YHMCBW Chapter 65

Chapter 65: Not Becoming a Wife 65

During the latter half of their journey north, Gu Ziyan didn’t continue traveling with them by water. He escorted the prisoners to the capital ahead of them, so the Chang’an County case had already spread throughout the capital.

Thanks to the combined efforts of storytellers and playwrights, Young Master Xie’s reputation had reached mythical proportions. His wisdom was comparable to Zhuge Liang’s, and his strength rivaled Lu Zhishen’s. In short, he was portrayed as a brilliant strategist and a powerful warrior.

And because he grew up in a small county town, he was also said to be simple and unassuming.

It was said that he could eat eight cornbread buns in one sitting.

As for why cornbread, it was because the people in the capital believed that country folk couldn’t afford wheat flour buns.

In this atmosphere, one could imagine Steward Cui’s expectations of Xie Baizheng, both high and low, reaching astonishing levels. Despite his mental preparations, upon seeing Xie Baizheng disembark with Prince Qing, Steward Cui found that he didn’t match any of those outlandish descriptions.

He wasn’t a bookworm, nor a country bumpkin.

The real Xie Baizheng was a young man who hadn’t yet come of age. His long hair was tied back in a ponytail, giving him a handsome and refined appearance. Xie Baizheng was already good-looking, and after being pampered with ten carts of treasures and eight seamstresses by Eunuch Zhuxi, he looked even more noble.

He was definitely comparable to the noblemen’s sons in the capital.

Steward Cui immediately judged—the Duke would definitely like this young master! His smile became even more sincere, and he boldly “snatched” Xie Baizheng from Prince Qing: “Greetings, Your Highness. Thank you for your care of our young master during the journey. The Duke Ying’s residence will send a thank-you gift to Your Highness’s residence soon.”

Huo Jingchuan: “…”

How did he become “their young master”?

Eunuch Zhuxi, as Prince Qing’s emotional manager, immediately noticed his displeasure. But he was perceptive. Whether the prince’s plan would succeed didn’t depend on this old steward.

Zhuxi looked at Xie Baizheng with a meaningful expression: “Young Master Xie, what do you think about this…?”

Huo Jingchuan also looked at him.

Xie Baizheng wasn’t interested in this suddenly appearing Duke Ying’s residence or the steward and was about to refuse when the observant steward spoke first: “Young Master Xie, our Duke heard about your arrival in the capital and had your courtyard prepared half a month ago. It’s the courtyard prepared for our Eldest Miss before she was born. Although Eldest Miss is serving with her husband in a different province, and the Duke hasn’t been able to see you, blood is thicker than water. Please fulfill the Duke’s wish, and consider it a filial act on behalf of Eldest Miss.”

Eldest Miss… was he referring to Su Shi?

But in Chang’an County, Su Shi clearly said she didn’t know who her biological father was.

Xie Baizheng didn’t have a good impression of this suddenly attentive Duke Ying’s residence, but if he didn’t go, it would be difficult to figure out what they were up to.

And how was Su Shi raised by her adoptive mother?

Xie Baizheng thought for a moment and said to Zhuxi: “…Then please, Eunuch Zhuxi, have my luggage moved to Steward Cui’s carriage. Steward Cui, please lead the way.”

Huo Jingchuan’s eyes widened.

What about him?

Xie Baizheng’s expression was innocent. He was a nameless scholar. Even if he didn’t stay at Duke Ying’s residence, he couldn’t possibly stay at the Prince’s residence. Besides, wasn’t it too soon to live together?

He wasn’t ready.

With so many people watching, Huo Jingchuan couldn’t force him to stay and could only watch helplessly as Xie Baizheng left. Eunuch Zhuxi’s alertness level instantly increased, worried that Huo Jingchuan, in his anger, would go to the Duke’s residence and snatch Xie Baizheng back.

Although he could do it, it would be somewhat embarrassing.

Huo Jingchuan, however, knew his boundaries. He maintained his composure and said, feigning surprise: “I didn’t know Young Master Xie had such a connection with the Duke’s residence. My residence doesn’t lack anything that the Duke’s residence can offer. But Young Master Xie hasn’t fully recovered yet. Have those carts of precious medicinal herbs and the furnishings Young Master Xie is used to delivered to the Duke’s residence as well, so he won’t feel uncomfortable there.”

—A truly domineering display of a prince’s wealth and power.

Xie Baizheng was inwardly amused. Was Huo Jingchuan worried that he would be bullied at the Duke’s residence and deliberately showing his support? He said helplessly: “Then thank you, Your Highness.”

“You’re welcome.” The young prince’s mood improved slightly, and he added: “If you need anything, just ask Zhuxi.”

Eunuch Zhuxi smiled warmly.

Steward Cui of the Duke’s residence was shocked. He had originally thought Xie Baizheng was a young master raised in poverty, but it seemed that even staying at the Duke’s residence was considered a hardship!

Steward Cui, also a man who had seen the world, couldn’t let the Duke’s residence lose face! He immediately declared that although the Duke’s residence couldn’t compare to the Prince’s residence, it was still a noble household and would definitely not mistreat their young master!

Huo Jingchuan glanced at him indifferently, his gaze seeming to say—what’s so great about the Duke’s residence? Steward Cui’s heart skipped a beat. How dare he be so arrogant!

…

In any case, Steward Cui, after much effort, finally brought Xie Baizheng back to the Duke Ying’s residence.

—Followed by ten carts of belongings, supposedly things his young master was used to. Steward Cui couldn’t understand why there were eight seamstresses, eight cooks, and eight bodyguards for such a short journey.

—Although, after some friendly negotiation, only four of each remained, it was still a grand procession.

The gifts prepared by Eunuch Zhuxi before their departure weren’t wasted, but he didn’t know if the Duke’s residence could accommodate so many people.

Xie Baizheng, unable to refuse Huo Jingchuan’s generosity, could only say privately: “Steward Cui, thank you for your trouble. These people’s salaries and expenses will be covered by the Prince’s residence. Just arrange accommodations for them.”

Steward Cui nodded with a weary expression. Having been at the Duke’s residence for so long, he rarely encountered anyone more extravagant than the Duke. He needed a moment to recover.

Xie Baizheng: “…”

He felt truly apologetic.

Under these circumstances, as they entered the Duke’s residence, the old steward didn’t even bother admiring the two stone lions at the gate. He just silently compared them to the ones at Prince Qing’s residence and found them less impressive.

Steward Cui, forcing himself to lead the way, finally remembered to introduce the residence to Xie Baizheng: “Young Master, this is your first time home, so you’re probably not familiar with the residence. The Duke is the head of the household. Madam’s surname is Wang, and she’s very kind to the younger generation. You have two uncles, both living in the Duke’s residence.”

“First Uncle is the Duke’s eldest son. He currently holds a position in the Capital Garrison Command and is on duty now, not at home. He’ll be back after work in the evening. First Uncle’s branch has two sons and one daughter, all of similar age to you, currently studying at the family school. The Duke has instructed that if Young Master wishes, you can join your cousins.”

“Second Uncle is the Duke’s second son. He’s not in good health and is often ill, so he rarely appears in public. If Young Master wishes to visit him, you might have to wait. Second Uncle’s branch only has one daughter of similar age to you, also studying at the family school.”

“Besides your mother, there’s also a Grandaunt in our Duke’s residence, who married into the Ningyuan Marquis’s residence years ago. They’re also in the capital, and we visit each other often.”

“Young Master, we’ve arrived.” After this long introduction, they reached the reception hall. Steward Cui said: “The Duke knows you’re here and is waiting for you inside.”

Xie Baizheng nodded, and Steward Cui led him inside.

As soon as he appeared, maids and servants rushed forward. An older servant woman approached him, looked him over, and said: “Young Master is truly a refined gentleman. The Duke and Madam were just asking about you.”

She then led a group of maidservants to escort him inside.

Xie Baizheng instinctively felt something was wrong. This excessive enthusiasm seemed like a sign of disapproval. He looked at Cui Shuo calmly.

Steward Cui, squeezed in the back, was overwhelmed by the strong scent of perfume from the women. He thought, oh no, this young master wasn’t someone who could be easily manipulated by such tricks. He immediately put on a stern face and scolded: “Liu Shi, take these girls back to the inner residence! Our young master prefers quiet. There’s no need for so many people to welcome him! You’ve served Madam for so long. Don’t you know the rules?”

The servant woman, Liu Shi, paused, but she didn’t dare to disobey the Duke’s steward.

Xie Baizheng could finally meet the Duke in peace.

The Duke himself was already waiting in the hall. He was a tall and sturdy man, and his stern expression was quite intimidating. To avoid appearing unapproachable to his grandson, whom he was meeting for the first time, he had specifically chosen a plain robe. He looked at the guests he had summoned today with a smile and asked: “Not too scary, is it?”

—The young masters and misses of the Duke Ying’s residence, of similar age to Xie Baizheng, didn’t have to attend school today and were all called here to meet the guest.

Su Rongyu, the eldest grandson of the first branch, didn’t dare to speak in front of the Duke. However, his younger sister, Su Jingmiao, was more outspoken and said directly: “Grandfather, you’re too nervous. We don’t even dare to breathe loudly. Not scary at all. I heard that Cousin can even disarm bandits who kidnapped the Imperial Envoy with his bare hands. He definitely won’t be afraid of you.”

Su Rongyu frowned slightly and reminded her rationally: “Miao Miao, Cousin is a scholar.”

“What’s wrong with being a scholar?” Su Jingmiao turned to another person: “Second Brother is also a scholar, but he carries those swords around every day.”

Su Rongshao: “…”

What was wrong with swords? He liked collecting them!

Duke Ying’s benevolent expression almost disappeared. Madam Ying finally spoke: “Alright, sit down properly. Don’t embarrass our Duke’s residence.”

The younger generation all lowered their heads and replied: “Yes.”

Steward Cui led Xie Baizheng in at this moment. Before he could even introduce him, Duke Ying stood up abruptly, strode forward, and boomed: “You’re the child of my poor eldest daughter! I haven’t seen you for so many years, and you’ve grown so much!”

“You look just like—” Duke Ying turned to look at his grandchildren, but he didn’t know who to point at and trailed off. How old was his precious grandson? He had just asked, but he forgot in his excitement.

“Seventeen,” Xie Baizheng said considerately. “I just had my birthday at the end of last year.”

“Then you’re two years younger than Rongyu and one year younger than Rongshao. Your two cousins are the same age as Rongshao. One is called Jingmiao, and the other is from your Second Uncle’s family, called Jinglan.” Duke Ying counted them one by one. Xie Baizheng exchanged greetings with each of them, then Duke Ying introduced: “Now greet your grandmother and your two aunts.”

Xie Baizheng then greeted the elders, neither overly enthusiastic nor disrespectful. Although from a small county town, he showed no fear of the Duke’s residence’s power and influence, as if he was just visiting ordinary relatives.

His two aunts had never heard of this relative before and, seeing such a well-mannered young man, no longer had any doubts or worries. However, they all carefully glanced at Madam Ying, who was sitting at the head of the table.

Madam Ying was indeed very kind. She looked at Xie Baizheng with tears in her eyes: “My good child, you’re finally here. Knowing you were suffering outside all these years, I prayed for you and your mother every day. It’s good that you’ve grown up so well. It wasn’t in vain that I burned so much incense before the Bodhisattva.”

Xie Baizheng could only appear touched, but he thought to himself, Su Shi had said that his maternal grandmother passed away long ago, so this Madam Ying must be his maternal grandfather’s second wife. Could a stepmother truly be so kind to her predecessor’s child?

“I was heartbroken when your mother refused to return home and insisted on suffering outside all those years ago. Now, I’ve finally welcomed you back.” Madam Ying said with relief: “My good child, just treat this as your own home.”

Xie Baizheng didn’t immediately reply, feeling that her words were strange. Was she trying to drive a wedge between him and Su Shi, or was she trying to absolve the Duke’s residence of responsibility for his mother’s suffering?

Or was there something else going on?

Xie Baizheng, with doubts in his heart, said cautiously: “Thank you for your kindness, Grandmother. I’ll try not to be a burden.”

Duke Ying was the happiest. He wanted to say something intimate but felt that, as a rough man, he wasn’t eloquent enough. He rubbed his hands and asked: “Zheng’er, are you hungry? Shall we have dinner?”

Xie Baizheng naturally followed the host’s arrangements.

Just as they finished dinner, a servant reported that Xie Baizheng’s servant had arrived. Xie Baizheng knew who had arranged this and excused himself to go and unpack his luggage.

Steward Cui still led the way in the Duke’s residence, explaining along the way: “The name Bi Luo Courtyard was chosen by your maternal grandmother. It was originally intended to be your mother’s room, but it has been empty all these years, never occupied.”

The maternal grandmother he mentioned must be Su Shi’s biological mother.

When Xie Baizheng arrived at Bi Luo Courtyard, he saw a quick-witted young servant directing the other servants in organizing the courtyard. This must be Xie Baizheng’s servant.

As soon as the servant saw him, he said smartly: “Young Master, Qingzhu has finally met you! That meal at the main residence took so long that I almost missed your medication time!”

So his name was Qingzhu.

Xie Baizheng replied casually: “Is the medicine ready?”

“It’s been ready for a while, kept warm.” Qingzhu, as he instructed someone to bring the medicine, greeted Steward Cui: “Is this the steward of the Duke’s residence? You look very kind. No wonder the servants here are so careless. They actually sent a group of maidservants to carry Young Master’s ten carts of belongings. It’s a good thing we brought our own people. Otherwise, we would be unpacking until next month.”

“Look—” Qingzhu pointed at the pavilion: “The six sisters are all resting in the pavilion. We wouldn’t dare to tire them out.”

Steward Cui looked over and gasped. Those brightly dressed women looked familiar.

Steward Cui quickly tried to smooth things over: “Young man, you must have misunderstood. There must have been a mistake in assigning tasks. I’ll take the maidservants away and send some young men instead.”

Qingzhu smiled and thanked him: “Thank you.”

Qingzhu sent the steward and the brightly dressed women away and returned. Xie Baizheng, holding a bowl of medicine in one hand, gave him a thumbs-up with the other, impressed.

Qingzhu chuckled: “You’re too kind, Young Master!”

Xie Baizheng put down the bowl and asked: “Prince Qing sent you?”

“Yes, His Highness personally chose me.” Qingzhu said happily: “Not only did the residence triple my salary, but they even gave my parents easier and more respectable jobs!”

Qingzhu then said worriedly: “But Young Master, I was so focused on the increased salary that I forgot to ask what a servant’s duties are.”

Xie Baizheng wasn’t worried at all and said reassuringly: “That’s alright. I also don’t know what a young master should be doing.”

Qingzhu asked blankly: “…Huh?”

Xie Baizheng asked curiously: “What did you do at the Prince’s residence before?”

Qingzhu: “I ran errands for the purchasing manager, because I’m fast and good at making friends.”

“Mm…” Xie Baizheng smiled: “So you often go out and must have met many people. Did His Highness choose you because he’s afraid I’ll be taken advantage of at the Duke’s residence?”

Qingzhu recalled and said doubtfully: “…But His Highness told me to stay by your side and make sure no one kidnaps you.”

“Besides, it’s always us at Prince Qing’s residence who have to be careful not to abuse our power. Who would dare to bully us?”

Xie Baizheng: “…”

Oh.

The next day,

Qingzhu came to wake him up early in the morning. Xie Baizheng, not used to the new bed, hadn’t slept well and asked listlessly: “What is it? What happened?”

Qingzhu, seeing that he wasn’t used to being served, didn’t call anyone else in to help him wash up. He said: “Young Master, I’ve inquired. Today, a renowned contemporary scholar will be lecturing at the Duke’s residence’s family school. Since the Imperial Academy doesn’t start for another five days, you can attend the lectures here first!”

“Young Master, why did you stop?… Hurry up and wash up. We should leave now. We can even grab some beef pancakes on the way!”

Xie Baizheng finished washing up, looked up, and asked seriously: “…Do I really have to go?”

Qingzhu nodded firmly.

Although he had never been a servant before, he wanted to be the best!

Xie Baizheng: “…”

Seeing his eyes light up when he mentioned the tripled salary yesterday, he had thought it was just because of the money. He hadn’t expected him to be so career-driven.

Urged by Qingzhu, Xie Baizheng slowly made his way to the lecture hall of the Duke’s residence. He really didn’t want to go. He had thought he had five days of vacation, but it turned out there were pre-term classes!

Xie Baizheng entered the hall, yawning, only to find it already filled with young masters and misses. He quietly found a seat in the back, intending to just coast through the lecture.

Just as he sat down, he saw the instructor enter. As the students stood up to greet him, a young lady rushed in and sat down in the seat next to Xie Baizheng, her expression flustered.

Xie Baizheng belatedly realized that he had taken someone else’s seat. He poked Su Rongyu, who was sitting in front of him, and mouthed: “Hers?”

Su Rongyu glanced between them and said, “Second Sister won’t mind.”

Xie Baizheng turned to look at Su Jinglan and found that she was already listening attentively. However, this Second Sister didn’t seem to talk much. He hadn’t seen her speak at the family dinner yesterday either.

Xie Baizheng didn’t think much of it and took out his paper and brush to take notes. Today’s lecture was on a passage from the Tao Te Ching, but with Xie Baizheng’s current understanding of classical Chinese, he could only grasp the general idea.

There were twenty or thirty students in the lecture hall. Since it was the family school and a renowned scholar was lecturing, many children from the extended family and friends were also present.

Xie Baizheng didn’t know any of them, so he could only listen to the lecture first.

During a short break, Xie Baizheng apologized to Su Jinglan out of courtesy: “Sorry, Second Sister, I didn’t know this was your seat.”

Su Jinglan turned to look at him, “Remember not to take the wrong seat tomorrow.”

Xie Baizheng: “…Understood.”

Who said she didn’t mind?!

Just as they exchanged these few words, Su Rongyu, acting as the host, came over to introduce Xie Baizheng: “Everyone, let me introduce you. This is Cousin Xie Baizheng, my Eldest Aunt’s only son.”

The people present, having never heard of him, exchanged glances, all looking towards the same corner. Su Rongyu didn’t know how to explain—he himself had only learned about this cousin a few days ago—so he could only say to Xie Baizheng: “Those over there are also from your aunt’s family. The four brothers are our cousins.”

Xie Baizheng thought to himself, these cousins must be the sons of the daughter who married into the Ningyuan Marquis’s residence, as mentioned by Steward Cui, young masters from a marquis’s household.

Xie Baizheng nodded slightly, not showing any particular reaction. However, he could sense a certain hostility from the four marquis’s sons.

Could it be because they wanted to be the only grandsons of the Duke?

…

By now, someone had connected Xie Baizheng to the rumors circulating in the capital. A young master dressed in fine clothes exclaimed: “You’re Xie Baizheng? The one who single-handedly infiltrated the mountains and rescued Prince Ye from rebellious miners amidst a cave-in and a fire… the chivalrous hero?”

Clearly, Xie Baizheng didn’t match his image of a bold and heroic knight-errant.

Xie Baizheng: “…?”

That wasn’t a rumor, it was an exaggeration.

Xie Baizheng clarified: “There were over five hundred soldiers and local garrison troops on Brush Holder Ridge that day.”

“…”

“Liu Xunyi, I told you it wasn’t possible!” Another young master, also dressed in fine clothes, asked: “Then how did you know there was a copper mine in those mountains?”

“I know about this.” Su Rongyu said: “A few days ago, after discussing it with my classmates, I felt there was something to it, so I shamelessly asked Prince Ye for an explanation.”

Su Rongyu recounted what Xie Baizheng had told Ye Wenbin that day and then said humbly: “Cousin, Prince Ye said you were the one who explained this to him. But how did you think of applying the ‘oranges south of the Huai River’ principle to this situation? Copper mines and agriculture are completely unrelated.”

Xie Baizheng frowned. Was it really that difficult to understand? It must be because he hadn’t studied dialectical materialism!

Although he couldn’t explain it scientifically, he could offer a philosophical interpretation: “As the Tao Te Ching says, the Tao produces one, one produces two, two produces three, and three produces all things. This shows that everything in the world is interconnected, and everything is related to everything else, including the different parts of a thing itself.”

“Being on the same Brush Holder Ridge, how could the copper mine and the Tongcao flower not be related?”

Everyone: “!!!”

Could the Tao Te Ching be interpreted this way?

The renowned contemporary scholar, who had originally intended to stop the students’ idle chatter, found himself unable to refute it. The old scholar, adjusting his glasses, leaned forward: “Young friend, could you elaborate on this interconnectedness of all things?”

Everyone in the lecture hall: “…”

Outside the lecture hall, Su Jianglin, Duke Ying’s eldest son and Xie Baizheng’s uncle, was leading Ye Wenbin towards them, saying as they walked: “Master Shen is lecturing at our family school today. I didn’t expect Prince Ye to also admire Master Shen’s scholarship…”

Just as Su Jianglin finished speaking, they reached the entrance. He was about to step inside when he heard Master Shen’s “humbly seeking guidance” directed at Xie Baizheng.

Xie Baizheng: “…”

Su Jianglin: “…”

Who are you?