Chapter 72 Second Master Zhu

Chapter 72: Second Master Zhu (Zhu Er'ye)

Preoccupied with the Zhu family's search for Meng Wan, Song Tingzhou got up early the next day and waited outside the schoolhouse for Zhu Zening.

Unfortunately, Zhu Zening arrived late. No sooner had Song Tingzhou brought up the topic than the lecturer entered the classroom. He had no choice but to suppress his urgency and wait until noon to find Zhu Zening again.

“Brother Song, what were you looking for me about this morning?”

As usual, the three of them headed to the dining hall together. On the way, Zhu Zening couldn’t hold back and asked Song Tingzhou first.

Song Tingzhou paused for a moment, then asked, “I heard a son of a concubine in the Zhu family has passed away. Do you know why?”

Zhu Zening looked at him in surprise, seemingly caught off guard that he was interested in such matters. “It’s my second uncle’s concubine’s son. He spent his days hanging around brothels and pleasure houses. I rarely crossed paths with him. I have no clue how he suddenly died.”

Song Tingzhou pressed further, “No other word?”

Zhu Zening thought for a moment. “A relative of one of my second uncle’s concubines came seeking shelter a few months ago, but they kept a low profile. I’ve heard of this person’s existence in the household but never seen them. After my cousin died, I heard this person disappeared. The household sent people looking for several days without success, then let it go.”

If it were related to this person, his second uncle wouldn’t have let it drop so easily. Since he gave up searching, that could only mean my cousin’s death was unrelated to this distant relative.

Song Tingzhou also realized this point and felt relieved. That meant Second Master Zhu seeking out Meng Wan might just be to ask a few questions.

He solemnly clasped his hands in a bow to Zhu Zening. “I have a matter I’d like to ask of you, Brother Zhu.”

Zhu Zening asked in surprise, “Could it be related to my cousin’s death?”

“Yes and no.” Song Tingzhou told Zhu Zening about the steward and page from the Zhu family abruptly coming to find his husband.

After hearing this, Zhu Zening relaxed. “You startled me—I thought it was something serious. In a few days, during the break, bring your husband to find me. I’ll take you both to see my second uncle and ask him about it.”

A few days later, after the monthly exams ended, Meng Wan estimated the time and went directly to the school gate to wait for Song Tingzhou. He brought two packets of tea leaves and pastries. Although the Zhu family certainly wouldn’t care about such small gifts, when visiting someone’s home, it’s better to err on the side of politeness.

The school was built on a hillside, in a rather remote location. The gate was tall and imposing, with wide steps in front that required climbing over a hundred of them.

At the bottom of the slope, the square was leveled flat, with many carriages waiting outside—mostly servants or family members. Meng Wan, being a young man, stood out awkwardly among them.

He found a shady spot under a tree, fanning himself furiously with a round fan. They had just entered the dog days of summer, and the weather was growing even hotter.

“Fulang, if you don’t mind, feel free to cool off in our master’s carriage,” a young page in green quietly asked Meng Wan.

Meng Wan smiled and thanked him. “Thank you, young man. My husband will be out soon. I won’t trouble you. Please extend my thanks to your master.”

Just as he finished speaking, a few scholars trickled out from the school gate, and sure enough, Song Tingzhou was striding quickly in front.

Seeing the couple reunite, the page tactfully returned to his carriage.

“Master, Song Fulang asked me to thank you. The person he was waiting for has arrived,” the page reported Meng Wan’s words to his master.

The curtain over the carriage window was lifted from inside. Inside, a basin of half-melted ice could be faintly seen, carrying a touch of cool air.

A face as gentle as jade appeared by the window. His hair was half-loosened, with two jade hairpins in the topknot. A tiny red mole was hidden near the corner of his brow. He was also a ge’er, dressed exquisitely yet simply, clearly from a well-off family.

From inside the carriage, he gazed into the distance at Meng Wan and murmured to himself, “Who would have thought that the Qingxiao Hermit, now so famous in Changping, is actually such a stunningly beautiful husband? Interesting, interesting.”

Song Tingzhou walked to Meng Wan, sweat already trickling down his forehead. He took the things from Meng Wan’s hands. “Wan’er, why are you here so early? No need to rush.”

Meng Wan quickly used his handkerchief to wipe Song Tingzhou’s sweat. “Are you talking about yourself? If there’s no rush, why run so fast? Lots of people are watching you.”

Song Tingzhou turned sideways—indeed, many schoolmates were discreetly glancing in their direction. He blocked Meng Wan from view, took the handkerchief, and wiped his face hastily. “Brother Zhu and the others are behind us, they’ll be here soon. Let’s ride in his carriage together.”

“Good. I just arrived, no rush. Someone even invited me to their carriage to escape the heat just now.”

“Who?” Song Tingzhou’s gaze turned wary.

Meng Wan didn’t think much of it. “Probably a relative of one of the scholars. Seeing me outside in the heat, they kindly sent their servant to invite me.”

As they spoke, someone called out to Song Tingzhou from behind. “Brother Song, I was just tidying my bookcase, and you disappeared? Zhao Yuan and I looked everywhere for you.”

Was this the one who found Song Tingzhou—his classmate surnamed Zhu?

Meng Wan looked over. Two young scholars in the same uniform as Song Tingzhou were approaching. One had a baby face with some baby fat, probably around Meng Wan’s age, about seventeen. Though he spoke complaining words, there was a smile on his face.

The other was about the same age as Song Tingzhou, slender, with a sallow complexion. When not speaking, the corners of his mouth drooped, giving him a mournful look. Still, his features were decent—above average.

Meng Wan wasn’t familiar with them, so he didn’t speak carelessly. He pretended to be demure, standing quietly behind Song Tingzhou.

Song Tingzhou turned around and said to his two classmates, “My husband was waiting outside, so I was a bit anxious and left in a hurry. My apologies.”

Then he introduced them: “This is my husband, Meng.”

Zhu Zening and Wu Zhaoyuan had already noticed someone hiding behind him and were curious but didn’t want to stare. When Song Tingzhou stepped aside, they finally got a clear look at his husband.

Meng Wan’s outfit was ordinary—even plain-colored clothes without much flair, not even as charming as some street women’s attire. The only ornament he wore was the Xiangyun silver hairpin, yet his beauty was breathtaking, making even his simple accessories seem extraordinary.

They froze for a few seconds before Wu Zhaoyuan reacted first. “Greetings, younger brother’s husband.”

Zhu Zening also hastily offered a salute. “Peace to you, sister-in-law.”

Meng Wan bowed slightly in return. When he didn’t speak, he could be quite imposing—quiet as a mouse.

Song Tingzhou was even more reticent. The four walked in silence to the Zhu family’s carriage. To avoid any impropriety, Zhu Zening had arranged before leaving that morning for two carriages to be sent after class.

Zhu Zening and Wu Zhaoyuan boarded the first carriage. No sooner had they sat down than Zhu Zening couldn’t help breaking the silence. “Brother Song’s husband… he’s really… really…”

Wu Zhaoyuan finished the sentence. “Divinely beautiful.”

“Exactly!”

“My family has no shortage of beautiful maidservants and pages, and my fourth uncle is surrounded by beauties, but I’ve never seen anyone more stunning than Brother Song’s husband!”

As Zhu Zening spoke, he almost stood up but nearly hit his head on the low carriage roof.

Wu Zhaoyuan frowned and admonished him. “Brother Song’s husband is indeed beautiful, but he is another man’s wife. You must not be disrespectful.”

Zhu Zening’s face flushed red. “We’ve known each other since childhood—what kind of person do you take me for! I was only marveling at his looks. How could I ever slight a friend’s husband!”

Wu Zhaoyuan sighed softly. “That’s good. Beauty will eventually turn to bones. When we marry in the future, we should choose women of upright character, virtue, and kindness.”

Zhu Zening retorted, “Who says good looks can’t go with good character? Brother Song’s husband manages the household and even runs a shop to support Brother Song’s studies—isn’t that both beautiful and intelligent?”

Wu Zhaoyuan didn’t mean it that way. “Brother Song’s husband is indeed exceptional.”

But his own mother was just a pretty face like an embroidered sack—only good for clinging to men, with no real plan. Having seen too many servants and ge’er in the Wu family use their beauty to climb into beds, he was instinctively wary of anyone with stunning looks.

Song Tingzhou took Meng Wan’s hand and boarded the second carriage. As soon as they entered, the ice basin inside cooled them through and through.

“Wow, so cool,” Meng Wan felt every pore relax in the refreshing air.

Song Tingzhou moved the ice basin a little further away. “Don’t get too attached to the coolness.” The Zhu family’s carriage looked unremarkable on the outside, but inside it was quite spacious, with a small table and tea set.

Meng Wan placed the round fan on the small table, not feeling it proper to touch their teapot. "I know, going from cold to heat makes one susceptible to a chill. By the way, what about our horse?"

"The Zhu family's servant will help ride it back home." Song Tingzhou sat down beside him, and outside, the coachman began to flick the whip.

Both the Zhu and Wu residences were in the southern part of the city, much closer than theirs. In just the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the carriage stopped at the Zhu family's main gate.

Wu Zhaoyuan's home was the nearest, and he had already gotten off earlier to return home.

Song Tingzhou carried the tea and fruits, Meng Wan picked up his round fan, and the two followed behind Zhu Zening, setting foot in the Zhu family's grand mansion for the first time.

The Zhu family was a large five-section compound. The patriarch and matriarch had already passed away. Originally, the eldest branch should have occupied the main courtyard, but Eldest Master Zhu was weak and incompetent, unable to support the family's business. The third and fourth masters were born of concubines, leaving no choice but to have the second son step up. Now, the second branch lived in the main residence.

At present, the Zhu family's businesses in the prefectural city were all controlled by Second Master Zhu. Third Master Zhu, Zhu Zening's father, was often away running business in remote towns and counties, handling the salt merchant trade there.

Fourth Master Zhu was a scoundrel, with a bad reputation in his youth. Now nearly thirty and unmarried, his gambling houses and escort agencies still brought in considerable revenue.

Zhu Zening led Song Tingzhou and Meng Wan inside, passing the screen wall, crossing the courtyard, and waiting in the main hall for Second Master Zhu.

"Uncle Qing, has my second uncle returned?" Zhu Zening asked the household steward.

Uncle Qing replied with a smile, "To answer the Fourth Young Master, the Second Master returned not long ago and is dining with the madam."

Meng Wan was accustomed to two meals a day and had almost forgotten that wealthy families ate three meals a day. At this hour, it was lunchtime, which was awkward.

Zhu Zening also forgot about this. "Brother Song, sister-in-law, why not come to my place first for a simple meal?"

Song Tingzhou poured a cup of tea for Meng Wan. "Better not trouble you. I'll wait with my husband in the hall for a while."

Meng Wan thought the same. They were here for serious business; with matters unresolved, how could they have the heart to eat?

Since they weren't leaving, Zhu Zening, the intermediary, stayed to accompany them, and also took the opportunity to discuss the monthly exam topics with Song Tingzhou, who had once again ranked first in the Yizi Class.

Meng Wan slowly sipped his tea. He didn't understand the tea ceremony, but he felt the Zhu family's tea had a richer flavor than what he had at Ruifeng Restaurant last time—a sweet and astringent taste rose from the root of his tongue, with a faint, elegant fragrance and a lingering aftertaste.

He wanted another cup, but feared that if they waited too long, he would need to use the restroom and lose face before Second Master Zhu. How troublesome!

Song Tingzhou's peripheral vision had been on him all along. He suddenly stopped discussing with Zhu Zening and asked, "Brother Zhu, your family's tea has a long-lasting and enduring fragrance. Forgive my ignorance of the tea ceremony—which tea brand is this?"

Zhu Zening was puzzled as to why he suddenly asked about tea, but explained, "My family's ancestral home is in Changping. Unlike the Nie family, who can bring new tea from their hometown, our tea is all purchased from the Zhao family. Today's tea, served by the maid, seems to be Biluochun picked before the Grain Rain."

Song Tingzhou took a sip and said to Meng Wan, "Shall we go to the Zhao family's tea shop to buy some later?"

Meng Wan felt pleased inside and smiled, "Of course."

At that moment, Zhu Zening realized why Song Tingzhou had asked about the tea—it was because his husband liked it.

Today's tea was not just tea; it made him feel sour inside.

They sat in the hall for the time it takes to drink two cups of tea before Second Master Zhu finally arrived. All three, including Zhu Zening, stood up to greet him.

Second Master Zhu was in his forties, well-preserved, slightly plump, with a stern and steady expression, radiating an authoritative bearing.

Speaking to those of lower status, he cut straight to the chase. "Take a seat. A few days ago, I heard from Silang about your purpose. I summoned Song Fulang just to ask a few questions."

Meng Wan had just sat down; being addressed, he had to stand again, bowing and replying, "Second Master, please ask."

Second Master Zhu's expression was unreadable, his voice deep and commanding. "I wonder if Song Fulang knows a person named Fang Jinrong."

Meng Wan had roughly guessed it was related to Fang Jinrong and had already thought of how to answer. "I know him. He's from the same hometown as us, both from Quanshui Town."

Second Master Zhu nodded and asked again, "Is there a top-notch martial artist by his side?"

"Martial artist?" Meng Wan exchanged a puzzled glance with Song Tingzhou. "I really don't know about that."

Second Master Zhu said nothing, and the hall fell into a deadly silence. Meng Wan remained standing, feeling no pressure at all. He had already figured out what to make up. Since he still didn't know the specifics of the Zhu family's matter regarding Fang Jinrong, he would only speak of trivial matters—half true, half false—so the other party couldn't verify them.

After a long while, Second Master Zhu finally spoke again, staring intently at Meng Wan as if exerting silent pressure. "Then does Song Fulang know where Fang Jinrong is now?"

Meng Wan didn't avoid his gaze, nor did he stare back brazenly. He kept his eyes half-closed in deference and replied respectfully, "At the end of March this year, my mother-in-law and I accompanied my husband to the prefectural city. On the way, we encountered the young master of the Fang family. He was kind-hearted and, seeing our carriage was crowded, offered us a ride. Later, we parted in the prefectural city. Before leaving, he said he was coming to the Zhu family to seek relatives, and if I had any business, I could ask him for help as a fellow townsman."

Second Master Zhu drew circles on the table with his finger, tapped a few times, and said in a deep voice, "Continue."

Meng Wan hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Later, my husband became the Top Scholar, and we returned to our hometown to marry and then came back to the prefectural city to settle down. When funds were tight, I did send a letter to the young master Fang, hoping he could help us out. But I never received a reply, and I haven't been able to contact him since."

He stepped back after speaking, indicating that he had said everything he knew.

Second Master Zhu closed his eyes and pondered for a moment. "If that's the case, so be it. If the Song family gets any news of this person in the future, come to the Zhu family and let us know."

His tone seemed to treat Meng Wan as an errand boy. Meng Wan, after all, was a scholar's husband, but his face showed no displeasure. "If there is any news, my husband and I will definitely inform you."

"Mm, go ahead." Second Master Zhu didn't move from his seat; it was Zhu Zening who saw them off.

"Don't mind him. My second uncle doesn't even treat my eldest uncle with basic respect," Zhu Zening explained at the door.

Song Tingzhou was annoyed that his husband had been interrogated like that, but he also understood the vast gap between his family and the Zhu family. For now, he had to endure. He wanted to learn to stay as calm as Wan'er in the face of things. Besides, this matter had nothing to do with Zhu Zening.

"Thanks for setting this up, Brother Zhu. If you're free tomorrow, I'd like to invite you for a gathering at Ruifeng Restaurant. Please also ask Brother Wu to join."

Zhu Zening genuinely wanted to befriend Song Tingzhou. Seeing that he was not angry, he felt relieved. "Fine. Tomorrow I will definitely bring Brother Wu and have a good meal at Brother Song's expense."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Song Tingzhou declined Zhu Zening's offer to escort them and slowly walked off with Meng Wan.

They initially planned to go to Panshi Studio, the closest to the Zhu residence. Unexpectedly, after walking about a hundred steps westward, on the street near the Zhu family's western side gate, they suddenly saw the side door opened a crack. The tea and fruits they had brought as gifts were thrown out onto the street from inside.

Meng Wan pressed his lips tightly. This time, he was truly angry. He stepped forward, picked up the items, and brushed the dirt off the paper wrapping. "If they don't want it, fine. We'll take it back and eat it ourselves, Hmph!"

Song Tingzhou took the packages of tea and fruits from his hand, turned back to look at that side gate, and a storm brewed in his eyes, but he quickly suppressed it.