Chapter 3

Chapter 3

As dusk settled, Ruan Hang returned to his chambers from the academy. His wet nurse, Nanny Bai, sent word that she wished to see him.

Ruan Hang readily agreed.

Though Ruan Hang had been raised under the care of the Lady of the House, child-rearing was naturally not something she personally undertook. Thus, Ruan Hang had always felt a deep affection for his wet nurse. Moreover, having not seen her for three years, he missed her terribly.

Song Yun, however, was less than pleased at the news of Nanny Bai’s arrival, for she was not only Ruan Hang’s wet nurse but also his own birth mother.

Ruan Hang understood the reason for his displeasure.

Nanny Bai had always been rather strict with Song Yun, never displaying the same gentle kindness she showed Ruan Hang. Every time she visited, she inevitably found occasion to chide Song Yun for his shortcomings. Yet, Ruan Hang knew that Nanny Bai acted this way only out of concern for Song Yun’s well-being.

In truth, given Song Yun’s aptitude, he was not qualified to be a young master’s companion. Although the Ruan family’s influence had waned, it remained a distinguished ducal household with hundreds of servants. Years ago, the Lady of the House had meticulously selected companions for each of her three sons, choosing only those who were intelligent, quick-witted, and of upright character and pleasing appearance.

Song Yun, due to his dullness, had initially not been chosen. It was only after Nanny Bai pleaded with Ruan Hang that Ruan Hang personally approached the Lady of the House, expressing his wish to keep Song Yun by his side.

The Lady of the House, observing that Song Yun, though not particularly bright, possessed a very agreeable countenance and seemed incapable of malice, consented.

This, of course, was a great boon for Song Yun. Nanny Bai had raised Ruan Hang as her own child, and she knew his disposition better than anyone. Ruan Hang had always been tender-hearted and deeply empathetic, showing compassion for the poor and the weak. Perhaps owing to his own origins, he was remarkably approachable with servants, rarely asserting his authority as a master—a quality that paradoxically earned him even greater respect.

Nanny Bai knew her son was clumsy. Under any other master, he would likely face harsh reprimands. Only the Second Young Master would consistently make allowances for him, protecting him from undue hardship.

And indeed, Ruan Hang lived up to her expectations, showing Song Yun immense care. From childhood to adulthood, Song Yun had never suffered any real disadvantage or humiliation. As Ruan Hang’s milk-brother, he was treated with even greater affection than Ruan Hang’s own blood brothers.

However, it was precisely this indulgence that had shaped Song Yun’s current character. At best, one might describe him as innocent and pure; at worst, he was utterly spoiled, lacking the discernment expected of a servant and completely ignorant of social graces.

Consequently, over the years, Nanny Bai had grown increasingly worried about Song Yun. When they were both children, their closeness was unremarkable—they were like brothers. But now that Ruan Hang was an adult and a master, Song Yun’s lack of boundaries and decorum was becoming increasingly inappropriate.

In truth, Ruan Hang felt Nanny Bai’s worries were largely unfounded.

He had no intention of suddenly adopting a master’s airs or finding fault with Song Yun simply because they had grown up. Nevertheless, he understood that time would reveal all, and Nanny Bai’s anxieties would likely take some time to dissipate.

That evening, Nanny Bai arrived. The moment she entered, she hurried to Ruan Hang’s side, scrutinizing him closely.

Three years had passed, and Ruan Hang now stood considerably taller than her. She tilted her head back slightly, examining the young master she had raised from infancy, tears welling in her eyes.

“My little master, you’ve grown so thin,” Nanny Bai said, her voice thick with emotion.

When Ruan Hang had left for his hometown, he was only fourteen or fifteen. After three years apart, his appearance had naturally changed a great deal, but he wasn’t truly thin—it was simply that the childish roundness had left his cheeks and jawline, making him appear leaner.

But regardless of whether a child fared well or poorly away from home, whether they suffered or prospered, a mother’s heart ached all the same when they were absent. Though Nanny Bai was only Ruan Hang’s wet nurse, in her heart, she truly regarded him as her own child.

Seeing his wet nurse so moved, Ruan Hang was deeply touched. He quickly said, “Nanny, I haven’t grown thin at all. I’ve simply matured, which makes me appear leaner. Please don’t worry.”

“Yes, yes,” Nanny Bai quickly agreed, then smiled. “The young master has grown much taller and even more handsome. But I’ve made a few sets of clothes for you—I’m not sure if they’ll fit.”

Ruan Hang smiled. “Anything made by you, Nanny, will naturally be the most fitting.”

He then invited Nanny Bai to sit. After a few polite refusals, she finally took a seat.

Nanny Bai had brought many items with her, carried by a young maid. Among them was a bundle containing the clothes she had just mentioned.

She took the bundle and unwrapped it. “These are a few sets of sleepwear and undergarments. I didn’t dare make outerwear—now that the young master is grown, I feared they might not be presentable. It’s better to leave those to the tailors.”

Ruan Hang said, “Nanny, what are you saying? You’ve made countless clothes for me since I was little—how could I not like them?”

Standing to the side, Song Yun watched silently. When he saw the clothes his mother had made for Ruan Hang, his eyes subtly dropped.

Ruan Hang recognized that look. He knew that because Nanny Bai had dedicated herself to raising him, she had spent far less time on her own son. Just considering clothes alone, Nanny Bai had made many for Ruan Hang, but the number she had made for Song Yun could be counted on one hand.

Most of Song Yun’s clothes were standard-issue garments made by the household tailors. Only during the New Year could he wear new clothes made by his mother, and each time, he would be overjoyed.

Ruan Hang then said to Nanny Bai, “Nanny, you’re getting on in years. Making these things is taxing—leave it to the seamstresses. You should enjoy your later years in peace.”

Nanny Bai nodded with a smile.

Ruan Hang then inquired about her health, and after exchanging a few pleasantries, the topic was set aside.

Nanny Bai had also brought a food box.

As a child, Ruan Hang had rarely been particular about food—in fact, he was rarely particular about anything, an easy child to raise. Among all the children she had cared for, including her own, Nanny Bai had never encountered one with a temperament as good as his. Because of this, her affection for the young master of the household went beyond the usual bond of a wet nurse—it was a genuine, heartfelt love.

Since Ruan Hang had always been sensible and undemanding, few knew his likes and dislikes when it came to food. Only Nanny Bai, with her attentive care, had gradually discerned some patterns.

Today, she had brought dishes she had personally cooked—Ruan Hang’s favorite childhood foods.

It happened to be dinnertime, and Ruan Hang hadn’t yet eaten, so he decided not to send for food from the main kitchen.

Ruan Hang invited Nanny Bai to dine with him. After some polite refusal, she finally sat across from him. Song Yun stood nearby, swallowing his saliva. Normally, he would have already asked Ruan Hang if he could join them, but fearing his mother’s scolding, he remained silent.

Yet the aroma of the meat his mother had stewed was too enticing. Unable to resist, Song Yun ventured softly, “Mother, I want to eat too…”

“Eat what? Don’t you eat enough at home every day? This is in front of the young master—have you no manners!” True to form, Nanny Bai frowned and scolded him. The dishes she had prepared weren’t abundant, and though Ruan Hang had invited her to eat, she hadn’t truly intended to partake—just to take a token bite.

But Song Yun clearly lacked such awareness.

Sulking, he said, “But usually the young master lets me eat with him, and besides…”

He didn’t finish his sentence. What he wanted to say was that Nanny Bai was his own mother—why should she only allow the young master to eat her cooking and not him? It made no sense…

This was exactly what troubled Nanny Bai. In Song Yun’s heart, it seemed he had never truly regarded Ruan Hang as his master.

The Bai family had served the Ruans for generations. Nanny Bai understood well that a master’s favor was one thing, but servants must know their place. If a servant truly believed their master’s kindness was their due, it would lead to trouble—sooner or later, the master would grow weary of them.

Anxious, Nanny Bai was about to reprimand Song Yun, but Ruan Hang spoke first: “Go fetch three sets of bowls and chopsticks. We’ll eat together.”

Hearing this, Song Yun happily ran off to get them.

Nanny Bai still wanted to say something, but Ruan Hang smiled and said, “Nanny, there’s no need to be so strict with Song Yun. He’s still young, and besides, didn’t we always eat at the same table when we were children?”

Seeing that Ruan Hang remained as approachable as ever, his protective attitude toward Song Yun unchanged, Nanny Bai felt deeply comforted. Yet she still believed that Song Yun couldn’t continue like this forever. She hoped he would mature soon, so she could rest easy.

Thus, after the meal, Nanny Bai found fault with Song Yun’s every move.

When Song Yun brought tea, he placed the first cup before Nanny Bai instead of Ruan Hang.

Nanny Bai truly found her son perplexing at times. She had taught him manners countless times, drilling them into him, and each time he claimed to remember. But after just a couple of days with his young master, he would forget all her teachings, thoroughly spoiled.

She scolded him for his lack of decorum, saying he should have served the young master first.

Song Yun frowned in confusion. “But Mother, aren’t you a guest in the young master’s home?”

“How could I be a guest?” Nanny Bai was so exasperated she didn’t know what to say.

“It’s fine, Nanny,” Ruan Hang interjected with a smile. “It’s just tea—it doesn’t matter.”

“Young Master, forgive me for saying so, but you mustn’t indulge him like this anymore,” Nanny Bai finally said. In the end, Song Yun’s behavior was partly Ruan Hang’s fault. “This child may be slow-witted, but he’s not so young anymore. Even if you don’t mind his lack of manners, what will happen when he accompanies you outside and meets other masters? If he behaves so improperly, what will people think?”

Song Yun stood there, enduring his mother's scolding, biting his lip and keeping his head down in silence. Ruan Hang knew that despite Song Yun's mischievous nature, he was quite sensitive at heart. If this continued, he might start crying.

"Young Master, you may scold or even discipline him, but you mustn’t indulge him any further. If he ever causes trouble, I truly wouldn’t know how to face you, and this old servant would lose all face," Nanny Bai continued.

Song Yun felt extremely wronged. Though he wasn’t perfect in everything, he had never acted arrogantly or recklessly. He had always done his best for Ruan Hang and tried hard to be sensible. Yet, his mother’s words made it seem like he was utterly useless. He felt terribly unjustly treated.

Seeing his expression, Ruan Hang quickly said to Nanny Bai, "He’s quite proper in public and has never caused any embarrassment. You fret too much, Nanny."

Though it was a white lie—after all, Song Yun had just made a fool of himself at school earlier that day—Song Yun still found comfort in the words. He shot Ruan Hang a teary-eyed glance.

Before Nanny Bai could say anything more, Ruan Hang hurriedly sent Song Yun away, saying, "Song Yun, go fetch something for me from the chest."

"A blue brocade box, about this big." Ruan Hang gestured the size.

Song Yun immediately ran off to search through the chest.

Nanny Bai sighed in resignation. After Ruan Hang soothed her with a few more words, she finally let the matter drop.

After a while, Song Yun returned with the box Ruan Hang had mentioned.

Curious, Song Yun watched as Ruan Hang opened the box. Inside was neither jewelry nor any auspicious trinket, but a ginseng root.

Ruan Hang had returned home to observe mourning, not for leisure, so there was no need to bring gifts for the family. Yet, he had still brought this. Though Song Yun wasn’t the sharpest, having grown up in the Ruan household, he wasn’t entirely ignorant. At the very least, he knew that a ginseng of this size was hard to come by.

"Nanny, please take this to the inner quarters and give it to Wei Shi," Ruan Hang said.

Ginseng was prized for strengthening the constitution.

Nanny Bai took the brocade box but asked, "Why not deliver it yourself, Young Master? It’s been three years since you’ve seen each other—a mother and son should have time together..."

She didn’t finish, but Ruan Hang understood. Even Nanny Bai missed him dearly, let alone Wei Shi.

Ruan Hang fell silent for a moment, as if hesitating, before finally saying, "With the mistress away, it wouldn’t be proper for me to visit him privately."

Hearing this, Nanny Bai couldn’t help but sigh. She knew that if they inadvertently displeased the Lady of the House, she wouldn’t dare cross Ruan Hang, but she could do as she pleased with Wei Shi. Though Wei Shi was a man, he was still a Kun Ze—and merely a concubine of the master. If the Lady of the House wanted him flattened, he wouldn’t stay standing.

Nanny Bai cast another deep glance at Song Yun. *Mind your words and actions, mind your words and actions*—this was a lesson she had taught him countless times. Yet, in a great household, one could never be too cautious.

She knew that from this day onward, Song Yun would once again share both joys and hardships with Ruan Hang. She didn’t expect her son to be showered with favors or rewards—just that he wouldn’t land Ruan Hang in hot water, cross the wrong people, or court disaster.