The day of the outing dawned clear and bright.
Zhou Hongyuan's classmate and close friend, Zhao Xingzhi, was traveling the same route with his wife.
Zhao Xingzhi was an extremely sociable man. He lavished praise on Jiang Mei and then suggested she ride in the carriage with his wife to chat and pass the time.
Unable to refuse, Jiang Mei had no choice but to board the carriage.
Zhao Xingzhi's wife was named Wu Fangyan. She was the daughter of a city tavern owner and was five months pregnant, her belly slightly rounded. She was plump and radiant, gentle and amiable.
The Wu family was quite wealthy. Even during her pregnancy, Wu Fangyan's dress was made of the latest fashionable fabric, and she wore numerous hairpins and ornaments. In comparison, Jiang Mei appeared rather plain.
Most of her current clothes were loose and old-fashioned. Only for her wedding to Zhou Hongyuan had she acquired a set of bright crimson robes and a peach blossom hairpin.
Today, Jiang Mei wore that very set of crimson wedding robes.
She had married Zhou Hongyuan in spring, so the robes were somewhat thin. Jiang Mei added an indigo short jacket over them, pinned the hairpin in her hair, and set out.
As soon as Jiang Mei entered the carriage, Wu Fangyan initiated conversation, asking how she met Zhou Hongyuan and when they married.
Jiang Mei answered each question. Upon learning Jiang Mei ran her own tofu shop, Wu Fangyan immediately showed envy. "You're so capable, actually running your own shop! I wanted to learn business, but my father scolded me harshly."
Merchants held a lowly status. Wu Fangyan's father had toiled most of his life to finally secure a scholar as a husband for his daughter. How could he be willing to let her show her face in public again and invite criticism?
"Your father meant well. If you truly went into business, wouldn't you have to run about outside even now, while pregnant?" Jiang Mei consoled her.
Wu Fangyan touched her belly and smiled. "That's true too. I also don't want my child to have to hustle about in the future and be looked down upon. You and Master Zhou should hurry up too. Then our children could study and keep each other company."
A bitter taste rose in Jiang Mei's mouth.
She had drunk too much Contraceptive Decoction, damaging her body. She feared she might never have children in this lifetime. Moreover, after parting with Zhou Hongyuan, she had no plans to marry again.
"Let nature take its course," Jiang Mei said, her smile somewhat strained.
Wu Fangyan noticed and tactfully changed the subject.
Before long, the carriage stopped in front of a bamboo cottage. Jiang Mei prepared to alight first to help Wu Fangyan. Lifting the curtain, a tall, imposing figure abruptly filled her vision.
Pei Jingchuan!
Jiang Mei's pupils trembled, and she swiftly withdrew her hand.
However, the curtain had barely fallen when it was lifted again by Wu Fangyan's maid, Yuzhu. "Madam, look! Who is this gentleman? How can he be so handsome and ethereal?" she exclaimed in surprise.
Pei Jingchuan wore dark robes of brocade woven with gold and silver threads in auspicious cloud patterns, overlaid with a sable cloak. Perhaps because his cold hadn't fully recovered, his complexion was somewhat pale. He appeared aloof and cold, like a winter pine, unattainable.
Yuzhu's voice was a bit loud. Pei Jingchuan turned his head to look.
Jiang Mei had already hidden behind the curtain and Yuzhu, hoping desperately not to be seen.
Yuzhu was startled by Pei Jingchuan's gaze and couldn't help muttering softly, "This gentleman is so handsome, but why are his eyes so fierce?"
Jiang Mei had no mind to answer, her thoughts in complete disarray.
She hadn't expected Pei Jingchuan to be here too.
She had agreed to attend this gathering at the last moment. Pei Jingchuan surely hadn't come for her. But if they met later, he might very well tease or seek revenge on her.
Today's gathering consisted entirely of Zhou Hongyuan's closest friends. If she were accidentally discovered, not only would she face utter ruin, but Zhou Hongyuan would also become a laughingstock.
She could not bear such consequences.
Jiang Mei wanted to flee, but Zhao Xingzhi approached and said, "That is Pei Jingchuan, the foremost gentleman of Hanjing. Ladies, please alight from the carriage and accompany me and Brother Zhou to pay our respects."
Zhao Xingzhi's tone was barely able to contain his excitement. He had never dreamed he would see Pei Jingchuan here.
This was a prodigious talent even the emperor praised highly. Forget befriending him—just receiving a few words of guidance from him would be an immense fortune!
Wu Fangyan had never heard of Pei Jingchuan's scholarly reputation, but seeing her husband so thrilled, she immediately stepped down from the carriage with Yuzhu. Jiang Mei had no choice but to steel herself and follow.
As soon as she steadied herself, Zhou Hongyuan took her hand and whispered reassuringly, "Don't be nervous. It's just a greeting. It'll be fine."
Jiang Mei tried to pull her hand away, but Zhou Hongyuan only tightened his grip. The next moment, he led her before Pei Jingchuan.
"Zhao Xingzhi and Zhou Hongyuan of the Minglu Academy pay our respects to Young Master Pei."
Zhou Hongyuan and Zhao Xingzhi bowed together. Jiang Mei followed Wu Fangyan's example and nodded in greeting.
"No need for formalities."
Pei Jingchuan responded coldly, as if he did not know Jiang Mei at all. Only when his gaze fell upon her hand clasped with Zhou Hongyuan's did it linger for a moment longer.
That glance was icy and penetrating, almost tangible.
Jiang Mei's palms were already damp with cold sweat. Only after Pei Jingchuan turned and entered the bamboo cottage did she dare to breathe deeply.
"Why so much sweat? Were you frightened?"
Zhou Hongyuan asked gently, taking out a handkerchief to wipe her hands. Seeing his attentiveness, a flicker of envy passed through Wu Fangyan's eyes as she softly remarked, "Young Master Pei's presence is indeed formidable. It's quite intimidating."
"Fool!" Zhao Xingzhi's expression darkened. "The Pei family is a distinguished clan in Hanjing. In Young Master Pei's eyes, people like us are less than ants. To even meet him once is a blessing from three lifetimes. Do you expect him to greet you with a smile?"
A trace of barely concealed disdain colored Zhao Xingzhi's tone, causing Wu Fangyan's face to flush crimson.
In this dynasty, merchants held low status. Though the Wu family far surpassed the Zhao family in wealth, Zhao Xingzhi still felt Wu Fangyan had married above her station.
Wu Fangyan was pregnant, and with outsiders present today, Zhao Xingzhi's attitude toward her was already like this. Who knew how arrogantly he might act once they returned home.
Jiang Mei's impression of Zhao Xingzhi plummeted instantly. She spoke up, "It was my lack of courage that frightened me. Madam kindly helped me out. If Young Master Zhao must blame someone, blame me."
Out of respect for Zhou Hongyuan's face, Zhao Xingzhi did not press the matter further, only lowering his voice to say, "This is a rare opportunity. Even if you ladies cannot be of assistance, during the gathering, you must watch your words and actions carefully. Do not offend the esteemed guests and ruin Brother Zhou's and my prospects."
Wu Fangyan collected herself and forced a smile. "I understand. Husband, rest assured."
This bamboo cottage was the residence of Su Huaixiu, the head of the Minglu Academy. Upon entering, Zhou Hongyuan and Zhao Xingzhi first took Jiang Mei and Wu Fangyan to pay respects to their mentor.
Pei Jingchuan had arrived before them and was now enjoying tea with Su Huaixiu.
Zhou Hongyuan and Zhao Xingzhi bowed together, then Zhou Hongyuan turned to Jiang Mei. "Meiniang, come here."
Pei Jingchuan sat opposite Su Huaixiu, holding a teacup in one hand, seemingly absorbed in savoring the tea, indifferent to the events unfolding in the room.
Jiang Mei steeled herself and stepped forward. Zhou Hongyuan wrapped an arm around her waist, moved as he said, "The master has shown me immense kindness. Without him, I would not be who I am today. Let us kneel and kowtow to him."
It was only right to kowtow to one's mentor, but with Pei Jingchuan sitting right beside him, how could Jiang Mei dare to do so?