BOUND IN MARRIAGE - CHAPTER 39

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Chapter 39: Traces of the Past

Inside the Tan family study in Guan’an District, Tan Ting watched the letters as his thoughts drifted far afield.

Yang Muhong was an official who had attained the rank of tong jinshi, an "associated" graduate of the highest imperial exam. Full of self-importance, he had believed himself destined for the second class of graduates, only to find his name relegated to the third.

[TN: To "wash the feet of a lady-in-waiting and be granted the rank of tong jinshi" was a common contemporary idiom used to mock the third-tier graduates, who were considered significantly inferior to the top two tiers of scholars.]

This rank was a mark of inferiority among peers. Consequently, Yang Muhong had spent years languishing as a mere Vice Prefect. It was only when the old Prefect of Fengshui retired that he became the temporary magistrate. However, when Tan Ting’s father, Tan Chaokuan, received an interim transfer to Fengshui, Yang Muhong was pushed back to his original position.

Yang Muhong harbored a deep resentment for failing the higher tier of the examinations. As fate would have it, the graduates of his year were largely from prestigious aristocratic clans; more pointedly, Tan Chaokuan was a fellow graduate of that same year. While Tan Chaokuan’s career flourished, Yang Muhong remained a petty official. How could he not burn with jealousy?

Instead of focusing on saving the commoners ravaged by the plague, he secretly spread rumors. The common folk, believing him to be an official of humble origins who would champion their interests, trusted him blindly. The epidemic, which Tan Chaokuan had finally managed to suppress, erupted once more. Had it not been for the local garrison's intervention, the plague would have spread beyond Fengshui.

Due to the immense strain, Tan Chaokuan exhausted himself. Once he contracted the illness, he never rose again. By the time Tan Ting rushed to Fengshui, it was already too late.

Although his father’s death was inextricably linked to Yang Muhong’s actions, the official cause remained death by plague brought on by overwork. When Yang Muhong had the audacity to visit the Tan residence in Qinglong during the funeral, the family drove him out with clubs. Perhaps weighed down by guilt or fear, he lingered in the area for three days before disappearing.

Tan Ting had no desire to know where the man had gone after resigning his post. Had it not been for his father’s final letter, urging him not to harbor hatred over such "accidents"—Tan Ting did not know what he might have done to Yang Muhong then.

His father had forbidden resentment, yet Tan Ting could never believe that such a premature death was a mere coincidence caused by one man. Yang Muhong was guilty, certainly, but how had the Ministry of Personnel happened to select his father for that specific post? Normally, the court considered the stability of great families and would not carelessly assign the head or heir of a clan to such a perilous mission.

Since arriving in the Capital, Tan Ting had been investigating this matter. Because the Tan family lacked high-ranking officials in the Ministry of Personnel, he had entrusted the task to his friend Li Chengyun. The information Li Chengyun returned did not differ much from what the Tan clan already knew.

Was his father's transfer truly just a tragic, unavoidable coincidence?

Tan Ting put the letter away and took a mutton-fat white jade lotus paperweight from a sandalwood box. It was his father’s favorite object. Feeling the warm, smooth texture of the jade in his palm, Tan Ting felt as though he had returned to his father's side.

Back then, Tan Jian had just begun his schooling and already showed signs of a rebellious nature. He would rest after writing only a few characters, secretly hiding toys in his satchel. He would listen to half a lecture at most, his handwriting a mess. As the heir, Tan Ting was incensed by his younger brother's lack of discipline and would punish him by making him stand against the wall.

When Tan Jian pitifully begged him not to be angry, Tan Ting only asked if he could study properly. The "useless" younger brother didn't even dare to promise. Seeing no improvement, Tan Ting grew angrier, until his father called him over.

"Why is my son so angry?"

Tan Ting replied with a stiff face, "Father does not know; my brother is truly willful and lacks ambition."

His father laughed softly. "Jian-ge'er has just started his lessons. It is natural to be playful. He will improve when he is older."

At the time, Tan Ting felt that his brother would never improve, regardless of age. But his father, as if reading his mind, patted his shoulder gently.

"Even if he remains playful when he is grown, you need not be angry. You cannot demand everyone to be as self-disciplined as you. Whether it is your brother or the clansmen, there are three essential qualities for the head of a clan."

Tan Ting looked up to hear those three things.

"Integrity of character, far-sightedness, and a broad heart."

At the time, Tan Ting memorized those six words, but he was too young to truly integrate them into his heart. He still found himself angered by his brother's shortcomings. Knowing his son’s temperament, his father did not press him further, but merely murmured a thought to himself:

"It seems I must find you a wife who is virtuous, gentle, and profoundly perceptive."

Tan Ting was lost in these memories. His father had indeed found him such a wife. Thinking of Xiang Yi, the coldness in his eyes softened. But his "useless" brother remained as willful as he had been at age five. At that thought, the warmth in Tan Ting's eyes turned to ice again.

How could a gentleman as refined as his father have his life cut short by a petty man like Yang Muhong? His expression darkened, and he fell into a long silence.

For the past two days, Qiao Xing noticed that her mistress was frowning and lost in thought more frequently. When she asked, Xiang Yi would snap back to reality and claim nothing was wrong. But having served her for so many years, how could Qiao Xing not sense the anomaly? Her mistress was harboring a secret.

Xiang Yi was calculating the time to send medicine to her "elder brother" (Gu Yansheng). Previously, she and Qiao Xing had gone in secret, but now that the Master knew, she could no longer act so covertly. Suppressing her unease, she sent Zheng Ji to inform Tan Ting that she intended to visit the secluded courtyard where her brother was hiding.

When Zheng Ji returned, he was accompanied by Xiao Guan, Tan Ting's head personal guard.

"The Master is unable to accompany Madam," Xiao Guan bowed. "I am instructed to attend to Madam and ensure her absolute safety."

Xiang Yi sighed inwardly. She had expected Tan Ting to send a subordinate, but assigning his chief guard was another unexpected gesture.

Gu Yansheng’s wounds had improved significantly, though the party from the Eastern Palace sent to retrieve him was late. He had anticipated difficulties leaving the Capital, but this delay was beyond his expectations. Seeing Xiang Yi’s fatigue, he asked, "Is Master Tan blaming you?"

"Brother, do not worry," Xiang Yi shook her head quickly. "No such thing has happened."

Gu Yansheng recalled the way Tan Ting had looked at her previously; seeing no trace of a lie on her face, he felt assured. He had never intended to associate with a clan heir like Tan Ting, but circumstances had forced their paths together. Since the Tan heir had treated him with the grace of a gentleman, Gu Yansheng would not act the villain.

"Yi-zhen, are you familiar with the geography of the Qinglong area?" he asked, changing the subject with a gentle smile. He had his attendant, Qiu Ying, spread out a map. "This map was drawn by my men before I arrived, but it is too sparse. Vital details are missing."

Xiang Yi understood immediately. "Brother, do you need a detailed topographical map of Qinglong?" Her eyes brightened. "Is the Eastern Palace's contact arriving? Or the person you mentioned who holds the other evidence?"

Amused by her sharp wit, Gu Yansheng nodded. The Eastern Palace's men had been obstructed, and his own people were delayed by having to move in shadows. Now, both groups were set to converge at the same time.

"I must first meet with Vice Prefect Yang, then wait for the Eastern Palace officials. I may be leaving in a matter of days."

Xiang Yi did not know who this "Vice Prefect Yang" was, but the thought of her sworn brother leaving brought a pang of sadness. She recalled Tan Ting’s words by the river, that he intended to take her to the Capital. The unease she had suppressed flared up again.

"I know the terrain of Qinglong well," she promised. "I will bring you a detailed map tomorrow."

Gu Yansheng thanked her, his gaze lingering on the faint shadows under her eyes. "Yi-zhen, the world is like a flood; it changes rapidly. The troubles that plague you now may look entirely different in two or three months."

If he could return to the Capital successfully, the imperial court would surely be shaken. His words were a subtle hint. Xiang Yi, however, thought of the Taoist saying: "Woe and weal have no doors; they are summoned by man himself." She wondered if her brother had truly become a Taoist at heart.

Reading her thoughts, Gu Yansheng smiled and cupped his hands. "Blessings without limit, Celestial Worthy."

Xiang Yi blinked, then let out a soft, refined laugh. Her smile was warm as a spring breeze. Gu Yansheng said no more, his gaze remaining soft and lingering on her face.

Back at the Tan residence, Tan Ting had been standing in the courtyard with a dark face since his wife left. Calculating that she should be returning, he paced toward the gate. Instead of his wife, he encountered Chen Fuyou.

Tan Ting was forced to invite him into the study. "For what business has Magistrate Chen come?"

Chen Fuyou had come to offer a warning. "That Taoist possesses some strange sorcery; he has managed to stay hidden in Qinglong for so long."

Tan Ting frowned, thinking of how his wife was still not home. "Indeed... strange sorcery."

"Not only is he hiding," Chen Fuyou continued, "but he is preparing to meet an accomplice here. Do you know who it is? It is the former Vice Prefect of Fengshui, Yang Muhong."

The name hit Tan Ting like a physical blow. Chen Fuyou knew the history between the Tan family and Yang Muhong. Even if someone in the Tan family were inclined to shelter an Eastern Palace Taoist, they would never shelter Yang Muhong. Tan Ting, above all, would never allow it.

Xiang Yi returned shortly after. She immediately set to work on the map. She knew that while her brother was safe in his secluded yard, the moment he moved to meet the Vice Prefect or head for the Eastern Palace's boat, he would be in grave danger. A detailed map could save his life.

When Tan Ting entered, he found her not doing needlework or carving seals, but meticulously supplementing the map. She was so focused that she didn't notice him for forty-five minutes.

"When did the Master arrive?" she asked, finally noticing him.

"Not long," he replied gloomily.

He watched her rub her eyes from the strain. When she mentioned she would deliver the map personally tomorrow, Tan Ting finally spoke.

"Yi-zhen, have you forgotten? You promised the Second Young Mistress (Yang Zhen) that you would go riding tomorrow."

Xiang Yi couldn't recall such a promise, but since it was late, she didn't send a servant to check.

"Let Xiao Guan deliver the map tomorrow. Do not miss your riding session with your sister-in-law," Tan Ting suggested.

Xiang Yi agreed, thinking it was better not to visit too frequently. Once she turned away, Tan Ting summoned Zheng Ji and told him to go to Yang Zhen's quarters early the next morning to ensure she invited the Madam to the stables. "Make sure it is very early."

The next day, despite feeling under the weather, Yang Zhen took Xiang Yi and Tan Rong to the stables. After a while, Yang Zhen's exhaustion and a sudden cold caught up with her. She began sneezing violently.

Tan Jian arrived, having been unexpectedly released from his studies by his elder brother. Seeing his wife unwell, he prepared to take her home for ginger tea. He then looked at his elder brother, who had appeared behind him, and had a sudden realization.

"Sister-in-law, don't leave yet! Since Brother is here, let him take you for a ride."

Before Xiang Yi could decline, Tan Ting was beside her on his horse. Remembering the last time they had shared a saddle, she felt a flush of nervousness, but he simply said, "Let us ride forward a bit."

They rode through the fields, the silence between them heavy. Finally, Tan Ting remarked, "Yi-zhen, your riding has indeed improved."

"Thank you for the praise, Master," she replied, patting her horse's mane.

"A beginner should not ride at night, in forests, or by riverbanks," he added. "It is best to have someone accompanying you."

As they rode, they encountered Qin Jiao, the assistant from the Lin household. He was shocked to see Tan Ting personally escorting Xiang Yi. He recalled a letter from Lady Tan in the Capital, mentioning two noble daughters who would be traveling north with Tan Ting. If Tan Ting intended to bring Xiang Yi as well, there would be significant trouble with the Lin family.

The peaceful atmosphere of the countryside was suddenly shattered by the thunder of hooves. Officials and Chen Fuyou’s men were scouring the area. Tan Ting realized they had found a trail. He turned to block Xiang Yi's view, but she had already seen them from the ridge.

Her heart tightened. Had they found her brother? Or was it the Vice Prefect?

She urged her horse forward, but Tan Ting blocked her path. "Yizhen, do not interfere in this."

"They are not capturing your brother," he said directly. "It is someone else."

Xiang Yi knew he meant Yang Muhong. But to her, Yang Muhong held the evidence for the exam fraud case, the hope for the rehabilitation of the commoner scholars.

"Master, you should return first," she said. This was a matter for the commoners; she did not want a clan head like him embroiled in it.

Tan Ting’s brow furrowed. Seeing her determination to help, he snapped, "Yizhen, perhaps you do not know what kind of man he is. He does not care for the commoners. He is a petty man who finally passed the exams only to ignore the people's plight. Such a man does not deserve your sympathy!"

The fields fell silent, save for the distant shouting of the guards. Xiang Yi looked up at him and let out a soft, bitter laugh.

Was the man Tan Ting described truly Yang Muhong? Or was he describing her father, Xiang Zhiyuan?

In the shadow of her faint, haunting smile, Tan Ting suddenly realized the weight of his words. A deathly silence fell between them.

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