Chapter 7

Chapter 7

When Lian Cheng, holding a wooden stick, reached Yiqiu, that group of gift-givers happened to be coming out. Seeing Lian Cheng, dressed as a young master, they bowed and walked away without glancing aside.

Only after they had all left did Lian Cheng enter Yiqiu.

The number of maids, servants, and older women in Yiqiu was much larger than in Penglai Pavilion, probably because the steward was in this courtyard. Before Lian Cheng had even done anything, he already felt guilty. He hid the wooden stick in his sleeve and zigzagged his way to the door of the west wing.

Unexpectedly, there were other people in the room. Lian Cheng turned around and, just as he had done earlier with Huqiu, crouched outside the window. Except this time it was a different window. The other window was too far away and blocked by a screen; this window closer to the bed was more suitable for peeping—a bit despicable, indeed, but among those chivalrous swordsmen, how many hadn't done such things? At least he hadn't used knockout drugs to take down the people inside.

Inside sat two young ladies he had briefly met that morning in Madam Zhang's courtyard, though they had changed their clothes. Lian Cheng tried to recall the plot related to them.

In the book, the three young ladies of the Lian family were only briefly mentioned. Lian Cheng only knew that the fourth was already married, and the remaining should be the fifth and seventh. Although not born from the same mother, they were very close, usually inseparable.

With many siblings in the family, the two young ladies looked down on those unambitious brothers, especially the third brother Lian Cheng. But they alone adored and admired Lian Xiusheng. Whenever Lian Xiusheng suffered any ailment, they would rush to visit. If they couldn't come in person, they would send maids or servants with gifts to show concern.

"Sixth Brother, you're usually busy with official duties and have many social engagements. You really should take extra care of your health." The girl in yellow sat on a stool, constantly using a round fan to brush the gilded lotus-patterned double-fish hairpin on her head, with a troubled expression. "Sixth Brother, tell me the honest truth: were you angered into illness because of Third Brother's trouble-making?"

The girl beside her, wearing a peach-pink open-front robe, chided in a low voice, "You're talking nonsense again. Sixth Brother caught a chill a few days ago. What does it have to do with Third Brother?"

Lian Cheng was so touched—there were still sisters in the family willing to speak for the original him.

But before he could fully appreciate it, the considerate girl continued.

"Last Dragon Boat Festival, you were badmouthing Third Brother outside. He somehow heard about it and that very night went to your and Third Madam's courtyard to smash and break things. He scared Third Madam so much that she didn't go to pay respects to Mother for two weeks. You also declined several social engagements and didn't dare go out." Lian Yu lightly patted Lian Yi's hand with her round fan. "I think you're asking for trouble again in every way."

"Hmph, he can come again to smash and break," Lian Yi said through tears. "Other brothers dote on their sisters, if not buying them endless food and clothes, at least coaxing and indulging them. But he gets angry at his sister over the slightest displeasure. Those who know think I shouldn't have spoken about him; those who don't might think I'm his enemy."

Lian Yu covered half her face with the round fan. "Look at you—usually you hate him to the core, but now why are you crying?"

"When did I cry? Fifth Sister, you just mock me—don't you know my eyes were blinded by the wind?" Lian Yi hurriedly pulled out a handkerchief from her sleeve to wipe her tears.

Unexpectedly, Lian Xiusheng also spoke up at this point. "Third Brother is not a bad person; he just has a playful nature and a hot temper. He can't stand any grievance and can't bear any harsh words."

Finally, he added, "What you've said today—it's fine to say it to me, but don't bring it up before outsiders. If others hear and it gets back to Third Brother, or if his sworn brothers find out and embellish it, he'll come to trouble Seventh Sister again, and even I won't be able to dissuade him."

"Sixth Brother is noble, but how can you dissuade that demon?" said Lian Yi.

Lian Cheng, outside, thought "Pfft~"

The original him at most spent some gold and silver of the Lian family, but he didn't drag the whole family into relentless suffering. It shows that one must know how to pretend, Lian Cheng thought.

The two young ladies didn't sit long before taking their leave. Lian Cheng crouched outside for a while, then entered. "I seem to have lost something here. Could you let me look around?"

Lian Xiusheng's brows showed some weariness. "Third Brother, as you wish."

Lian Cheng unceremoniously ransacked Lian Xiusheng's room: wardrobes, bookshelves, the connected study and warm chamber, and the next wing. After searching a full circle, Lian Cheng was panting hard. To tell the truth, the original him's Penglai Pavilion was more like the dwelling of an insatiable hoarder.

But Lian Xiusheng's few rooms could only be described as frugal and simple. Lian Cheng almost suspected whether the book's author was deliberately slandering Lian Xiusheng, after all, writers of unofficial histories are often brazen enough to make things up with their eyes closed.

Resting a moment, Lian Cheng went to the bedside to look at Lian Xiusheng. Asleep again?

Was this insomnia?

Lian Cheng's gaze fell on the large pile of gifts that hadn't been put away yet. From the outside, it was hard to tell what they were because they were carefully wrapped. Lian Cheng was too embarrassed to open them, but he didn't hesitate to shake Lian Xiusheng awake.

"Xiusheng, what did those people who just came give you? Could you let your older brother have a look?" Lian Cheng leaned close to Lian Xiusheng's ear and asked softly.

Lian Xiusheng was extremely sleepy. "Have you found what you were looking for, Third Brother?"

"Found it, found it," Lian Cheng casually took out the wooden stick from his sleeve. "What I was looking for just now was this."

"..." Lian Xiusheng closed his eyes. "Those things they sent, if Third Brother wants to see, go ahead. If there's anything you fancy, you may take it."

Lian Cheng looked at this young treacherous minister with mixed emotions. He thought about what he himself was doing at seventeen, while the other party at seventeen was already dealing with those old foxes that one could only glimpse in history books. And now, the other party was utterly sincere to his family—he even fell asleep like that with someone still in the room, without any caution or scheming. Such a pure and kind child—Lian Cheng felt he had an obligation to set a good example for him.

Moreover, a prodigy like Lian Xiusheng, who achieved the top scholar title at sixteen, should, as Zhang Zai of the Northern Song said: "To ordain conscience for Heaven and Earth, to secure life and fortune for the people, to continue lost teachings for past sages, and to establish peace for all generations."

Lian Cheng thought to himself: he was not an unreasonable person. "The dukes have their gates; the ministers have their doors. The lowly have constant humiliation; the noble have constant glory." In a feudal society, if someone born into a wealthy family does not work for the people's welfare, they are no different from parasites.

Moreover, Lian Cheng did not want to die.

Furthermore, Lian Cheng thought, even if he had to die, he didn't want to die as a family member of a treacherous minister.

Lian Cheng didn't find any gold or silver. He left Lian Xiusheng and returned in defeat.

-

Unexpectedly, Tong Xue, Huqiu, and Qiong Hua were waiting outside under the eaves. Seeing him, they all came up.

Qiong Hua was extremely worried. "How could the young master go alone like that? At least take us along. If there was a fight, even if I die, I'd stand by you against them!"

"Let's go back first." Lian Cheng stretched and casually threw away the wooden stick.

As twilight approached, Lian Cheng had no phone to play with and was extremely bored. Carrying a bundle of fresh fish given by the eldest brother, he went to Madam Zhang's courtyard to have dinner with her.

Zhang Ailian, seeing him come in the morning and again in the evening, smiled so wide she couldn't stop. She had the kitchen make a table full of dishes and also gave Lian Cheng a box of white pearls as big as thumbs.

Lian Cheng was not interested in these things. After drinking tea, he saw a long sword in the room. From what he knew, swordsmen mostly came from previous dynasties; later dynasties, even when writing poems in praise, could only sigh in admiration of the ancients' style.

"Mother, is this sword yours or Father's?"

Zhang Ailian had someone clean the table and, supported by Qingzhu, walked over and sat on the couch near Lian Cheng. "Minzi, can you guess whose it is?"

"Mother's," Lian Cheng said with a smile.

"Why do you think it's mine?"

"Your child's intuition."

Qingzhu stepped forward and said, "Madam loved practicing swordplay when she was young. Later, the family specially hired a master to teach her. Her swordsmanship, even compared to the knights in the storybooks, was not inferior. But in recent years, Madam has been bedridden and can't even lift a sword. It's such a pity."

Lian Cheng made a gesture of rolling up his sleeves. "Let me give it a try."

Qingzhu gave a worried look at Madam Zhang.

Zhang Ailian waved her hand. "Minzi, you may certainly try."

With Qingzhu's help, Lian Cheng took down the long sword hanging on the wall. Presumably to suit Zhang Ailian's height, it was not particularly long or imposing. The handle had a delicate straight pattern, and the blade was thin and flexible. Under the oil lamp, it reflected dazzling points of cold light, even more exquisite and impressive than the exhibits Lian Cheng had seen in museums.

Lian Cheng stroked the blade with his fingers. A chill of danger coursed through his body. His eyes involuntarily brightened. "Mother is truly amazing to wield a sword!"

Her son stood in the light, unmatched in his generation and outstanding among the crowd.

As if both enchanted and trapped, Zhang Ailian subconsciously said, "If Minzi wants to learn, when I'm better, I can also teach you." After saying this, she regretted it.

But Lian Cheng was extremely excited. "Really?"

Zhang Ailian's mouth twitched, as if she didn't know whether to cry or laugh, but she still nodded. "Really."

It was late. Lian Cheng hung the sword back, carried a basket of items given by Madam Zhang, and with Huqiu and Tong Xue, was escorted by Qing Zhu to the gate. He left the Orchid Garden with a smiling broadly.

After seeing them off, Qing Zhu returned to Madam Zhang’s side. She added a small piece of incense to the burner and poured a fresh cup of hot tea for Madam Zhang, saying in a low voice, "The Master hasn't visited your courtyard for a month now."

Madam Zhang looked down at the tea, but asked, "Was Minzi happy when he left?"

Speaking of Lian Cheng, Qing Zhu couldn't help smiling. "Third Brother was very happy. I think the Goddess Guanyin might have finally been moved by your sincerity, guided our Third Brother, and made him not only come to pay respects to you today, but also just now came again to have dinner with you. He has really reformed himself. But why were you reluctant to teach him just now?"

Madam Zhang coughed a few times, tears in her eyes. "I just want him to be safe."

Meanwhile, Lian Cheng returned to his courtyard. A young servant was standing like a stone statue by the pond of the Penglai Pavilion, and on the other side stood Qiong Hua with a disappointed look.

Seeing the master of Penglai Pavilion from afar, the servant bowed. As he approached, he said, "Our young master woke up during the night and picked a few items from the gifts sent by some outsiders earlier, and told me to bring them to Third Brother."

"Wait, who is this? Which young master is this again?"

"Huqiu..." Lian Cheng began to summon.

Huqiu stepped forward. Although he was strong in build, his presence was not as imposing as the delicate-looking young servant. Still, he blocked in front of Lian Cheng and said rudely, "With a household this large, our young master lacks nothing in clothes or food. Your young master sent medicine yesterday and gifts today—what are you up to?"

"Alright, alright," Lian Cheng realized this must be Lian Xiusheng's servant.

Lian Cheng poked his head out from behind Huqiu. "What did he send? May I take a look?"

"It was sent to you, Third Brother, so of course you may see it."

The items had not yet been decided whether to accept, so they were still laid out on the octagonal table in the hall. The servant walked over and opened them one by one: "A bolt of gold-threaded pink satin, a set of Ge-kiln tea utensils, three hundred sticks of blended incense, an ink-wash patterned red copper hand warmer, a Duan inkstone, and two mottled-tube purple-tip writing brushes."

The servant clasped his hands respectfully and continued, "Please be aware, Third Brother, that besides the satin, tea set, and incense hand warmer, the Duan inkstone and writing brushes are things our young master treasures so much he doesn't even use them himself. He specially went to the storeroom to find them as an addition for you."

Lian Cheng just happened to pick up the weasel-hair brush. It felt cool and smooth to the touch, with an excellent texture. "Did he give these to me personally? Has he given any to the other brothers and sisters?"

The servant replied, "Only to you, Third Brother. None of the other courtyards received any."