Chapter 23: Offend

Chapter 23: Giving Offense

Fifteen minutes later, Xin He emerged from Wei Mingjin’s study, clutching two books.

Outside, the winter sun shone warmly, and a gentle breeze stirred.

Xin He had anticipated a lengthy persuasion, but to her surprise, Wei Mingjin had agreed with unexpected swiftness.

His amenability today was almost unbelievable to her.

Qiong Hua chattered beside her, “Young Master excels at his studies! And now that you, Auntie, are also learning to read, the little master or miss will surely be influenced. Once born, they are bound to be scholars too!”

Whether the child would be scholarly or not was of no concern to Xin He.

Her sole focus was on leveraging this newfound access to Wei Mingjin—to win him over, charm him into devotion, and secure his protection.

The two types of pastries she had brought today were a calculated gesture, a preference she had gleaned from Nanny Dou.

Yet, the moment she presented them, Wei Mingjin’s gaze had been peculiar.

Xin He doubted Nanny Dou would deceive her; she surmised that perhaps Wei Mingjin’s tastes had simply changed.

It seemed she would need to delve deeper to understand him.

Unbeknownst to Xin He, after her departure, Wei Mingjin stared at the pastries she had brought for a long while. Then, he picked up the plate and pushed open the study’s rear window.

Beyond the window lay a pond.

In summer, opening the window would invite the delicate fragrance of red lotuses reflected on the water. But now, in winter, the surface was bare, save for shimmering golden reflections.

Wei Mingjin crumbled a pastry and scattered it into the water.

The once-calm surface instantly erupted as various oddly shaped fish surged from the depths, vying for the scattered morsels.

Xin He had only learned that these were pastries Wei Mingjin once favored.

What she didn’t know was that this was because, in the past, whenever Wei Mingjin returned from punishment, the kitchen would be devoid of other food.

Since his father relished taro paste cakes and jade steam cakes, the kitchen always kept these two on hand. In those days, he had no choice but to eat them to sate his hunger.

He ate them so frequently that Nanny Dou mistakenly believed they were his favorites.

In truth, Wei Mingjin detested these two pastries above all else.

Whenever these pastries were placed before him, Wei Mingjin saw not food, but the whip lashing mercilessly across his skin, and the battered, helpless child he once was.

That prison cell was damp and frigid. Wounded and curled up there, he felt as if he had descended into an endless hell.

The sun outside shone brightly, yet its warmth never reached him.

It was as if he had been forever imprisoned and forgotten in the darkness.

After prolonged confinement in the dark, that child transformed from human to ghost, and finally, into a ghost cloaked in human skin.

“Splash—” Wei Mingjin tossed another crumbled pastry into the water, inciting a frenzied scramble among the fish.

Leaning against the window, as graceful as a jade tree, he smiled gently and said, “Take your time, there’s plenty more.”

The oddly shaped fish couldn’t comprehend his words, only thrashed and fought for the food in the water.

“Young Master, Second Master is here,” Chi Yan’s voice announced from outside the door.

Wei Mingjin remained silent, leisurely continuing to feed the fish.

After a while, he finally instructed, “Escort him to the front hall to wait.”

Chi Yan acknowledged and departed.

Only when the fish in the pond had eaten their fill and dispersed did Wei Mingjin wash his hands and slowly proceed to the front hall.

Wei Jingyao was growing increasingly impatient in the front hall by the time Wei Mingjin finally made his belated appearance.

Skipping the pleasantries, Wei Jingyao went straight to the point: “Mingjin, business is no child’s play. Boss Chen has been our supplier for many years. Now, with your father’s body barely cold, you want to sever ties with him and seek another? What will other suppliers think if this news gets out?”

After resolving the problematic supply issue yesterday, Wei Mingjin had anticipated Wei Jingyao’s visit today.

Wei Mingjin was not adept at handling the cutthroat maneuvers of the business world. Since Wei Jingyao was so eager to shoulder the burden, Wei Mingjin was more than happy to delegate the task.

After exchanging a few insincere pleasantries with Wei Jingyao, Wei Mingjin, as Wei Jingyao desired, handed over this troublesome affair for him to manage.

Wei Jingyao had long coveted his elder brother’s enterprises, and now, having finally achieved his ambition, he departed with a noticeable spring in his step.

The butler, Uncle Ming, entered and advised, “Young Master, Second Master is not a trustworthy person.”

“I know,” Wei Mingjin replied, his gaze shifting from the departing Wei Jingyao back to the butler. “But there are some things I cannot do myself. Having Second Uncle handle them is perfectly suitable. Uncle Ming, you’ve served my father for many years. Please recommend a few individuals who are both shrewd in business and loyal.”

Without even inquiring about Wei Mingjin’s intentions, Uncle Ming immediately listed several names.

Meanwhile, Xin He was also entertaining a guest.

After alighting from her carriage yesterday, Liang Wanying had mentioned visiting another day to express her gratitude. Xin He had expected her to politely wait a few days, but she hadn’t anticipated her arrival today.

Nevertheless, since she had already called, Xin He couldn’t turn her away and had no choice but to politely receive and accompany her.

Although Liang Wanying ostensibly came to express gratitude, Xin He knew perfectly well that her true purpose was Wei Mingjin.

After the provincial exam results were announced, despite Wei Mingjin still being in mourning for his father, many families had called to express their interest in a marital alliance.

However, Wei Mingjin had politely declined all of them.

Even so, Wei Mingjin remained the most coveted bachelor among the unmarried young women of Qingyuan County.

Liang Wanying was no exception.

Wei Mingjin was immensely wealthy, talented, and handsome. Having already achieved the title of Provincial First Scholar, he was sure to advance further and achieve even greater success in the imperial examinations once his three-year mourning period concluded.

Furthermore, both his parents were deceased. Although Xin He, a concubine, was pregnant with his father’s posthumous child, a mere concubine was hardly a threat. And Wei Mingjin himself was gentle and amiable, so marrying him would mean immediately taking charge of the household—it would be no different from marrying into a paradise.

Most importantly, Liang Wanying had been smitten with Wei Mingjin at first sight.

Even though Wei Mingjin had rejected all marriage proposals on the grounds that he was in mourning and did not wish to delay any young woman, she was willing to wait.

Xin He feigned complete unawareness of Liang Wanying’s intentions, meticulously avoiding any mention of Wei Mingjin and engaging solely in casual conversation.

Finally, Liang Wanying could no longer contain herself and shyly asked, “I would also like to thank Young Master Wei in person. Would that be possible?”

“Of course,” replied Xin He, who knew Wei Mingjin was currently speaking with Wei Jingyao in the front hall. She turned and instructed, “Go see what the young master is doing at the moment.”

A maid acknowledged the order and departed. She soon returned to report, “Madam, Second Master is here. The young master is speaking with him in the front hall.”

“What a pity. Second Elder Master is always so talkative. Since he’s here, I’m afraid he’ll be chatting with Young Master for quite a while. Miss Liang, why not wait a little longer?” Xin He looked at Liang Wanying, a faint weariness subtly etched on her face.

Xin He was pregnant, and her personal maid had approached several times, hesitating to speak.

Although Liang Wanying was eager to see Wei Mingjin, she didn’t wish to impose further. She stood up and said, “No, since Young Master Wei is unavailable today, I’ll come another day to thank him.”

Having said this, Liang Wanying took her leave and departed.

Xin He sat alone on the rose chair and let out a long sigh.

It seemed she needed to act swiftly.

From then on, Xin He became a frequent visitor to Wei Mingjin’s courtyard.

She often brought books to seek Wei Mingjin’s guidance. But each time she came, she never arrived empty-handed.

Sometimes she brought pastries, sometimes broth, sometimes a freshly picked bouquet of flowers—each time something different, never repeating.

Only this time, after Wei Mingjin finished explaining, Xin He thanked him and departed without offering anything.

Feng Mo was utterly dumbfounded: “Our Young Master possesses the talent of a zhuangyuan. Guiding an ignorant woman like her is already a waste of his talents. And now, after just a few days, she dares to come empty-handed to seek his advice?”

Recently, Xin He had been visiting daily, bringing various treats for Wei Mingjin, and even Feng Mo and Chi Yan had benefited from them.

Feng Mo had been eagerly anticipating what Xin He would bring today. To his surprise, she arrived empty-handed.

Feng Mo felt indignant and stole a glance at Wei Mingjin, who sat silently behind his desk, unreadable. He seemed about to voice further complaints but was tugged by the sleeve by Chi Yan.

Feng Mo had no choice but to shut his mouth, his face etched with displeasure.

Meanwhile, back at Cuwei Courtyard, Qiong Hua asked Xin He uneasily: “Auntie, we brought things every day before, but today we went empty-handed. Will Young Master be displeased?”

“Young Master has always been generous. How could he possibly be displeased? You’re overthinking it.”

Really? Qiong Hua scratched her head.

She wasn’t entirely sure, but Xin He had always been smarter than her. If Xin He said she was overthinking it, then she must be overthinking it.

Qiong Hua dismissed the thought and then brought over the pregnancy tonic.

Ever since Dr. Wu had warned that night that if she didn’t relax and take good care of herself, the child might not be safe, Xin He had dutifully consumed the pregnancy tonic every day.

After drinking it for so long, Xin He felt as if she herself had become infused with the scent of medicine.

Disliking the medicinal odor, Xin He first had water prepared for a bath, then asked Qiong Hua to fragrance her garments. She herself reclined on the couch, holding a hand warmer and reading a book.

But as she read, her eyelids grew heavy.

Seeing this, Qiong Hua quietly took the book away, fetched a quilt, and covered Xin He. Having done all this, Qiong Hua continued to sit on the stool, fragrancing Xin He’s clothes.

The north wind howled outside for most of the day, and by nightfall, a cold rain began to fall.

The rain pattered all night, only ceasing at dawn.

Wei Mingjin rose as usual, had breakfast, burned incense, read, and painted.

Water dripped from the eaves into the blue-and-white porcelain jar below, creating a continuous sound.

Suddenly, a piercing bird call echoed from outside.

Wei Mingjin, bending over his painting, jolted, and a drop of thick ink spread on the paper, instantly ruining the nearly finished artwork.

A flicker of regret crossed Wei Mingjin’s eyes. He tossed the brush into the brush washer, rubbing his wrist as he asked, “What time is it?”

“It’s a quarter to ten, Young Master,” Feng Mo answered, poking his head in from outside, thinking Wei Mingjin had some instruction. But he only saw Wei Mingjin expressionlessly crumple the painting into a ball.

Just as Feng Mo withdrew his head, he heard Chi Yan say beside him: “Usually, Concubine Xin would have arrived by this time. Why is there no sign of her today? Go and inquire.”

“I’m not going, I—” Feng Mo began, but upon seeing Wei Mingjin sitting silently with a somber expression behind the desk, he immediately changed his tune. “I’ll go right away.”

When Feng Mo arrived, Xin He had not yet risen.

Recently, Xin He had been exceptionally sleepy. Previously, she had forced herself to stay alert to get closer to Wei Mingjin.

Now, estimating that Wei Mingjin had likely grown accustomed to her daily visits, she decided to take a day off and not go.

Matters of affection required a delicate balance of presence and absence.

If she were the only one constantly seeking his favor, Wei Mingjin would never truly notice her.

She needed to first make him accustomed to her presence, then occasionally be absent, so his attention would fall upon her.

As long as his gaze fell upon her, she was sixty percent confident she could evoke his pity.

And pity was the genesis of a man’s affection.

Even if Wei Mingjin didn’t fall for her, this mere pity would be enough to secure his protection should her true intentions ever come to light.

Xin He was sleeping soundly when she heard Qiong Hua’s voice in her ear.

She struggled to open her eyes and saw Qiong Hua standing by the bed, whispering: “Auntie, Feng Mo came. I told him what you instructed, and then he left.”

“Understood, you may leave,” Xin He mumbled, then closed her eyes again, clearly intending to sleep more.

Qiong Hua couldn’t help but advise: “Auntie, it’s almost noon, and you haven’t had breakfast yet! Why not get up, have breakfast, and then sleep?”

“I’m not hungry, I’m tired.”

Qiong Hua wanted to say more, but Xin He waved her off, signaling her to leave quickly and not disturb her sleep.

Qiong Hua, helpless, had no choice but to retreat.

Xin He had been extremely sleepy lately, but every day she had to strategize how to please Wei Mingjin, and also find time to read and learn characters. Her days were incredibly busy, leaving no leisure time for sleep. Today, for once, she didn’t have to put on an act in front of Wei Mingjin, so she simply wanted to sleep to her heart’s content.

But Xin He’s wish was not granted.

Because soon, Qiong Hua returned, pulling at her quilt: “Auntie, stop sleeping. Young Master is here.”

Xin He already had a temper when woken, and now, with her sleep disturbed, her anger flared instantly.

“What is he doing here?! Tell him to leave!” Xin He’s voice was laced with annoyance.

Qiong Hua’s hand, holding the quilt, paused, and Xin He snatched the quilt back, wrapping it over her head.

The room fell silent, so quiet one could hear a pin drop.

And Xin He, who had been drowsy, somehow suddenly became fully alert.

Who had Qiong Hua said was here earlier?

Xin He threw off the covers and was about to speak when she saw Qiong Hua standing rigidly at her bedside, her eyes involuntarily darting towards the window.

Because Xin He found it too stuffy with the doors and windows tightly shut, even in winter, she always kept one window cracked in her bedroom.

Through the open window, one could see the gloomy sky outside.

The next moment, a familiar, cool male voice drifted in from outside the window: “Since Auntie is well, then I shall not disturb Auntie’s rest any further.”

With that, footsteps faded away along the corridor outside.

Xin He instantly turned deathly pale.

Had all her efforts to appear meek, gentle, and sweet in front of Wei Mingjin been ruined in an instant?