Chapter 18: Breaking a Branch

Chapter 18: Plucking a Branch

◎Two flowers bloom, united as one branch.◎

Stepping out of the bamboo grove, common reeds and cattails were planted intermittently along the path. Shorter irises and calamus were in full bloom, their bluish-purple and light-yellow blossoms opening amidst sword-like leaves, appearing elegant and graceful.

Xie Zhenchuan heard footsteps behind him, not too fast, and Li Ci soon caught up.

“Brother Xie Zheng!”

Her voice was clear and sweet, her cheerful mood flowing naturally through her tone, bringing joy to anyone who heard it.

Xie Zhenchuan stopped and gave her a leisurely look.

Li Ci hurried over in a few quick steps, standing before him and looking up earnestly as praises and words of gratitude tumbled out all at once.

“It’s a good thing you were here today. If not for Brother Xie Zheng’s quick wit and kind guidance, I would’ve surely embarrassed the household of the Earl of Guangcheng just now.”

Xie Zhenchuan nodded casually. “No need for thanks.”

After all, anyone who could conjure a line as charmingly witty as “honey-glazed snow lotus root stewed with lotus seeds” could hardly be considered an embarrassment.

“Brother Xie Zheng, you’re so kind,” Li Ci continued, unconsciously reminiscing. “I remember when our teacher used to test our recitations as children, you’d secretly prompt me like this too.”

As if recalling something amusing, she laughed while speaking. “Then the teacher caught us, and we both got caned.”

“Hmph.”

Xie Zhenchuan lazily raised his eyes, letting out a noncommittal scoff in acknowledgment.

Anyone who spent their days chasing after a young Li Ci probably wasn’t very bright to begin with.

If it were him, not only would he have taught her how to compose poetry, but he certainly wouldn’t have been caught prompting her during recitations.

Xie Zhenchuan had no interest in listening to Li Ci’s nostalgic chatter and resumed walking forward.

Well, perhaps because the teacher ended up only caning Brother Xie Zheng and sparing her entirely, he didn’t seem too keen on revisiting those memories.

Li Ci quickly caught up again and asked, “The poetry competition isn’t over yet. Why did Brother Xie Zheng leave early?”

Xie Zhenchuan replied offhandedly, “It was stuffy inside. I came out for a stroll.”

“That’s good. I haven’t had the chance to give you a flower yet. With Brother Xie Zheng’s talent, you really should have taken first place.”

“No need. First place is just a mere title anyway.”

Pretending not to hear his refusal, Li Ci pinched the silver loop she had taken from her maid with her thumb and index finger, holding it up for Xie Zhenchuan to see. It was small, like a ring. “But I want to pick one myself. The lotuses in Mirror Lake are blooming so beautifully—I even spotted some lotus seed pods.”

To Xie Zhenchuan, her mention of “picking one herself” sounded like a prelude to trouble. With so many people around today and his intention to glean some information at the banquet, he couldn’t afford to let her cause another scene.

Xie Zhenchuan reached out and took the silver loop from her hand. “Don’t run off. There’ll be honey-glazed snow lotus root for you to eat when we return.”

No sooner had he spoken than he noticed Li Ci’s eyes already darting about, clearly eager for him to leave sooner.

Xie Zhenchuan immediately understood her thoughts. Her talk of picking flowers was likely just a cover for her craving to pluck lotus seed pods.

To prevent any mishaps, Xie Zhenchuan simply led her further along. The two walked all the way to the lakeside corridor, where the lotuses in Mirror Lake bloomed most abundantly. Here, common red Xiang lotus and white peony lotus grew vigorously. Large, round green lotus leaves crowded together, while blooming and budding flowers stood at varying heights, with seed pods hanging low. Though not as prized as varieties like Nan Zhao Snow Peak or Golden House Emerald, and lacking meticulous care from gardeners, they still thrived with wild, vibrant beauty.

Xie Zhenchuan casually plucked a plump, full lotus seed pod and handed it to Li Ci.

Li Ci's eyes immediately curved into a smile. She compared the lotus pod in her hand with the ones she had just seen in the lake. No matter how she looked at it, the one in her hand was better—jade-green in color, fresh and plump, emitting a faint, delicate fragrance even before it was peeled.

Her slender, pale fingers danced over the lotus pod as she finally counted eighteen lotus seeds inside.

Li Ci almost didn't want to eat it.

However, this thought lasted only a moment. The next second, she forcefully snapped the lotus pod open, revealing the plump seeds inside.

If her earlier struggle to break open the pod seemed somewhat petulant, her demeanor now, as she bowed her head to peel the seeds, was utterly absorbed.

Her slender, pale fingers carefully peeled away the green husk, revealing the equally tender white lotus seed. She took a bite; it was crisp and refreshing, carrying a hint of subtle sweetness.

Li Ci wore an expression of satisfaction, but it lasted less than a second before her face immediately scrunched up.

The lotus core!

"So bitter, so bitter," she frowned, her voice as fresh and tender as a newly peeled lotus seed, sweet yet tinged with grievance. "Why didn't you remind me?"

A faint smile flickered in Xie Zhenchuan's eyes, his expression utterly innocent. "Though the lotus core is bitter, it clears the heart, reduces internal heat, and nourishes the mind. A little bit won't hurt."

He spoke so earnestly that Li Ci was easily convinced. She peeled another seed from the pod and handed it to Xie Zhenchuan. "Then you have one too."

Xie Zhenchuan's fingers were exceptionally long, with clearly defined knuckles. The green lotus seed looked like a tiny jade bead in his hand.

He deftly peeled off the husk and consumed it leisurely, his expression unchanged.

Li Ci looked at him doubtfully. "Isn't it bitter?"

Xie Zhenchuan replied calmly, "It's tolerable."

-

Amid the bustle of the poetry contest, Mao Ningqin happened to see both Xie Zhenchuan and Li Ci leave their seats, and her gaze unconsciously followed them.

Watching the two chatting and laughing by the lakeside, a sour, bitter pang rose in her heart. On one hand, she comforted herself that one was a poor scholar and the other a merchant's daughter—it was only natural for two of a kind to take a liking to each other. On the other hand, she resentfully tore the lotus flower in her hand.

Just then, the shameless Zhu Xiujin had the gall to bother her. He had somehow made his way to the ladies' seating area, picked up a pale yellow lotus petal blown by the wind, and said with pretentious elegance, "Could it be that this humble one lacks talent and has failed to win the young lady's favor?"

Mao Ningqin glared at him irritably. "What's it to you?"

Zhu Xiujin had long heard of the arrogant reputation of the Marquis of Jingde's daughter. But women—a little spirit was no issue. Once married, they would be at his mercy.

Having spent much time in romantic pursuits, sweet talk came to him effortlessly. "Miss Mao is so stunningly beautiful. If you are frowning unhappily, it is naturally a great pity."

Mao Ningqin's mood improved slightly, and she couldn't help asking, "Then, am I more beautiful, or was the one who recited poetry earlier more beautiful?"

A captivated look reappeared on Zhu Xiujin's face. Earlier, Li Ci had made a splash at the poetry contest, and her face was particularly captivating. Unfortunately, she was the Earl of Guangcheng's cousin. Though her background was humble, she was not someone to be trifled with.

If only he could...

Noticing Mao Ningqin beginning to show signs of anger, Zhu Xiujin quickly came to his senses.

Though he regretted not being able to pursue a connection with this Miss Li, he still understood priorities and knew what was more important. He hurriedly said, "Naturally, Miss Mao is superior."

Zhu Xiujin had come prepared today. After saying this, he produced a Hetian yellow jade hairpin with a lotus pattern from somewhere and presented it to Mao Ningqin. "Miss Mao is so breathtakingly beautiful—how could any ordinary woman compare?"

Mao Ningqin couldn't help but chuckle. She took the hairpin, weighing it in her hand and examining it carefully.

The Hetian jade hairpin was pale yellow all over, with a warm luster—quite matching her attire today.

Zhu Xiujin pressed his advantage further: "Though I do not know why Miss Mao was upset earlier, if I can share your worries, I would naturally go through fire and water without hesitation."

Mao Ningqin looked at her reflection in the water, carefully fastening the jade hairpin into her bun. Though she was willing to accept Zhu Xiujin's goodwill, it didn't mean she intended to marry him. Besides, he was known for his indulgence in wine and women—hardly a suitable match.

Thinking of his hesitation before answering her earlier question, she felt even more annoyed and had no desire to stay in his company any longer. "I'm not upset, just feeling unwell," she said. "Please do as you wish, Zhu Xiujin."

Feigning illness was a basic skill among noble ladies. Mao Ningqin pressed a hand to her chest and frowned slightly. If she had risen from her seat a little more slowly, the act would have been even more convincing.

Though she had said "do as you wish," Zhu Xiujin naturally wouldn't let such a good opportunity slip. He followed her at a distance of three or five steps, occasionally chiming in with concern for her health.

Mao Ningqin wore a displeased expression but responded every now and then.

The two walked out of the bamboo grove together. Once they were far from the venue, Mao Ningqin finally couldn't take it anymore. She was about to tell Zhu Xiujin to get lost when she suddenly spotted a familiar figure on the nearby covered corridor.

A brilliant idea popped into her head—one that would allow her to shake off Zhu Xiujin's pestering without openly offending the Zhu family, put an end to her brother and sister-in-law's misguided matchmaking attempts, and even secure a "good marriage" for that lowborn merchant's daughter.

-

After eating just two or three lotus seeds, someone came seeking "Xie Zheng" by reputation, hoping to engage in literary exchange.

Li Ci had already learned to remove the bitter lotus hearts and didn't mind. Holding the lotus pod, she walked along the covered corridor to find another place to play.

The corridor extended over the water, and the upright lotus leaves and blossoms seemed within reach. She found a shady spot to sit down. A gentle breeze carried the moisture from the lake, dispelling the summer heat and adding a refreshing coolness to the fragrant air.

When Mao Ningqin arrived at the corridor, she saw Li Ci sitting alone, holding a lotus pod she had picked from somewhere, contentedly peeling and eating the seeds.

Hmph, this is what you'd expect from someone of low birth—so easily impressed.

For the sake of her plan, Mao Ningqin quickly composed herself, shedding her earlier arrogance and disdain. She walked over with a smile and said, "Ah Ci, I was just about to go admire the lotuses. Would you like to join me?"

Li Ci remembered her two older cousins' advice to speak less and simply shook her head, feeling quite content where she was.

This merchant's daughter was quite cautious.

Seeing that she wasn't taking the bait, Mao Ningqin added, "Didn't you say earlier that you wanted to pick lotuses yourself? There are pleasure boats by Mirror Lake. I can take you, and we can go enjoy the flowers on the water."

Her cousins had also warned her not to wander off with unfamiliar people. Li Ci obediently shook her head again.

Mao Ningqin feigned regret. "What a pity. When I was on the boat this morning, I saw an extremely rare twin white lotus. I was going to take you to see it. After all, in over ten years at the estate, I've only seen it once."

"A twin lotus?" Li Ci fell for it, curiosity piqued. "Do twin lotuses really exist?"

She had only read about them in poetry: "Green duckweed, white stones encircling the lotus pond; lotus blossoms glow auspiciously in the water. Dew dampens the red petals, twin blooms heavy; wind sways the green stems, one branch long."

Mao Ningqin smiled, hiding the contempt in her eyes. "Of course. Would I lie to you, little sister?"

To make her story more convincing, she randomly pointed in a direction. "I made a mark. The twin lotus is right over there. See? It's not far at all. We don't even need maids—just the two of us can row there in no time."

Li Ci's resolve was already wavering. Mao Ningqin added the final push. "It's rare for you to visit the estate, Ah Ci, and now a twin lotus has bloomed. It must be for you. It symbolizes shared roots, shared heart, shared blessings, and shared life—an auspicious sign. Many people outside wish to see one but never get the chance. I was thinking of taking you to see it and then giving it to you."

Li Ci's eyes immediately lit up, her face full of longing. If a single lotus counted as one vote at the poetry contest, wouldn't a twin lotus count as two?

She could also give this twin lotus to Xie Zheng, increasing his chances of winning.

"Thank you, Sister Ningqin."

"Between you and me, there's no need for thanks."

Though Mao Ningqin said this, she felt nothing but contempt.

In all her years at Jingde Hou's estate, she had seen countless lotuses, but never a twin lotus. Only a fool who dreams in broad daylight would believe such a thing.

She could even guess what this fool's dream was: most likely something about good fortune, double happiness, a harmonious marriage, or rising to prominence.

Mao Ningqin turned around and instructed the maids to prepare the pleasure boat. Looking at Li Ci's expectant expression, a mocking smile appeared on her face.

She considered herself too kind-hearted. For a merchant's daughter like Li Ci, marrying the son of the Huaian Prefect could indeed be considered marrying up.

-

Not far from the covered corridor was a small dock where the Marquis of Jingde's pleasure boat was moored.

The maids helped the two young ladies onto the boat and, following their mistress's instructions, waited nearby without wandering off.

One of the maids who had recently arrived at the estate, seeing the boat gradually drift away, whispered, "Our young lady is truly generous, just giving away the twin lotus like that?"

A senior maid chuckled and scoffed, "The young lady was just deceiving her—did you actually believe it? Just wait and watch the show."

Li Ci had grown up in Shanxi, where there were few large lakes or rivers, let alone any experience with rowing a boat. Though she had little strength and was not very effective, she enthusiastically paddled haphazardly, trying to create the atmosphere of rowing.

Fortunately, there was a current in the lake, and the boat drifted along with the flow, parting the lush lotus leaves as it slowly moved forward.

Mao Ningqin, of course, would not stoop to doing something as lowly as rowing. She merely held an oar for show, amusedly watching Li Ci toil like a boatman.

Li Ci, full of energy and seemingly tireless, asked, "Sister Ningqin, should we paddle this way?"

The midday sun was blazing, and without the shade of trees, the heat on the lake became even more oppressive. Mao Ningqin, squinting against the glittering reflections on the water, pointed toward a particularly dense area of lotus flowers that could easily conceal them and said, "Yes, this way."

Li Ci paddled for a while longer and seemed to get the hang of it, gradually learning to steer the boat.

She rowed toward the spot Mao Ningqin had indicated, and before long, the boat was surrounded by thick clusters of lotus leaves, tall enough to nearly obscure the boat from view.

Once they were out of sight of the crowd, Mao Ningqin immediately put down her oar, stood at the bow, and beckoned Li Ci over. "Sister Ah Ci, look over there."

Li Ci obediently came over, looked around, and asked, confused, "Where?"

"Right there!"

A fierce malice flashed in Mao Ningqin's eyes as she gave Li Ci a hard shove. Li Ci immediately fell into the water with a loud splash. Mao Ningqin didn't fare much better—the force of her push was so strong that she lost her balance almost as soon as Li Ci fell in and also tumbled into the water with a splash.

Though both fell into the water, their situations were worlds apart. Northerners rarely knew how to swim, and Li Ci immediately choked on water, struggling desperately. Mao Ningqin, having grown up in a region with many waterways, though disheveled, could still manage to stay afloat. As she struggled to swim back to the boat, she eagerly anticipated the drama she had orchestrated.

Before coming, she had hinted to Zhu Xiujin that, although she disliked Li Ci, she was willing to help him take her as a concubine. Once she herself was married into the Zhu family as the main wife, she could torment Li Ci as she pleased.

According to the plan, Zhu Xiujin would soon arrive to play the hero. She had also arranged for an audience on the shore. Once she confirmed that the two had had physical contact, the Earl of Guangcheng would surely step in to arrange their marriage, saving face for everyone.

When the time came, if Zhou Chun needed to leverage connections with the Zhu family, there would be a familial pretext. With her brother advancing smoothly in his official career, her own marriage prospects would also improve. It was a plan with multiple benefits.

Mao Ningqin was so pleased with her cleverness that she almost laughed aloud. Just then, she heard two more splashes.

Wait—why two splashes?

She turned toward the sound, ready to see who had dared disrupt her plan, only to find the elegant and noble Master Xie disregarding his own safety and diving into the water.

Mao Ningqin was immediately moved and abandoned her pretense of swimming, feigning helplessness as she flailed in the water.

It was the first time she had seen someone swim so gracefully—his long, powerful arms cutting through the water, his movements fluid and vigorous, almost elegant.

Her heart raced along with the silvery splashes, unsure whether it was the sound of her heartbeat or the water... If it were this Master Xie, even if his family background was lacking, it might not matter.

"Xie..." Mao Ningqin put on a weak and helpless expression, about to call out, but saw the agile figure swim past her without a second glance, heading straight toward Li Ci.

Li Ci again!

Her expression instantly twisted into something vicious and distorted, her gaze as malevolent as a toad emerging after a rainy night.

Just then, an eager call reached her ears: "Ningqin, I'm coming to save you!"

Upon hearing Mao Ningqin's plan, Zhu Xiujin naturally gave his wholehearted approval, ready to reap the rewards of having two beauties at once.

Gossip held that Mao Ningqin was proud and self-satisfied, but as a noble lady raised with careful upbringing in a prestigious household, she was unexpectedly virtuous, graceful, and magnanimous—even before marriage, she was willing to secure his devotion by arranging a concubine for him.

With one beauty from a noble family and the other possessing immense wealth, once they entered his household, wouldn't his life be more comfortable than even the emperor’s?

As the pleasure boat drifted slowly, he watched it, wishing it would go faster, and even fantasized about diving beneath it to give it a few extra pushes.

As the boat drifted into the lotus flowers, Zhu Xiujin grew even more eager, already gesticulating excitedly on the shore. The moment he heard the splash, he jumped into the water without hesitation.

After just a couple of strokes, he realized something was wrong. Wasn’t it supposed to be Mao Ningqin pushing Li Ci into the water? Why had his intended principal wife fallen in as well?

Zhu Xiujin hesitated, unsure which one to save.

While he was still hesitating, the opportunity slipped away—someone had already swum ahead to rescue Li Ci.

Not wanting to be outdone, Zhu Xiujin thrashed through the water but was quickly left behind. Realizing he couldn’t save Li Ci, he immediately turned and swam toward Mao Ningqin.

Breathing heavily, he reached Mao Ningqin, his gaze lingering with a lecherous gaze on her chest.

Her heavy makeup had washed off in the water, leaving her far from attractive, but with her clothes soaked through, the undergarments beneath her jacket clung tightly to her body, revealing a different kind of allure.

"Get away!" Mao Ningqin slapped the water fiercely, wishing she could push Zhu Xiujin’s head underwater. "Stay away from me!"

If Zhu Xiujin had any unrealistic fantasies before, Mao Ningqin’s attitude made everything clear. This scheming woman had never intended to marry him!

Furious, Zhu Xiujin pulled her roughly against him, making no effort to conceal his actions.

A man’s strength was ultimately greater. Unable to break free, Mao Ningqin was forcibly dragged back to the shore. The maids and servants she had summoned to witness the spectacle, as per her instructions, had not prepared any spare clothes to cover her disgrace. Now, with her makeup smeared, hair disheveled, and clothes drenched, Mao Ningqin had lost all dignity and reputation.

Supported by her trusted maid, she staggered to her feet, walked up to Zhu Xiujin, and slapped him with all her might.

A sharp *smack* echoed through the air.

Summoning her last ounce of strength, Mao Ningqin snarled, "I swear by the honor of the Jingde Marquis Estate: if anyone dares to spread even half a word of what happened today, I will make them regret it for the rest of their lives!"

The servants, well aware of her temperament, had been summoned to watch this spectacle. Before they could even react, they were now trembling with fear, not daring to make a sound.

The current slowly carried the two women who had fallen into the water in different directions. Amid the dense lotus leaves in the lake, Li Ci floundered helplessly, grabbing onto the lotus stems nearby, bobbing up and down as she swallowed mouthfuls of water, on the verge of exhaustion.

-

Among the nobility of Yingtian Prefecture, there were distinctions between the refined and the vulgar. Xie Zhenchuan had distinguished himself at the poetry competition that day, naturally attracting the interest of cultured scions from scholarly families, such as He Jiashi, the son of the Nanjing Censorate's Right Censor-in-Chief.

The two discussed poetry and ancient texts, finding much common ground. Just as Xie Zhenchuan was about to inquire about the previous imperial examinations, he heard a splash from the lake.

Under normal circumstances, he would have minded his own business and continued his conversation with He Jiashi. But today, by some unconscious impulse, he found himself glancing toward the source of the sound.

His vision was exceptionally sharp, and even through the thick foliage, he could clearly make out the slender figure struggling in the water—it was Li Ci. Her movements were growing weaker, a sign that she was nearing exhaustion.

Without a second thought, Xie Zhenchuan leaped into the water and swam swiftly toward Li Ci.

In an instant, Li Ci felt a firm arm encircling her. She couldn’t tell if the water on her face was from the lake or her own tears. In her panic, she clung blindly to her rescuer, unaware that she was pulling him down with her.

Fortunately, Xie Zhenchuan was stronger. With one arm wrapped around Li Ci, he swam with his other arm, guiding her toward a nearby rockery.

Tall and lean, with a narrow waist and broad shoulders, he moved with the agility of a dragon even while carrying another person. In just moments, they reached the shore.

Xie Zhenchuan scooped Li Ci up in his arms, found a patch of soft grass to set her down. Though the area was secluded, he still removed his outer robe and draped it over her.

"Li Ci, Li Ci, wake up."

Xie Zhenchuan called out several times in a row, but there was no response.

A flicker of panic, unnoticed even by himself, passed through his eyes. He reached out to check her pulse and breath—fortunately, there were still faint signs of life.

Feeling slightly reassured, Xie Zhenchuan cleared the water from her nasal passages, then leaned down, preparing to give Li Ci rescue breaths as described in ancient texts.

Their faces drew closer and closer, their noses nearly touching when those long, curled lashes suddenly trembled, like butterfly wings breaking free from a cocoon in spring.

Xie Zhenchuan hesitated briefly, then jerked upright just before those dark, clear eyes opened.

Li Ci slowly opened her eyes, aching all over, her lungs as if about to burst.

Xie Zhenchuan acted casually as he helped her sit up, leaning against a rock, and said with feigned calm, "You just nearly drowned. How do you feel now?"

Reminded by his words, Li Ci immediately recalled that she had narrowly escaped death. Hoarsely, she said, "Thank you... Brother Xie Zheng."

As soon as she finished speaking, it was as if she had found family—she threw her arms around him and burst out crying. "Wuwuwu... Brother Xie Zheng, Mao Ningqin tricked me, I almost died..."

Xie Zhenchuan’s body stiffened. After a moment’s hesitation, he tentatively patted Li Ci’s back lightly, offering what comfort he could.

Perhaps it was because he had been pretending to be a frail scholar for too long lately, neglecting his martial training, and had exerted himself too much while swimming—he felt as if his heart racing now.

Xie Zhenchuan steadied his breathing and said calmly, "What did she trick you about?"

"She tricked me... said there were twin lotus blossoms in the lake, but there was nothing there. I accidentally fell into the water and almost died..."

Seeing her still upset, Xie Zhenchuan switched from patting to gently stroking, as if petting a scared little animal.

"Stop crying," he said, his movements rhythmic and gentle, his tone still calm and unhurried, though his voice sounded a bit watery, carrying a hint of hoarseness. "Look, what is it in your hand?"

Li Ci's tears continued to fall uncontrollably, one after another, and her nose was still sniffling, but she managed to hold back her sobs. She looked down and saw, for some reason, a twin white lotus blossom in her hand.

As white as jade, two flowers on one stem.

Mini Theater:

On their wedding night, the wedding tray was filled with red dates, peanuts, longans, and lotus seeds.

Li Ci specifically brought over a plate of fresh lotus seeds, directing her live-in husband to peel them. She ate the lotus seed flesh herself, while Xie Zhenchuan ate the lotus seed cores.

Li Ci (feigning fierceness, bluffing): Is it bitter?

Xie Zhenchuan (smiling eagerly): Sweet as can be.

Author's Note:

"Green duckweed and white stones encircle the lotus pond, lotus blossoms in the water glow with auspicious light. Dew moistens the red petals, twin blossoms heavy, wind sways the green stems, a single branch long." — Yong Tao's "Ode to the Auspicious Lotus in the County Pond of Yongle's Yin Yaofan Magistrate."

It's too late today, expecting to revise again tomorrow, and also planning a 10,000-word update for New Year's Day (likely a last-ditch delusion after staying up late from eating delivered food).