Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Jiangnan was crisscrossed with waterways, and the carriage ride from the ferry to the Ruan residence was brief. Soon, the entourage grandly entered the Ruan household.

Three or four days prior, upon receiving word of the masters’ impending return, the Ruan family’s servants had sprung into action. Not only was the entire estate meticulously cleaned, but many furnishings previously stored away were brought out and rearranged. By the time the masters arrived and guests gathered for the welcoming reception, the Ruan household quickly regained its former lively bustle.

As the madam and eldest young master had not yet returned, no elaborate reunion feast was arranged for the evening. The master merely summoned the unmarried daughters and a few favored concubines still at home, and they shared a simple family meal.

During the years the masters were away, the household had been managed by Wei Shi. Today, she had also overseen the welcoming dinner—not overly extravagant, but exquisitely delicious, thoughtful yet perfectly appropriate. Ruan Zhengye, having returned to find the household impeccably ordered and the daytime reception of guests flawlessly handled, was visibly pleased.

As a young male servant, Song Yun was naturally not permitted in the inner quarters, so he waited in Ruan Hang’s outer study.

Besides Song Yun, the outer study was typically attended by two other young servants, Chao Yun and Mu Yun, along with several older maids and cleaning women.

While Ruan Hang dined in the inner quarters, Song Yun kept busy in the study. Although everything in Ruan Hang’s room had been prepared days in advance, Song Yun still bustled about, directing Chao Yun and Mu Yun to tidy up. He first organized Ruan Hang’s luggage, then meticulously checked the old items in the room, anxious that nothing should displease his master upon his return.

By the time Ruan Hang returned, it was already the second night watch (around 9-11 pm).

The moment Ruan Hang stepped inside, Song Yun eagerly rushed to greet him: “Young master, you’re back!” he exclaimed cheerfully, then asked, “Would you like to bathe first, or have some tea?”

The room was clean and orderly, with everything much as he had left it, yet somehow brighter and newer. A charcoal brazier warmed the space, and the subtle scent of precious agarwood incense lingered in the air.

As the Ruan family’s only son by a concubine, Ruan Hang received the same monthly allowance as his siblings, but without the additional subsidies from his嫡母 (main wife of father) or grandmother, his funds were always modest. Thus, he rarely burned expensive agarwood, usually opting for less costly incense. Today, to welcome him home, Song Yun had somehow managed to procure some of the good incense.

Ruan Hang smiled and patted Song Yun’s head. “I’ll rest for a while first,” he said.

Though Yangzhou and Jinling were not far apart, the journey had been tiring, and after half a day of entertaining guests, Ruan Hang was indeed weary.

Even during the evening family dinner, Ruan Hang had seemed unable to fully relax. Only now, back in his own room, did he finally let go of the tension.

He settled into his usual chair, and Song Yun promptly brought over freshly brewed tea, along with a plate of flaky layered cakes and candied haw berries—all Ruan Hang’s favorites.

“Have you eaten?” Ruan Hang asked.

“Yes,” Song Yun replied with a sheepish smile.

Ruan Hang gestured for him to sit, and Song Yun pulled up a small stool, resting his head against Ruan Hang’s side as he chatted away. The two bantered idly, and Ruan Hang, who hadn’t had such a leisurely conversation with Song Yun in a long time, found it very comforting.

Song Yun asked, “Young master, did anything interesting happen back in your hometown? Can you tell me about it?”

“What kind of interesting things do you want to hear?” Ruan Hang asked.

“Like, um… bandits? Or ghosts haunting the village? Or—”

Before he could finish, Ruan Hang lightly rapped his head. “Are you really hoping I ran into bandits or ghosts?”

“Ow!” Song Yun clutched his head. “Young master, are you really going to hit me?”

The tap had been light as a feather, but Ruan Hang still rubbed the spot soothingly and chuckled. “Alright, let’s get ready for bed early.”

Instead of obeying, Song Yun rested his head on Ruan Hang’s lap like he used to as a child and said softly, “Young master, it’s so good to have you back.”

*

The next morning, Ruan Hang resumed his routine and headed to school as usual.

The Ruan family school wasn’t large, with only about a dozen young masters from the main and branch families attending.

When Ruan Zhengye had taken his sons back to their hometown to observe the mourning period, he had brought the family tutor along. Now that they had finally returned, they ought to have rested for a few days. However, since Ruan Hang was preparing for the autumn provincial exams, Ruan Zhengye had specifically instructed the tutor and Ruan Hang himself to resume studies immediately without delay.

Thus, before dawn, Ruan Hang was already up.

For the past three years, Song Yun had felt like a bird set free. With most of the masters gone, aside from those serving the young ladies and concubines, idle servants like him had enjoyed unprecedented freedom.

At an age where playfulness was at its peak, Song Yun had been allowed to do as he pleased—as long as he didn’t cause trouble outside. As a result, his wild side had flourished, and he’d spent his days playing with the other servants of the eldest and third young masters. It had been a long time since he’d woken up this early.

Still, Song Yun managed to rouse himself on time, dressed hastily, and rushed to Ruan Hang’s room—only to find several maids had already attended to the young master, who was ready to leave at any moment.

The Ruan family tutor was notoriously strict, and Song Yun had no desire to feel the tutor’s ruler. He quickly grabbed the book box and followed Ruan Hang.

The morning wind was biting. Though the school wasn’t far, Song Yun soon grew hungry. Just before entering the classroom, he pulled out two pastries from his sleeve and stuffed them into his mouth.

The Ruan young masters didn’t eat breakfast until after morning lessons. By then, Song Yun would have starved to death.

Ruan Hang noticed and chided him, “Are you really that hungry?” Then he added, “Drink some hot tea later to warm up.”

Afraid the tutor would scold him for snacking, Song Yun gobbled down the pastries and could only nod, mouth full.

Smiling, Ruan Hang wiped the crumbs from Song Yun’s face and said, “Come on in.”

Morning lessons were dull, but Song Yun kept himself awake by grinding ink and arranging paper for Ruan Hang. The real test came after breakfast, when the tutor launched into lengthy lectures. For Song Yun, this was the true challenge.

Today, Song Yun once again failed the test.

The tutor’s monotonous lecturing was like a soporific drone, and soon Song Yun was nodding off like a pecking chick.

Ruan Hang listened attentively, while Song Yun, seated beside him, swayed left and right before finally leaning heavily on Ruan Hang—a completely improper sight.

Ruan Hang tapped his head twice, but when that didn’t rouse him, he had no choice but to prop Song Yun back up discreetly while the tutor wasn’t looking.

Yet Song Yun only grew sleepier. Ruan Hang, absorbed in the lesson, didn’t notice until—thump!—Song Yun slid under the desk.

“Song Yun!” The tutor finally noticed and snapped.

Normally, the tutor paid little attention to the study attendants, as they were merely there to accompany the young masters. But Song Yun was an exception—his distractions were endlessly creative, and his clumsiness often led to mischief in class that disrupted everyone’s focus.

Sure enough, the sudden thump and the sight of Song Yun sprawled comically under the desk sent waves of muffled laughter through the room.

Startled by the tutor’s shout, Song Yun tried to clamber up but only succeeded in banging his head against the desk—another loud thunk.

“Ow!” he yelped in pain, but the others could no longer hold back and burst into uproarious laughter. The third young master and Mei Xue laughed loudest.

Ruan Hang hastily fished his clumsy attendant out from under the desk, pulling him to his feet. While hurriedly rubbing Song Yun’s head, he smoothly apologized to the tutor, “Sir, Song Yun hasn’t attended lessons with me in a long time. The fault lies with me for neglecting his discipline. Please don’t punish him too harshly.”

Now alert, Song Yun was terrified of the tutor’s ruler. Trembling, he instinctively hid behind Ruan Hang, clutching his sleeve and not daring to make a sound.

The tutor truly disliked Song Yun. He had long believed Ruan Hang deserved a better attendant, but who could argue when the young master insisted on coddling this clumsy servant?

Still, since Ruan Hang’s studies had never suffered much because of Song Yun, the tutor overlooked it.

“If he dares to sleep in class again, send him out!” the tutor declared before letting the matter drop.

Ruan Hang could only agree.

Song Yun's face turned beet red.

As a child, Song Yun had indeed been quite mischievous and caused Ruan Hang plenty of trouble. But back then, he was still too young to understand.

It was only in recent years that Song Yun began to understand: how his every action was closely tied to Ruan Hang, that he could embarrass him or cause him distress.

Song Yun never wanted to shame Ruan Hang. He wished for everything about Ruan Hang to be the best. So, before Ruan Hang returned, he had resolved to show him that he had reformed, that he would never embarrass him again as he had in the past. He would do his best to be like the other young masters' attendants—polished and well-mannered.

Yet, on his very first day back, he had already slipped up and made a fool of himself...

But it wasn’t intentional. He didn’t even know when he had fallen asleep—he had tried his hardest to stay awake.

The teacher had resumed lecturing, and Ruan Hang sat back down, glancing at Song Yun, who looked utterly remorseful, fidgeting guiltily.

When he was younger, Song Yun had always been quick to forget discipline—after making a mistake, he would look utterly pitiful, as if he were completely blameless.

Back then, Song Yun would sulk or be afraid, but he rarely showed the kind of guilt-ridden expression he did today.

It seemed that, over the years, Song Yun hadn’t been completely stagnant—he really had matured quite a bit. Ruan Hang felt somewhat gratified by the thought.

Relenting, Ruan Hang pointed to a corner and said, "Go stand there for a while. Collect yourself so the teacher won’t scold you again."

In the past, Song Yun would have most likely whined and clung to Ruan Hang, refusing to leave his side.

But perhaps because Song Yun was determined to behave properly from now on, or perhaps because Ruan Hang, after assuming his role as master, carried a greater authority that made Song Yun dare not disobey—whatever the reason, the moment Ruan Hang spoke, Song Yun obediently went to stand where he was told.

The fact that Song Yun followed orders so promptly, without protest, was quite novel to Ruan Hang.

Still, though Song Yun went without protest, it wasn’t even half an hour before Ruan Hang felt his gaze.

Song Yun was stealing glances at him.

With just a turn of his head, Ruan Hang could see Song Yun standing in the corner, looking forlorn, like a scolded puppy—clearly wanting to come back to him but not daring to, so he just followed Ruan Hang with his big, round eyes.

The moment Ruan Hang looked over, Song Yun would hurriedly avert his gaze, staring at his nose or the floor, his long lashes fluttering meekly.

His lips were slightly pouted—something Song Yun did unconsciously, whether he was upset, lost in thought, or even asleep. In those moments, his lips would purse just a little, giving him an adorably childish pout.

It was one thing when Song Yun was small, but now, several years older and nearly an adult, he was still the same.

Ruan Hang was torn between amusement and exasperation. Soon enough, he couldn’t stand Song Yun’s pitiful act any longer and called him back.

"Grind the ink," Ruan Hang said.

And just like that, Song Yun beamed, his heart swelling with pure delight at being pardoned.

Though Song Yun feared reprimands and punishments, his heart was never heavy, nor did he hold grudges. Everything hinged on Ruan Hang’s attitude toward him—no matter what happened, as long as Ruan Hang was no longer angry and forgave him, then as far as Song Yun was concerned, the matter was over.

He could always quickly cast aside his bad mood and become cheerful again.

Ruan Hang himself didn’t quite know why, but he seemed to like this side of Song Yun very much.

Perhaps it was because Ruan Hang’s own temperament was steady and composed, while Song Yun’s opposite lightness of spirit always managed to affect him. Every time he saw Song Yun swiftly shake off his worries, Ruan Hang would feel a sense of ease in his heart, as if he, too, could set aside many of his own troubles because of it.