~ Please support this site by disabling your ad-blocker ❤️ ~
______
Chapter 38: The Invitation
That evening, the master of the tan household returned to the main courtyard early.
The rooms were heated with charcoal, radiating a mellow warmth. Tan Ting did not require any servants to attend to him; taking advantage of the interior heat, he brought out the spring robe Xiang Yi had sewn for him and put it on.
When Xiang Yi returned from the tea room, her eyes immediately fell upon the man standing before the bookshelf, leafing through a volume. He was wearing the sapphire-blue brocade robe she had made for him.
His clothing usually leaned toward somber shades, but this sapphire hue was brighter, accentuating his tall, upright stature. Above his long legs was a narrow waist, and from that waist upward, his well-proportioned back connected to broad shoulders and long arms as he turned a page.
Xiang Yi stole only a single glance, but she was accurately captured by the man reading the book. He pretended not to notice her, continuing to flip through the pages, yet he silently straightened his spine, filling out the garment she had stitched, needle by needle, to perfection.
However, Xiang Yi’s gaze eventually landed on the book itself. Why was he looking at her manual on seal carving?
She paused, remembering that since he had released her elder brother, she had yet to thank him. In the past, he was merely the Master of the Tan family to her, someone whose reflected glory she lived under, but now, he was also her benefactor. Xiang Yi felt that clarifying their relationship in this way made her feel much more secure.
As she was not one to be ungrateful, she spoke up. "Does Master require a leisure seal? I shall carve one for you."
Upon hearing this, Tan Ting’s hand stopped mid-turn.
Tan Jian already had a leisure seal she had made. At that time, Tan Ting had used Tan Jian as a middleman to send her several pieces of fine white jade. She had then carved one for Yang Zhen in passing, and later, feeling it wouldn't be right to leave out Tan Rong, she began sketching designs for her as well.
Among the younger siblings, none were without a small seal from her. Yet Tan Ting had none, and she had never once mentioned it to him.
This time, had she finally thought of him?
"Will it be too tiring?" Tan Ting could not help but ask.
Xiang Yi was accustomed to making small seals; it was not a burden. However, since he had helped her family this time, she felt a single seal was insufficient to repay the debt. But at the very least, she could return what she could.
Husband and wife each had their own thoughts, yet the conversation remained on track. Xiang Yi shook her head, saying it was no trouble, and asked, "What characters would Master like on the seal?"
This was a significant question. At her words, Tan Ting felt a quiet stir in his heart. He walked to her desk, took up a brush, and wrote two characters.
It was his courtesy name: "Yuanzhi."
He set down the brush, looked at his wife, and softly called her by her childhood name. "Yizhen, use my courtesy name."
His gaze lingered on her, wondering if she might stop addressing him as "Master" and call him "Yuanzhi" instead.
A moment later, Xiang Yi took the paper and spoke. "Then I shall do as Master wishes."
Tan Ting: "..."
The room fell silent. Only the faint fragrance of ink from the desk drifted through the air before quietly vanishing. The man could only console himself with the thought that finally receiving a seal carved by her hand was a good thing.
The following day brought fine weather. After a long, cold winter, the air had finally turned mild. The sun shone on the icicles clinging to the eaves, sending down a steady rhythm of melting droplets.
Yang Zhen intended to teach Xiang Yi how to ride.
Yang Zhen had first raised the idea on the way back from Xiang Yi’s natal home. A whole New Year festival had passed, and Xiang Yi had nearly forgotten about it. But Yang Zhen remembered; having finally waited for a fair day, she instructed Tan Jian early that morning to find several gentle horses.
Seeing Yang Zhen’s fiery, impulsive nature, wanting to go the moment she spoke of it, Xiang Yi looked at her own affairs, which were not yet settled for the day.
Uncharacteristically, Tan Rong, who had been brooding for many days, grew interested upon hearing that her two sisters-in-law were going to the stables. With her interest piqued, Old Madam Zhao had no further objections. She immediately told Xiang Yi and the others to take Tan Rong along, saying the household trifles could wait until their return.
With the Old Madam’s word given, Xiang Yi and Yang Zhen set out with Tan Rong.
Neither of the two women had much experience with horses. Xiang Yi only remembered her father taking her riding on a pony when she was small; because she was young, her father had feared she might fall and had held the lead from beginning to end. Tan Rong had never touched a horse at all.
After being cooped up for so long, sitting atop a horse made Tan Rong feel alive again. She repeatedly asked Yang Zhen to teach her how to gallop.
Tan Jian had originally come to help the three of them, but he still had lessons left by his tutor to finish, essays assigned by his elder brother to write, and texts to memorize. After leading them to the field, he headed back, looking over his shoulder at every step.
Left alone to manage two novices, Yang Zhen naturally had her hands full. Fortunately, Xiang Yi had slightly more experience than Tan Rong, so she told Yang Zhen to focus on teaching Tan Rong first, while she watched and followed along.
Tan Rong was truly experiencing riding for the first time, caught in a state of both fear and excitement, unable to leave Yang Zhen’s side for a moment.
Xiang Yi, observing from the side, gradually mastered the techniques. From guiding the horse at a slow walk to a light trot, she eventually managed to break into a genuine run.
Before Tan Rong had even begun to trot, Xiang Yi was already riding with significant poise. Yang Zhen clapped her hands. "Eldest Sister-in-law, that is excellent! Just do not go too fast."
No sooner had she spoken than the horse, for some unknown reason, suddenly bolted.
The wind, just beginning to warm after the harsh winter, whipped Xiang Yi's skirts into a frenzy. Strands of hair lashed against her cheeks. She called out repeatedly for the horse to slow down, but the animal seemed deaf to her, racing outward like a bolt of lightning.
Xiang Yi did not dare strike the horse, and pulling the reins proved useless. Panic set in. Even Yang Zhen grew anxious; she pulled a nearby horse, vaulted into the saddle, and gave chase.
"Sister-in-law, do not worry! I am coming!"
Hearing her voice from behind, Xiang Yi felt a surge of relief. But the horse grew more unruly, flying through the cold wind as if it had slipped its tether. Xiang Yi crouched low over the horse, not daring to move recklessly, her head spinning from the jolting.
Just then, a sudden gust of wind accompanied by the thundering of hooves reached her side. Thinking it was Yang Zhen, Xiang Yi cried out urgently, "Sister-in-law, my horse won't stop! Can you call it to a halt?!"
She was dizzy from the bouncing. Before she could hear a response, she felt a presence sweep in behind her. The horse’s back grew heavy, and someone took over the reins that had been useless in her hands.
The person pulled the reins tight, circling her in his arms, and with a sharp "Whoa," brought the horse to a slow halt.
Still caught in her vertigo, Xiang Yi felt that her sister-in-law seemed much taller and broader than usual. But when her gaze fell upon the sleeve of the person behind her…
Yang Zhen was wearing a pomegranate-red riding suit today, but this person wore copper-green brocade with dark patterns.
Startled, Xiang Yi turned her head. There, sitting right behind her, was Master Tan.
The man looked down at her, his broad shoulders and arms forming a protective circle around her. The horse was not large, and he sat very close. Having leaned forward to take the reins, Xiang Yi’s entire back was pressed against his chest.
As the rushing wind died away, his distinct scent began to envelop her.
Xiang Yi’s back stiffened. She immediately sat upright and shifted forward, putting distance between them. "Why has Master come?" She lowered her head, masking her surprise. "My thanks for Master’s assistance."
Tan Ting had merely come to take a look after hearing that the women of the house had gone to the riding grounds. He had been secretly amazed to see how quickly she learned, moving from a trot to a fast gallop in no time. By contrast, his younger sister was still fearful, needing her sister-in-law to lead her by the hand.
He had watched from a distance, seeing his wife in a rare good mood, appearing to blend into the bright sunlight. He hadn't intended to disturb her, but the horse had suddenly spiraled out of control. Without a second thought, Tan Ting had raced forward.
Now, as he looked down at her, he saw her silently maintaining her distance, thanking him with cool politeness. In the gap she so carefully preserved between them, the wind whistled through.
Tan Ting’s gaze darkened slightly. Normally, he would not wish to make her uncomfortable, but today, he inexplicably chose to ignore her withdrawal. He kept her within the circle of his arms and guided the horse forward.
Yang Zhen had been about to catch up, but seeing her Eldest Brother gallop past and stop the horse before she could, and then seeing him ride off with her Sister-in-law into the distance, she hesitated. Just then, Tan Rong called out to her, and Yang Zhen did not follow.
On the distant fields, only the two of them remained on a single horse, riding at a slow pace.
Xiang Yi did not know why the Master did not turn back, but instead rode further and further away. She stole a glance back at him, only to have her eyes meet his downward gaze. She quickly looked away.
Being on the same horse in this manner made her feel an inexplicable discomfort and unease. She lowered her eyes. "Master, it grows late. Let us return to the manor."
Hearing her use that formal address again, Tan Ting pursed his lips for a long moment before uttering a muffled "Mhm."
Hearing his assent, Xiang Yi initially felt a sense of relief. Yet he did not turn back toward the manor. Instead, he continued forward until they reached the riverbank.
Qinglong had a great river running north to south. The bank where they stopped was not far from the docks. Since the day was warm, fishermen were taking the opportunity to break the ice. The frozen shell that had covered the river all winter was being shattered in preparation for the spring opening of the waterways.
The sound of the ice cracking reached them in fine, splintering notes. As the ice broke, the clear waves rippled out under the brilliant sun, the emerald waters sparkling and dazzling the eye.
Tan Ting remained silent for a long time. Amidst the sounds of cracking ice and boats pushing through the waves, he could not stop himself from glancing at the wife held within the curve of his arm.
Xiang Yi sensed his gaze. She heard his voice—warm and slow, speak.
"Yizhen, in a few days... Come to the capital with me."
The wind carried the damp scent of the rippling river waves. Xiang Yi was frozen in shock.
At the Tan manor in Gu'an Lane, by the time Tan Jian had absent-mindedly finished his essays and memorization and rushed to the stables, Yang Zhen had already returned with Tan Rong.
Tan Jian was deeply disappointed but noticed his Eldest Sister-in-law was not with them. "Eh? Where is Sister-in-law? Did she return early?"
Yang Zhen huffed. "No. Her horse wouldn't stop. I was about to save her, but Eldest Brother raced past me. I thought it was good for him to rescue her, but I didn't expect..." She threw up her hands. "Eldest Brother has made off with her."
Her choice of words caused Tan Rong to look into the distance with a hint of dreamy yearning. However, Nanny Wu arrived from the Old Madam’s side to escort her back to Autumn Radiance Courtyard.
Tan Jian blinked in surprise. "You said Eldest Brother took her away?"
Yang Zhen grumbled, "Indeed. They were even riding the same horse." She was not particularly happy; today was supposed to be her chance to show off her skills to her sister-in-law, but Eldest Brother had stolen her thunder for no reason, and she hadn't seen Xiang Yi since.
Huffing, Yang Zhen tossed the riding crop to Tan Jian and went back to Summer Radiance Pavilion to change.
Tan Jian knew his wife’s temperament well and thought her a bit of a simpleton. He was about to chase after her when he heard that his Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law had returned. He didn't dare show his face directly before his brother for fear of being questioned about his essays, so he hid behind a corner and watched them from afar.
His sister-in-law looked as composed as ever, walking in front, while his Eldest Brother trailed behind. For some reason, his brother’s face was grim, looking quite displeased.
Tan Jian was stunned. A second later, as if sensing something, his brother turned his head and glared directly at the tree where he was hiding. Cold sweat broke out on Tan Jian’s brow; he didn't dare look any longer and bolted.
Tan Ting escorted his wife back to the main courtyard but did not enter, returning instead to his study in the outer court.
He pressed his lips together in silence. Back by the river, she had not agreed to go to the capital with him. She had kept her head lowered, using excuses about looking after the household and the clan to refuse him.
Tan Ting knew those were not the real reasons, but if she didn't speak, he couldn't guess the truth. Reflecting on how she always maintained her distance and never allowed intimacy, he realized it wasn't just habit—perhaps he had handled things too poorly in the past.
She valued the status of the commoner classes and cared for those from humble backgrounds, which happened to align with the Tan family’s ancestral precepts. He, too, hoped to do more for the commoners; the two classes should ideally rely on one another.
He wondered if he did more for them, would she grow closer to him instead of evading him as she did now?
In the main house, Xiang Yi sat by the open window, her mind wandering.
That Master actually wanted to take her to the capital? She had never imagined such a possibility. She had thought they would continue living apart until this marriage reached its end.
Why were things between them becoming so muddled? They were merely two people forced onto the same path by a marriage contract; it was better to keep things clear.
The conflict between the prestigious clans and the commoner classes would likely grow more intense. For now, the Master was willing to help the commoners, but if their interests eventually threatened the prestige of the Tan clan, he likely wouldn't be able to do anything. When that time came, their marriage wouldn't last much longer anyway. What point was there in going to the capital?
Furthermore, Xiang Yi had a strange feeling that her elder brother’s situation would not be so smooth. If trouble truly arose, she wouldn't want to implicate the Tan family and would surely request to leave. Perhaps her days in the Tan household were numbered.
Thinking of this, she sighed and shook her head.
In the outer study, Tan Ting’s wandering thoughts were pulled back by the sound of rain. Zheng ji came running through the downpour and placed a letter on his desk.
"Master, it is a letter from Third Master Li in the capital."
A letter from Li Chengyun.
Tan Ting regained his focus and opened the letter. This time, Li Chengyun did not mention Gu Yansheng. The Daoist priest from the Eastern Palace, whose whereabouts and identity the court did not know—was currently in Qinglong. Tan Ting truly had no liking for the man and did not wish to meddle in his affairs with the Chen family of Fengling.
However, Li Chengyun mentioned another matter in the letter, saying he had looked into the thing Tan Ting had asked him to investigate.
He wrote: "Your late father’s appointment back then was truly a coincidence; it likely had nothing to do with the Ministry of Personnel."
Tan Ting had always harbored doubts regarding his father’s final appointment before his death in office. At that time, a plague had broken out in Fengshui Prefecture, Pingxing. The Ministry of Personnel had to urgently appoint someone to take charge and suppress the outbreak.
It was a thankless and dangerous task, yet it had fallen squarely upon Tan Chaokuan, who carried the weight of the entire Tan clan. In the end, his father had died of the plague in Fengshui and never returned.
The Ministry had originally appointed Li Chengyun’s uncle, but he had been unable to take the post due to a sudden parental bereavement. Then the Ministry of Finance appointed the Sixth Master of the Cheng clan from Hengbei. That Master Cheng had set out, but halfway there, he fell from his horse.
The plague was spreading rapidly, and the Ministry of Finance was desperate. The Minister of Finance had been summoned to the palace and severely reprimanded. Upon his return, he was forced to make a temporary appointment of Tan Chaokuan, who was nearby serving as an educational official, to take over the post.
Reading the letter, Tan Ting slowly closed his eyes. It seemed he had overthought things, believing there was some foul play within the Ministry of Finance.
He remembered that his father had promised to come home, but because of this appointment, he had to leave urgently. The plague in Fengshui had only just begun to emerge then. After the previous Prefect had retired and returned home due to old age, the entire prefecture was being temporarily managed by a Vice Prefect.
Tan Chaokuan had gone with the court’s order and had to take over Fengshui from this Vice Prefect. He immediately quarantined the sick, gathered doctors to try local remedies, and sent a memorial requesting the Imperial Academy of Medicine to provide a cure.
The local remedies were only moderately effective, and many people still died. Seeing so many deaths, the common people grew panicked. What was more terrifying than animal-to-human transmission of the plague was human-to-human transmission.
Seeing this, Tan Chaokuan went deep into the infected zones at night to comfort the people, distributing medicine and porridge and urging his men to meet the messengers from the Imperial Academy.
When the Imperial Academy’s prescriptions finally arrived, the local commoners actually rioted. They overturned the porridge sheds, claiming the medicine was poisonous and meant to kill them.
Tan Chaokuan was shocked. Upon investigation, he discovered the people had heard rumors from somewhere that these prescriptions were not from the Imperial Academy at all, but were toxic mixtures created by prestigious families like the Tans.
After all, at that time, Tan Chaokuan was the heir of the Qinglong Tan clan, a prominent noble house. The rumors said the noble clans were using the chance to poison the commoners so they could seize their lands and houses.
The claims were baseless, but ninety percent of those infected were local commoners, while the noble families lived safely in their secluded estates. Once the rumor spread, the people of Fengshui could no longer be contained.
Tan Chaokuan was forced to mobilize the local garrison and invite a retired imperial physician to personally witness the officials taking the medicine to prove it was not poison. He argued that this had nothing to do with the conflict between noble and commoner.
The people remained skeptical, so Tan Chaokuan and his officials lived and ate alongside them. Only then did he manage to suppress a disaster that had nearly turned into a full-scale revolt.
However, as the condition of the Fengshui commoners began to stabilize, Tan Chaokuan suddenly fell ill. He had gone without sleep for too many days; his body was exhausted and had no strength to fight the disease. By the time Tan Ting received the news and rushed there, his father had already passed away.
It was a natural disaster, but even more so, it was a man-made calamity.
For Tan Ting had discovered that those malicious rumors about noble families poisoning people had been spread by the very Vice Prefect who had been temporarily managing Fengshui.
That Vice Prefect was of commoner origin and had long been frustrated by his lack of advancement. His name was Yang Muhong.
At the thought, Tan Ting’s eyelid twitched inexplicably. He hoped this man would never appear before him, yet he had a premonition—a feeling that this person would leap out at the most inopportune moment and derail his current life.
Tan Ting’s thoughts drifted for a while.
In a secluded courtyard in Qinglong County.
Gu Yansheng was counting the days; the arrival of the person from the Eastern Palace was drawing closer. However, the evidence for the Jiangxi case was not with him; he had secretly placed it in the hands of someone else. That person was already on his way.
As he was thinking, Qiuying hurried in from outside and whispered, "Master, there is news of Master Yang. Master Yang is about to arrive in Qinglong!"
Author’s Note:
Goodnight, see you tomorrow at 9 PM~
"We hope you enjoyed this chapter! You can vote for this novel translation and drop a review on Novel Updates!
Show support by clicking on the support button below!❤️
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
0 Comments
What's on your mind...