Late spring had arrived, with the imperial examinations approaching. Both Yu Ye and Xu Junzheng were intensively preparing for the tests.
To prove his worth to Yu Yuan through scholarly achievement, Yu Ye buried himself in frantic studying, pushing so hard he often skipped meals.
Xu Junzheng, meanwhile, had fallen ill.
On one hand, he had suddenly received Master Xie’s invaluable advice. Overjoyed, he immersed himself day and night in studying, memorizing, pondering, and comprehending these teachings, severely exhausting his health.
On the other hand, Ku Ju’s repeated rejections of the marriage arrangement felt like personal insults. Losing the chance to be with his beloved Tian Qin doubled his anguish and frustration, eventually making him sick.
Temporarily unable to continue teaching Yan Ge’er, he took leave and returned home, intending to formally break off the engagement with Old Master Yu once he recovered.
“I’ve heard rumors that the Fourth Young Lady slashed her face and attempted suicide to avoid marrying me. Do you think I’m not suffering too? Since neither side is willing, why not take the initiative to cancel the engagement? We’d both be free to find our own happiness.”
But Xu Mu saw this as a golden opportunity to ally with the imperial relatives, the Yu family, and refused to let it slip away. She sternly asked, “Weren’t you the one who claimed to be in love with the Yu family’s young lady? Why the change of heart? What exactly is going on?”
“It’s the Third Young Lady, Tian Qin, whom I love, not the Fourth Young Lady, Ku Ju. Yet Lord Yu insists on betrothing the Fourth Young Lady to me.”
Lying sick in bed, Xu Junzheng coughed weakly, covering his face helplessly as transparent tears trickled through his fingers. “Miss Tian has shown me great kindness and deep affection. If I cannot be with her in this lifetime, I would rather remain unmarried forever.”
Only then did Xu Mu understand—there were two Illegitimate Daughters in the Yu family’s inner quarters.
“Don’t speak so absolutely,” she chided. “Put these romantic notions aside for now. Focus on recovering your health and preparing for the examinations—that’s what truly matters. Leave the rest to your mother.”
The immediate priority was obtaining an official rank to shed the label of “poor scholar.” With a title, any condition could be negotiated before the status-conscious Old Master Yu, and everything would be within reach.
As mother and son were discussing this, a servant hurried in to announce that a carriage had arrived outside—a young lady from the Yu family was visiting.
Both were startled.
They rushed to welcome her, somewhat flustered. Xu Junzheng, still ill, looked particularly disheveled, without even time to comb his hair or wash up.
Tian Qin had already entered with light, fragrant steps, accompanied by her three trusted aides—Zhao Lu, Wan Cui, and Chen Momo. She bowed gracefully and said, “Greetings to Aunt Xu and Master Xu.”
Caught off guard by the noble guest’s sudden visit, Xu Mu hastily offered seats and called for tea, recognizing Tian Qin as the young lady who had made a striking appearance at the Yu family banquet that night.
“Miss Yu, to what do we owe the honor of your personal visit? We apologize for not receiving you properly.”
Xu Mu was flustered and unprepared.
Tian Qin’s bold visit as an unmarried woman had actually been approved by Yu Yuan.
After seeing Xu Junzheng fall ill and the Xu mother and son leave in displeasure, Yu Yuan had ordered He Shi to take Ku Ju and personally apologize to the Xu family.
However, He Shi was unwilling to humble herself before a poor family like the Xus, and Ku Ju’s face was bandaged, making it impossible for her to go out.
So Tian Qin volunteered to visit the Xu family to offer apologies and check on Xu Junzheng.
Yu Yuan was well aware of Tian Qin’s desires, and a hidden understanding had formed between father and daughter—Tian Qin could marry Xu Junzheng, especially since Ku Ju’s disfigurement left her likely to become a concubine in Xie Manor.
The condition was that Xu Junzheng must attain an official rank—the Yu family would not accept a son-in-law with no practical value.
That was why Yu Yuan tacitly permitted Tian Qin’s visit to Xu Junzheng today—allowing these mutually admiring young people to meet and lay the groundwork. Perhaps the marriage would truly come to fruition.
“You’ve come at just the right time, Miss. Our humble home lacks fine tea—please forgive us.” Xu Mu offered an apologetic smile, slightly flustered.
“Thank you, Auntie. This tea is truly fragrant.”
Tian Qin took a sip, responding to Xu Mu’s small talk with bright warmth, her simple yet radiant smile resembling a lotus blooming brilliantly after rain, perpetually exuding sweet affection.
She showed not a trace of disdain for the Xu family’s modest furnishings, the slightly peeling paint on the courtyard pillars, or the small courtyard.
“The courtyard is so tranquil—perfect for studying. With birds chirping and windows gleaming, no wonder Mr. Xu writes such elegant essays, steeped in scholarly refinement.”
Xu Junzheng, seated nearby, felt his burning forehead grow hotter still, as if flames were about to burst from his chest. Enraptured, he found himself staring at the lipstick mark she left on the teacup’s rim.
Where was the merit in his essays? They relied entirely on the books, brushes, and ink she had gifted him, along with the compositions she secretly brought from Tutor Xie.
“You flatter us, Miss. We’ve long admired your reputation—my son often speaks of you. Your presence today brings unparalleled honor to our humble home.”
Xu Mu couldn’t help glancing at her son. This must be the Miss Tian he adored—eloquent, gentle, and considerate, far superior to that perpetually gloomy Miss Ku Ju.
Truly a young lady from a wealthy family: two personal maids, one nursemaid, a magnificent octagonal carriage, followed by footmen and servants—an impressive entourage.
Marrying her would certainly benefit the husband’s family.
Xu Mu was thoroughly pleased with this noble daughter-in-law prospect.
“I’m not merely being polite—I genuinely adore your courtyard at first sight. A family of scholars, with such taste and elegance! Even the glazed tiles bear the classic scholar-family pattern of aquatic motifs.”
Tian Qin described everything vividly, as if wearing a mask—her brilliance mostly performative, with little genuine emotion.
Zhao Lu and Wan Cui exchanged knowing glances.
After all, she had been languishing sickly in bed for many days, only mustering her energy upon hearing of this chance to visit the Xu family.
“If you enjoy it, Miss, please bring your parents to visit often. Our humble home would be deeply honored.”
When Xu Mu insisted Tian Qin stay for dinner, she declined.
Dusk was approaching—she had to strictly control her schedule.
Before leaving, Tian Qin cast a profound, tender glance at Xu Junzheng, who returned it with equally lovesick eyes, nearly moved to tears.
“I’ve already asked Brother-in-law your question, and you have your answer. Don’t disappoint me in the imperial examination.”
She whispered these somber words as she brushed past him.
Xu Junzheng’s heart raced, almost kneeling to vow, “I will earn official rank—I swear it.”
“Good. I’ll be waiting,” she replied.
…
On examination day, the crowds swarmed.
The entire Yu family turned out, including the married Xianqiu, all their hopes resting on Yu Ye.
Yu Yuan offered final advice: “Make us proud. Your eldest sister is the Empress, your second sister a Marquis Manor mistress. As the Yu family’s eldest son, all the city’s nobles are watching—don’t disgrace us.”
Yu Ye promised readily before He Shi pulled him aside to drink ginseng tea, ensuring he wouldn’t suffer dry mouth during policy discussions.
When Xianqiu moved to advise her brother, Tian Qin cut in: “Eldest Brother, you always say I can’t understand the library books. Well, earn that official rank and make your little sister view you with new respect.”
Today, as she saw him off for the examination, she deliberately wore the precious Xiaxuzhuo bracelet. Its pearl-like radiance shimmered brilliantly, making her as dazzling as the sun and so beautiful that one couldn’t look away.
Yu Ye smiled and said, “Is the Xiaxuzhuo bracelet a gift from Brother-in-law? With Brother-in-law’s blessings, you’re sure to pass the exam.”
Tian Qin smiled proudly, “Of course. Even when it fell into the lake, Brother-in-law fished it out for me. It was given to me alone.”
Amid the chaotic crowd, Xianqiu tried several times to interject but eventually gave up. Listening to Tian Qin’s boasting, her expression subtly darkened.
Soon after, the officials cleared the area, and Yu Ye was filled with confidence.
The Yu family watched his figure disappear before heading home.
When boarding the carriage, Tian Qin rushed ahead without regard for others, even going before Xianqiu, the legitimate daughter and wife of the Marquis Manor. The ruffled hem of her skirt fluttered gracefully as she lovingly caressed the Xiaxuzhuo bracelet.
“So beautiful. I usually can’t bear to wear it. Things from Sister and Brother-in-law’s family are always the best. Brother-in-law dotes on me the most,” she murmured to herself.
“It’s a pity that during the Policy Examination, I won’t get to see Brother-in-law for a long time.”
Xianqiu was taken aback. He Shi was clearly displeased. That wretched girl Tian Qin was so brazen, disregarding all rules just because Xie Tanwei favored her, as if she were already the lady of the Xie family.
Some time ago, during a spring blizzard, Tian Qin was buried in the snow, and Xie Tanwei rescued her. The two were alone together for over ten days. Something must have happened then, giving Tian Qin the audacity to act so arrogantly.
During dinner, Yu Yuan worriedly said, “Our esteemed son-in-law Xie is the chief examiner this time. I wonder if he’ll show special favor to Ye’er. Well, one must rely on their own abilities. With Ye’er’s careless attitude, even if the God of Literature possessed him, he wouldn’t pass.”
He Shi replied, “Husband, you’re being too hard on Ye’er.”
Tian Qin blinked earnestly and said with great seriousness, “Don’t worry, Father. Brother-in-law values family ties and cares for his siblings. Within his capabilities, he will surely look out for Big Brother.”
“When Brother-in-law risked his life to rescue me from the snow and bring me back to Fa Hui Temple, he set my bones and brewed medicine for me. During that time, I visited Brother-in-law’s Xiangfang, and he mentioned that Big Brother’s essays are quite good and that he has great hope.”
“Really?” Yu Yuan was overjoyed to hear this and drank several extra cups of wine in his delight.
Tian Qin diligently poured wine for him, making Yu Yuan laugh heartily.
He Shi’s face, however, was covered in a layer of frost.
Xianqiu also silently drank her wine, at a loss for words.
It seemed as though Tian Qin understood Brother-in-law better than her own sister did, that she held a more important place in Brother-in-law’s heart than her sister, that she was his number one, and that he liked her more than her sister. She was certain she would marry Brother-in-law.
After the meal, Xu Mu sent a message, tactfully stating that Miss Ku Ju’s face was ruined and the Xu family had no choice but to regretfully withdraw, as they could not force Miss Ku Ju. If the marriage between the two families could not be switched to Tian Qin, it would be called off.
This was the first time the Xu family had explicitly asked for Tian Qin.
Xu Junzheng was at the examination venue, and Xu Mu was very confident about his ranking.
He Shi grew even more resentful. Tian Qin had become a prized Bo pastry, with everyone fighting over her.
Xianqiu watched Tian Qin’s effortless success and felt deeply disheartened, as if that obedient and honest third sister had revealed her true nature.
To be honest, if the Xu family wanted to snatch Tian Qin, she was inclined to let them. She no longer wished for Tian Qin to enter Xie Manor.
She was caught in a dilemma.
Ku Ju’s disfigurement made her appear much more honest and pitiable than Tian Qin. She lacked Tian Qin’s sharp tongue, her aggressive beauty, and Xie Tanwei’s special favor. It seemed she was far more suitable as a concubine than Tian Qin.
Xianqiu took a sip of water, absent-minded, weighing the options repeatedly. Her face flushed red from the intensity of her anxiety and concentration.
She tugged at He Shi’s sleeve and whispered a decision that would have far-reaching consequences.
From the corner of her eye, Tian Qin noticed the movement and pricked up her ears, finally hearing the long-awaited words:
“Mother, let’s choose Ku Ju to be the Concubine.”
Author’s note: