Chapter 1 Have I Heard Correctly That No One is Welcoming Me?

Chapter 1 Have I Heard Correctly That No One is Welcoming Me?

"Master, we have arrived at the Duke Wen's Mansion."

Duke Wen's Mansion, bestowed with an hereditary title that could not be revoked, a reward for his meritorious services in the past, was situated on the most magnificent street of the capital city. Every inch of land here was worth its weight in gold, and the mansion itself exuded opulence and grandeur. Its eaves soared skyward, its beams and pillars intricately carved and painted. Even the entrance was more imposing than those of ordinary buildings, so lofty that it seemed to vie with the sun itself, making it almost impossible to look directly upon.

Wen Ruan lifted the carriage curtain and stepped down, his slender waist appearing even more fragile against the backdrop of the towering entrance, as if he could be snapped by the slightest breeze.

Nanxing hesitated for a moment before retracting the carriage step. "Master... you didn't change."

"In what way is there anything wrong with my attire?"

Wen Ruan stood with a smile gracing his lips, his eyes curved like a crescent moon, imbued with the gentle breeze of spring. He was immensely pleased with his appearance, remarking, "Ramie is soft, absorbent, lightweight, and thin – making it the most comfortable choice to wear during this season."

"It's not unpleasant, just..."

It doesn't appear as upscale.

Nanxing looked at her young master, smiling with lips and eyes, like the breeze through peach groves, carrying the warmth of spring. Her demeanor was relaxed and endearing, and even the hemp fabric that loved to crease so much draped softly on her, its sleeves billowing with an ethereal grace as if a celestial being had descended into the mundane world. It was impossible for anyone to find fault with this sight.

But this is the capital, not Sizhou. Here, people judge you first by your attire then by your character. Since Young Master has returned to acknowledge his kin, it's important to adapt to local customs; otherwise, he might be looked down upon.

"Others may not wish for my prosperity—"

Wen Ruan's gaze swept over the towering gate, speaking with deliberate composure: "Being considerate and sensible, I naturally must care about and fulfill their expectations."

Nanxing fell silent.

Three months ago, a peculiar group arrived in the county, claiming to purchase goods but acting far from professionally as merchants. They said they were servants of a noble household, yet dressed more extravagantly than even the county magistrate. For half a month, they discreetly yet brazenly inquired around the village, only to return shortly after leaving. They declared that Wen Ruan was the lost young master of the Wen family, the Marquesses of the capital, with all details corroborating their claim. There was no room for error; they intended to take Wen Ruan back home to reunite him with his ancestral roots.

The pretense was grand, yet the execution was perfunctory at best. Not a single master took it upon themselves to oversee this matter; instead, they dispatched an elderly servant and a carriage for the pickup, citing the distance as an inconvenience. Generous funds were provided for travel expenses, with instructions to purchase whatever necessities were lacking. Approaching the capital, the old servant fell ill, unable to continue, urging them to make their own way, assuring that the household had been duly informed, leaving no room for ignorance.

In such circumstances, it was hard not to interpret these actions as a 'warning shot', a clear 'disinvitation', or an 'unwilling acceptance due to some undisclosed reasons'.

Nanxing was deeply displeased; if she hadn't insisted on accompanying her young master, he would have faced this unwelcome reception alone...

So why should they accord any respect?

The robes in the carriage were indeed exquisite and opulent, but too rigid, the fabric too stiff, and not breathable, layer upon layer—six in total. In the May heat, wearing them would surely induce immediate perspiration, which one must endure without complaint. Why should they grant such high regard?

The young master is right; this ramie outfit is quite good—soft and skin-friendly, sweat-absorbing and breathable. Its material and craftsmanship are in no way inferior to those expensive fabrics. If others don't show respect, it's simply due to their limited knowledge—they still need more experience.

Wen Ruan, with his hands clasped behind his back, said, "Go ahead and knock on the door."

"Yes."

Nanxing stepped forward to knock on the door.

There was no response.

A pat at a time, a call after another, the more silent the surroundings became, the more awkward this moment felt, as if there was an unwelcome guest outside the door, oblivious to the situation, disturbing the master's peace.

This wasn't just any ordinary household—it was the Duke's mansion, with its grand entrance and unparalleled nobility—

For anyone else, the pressure would have multiplied instantly, even breeding a timid heart, but Wen Ruan's smile only grew wider, his eyes brightening to a sharp gleam.

"Coming, coming—"

As Nanxing grew increasingly agitated, narrowing her eyes in contemplation of shattering the damned door with her next strike, footsteps finally echoed from within.

The bolt slid back, and a young master emerged, nearly of age, his demeanor poised between youthful exuberance and mature sophistication. With elongated eyes and fine features, he greeted with a smile, "My apologies, the heat was unbearable, and I couldn't resist running for a sip of tea. I didn't expect my brother to return so soon; have you been waiting long?"

His attire was far more refined, akin in style to the set discarded by Wen Ruan and left in the carriage, which indeed appeared splendid on him, enhancing his bearing significantly. He must have trained his posture deliberately, as every step he took was graceful and composed, embodying the image of a warm and humble gentleman.

"I hope my brother doesn't blame the gatekeeper for being idle; I wanted to greet you personally, hence I dismissed them," he approached enthusiastically. "Are you upset?"

Wen Ruan took a step back.

"I am your elder brother, named Yu," Wen Yu's smile remained understanding. "In our main residence, we are the only two male heirs. The person who came to fetch you should have told you about the household affairs?"

The old servant had indeed mentioned it.

Wen Lie, the Duke of Wen, was Wen Ruan's grandfather. After losing his wife in his early years, he did not remarry, and only had two sons under his care: the elder, Wen Wei, who married Lady Zhou and had two legitimate daughters and one illegitimate son—the latter being Wen Yu; the younger, Wen Lang, married to Lady Yuan, and together they had only one son—Wen Ruan.

In this branch of the family, there were only two male heirs: Wen Yu and Wen Ruan, neither sharing the same father nor mother, making them cousins. Their luck wasn't great either; thirteen years ago, during the great chaos of Shangyuan, both brothers went missing. Wen Yu, the older cousin and illegitimate son, was fortunate enough to be found eight years ago, whereas Wen Ruan has only returned today.

However, the Duke's residence was not solely occupied by Wen Lie and three generations of his descendants. Despite being a Duke and reaching his sixtieth year, Wen Lie still had a stepmother to support, as the late Duke had remarried to a woman from the Wang family, a decade or so his junior. Lady Wang lived long, having given birth to two sons and a daughter in her earlier years. These sons had since started their own families, all of whom now resided within the Duke's mansion without dividing the household...

Thus, there were still quite a number of young masters residing in the Duke's residence.

Only the eldest legitimate branch of Duke Wen Lie held the most prestige and had the prime eligibility to inherit the dukedom, while illegitimate sons could never match up to their legitimate counterparts.

Wen Ruan was well aware of what his presence signified, but he hadn't anticipated the overt malice with which these people arranged everything, seemingly fearful that he might miss their intent.

"And what of the old servant?" Wen Yu looked behind Wen Ruan, seeing only the young attendant and no one else, he furrowed his brows slightly, "Daring to shirk his duties?"

Wen Ruan: "He's ill, he can't walk."

Wen Yu then smiled again. "And yet you didn't send someone ahead to inform me—was it because you were short on funds, or did the proximity to home make you too shy? No matter, you've arrived safely, and that old servant will be dealt with. We have plenty of servants at home. Come, come, hurry inside—"

He enthusiastically pulled Wen Ruan into the house.

Turning his face, at an angle where others couldn't see, he slightly curled his lips, revealing a relaxed smile that said 'just as expected.'

Indeed, just like in his previous life, this bargain brother dressed in a manner unsuitable for polite society, spoke little, and couldn't even tell when others were belittling him, his mind dulled by years spent in the countryside, single-mindedly tending to crops, knowing nothing beyond farming.

And yet, such a man, by sheer luck, married the third-place winner of the imperial exams due to a life-saving favor. As the third-place winner achieved great success and wielded immense power, he rose along with the tide, even his love for farming became a sign of noble character, praised by all.

The third-place winner...

At the thought of that name, Wen Yu's heart ached.

He could no longer live the life he had in his previous existence, allowing others to reap where they did not sow. He yearned for a life of freedom and indulgence... some things, others might attain by luck, but he could achieve them through his own efforts, and do so even better than they ever could.

Look at the scene at the Duke's Mansion today, wasn't it better than anything from his past life?

"Grandfather, in his advanced years, has developed many rustic pleasures—fishing, sightseeing, spring outings, and snow appreciation. He spends few days at home throughout the year. Recently, I heard he made plans with some old friends to pick the first ripe cherries... Great-grandmother's health declines with the heat, this year's summer came earlier, and right after the Dragon Boat Festival, she went to the temple to pray to the Bodhisattva. The whole family followed suit for the festivities, my mother included, which is why none of us are at home today."

Wen Yu spoke softly, as if engaging in a casual conversation with Wen Ruan about family matters, devoid of any hint of boasting or exclusion: "I was supposed to be attending to Great-grandmother there. She mentioned her intention to return today to welcome my younger brother home. But who would have thought that she caught a chill the other night? Although she wasn't bedridden, elderly people are frail, and travel isn't good for them. Filial piety being paramount, no one dared to leave her side. Considering my brother's return, I thought it wouldn't look right if there wasn't anyone at home. So, I took the liberty to ask for permission and rushed back overnight... My brother doesn't mind, does he?"

Wen Ruan, of course, could not care less: "Great-grandmother's health is of utmost importance."

"I knew my brother shares my sentiment, putting family first above all else. Both of us have wandered afar, and what we yearn for most in our hearts is nothing but home."

As Wen Yu spoke, he covertly observed Wen Ruan, searching for anything different... anything he might have overlooked in his previous life beyond the mediocre clothes that barely covered him...

Suddenly, by the side of the bundle carried by his constant companion Nanxing, he noticed something peculiar, something faintly familiar.

"Is this the only bundle you carry with you, Brother? Let me assist you—"

"No need—"

Nanxing certainly didn't want him to get too close, but it was clear that he wasn't trying to help; he just wanted to mess with the bundle. Even Young Master's eyes suggested as much...

With a "smack," as expected, the bundle hit the ground, spilling out an object—the size of a palm, rectangular, lustrously white like fat, finely detailed like jade, intricately carved, and emitting a faint, alluring fragrance.

"This... is it the flower soap that's been popular in the capital recently?"

Wen Yu immediately recognized it. Not only had it become very popular recently, but it was also incredibly hard to come by, priced ridiculously high: "This is quite a precious item."

Wen Ruan looked down at the scented soap on the ground, finding it somewhat hard to explain—since it was such a precious item—

"I came from afar and didn't prepare any gifts."

"My brother has put thought into this, I'm sure it cost quite a bit..." Halfway through his sentence, Wen Yu suddenly paused, his fingers caressing the intricate carvings on the soap, then he smiled, "But this thing, I'm afraid, can't be given away."

"Why not?" Wen Ruan asked.

"Because the emblem is incorrect; it's not the popular style in the aristocratic circles of the capital," Wen Yu replied.

It must be a counterfeit, this rustic younger brother has bought a fake.

Perhaps the expenses for the elderly servant sent along have been exhausted, and that's why the servant feigned illness out of anger, intentionally causing trouble.

He spoke in veiled terms, but he believed the other party should understand his meaning: don't embarrass yourself by presenting a fake.

Wen Ruan was surprised. "Thank you, elder brother, for your reminder."

"It's not that I'm against you showing filial piety...it's the duty of the younger generation, but with so many elders in the household, how do you divide one item? The rules in the Duke's Mansion are strict, unlike in the countryside..." Wen Yu showed reluctance. "The family traditions here are upright, the elders are very magnanimous, and the younger generation is friendly. You really don't need to prepare anything."

Last time, he gave nothing; why has he suddenly become so thoughtful now?

Wen Ruan hummed in acknowledgment, gesturing for Nanxing to put it away, appearing obediently receptive.

Wen Yu's heart settled, leading Wen Ruan around the promenade, pointing in one direction: "How about my younger brother lives over there?"

As they walked through the estate, the scenery of the Duke's residence was impressive, with lush flowers and trees arranged tastefully. The courtyards were tranquil and beautiful, each with its own unique style. The place Wen Yu pointed out stood out particularly, nestled within a charming small garden, adorned with eaves that soared skyward, verdant gates, and even a wall covered in roses.

Even without an understanding of architectural design, one could see that this courtyard held an extraordinary significance, at the very least, it was a main residence of a household, beloved by its owner, and frequented often.

Wen Ruan feigned ignorance: "Isn't this a bit too extravagant? I'm just a man, there's no need for such refinement..."

"How can you say that, younger brother? This was originally Second Uncle and Second Aunt's courtyard; it's perfectly proper for you to live here. You're the only legitimate son of our branch, and if you're too weak to handle matters, even Grandfather would be unhappy," Wen Yu advised, "Although my mother likes this courtyard and often holds banquets and gatherings here, now that you've returned, it should rightfully belong to you. Mother has always been generous and kind-hearted, saying she leaves everything to me to arrange, so there will certainly be no refusal. Younger brother, don't overthink it, just settle in with peace of mind."

Wen Ruan understood that there was nothing reassuring about this living arrangement.

Wen Yu deliberately arranged a different courtyard from the one in his previous life and led the way: "With all the complicated matters at hand, the household is preoccupied with taking care of Grandmother, and I rushed back hastily. The affairs are both numerous and urgent, so I can't arrange servants for you temporarily. We'll have to wait for Mother to return, which should be within a day or two. Can you manage on your own with your personal attendant by your side?"

"Hmm." Wen Ruan pondered whether this was yet another trap.

Encountering servants along the way, they marched in line, wielding cleaning tools in their hands, as if they had just finished their chores. Spotting them, all promptly stepped aside, heads bowed in salute, exhibiting impeccable discipline.

Leading the group was a woman around forty, dressed in blue attire, her round bun adorned with silver hairpins, wrists jingling with silver bracelets, and ears embellished with pearl earrings—she presented herself with dignity, clearly of no ordinary status.

"This is Aunt Sun, from Second House's Third Auntie, she's been left to oversee the household while the family serves our Great-Grandmother on her outing," Wen Yu introduced smoothly, greeting her with practiced ease. "Aunt Sun, what brings you here? Such trivial tasks like cleaning, why would they ever require your presence?"

Aunt Sun smiled as she curtsied. "Young Master, you flatter me. With you at home, I doubt any servant would dare to slack off or play tricks; nothing untoward will happen."

Wen Yu's smile deepened. "Great-Grandmother might take a few more days before returning. Second Grand-Aunt and Third Auntie, known for their filial piety, will likely be occupied for several days as well. Aunt, there's no need to fret. Just manage the household affairs as usual, everything will be fine."

Mama Sun: "It's truly the benevolence of the Eldest Young Master that we, mere servants, were in the dark, hearts in turmoil. With you here, it's like having a stabilizing force, what could possibly go wrong?"

"Mama flatters me, I'm merely doing my duty."

The two engaged in a harmonious exchange, seemingly conversing for a while, yet in reality, no significant matters were discussed. They only conveyed one message: both held considerable weight and prestige within the manor.

These two esteemed individuals seemed to have not noticed Wen Ruan at all, not asking or mentioning him once.

Wen Ruan felt the subtle atmosphere, the exclusion directed towards him.

He wasn't embarrassed, standing there with a smile on his face, watching them chat as if no one else was around, until their conversation trailed off.

"Look at me, I forgot about business." Wen Yu didn't want to be the awkward one, so he paused appropriately and continued leading Wen Ruan forward.

Aunt Sun watched the two of them leave, noticing Wen Ruan's robe, clearly made of inexpensive ramie, prone to wrinkles and patterns, yet when the wind blew, it billowed out smooth and graceful... how could it resemble Huo Zhu's?

That was an extremely fine craftsmanship, priced so exorbitantly that it left people gasping, and in very limited quantities. Come summer, the capital city would often find it in short supply, no matter how wealthy or rich you were, you couldn't buy it; you needed special connections.

Impossible.

Mother Sun shook her head; this newly recovered young master seemed neither competitive nor cunning, not the type to have such high-level connections. He should be just an ordinary, cheap ramie, and she had misjudged him.

Delivering Wen Ruan to the Rose Garden, Wen Yu excused himself, citing prior engagements, leaving Nanxing to begin unpacking.

"Hold on, don't open it yet." Wen Ruan intervened.

Since he had mentioned that this was where his mother, Madam Zhou, often gathered for feasts, how could he appropriate it? No matter how legitimate his claim, if others disapproved, life would be difficult. That half-brother of his surely didn't have good intentions.

Besides, he didn't fancy bustling places.

Wen Ruan said, "Let's wait a bit."

They waited for quite some time, but no one brought supplies or meals. The hour for dinner was almost past.

"I'll go inquire."

Nanxing returned swiftly from her round in the mansion, her face dark with anger: "The security here is tight. The guards say the master isn't around and won't allow anyone to wander. They claim they weren't informed about our presence, so no arrangements were made for our meals!"

This was the Duke's Mansion, and they were resorting to such underhanded tactics!

"Young Master, wait here, I'll go buy food!"

He had observed clearly on his way; the capital was prosperous, filled with restaurants and taverns at every corner. Where couldn't one find something to eat?

As for not being allowed to leave the mansion... Ha! He had a hundred ways to slip out without anyone noticing.

"There's no need."

Wen Ruan stopped Nanxing: "Now that we're back in the mansion, we should dine within its walls."

Nanxing disagreed: "But..."

Wen Ruan smiled faintly: "Unfortunately, I'm not skilled in cooking."

Nanxing responded: "Then I—"

"You aren't either," Wen Ruan said, his smile growing gentler, his lips curved like a crescent moon, obedient and clear.

Nanxing understood then; when Young Master smiled like this, someone was bound to suffer!

She became instantly excited as well.

"Let's gather some firewood first."

Wen Ruan lifted his face, basking in the sun's rays, pointing to the tall tree in the courtyard: "I think these branches up there would do nicely."