Chapter 17

Chapter 17

"I heard His Majesty has appointed the Marquis of Yongding to draft the curriculum for the princes and princesses. This also involves selecting a new cohort of imperial companions and instructors. The companions fall under Prince Jing's purview, while the instructors are the Marquis of Yongding's responsibility."

"Are you hoping to be selected?"

"Though it's called a selection, it's really just a decision made by Prince Jing, your lord, and a few other ministers. Most candidates are already chosen, but there's still a vacant female instructor position at the Imperial Stables that hasn't been filled. I truly don't wish to marry so soon, and staying idle at home always leads to my father scolding me for being unproductive. I'd rather find something to do. Do you think you could speak to your lord about letting me fill that vacancy?"

"This position does suit you, but he rarely discusses official matters with me."

Song Yun's expression fell slightly, thinking Ye Shuang was about to decline.

"I'll go back and ask him for you. I imagine an instructor position isn't a critical role, and you are very well-suited, so it shouldn't be a major issue."

Song Yun's eyes curved into a bright smile. "In that case, I thank you in advance!"

The two chatted for a while longer before Ye Shuang took her leave. As she departed, Song Yun sent a page to carry her books to the carriage. Upon her return to the marquis's residence, Wen Xiang brought them inside.

Back in the western courtyard, Ye Shuang put away the books and asked, "Has the marquis returned?"

Wen Xiang replied, "He came back earlier but left again shortly after."

"Did he say where he was going?"

"This servant does not know."

Ye Shuang sighed. "I suppose he won't be back for lunch either."

Uncertain of Ye Shuang's intent, Wen Xiang hesitated to speak further.

"Leave a message for the marquis, asking him to come see me immediately upon his return. Tell him I have something to discuss."

Wen Xiang acknowledged the order and sent someone to the front courtyard to deliver the message.

After lunch, Ye Shuang picked up a new novel she had acquired from Song Yun and leaned against the railing by the lotus pond to read. It was indeed the most popular story circulating at the time—the plot was ingeniously crafted and full of unexpected twists. Ye Shuang became completely engrossed. Feeling a bit chilly midway, she moved indoors to continue reading, devouring almost half the book in one sitting. When she finally looked up, dusk was already settling.

She had a light dinner of tremella soup and osmanthus cake, then resumed reading.

Wen Xiang came in to light a few more candles and, seeing her mistress so absorbed, advised, "My lady, you should rest for a while. It's not too late to continue tomorrow. Be careful not to strain your eyes."

Ye Shuang, too engrossed to look up, replied, "It's fine."

Her mistress was always like this—when she found a novel she loved, she would barely eat, eager to finish it in one go.

Knowing it was futile to persuade her, Wen Xiang sighed and turned to leave.

Just as she reached the door, Ye Shuang seemed to recall something and asked, "Has the marquis returned?"

Wen Xiang shook her head. "The marquis has not yet returned."

Ye Shuang frowned slightly. "Why is he so late?"

Wen Xiang asked, "Would my lady like me to send someone to the yamen with a message?"

"No need. It's not urgent. We can discuss it when he returns."

With that, she set down the book and rubbed her stiff neck. "I am rather tired. Well, such a thick book can't be finished in one sitting anyway."

Wen Xiang quickly asked, "Shall I prepare your bath?"

Ye Shuang considered it briefly. "That would be good. After bathing, I can read a bit more."

Wen Xiang smiled helplessly. "This servant will make the arrangements."

Since she didn't need to wash her hair today, she simply wiped herself down, changed into fresh undergarments, and draped a light jacket over her shoulders. She sat reading for a while longer, waiting for Xiao Lin.

As the year drew to a close, snow remained elusive, and the nights grew particularly cold. Even with the underfloor heating, sitting for too long made her chilly, so Ye Shuang got into bed.

Leaning against the headboard, she flipped through a couple more pages of the novel before drowsiness crept in. Her eyes, tired from prolonged reading, began to blur. Reluctantly, she set the book aside and glanced at the bronze water clock in the room—it was already almost 10 PM.

"It's gotten so late," Ye Shuang couldn't help but worry. Had something happened to Xiao Lin? She yawned, tears welling in her eyes, which she wiped away with a handkerchief. Wen Xiang came in to report that Xiao Lin had returned and had gone to his study first, estimating he would be along shortly.

Relieved, Ye Shuang nodded repeatedly and asked Wen Xiang to extinguish most of the candles. She also instructed, "I'm tired and will rest for a while. When the marquis arrives, remember to wake me."

"Yes," Wen Xiang replied, removing the silk lampshade, blowing out the candle, and replacing the shade.

The door was left slightly ajar, the room dimly lit and warm as spring. Ye Shuang soon fell into a deep sleep.

When Xiao Lin entered the room, Ye Shuang was fast asleep. Wen Xiang quietly came in and briefly informed Xiao Lin of the day's events, asking if he wished for Ye Shuang to be awakened. Xiao Lin indicated he understood and told her not to disturb Ye Shuang. Wen Xiang glanced at Ye Shuang, acknowledged the order, and left, closing the door behind her.

Xiao Lin quickly bathed and changed clothes, emerging to find only the two of them in the room. After a moment's hesitation, he walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. The figure under the blankets was curled up, her cheeks flushed in the dim candlelight. He found himself captivated, unable to look away.

He rarely saw her sleeping so peacefully. Only then did her brows finally relax, unlike her usual argumentative self.

Xiao Lin gazed at Ye Shuang for a while, tracing the lines of her eyes and brows with his gaze, wondering how long it had been since they had a proper conversation.

His eyes then fell on the stack of books on the small stool by the bed. He couldn't help but wonder—was this how she passed the time when he wasn't home? He also wondered if she liked the storybooks he had given her. After the jade hairpin broke, he had bought these as a belated wedding gift.

On top was a book folded open halfway—likely the one she was currently reading. Xiao Lin picked it up, glanced through a few pages, then closed it to look at the title. The smile in his eyes faded slightly as his gaze returned to Ye Shuang's face, lost in thought. He set the book down, sat for a while longer, then went to sleep on the daybed.

Ye Shuang slept straight through until the next morning. When she woke, she noticed the bedding on the daybed was still neatly folded as before and frowned in confusion.

Wen Xiang entered with washing things and, seeing Ye Shuang looking at the daybed, said, "The marquis returned last night. Seeing you were already asleep, he didn't allow this servant to wake you. He left early this morning for court."

Ye Shuang nodded in acknowledgment.

During breakfast, Xiao Lin returned from court.

Ye Shuang was eating plain rice porridge when he entered and said casually, "You're back."

"Mm." Xiao Lin paused for a moment, then hesitantly sat down.

The earlier incident was still unresolved between them, and both felt somewhat awkward.

Ye Shuang turned to Wen Xiang and said, "Bring another set of bowls and chopsticks for the marquis."

Wen Xiang fetched them and served Xiao Lin a small bowl of porridge.

Xiao Lin took a few bites, occasionally glancing at Ye Shuang. "I heard you were waiting for me yesterday. Was there something you needed?"

"I heard you've been helping His Majesty select instructors recently?"

Xiao Lin's chopsticks stilled, and he slowly set them down. "Why do you ask?"

Ye Shuang then explained Song Yun's situation.

Xiao Lin did not immediately respond after hearing her out.

"What? Is there some difficulty?"

Xiao Lin glanced at her. "Not exactly."

"Then it's possible?"

Seeing Xiao Lin remain silent, Ye Shuang continued, "After we got married, I've never asked you for anything. You know Song Yun too—with her qualifications, she's more than capable of being an instructor. Besides, haven't you been struggling to find a suitable candidate?"

Xiao Lin pondered for a moment, seemingly struggling to decide.

"That was the case originally, but... never mind. I'll keep an eye out for other suitable positions and have Song Yun try for one of those instead, alright?"

"Why?" Ye Shuang's voice rose unconsciously. "Aren't you the one who gets to decide who gets the position? And Song Yun asked me specifically to help her become an instructor. If I go back and tell her she has to consider another role, what will she think of me? If someone else ends up taking that position, how am I supposed to face her? She's my dearest confidante!"

Xiao Lin looked troubled. "You should have told me earlier. I already promised the position to someone else yesterday."

Ye Shuang was stunned, then asked, "Has the other person assumed the post yet?"

"Not yet."

"Since they haven't taken up the role, it's still open for discussion. Just go and retract the offer today."

"I just agreed to it yesterday—it would be improper to go back on my word today. Besides, how would that make me look?"

Ye Shuang slammed her chopsticks down heavily. "So my reputation doesn't matter?"

Xiao Lin fell silent. Ye Shuang sat with her arms crossed, fuming. After a moment, she adopted a gentler tone, "Which family is the other candidate from? Song Yun and I know most of the ladies in the capital. Even if we don't know them personally, we can send someone to arrange a meeting. Invite them out to discuss it, treat them sincerely—perhaps there's still room for negotiation."

Xiao Lin couldn't meet her eyes. "This... I can't say."