Chapter 76: First Entry into the Marquis’s Residence, Kaleidoscope Gifted to the Crown Prince

Chapter 76: First Visit to the Marquisate Household – A Kaleidoscope Gift for the Crown Prince

When Bing Wengu said he would offer guidance, he truly meant it. Over the past few days, he had been shuttling between the Imperial Music Bureau and the Bing residence. However, he never went to the bureau alone—he always brought Nan Jinping with him and never met Li Shishi or anyone else from the bureau by himself.

On the day of the dowager marchioness’s birthday, Bing Wengu and Nan Jinping arrived early at the Marquisate household with a calling card in hand to offer their congratulations.

Even though the marquisate household had declined in recent years and was no longer as prosperous as before, guests poured in like clouds on the dowager marchioness’s birthday.

When Bing Wengu presented his calling card, the usher was taken aback upon seeing the handwriting—it was personally written by their Fourth Lord.

The authorship of the calling card carried significant meaning. For those with distant or neutral relations, the household scribes would write them on behalf of the family. For high-ranking officials in the capital, the marquis himself would pen them personally. Close friends of Jiang Jinghuai’s father would receive invitations written by Jiang’s father in person. However, since Jiang’s father had been appointed as a prefectural governor and could not write them personally, having the elder marquis do so would be condescending. Thus, Jiang Jinghuai took up the task instead—as long as the reason was explained, it would not be considered impolite.

But the age of the person before him made it impossible for him to be a friend or colleague of Jiang’s father. That left only one possibility—he must be an intimate friend of the Fourth Lord.

A friend who received a calling card personally written by the Fourth Lord must be someone very close—absolutely not someone to offend.

The usher beamed and proclaimed ceremoniously, “Jieyuan Bing Wengu and Master Wuwei present a *kaleidoscope* as a birthday gift for Her Ladyship!”

He then led Bing Wengu and Nan Jinping inside. Before they had hardly taken a few steps, Jiang Jinghuai’s laughter reached them.

“Jin Geer, Yuan Ting, you’re finally here! I’ve been waiting for ages,” Jiang Jinghuai said with a grin as he strode forward, embracing Bing Wengu and giving Nan Jinping an affectionate pat on the shoulder.

Turning to the usher, he asked cheerfully, “Where’s the gift these two brought?”

The usher was momentarily stunned. Normally, the mansion had servants specifically assigned to receive gifts, which would then be collected and presented to the marchioness.

Quick-wittedly replying, he said, “I’ll fetch it for you, Fourth Lord.”

“Hurry up, hurry up! I’ve been waiting forever,” Jiang Jinghuai urged. The usher dashed off to catch up with the gift-collecting servant.

Fortunately, they hadn’t gone far, and a quick sprint brought him within reach.

Still catching his breath, the usher said, “Quick, hand me the gift that Jieyuan Bing just presented. The Fourth Lord is demanding it!”

The servant blinked in confusion. “Huh? What gift could Jieyuan Bing have brought that would make the Fourth Lord ask for it personally? I heard this year’s juren comes from a farming family—what could he possibly have that’s so special?”

The usher shook his head. “No idea, but the Fourth Lord said he’s been waiting eagerly for it.”

The servant rummaged through the pile of gifts and pulled out the most unremarkable-looking box, handing it to the usher. “This is it. But the box looks drab and dusty—just an ordinary thing, not worth much. Even my family could afford something like this. Why would the Fourth Lord insist on having it?”

The usher shrugged. “How should I know? Unless you’re brave enough to open it and see?”

The servant shook his head like a rattle-drum. “I wouldn’t dare! If the Fourth Lord values it so much, and it turns out to be something priceless, selling me for scrap wouldn’t cover the cost if I damaged it.”

“Never mind, no time to chat—the Fourth Lord is waiting.” The usher hurried back with the box. “My Lord, here it is—this is the one.”

When Jiang Jinghuai saw the plain, dusty box, he winced in dismay. “You packed the *kaleidoscope* in something like this? What a sheer sacrilege!”

The outer casing of the *kaleidoscope* could have been made of cardboard, but Bing Wengu had chosen not to take that route. Whether it was the one he gave Nan Jinping or the one presented to the marquisate household, he had used wood for both.

While cardboard would have sufficed functionally, it would have given off a cheap impression. Iron plating could have been an alternative, but it would have required custom forging at a blacksmith’s and still lacked opulence. Wood, however, aligned perfectly with the current fashion among the Dayong elites, so Bing Wengu had opted for black ebony.

To the marquisate household, black ebony was not an exceptionally precious material, but it was at least presentable.

Yet Jiang Jinghuai still shook his head in disapproval. “You should have used fragrant sandalwood—naturally aromatic, paired with the kaleidoscopic splendor. That would have been a treat for both the eyes and nose.”

Despite his complaints, his movements were gentle, devoid of any real disdain. He carefully twisted the lower end of the *kaleidoscope*, marveling at the intricate designs inside.

“Whoa, Yuan Ting, I never knew you had such talent! The patterns in my *kaleidoscope* are actually different from Jin Geer’s,” Jiang Jinghuai exclaimed in amazement.

Bing Wengu explained, "That's how kaleidoscopes work—not something I did on purpose. Just as there are no two identical leaves in this world, no two kaleidoscope patterns are the same."

If made by machine, identical patterns might be produced, but Bing Wengu crafted this by hand, so there's bound to be some variation.

"So magical," Jiang Jinghuai marveled. He had to put it down after admiring it briefly, as he still had to assist the old marquis in receiving guests today and didn’t have time to fool around.

Jiang Jinghuai stuck the kaleidoscope in his belt and said to Bing Wengu and Nan Jinping, "I'll have the gatekeeper show you in first. Once I’m done here, I’ll come find you."

He then instructed the gatekeeper, "Take them to the outer courtyard. Don’t seat them with those stuck-up rich kids—find a table with amiable guests."

Though Bing Wengu was the top scholar of the current imperial examination, his status in Bianjing was still too low. Jiang Jinghuai feared that if they were seated with those arrogant young nobles from wealthy families, they might be bullied, hence the special instruction.

However, the gatekeeper balked, looking at Nan Jinping. "Is this gentleman also to be seated in the outer courtyard?"

Earlier, Jiang Jinghuai had referred to Nan Jinping as "Jin Geer," which the gatekeeper had heard.

The '-er' nickname in terms like "Geer" was typically used for "Shuang Er," a pet name between close friends. Between brothers, they would simply call each other "Ge" without the diminutive.

Thus, despite Nan Jinping’s masculine attire, the gatekeeper recognized his gender from Jiang Jinghuai’s address.

Seating a Shuang Er among male guests in the outer courtyard seemed inappropriate.

Jiang Jinghuai gave the gatekeeper a kick. "What do you know? This is Master Wuwei, the author of *Dong Geer’s Rebirth*—no ordinary Shuang Er. Of course, he sits in the outer courtyard."

It's like when, in the Republican era, important women were called Mister—it was a term of respect.

The gatekeeper understood and asked no further, promptly leading Bing Wengu and Nan Jinping to their seats in the outer courtyard.

Following Jiang Jinghuai’s instructions, the gatekeeper steered clear of seating them with Jiang Jinghuai’s usual circle of young nobles and instead chose a table of what he saw as small-time officials.

This was unavoidable—even in decline, the marquis’ place didn't host any nobodies. Aside from relatives, all guests were officials, just some higher up than others.

Seating Bing Wengu and Nan Jinping among relatives was clearly unsuitable, so they were placed at a table of lower-ranking officials.

These officials were of low rank—if Bing Wengu passed the palace examination and remained in the capital as an official, his rank would be comparable to theirs.

The gatekeeper’s arrangement was thus appropriate. Bing Wengu and Nan Jinping took their seats.

The others at the table, unfamiliar with the two, wanted to get to know them.

With similar official ranks, they naturally stuck together and supported one another.

"I am Li Han, an assistant secretary in the Ministry of Rites. Which office are you with?" Li Han warmly engaged Bing Wengu and Nan Jinping in conversation, personally pouring their tea.

He handed the first cup to Bing Wengu with both hands, then immediately poured a second.

Bing Wengu didn't miss a beat. "I hold no official position."

Li Han paused mid-pour. "One of the young masters?"

"No, just a farmer's kid."

Li Han turned to Nan Jinping. "And you?"

Though Bing Wengu had exposed Nan Jinping to many experiences and taught him much, this was Nan Jinping’s first time conversing with an official—especially one who was starting to look down his nose.

Bing Wengu worried Nan Jinping might be nervous and glanced at him, finding Nan Jinping sneaking a glance his way.

In Nan Jinping’s eyes, Bing Wengu detected a flicker of tension and silently reassured him with a subtle nod. Nan Jinping steadied himself and replied, keeping his voice and face steady, "The same for me."

Cao Han refused to give up, "Then how did you get invited to the Dowager Marchioness's birthday celebration at the Marquis’s residence?"

"I am a successful examination candidate from this year's tests. The Young Noble of the Marquis’s residence accompanied his cousin back to their hometown for the exams, where we became acquainted. Having never seen the grandeur of the Marquis’s residence, I asked the Young Noble to bring us in to see the festivities," Bing Wengu replied calmly, as if oblivious to Cao Han's displeased expression.

Following Bing Wengu's lead, Nan Jinping added, "I did not take the imperial exams, but I have written a few storybooks that pleased the Young Noble. Today, I begged him to bring me along to see how grand folk live."

Cao Han's facial muscles twitched uncontrollably. Glancing at the tea Bing Wengu held in his hand and the half-poured cup before him, he thumped the teapot down.

"No rank, no office, and you dare accept tea from an official?" Cao Han fumed. As a proper court official, he had personally poured tea for a mere peasant with no status—how could these commoners dare to accept it?

The more he thought about it, the more humiliated he felt, convinced he had been slighted. Unable to vent his anger at the Marquis’s household, he turned to those around him to mock Bing Wengu and Nan Jinping. "The servants of the Marquis’s residence are downright careless, seating two commoners at our table. Are they looking down on us?"

Seated beside him was his colleague, Song Ke, who awkwardly replied, "It's not that serious."

"Not serious?" Cao Han's voice rose. "We are court officials—every word and action could involve state or departmental secrets. If these two overhear and spread them, and those with ulterior motives exploit it to harm the court's interests, what then?"

"Ah?" Song Ke was stunned. "That’s really not necessary."

Cao Han scoffed. "Brother Song thinks I'm blowing this out of proportion. Since you care so little for the court's interests and your own career, I have nothing more to say. My duty is to uphold the court's interests—I take my leave!"

With that, Cao Han cupped his hands at Song Ke, turned, and left the table to sit elsewhere.

His abrupt departure left the table hanging. No one spoke to ease the tension, yet no one left either, leaving Bing Wengu and Nan Jinping in discomfort.

Everyone sat quietly in their seats, neither speaking nor moving.

Song Ke glanced at Bing Wengu and Nan Jinping, noticing Nan Jinping's red-faced and fidgeting demeanor. Yet Bing Wengu remained unfazed, back rod-straight, as if the humiliation had never happened.

This earned Bing Wengu some respect from Song Ke. For someone so young to possess such steadiness was remarkable.

Leaning in, Song Ke whispered to Bing Wengu and Nan Jinping, "Pay no mind to that scene. Cao Han is ambitious in his career, but his low birth gives him no leg up, so he’s desperate to forge connections for advancement."

He studied Bing Wengu again. "You, sir, are fine-featured and poised, bearing both scholarly refinement and a commanding air—hardly ordinary. Cao Han likely mistook you for some highborn gentry son, one who bought his post or rode coattails, hence his eagerness to befriend you."

Bing Wengu listened quietly, offering no immediate opinion or criticism of Cao Han.

"Speaking of which, the Ministry of Rites is undergoing personnel changes. A senior official is retiring, and Cao Han covets the position. Unfortunately, despite greasing palms, he only secured a side appointment as a junior official in the Provisions Bureau. His earlier friendliness was likely an attempt to exploit any connections you might have to fill that vacancy."

Bing Wengu cupped his hands. "I appreciate the warning, sir. I will remember it."

Song Ke paused, then chuckled faintly—the cheek of youth. By convention, a commoner like Bing Wengu should humbly refer to himself as a "student" before an official, yet he used the familiar "this one."

Whether intentional or not, Song Ke paid it no mind.

As for Bing Wengu, it was deliberate. In other settings, he would modestly call himself a "student" or "humble scholar," but here at the Marquis’s residence, they were all invited guests. Moreover, if he soon won the top exam honors and received an official post, who could say whose rank would be higher?

Truthfully, Bing Wengu wasn’t one to fuss over titles—it merely dictated who gave orders to whom. He simply chose not to humble himself unnecessarily.

After that, no one spoke to Bing Wengu or Nan Jinping again, though acquaintances whispered among themselves. The two traded a few idle words now and then.

Most of the time, Bing Wengu listened attentively as servants called out the gifts.

"The residence of the General of Guide presents a pair of emerald-green ruyi scepters, wishing the Marchioness blessings of health and longevity."

"The residence of the Commandant of Zhaowu offers a golden Buddha statue, wishing the Marchioness joy on her birthday and endless fortune."

"The residence of the Commandant of Renyong presents..."

"The Deputy Commandant of Peirong offers..."

"The Right Chancellor's residence presents two jars of West Lake Longjiang tea leaves..."

Bing Wengu's eyes narrowed slightly—the Right Chancellor, that was Mrs. Mei's maiden family.

He noted that the Right Chancellor himself had not come, nor had any younger members of his household. They'd only sent a servant to deliver the gift—tea leaves.

Not that tea is inexpensive; some varieties could be worth a fortune. But the tea sent by the Right Chancellor was a run-of-the-mill variety popular among the nobility, indicating that the relationship between the Right Chancellor's residence and the Marquisate was not particularly close.

Additionally, Bing Wengu observed that most of those who personally delivered gifts were military officials—titular generals without real power. These were likely old subordinates who had once fought alongside Elder Marquis Jiang.

Literati guests were few, and high-ranking officials were conspicuously absent, at most sending servants to save face. Some lower-ranking scholars did come to present gifts, but these were minor officials with no solid backing in court.

It seemed the Marquisate's current standing in the court matched what Bing Wengu had heard—a prestigious name but no real power.

The heir to the Marquisate, Jiang Jinghuai's father, had been relegated to a sixth-rank prefectship, a far cry from Elder Marquis Jiang's former position as a first-rank minister. No wonder the old marquis worried about the family's future, eager for Jiang Jinghuai to strengthen ties with Shen Qinghe's family.

Bing Wengu quietly turned these complexities over in his mind, revealing nothing on his face.

Soon, it was time, and the feast began. After the meal, guests with no close ties left, while Jiang Jinghuai asked Bing Wengu and Nan Jinping to stay.

Neither had official rank, and when someone approached to socialize, only to learn they were commoners, the tactful ones made some perfunctory conversation before excusing themselves gracefully. The less tactful inevitably made some disparaging remarks.

Bing Wengu had no interest in forcing warmth where it wasn’t welcomed, nor did he want Nan Jinping subjected to disdain. So, he led him to a quiet spot to rest.

On such a grand occasion as the Marchioness's birthday, the estate hummed with activity all day, with song, dance, and opera performances continuing well into the evening.

At dusk, the Crown Prince arrived personally.

Bing Wengu and Nan Jinping were seated far back, but with his sharp senses, Bing Wengu could discern clearly the prince's appearance despite the distance. Nan Jinping, however, lacked such keen eyesight. To see better, he nearly pressed himself against the seats in front.

The Crown Prince was handsome, dressed in splendid robes and a jade crown, radiating uncommon dignity. His demeanor was refined, courteous, and humble.

"Congratulations on the Marchioness's birthday," the prince said warmly, showing the Marquis and Marquise—now without real power—genuine respect and no hint of condescension.

"His Majesty remembered today is the Marchioness's birthday and specially sent me to convey his regards."

The Marquis and Marquise wouldn't dream of presuming, rising hastily to bow, only to be gently pressed back into their seats by the prince.

"Marquis, Marquise, there’s no need for such formality. The Marquis is a veteran minister who expanded our borders for Dayong. His Majesty has never forgotten this contribution." The prince spoke with kindness and humility.

Touched, the Marquis wiped his tears. "Thank you, Your Majesty and Your Highness, for still remembering this old minister."

The Marquise added gratefully, "That my humble birthday should be remembered by His Majesty and Your Highness is truly a blessing."

"If Your Highness is not too occupied today, please stay and enjoy an opera performance," the Marquise entreated.

The prince nodded in agreement.

Nan Jinping peered intently but could only make out a silhouette. Still, this was enough to excite him.

"Wen Gu, that’s the Crown Prince! The Crown Prince! We actually saw him in person, attended the same banquet—I’m so excited!" He tried to whisper, but his voice trembled with excitement, still loud enough for nearby guests to hear.

Those seated beside him shifted away slightly in disapproval, though inwardly, they were just as thrilled—only they maintained decorum, finding Nan Jinping's behavior improper and uncouth.

Noticing the reactions around them, Bing Wengu leaned close to Nan Jinping’s ear, whispering so only he could hear, "My dear, you’re getting so excited over another man right in front of me. Aren’t you afraid I’ll get jealous?"

Nan Jinping widened his eyes in disbelief. "What kind of nonsense is this?"

His phoenix eyes, round with surprise, looked utterly adorable—like a wide-eyed little cat.

Bing Wengu couldn't help but chuckle, "Young master, has your mood settled down now? Still so excited?"

Nan Jinping finally realized Bing Wengu had been teasing him on purpose—likely because he noticed the disdainful reactions of those around them and wanted to ease the awkwardness for him.

Warmth and gratitude filled Nan Jinping’s heart. He shook his head. "I’ve calmed down now."

Bing Wengu smiled.

Nan Jinping whispered, "Wengu, the Marquis’s estate really holds weight. For the Dowager Marchioness’s birthday, even the Crown Prince came in person to offer congratulations."

Bing Wengu, however, merely shook his head. There was meaning behind such gestures. Had the Crown Prince arrived at noon, it would have signaled genuine importance. But coming this late in the evening carried a different implication.

It was a signal. Though the Marquis’s house had declined, it wasn’t entirely fallen. The past merits still lingered in the Emperor’s heart, reminding others that the Emperor remembered the Marquis’s family and they should not be slighted. Yet it also served as a warning to the household: the Emperor’s grace was generous, but limited. If they remained obedient, the Emperor would ensure their safety. Any schemes, however, would not be tolerated.

As Bing Wengu pondered this, he saw Jiang Jinghuai approach to pay respects to the Crown Prince.

After bowing and rising, Jiang Jinghuai pulled a kaleidoscope from his belt and said cheerfully to the Marchioness, "Your Ladyship, blessings on your birthday. This grandson humbly asks a favor."

The Marchioness smiled warmly. "What’s so important you’re being this formal? Speak."

"Your Ladyship, I invited two close friends to celebrate your birthday, and they gifted this kaleidoscope. I adore it and humbly ask for your permission to keep it." The timing of this request was deliberate—to leave an impression on the Crown Prince and present the household as harmonious.

The Marchioness didn’t agree immediately, teasing him instead. "A kaleidoscope? I’ve never heard of such a thing. If even you, my little rascal, care about it, it must be something special. I’m rather curious now. Let me see—what’s so special it’d make you beg?"

Jiang Jinghuai offered the kaleidoscope respectfully with both hands.

Unfamiliar with such a novel item, the Marchioness needed Jiang Jinghuai’s guidance to use it.

After just one glance, she gasped softly. "Oh, how beautiful!"

Even a lady of her standing, used to luxuries, couldn’t resist the kaleidoscope’s charm.

She gazed at it for a long while, reluctant to put it down—only remembering her manners when she recalled the Crown Prince seated beside her.

Embarrassed, she recovered with, "This kaleidoscope is truly fascinating—it captivated me for a moment. Your Highness, would you care to take a look as well?"

The Crown Prince, curious about what could briefly distract the Marchioness, nodded.

Having observed Jiang Jinghuai’s demonstration earlier, the Crown Prince tried it himself without further instruction.

When the dazzling, colorful world suddenly filled his vision, even the Crown Prince couldn’t help but marvel inwardly.

That was the kaleidoscope’s power—it effortlessly enchanted people of all ages and stations.

The Crown Prince was no exception. Yet, raised to hide his feelings, he set it down after an appropriate interval and returned it to the Marchioness.

"Fascinating," he praised.

Seeing the Crown Prince’s interest, Jiang Jinghuai seized the chance to add, "There’s actually a story behind this kaleidoscope’s creation."

The Crown Prince arched a brow. "Oh?"

Jiang Jinghuai explained how Bing Wengu had crafted it as a Qixi Festival gift for his beloved.

The Crown Prince smiled gently. "How romantic—both the kaleidoscope’s views and its story."

The Marchioness glanced between the Crown Prince and the kaleidoscope, then said with a smile, "Its meaning suits the young best. If Your Highness wouldn’t deem it beneath you, do take it as a trifle."