mean—the person who made this is the problem. No ordinary person could create this."
"Speak plainly."
Imperial Doctor Xiang took a deep breath, paced, then sat back down.
"This elixir is extremely rare. With it and the right herbs, you’ll be walking in two months. Follow my prescription for a year, and you’ll be fully healed."
He paused, then added with a hopeful grin:
"There are many rare medicinal ingredients in this pill—things I’ve never seen in the Imperial Medical Bureau. Some of them usually conflict, but this person blended them perfectly. I truly admire their skill. If you could introduce me, I’d be forever grateful."
Lu Mingxi finally understood, but didn’t dare promise. He hadn’t expected Young Master Bingwen’s gift to be such a miraculous remedy.
"Doctor Xiang, my friend is a traveler. You know how these masters are. If I see him again, I’ll be sure to mention it."
Imperial Doctor Xiang looked disappointed but accepted the response.
He bowed again and solemnly urged, "If you do see him, Lord Lu, please remember to introduce me."
Lu Mingxi could only nod and reply, "I will..."
CHAPTER 35: Gate of Marquis Mansion
At dinner, Xia Chu was eating rice balls with Marquis Xia in the Wuyuan Courtyard.
Marquis Xia saw that the corners of Xia Chu's mouth were stained with sesame filling, so he wiped it for her with a handkerchief.
"Dad, why don't you eat it?"
Xia Chu noticed that there were still many rice balls in Marquis Xia's bowl, and yet she had been eating alone just now.
"After tomorrow, your father will begin to eat alone again," Marquis Xia said sentimentally, putting down the handkerchief.
"Dad, didn’t you say you wouldn’t be sad?"
Although Xia Chu also felt reluctant, she couldn’t bear seeing Marquis Xia look as if they were parting forever at every meal for the past few days.
"It’s fine, but I just can’t help it as your father."
Marquis Xia knew Xia Chu’s departure must be of great importance, and from the incident with Lu Mingxi, he was deeply impressed by her capabilities.
He knew he could stop her.
But he still couldn’t bear it.
Marquis Xia looked at Xia Chu's embarrassed expression, forced a smile, and began eating the rice balls.
"Earlier, I asked Zimu and the Ninth Princess to visit the lantern market," Xia Chu said quickly when she saw Marquis Xia begin eating.
"When did you get so close with His Highness the Seventh? You’re calling him by name now?" Marquis Xia frowned.
"I’ll find a chance to explain things to the Ninth Princess this evening." Xia Chu didn’t respond to his question directly and changed the topic.
"Alright, but be careful not to break her heart. She’s such a lovely girl," Marquis Xia instructed.
"Of course. I treat her like a younger sister."
"Hmm. Now that you’re handling matters, your father can rest easy." Marquis Xia said, then paused before asking, "Do you know what the emperor spoke to me about yesterday in the Imperial Garden before Lu Mingxi arrived?"
"It was nothing more than his frustration over Du Hanfei’s tyranny, and you soothing his wounded pride from the morning court, right? You used to be quite heroic."
Marquis Xia shook his head.
"The emperor discussed with me who might have stood against Du Hanfei and helped overturn the case for Lu Mingxi."
"And what did you say?"
Marquis Xia glared at Xia Chu.
"How could I dare say anything? I just listened to him analyzing this and that."
Xia Chu was amused under his glare. "The emperor suspects something."
Marquis Xia shook his head again.
"He went over several names, rejecting them one by one. In the end, he realized there was no one in court capable of doing such a thing. He was furious. I had to comfort him, saying whoever did this was serving him in secret, and he shouldn’t be too concerned."
"And Father’s heart?" Xia Chu looked at the corner of Marquis Xia’s mouth, smiling.
"A little proud," Marquis Xia laughed, then added, "Later, the emperor kept praising that person’s talent, saying if only he could bring him into service."
After a pause, Marquis Xia scolded with a hint of reproach, "You really had to arrange for Lord Lu to enter the palace personally, still dressed in a white robe soaked with blood. It was too tragic a sight."
"Well, we needed to give the emperor a shock. I asked Bingwen to send over a pill—it should help."
Marquis Xia nodded.
"That’s fine."
When Xia Chu saw that Marquis Xia had finished eating, she instructed the servants to clear the dishes and bring out the tea set for the study.
Marquis Xia pulled her back.
"No need for tea. It’s getting late. Go change your clothes and enjoy yourself tonight."
Seeing that she couldn’t persuade him, Xia Chu had no choice but to retreat.
"Be careful on the road tomorrow morning..."
After Marquis Xia said this, he stopped looking at her and went straight to the study.
Xia Chu watched his back disappear and softly replied, "Yes."
Xia Chu returned to Yunqi Courtyard and saw Su Qian'an waiting at the door. She raised an eyebrow and asked, "Why are you back so early today?"
Su Qian'an lowered his head and glanced at Xia Chu.
"I knew the Young Master was going out tonight, so I came back early to wait."
Xia Chu nodded without speaking and went inside to change her clothes.
Su Qian'an, seeing he wasn’t scolded, felt slightly relieved.
About half an hour later, Mo Xiang came rushing in from outside the courtyard, clearly panicked.
"Young Master, hurry up! Come outside quickly, someone’s here from the palace!"
"What’s the panic? It’s someone I arranged to meet," Xia Chu’s voice came from inside the house.
"Huh? Wait, all of this is because of the Young Master?"
Xia Chu thought for a moment. Could it be that Zimu and the Ninth Princess ran into each other? She opened the door and came out, saying, "Yes, I made the arrangements."
Mo Xiang swallowed nervously, her face pale with fear.
"The Ninth Princess visits often. It’s not your first time seeing nobles and royalty, so why are you so flustered?"
"Yes."
Mo Xiang looked at Xia Chu and Su Qian’an’s retreating backs and pouted.
Could anyone really blame her for being so nervous?
News had already spread—never mind the Marquis Mansion, the entire capital would be shaken.
As Xia Chu walked through the house, noticing the strange atmosphere and the people whispering, her expression became increasingly puzzled.
Could Xiao Zimu’s visit really be that shocking?
But when she left the mansion herself, even she was taken aback.
Lined up outside the Marquis Mansion gate were Xu Wenlan, son of the Minister of Revenue, Xiao Mubai, King of Mo, Xiao Muhong, the Ninth Princess, Xiao Zimu, the Seventh Highness, Xiao Yanjun, the Fourth Highness, and Xiao Xuqing, the Eighth Highness.
Xia Chu suddenly understood everything. No wonder Mo Xiang had panicked and the household was acting strangely.
"The Four Gentlemen of the capital are gathered at the gate of my Marquis Mansion. What an honor."
"Little Marquis still knows about the Four Gentlemen of the capital?" Xu Wenlan asked with surprise.
"Of course. It’s widely known." Xia Chu nodded and then said to Xu Wenlan, "Master Xu is skilled in music. It’s said that upon hearing a tune from Yayue Pavilion, you scattered all the blossoms of Chang’an—how romantic."
Xu Wenlan felt a surge of pride but maintained a humble expression. "You flatter me."
Xia Chu smiled and turned to Xiao Mubai.
"His Highness King Mo has been a chess prodigy since childhood, undefeated even among scholars. You’ve spent a lifetime playing alone—how dull it must be."
Xiao Mubai, distant as always, replied coldly, "It’s fine."
Xiao Yanjun, thinking it was now his turn to be praised, leaned in slightly, waiting eagerly. But Xia Chu turned to Xiao Zimu with a gentle tone:
"His Highness the Seventh’s paintings are always exquisite. In the capital, your brushwork is unmatched..."
At first, Xiao Zimu frowned when Xia Chu addressed him as "His Highness the Seventh," but his expression softened with a smile by the end. He was delighted, not by the compliment, but because in front of everyone, Xia Chu had called him "Zimu." He remembered their last meeting in the palace, under the filtered light and shadow, and how different Xia Chu felt from others.
"If you like them, Zimu will paint a picture for you."
"Good. When I come down from the mountain, don’t forget."
"Of course. I won’t forget." Xiao Zimu smiled and agreed.
Xiao Yanjun watched their exchange and felt irritated. Surely it was his turn now?
Sure enough, Xia Chu glanced at him. But then she snorted and said flatly, "The rest of you just read a few more books..."
Xu Wenlan chuckled. But after realizing no one else was laughing, he quickly quieted down, embarrassed.
Xiao Yanjun’s face turned blue, and beside him, the Eighth Highness, Xiao Xuqing, scoffed,"The Little Marquis must think highly of himself, keeping us waiting here for hours."
Xia Chu didn’t even look at him and sneered, "Did I invite you?"
Xiao Xuqing was humiliated and stepped forward as if to argue, but was held back by a stern-faced Xiao Yanjun.
Xia Chu frowned and looked at Xiao Zimu. "Did you bring those two?"
Xiao Yanjun quickly composed himself and forced a smile. "Our father asked me to consult the Seventh Brother. When I saw him heading out to meet the Little Marquis, I thought I’d follow."
Xia Chu ignored him and looked at Xiao Mubai.
In her previous life, at the lantern market during the festival, neither Xiao Mubai nor Xiao Muhong had appeared. The Ninth Princess was the one she had arranged to meet. But based on Xiao Mubai’s nature, he wouldn’t usually join such outings.
Xiao Muhong, seeing her gaze, quickly said, "I had to pull my brother out. It’s rare he agreed."
Xia Chu nodded politely to Xiao Mubai.
Xiao Mubai wasn’t someone to be trifled with, and he wasn’t aligned with Xiao Yanjun. Xia Chu didn’t want to cozy up to him, but she didn’t want to offend him either.
Xu Wenlan noticed Xia Chu nodding and quickly added, "I came with Mubai."
Xia Chu glanced at him with a cold, distant look, then turned to Xiao Zimu with a smile.
"Shall we go, then?"
Xiao Zimu smiled and nodded.
As soon as Xiao Muhong saw they were heading out, she grabbed Xia Chu’s left hand and Xiao Mubai’s right.
So the group split into three lines.
Xiao Yanjun and Xiao Xuqing walked in front. Xiao Muhong was in the center, holding Xia Chu and Xiao Mubai’s hands. Xiao Zimu walked to Xia Chu’s left, and Xu Wenlan walked to Xiao Mubai’s right. Behind them followed Su Qian’an and several attendants.
The three rows of people made their way toward the lantern market, under the astonished gazes of passersby.