Chapter 9

Chapter 9

The capital was already bustling before evening fell. By the next forenoon—the fifteenth day of the eighth month, the Mid-Autumn Moon-Worship Festival—the streets were filled with patrolling prefectural guards and men from the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Someone had reported to the Shuntian Prefecture that Hu Tinglan and his sister’s whole household had vanished for over a month, suspecting misfortune and demanding an urgent search. Since Hu Tinglan was a jinshi graduate, a ranked scholar and a serving court official, the fact that his disappearance in Zhending (a prefecture) for over a month had gone unreported to the capital prompted the Northern Commissioner of the Embroidered Uniform Guard to dispatch investigators directly to Zhending.

Apart from the search parties, rumors spread unchecked through the streets. It seemed every household had sent out spies to sniff out news. The area in front of Shao Boju’s residence was deserted, but the nearby alleys were packed with people jostling shoulder-to-shoulder, peering furtively.

Shao Wuxing peeked through the door crack, his hooked nose twitched, while not a soul dared speak.

He strode briskly to the study door and saw a man who looked like an advisor stepping out. Before leaving, the man couldn’t resist adding,

“Master Gu has instructed you to mind your tongue and steps, to tread carefully, and not to burden the Shao family or Prince Yong.”

The advisor left swiftly, shouldering past Shao Wuxing without so much as a glance or a bow.

Shao Wuxing pressed his lips together and strode into the study.

“Brother, what did Uncle say?”

The advisor had been sent by Shao Zun, the head of the Shao family and the uncle of Shao Boju and Shao Wuxing.

When Shao Boju had been crowned as Tanhua, his glory was unmatched, and Shao Zun had naturally kept silent. But now, at the slightest hint of rumor, he had sent an advisor to intervene.

When Shao Wuxing asked, Shao Boju let out a cold snort.

“Naturally, he scolded me, warning me not to bring shame upon the Shao family or His Highness. If anything goes wrong, the family won’t shield me.”

Shao Wuxing’s face turned ashen.

The Shao family had split when their fathers were still young. The first and second branches, both primary-line, monopolized the family’s wealth, while the third and fourth branches, born of concubines, were left with barely enough to survive and were cast aside by the clan.

No one understood the hardships of Shao Boju’s childhood better than he did. Yet he had defied the odds—while none of the sons from the first and second branches proved capable, he had shown extraordinary scholarly talent, catching the eye of Grand Secretary Dou’s advisor, who secured him a place at the capital’s academy.

Perhaps fortune smiles upon those who endure hardship in youth. His paternal aunt, who had been merely a concubine of Prince Yin, passed away shortly after giving birth. The Shao family had given up on that connection, but unexpectedly, Prince Yin assumed the imperial mantle, and the child left behind by Shao Boju’s aunt became the emperor’s second prince—Prince Yong.

Later, when the crown prince fell ill and died, Prince Yong became the court’s favored candidate for the new heir apparent.

In the eighth year of the Yin You Dynasty, Shao Boju earned his jinshi degree, and the emperor handpicked him as Tanhua.

With the title of Tanhua, the once-neglected son finally earned a sliver of respect from the main branch.

But now, at the slightest hint of rumor, the main branch had immediately sent someone to distance themselves from him.

Bruise-like shadows ringed Shao Boju’s eyes, his weariness barely concealed. He asked, “What’s happening outside?”

Shao Wuxing could only recount the situation, “The people from Shuntian Prefecture are easy to deal with, but we didn’t expect so many from the Embroidered Uniform Guard to show up. Once they got involved, it sparked speculation throughout the capital. Now everyone is saying that the Shao family has abandoned its origins, and that you, Brother, personally killed the Hu siblings.”

The man seemed to still briefly, then shook his head with a mirthless laugh.

“I personally killed…”

He didn’t finish the sentence. Instead, Shao Wuxing asked, “If the Embroidered Uniform Guard is involved, could it be the emperor’s doing?”

Shao Boju shook his head. “The emperor wouldn’t act so quickly. Rather, who is the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard aligned with? Have you forgotten?”

Shao Wuxing drew a sharp breath. “Marquis Lu!”

Heavy exhaustion deepened on Shao Boju’s face as he took a slow breath.

“Would Lu Shenru ever let such a chance slip?”

“Then what should we do? Did the main branch tell us to postpone the matrimonial tie with the Du family?”

This drew a cold chuckle from Shao Boju.

“If I had always listened to them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

With that, he schooled his expression, shedding his weariness, and called to his younger cousin.

“Go to the Gu family for me. See Madam Wan.”

*

---

In the Gu residence of Huanghua Quarter, the Rongyu Hall was eerily silent.

Lady Liang, the daughter-in-law, had canceled the day’s studies for the young ladies of the household. The girls had come to pay their respects to the matriarch but now stood awkwardly in the hall, unsure what to do.

Madam Wan had no patience for teaching today and waved them away.

No sooner had they left than someone hurried in.

The newcomer was of average height and unremarkable appearance, but he was followed by three or four attendants. As he entered Rongyu Hall, everyone bowed to him, but he paid them no mind, striding straight to Madam Wan’s chamber.

“Has someone from the Shao family come? What did they say?” he asked the elderly woman seated at the head of the room. “Mother, do they want to postpone the marriage?”

The speaker was Madam Wan’s only son, Du Runqing’s maternal uncle, Master Gu Yangsi.

Madam Wan remained silent for a moment, so Lady Liang answered instead.

“Husband, the Shao family does not wish to delay. On the contrary, they insist that Mother ensure the marriage proceeds.”

Master Gu inhaled sharply. “The Embroidered Uniform Guard is already mobilized. How is this any different from confirming the Shao family’s guilt? If we involve ourselves now, won’t we be burned as well?”

Madam Wan had been sitting with eyes half-closed in silence, but now she slowly opened her aged eyes.

“Even if the Embroidered Uniform Guard is involved, there’s still no proof, is there? The Shao family won’t fall so easily—Prince Yong and Grand Secretary Dou stand behind them. But if we play it safe now, what do you think will happen to us once the Shao family recovers?”

Master Gu’s brow furrowed deeply.

Madam Wan continued, giving her son a measured look.

“After your father’s death, you never regained the emperor’s favor. It’s only through my connections these past years that the Gu family has remained among the capital’s high-born families. Everyone knows the marriage between the Shao and Du families is my doing. If I fail to see it through, not only will other families hesitate to send their daughters to me for grooming, even those seeking my mediation will think twice. What standing would the Gu family have among the nobility then?”

“But—”

Master Gu tried to protest, but the matriarch raised a hand to stop him, then beckoned him closer.

He approached, and she gently pulled him down to sit beside her, fondly dusting off his robes.

“Don’t trouble yourself with these matters. Once I secure the marriage between the Shao family and the Du girl, they will arrange a new position for you. You need only wait for the favorable appointment the Shao family will secure. Leave everything to me.”

At this, Master Gu said no more.

“Then I’ll defer to Mother’s judgment.”

Madam Wan patted his shoulder fondly, nodding to set his mind at ease, then turned to Lady Liang.

“Send someone to the Du residence in Chengqing Quarter. Have my daughter’s husband come at once.”

When Du Zhiqi, Second Master Du, arrived, the wind in the capital was so fierce it threatened to rip the roof tiles clean off.

He met with Madam Wan and asked the same question as Master Gu had.

"Madam Wan, with the Shao family entangled in such trouble, is this marriage still viable?"

Madam Wan snorted coldly.

Her patience, so freely given to her own son, was gone. Now, she cast a sidelong glance at Du Zhiqi.

"Why ask me? Ask your darling niece."

"Jing?" Du Zhiqi was stunned, then quickly understood. "How could this possibly be Jing's doing? She's just a defenseless girl—how could she possibly dare to stir up trouble in the capital, let alone the court?"

Madam Wan scoffed even louder. "Who else would it be, at a time like this?"

She thought of the rumors swirling outside, how schemers had poured fuel on the fire until it raged uncontrollably, leaving even her unsettled and dazed.

She couldn’t help but glance again at her wishy-washy son-in-law.

"She’s got more spine than you, her uncle. In just one day... But what’s done is done." She glared at Du Zhiqi. "The Du family can’t back out now, and you must stop wavering. This marriage will happen, whether you like it or not. Get home and rein your niece in!"

As she spoke, her eyes flicked toward the imperial palace.

Tonight was the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet.

"I will enter the palace myself and personally plead their case for the marriage between the Du and Shao families before His Majesty."

Personally plead the case.

Du Zhiqi, astonished by Madam Wan’s words, left, turning them over in his mind as he returned to Chengqing Lane.

The wind in the capital, from nowhere and everywhere, had grown even fiercer. The yellow leaves still clinging to the branches could no longer hold on, torn loose by the wind, whirling into the sky before being dashed against walls or trampled into the cracks of the earth.

People fled like leaves in the wind. Du Zhiqi’s carriage nearly overturned at a corner, forcing him to walk the rest of the way.

As he approached the entrance of his residence, he spotted a figure standing at the gate from dozens of paces away.

She wore a dress of sky-blue, the wind from the alley and the gusts through the gate colliding at her feet, her robes whipping around her. Yet she stood motionless in the tempest, her gaze fixed on the plaque above the door.

The wind howled, but she remained still, staring upward.

Du Zhiqi, recalling how the turmoil in the capital today had stemmed from her actions, couldn’t help but stride forward and snap,

"You take after your fool of a father! He thought he alone could overturn the court—smashing the old ways, forcing his ‘new order’—as if the entrenched powers could be shaken by him! In the end, he left behind a mess, ruining my chances for promotion for years, sticking me in the provinces!"

"And you! Just as self-righteous as he was! Just because you disliked the marriage I arranged for you, you’ve stirred up a storm across the city! What’s there to complain about? You owe your father’s debts—you should have obeyed my arrangements! Yet you’ve caused such a disaster to spite me?!"

Du Zhiqi nearly roared, but catching sight of passersby at the alley’s entrance, he quickly lowered his voice.

Yet his fury could not be contained.

His niece still stood there, unmoved by his anger, prompting him to add,

"Don’t think that just because Shao Boju is in trouble, you’ll escape marrying him! Don’t even dream of it. Madam Wan will personally plead your case to His Majesty at tonight’s banquet. With her intervention, this marriage will happen—you’re marrying the Shaos, ready or not!"

As he spoke, he too turned his gaze to the plaque above the gate. It bore two characters: "Du Residence," a name that had been hung there during the lifetime of Du Lingjing’s father.

Du Zhiqi only glanced briefly before averting his eyes, shooting his niece an icy glare.

"After you marry into the Shao family, you’ll have to bow to Shao Boju’s will, and in your own family, you’ll only listen to me. This has always been a woman’s lot. If life becomes difficult later, don’t come crying to me in regret—I won’t pity you. You’ve made your bed—now lie in it!"

"If you must cry, go cry to your dead parents!"

Du Zhiqi flung his sleeves and strode inside, calling to his attendants as soon as he crossed the threshold.

"Close the gates!"

The doors of the Du residence slammed shut.

The wind through the courtyard stilled for a moment, but the next instant, the howling wind tearing through the alley rushed past Du Lingjing, lashing against the plaque above the gate.

She still remembered the day the new plaque was first hung—how a crowd had gathered before the gate.

The ground was strewn with red firecracker fragments, and Uncle Wen wouldn’t let anyone sweep them up, insisting the red litter brought good fortune.

Treading on the red-scattered ground, everyone looked up at the two characters beneath the red silk.

Some praised the distinctive flair of the calligraphy, others remarked how the character "Du" was supple yet firm, while "Fu" was bold and imposing.

"Exquisite strokes, both of them!" the crowd exclaimed.

Her father stroked his beard and smiled. "You’ve a discerning eye. Indeed, these two characters were crafted by two separate masters."

At his words, she, who had been quietly standing beside him, peeked at her father.

Just then, someone asked, "Might we inquire who these two masters are?"

Her hands clenched tightly.

Yet her father continued stroking his beard, his face unreadable.

The onlookers grew even more curious. "Master Du has invited such esteemed calligraphers to inscribe this plaque, yet you keep their names hidden?"

"Not hidden—it’s simply that these two seldom show their faces."

The crowd clamored for an answer.

Only then did her father speak slowly, his gaze lifting to the two characters on the plaque.

"The first was written by East Fragrance Pavilion Lady, the latter by Lofty Fragrance Recluse."

"East Fragrance Pavilion Lady? Lofty Fragrance Recluse?" The crowd murmured in confusion. "Truly, reclusive masters we’ve never heard of!"

Du Lingjing was also taken aback, but then she caught her father’s smiling glance—her cheeks burned instantly.

What East Fragrance Pavilion Lady or Lofty Fragrance Recluse? It was none other than her, who lived in the east wing, and her father, who resided in the main house!

She looked at her father just as he glanced past the crowd toward her. In that moment, father and daughter shared a secret smile...

That day, with red silk hanging high, firecrackers roaring, and guests filling the courtyard—along with the laughter in her father’s eyes—it all felt as fresh as yesterday.

Beneath the plaque, she recalled those memories, a smile unconsciously softening her eyes. But the wind was too strong, blurring her vision and scattering everything before her.

When she looked up again, the old lacquer on the plaque was peeling, the faded characters trembling. And beneath the gate, there was no one left—no one stroking his beard, no one left to smile back.

"Young Mistress." Qiu Lin approached with a cloak, noticing her young mistress gazing fixedly at the plaque above. A lump rose in her throat, but she quickly changed the subject.

"Young Mistress, Second Uncle just mentioned that Madam Wan intends to personally request an imperial betrothal decree at tonight’s banquet. What should we do?"

She waited until the young lady finally tore her gaze from the plaque.

A faint smile touched the young lady’s lips.

"This capital does not bow to my will—nor is it Madam Wan’s to decide."

*

The night wind, carrying the chill of autumn grass, swept unrestrained through the capital, rattling doors and windows. Palace maids were stationed outside, bracing against the gusts to steady the banquet hall’s carved lattice windows.

Once the windows were secured, maids streamed in, gliding between the lavishly set tables—some bearing delicate pastries, others offering fine wines and fragrant teas.

Scions of noble houses laughed and bantered among the seats, while their senior guests exchanged courtesies. The lively hall remained untouched by the wind, filled only with the mingling aromas of the feast.

Then, a eunuch’s voice rang out.

"The Emperor approaches!"

The clamor of the banquet instantly hushed as all rose to greet the emperor.

A man in his forties emerged from behind an ornate screen, robed in a bright yellow dragon-embroidered robe. A benevolent smile graced his face as he strode to the central high seat and raised a hand. "You may rise."

A murmur of gratitude followed, and the emperor, smiling warmly, bade them sit. Only then did the assembled dignitaries take their seats.

All eyes lifted—not just to the emperor, but to the woman at his side. In her thirties, with willow-leaf brows and lips like cherries, she radiated noble bearing. Meeting the guests’ gazes, she dipped her head slightly in acknowledgment.

"It’s the Noble Consort. It seems The Empress still hasn’t recovered enough to attend."

As the emperor conversed with those nearby, whispers rippled through the hall.

The Empress had been absent from the Mid-Autumn feast for three years now. Only Noble Consort Lu accompanied the emperor.

And when the guests looked at her, their attention inevitably shifted to the man seated below her.

Dressed in vermilion silk, adorned with a gold belt inlaid with jade and a crown set with rubies, he raised his cup in toast.

"The Noble Consort and the marquis truly share a mother’s blood—not only in resemblance but in their striking presence. No wonder Prince Hui is so regal."

The speaker suddenly caught himself and hastily added, "And of course, Prince Yong is just as impressive."

The remark, though tactful, still carried weight. Though Consort Xian had passed, the Shao family remained present.

Beyond the imperial relatives, many high ministers attended—though with the Mid-Autumn feast’s focus on familial ties, more ladies were present. Grand Secretary Dou and other senior officials had come, but their ladies attended.

And among the courtiers, the imperial kin were present in force.

After the late emperor’s passing, Empress Xiaorong soon followed. Now, among the late emperor’s consorts, Dowager Consort Jiang ranked highest. Honoring her as a mother, the emperor had seated her at the banquet.

The emperor’s health was frail. After a brief address, he delegated the moon rites to Noble Consort Lu before the feast officially began.

Music and dance filled the air, with delicacies and wine in abundance.

Madam Wan sat far from the high table, yet she kept a close watch on the high table.

She barely touched the feast. Noticing Shao Boju’s gaze from across the room, she gave a slight nod. She waited until Dowager Dou, the grand secretary’s aged mother, approached to toast the emperor. After the emperor drank and granted her gifts, Madam Wan finally took a deep breath and stepped forward with her own cup.

Dowager Dou chuckled at the sight. "Your Majesty has more wine to drink."

The emperor smiled. "I would never refuse Madam Wan’s toast. When I was young in the palace, Consort Wan often looked after me. I’ve never forgotten her kindness."

Consort Wan had been one of the late emperor’s earliest consorts, and Madam Wan’s standing at court stemmed from being her sister. Yet Consort Wan had passed without children, leaving Madam Wan to rely solely on herself.

Bowing deeply, Madam Wan replied, "This humble one dares not burden Your Majesty with such remembrance. May Your Majesty’s heart remain at ease."

She drank first, then watched as the emperor nodded approvingly. Gathering her courage, she voiced the request she had rehearsed all evening.

"This cup was meant for the Mid-Autumn moon, but this old woman wishes to ask Your Majesty to drink another—a betrothal toast."

A hush fell over the hall.

"Oh? Whose joyous news?" The emperor perked up.

Straightening, Madam Wan answered, "My son-in-law’s kin—the Du family of Qingzhou. They humbly seek Your Majesty’s gracious decree to arrange a suitable match for their daughter."

The emperor paused. "The Dus... I’ve not seen them in years."

Madam Wan agreed, and the emperor studied her.

"As the capital’s foremost matchmaker, whom do you deem suitable for the Dus?"

This was the opening she had waited for. Drawing a breath, she replied,

"Your Majesty flatters me, but I dare suggest one."

She turned toward Shao Boju. "What of the Tanhua scholar Shao—the Tanhua laureate?"

A stunned silence gripped the hall.

Though left unspoken earlier, none had missed the whispers surrounding Shao Boju.

As Madam Wan gestured, Shao Boju began to rise and approach—

But then, a voice cut in.

"I find the Du and Shao families rather... poorly matched."

All turned to see Dowager Consort Jiang standing slowly.

Coincidentally, she too hailed from Qingzhou—and her grandnephew had once been betrothed to the Dus: Jiang Sanlang, the provincial top scholar.

Madam Wan stiffened at the unexpected challenge.

Dowager Consort Jiang made no mention of her late grandnephew, stating only, "The Dus are a family of scholars, their lineage pure and noble. Any match should reflect that. To tie them to... unsavory affairs would only tarnish their name."

Though usually reticent, her words now cut sharply.

And everyone knew what—or rather, whom—she alluded to: Shao Boju’s alleged involvement in the Hu siblings’ deaths.

Shao Boju’s face darkened.

Madam Wan, too, froze.

The emperor remained silent.

The hall held its breath. Then, unable to bear the tension, Madam Wan spoke again.

"With these strong winds lately, there's bound to be some idle gossip, but don't take any of it to heart."

She ignored Dowager Consort Jiang, turning only to the Emperor. "Your Majesty, the Du family—"

Yet before she could finish, the Emperor interjected.

"Madam Wan must be tired. You may take your leave."

Madam Wan's hands gave an involuntary tremble.

Shao Boju had not even approached the imperial presence, and the Emperor had not spared him a glance. Yet Madam Wan had been sent away.

Her fingers went icy, and she felt as though the entire hall was watching her—some even shaking their heads subtly.

Her aged face burned with humiliation.

The marriage arrangement between the Shao and Du families had fallen through.

The Shao family wouldn't be in tomorrow's betrothal decree...

But she dared not speak further. Biting back her humiliation, she returned to her seat.

Attendants streamed in again, refilling the wine for the noble guests.

The atmosphere eased slightly, and the buzz of conversation slowly returned.

The Marquis of Yongding, Lu Shenru, took a satisfied sip of wine.

Meanwhile, Noble Consort Lu, seated at the high table, frowned slightly and cast a glance at her younger brother.

*

Ruan Gong had been waiting outside the palace gates for news, half-frozen in the wind.

But now, he burst into the western courtyard and straight to Du Lingjing.

Qiu Lin sprang to her feet. "What news from the palace?!"

Du Lingjing also looked up expectantly.

Ruan Gong’s face split into a grin.

"Miss, Madam Wan’s matchmaking attempt for our family was dismissed by the Emperor! His Majesty didn't so much as glance at the Shao family!"

In other words, the marriage alliance between the Shao and Du families was off!

When the imperial betrothal decree was issued tomorrow, the Shao family would receive no favor from the court.

Qiu Lin almost squealed with joy.

"Then, Miss, does this mean we can return to Qingzhou?!"

Du Lingjing seemed to drift for a moment, but then she smiled faintly.

"Yes, I think we can."