Chapter 44: Chapter 44

Chapter 44

The tea set Nan Xuan presented today to accompany the Wuyi rock tea was a pair of single-handled, eight-lobed gold cups, intricately engraved with a design of court ladies hunting. The amber tea, nestled in the gleaming golden vessels, released a delicate aroma that enhanced its rich color, creating a truly harmonious aesthetic.

Xie Zhenchuan remained impassive, still holding one of the eight-lobed cups. His thumb unconsciously stroked the Ruyi cloud-head thumb rest on the handle. In a brief lapse of attention, the thumb rest twisted and deformed, yet his steady hand prevented the eighty-percent-full tea from spilling.

His gaze deepened, an inexplicable weariness washing over him. He had assumed he was the only one toiling outside today, only to discover that Li Ci was also diligently searching for a live-in son-in-law at the academy, managing to "coincidentally" encounter three candidates in quick succession. Truly, her persistence was remarkable.

Li Ci, completely oblivious, continued to meticulously enumerate the unique qualities of the three men. "Grandmother told me Young Master Sui is exceptionally skilled in martial arts. He also seems to excel at *cuju* and is a key player in the *cuju* club. I’ve never tried *cuju* before. Oh, does Lord Xie know how to play *cuju*?"

"Somewhat," Xie Zhenchuan replied languidly.

*Hah, cuju—something he had grown tired of by the age of ten.*

"Master He is precocious and steady, with essays and poems as exquisite as brocade and pearls. What does Lord Xie think of him?"

"Perhaps acceptable."

*Aside from being two years my senior, he falls short in every academy examination. Can that truly be called precocious?*

"Young Master Cheng may not be as skilled in martial arts as Young Master Sui or as talented in literature as Master He, but he seems to meet all the other criteria. They say children from poor families mature early, so cooking shouldn’t be a problem for him, right?"

"Not necessarily."

*Li Ci was truly naive and easily fooled. Since when did coming from a poor background become an advantage?*

After a lengthy monologue without a single affirmative response from Xie Zhenchuan, Li Ci shifted her gaze from her fingers to him, noticing the twisted handle of the cup in his hand.

She kindly offered her own eight-lobed cup. "Lord Xie, your cup handle seems damaged. Holding it like that might burn you. I haven’t drunk from this one yet—why not use mine?"

Xie Zhenchuan did not take it. Instead, he curved his lips into a smile that sent a shiver down Nan Xuan’s spine, who stood frozen nearby.

For some reason, the irritation in his heart intensified. He tried to convince himself that it was merely his disdain for her foolish inability to judge people clearly, but the displeasure lingered like a tiny, persistent thorn.

He looked up at Li Ci, his expression inscrutable. "It’s fine. This pair of court-lady-hunting eight-lobed cups has been with me for many years. They are cherished old items—how could I discard them just because the handle is damaged?"

Under the radiant glow of the luminous pearl, as beautiful as moonlight, his deep and noble phoenix eyes revealed a sharp, dazzling intensity—both captivating and imposing.

Li Ci was too engrossed in his eyes. She nodded absently, retrieved her cup, and casually praised, "Lord Xie is truly a loyal and steadfast person."

"Undeserved praise," Xie Zhenchuan replied nonchalantly. He set down his cup, then gripped the handle with his fair, slender fingers, and with a gentle squeeze, the gold Ruyi cloud-head thumb rest returned to its original flat shape.

"Just not as good as some," he finally looked up and fixed his gaze on Li Ci, his tone ambiguous, "but better than others."

Li Ci had been comparing Sui Yan, He Jiashi, and Cheng Lixue, so she naturally assumed his "some" and "others" referred to these three classmates.

She blinked and sincerely asked, "Has Lord Xie had any interactions with these three gentlemen at the academy? What do you think? Which one is better?"

The curve of Xie Zhenchuan’s lips deepened, though his tone remained indifferent. "I keep to myself at the academy, focusing on my studies. I’m not as diligent and friendly as Ah Ci, nor have I socialized with my classmates. However, since I promised to help Ah Ci evaluate them, I will make inquiries and let you know later."

He paused, his gaze deepening. "But there’s a condition."

Li Ci asked curiously, "What condition?"

"Does Ah Ci remember agreeing to cooperate with me in putting on a show?"

Li Ci nodded obediently.

"On the day the painting was destroyed, Nanjing Garrison Commander Feng Ruicai came to question me, pressing step by step to find out the purpose of my trip south. I had no choice but to say that on Qixi, I would set off fireworks all night for lovers, wishing them a happy union."

He had not mentioned Li Ci’s name to anyone, but now his voice, clear and deep, carried a husky tenderness under the cover of night.

At the mention of "fireworks," Li Ci’s eyes lit up like stars suddenly brightening the night sky, filled with anticipation. But soon, a trace of hesitation appeared. "Tomorrow is Qixi. I promised to worship the moon, pray for skills, and release river lanterns with my two sisters."

Xie Zhenchuan said nothing, merely lowering his eyes slightly.

Li Ci immediately felt uneasy and, after a moment’s thought, proposed a compromise. "Can it be a bit later?"

Xie Zhenchuan casually hummed in agreement, his tone unusually patient. "I can wait."

***

To curry favor with Xie Zhenchuan, Feng Ruicai specifically took his men to inspect the lantern festival market in the city the day before Qixi. Satisfied that everything was properly arranged, he returned to his residence.

Once inside, he shed his hypocritical facade, embracing his newly acquired concubine as he leaned back in his grand armchair. To his trusted subordinate standing nearby, he said, "After all, even heroes struggle to overcome beauty. The renowned Zhuoying Department Commander is no exception. By the way, in half a month, the chief examiner for the Jiangnan imperial exams will be appointed. Go tell Xu Yuxuan to hurry and contact the clients. Don’t delay important matters."

Upon hearing this, the subordinate’s face showed hesitation. "Sir, a few days ago, Xu Yuxuan offended Commander Xie by speaking disrespectfully and has been taken away by the Zhuoying Department for two days."

Feng Ruicai waved his hand dismissively. "It’s just a war of words. Why make a big deal out of it? Go to the Zhuoying Department again and convey my message—tell them it’s Feng Ruicai’s wish to release him."

"This…" The subordinate hesitated for a moment before mustering the courage to reply, "To be frank, sir, I already went there today in person, but the Zhuoying Department still refuses to release him."

Feng Ruicai’s expression darkened abruptly. "Why didn’t you say so earlier?!"

The subordinate replied, trembling, "At first, I heard Xu Yuxuan had offended Commander Xie, and rumors say that lord is unpredictable and merciless. I didn’t dare act recklessly…"

"Didn’t dare act recklessly?" Feng Ruicai sneered, a flash of ruthlessness in his eyes. "Do you think I’m easy to talk to? Xu Yuxuan has handled so many accounts. If he says something careless in the Zhuoying Department, none of us will be spared! If you don’t get him back for me, I’ll make sure you die without a grave!"

The subordinate trembled and said quickly, "Please calm your anger, sir! I’ve thought of a solution. Didn’t you say that lord has recently taken a keen interest in the young lady from the Earl of Guangcheng’s residence? He’s even planning to set off fireworks and host a lantern festival for her. Why don’t we send someone tonight to ‘invite’ that young lady as a guest? We can use her to pressure the Zhuoying Department into releasing Xu Yuxuan."

Feng Ruicai narrowed his eyes, pinched his concubine’s cheek, and nodded. "That’s a good idea. Best to also capture Xu Yuxuan’s wife and daughter—a two-pronged approach to ensure he doesn’t say anything he shouldn’t in the Zhuoying Department."

The subordinate shook his head hesitantly. "Sir, the Zhuoying Department has been closely monitoring the Western Market bookstore recently. Xu Yuxuan’s wife and daughter are also there. I’m afraid it’s impossible to act."

Feng Ruicai waved his hand impatiently. "If you can’t handle the adults, can’t you handle the children? Hurry up and send someone to do it. Make sure it’s done cleanly!"

"Yes, sir. I’ll go immediately." The subordinate quickly acknowledged and hurried away.

***

Qixi had arrived. The curfew was lifted for the day, and every household hung colorful lanterns at their doors. Wealthy families erected tall decorated towers adorned with vibrant lanterns under the eaves, illuminating the entire street as bright as day.

As dusk fell, the streets were brilliantly lit and bustling with crowds. Besides young ladies and gentlemen, vendors hawked river lanterns, *Qiaoguo* (Qixi pastries), and hibiscus flowers, creating a lively and bustling scene.

Knowing the young lady was going out today, Xiuchun had prepared her outfit early—a moon-white floating-light brocade *ruqun* embroidered with double-layered lotus flowers. The intricate silver and gold threads shimmered with a dazzling glow, swaying brilliantly under the lantern light.

After dressing, Li Ci casually pinned a pearl-inlaid phoenix hairpin into her hair. She worshipped the moon and prayed for skills with her two cousins at home before heading out together to release river lanterns.

Before even reaching the Jinling River, the three were captivated by the lantern market stalls along the roadside.

Business was booming at this hour. The shopkeeper was busy attending to customers, taking down exquisite river lanterns and hanging new ones. The lantern papers were painted with various patterns—lotus flowers blooming in pairs, carp swimming together, magpies perched on branches bringing good news—a dazzling array.

Zhou Ling picked a lotus lantern, while Zhou Ying chose an adorably pudgy rabbit lantern. When it was Li Ci’s turn, she looked left and right, unable to decide, and ended up buying three at once. Seeing her generosity, the shopkeeper smilingly threw in a bamboo basket for her to carry the lanterns.

The banks of the Jinling River were already crowded with people. Countless river lanterns floated on the water, their candlelight reflecting on the surface as if the Milky Way had descended to the mortal world.

Afraid the crowds might damage the lanterns, Li Ci carefully carried the bamboo basket. With the help of her two cousins, she finally made her way to the riverbank.

She crouched down, gently placed the first crane lantern into the water, and whispered a wish: "May the elders in my family enjoy good health, fortune, and longevity."

Next, she released the second gourd lantern, silently praying: "May Lord Xie’s case proceed smoothly and the truth be revealed soon."

The flickering candlelight cast a soft glow on her face. As if sensing her sincerity, the two river lanterns drifted steadily downstream, floating toward the distance.

When it came to the third lantern, Li Ci closed her eyes briefly, clasped her hands together, and made a devout wish with a pious expression: "May I choose a satisfactory live-in husband from among the three gentlemen, one who will listen to me."

After speaking, she opened her eyes and nervously watched the koi lantern. However, contrary to her wishes, the "koi" had just drifted to the center of the river when it was swirled down by an undercurrent and sank to the bottom.

Her two cousins had already released their lanterns and, seeing this, couldn't help but cover their mouths and chuckle softly.

Zhou Ying teased, "Ah Ci, did you wish for three husbands? Perhaps the Weaving Maid found it unacceptable and asked the River God to sweep your lantern away."

"That’s not it," Li Ci retorted indignantly, insisting she had only wished for one. "It must be that this lantern wasn’t made well enough. I’ll go buy another one."

Zhou Ling smiled and told her, "We’ll save your spot here. Hurry back."

Li Ci nodded and turned toward the lantern market stall. Just as she was about to pick a lantern, she suddenly heard a commotion in the distance.

"Fire! Fire!" someone shouted loudly.

Soon, the cries of children and the screams of the crowd mingled together, plunging the scene into chaos. Before Li Ci could even process what was happening, she felt a sudden dizziness, her vision went black, and she was forced into a burlap sack.

**Author's Note:** I’ve been pulling all-nighters for two days straight while still going to work [laugh-cry]. Taking a day off tomorrow [rose].