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Chapter 54: The Reunion
“What? You don’t even know to call me 'Eldest Brother' anymore?”
Gu Yansheng finished speaking, then lifted his robes and sat down, settling beside Xiang Yi.
Only after he had sat down did the three siblings snap back to attention. It wasn’t just Xiang Yu and Xiang Ning, who hadn’t seen him for a long time, but even Xiang Yi, who had met him just last month, took a careful look at him.
Her sworn brother truly possessed a certain skill. His face was indeed his own, yet it didn’t quite seem the same. Perhaps it was because he acted as a Daoist priest in the Eastern Palace, never revealing his true identity, so his appearance was always somewhat veiled.
With this thought, Xiang Yi quickly said, “The main hall of this teahouse isn’t convenient. Shall we go to a private room upstairs?”
At her suggestion, Gu Yansheng’s gaze couldn’t help but fall upon her. He immediately recalled that night, when she dared to ride out alone to lure Chen Fuyou away, allowing him to escape. If anything had happened to her then, what would he have done?
Gu Yansheng didn’t let Xiang Yi fuss further. He smiled, his eyes soft as he looked at her. “Now that we’re in the capital, this is my territory. It’s only right that I host. Yizhen, don’t trouble yourself.”
As he finished speaking, Qiu Ying went out and returned, leading them to a more secluded tea courtyard. Xiang Yi hadn’t expected them to change locations. As they walked down the street, she glanced back at the entrance of the previous teahouse. However, the two teahouses weren’t too far apart.
Xiang Yu and Xiang Ning didn’t have as many thoughts as Xiang Yi. They were more curious about their sworn brother himself, and they looked him over thoroughly. Gu Yansheng couldn’t help but laugh and asked Xiang Yi, “Am I not as good-looking as before?”
“How could that be?” Xiang Yi waved her hands repeatedly. Her gaze lingered briefly on Gu Yansheng’s handsome face, and she pursed her lips, smiling. “Elder Brother still possesses the same elegant charm.”
Gu Yansheng’s eyes were filled with amusement.
Xiang Yu spoke up, “How did Elder Brother know we were here? And why are you in the capital, and it seems like you and Eldest Sister met recently?” He asked several questions, causing both Gu Yansheng and Xiang Yi to chuckle. The matter was quite complicated, and Gu Yansheng answered him in broad strokes.
As he spoke, Xiang Ning, standing nearby, said, “All these twists and turns are just like listening to a story.” The young girl seemed to find it novel, but Xiang Yu, within those brief words, heard the cold sweat. He couldn’t help but ask Xiang Yi, “Eldest Sister, you didn’t even tell me?”
Xiang Ning also reacted, “You didn’t tell us either!” Seeing her frail appearance, she, like a fish leaping upwards, drew an eye-roll from Xiang Yu. But Eldest Sister hadn’t mentioned a word of this to him.
Xiang Yi quickly soothed her younger brother, but Xiang Yu asked another question. “So Master Tan knew? He didn’t try to capture Elder Brother for the Fengling Chen clan?”
Tan Ting’s stance in this matter, helping Gu Yansheng, was undeniable. Gu Yansheng naturally wouldn’t conceal it, merely glancing at Xiang Yi. “Master Tan did indeed help us.”
Xiang Yu was astonished. In his eyes, Tan Ting was the scion of a noble clan. Just as he was indifferent to his sister, even if he wouldn’t harm commoner families, he wouldn’t go out of his way to help. He truly couldn’t understand, but he didn’t say more.
The four siblings hadn’t reunited in a long time. Xiang Yu didn’t want to dwell on Master Tan any longer. He first spoke of his own studies at Boyun Academy, then mentioned that with the imperial examinations in the capital approaching in April, many scholars from other regions were arriving in the prefectures and counties. The Jiangxi examination fraud case being brought to light had caused shock and dissatisfaction among these scholars, especially those from humble origins. Even at Boyun Academy, discussions about the matter had begun, and there was now a visible rift between the scholars from humble families and those from aristocratic families.
Xiang Yi had previously heard Tan Ting express his concerns about this. After all, the imperial examinations were the path for commoner families to ascend. If this path was blocked, how could they remain calm? She couldn’t help but ask Gu Yansheng, “Elder Brother, has the trial of that case by the Three Judicial Offices concluded yet?”
The case implicated too many people, from local minor clans to the Fengling Chen clan, as well as the imperial envoy and a host of officials. Who was involved in what, and who had deployed what schemes in secret?
“This matter is quite intricate and cannot be investigated in a short time.” At least the Fengling Chen clan wouldn’t yield so easily. Although the Chen clan had no high-ranking officials currently in court, they had two former powerful regional governors. The court had to consider them carefully. Furthermore, the Crown Prince was only the Crown Prince, and the Emperor wasn’t entirely hands-off with state affairs. “We’ll have to wait a bit longer.”
He looked at Xiang Yi and asked her a few questions. Seeing that she was quite clear about the current situation, it was evident that Master Tan had discussed these matters with her at length. Were they getting closer? But if the tensions between noble and commoner classes continued to escalate, would they still be able to remain as they were now? Or would Tan Ting still let Yizhen leave then?
While some were gathered for tea and conversation, others found the location specified in the note but saw no one. Tan Ting froze, sending Zheng Ji to ask the shopkeeper. The teahouses in the capital were mostly busy. The shopkeeper only said that a guest surnamed Xiang had indeed come for tea and had paid and left, but where they went, he didn’t know. Why would they leave so abruptly? Tan Ting frowned and called over a waiter to ask again. “Which table did the guest surnamed Xiang sit at?” he added, “How many were there?”
The waiter remembered more clearly than the shopkeeper. He immediately replied, “There were two initially, then a lady dressed as a madam arrived. Not long after she sat down, a distinguished-looking gentleman in a red robe arrived, and they left with that gentleman.”
Tan Ting couldn’t muster a smile. He knew that Daoist priest Gu, working for the Eastern Palace in the capital, would inevitably appear before Yizhen. But why had she only mentioned meeting her siblings for tea and not Gu Yansheng? Tan Ting tried not to overthink, but his mind couldn’t help but wander. Unfortunately, the waiter didn’t know where they had gone.
Zheng Ji looked at his master’s expression, which was incredibly grim, his lips tightly pressed. Zheng Ji only dared to ask softly, “Perhaps Master should return home first? I can have someone else search for Madam.”
Tan Ting remained silent. He considered Gu Yansheng’s identity and mused inwardly, “Go and check the tea courtyard in the alley behind.” Zheng Ji didn’t know what his master was thinking. He was still considering going home to gather more people to find Madam, but as they reached the entrance of the tea courtyard in the back alley, they saw several people emerging one after another. Leading them was the young master of the Xiang family. Young Master Xiang was speaking with the second young lady, seemingly bickering, exchanging words back and forth. Then, from behind them, two more people emerged. The man wore a bright red brocade robe, tall and striking, with an air of dashing romance in his eyes. He was speaking softly to the woman who emerged last, her head bowed. If there hadn’t been a step’s distance between them, Zheng Ji would have been sweating for his master. He secretly turned to look at his master’s expression, but before he could see clearly, he saw his master stride forward. Zheng Ji’s heart tightened, fearing his master, not being as eloquent, might suffer a disadvantage in this situation. However, he heard his master call out to his wife.
“Yizhen is also quite something. Why didn’t you invite your sworn brother, A’yu and Ningning to our home?”
Xiang Yi finally saw him. Tan Ting, with perfect etiquette and a hint of affection, smiled and walked between Gu Yansheng and Xiang Yi, naturally taking Xiang Yi’s hand. He had been doing this often lately, and Xiang Yi didn’t find it unusual. “Master, why are you here?”
Tan Ting shot her a quick, pained glance, but said aloud, “Yizhen left me a letter. Didn’t that mean you wanted me to find you?”
“Uh...” Xiang Yi hadn’t meant it that way. But Tan Ting didn’t let her continue, instead asking Gu Yansheng beside them, “brother in law is here as well.”
This new address fell upon Gu Yansheng’s ears. He was taken aback, but his gaze fell upon their clasped hands. After a long moment, he said, “Lord Tan is too kind.” Seeing this, Tan Ting held Xiang Yi’s hand even tighter and nodded to Xiang Yu and Xiang Ning. “A’yu and Ningning have grown taller again.” He called them affectionately, like a big brother-in-law who was liked by his wife’s younger siblings. This made it difficult for Xiang Yu and Xiang Ning to ignore him, even if they were unwilling. The two reluctantly paid their respects, “Greetings, Lord Tan.”
‘Lord Tan.’
Tan Ting: ”...”
It was Xiang Yi who, fearing her younger brother would act up again and disrespect this gentleman, changed the subject and asked Gu Yansheng, “Brother, weren’t you planning to return?” They were about to say more, but someone from the Eastern Palace had come looking for Gu Yansheng, so they had to end it here. Gu Yansheng nodded in agreement and didn’t linger. He clasped his hands to Tan Ting again. “Regarding the previous matter, Gu thanks Lord Tan.”
“It was nothing,” Tan Ting reminded him, “That case, who knows how long it will take to conclude. It would be best if His Highness the Crown Prince could instruct for it to be resolved sooner.” Gu Yansheng understood his meaning. It seemed he truly didn’t want the conflict between the noble and commoner classes to escalate too much, perhaps also considering Yizhen’s sensitive identity. His gaze fell again on Tan Ting’s hand holding Xiang Yi’s, lingered briefly, then moved away. Gu Yansheng agreed, but before leaving, he called out to Xiang Yi again. “Yizhen, we’ll meet again another day.” With that, he deliberately glanced at Tan Ting. Tan Ting’s perfectly polite smile was about to break. But his wife beside him didn’t feel the same. She turned to ask Xiang Yu and Xiang Ning, “Do you two want to head back now?” Both said they were leaving, but Xiang Yi still wanted Xiang Ning to stay with her. She hinted at this intention and then looked at Tan Ting. Tan Ting naturally agreed.
This was an excellent opportunity to mend his relationship with her siblings. “We happen to have a courtyard at home with flowers that bloom year-round, perfect for cultivating oneself. Ningning, you can move in today.” He invited them warmly, but Xiang Yu glared. “No need to trouble Lord Tan. I will look after Ningning.” Tan Ting expected his firm refusal. Xiang Yi, however, looked at her brother again. Xiang Yu clearly didn’t want to dwell on the matter, and Xiang Ning also said it wasn’t necessary. “Lord Tan’s kindness is appreciated. As long as Eldest Sister is well, that’s all that matters. Ah’yu and I have been together since we were in the womb; we’re used to it.”
Xiang Yu wanted to say something, but didn’t. Seeing that it was getting late, the two bid farewell to Xiang Yi and Tan Ting and left. In a blink of an eye, only Xiang Yi and Tan Ting remained. Tan Ting saw his wife looking in the direction her siblings had left for a long time.
He couldn’t help but ask her in a low voice, “Yizhen, you came to see your sworn brother, why didn’t you tell me?” Xiang Yi quickly explained that her brother had found her on his own. Tan Ting had already guessed, but thinking of Gu Yansheng’s words, he said again, “Next time Yizhen meets your sworn brother, you must tell me.” Xiang Yi replied “Okay.” So he valued her elder brother so much. The weather in the capital gradually grew warmer, but this year’s spring warmth carried a hint of restlessness and unease. One day, Xiang Yi mentioned something to Tan Ting: her father’s former teacher, who was both a mentor and a friend, lived in the outskirts of the capital.
Since she had come to the capital, it was only proper to visit an elder. This elder was the Sixth Elder of the Hai Dong Qi clan.
The members of the Hai Dong Qi clan enjoyed a free and easy life, and not many entered officialdom, so they weren’t particularly famous among the aristocratic families. However, they were an ancient clan, having endured and remained intact through three dynasties.
Previously, Xiang Zhiyuan had been acquainted with Elder Qi, and when he fell into trouble, Elder Qi had spoken out in his defense, though it still couldn’t clear his name. Xiang Yi told Tan Ting of her intention to pay a visit, originally planning to take her siblings with her. But unexpectedly, that gentleman said he would accompany her. “The Sixth Elder of the Hai Dong Qi clan? What a coincidence. I was just thinking of paying him a visit these past two days.” The Sixth Elder of the Hai Dong Qi clan was precisely the superior of Tan Chaokuan when he first entered officialdom, and he had shown Tan Chaokuan much care. Tan Ting had visited the old elder every year since he came to the capital.
The two were somewhat surprised when they said this. When they went to visit on a good day, Elder Qi saw them and said, “I was wondering if you two young ones would come separately!” Separately. Tan Ting felt that if it were before, this might have been a real possibility. But now, it was different. She told him everything. Tan Ting’s lips curved slightly, but he noticed that the old scholar , whom he hadn’t seen in a year, had more than half his hair turned white, and his spirit seemed to be merely propped up. Tan Ting recalled that the old scholar hadn’t been well last year, and this year it had worsened. He couldn’t help but ask, “Has the old scholar not sought treatment from the imperial physicians at the Imperial Hospital?” the old scholar smiled and waved his hand, “I have, but birth, old age, sickness, and death are natural human affairs. However many years I live is how many years I live.” As he finished, a servant announced that the Old Madam had arrived. Xiang Yi hadn’t had a chance to pay her respects yet, but the Old Madam had come. She felt very apologetic. However, the Old Madam was completely unconcerned, unlike the dignified matriarchs of other families. Old Madam Qi had someone bring over a box. Seeing Xiang Yi and Tan Ting, she smiled and said, “Now that the juniors are here, it’s perfect. Quickly help me persuade the old scholar to take his medicine first.” As she spoke, seeing the old scholar already covering his mouth and turning his head away, the Old Madam directly said, “What? Are you throwing a tantrum in front of the juniors and refusing to take your medicine? Do you wish to die quickly and get away from me?” At these words, Xiang Yi and Tan Ting couldn’t help but exchange glances.
But the old scholar seemed unbothered. He loosened his grip on his mouth and said, “Even if you say harsh words, I won’t drink this bitter soup. I don’t have many years left anyway, why should I suffer?” He then covered his mouth again. The Old Madam, angered, stepped forward to pry his mouth open, calling to Xiang Yi, who was standing by in astonishment. “Quickly help me bring the medicine and force it down his throat!” The old scholar, however, urgently called to Tan Ting, “Yuanzhi, hold your wife back, don’t get involved!”
Xiang Yi: ”...”
Tan Ting: ”...”
But the old scholar finally drank the bowl of bitter medicine. The Old Madam wiped the sweat from her brow. “We go through this every day. You haven’t died, but you’ve worn me out!”
The old scholar said, “I think you get stronger every day!” After speaking, the old couple looked at each other and burst into laughter.
Xiang Yi was stunned. Tan Ting glanced at his wife. If they could still be like this when they were old and gray, how wonderful it would be. The Old Madam then remembered the two of them.
Remembering the old scholar calling out “Yuanzhi” earlier, she pointed at Tan Ting and asked, “Is this the young master of the Tan family?” the old scholar said yes, and Tan Ting stepped forward to pay his respects. The Old Madam then looked at Xiang Yi, “You are Miss Xiang, aren’t you?” Xiang Yi nodded quickly and also paid her respects.
The old scholar asked the Old Madam, “Oh, you know who she is?” “How could I not know who she is? I can only tell she is a dignified and courteous young lady from a prominent family,” the Old Madam explained with a smile. “But I remember that Xiang Zhiyuan couldn’t decide on his daughter’s marriage and wrote to you for advice. Tan Chaokuan also heard about it and wrote to ask you to put in a good word, and only then did Xiang Zhiyuan agree to this marriage. Later, both families sent you a cartload of wine.” The old scholar clapped his hands and laughed. “You remember it clearly. That’s how it was.” As the old scholar spoke, he whispered to Xiang Yi, “The wine your father sent tastes much better than his father’s!” Xiang Yi pursed her lips and smiled, “As long as Old Master likes it.” Tan Ting chuckled and shook his head, “Then I’ll send you some more delicious wine another day.” the old scholar said no, “The wine from your family always tastes dull and unpleasant. Besides, the old woman doesn’t allow me to drink wine anymore!”
“That’s true,” the Old Madam agreed. Both Tan Ting and Xiang Yi were surprised by this past event related to their engagement. The old scholar said he would find the old letters from that year to show them. He asked the Old Madam where the letters were, but unfortunately, too much time had passed, and the Old Madam couldn’t remember. She searched through many boxes where letters were kept but couldn’t find them. The Old Madam said, “When I find them, I’ll show them to you two young ones.” The two repeatedly said yes.
In the evening, the two stayed for dinner at the Qi family’s residence. The old scholar took the opportunity of having guests to request wine, and the Old Madam couldn’t refuse him. Tan Ting then accompanied the old scholar for a few drinks. After three cups, the Old Madam stopped the old scholar, forbidding him to drink any more. “If you drink any more, I’ll add two more bowls of bitter medicine for you tomorrow and the day after.” But the old scholar hardened his heart and said, “Fine. I want to drink with Yuanzhi today. His drinking capacity is as unfathomable as his father’s! Your Xiang family people are good; Xiang Zhiyuan gets drunk after one cup.” Xiang Yi choked. Her father indeed always went out drinking and came back lying down. She worried about Brother Yu in the future. But no matter how much the old scholar insisted, the Old Madam wouldn’t allow him to drink any more. “Have you forgotten how your ailment came about?” Hearing this, Xiang Yi glanced at Master Tan beside her, who looked as usual, his face not even showing a hint of flush, and quietly asked, “Master, do you still want to drink?” Tan Ting heard his wife ask him proactively, his eyes lit up. But before he could answer, he heard the old scholar and Old Madam discussing. “I can stop drinking, but Tan Yuanzhi can drink, right? It’s fine if I drink tea with him? I still want to test how deep the drinking capacity of your Tan family is.” Old Madam: ”...” Tan Ting chuckled and looked at his wife helplessly, whispering almost with his lips, two words, “It’s fine.” He said it was fine, and it seemed he was truly fine. Later, at the old scholar ’s request, the dining table was moved to the courtyard.
Under the newly sprouted grapevines, in the cool evening breeze carrying the warmth of spring, a gentle breeze blew the aroma of wine. A half-hidden bright moon hung at the tip of the eaves.
Tan Ting drank until the old scholar could no longer drink tea, yet his complexion remained normal, and his speech was clear. The old scholar drank a bellyful of tea and became angry. “Tan family people are so boring.” Tan Ting smiled and shook his head. It was getting late, and if they didn’t leave soon, the capital city gates would close. However, before leaving, Tan Ting mentioned the current situation. Hearing this, the old scholar ’s expression turned serious, and he sighed. “Our Hai Dong Qi clan has endured three dynasties, and this is the first time we’ve seen the noble and commoner classes in such a state of conflict. But whether noble or commoner, aren’t they all the same people? Is one inherently more noble than the other? I believe in the end, we must coexist. But right now, it feels like there’s a hand stirring the winds of change.” That’s right. Tan Ting had the same feeling.
He had mentioned this to the Fifth Elder of his own clan before. Tan Ting inexplicably thought of the mystery surrounding his father and the death of his father-in-law, Xiang Zhiyuan. He wondered whose hand was manipulating this grand game of chess across the land. The Old Madam, mindful of the time, reminded the two to return quickly and called to Xiang Yi. “I don’t think your Yuanzhi is necessarily not drunk. Go back and make him some hangover soup!” Xiang Yi agreed, thanked the Old Madam, and boarded the carriage with Tan Ting, returning to the capital. They arrived back in the city just before the gates closed.
The moon had risen above the eaves, hanging brightly. The gentleman’s eyes were also bright. At first glance, he showed no signs of drunkenness, but Xiang Yi could sense that his entire being seemed to have been steeped in wine, his breath scorching her ear as it passed. “Master, you should drink some hangover soup when we get back.” Tan Ting tilted his head and looked at her. “Yizhen, you look down on me?” “How could I?” Xiang Yi quickly shook her head. “Old Madam Qi ordered it.” Tan Ting said “Oh” and sighed softly. Xiang Yi didn’t know why he sighed. The carriage arrived at the Tan family’s residence at that moment. She got off the carriage and instructed the kitchen to make hangover soup. Soon, she brought the hangover soup into the room and saw him resting his forehead on his hand, his eyes closed. Before she even entered, she detected the scorching heat radiating from him. She placed the hangover soup on the table beside Tan Ting’s hand, “Master, wake up and drink the soup.” As her voice fell, the man opened his eyes. His eyes were exceptionally bright for a moment. The next second, his burning arms pulled Xiang Yi into an embrace. Xiang Yi was so startled she dared not move. “Master, aren’t you drinking the hangover soup?” He didn’t answer her, but instead asked another question. “Yizhen, shall we try for a child tonight, okay?” Xiang Yi almost couldn’t come back to her senses. “But today isn’t the fifth...” The man pursed his lips, then spoke again. “From now on, it won’t be the fifth anymore. How about the even days, okay?” Xiang Yi: ”...” That might not be good. That night, the Tan family’s old residence in the capital was filled with peace.
However, in several prefectures and counties outside the capital where scholars had gathered, after days of simmering unrest, the night finally erupted like a spark thrown into a fire. A large crowd surged into the streets. Two academies were burned down, and the prefectural yamen was surrounded by scholars. The prefect, terrified, looked at the sea of scholars surging towards him. “You... are you trying to rebel?!” A roar erupted from the crowd. Someone in the crowd said, “If rebelling can bring a way out for us commoner scholars, then let’s rebel!”
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