Chapter 686

Chapter 694: Fulfillment (Part 2)

Such a wonderful outcome was something no one had anticipated, and the joy spread like wildfire throughout the manor. Important stewards and housekeepers vied to offer their congratulations to Lord Xu, the Grand Dowager, Lady Eleven, and Lady Xiang. The Grand Dowager, Lady Eleven, and Lady Xiang were understandably overjoyed, and they rewarded everyone who came to congratulate them with silver. Only at Lord Xu's place, he merely nodded indifferently, leaving those who came to congratulate him feeling uneasy, unsure if they had flattered or offended him. Like fire meeting water, their enthusiasm immediately waned. They stammered through what they had intended to say in half an incense stick's time, reducing it to just three or four sentences before slinking away. Seeing this, others naturally refrained from mentioning it.

The silence and calm of the outer courtyard soon affected the inner courtyard, where the servants' cheerful chatter gradually quieted down, and the festive atmosphere began to thin.

"Are you really not happy?" Lady Eleven entered the inner chamber and saw Lord Xu lounging on a large kang by the window, reading a book. She smiled and sat beside him, "I don't believe it!" she added, "Why is His Excellency putting on such a stern face?" Lord Xu's serious expression slowly melted like snow in the sun: "You've seen how they all act as if they want the whole world to know. If I were to smile at them, it would be like adding oil to the fire, and who knows what might happen! If he had passed the Jinshi examination, it would be different, but he's only a Juren. Whether he can pass the Jinshi is still uncertain. If others see this, they might laugh at Yu-ge for being too presumptuous. Besides, Yu-ge is not young anymore. In recent years, he has traveled between Anle and Yanjing and even visited Jiangnan once. If he still sees things superficially, I think it's not too much for me to give him the cold shoulder." Lady Eleven didn't know what to say.

The relationship between Lord Xu and Xu Suyu was a typical example of feudal father-son dynamics.

"His Excellency's expectations for Yu-ge are too high," she advised, "At least give him a smile or some gift to show your approval. This guessing game is something only a god could get right every time!" "He will have to pursue an official career, and the first thing he needs to learn is to read his superiors' intentions," Lord Xu retorted, "If he doesn't even know who is around him, I think it would be better for him to stay in the Hanlin Academy and compile books, rather than be used by others and speak well of them, disgracing me!"

"Isn't that a bit too harsh, Your Excellency?" Lady Eleven said, "Everyone needs a place to relax. If even family members must read each other's intentions like outsiders, when will there be any peace?" Lord Xu remained silent for a moment before changing the subject: "I think you'll have to work hard these next few days. Since Yu-ge has passed the Juren examination, you should personally visit the Jiang family and Lord Xiang's family: Lady Zhou and the others will surely come to congratulate us."

Seeing that he didn't want to discuss it further, Lady Eleven didn't press the issue, not wanting to appear nagging.

"Rest assured, Your Excellency, I've already instructed the head housekeeper to prepare gifts and rewards," she smiled, "I plan to go to the Jiang family tomorrow morning and to the Xiang family in the afternoon."

Lord Xu nodded and turned toward the study: "I need to write letters to Mr. Jiang in Le'an and Lord Xiang in Huguang, both to thank them and to inquire about Yu-ge's future. Should he take the spring examination next or continue studying for a few more years?" He paused, "He ranked fourth... the spring examination takes one or two hundred candidates... if he fails to make it..." If he failed, he would either fail outright or become a Tong Jinshi.

Failing outright was straightforward; he could try again next time. But if he became a Tong Jinshi... though they were part of the same family, one was like a wife, and the other like a concubine, with vastly different treatments.

This was a significant matter.

As Lady Eleven saw Lord Xu out, she was considering whether to find the gold-embossed calligraphy scrolls given by the palace during the New Year to present to Xu Suyu as a congratulatory gift when Xu Suyu arrived.

"Your father is in the study!" she said with a smile, without even pausing.

But Xu Suyu replied, "I'm here to see Mother!" Lady Eleven was taken aback, "To see me?" Xu Suyu nodded.

Eleven Miss invited Xu Siyu to sit in the western sitting room.

Xu Siyu took out a small glass-enameled gold-twisted bottle with a stopper: "This morning, I heard from Xiang Shi that your sixth brother was bitten by an insect in Huai'an, leaving a red blister the size of a coin on his face. This was given to me by my father-in-law when I visited him. He said it’s specifically for treating insect bites and is very effective. Mother, would you ask Manager Zhao to arrange to send it to Yangzhou via the Ministry of War’s urgent military courier!" Eleven Miss had only learned of this matter this morning from Luo Zhenxing’s letter.

Jin Geer hadn’t mentioned a word about it in his letter. Though Luo Zhenxing’s letter was full of apologies, saying he hadn’t taken good care of Jin Geer, and assured her that a renowned local physician had been consulted, with the blister already much reduced, she was still worried. She not only sent Amber to consult Physician Liu but also had Qiuyu and others gather all the swelling-reducing ointments in the house. At the time, Xiang Shi had come to pay respects with Ying Ying in her arms and might have overheard something.

She didn’t decline.

Huguang was a region with many insects, and Lord Xiang was the Governor there. Since it was a gift from Lord Xiang and Xu Siyu also vouched for its efficacy, it should indeed be effective.

"Don’t mention this to elder madam," Eleven Miss said as she accepted the bottle. "I don’t want her to worry." Xu Siyu immediately replied, "Mother, rest assured. I’ve already cautioned Xiang Shi as well."

Just then, Amber entered, holding a black lacquered box.

"What did Physician Liu say?" Eleven Miss immediately stepped forward.

Xu Siyu quickly followed.

Amber opened the box: "Physician Liu said that if the Sixth Young Master only has one red blister, use the powder in this yellow bottle. If there are multiple small red blisters, use the brown bottle. If the blisters have formed fluid-filled blisters, use the white bottle..."

"Wait a moment," Eleven Miss said, seeing there were seven or eight bottles. She instructed Qiuyu, "Prepare ink for writing," then turned to Amber, "I’ll write down what you said and send it along with the box so they can follow Physician Liu’s instructions."

Qiuyu hurried off to comply, and Amber also nodded in agreement.

"Mother, let me write it," Xu Siyu offered, who had been standing nearby. "You rest. I have nothing else to do anyway."

Eleven Miss didn’t refuse his kindness. As Amber explained, Xu Siyu wrote down, then packed the glass bottle he had brought into the box and sent Manager Zhao rushing to deliver it to Jin Geer.

Xu Siyu then requested tea.

Lady Eleven thought he had something to say to her, but to her surprise, his lips parted briefly before he rose to take his leave without a word.

She recalled Lord Xu's indifference.

"Your father is writing to Mr. Jiang and Lord Xiang," Lady Eleven said tactfully. "They are discussing your plans for the spring imperial exams." Xu Siyu smiled upon hearing this. "Mother, don’t worry. I understand Father’s intentions. I also don’t want this trivial matter broadcasted everywhere." His expression was calm and serene.

It seemed she had overthought things.

"As long as you understand," Lady Eleven said with a smile, instructing Amber to fetch the four pieces of gilded-label inksticks for Xu Siyu. "Her Majesty the Empress bestowed these upon your father. I’ve used one block—the color is excellent, deep black and glossy. Take them and try them out."

Xu Siyu did not decline. "I was just worrying about what gifts to give to my mentor and Fang Ji. These ink pieces, presented in finely lacquered black boxes, would be perfect." He added, "Since you’ve already used one, that box is open. If there are any remaining, why not give them all to me?"

Since there were four pieces of ink, it meant four blocks in total.

Lady Eleven couldn’t help but chuckle. "There are three left—you may have them all."

Xu Siyu thanked her with a smile. Upon returning, he had several black lacquered boxes made to complement the golden inscriptions, exuding timeless elegance with a touch of opulence—fitting for his status. After exchanging pleasantries with his mentor and friends, the winter solstice soon arrived.

Both Mr. Jiang and Lord Xiang sent letters. Coincidentally, both tactfully suggested that Xu Siyu wait three years before sitting for the examinations. One wrote, "...Capitalize on your youthful vigor to study diligently. By the time you reach thirty, your memory will not be as sharp, and the texts you recite fluently will still be those you learned in your youth." The other advised, "...While early fame is desirable, it often leads to arrogance and overambition. Unconsciously, one may carry an air of haughtiness, unwittingly slighting superiors and peers.

Such traits hinder great achievements."

"Then you shall sit for the exams three years later!" Lord Xu decreed immediately.

Xu Siyu was not surprised by this outcome.

Since his father had been unwilling to celebrate his success in the provincial examinations, it was only natural that he would oppose rushing into the spring imperial exams. This suited Xu Siyu perfectly—he could return to the academy in Le’an and focus on his studies.

He asked Lady Eleven, "When will Sixth Brother return? It’s been years since I last saw him. After accompanying Father to the northwest and then Uncle to Jiangnan, he must have changed quite a bit. He might not even recognize me when we meet."

"He’ll return before Little New Year," Lady Eleven said, her entire face alight with unrestrained joy at the thought of seeing Jin Geer in just over a month. "Didn’t Lord Xu say you’d return to Le’an after the New Year? This way, you brothers can meet." Xu Siyu seemed surprised. "Isn’t Uncle returning to Yuhang for the New Year?" "No," Lady Eleven replied, knowing Luo Zhenxing had stayed in Yanjing for Jin Geer’s sake. She felt a pang of guilt. "Your uncle is spending the New Year in the capital."

Just as she finished speaking, Amber entered with a stack of lists. "Madam, these are the preparations for the New Year. Please review them."

Xu Siyu promptly stood to take his leave.

Lady Eleven carefully examined the lists, then affixed the Shoushan stone "Three Yangs Herald Prosperity" seal. Amber took them to Jiang Shi, who then assigned tasks to the housekeepers based on the lists.

Watching Jiang Shi oversee household affairs—not only diligently but also with growing shrewdness—Lady Eleven decided to delegate part of the New Year preparations to her. She focused only on ancestral rites and ceremonial visits to other households. In previous years, the New Year had kept her swamped, but this year, she found herself with ample free time. She spent it with her maids and matrons, preparing Jin Geer’s room and tidying the courtyard. By the twelfth month, she had posted servants at the main gate to await arrivals.

On the third day after Laba Festival rice porridge, Luo Zhenxing returned to the Lotus Lane estate with Jin Geer.