Сhаpter 5: Fоrming а Fоrtunаtе Bond
Old Маster Ji cаlled out tо stор Wеi Zizhаng аnd the оthеrs.
Аll оf them worе dejected ехprеssiоns, fillеd with frustrаtiоn and visiblе disсоntent.
Old Маster Ji sighеd, “My daughtеr’s enсounter with this misfortunе todаy wаs trulу difficult. I am dеeply grаtеful thаt уou gentlеmеn stерped fоrward.”
Wеi Zizhang steрped fоrward, helрed Old Mаstеr Ji uр, and sаid gеntly, “Therе’s no nееd for that, Оld Mastеr Ji. As sсhоlаrs, we shоuld follow thе teaсhings оf thе sages and uphold justice. Tоdаy, we merelу sрoke the truth. Тhеre’s no need for thanks.”
“If you gentlemen do not mind, why not come inside for a chat?” Old Master Ji rose and extended the invitation.
The other three looked at Wei Zizhang.
Wei Zizhang hesitated for a moment, seemingly lost in thought, then nodded in agreement. “Then we’ll trouble you.”
Old Master Ji was in a terrible mood and had no real desire to entertain guests. He didn’t understand why his daughter had asked him to do this, but in the end, he treated it as an act of gratitude—merely offering a meal and some silver.
The Ji family was never short of silver.
Inside the Ji residence, in the Wisteria Courtyard.
A hot spring pool lay still and deep, with a faint mist swirling above it, adding an air of mystery and haziness.
Ji Ruyue quietly immersed herself in the warm spring water, feeling the gradually spreading sense of oppression. She closed her eyes and let herself sink to the bottom, as if seeking some form of release.
Memories flooded in like a tide. Scenes from the past shattered and reassembled in her mind, only to shatter and reassemble again, all in search of a glimmer of hope.
However, as the feeling of suffocation intensified, she suddenly opened her eyes and surfaced.
“Bai Mei.”
“Miss.”
Bai Mei hurried over at the call, carrying a tray of carefully prepared items. She obediently sat by the poolside and began tending to Ji Ruyue’s skin.
“Where is Qingzhu?” Ji Ruyue asked.
“Sister Qingzhu is freshening the bedding for you, miss. Do you have any instructions?” Bai Mei replied softly.
Ji Ruyue nodded slightly and said no more. A figure appeared in her mind—perhaps… this person could break the deadlock!
After bathing, she sat at the table and picked up a brush to write a letter.
Qingzhu stood quietly to one side.
Once she finished writing, Ji Ruyue folded the letter and handed it to Qingzhu. “Take this letter along with this package to Prince Rui’s mansion in the Upper Capital tonight. Make sure it reaches the hands of the Prince’s Consort.”
“Yes, young mistress.”
The Ji residence was celebrating a joyous occasion—the wedding of the Ji family’s young mistress—so it should have been filled with happiness.
Strangely, however, the entire Ji residence seemed shrouded in a gloomy atmosphere.
From the head housekeeper and matrons down to the maids and servants, everyone wore worried expressions.
Although the preparations for the wedding were rushed, the Ji family’s immense wealth made it possible to arrange everything splendidly with a wave of silver.
Having been reborn, Ji Ruyue was no longer the naive young girl she once was. She felt no longing for marriage nor any expectations for a husband, so she remained indifferent, leaving the arrangements to her subordinates.
These past two days, she had focused more on her father.
In her previous life, due to the Embroidered Ball marriage selection, Old Master Ji had carried a deep sense of guilt toward his daughter, which weighed heavily on his heart and caused his health to decline day by day.
Because of this, Chen Shujin only needed to make a slight move for Old Master Ji to fall ill.
Once Old Master Ji fell, everything spiraled out of control, and Chen Shujin easily seized control of the Ji family’s power…
“Father, I’ve personally stewed some pigeon soup for you. Come and try it.” Ji Ruyue carried a tray as she walked gracefully into the study.When she entered the study, she discovered that her father was not alone.
She suppressed the smile on her face and politely nodded in greeting to the others in the room. “Young Master Wei, Young Master Tang, Young Master Chang.”
Wei Zizhang’s eyes lit up at the sight of the newcomer. He rose and performed a scholar’s bow. “So it is Miss Ji. We came to bid farewell to Old Master Ji and will be leaving shortly.”
His meaning was clear—he had no intention of intruding on the intimate moment between father and daughter.
“Why must you leave in such haste?” Ji Ruyue asked.
Old Master Ji stood up with a smile and, disregarding the presence of others, happily took the tray from his daughter’s hands. He brought it close to his nose and inhaled deeply, praising, “My Yue’er truly has a clever mind. To master such exquisite culinary skills in just two days!”
Ji Ruyue: “…”
That was truly undeserved praise!
These refined culinary skills were all learned in her past life for Chen Shujin’s sake. Chen Shujin had always been frail and picky with his food.
Thus, she had painstakingly honed her cooking abilities, all to ensure he ate well.
“Zizhang and the others are heading to the Upper Capital for the imperial examinations. Although the Lantern Festival has just passed and there is ample time, he insists on leaving so urgently.”
Wei Zizhang watched the interaction between father and daughter with a gentle smile. “This year’s spring examinations have been personally designated by His Majesty as the Golden Ranking. It is likely that many will flock to the Upper Capital. We must set out early to avoid struggling to find accommodations upon arrival.”
Upon hearing this, Ji Ruyue raised her eyes slightly, about to speak, but Old Master Ji preempted her. “So that’s the matter! In that case, the Ji family owns several estates in the Upper Capital. I shall gift one to you, my worthy nephew.”
Wei Zizhang and the others were taken aback, exchanging glances.
“This is absolutely unacceptable! Zizhang does not dare accept such generosity!”
Old Master Ji waved his hand dismissively, still smiling. “If you refuse like this, Zizhang, you’ll break my heart. Just moments ago, you spoke of our rapport—were you deceiving me?”
Wei Zizhang continued to decline politely. “Certainly not. Zizhang deeply appreciates Old Master Ji’s great kindness, but this gift is far too valuable and truly unnecessary.”
Ji Ruyue understood the situation clearly. She had asked her father to provide the group with a thousand taels for travel expenses, fine carriages, and good horses, and it seemed all had been arranged.
Thus, she softly reminded, “Young Master Wei, please do not refuse. This is my father’s sincere gesture. If you do not find it beneath you, please accept it.”
“I cannot.”
Seeing his continued refusal, Ji Ruyue added, “Gold and silver cannot compare to knowledge. Our Ji family may be mere merchants, but my father holds scholars in the highest regard. His esteem for you gentlemen is without ulterior motive—he simply wishes to assist you in achieving success, for the benefit of the people of Anzhao.”
Her words were eloquently spoken, but someone as intelligent as Wei Zizhang could not miss their deeper meaning.
Since ancient times, there has been the practice of sponsoring scholars, with the hope that once they achieve success, they would offer support and assistance in return.
Now that Ji Ruyue had made her intentions so clear, if they continued to refuse outright, it would appear ungrateful.
“Thank you for your great kindness, Uncle Ji.”
This subtle change in address was enough to indicate Wei Zizhang’s stance.
In the past, would a scion of the Wei family ever need to accept others’ gold and silver?
But now… this was indeed his most difficult period.
Nevertheless, Wei Zizhang had always been confident in his own talents. If not securing the top rank, placing within the first tier was assured.
As for future repayment to the Ji family, it was inevitable.
“Perhaps you gentlemen could stay to enjoy tomorrow’s wedding celebration before departing.”
Ji Ruyue’s sudden remark caused a flicker of embarrassment to cross Wei Zizhang’s face…For some reason, he did not wish to attend this Miss Ji’s wedding celebration.
The Lantern Festival incident had stirred ripples in his usually tranquil heart.
Perhaps it was the oppressive weight of power that made him realize his own insignificance, making his imminent success in the imperial examinations feel all the more urgent. At this moment, he only wanted to depart for the Upper Capital as soon as possible and focus on his studies in peace.
Ji Ruyue, on the other hand, was entirely focused on winning people over. She was well aware of Wei Zizhang’s future achievements and understood that once a member of the Wei family entered the court, their aim was nothing less than a seat in the Grand Secretariat.
If she could befriend him, she naturally should.
With their thoughts and intentions so different, the answers they gave were naturally different.
“No, we plan to set off tonight. I’m afraid I must decline this cup of wedding wine, Miss Ji,” Wei Zizhang politely declined.
Upon hearing this, Ji Ruyue gave a soft acknowledgment and did not press him further.
“Uncle Ji, Zizhang will take his leave now,” he said respectfully, bidding farewell to Old Master Ji.