Chapter 292: Count Chengen’s Mansion

Chapter 292: The Estate of Count Chengen

It was a golden October day, and geese flew south in V-formation, yet a long procession of carriages pushed north against the flow of the birds. The sky was clear and the wind brisk; a light breeze shook the frost off the morning grass, making it sparkle in the morning sun—fresh and clear, almost crystalline.

"Father, the city walls here are so tall! And the gates are so tall and massive!" A Yan sat in the carriage, pulling aside the curtain, eyes wide as saucers, gawking at the towering gate ahead.

Tong'er stuck his head out too at the words, nodding seriously. "Yeah, it's huge."

Fang Jinrong tapped him lightly on the head. "Big? What's so big about it? Didn't your father bring you here before? Shengjing is just a place for locking people up—it's not like the weird pines and cool rocks your dads took you to see at Huangshan."

"That's... actually pretty accurate." Meng Wan mused. Fang Jinrong had a point—Shengjing really was a place for locking people up.

The imperial city held the most honored people in the world. A bunch of proud, ambitious people crowded around the palace, while the ones on the outside desperately tried to squeeze their way in. And so the cycle went on and on—nobody felt like they were trapped, but really, they could barely move an inch.

Meng Wan had basically brought everything he owned this time, except Nie Zhiyao hadn't come back with Fei Ge'er yet. Besides the Song household staff and Fang Jinrong, Meng Wan had also brought the Three Tao Brothers' families and Qiao Xingyuan's whole household. All together, that added up to over thirty carriages. And it wasn't just the size of the procession that turned heads—a massive white wolf trotted alongside the carriages, scaring the hell out of people.

A young man in one of the carriages raised his hand and snapped his fingers sharply. The snow wolf that had been running ahead came bounding back, fur streaming in the wind like a wave rolling over land—majestic and fierce.

Chu Ci got off his horse, reins in hand, and made a gesture at the snow wolf. It had been running free out in the wild for so long—but now that they were in the capital, the hard times were about to start.

The snow wolf shot Chu Ci a meek sideways look... then another... But the master's gesture didn't change. Defeated, it slunk onto the carriage with a pitiful, grumbling whimper.

Shengjing had twelve city gates, each with its own checkpoint. The big central arch was for carriages and horses, and the smaller side gates were for pedestrians.

Inside the city, outside the walls, and up on the ramparts, squads of soldiers patrolled nonstop—security was tight.

Outside the city, in front of the moat, a bunch of people dressed like household servants stood on their toes, scanning the horizon. Among them, Tao Shiyi stood out the most, dressed as a yamen runner.

"Xiao Ci!" He spotted the tall young man leading his horse right away and jogged over, his face lit up with the joy of reunion. "Did the masters all come? The lord's been waiting a long time."

Chu Ci tilted his head, glanced at the empty space behind him, and pointed without saying a word.

"Ah, the lord went to court. Today's the first of the month, so it's the full assembly session. He's got extra local matters to report on top of the usual stuff, so he should be here soon. The lord said he got the master's letter from Suzhou and figured you'd be arriving around now. For the past two days, besides Xue Sheng who's been stuck to the lord's side, the three of us brothers have been taking turns waiting outside the city. I didn't think I'd be the lucky one to catch you." As he talked, Tao Shiyi's eyes kept darting to the carriages behind, trying to figure out which one had his master.

"Shiyi." Meng Wan's voice came from the first carriage.

Tao Shiyi hurried over. "Master, what do you need?"

Meng Wan noticed a lot of people watching their procession from all sides and told him, "Let's head into the city first. We're not waiting for the lord. It's a pain having this many carriages all jammed up here."

"Got it. Everyone, just follow me. The lord already talked to the gate captain ahead of time." Tao Shiyi had been grinning nonstop this whole time. After talking to Meng Wan, he ran to his horse and led the way at an easy pace.

Their carriages crossed the moat and made straight for the gate. Tao Shiyi showed the gate captain Song Tingzhou's prefect token, and after a quick look, the soldiers got ready to let them through.

"Wait!" Someone rode up and blocked Meng Wan's carriage. He didn't even dismount at the gate, just looked down at the gate captain from his horse. "My lady's coming back from an outing outside the city and needs to go in first."

The gate captain's heart dropped. He shot a quick look at Tao Shiyi.

Tao Shiyi tilted his head at the man on horseback. "Says who? Can't you see our master got here first?"

The man on horseback sneered. "And who might your master be? You'd better step aside if you know what's good for you. If you really piss off someone important, a little... yamen runner? I doubt you can handle the fallout."

Tao Shiyi laughed. These people had the nerve to act so high and mighty? Chi Yu was right here, after all.

"Shiyi, never mind. Let them go first." Meng Wan didn't show himself, but hearing the argument from inside the carriage, he decided to let it go.

A regular official's wife wouldn't usually be this pushy—this was probably nobility, and nobles really did have the right to be arrogant.

The gate captain let out a quiet sigh of relief. He'd been scared Tao Shiyi would start something, and if the big shots got involved, a nobody like him would be the one to suffer.

"Thanks." The man on horseback tossed out a half-hearted thanks to no one in particular, then turned to lead his own carriage toward the gate.

Tao Shiyi was deeply reluctant, but since Meng Wan had spoken, he could only step back and let them pass first.

"Make way! Marquis Zhongyi returns in triumph! Clear the road at once!"

Meng Wan had been sitting in the carriage, idly letting his thoughts wander—worrying whether Shichun Lane could even fit all their belongings. At the announcement of Marquis Zhongyi's triumphant return, his eyes lit up.

So the Marquis Zhongyi was coming back at just this moment—excellent, wonderful! No wonder the Crown Prince had been so composed back in Heshan County. So this was the backing that had arrived in the capital!

Could he and Song Tingzhou also ride this wind?

"Stay put in the carriage. I'm stepping out for a moment." Meng Wan instructed the two children inside, along with Fang Jinrong, who was less reliable than a child.

Chi Yu, seated on the carriage shaft, followed closely when he saw Meng Wan descend.

By now, the man who had been throwing his weight around had dismounted and stepped aside, his carriage halted alongside Meng Wan's.

"Congratulations to the Marquis on his victorious return." Meng Wan bowed respectfully to the soldiers thundering past on horseback. Not knowing which one was Marquis Zhongyi, he simply made a general gesture of salute.

"Whose household are you from, young man?" A round-faced young man in plain clothes asked.

Qin Jiao's father couldn't possibly be this young. Meng Wan lowered his head and eyes. "I am the husband of Song Tingzhou, Prefect of Shuntian. My husband has mentioned the Marquis to me. Since we happened to meet by chance, I stepped down to pay my respects."

A sharp intake of breath came from nearby—it was the man who had blocked them earlier. Tao Shiyi shot him a glare, and the man quickly looked away, feigning nonchalance.

"Meng Fulang?" The tall man who had already ridden ahead and was nearly through the gate suddenly turned back.

Meng Wan confirmed his target—this must be Marquis Zhongyi himself. He bowed again. "Marquis, it is I."

Marquis Zhongyi returned a salute from horseback. "My wayward son was well looked after by Lord Song in Lingnan. Pray forgive my rudeness, Meng Fulang. I must hasten to the palace to see His Majesty, but I shall call upon you in person another day."

Meng Wan dared not delay the man's official business. He stepped back. "The Marquis is too kind. Please, go on ahead."

The thundering host of warhorses galloped through the city gate without even dismounting—privilege alone was enough.

The tiers of Shengjing society, first glimpse.

Song Tingzhou led his horse out of the city through the side passage for pedestrians, catching sight of the formidable procession of soldiers. His gaze fell to the rear, where Meng Wan stood, having not yet boarded his carriage.

"Wan'er."

Meng Wan spun around sharply. "Husband!"

Song Tingzhou had not yet changed out of his court robes. The collar and cuffs of his crimson gauze robe were edged in blue, the lower garment matching in crimson with blue trim—three panels in front, four behind, each with three pleats. A matching crimson gauze knee covering, a black leather belt inlaid with long golden plaques.

He was naturally tall and handsome, and with each stride his robes billowed, making his bearing all the more striking. The court attire added a touch of scholarly elegance to his frame.

Song Tingzhou's steps were quicker than usual. He took Meng Wan's hand—it was cool to the touch. "Have you been waiting long?"

Meng Wan's eyes curved in a gentle smile. "We haven't been waiting at all. We just arrived. Someone behind needs to enter the city first. Come, ride in the carriage with me and wait a little longer."

Song Tingzhou repeated Meng Wan's words. "Enter the city first?"

Tao Shiyi pointed at the carriage train beside them, complaining loudly, "My lord, it's that carriage train over there. They told us to step aside if we knew what was good for us—their lady needs to enter first."

Song Tingzhou glanced over. The man who had been insufferably arrogant before Marquis Zhongyi's appearance instantly shrank back. "Lord Song, our lady says you should go first."

Song Tingzhou clearly recognized who they were. He handed his reins to Tao Shiyi, took Meng Wan's hand, and boarded the carriage without looking back, saying flatly, "Then give my thanks to Madam Qi."

In that person's hesitant gaze, Song Tingzhou's voice came from the carriage, clearer than usual, "Shiyi, lead the way ahead."

Tao Shiyi shot the man a fierce glare, with the smug look of a petty man who had gotten his way, then mounted his horse and rode into the city with his chin held high.

Over thirty carriages filed through in a grand procession, taking a full half hour to pass completely.

After they had gone, the Qi family's carriages followed closely into the city.

"I'm beat, my back aches and my legs are killing me." Meng Wan emerged from behind the screen after washing, holding up a head of dripping wet hair.

Song Tingzhou carefully wrapped his hair in a cloth and gently massaged it.

Meng Wan leaned against him with half-closed eyes, "Have you run into any danger since you took office?"

"No, but there are many factions in the capital. Someone came snooping around Shichun Lane." Song Tingzhou continued wiping Meng Wan's jet-black hair, and when the floor got uncomfortable for him, he moved Meng Wan to the couch.

Once on the couch, Meng Wan lay directly on his lap, "We still have too few capable and talented people under us. Chi Yu's skills are outstanding, but unfortunately, the capital isn't like Xiwu Prefecture. Having him accompany you to the yamen might stir up gossip."

In Xiwu Prefecture, they ruled like little emperors, but in the capital, they had to tread carefully. The only consolation was that Song Tingzhou now held a third-rank position in an important post, unlike when he was just a lowly jinshi and easily pushed around. Others wouldn't dare mess with him lightly.

Meng Wan recalled the incident at the city gate, sat up halfway, and wrapped his arms around Song Tingzhou's neck. Having just bathed, his peach-blossom-shaped eyes shimmered with a hint of moisture. He tilted his chin up and asked curiously, "By the way, that Madam Qi outside the city—which family is she from? Why does she act so brazenly?"

Song Tingzhou kissed him twice before answering unhurriedly, "The Countess of the Chengen Count household."

Meng Wan nodded in understanding, "So her family holds a noble title. No wonder she acts so arrogantly."

The privileges of nobility—court attendance, estates, exemption from corvée labor, not having to kneel before officials, and hereditary titles—went without saying.

The nobles of the Yu Kingdom all wielded real power. For instance, the Marquis of Qin Jiao's family was of the first rank, while the Duke was the only one above the first rank in the entire court. Even the Chief Grand Secretary, who had no real power, was nothing but a decorative ornament compared to him.

A Count was a notch below a Marquis, yet still more honored than ordinary first or second-rank officials. At court assemblies, they stood at the front alongside Marquises and Dukes, treated with courtesy by the emperor.

The Yu Kingdom had one Duke, two Marquises, and three Counts.

Xiang Yun's daughter, Lin Conghui, had married into the Huaien Count household, which was the same rank as the Chengen Count household that Madam Qi belonged to. Both Counts held real military power, and their sons could inherit the titles—so naturally, they had the clout to act arrogantly.

Meng Wan welcomed Song Tingzhou's clinging, nibbling kisses, his neck covered in the other's scorching breath and damp heat, his own breathing quickening slightly. "I noticed the servants of the Count Chengen's household seem a bit afraid of you. Why is that?"

"The eldest master of the Count Chengen's household has been lending money at exorbitant interest rates. I've been investigating the matter recently, and she came to my door personally to see me." As Song Tingzhou spoke, his burning lips never left Meng Wan's skin, flushed pink from the bath's steam.

They hadn't seen each other for months, and he missed him terribly. Song Tingzhou had only intended to get close to Meng Wan, but the more intimate they became, the more his desire flared up like a wildfire, impossible to extinguish. So he gave in and indulged himself.

"Xue Sheng, guard the courtyard gate. Don't let anyone in." Without waiting for Meng Wan to ask more questions, Song Tingzhou scooped him up and carried him toward the bed in the inner room, not forgetting to instruct Xue Sheng outside.

In broad daylight, Xue Sheng's face was even hotter than the two carrying on inside. He blushed and started practicing his punches in the courtyard.

Na Tuo and the others from the post station were unloading the luggage piece by piece. Huang Ye was organizing things, and Chang Jinhua, badly carsick, was sleeping in her room.

The adults each went about their business, while A Yan and Tong'er ran around the residence, curious about everything they saw.

"Young master, wait for us!" Gui Cheng and Zhusha followed carefully, though they too were dying of curiosity.

Kids of six or seven were bursting with energy. Even Fang Jinrong, who could usually go nonstop, was exhausted and resting in a guest room, yet the two boys were still scurrying about.

The small residence on Shichun Lane was originally provided by Xiang Yun as temporary lodging for her beloved disciple's family. Lin Yi, afraid of hurting Song Tingzhou's pride, hadn't prepared a larger house. So this residence was the compact, exquisite type—it had a garden, pavilion, front hall, and rear quarters, but nothing was spacious.

Now with so many people and carriages crammed into the residence, it was getting a bit tight.

At noon, Song Tingzhou emerged from the bedroom and personally carried two buckets of water back inside, his steps light and his face radiant.

"My husband is resting. Don't let anyone disturb him. I'm going to the yamen to handle official business and will be back later."

As a newly appointed official, he had many matters to sort through carefully, so he only rested half a day. After having lunch at home, he hurried back to the Shuntian Prefecture.

Despite the noise and bustle outside, Meng Wan slept soundly until dusk. When he got up and stretched, he felt his bones cracking and popping all over.