Chapter 98

Chapter 98

While packing his clothes, Shen Yuan placed quite a few garments at the bottom of the trunk.

He had actually gained quite a bit of weight along the journey and seemed to have grown taller as well. Originally quite slender, he had now filled out some, though he was still thin. The clothes fit in width, but were no longer the right length.

They didn't even cover his wrists properly anymore; he would need to have new ones made.

Shen Yuan thought it was funny. Despite all the exhaustion from the long journey, he was the only one who had both grown taller and put on weight.

Upon careful reflection, it made sense.

He spent most of his time in Xie Yulin's cabin. Xie Yulin ate what Shen Yuan personally cooked since he noticed Xie Yulin ate a bit more of what he made.

Healing from an injury needed good nutrition. If Xie Yulin had kept eating just a few mouthfuls of greens before losing his appetite, it's hard to say how long it would've taken for the wound to heal properly.

Even though he kept cooking for Xie Yulin, because Xie Yulin didn't eat much, the wound wasn't getting much better.

Meanwhile, what Shen Yuan ate over at Xie Yulin's was prepared by the Xie family chefs—rich and tasty dishes, with various pastries and stews available after meals. Ingredients like silver ear fungus, bird's nest, sea cucumber… all rare and expensive delicacies in Wu Country, great for your health.

Shen Yuan couldn't help but smile. Rather than him taking care of Xie Yulin during this time, it was more like Xie Yulin had been taking care of him.

He hadn't managed to improve Xie Yulin's wound, but Xie Yulin had made him healthier.

He had energy to burn and tidied up until evening, getting his whole room in order.

The courtyard Xie Yulin had prepared was quite large, a three-courtyard compound. There was also a stable on the outer perimeter near the side gate, complete with hitching posts, mounting stones, and quarters for the groom and storage for fodder and carriages.

A place this big wasn't something you could just buy with money. Shen Yuan pondered how he would repay this later.

The living quarters were easy to allocate. Shen Yuan took the main room in the second section. Shen Dong, Shen Xi, and Shen Nan lived in the east wing rooms, one each.

The west wing rooms were for Shen Liushu and Xu Qingxuan. For convenience, Ji Shuang's family stayed with Shen Anniang and Shen Bei in the rooms of the third section.

The Ji family had set up a small one-courtyard house for Ji Ping'an in the west city, some distance from the east city. However, it was a quick trip by horse, about half an hour. The servants were the ones Ji Ping'an always used in his own courtyard and had come over early to tidy up.

The courtyard already had staff arranged by Xie Yulin: two cooks, two for firewood and food prep, two for laundry, two for cleaning and heavy work, two gatekeepers, four female servants, four male servants, one carriage driver, and six guards.

As Xie Yulin put it, they were to be used for now. If they worked well, they could stay; if not, Shen Yuan could replace them anytime.

With twenty-seven staff just for the courtyard, Shen Yuan thought such a big place would indeed be hard to run with fewer people.

It was hard to imagine how many servants a major aristocratic family must have.

Tomorrow, they were to visit the Xie family to see Ji Pingxin. Moving all the things back and forth was troublesome, so Ji Ping'an spent the night at Shen Yuan's, sharing the main room with him.

There was an empty room in the main quarters, but Ji Ping'an didn't want to sleep alone and insisted on crowding in with Shen Yuan, just like back in Dashu Village.

Shen Yuan, due to his childhood experiences, had always slept in a group with other children and liked crowding in with others, finding it made him feel secure.

It's just that his sleeping posture wasn't great. Every time Ji Ping'an woke up, he'd find himself used as a human pillow.

The younger siblings at home would hide when they saw Ji Ping'an, not daring to get close. Shen Yuan didn't mind, though, which actually made Ji Ping'an happy.

"Hey Yuan, time to get up. We're going to the Xie family today; we can't be too late."

Shen Yuan drowsily opened one eye, keeping the other closed. Soon, he closed it again, rolling over and telling Ji Ping'an to get up first while he took the chance to sleep in a bit longer.

After washing up, Ji Ping'an dragged Shen Yuan out of bed. Shen Yuan, limp as a wet noodle, slumped onto Ji Ping'an's back. Ji Ping'an had to support him with his hands behind his back to prevent him from falling.

"What'll you do when you're married and have a wife? She won't be able to carry you like this."

Without thinking, Shen Yuan said lazily, "Then I'll find someone strong."

Ji Ping'an was amused. "What about height? If she's not taller than you, you probably can't lean on her like this either."

"Hmm, she'd have to be taller than me too," Shen Yuan mumbled sleepily.

"Alright then. I think finding a wife like that will be tough for you. She needs great strength and must be taller than you." Ji Ping'an shook his head teasingly. "I'm afraid Wu Country won't have anyone like that. There might be quite a few in the North Country, though."

People from the North Country, regardless of gender, were all big and tough-looking, pretty intimidating to look at.

Half-carried, half-dragged by Ji Ping'an to wash up, Shen Yuan perked up after splashing his face with water and soon regained his energy, lively and refreshed.

The two of them, along with servants carrying the things for Ji Pingxin, headed for the Xie family.

The distance wasn't far—a bit more than half an hour walking, and just over fifteen minutes by carriage.

There were many trunks, and they were heavy. The two rode horses while the trunks were transported in the carriage.

This route didn't allow for speeding; even on horseback, you could only go slow.

Arriving at the Xie family, the open space in front of the main gate was crowded with people. Ji Pingxin had described this scene in her letters before, so Ji Ping'an wasn't surprised. He explained to Shen Yuan, who was looking around curiously, "These are all people seeking to become advisors for the Xie family. There are many every day; some have been here for years."

"Ah? Staying here that long? How do they live?"

Shen Yuan looked around. Everyone's faces and clothes were quite clean, and their hair was neatly combed.

"The Xie family periodically posts tasks. Those with ability step forward to take them. If the work is done well, they naturally receive reward money. However, they're all miscellaneous tasks, not enough to qualify for entering the Xie residence as a proper advisor."

Shen Yuan felt some of his confusion clear up. "They've got skills, so why hang around here wasting time? What are they aiming for?"

"Government posts," Ji Ping'an said. "If you trace the origins of the powerful officials in the various regional governments, they all have aristocratic families backing them. Getting recommended by a noble family is the only way to enter officialdom. It's not just like this at the Xie family's gate; it's the same scene at the gates of major aristocratic families in all the countries."

"They're the only ones who can get you a government job."

Shen Yuan understood. Becoming an official truly meant changing one's fate, and recommendation by an aristocratic family was the only path. No wonder it was like this.

"Young Master Shen, Young Master Ji." Luo Yun hurried over with several guards. If anything, Luo Yun looked even more upset. He instructed the guards to hurry and help unload the things from the carriage and had someone take the horses to be settled in the stables.

Shen Yuan handed his horse to a guard and asked Luo Yun with concern, "Are you in a bad mood?"

Luo Yun's face darkened further.

Originally, he was supposed to take people directly to Shen Yuan's courtyard to fetch them today. Who knew he would be stopped and questioned for a long time by the Old Madam's people halfway?

"Luo Yun is fine. Young Master Shen, Young Master Ji, this way please."

Luo Yun quickly pulled himself together and led Shen Yuan and Ji Ping'an through a small back gate to the small courtyard where Ji Pingxin lived.

Ji Pingxin's husband, Xie Shengquan, was a grandson of the Xie Family Second Branch, born of a concubine. She was Xie Shengquan's concubine.

The place she lived wasn't for her alone. The small courtyard housed three other concubines, each with one personal maidservant, and no more.

The courtyard rarely had visitors. Now, with many people entering and trunks filling the courtyard, the other concubines stood in their doorways watching.

In this courtyard, Ji Pingxin had the lowest background. The Ji family was just a minor household from a small county town. Yet, she herself had a proud and stubborn attitude, always wanting to be the best at everything, which made her unpopular.

In the past, Ji Pingxin would habitually watch them from her room; she never imagined the tables would turn and they would be the ones watching her.

Shen Yuan and Ji Pingan were visiting as guests, while everyone living in the courtyard was considered part of the household.

Shen Yuan had prepared a gift for each of them too.

A servant presented each of them with a wooden box. As the saying goes, one doesn't strike a smiling face. Seeing that Shen Yuan was socially savvy and had such good looks, the three concubines didn't make things difficult for him. They signaled their maids to accept the gifts with a glance, then nodded in acknowledgment before returning to their respective rooms.

Ji Pingxin had received word last night that her brother would visit today. She had been too excited to sleep, filled with anticipation.

The last time she saw her brother was the year she married.

After all these years apart, Ji Pingxin missed her brother terribly.

When Ji Pingan saw his sister, a wave of emotion washed over him.

His once vibrant elder sister now looked much more haggard and weary. Not only had she grown thinner, but he could even see faint strands of white hair in her hair. He called out, "Elder Sister," his voice already hoarse.

Ji Pingxin took Ji Pingan's hand, her eyes turning red as she suppressed her emotions and nodded gently.

The siblings silently savored the joy and sorrow of their long-awaited reunion, while Shen Yuan waited quietly nearby.

After a moment, Ji Pingan pulled Shen Yuan over and introduced him. "Elder Sister, this is my sworn brother Shen Yuan. I mentioned him in my letters."

Ji Pingxin wiped her tears and turned to look, offering a gentle smile. "Young Yuan, forgive me for getting so emotional. Come, let's all sit inside. I'll have someone make tea."

The group entered and sat down with the door left wide open. Guards stood watch in the courtyard along with the servants Shen Yuan had brought. Luo Yun also stood waiting outside, his gaze fixed on the open door, looking as if he were on high alert.

Inside the room, Shen Yuan was introducing the clothes and jewelry he had brought for Ji Pingxin.

They were all outfits and accessories inspired by the tales he had written. Shen Yuan had prepared a complete set for her.

Whether she kept them for herself or gave them away as gifts, both were perfectly fine.

Ji Pingxin cherishedly stroked the purple fabric, her eyes filled with delight. "It's too precious for someone like me to use."

In Youyang, purple fabrics all came from the South Country.

Among the various states, the South Country produced the finest cloth. It was abundant in silk production, and its colors were exceptionally rich.

Among them, purple silk fabric was the rarest, something only the principal wives of major aristocratic families could wear.

Shen Yuan said, "Sister Pingxin, this fabric is a very densely woven hemp. It's not silk, so you don't have to worry about anyone criticizing it for breaking sumptuary rules. The nobility and major merchants in Qingyun County all wear it. Xie Yulin also said it's fine."

Ji Pingxin's hand trembled. The first part of his words delighted her, but the last part scared her.

She looked up nervously, confirming that no one outside had any reaction, then whispered, "Young Yuan, you shouldn't address Fifth Great-Uncle by his given name. Either refer to him by his generational title or respectfully call him Young Master Lin."

"Elder Sister, don't worry. Fifth Great-Uncle knows about it," Ji Pingan spoke up first for Shen Yuan.

However, he couldn't very well explain Shen Yuan's current relationship with Xie Yulin to his sister. He couldn't just say that Fifth Great-Uncle might want to make Young Yuan his godson, but it hadn't happened yet. After a moment's thought, he glossed over it. "They are the closest of friends. The one outside is Luo Yun, Fifth Great-Uncle's personal servant. That alone shows how good their relationship is. So, Elder Sister, don't be afraid that someone might hear and get you in trouble."

Ji Pingxin was even more astonished.

She no longer looked at the beloved fabric in her hands but instead stared intently at Shen Yuan, examining him carefully.

The more she looked, the more her hands trembled.

Within the Xie family, Fifth Great-Uncle's preference for men was an open secret.

Back then, Fifth Great-Uncle's refusal to marry caused quite a stir within the clan; otherwise, even a minor concubine like her wouldn't have known about it.

If Pingan hadn't written earlier, mentioning that Fifth Great-Uncle in Qingyun County had taken a liking to a man, she wouldn't have told her brother about this.

However, it seemed Fifth Great-Uncle didn't mind others spreading this news. Otherwise, her brother's letter wouldn't have reached her, and her own letters certainly wouldn't have been sent out.

After all these years in the Xie family, she understood clearly that she had no secrets here.

All messages and letters that could be sent home were within the scope permitted by the Xie family.

Any part they did not allow, not a single word could get out.

Ji Pingxin was still wondering whether to remind Shen Yuan not to get too close, but she feared she might be overthinking it and end up ruining their relationship by making things awkward.

While Ji Pingxin was hesitating, a burst of teasing laughter came from outside the courtyard.

"Has Fifth Great-Uncle's lover arrived? Is he in here?"

"Can't you speak properly? What lover? At most, he's just a male concubine for amusement. What kind of lover is that?"

"Oh, our Xiao Yan is getting angry."

"Who's angry!"

"Touchy!"

"Xie Shengfeng, you stop right there!!!!"

Six young men rushed into the courtyard, each decked out in luxurious clothes, gold, and jade, their brows exuding an air of arrogance.

At that moment, a young man in red with a black forehead ribbon, whose neck was being pressed down by a young man in white wearing a jade crown, fixed his eyes on the open room. He spotted Shen Yuan sitting at the table at a glance.

His eyes lit up, and pointing at Shen Yuan as if he had discovered something amazing, he shouted excitedly, "Hey! Are you my Fifth Great-Uncle's lover?"

The young man in white pressed down harder on his neck. In pain, he had no choice but to change his words. "Male concubine! Are you my Fifth Great-Uncle's new male concubine?"

"Such foul language!" Ji Pingan slammed the table, immediately ready to teach the ill-mannered speaker a lesson. Ji Pingxin, understanding her brother's temperament, had been prepared and stopped him in time.

Meanwhile, Luo Yun blocked the doorway, cutting off the line of sight.

Seeing Luo Yun, the young man in red looked even more excited. "Even Luo Yun is here. So it's true."

The young man in white frowned deeply, looking at Luo Yun, then toward the room behind him.

"What lover? What male concubine?" Shen Yuan was utterly confused.

Luo Yun wanted to explain, but he remembered Young Master Lin's instruction not to hide the fact from Shen Yuan that he liked men.

Today, it seemed Young Master Lin had intentionally used others' mouths to make things perfectly clear to Young Master Shen.

However, the young masters' words were truly offensive. While telling Shen Yuan the truth, Luo Yun didn't forget to embellish it slightly. "This is just the young masters' jest. Any man Young Master Lin brings back, they assume must be someone he fancies."

As soon as Luo Yun finished speaking, Xie Shengfeng chimed in again with a frivolous tone. "No wonder I haven't seen Song Zijuan. So with a new favorite, the old one is forgotten."

Hearing Song Zijuan's name suddenly, Shen Yuan was taken aback.

Luo Yun sighed helplessly and continued explaining to Shen Yuan, "Advisor Song Zijuan went through the same thing back then; he was mistaken for someone Young Master Lin favored."

What Luo Yun didn’t mention was that Song Zijuan had endured quite a bit of targeting and ridicule in private because of it. Just thinking about it made Luo Yun shudder; it was a wonder Song Zijuan could tolerate it all.

Even he, along with Luo Xing and Luo Yue—being personal attendants with decent looks—were assumed by the Xie family to be "intimate attendants" chosen by Young Master Lin. This led to the Family Head and the Matriarch secretly causing them trouble, leaving them with no way to defend themselves.

Ji Pingan couldn’t take it anymore. Just because Fifth Uncle liked men didn't mean his younger brother did. He couldn’t let Xiao Yuan’s reputation be ruined just because he came to visit his elder sister.

Without stepping outside, he stood at the doorway and shouted, "My brother is not Fifth Uncle’s male concubine or lover! He likes women and plans to marry and have children someday. If these rumors spread, what woman would dare marry my brother?"

Xie Shengfeng let out a surprised sound. To say such things in front of Luo Yun—that he liked women and intended to marry—was no different from saying it directly to Fifth Uncle.

He knew all too well: male concubines kept by powerful families, even if discarded and useless, could never leave. He muttered, "So he really isn’t a male concubine?"

Luo Yun gave a complicated look to Ji Pingan, who was stern-faced and trembling with anger, then glanced at Shen Yuan, who was soothing him.

He didn’t dare say anything.

Some things… just weren’t that certain.