Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Two hours earlier.

Shao Boju had just left Pillow Moon Tower when his cousin Shao Wuxing led men to surround the western side of Accumulated Water Pond. Not only the woods but also the neighboring households were subjected to discreet searches.

Fortunately, Chang Pu was swift-footed. Before Shao’s men could spot him, he slipped away like a cat.

Now, back at Pillow Moon Tower, he reported everything to Du Lingjing. "Miss, that Shao Wuxing looked tense—like he’d turn the earth upside down just to find whatever he’s after."

Du Lingjing couldn’t help but shake her head.

There was nothing there. She’d already told the Shao brothers—there was nothing.

But the Shaos just wouldn’t give up.

She didn’t know what had happened to the Hu siblings, but Ruan Gong reminded her, "Miss, there’s only one day left until the Mid-Autumn Festival."

Once the festival passed, the imperial marriage decree would be issued.

Du Lingjing nodded, though Ruan Gong wasn’t entirely sure what she meant.

Meanwhile, the chatter in Pillow Moon Tower grew livelier.

"The Shao family is marrying the Grand Secretariat’s sole daughter, while the Marquis of Yongding’s household must wed a noble’s daughter. Which alliance is stronger—the Du family’s support to the Shaos, or a noble-born lady strengthening Marquis Lu’s hand?"

"So which noble family will the Marquis marry?"

"It depends on who’ll throw their weight behind the Marquis," someone whispered, "enough to offset the Shao-Du alliance."

That was all anyone knew, and no solid leads turned up. Then someone suggested,

"Well then, should we head to Qianxing Alley and test our luck? Make a few wagers?"

At this proposal, many instinctively reached for their money pouches.

"How do we bet to win?"

"Gambling is always a mix of wins and losses," one seasoned gambler explained. "If you want a sure thing, just bet on the Shao-Du match without a second thought."

He added that many were already betting on this. "Word is that Madam Wan of the Gu family arranged the match. You know Madam Wan, right? Two years ago, she arranged the marriage between the Liu clan of Lingnan—an imperial favorite—and the Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Court of Censors, the Zhang family. Those two families had no ties whatsoever. Yet Madam Wan not only brought them together but also secured an imperial decree for the marriage. These past two years, she’s been the real power matchmaker among the elite."

He said the Shao-Du match was also her doing. "Now, think about it—how could it go wrong?"

Hearing this, many could barely hold onto their silver. But someone pointed out that if everyone bet the same way, there’d be no real payoff.

"Exactly. So if you don’t want to take the safe route and want some excitement, bet on Marquis Lu," he said. "Wager whether he’ll marry this year. Or go even further—bet on which noble family’s daughter he’ll wed. If you win, the payoff would be massive."

Every Mid-Autumn Festival, countless bets were placed on Marquis Lu, yet no marchioness ever materialized. This year, with no news so far, it was anyone’s guess.

Then, out of the blue, someone placed a bet of five hundred taels, wagering that the Marquis would marry this year, setting the crowd abuzz.

Still, someone asked, "Aside from the Marquis marrying, is there anything even more exciting?"

"Of course," the crowd turned to the speaker, who said, "It still comes back to the Shao and Du families. Don’t bet on the marriage happening—bet the other way!"

Bet that the alliance would fail.

The room burst into laughter.

Chang Pu, however, grew eager. He fished out a few silver scraps from his shoe, gathered them, and held them out eagerly to Du Lingjing.

Du Lingjing quickly stopped him. "Just stay there and speak."

Chang Pu clenched his fist. "This is my whole stake—I want to place a bet too!"

Ruan Gong kicked him. "You dare gamble? Right in front of the young lady?"

Chang Pu covered his backside. "I’m doing this to back Miss’s pride! I’ll go all in—betting against the Shaos marrying Miss!"

He added, "Even if I lose it all, I won’t let Miss be shamed!"

Ruan Gong kicked him again, nearly knocking him over. "Still running your mouth?"

But before Ruan Gong could finish, Du Lingjing called out to Chang Pu.

"Put down a wager for me too."

"Miss?" Ruan Gong thought he’d misheard.

Chang Pu jumped up. "How much, Miss?"

Du Lingjing pondered. "Is five hundred taels the maximum?"

Chang Pu nodded furiously. Du Lingjing said, "Then I’ll bet five hundred taels—against the marriage."

Five hundred taels! Ruan Gong was speechless.

His young lady was a proper scholar—when had she ever dabbled in such nonsense? Yet now, she was dropping five hundred taels!

Chang Pu ignored Ruan Gong’s glare, bursting with excitement. "Miss is placing bets with me!"

His voice was a bit too loud.

Du Lingjing coughed lightly—the word was too crude. She corrected him.

"It’s wagering."

Chang Pu’s eyes sparkled. "Yes, yes! Miss speaks so properly. I’ll go place your wager right away!"

Du Lingjing smiled faintly.

Ruan Gong gritted his teeth. The young lady was getting corrupted by this rascal!

*

From the lantern market to the entire Chongwenmen Inner Street, the lights dazzled, and the hustle and bustle was incredible. Especially at Paozi River in the southeast corner of Mingshi Ward, where the water shimmered with reflections of the lights, glimmering like fish scales. The banks were packed with people.

Du Runqing, who rarely left home as she usually cared for her mother, had even brought her maids out for the occasion.

As she walked near Paozi River, the streets buzzed with talk of the Mid-Autumn marriage decree. Not just Qianxing Alley—even the small gambling dens by Paozi River had laid odds on noble marriages.

Du Runqing caught snippets of a bet that someone had wagered five hundred taels of silver that the Marquis of Yongding would take a wife this year.

"Is it true?" she couldn't help but ask.

Her maid Rui Xue dismissed it. "Every year, people bet on the Marquis getting married, and it never happens. Pay it no mind, miss."

She had a point. Aside from Marquis Lu, Rui Xue added, "More people are betting on the eldest young lady and Shao the Tanhua. Anyone with eyes can see it’s bound to happen."

Since her elder sister had suddenly arrived in the capital, the household had been turned upside down for days.

But hearing even the streets so certain of it, Du Runqing felt some relief.

She called Rui Xue and strolled a few steps toward the riverbank, where a vendor came hustling over.

"Come to make a wish, young miss? Our lanterns this year were consecrated by a master monk—they’re the most auspicious! If you’re wishing for love, just silently whisper your sweetheart's name while holding this red thread. It’ll surely reach them! Works every time!"

The vendor pitched his goods with gusto, but Rui Xue rolled her eyes.

"Even if you say so, this river doesn’t lead to the heavens. Street urchins will just scoop them up to play with."

The vendor's smile faltered and he turned to leave, but Du Runqing stopped him.

"Fetch some coins. I’ll buy a lantern."

Rui Xue froze, while the vendor beamed from ear to ear, quickly handing over the finest specimen.

"Just silently recite your wish, miss, and the red thread will surely reach your beloved!"

Du Runqing took it, her cheeks pinkened in the lantern’s glow. She bit her lip lightly, stepped to the riverbank, closed her eyes, and gently pushed the lantern into the water, watching it float away like a fallen star.

On the way back, Rui Xue noticed her mistress’ rosy cheeks and murmured teasingly, "You really believed that vendor, miss."

Du Runqing flushed deeper but was interrupted by her mother’s attendant hurrying over.

"What’s the matter?"

The servant whispered, "Second Miss, I just followed the eldest young lady—she went to Pillow Moon Tower to meet Shao the Tanhua."

Du Runqing gasped.

If her sister opposed marrying Shao Boju so much, why meet him? Was she up to something?

She quickly ordered the servant, "Tell Father—no," she changed tack, "go to the Gu family and alert my grandmother!"

*

The Gu residence in Huanghua Lane was just across Chongwenmen Street from the Du family.

When the servant arrived, the Rongyu Hall buzzed with laughter. Mrs. Gu, who had just returned from a trip on Madam Wan’s orders, brought good news.

"...The Huang family of Jinan and the Shen family of Shunde have sent tribute. They say their daughters are unpolished and fear poor marriage prospects, so they wish to send them here to be schooled under your guidance. All costs will be borne, of course."

Madam Wan shook her head, though her eyes twinkled with mirth.

"Truly, ever since last year, families have been trying to send their daughters to me. I was too busy then, but now there are even more."

Mrs. Gu dutifully kneaded her mother-in-law’s shoulders. "They don’t know how to raise proper young ladies. When it comes to grooming brides, no one compares to you, Mother."

Madam Wan shook her head again. "I’ve certainly seen more, but they just want to use me to secure noble matches."

Mrs. Gu agreed and asked, "Shall we have these girls brought to the capital?"

Madam Wan nodded slowly. "Of course, but we’ll wait."

"Wait until when?"

Madam Wan closed her eyes as her daughter-in-law continued massaging.

"Until after Mid-Autumn, when the Emperor hands down the decree betrothing the Shao and Du families."

Mrs. Gu understood immediately.

Once the imperial decree ratified the union, even more families would send their daughters, each vying to offer what they could to the Gu family and Madam Wan.

Matches between great houses were never matters of the heart.

Just then, the servant sent by Du Runqing rushed in with his message.

Compared to his urgency, Madam Wan merely inclined her head.

The servant hesitated until she finally spoke.

"Tell Qing'er: Even if she met Shao Boju, what of it? The Shao family intends to marry her, and no words from her can stop it. The arrow is nocked—it must fly. This marriage will happen, whether she likes it or not. She can’t prevent it."

The servant committed the words to memory and left for the Du residence.

Madam Wan took a delicate sip of tea, served by her daughter-in-law, and sighed.

"The worst thing for a woman is to read too much. Books are written by men, for men. Women who read them start thinking they can shape their own destinies, not realizing it’s their downfall—making them believe they can do anything."

Mrs. Gu dipped into a deep bow, listening reverently.

Madam Wan didn’t bade her rise, merely cast an eye over the nearby books and declared,

"Starting tomorrow, cut the girls’ studies in half. Keep only the *Admonitions for Women* and *Lessons for Women*. Have them focus on domestic arts, learning to support their fathers, brothers, and husbands. That’s far more useful than any book."

Mrs. Gu wouldn't dream of contradicting, bowing lower. "As you say, Mother."

Still, she ventured, "Should we keep a closer eye on the Du family’s eldest daughter?"

Madam Wan waved a hand.

"Unnecessary. This is the capital—she can’t cause trouble."

...

Madam Wan retired early, attended by her daughter-in-law.

But in the dead of night, a howling wind shook the shutters, disturbing her light sleep. Mrs. Gu summoned servants to secure the shutters, and after over an hour of fuss, silence finally returned.

The next morning, Madam Wan woke late.

Tomorrow was Mid-Autumn Festival.

Mrs. Gu had already set the table when Madam Wan sipped her tea and sat down—only for Nanny Guan to rush in.

"Why the hurry? Has the Emperor issued the betrothal decree a day early?"

It wasn’t impossible.

But Nanny Guan looked positively thunderous.

"Madam Wan, in the span of a single night, rumors are spreading everywhere that the Shao family has committed murder!"

Madam Wan raised her brows. "What baseless rumor is this?"

Nanny Guan couldn’t pinpoint the source either, saying it had sprung up like mushrooms after rain. "The Hu siblings seem to have been missing for over a month. Master Hu is a Jinshi scholar—how could his absence go unnoticed in the capital for so long? Now, everyone is saying it’s the Shaos' handiwork, and that someone from the Hu family may already have been killed! The murderer is none other than the Shaos."

Madam Wan’s brows climbed higher.

Nanny Guan couldn't track the rumor's source, but Liang Shi murmured, "Mother, could it be that girl from the Du family who spread this?"

After all, she was the one most opposed to the imperial betrothal.

Madam Wan paused, then suddenly scoffed.

"She’s just a girl. Does she really think the capital is something she can stir up? Mere street gossip—she flatters herself."

*

At the Du residence in Chengqing Lane.

Qiu Lin sent the maid Ai Ye out to sniff around, and she soon returned.

"Miss, the gossip's spread like wildfire now."

She reported, "Eyewitnesses swear they saw the Shao family surrounding the western side of Jishui Tan yesterday, digging God-knows-what. Some say it was filth, others say evidence, and some even say... corpses! The tales grow taller by the minute. This move of yours is truly brilliant. Though we can’t produce our calling cards, directly undermining Shao Boju before the Emperor and removing him from the picture—isn’t that just as effective?"

Qiu Lin was giddy with excitement, but Ruan Gong, ever the cautious one, looked at their mistress.

"But even if the rumors spread, without evidence, can they really harm the Shao family?"

The Hu siblings had been missing for over a month, and the Shao family had managed to keep it unnoticed in the court. How could mere gossip shake Shao Boju’s position as the Emperor’s favored man?

When Ruan Gong voiced his doubt, Du Lingjing nodded.

"I've no real power to topple a Tanhua."

The capital was a place where even her father had been brought low. She certainly lacked such capability.

All she wanted was to slip away clean, to wait until after the Mid-Autumn Festival so she could leave safely and return to Qingzhou as soon as possible.

"But there are plenty in the capital who would love to see Shao Boju fall." Du Lingjing paused, recalling the imposing figure of the man standing by the railing at Pillow Moon Tower the day before.

"All I can do is strike a small spark for these powerful ministers and nobles."

*

As her words fell, the wind outside banged open the half-closed carved window.

At the Marquis of Yongding’s residence in Jiqing Lane.

The marquis’s advisers packed the front courtyard’s meeting hall, abuzz with excitement over the sudden rumors that had emerged overnight. Their voices grew so loud they threatened to raise the roof.

Then, a voice announced from outside, "The Marquis has arrived."

Everyone quickly fell silent, turning their eyes to the entrance. A man in emerald brocade robes strode in from the dawn light outside, stepping firmly into the hall.

The advisers bowed in unison, and he waved them off. "I’ve just heard of the matter you were discussing."

With that brief mention, their fervor reignited.

One adviser, Adviser Yu, stepped forward.

"Marquis, regardless of whether it’s true, this is our opportunity."

"Over the years, the Shao family has been building connections for Prince Yong, courting court officials. With Grand Secretary Dou backing them, even provincial governors are leaning toward Prince Yong’s faction. And the Emperor, fond of Shao’s talent, has shown them favor. Now, they’re pushing the argument of ‘no heir, appoint the eldest,’ repeatedly petitioning the Emperor to name a crown prince, claiming Prince Yong is virtuous and the Shao family represents the uncorrupted scholar-officials—that there’s no other choice for the throne. The Emperor is like to waver."

Adviser Yu continued, "But if the Hu siblings’ case is confirmed, Shao Boju losing favor would pale in comparison—dragging down the entire Shao family and Prince Yong’s faction’s reputation would be the real blow. The Emperor values talent above all—how could he tolerate a Jinshi being done away with like this?"

He hesitated slightly. "But I can't fathom who planted these rumors? And to what end? Should we... investigate?"

The others were of like mind, but the Marquis shook his head.

"Don’t investigate."

Then he added something enigmatic, his already low voice deepening further.

"Let her have some ease."

The advisers looked at one another in bewilderment.

Adviser Yu dared ask, "Marquis, then what should we do? Should we follow the rumormonger's scheme?"

Silence filled the hall as they waited. Standing at the center, the Marquis uttered four words. "Throw our full weight behind it."