When Shen Youran had just reached the foot of the bridge earlier, she stole a glance back at Pei Huaijin and saw him walking away without turning back, quickly boarding his family’s carriage. Thus, she no longer held back, lifted her skirt, dashed across the bridge, and soon caught up with the old man selling ring cakes, successfully buying one.
“Miss, this one costs ten coins,” the old man handed her the wrapped ring cake.
Shen Youran instinctively reached for her waist, only to remember she was wearing her sister’s clothes. Her usual pouch containing loose silver and copper coins had been swapped along with the garments when she changed with her sister.
“I left my pouch in the carriage. Please wait a moment, I’ll go fetch it,” she pointed to the carriage on the other side of the river and was about to retrieve the pouch when the old man stopped her.
“Miss, it’s not that I don’t trust you, but this is a small business. If you were to leave and not return…” The old man, noticing her luxurious attire, dared not offend her and spoke cautiously, “Perhaps you could leave the ring cake here, and I’ll wait for you to bring the money.”
“Alright,” Shen Youran agreed, understanding the old man’s need to protect his livelihood. She placed the oil-paper package back into the bamboo basket and hurried back to get her pouch.
When she returned, panting and out of breath, before she could even take out the coins, the old man smiled and handed her the ring cake, explaining that someone had already paid for it.
“Ah?” Shen Youran looked around but didn’t recognize anyone. “Who paid for it?”
“It was a woman in a tea-brown Bei Zi who came and paid.”
A woman in a tea-brown Bei Zi?
The nanny who had been standing with Young Master Pei under the bridge earlier—wasn’t she wearing a tea-brown Bei Zi?
If she had paid, it must have been because she saw Shen Youran running to buy the ring cake.
If she had seen it, then Young Master Pei must have too…
A chill ran down Shen Youran’s spine: Her elder sister is dignified and serene, never so improper. Had her own reckless running ruined her sister’s impression in their eyes?
What should she do now?
The old man pushed his ram’s horn cart and ambled away. Shen Youran held the oil-paper package, her earlier appetite gone, and returned to the carriage with a dejected expression.
Shen Yunshu noticed her sister’s change from excitement to cowering like a quail, avoiding her gaze. She moved closer and asked gently, “Didn’t I allow you to eat the ring cake? Why are you suddenly upset?”
“Elder Sister, I…” Shen Youran unconsciously picked at the oil-paper, murmuring, “I might have ruined your marriage prospects.”
“Why do you say that?”
Shen Youran recounted her earlier impropriety, her voice filled with guilt and worry. “It’s all because I was too greedy and couldn’t wait for them to leave before running to buy the ring cake. If Young Master Pei forms a bad impression of you because of this and rejects the marriage, what should we do?”
“Oh, it’s not that serious,” Shen Yunshu patted her sister’s loosened bun, her tone light and without blame. “If he would reject me over something like this, then it’s his loss. A blessed woman does not enter an unblessed household. If he doesn’t choose me, I’ll simply find another fine young man.”
Moreover, the sight of Shen Youran happily going to buy ring cakes just moments ago struck her as utterly endearing. If the Pei family’s eldest young master didn’t appreciate such lively charm, it would only prove him rigid and dull—losing such a gentleman would be no great loss.
As morning clouds gradually dispersed and daylight brightened, Pei Huaijin returned to the residence and went straight to his grandmother’s Chunxuan Hall to accompany the elderly lady for breakfast.
“How did the matchmaking go?” the grandmother asked with a smile. “Did the Shen family’s eldest young lady suit your fancy?”
“The young lady Grandmother selected is naturally exceptional—serene as blossoms mirroring in water, and when in motion…” Pei Huaijin’s lips curved faintly as the image of her swift, graceful figure flashed through his mind, “rather fascinating indeed.”
He had encountered countless dignified young ladies from noble families, but this was the first time he’d met someone equally captivating in both stillness and movement.
Seeing his apparent satisfaction, the grandmother rejoiced inwardly: “In that case, I shall send someone to inquire about the Shen young lady’s wishes. If both parties are willing, I’ll arrange for a matchmaker to formally propose to the Shen family…”
Pei Huaijin nodded. “I’ve troubled Grandmother greatly.”
“Regarding your mother…” The grandmother paused briefly before continuing, “She has always hoped you would marry the Meng girl. The Meng daughter is indeed commendable, though her family standing is somewhat humble and her temperament too gentle. As your wife, she might struggle to manage household affairs. Your mother has met the Shen girl before—when comparing the two, she naturally recognizes who is more suitable for you…”
Meng Wanxin, the Meng daughter, was the child of Pei Huaijin’s distant maternal aunt, making her his cousin. Two years prior, she had accompanied elders to the capital for a visit and subsequently remained in the city, residing in the quarters of Pei Huaijin’s mother, Zhu Shi, within the Pei residence.
Zhu Shi’s health was delicate, and she had only borne two children: a daughter married three years ago, and her sole son who had taken an official post in Lingzhou. Throughout these two years, Meng Wanxin had personally attended to her aunt’s medicinal needs and daily care, never delegating these tasks to servants—earning Zhu Shi’s genuine affection.
Pei Huaijin, occupied with official duties outside the capital, rarely returned home. During his occasional visits, numerous affairs demanded his attention, leaving little opportunity to interact with this cousin. He knew only her appearance and general disposition, with no deeper impressions. Only upon hearing his grandmother’s words did he realize his mother harbored hopes of matching him with his Meng cousin.
However, having already set his heart on the Shen young lady, he gave no further consideration to his cousin. After breakfast with his grandmother, he went to visit his grandfather.
Pei Huaijin’s grandfather, former Minister of Personnel and Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion, had been promoted one rank upon retirement and granted the honorary title of Grand Preceptor. Now in his sixties—an age that should bring peaceful retirement—he suffered from “Vermilion Bird Departing” syndrome, alternating between lucidity and confusion. During confused episodes, he regressed to childlike simplicity. Despite careful nurturing, his clear-minded moments were becoming increasingly scarce.
In his lucid periods, the old gentleman remained concerned about his eldest grandson’s marriage. This was precisely why Pei Huaijin had settled the matter so promptly—hoping his grandfather could witness his wedding while still possessing moments of clarity.
Meanwhile, the grandmother wasted no time. She proceeded to the Haitang Courtyard of her eldest daughter-in-law Zhu Shi, first dismissing the meek-faced Meng Wanxin who had been in attendance, before informing her daughter-in-law about Pei Huaijin’s interest in the Shen family’s eldest daughter.
Zhu Shi also recognized the merits of the Shen family’s daughter, but privately she still preferred Meng Wanxin before her eyes, and thus couldn’t help but be more critical of the Shen girl: “I’ve heard that this eldest Miss Shen arrived in the capital two years ago. Her parents have been separated for many years, and she originally stayed with her mother in Xunzhou. Why would she suddenly come to the capital to seek refuge with her long-unseen father? She was already sixteen when she came to the capital. If it were merely to secure a good marriage in the city, that would be one thing, but I fear she might have come because she couldn’t find a husband in Xunzhou…”
For a young lady in the prime of her youth, with fair features, to be unable to marry could only mean some moral failing or a tarnished reputation.
Though Zhu Shi’s speculation was unpleasant to hear, it was not unreasonable.
However, since the old lady had taken a liking to Shen Yunshu half a month prior, she had naturally already sent someone to investigate in Xunzhou. She had a ready response to Zhu Shi’s concerns: “Shen Yunshu’s mother remarried eight years ago to Lu Zhun, who was then the magistrate of Xunzhou. In recent years, Lu Zhun has been repeatedly promoted and has served as prefect for three years, soon to take up an official post in the capital. Thus, Shen Yunshu’s arrival in the capital two years early is hardly blameworthy—after all, it won’t be long before their family is reunited in the capital…”
Upon hearing that Shen Yunshu’s stepfather was also coming to the capital as an official, and that her biological father was the Minister of Revenue, Zhu Shi realized that if Shen Yunshu married Pei Huaijin, both fathers-in-law would greatly aid his career—far more than Meng Wanxin’s father, a minor provincial official. Her heart thus leaned toward Shen Yunshu.
“In that case, the eldest Miss Shen is indeed beyond reproach,” Zhu Shi said, changing her earlier stance and looking apologetic. “I’ve long been secluded in the inner courtyard and don’t see things as clearly as you do, Mother. Moreover, with my poor health, if Eldest Son’s marriage is settled, I’ll have to trouble you to handle the betrothal rituals with the Shen family…”
“I can take charge of Huaijin’s marriage arrangements,” the old lady replied. “But since this match is decided, you must also make plans for Miss Meng soon. She’s seventeen this year, and her mother left her here in the hopes that you would help her find a husband in the capital. If you’re reluctant to marry her off to another family, I think Young Qi isn’t a bad choice. Though he’s a bit fond of play, his nature isn’t bad. Besides, the third branch has only him as their sole son—Miss Meng wouldn’t lose out if she married him…”
The “Young Qi” the old lady referred to was the son of her third younger brother-in-law, Pei Yuanzhou—Pei Huaian.
The third master, Pei Yuanzhou, lost his wife in his youth, abandoned his official career for business, and took the young Huaian out to make his way in the world—a venture that lasted over a decade. Fortunately, he had a talent for commerce, and much of the Pei family’s thriving estate was built through his efforts.
Yet, though he amassed great wealth in business, his child-rearing left much to be desired.
Pei Huaian, now sixteen, neither cared for studies nor showed any ambition. His temperament was extravagant, and he kept a crowd of disreputable friends—drinking one day, admiring flowers the next, roaming the streets and alleys all day without returning home.
That such a fine child had been raised this way by his father was a source of private regret for Zhu Shi, who naturally looked down on him.
The elderly madam had mentioned today about betrothing Meng Yatou to Little Seventh. Though Zhu Shi initially felt it was an ill-matched union, upon careful consideration, she realized that although Little Seventh was rather unpromising, his father’s wealth was immense, with money flowing in daily. Moreover, Little Seventh possessed a strikingly handsome appearance, like gold and jade. The last time he came to Haitang Courtyard to pay his respects, the young maids in the room blushed one after another at the sight of him…
Zhu Shi’s mind grew active. After the elderly madam left, she called Meng Wanxin in and tactfully broached the subject with her…
After a light breeze and fine rain, the crabapple blossoms in the courtyard bloomed even more profusely, hanging heavily from the branches and filling the entire yard with their fragrance.
Shen Youran sat at the stone table beneath the crabapple tree, a zither laid across it. Across from her sat Shen Yunshu, whose intense gaze pressed down on her as she played a piece riddled with mistakes.
When the piece ended, Shen Youran withdrew her hands and lowered her gaze, avoiding her sister’s eyes.
Shen Yunshu frowned, tapping the table with her fingers as she cast a sidelong glance with her beautiful eyes. “Didn’t you manage to play this piece just two days ago? How could you make so many mistakes today?”
Shen Youran knew her performance had been poor and refrained from arguing, allowing her sister to criticize her.
“Enough. Playing the zither is meant to calm the mind, inspire wisdom, and cultivate one’s character. You’re unsettled today and not fit for practice. Danruo, put your young lady’s zither away…”
Shen Youran’s heart leaped with joy, thinking she could slack off again today, but then she heard her sister continue, “Qinghe, bring your young lady’s writing tools. She will practice writing four thousand characters this morning.”
“Four thousand?” Shen Youran looked up in shock. “Wasn’t it only one thousand characters a day before?”
“Then make it four thousand.”
“Didn’t you just say three thousand? How did it become four thousand?”
Shen Yunshu looked at her sister’s dismayed expression and said leisurely, “If you say another word, it will be five thousand.”
The innate authority of an elder sister silenced Shen Youran, who dared not bargain further and only muttered under her breath, “Fine, four thousand it is. Sister’s words are deceitful—yesterday she said she wouldn’t blame me, and today she’s punishing me with so much writing…”
Yesterday, she had stood in for her sister to meet Mr. Pei. Although things had gone slightly awry in the end, her sister hadn’t reproached her and had even exempted her from her studies as promised, allowing her to enjoy a full day of leisure.
Who would have thought that her sister would come to torment her so early this morning?
If the marriage arrangement with the Pei family fell through, would she have to write four thousand characters every day?
Four thousand characters…
Lost in thought, Shen Youran’s brush touched the paper too slowly, and the first character she wrote turned into a complete mess.
Shen Yunshu sighed, stood up, and walked behind her sister. She took hold of Shen Youran’s hand holding the brush and said, “Do your best and leave the rest to fate. I’ve already put yesterday’s matter behind me, so you shouldn’t dwell on it either. Focus on your writing…”
Whether it was playing the zither or practicing calligraphy, the intention was to temper her third sister’s disposition.
In her view, Third Sister was intelligent—she grasped music, chess, calligraphy, and painting with ease—and was refreshingly sincere, innocent, and lively. However, she had been overly indulged by their father since childhood and never disciplined to cultivate her character, which had fostered a lazy nature. She lacked patience and disliked using her mind.
Shen Yunshu wished to stay at home a while longer to guide her sister, but last month, her mother had written to say that her stepfather had received his transfer documents and would soon be taking up an official post in the capital. When she held that letter, a thin layer of sweat had broken out on her skin.
After her mother remarried in Xunzhou, she gained an elder stepbrother and several younger siblings. Since her coming-of-age ceremony, her stepbrother Lu Yi had secretly harbored improper intentions toward her. To avoid causing trouble for her mother, she dared not speak out and even attempted to change her surname to “Lu” to deter Lu Yi’s advances. However, Lu Yi obstructed this, insisting she remain known as a daughter of the Shen family. Left with no choice, she fled the Lu household and came to the capital two years ago to seek refuge with her long-unseen father.
Unexpectedly, her stepfather received a promotion, and the entire family was relocating to the capital—Lu Yi would naturally follow. Time was running out for her; she needed to secure a marriage arrangement before her stepfather’s family arrived.
If the match with the Pei family fell through, there were still options like the Loyal and Brave Marquis’ household, the Rong’an Earl’s household, or the Garrison General’s household. The capital had no shortage of eligible young bachelors, and she was determined to settle her engagement quickly.
Thus, she had little time to devote to tutoring Shen Youran and decided to start strict supervision from today, hoping her younger sister would show more progress before her own marriage.
Shen Youran allowed her sister to guide her hand in writing an elegant and lively character, then turned to look at her. At such close proximity, she could still see a few lingering red rashes on the other’s snow-white skin.
“Sister, whether it works out or not, the Pei family should send someone today to inform us. How can you remain so composed?”
“You know the Pei family will send someone today, so we just have to wait. What’s the rush…”
Shen Youran admired her sister’s unflappable demeanor and was about to sigh over when she might cultivate such self-restraint when she heard someone running into the courtyard.
It was Tinglan, the maid her elder sister had sent to the front courtyard to await news. Panting, she rushed over and exclaimed cheerfully, “Eldest Miss, Third Maiden, someone from the Pei residence has arrived.”
Upon hearing that the Pei family had sent someone, Shen Youran immediately set down her brush, eager to go to the front courtyard with her sister and learn whether the marriage arrangement would succeed.
However, Shen Yunshu wouldn’t miss this chance to temper her younger sister’s patience. A sharp glance pinned Shen Youran in place: “I’ll go alone. You focus on practicing your handwriting. By the time I return, there should be at least five hundred characters on this paper…”
She then left Tinglan to supervise and departed unhurriedly.
Ahhh, wicked sister!
Shen Youran gripped her brush, punching the air in frustration, but ultimately didn’t dare disobey her sister’s orders. She lowered her head, gritted her teeth, and resumed her handwriting practice.