Chapter 89: Grudges

Chapter 89: Grudges

Min Leyi lowered his head in thought, his bangs covering his almond-shaped eyes.

"I should still hear what he wants and clarify things. I'm not being unreasonable."

"Alright, I'll go take a look in the courtyard."

Qiu Huanian got up and went to the main gate. Yu Min, who hadn't slept all night, was taken aback to see him and looked away.

"Qiu Xiangjun, I wish to see Leyi."

Qiu Huanian couldn't tell what he wanted to say.

"Follow me."

Qiu Huanian led Yu Min to the guest room where Min Leyi was sitting.

"You two talk. I'll be outside in the courtyard."

After Qiu Huanian left, Yu Min took out a jar of ointment from his robe and carefully placed it beside Min Leyi's hand.

Min Leyi pulled his hand back.

Yu Min mustered his courage and asked, "Leyi, I came to give you medicine. Can I see your hand?"

Min Leyi hid his hand in his sleeve. "It's already been treated and wrapped."

"..." Yu Min fell silent for a moment.

"Leyi, I've been thinking about it all night. I want to ask you, will you wait for me?"

"Wait for you?" Min Leyi's voice came from his throat.

"If not this time, then next time. Once I pass the imperial exams and become an official, I'll take you to another place for my post. We won't have to abide by the family rules anymore."

After saying this, Yu Min's heart was pounding like a drum, anxiously awaiting Min Leyi's response.

After a long silence, Min Leyi let out a soft laugh.

"What if it's not this time, or the next? Each attempt is three years apart. How long will it take? Who can say for sure?"

"Besides, even if you become an official, can you really renounce the Yu family and never return home? How would that be any different?"

"If I wait for you, who will wait for me for a lifetime?"

"..." Yu Min was speechless.

He knew deep down that this was just a futile effort. He just couldn't bring himself to give up. The youthful affection born of admiration was about to shatter, and it only made him more desperate.

Min Leyi kept his head down and dismissed him.

"If that's all you have to say, then go. Take the medicine with you. I already have what I need."

"Leyi—"

"Don't call me that again," Min Leyi said with a quick sniff. "Only my family and close friends can call me that."

"I said what I had to last night. It won't change."

Yu Min recalled Min Leyi's words from last night.

"I won't go through with the marriage."

He felt as if struck by lightning, dazedly picking up the medicine bottle and leaving the room step by step, as if in a trance.

He passed through the courtyard, oblivious to Qiu Huanian's voice or the presence of Jin San and others, moving as if driven solely by instinct.

Yu Min made his way back to Qingfeng Academy, sweating profusely in the summer heat, and only realized he had returned when he saw the tightly closed main gate.

He had hurried down the mountain at the break of dawn, without asking for permission or informing anyone. It was now class time, and he found himself locked out.

Yu Min was about to call for the gate to be opened when footsteps suddenly approached from behind.

The headmaster of Qingfeng Academy, Min Taikang, was unexpectedly outside, not in the academy.

Yu Min couldn't bring himself to look at him, couldn't look at his mentor who had earnestly taught him.

Min Taikang's voice was devoid of emotion, "Follow me."

Yu Min followed silently, and the two arrived at the neighboring Min residence.

The gate of the Min residence was open, and several servants were still tidying up, as if they had just bid farewell to someone.

Min Taikang spoke, "I have dismissed the nurse. You write a letter to the matriarch of the Yu clan to explain."

Yu Min's chest tightened, and he followed Min Taikang all the way to the study.

In fact, he had first seen Min Leyi in this study, though Min Leyi hadn't noticed him.

The next day, while flying a kite, he on a whim deliberately approached the Min residence's courtyard, and the kite string really broke, with one end falling into the courtyard.

He heard Min Leyi's voice through the wall, first startled, then crisply calling out who had flown the kite to cause trouble.

He then found an opportunity during the Flower Festival to go and retrieve it.

...

When Yu Min regained his composure, paper and brush were already laid out before him.

"Write."

"Write what?"

Min Taikang rapped the table with one hand, "I'll dictate, you write."

Yu Min moistened the brush with ink and poised it over the snow-white paper.

"Your esteemed family has been an official family for generations, known for its wealth and refinement, a family steeped in poetry, ritual, and nobility. Min Taikang, a scholar who passed both levels of the imperial examination, has been repeatedly praised for his official achievements. His teaching has borne fruit far and wide, and his acquaintances are numerous, earning him a modest scholarly reputation."

"Min Taikang has a son, innocent and lively, with a pure heart. Noticing that my disciple Yu Min had feelings for my son, and considering his quick wit and our master-disciple relationship, I deemed it a suitable match and sought to form a bond with your esteemed family."

"Unexpectedly, your esteemed family's words and deeds are at odds, with honeyed words and a dagger behind the smile—"

Yu Min's brush paused, and the ink spread into a blot on the paper.

Min Taikang frowned and rebuked, "If you can't even copy properly, how will you pass the provincial examination in the future?"

Yu Min apologized, took another sheet of paper, and with great concentration, copied it again.

Min Taikang continued, "—played me with clever words, ostensibly recommending a palace matron to teach my child, but in reality, it was to wear down and suppress, even to the point of harming his body."

"Although I come from humble origins, not as powerful as the Yu family, how can I tolerate this happening to my beloved child?"

"From now on, I retract my proposal of marriage. I hope your family will keep up its good name and refrain from such wrongdoing in the future."

"Qingfeng Academy, Min Taikang."

A scholar who has passed the civil service examinations would certainly be capable of sharp words. In just a few words, Min Taikang harshly criticized the Yu clan.

As long as Min Taikang pursued this matter, it was certain that the Yu clan was at fault. With Min Taikang's literary reputation, disciples, and old friends, he wasn't worried about the Yu family striking back.

After Yu Min finished writing the last word, Min Taikang instructed, "Write down your thoughts as well, seal it together, and send it immediately."

Under Min Taikang's gaze, Yu Min did not dare to delay. He quickly jotted down a few lines about what happened and set it aside to dry.

Yu Min stood with his hands hanging, bowing his head in apology, "Teacher, it was I who wronged Leyi."

Min Taikang said indifferently, "No, you're not related to him, so how could you wrong him? It is my failing as a father to let him suffer such a thing under my watch."

Yu Min felt utterly ashamed.

Min Taikang sighed, "I always say my old mother coddled him, but since he came to Liaozhou for several months, every time he went out to play, I didn't really stop him. When he caused trouble, I did not punish him harshly. Haven't I spoiled him myself?"

"I worried his nature would get him into trouble, yet I could not bear to discipline him. Considering our teacher-student bond, since ancient times, teacher and student are like father and son, and betraying a teacher is a grave offense that leaves no room for forgiveness. With this relationship, you would never dare to treat him poorly in the future."

"Who knew it was my own mindset that led to his strictest punishment."

"..." Yu Min felt both ashamed and puzzled, "Teacher, how did you know—"

"Yesterday, when Leyi returned, he was restless, hiding his hand and refusing to show it to anyone. He stayed in the pavilion on the mountain for a long time. How could I just leave him alone like that?"

Yu Min was overwhelmed with shame and could not say anything more.

Min Taikang said indifferently, "Go back to your studies. The provincial exams are coming up; don't mess up your future."

"...I obey, teacher."

Min Taikang watched Yu Min's retreating figure and slowly shook his head.

Although the major fault did not lie with Yu Min, a scar had been left in his heart. He might not be able to teach Yu Min as openly as he once did.

...

After seeing Yu Min in the morning, Min Leyi began to find things to do.

He played with Cream Frost for a bit, watched Qiu Huanian distill flower dew and make cooling oil, and then went to swing on the swing. Unable to hold the swing ropes, he could only sit on it, using his toes to push the ground and sway back and forth.

Seeing him like this, Qiu Huanian knew that something was still troubling his heart.

After packaging a large batch of newly made cooling oil, Qiu Huanian said to Min Leyi, "The sun is getting hot outside, come in quickly and think about what to eat for lunch."

"I want to eat shaved ice!" Min Leyi had been craving this for a long time, ever since that matron came, he hadn't had any.

"Shaved ice is a cold drink, think of a proper meal."

"It's too hot, I don't want to eat anything hot or greasy. Let's just stew some yam and pork rib soup, and have some cold noodles and seasonal vegetables."

"You're not hard to satisfy."

Min Leyi smiled, "My grandmother also likes to say that."

"Hmm?"

"I didn’t mean anything else by it!"

After some light banter, Min Leyi relaxed and went inside to sit by the cold ice basin.

"I ran off, feeling better, but now I’ve just given my father another reason to worry. I’d just promised myself to behave better this time and not cause him any trouble."

Qiu Huanian patted his head, "It’s good that you’re so filial, but if you keep your troubles from him, he’ll only feel worse when he finds out."

"If it were my Jiu Jiu or Chun Sheng, I’d be so mad I wouldn’t sleep a wink."

Min Leyi nodded, seeming to understand a little better.

Qiu Huanian had planned to encourage Min Leyi to talk to Min Taikang, but before old lady Jin could finish lunch, Min Taikang showed up.

Min Leyi was surprised his busy father came in person. He jumped to his feet when he saw Min Taikang.

Min Taikang exchanged greetings with Qiu Huanian and motioned for Min Leyi to sit.

He reached for Min Leyi’s hand, which Min Leyi hesitated to show but eventually offered.

Min Leyi’s hand was heavily bandaged, and it was time to change the dressing. Min Taikang helped him remove the gauze.

As the gauze came off, his hand, still scabbed and red, was exposed.

Min Taikang’s beard quivered, and he was at a loss for words.

"...Father," Min Leyi looked up cautiously, his eyes glistening.

Min Taikang sighed and gently touched his face.

"This is my fault. I’ve made you suffer, Leyi."

"I’ve dismissed that nanny, and we’re cutting ties with the Yu family. You don’t have to be scared anymore, Leyi."

Min Leyi’s nose stung, and he threw himself into his father’s arms, clinging to him like a child.

"It’s the Yu family’s fault! You’re not bad, Father."

Min Taikang chuckled, "You’re all grown up, but you’re still the same as when you were by my side. Aren’t you worried Qiu Huanian will tease you?"

Min Leyi’s eyes darted around, glancing at Qiu Huanian who was smiling beside him.

"You two talk. I’ll check on the kitchen and have old lady Jin add a few dishes."

After Qiu Huanian left, Min Leyi still didn’t let go. Min Taikang patted his back.

"This is also because I was too greedy. I blamed you, but deep down, I thought you deserved someone perfect—good family, talent, and looks—so you wouldn’t be disappointed."

"But after all that, I ended up with—sigh!"

"Your mother died young, and I never remarried or took a concubine. I didn’t really understand how to handle matchmaking. I really messed this up..."

Min Taikang felt both regretful and relieved. Although Leyi suffered this beating, at least the problem was exposed. Otherwise, if that nanny had continued teaching for another month and we had reluctantly agreed to the engagement with the Yu family, it would have been even harder to handle.

Min Taikang helped Min Leyi change the bandages and wrapped his hand again.

"Your mother and I are both naturally reserved, and your elder brother is also very steady. It's only you who's so lively."

Min Leyi wanted to argue, but Min Taikang tapped his nose.

"I've come to realize. You should choose your own spouse. Family background and academic success are less important. What really matters is good character and someone who genuinely loves you for who you are. It's also fine if the family status is lower. We can provide a larger dowry and enough servants, so you won't suffer any grievances."

Min Taikang, being traditional, was discussing marriage with Min Leyi directly for the first time, making Min Leyi feel a bit embarrassed.

"What kind of person are you looking for, Leyi?"

Min Leyi muttered softly, "Not someone too bookish."

Min Taikang chuckled helplessly, "Such a childish attitude."

"Never mind, you're still young. Take your time and be picky. Perhaps there's a good match waiting for you down the line. Your elder brother is about to be transferred to the capital. In a few days, I'll send you to the capital to relax. Xiangping Prefecture is a mess right now, don't stick around here to deal with their nonsense."

Min Leyi's eyes lit up, "Is brother getting a position in the capital?"

He'd been avoiding Min Taikang lately and didn't know this good news.

Min Leyi is the youngest son, his elder brother is seven years older, named Min Leshi. Min Taikang has only two children, both boys and ranked in the same generation.

Min Leshi, with a father like Min Taikang guiding him, has a very solid academic foundation. He passed the imperial exams three years ago and was assigned as a county magistrate in the southwest.

"It's only a seventh-rank position as a judge in the Dali Temple, but being able to transfer to the capital is already rare."

"Your elder brother got married in the first half of the year. The trip was too long, and I couldn't make it. I had an old friend stand in as a witness. This time, when he goes to the capital to take up his post, his new wife will naturally follow. Make sure you get along with your sister-in-law."

Min Leyi nodded repeatedly, his unhappiness mostly lifted by this good news.

"Although I haven't met my new sister-in-law, we've been writing to each other a lot. And whoever brother likes will surely like me too!"

...

A few days later, the letters from Yu Min and Min Taikang, along with the nanny whom Min Taikang had asked to leave, arrived at the Yu clan's territory almost simultaneously.

After reading the letters, the Yu clan's matron frowned slightly, then relaxed.

She put the letters aside and looked up at the nanny sitting in the outer room drinking tea.

"Nanny Guan, you've had a hard journey. Stay with us for a few days. Coincidentally, someone sent six bottles of Qiu's Six Staples oyster sauce. Try some of it."

Nanny Guan stood up slightly to thank her.

"I feel bad for not carrying out the matron's instructions properly."

The matron shook her head, "I also misjudged the Min family's situation. Originally, I was interested in Min Taikang, thinking we could try to reform Min Leyi. But it turns out Min Taikang is so indulgent with his child."

Nanny Guan agreed, "When I was teaching young Master Min, I noticed that his obedient appearance but unchanged heart must have been spoiled."

"After teaching him for many days, not only did he not truly reform, but he also caused more trouble. I had to administer a strong dose of punishment, but who knew this young master couldn't bear any punishment at all."

Nanny Guan recalled the scene when she was "asked to leave" by Min Taikang, feeling somewhat displeased.

Although she was from the palace of Consort Ying and had taken care of the young third prince, now the only prince among many who has been enfeoffed as the Prince of Jin, Min Taikang was superficially polite.

But being directly asked to leave the residence without any discussion because of disciplining a student was a first for her.

The matron said, "If it doesn't work out, it's better than finding out after marriage that it's not suitable."

"Min'er is young and gifted, and has been spoiled by the elders in the family, so he still acts like a child. When choosing a wife, we should select a refined lady from a noble family who can take care of and discipline him."

Nanny Guan remarked, "I understand now. Given the status of the young master of the Min family, he can always marry someone of lesser status, so we don't need to worry. But he is far from being a suitable match for Master Yu Min."

The lady of the Yu family nodded in agreement and glanced at the letter beside her.

"The only drawback to this matter is that it has offended Min Taikang. Well, let's prepare some gifts later to make amends."

The lady then changed the subject.

"Next month is the birthday of His Highness, Prince Jin. I have prepared a few lists of gifts, but I'm not sure if they are appropriate. Please take a look at them for me, Nanny Guan."

Nanny Guan's smile widened.

"You and Consort Ying share the same maternal family, and by relation, you are the cousin-aunt of His Highness, Prince Jin. How could the things you prepare be unsuitable?"

...

A few days after Min Taikang's letter of rejection was sent, the Yu clan sent someone to Qingfeng Academy.

The person who came was an influential member of the Yu clan's collateral line, bringing lavish gifts to personally apologize to Min Taikang.

Min Taikang did not respond and instructed him to take all the gifts back.

It was evident that he did not accept the apology.

The envoy from the Yu clan had no choice but to go to Qingfeng Academy to fetch Yu Min, as they intended to take him back to the clan school to continue his studies.

Min Taikang said coolly, "Your family fears that I hold a grudge and might deliberately teach you poorly."

Yu Min bowed in trepidation, "The teachings you have imparted to me over the years are deeply engraved in my heart. How could I dare to have such disrespectful thoughts?"

Min Taikang did not speak further on the matter.

"The provincial examination is only a little over two months away. Go back and focus on your studies. Your future prospects will no longer be my concern."

Yu Min felt sad but knew he was at fault. After repeatedly bidding farewell to his mentor, he left with his family.

From then on, Qingfeng Academy's Class A lost a dashing young scholar, and the Yu clan's ancestral lands gained a silent scholar.

After Min Leyi's hand injury healed, he returned to his happy life.

With Min Taikang's assurance, he no longer had to sneak out and could wander around freely all day.

"Although some of the noble ladies in Xiangping Prefecture are quite annoying, there are still many fun places in the city. It's a bit reluctant to leave."

Min Leyi said to Qiu Huanian while eating ice.

"When are you leaving?"

"Probably after the provincial examination. My brother and sister-in-law will settle down in the capital first, and once everything is arranged, I will go over."

In ancient times, traveling far was not easy. It took about ten days to travel from Xiangping Prefecture to the capital, and one had to consider food, drink, clothing, and other necessities. Even after arriving in the capital, many things would be needed. Min Leyi was already packing his luggage.

"When you get to the capital, there will be even more high-ranking officials and nobles, and your father won't be around. You need to be careful."

Min Leyi nodded repeatedly, "Since that time I almost caused a big disaster when I went out, I will never act recklessly without understanding the situation."

"Oh? What other big disasters have you caused?" Qiu Huanian laughed, as Min Leyi's stories seemed endless.

"It was a close call. I mentioned it before, but didn't go into detail."

Qiu Huanian leaned in, eager to listen.

"When the Yu family's matron was visiting, I sneaked out to play. I saw someone bullying others in the market and couldn't help but intervene. It turned out the person was actually innocent, and I almost wrongfully hurt them."

Min Leyi sighed in relief, "Luckily, that person was skilled and unharmed, or I wouldn't know how to make amends. Since then, I've learned my lesson and always think twice before acting."

Qiu Huanian found the story somewhat familiar but couldn't place where he'd heard it.

Min Leyi and his brother wrote often, and through their letters, Qiu Huanian learned about settling in the capital.

If Du Yunse secures an official position in the capital after next year's palace examination, their family will have to move there too. Qiu Huanian wanted to plan ahead.

Housing prices in the capital are nearly double those in Xiangping Prefecture, and living near the imperial city for convenience costs even more.

Min Leyi bought a small, unfurnished two-courtyard house for a hefty three hundred taels of silver.

Qiu Huanian, used to living in a spacious mansion in the prefecture, didn't want to feel cramped in the capital. Buying a house there could cost several hundred to a thousand taels of silver.

The cost of living and socializing in the capital is much higher. Even though Qiu's Six Staples brings in two to three hundred taels of silver monthly, Qiu Huanian couldn't relax completely.

After all, floral dew, one of Qiu's Six Staples' most profitable products, is seasonal. When flowers wither in autumn and winter, production stops.

Recently, roses have been scarce, but Qiu Huanian, quick on his feet, created seasonal products like osmanthus and jasmine dew to fill the gap.

He mentally calculated the family's finances and roughly mapped out a plan.

...

Sweet Water Lane, the Shu residence.

As evening fell, Zhu Xia sat alone in the room, embroidering and daydreaming, when she accidentally pricked her finger, startling herself.

Ru Tang came in and said, "Your hand isn't fully healed yet. Why rush to embroider? Everyone says you should rest."

Zhu Xia lowered her head, silent.

She had been staying at the Shu residence for days. The Zhu family had tried repeatedly to take her back, but Shu Huacai and others refused.

Zhu Xia, raised in a complicated environment, was more mature than her peers. She knew returning would lead to no good, so she stayed hidden at the Shu residence.

But this wasn't her home; she could stay for a while, but not forever.

"My mind is restless; working helps me calm down."

Zhu Xia didn't mention that she wanted to see if she could earn a living this way. Her family had always been strict, and she had mastered needlework. A piece of embroidery could sell for dozens of coins, allowing her to save a few taels of silver each month.

Thinking of her uncertain future, Zhu Xia felt a profound sadness.

On the day she left the Zhu family, her mother, unusually, came out of the small ancestral hall to see her, but scolded her harshly.

Her mother said she had been careless, was abducted by traffickers to a brothel, and had disgraced the family, unworthy of being a daughter of the Zhu family. Coincidentally, the Shu family came to invite her, and her mother immediately drove her out.

These days, no one has come to ask about her.

Seeing Zhu Xia's eyes redden, Ru Tang sighed inwardly, not daring to bring up her sad past again.

During her stay at the Shu residence, Zhu Xia's temperament had improved a lot, or rather, she had finally returned to her former self. With the bond of shared hardship, Ru Tang had mostly forgotten the earlier unpleasantness.

That night, Zhu Xia slept in the room next to Ru Tang, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

In the middle of the night, she suddenly heard a commotion outside, quickly got up, put on her clothes, and went out. Others were also startled and came out.

"What's going on? I heard someone shouting about a fire?"

Shu Huacai opened the door and looked outside, his face shocked and grave, "The Zhu family is on fire."