Baitang was immensely grateful to him for smoothing the situation over. Taking the box with trembling hands, her voice choked up slightly as she said, “I still have to thank you, Mei Jiu.”
“I know I cannot truly help you with much, but if there is anything you ask of me, I will surely do my utmost.”
“Forgive me. I did not mean to curry favor with you. I simply feel that you are a good person.”
“I know. Why don’t you sit down and speak?” Meng Xueran pointed to the stool nearby, signaling her not to keep standing. “There is not much I need you to do anyway. I am merely curious why you are willing to let Bu Jingyu bully you so. Even if she is a commandery princess, she has no right to mistreat people at will.”
Baitang replied, “My elder brother works at the Marquis Yi Estate, and I entered the estate alongside him. Initially, I performed heavy chores like cleaning, but because of my gentle disposition, I was assigned to serve the princess.”
“Although serving the princess is a duty all the maidservants in the estate desperately try to avoid, I ended up serving her the longest and proving to be most to her liking, so I came along to Fanghua Academy sharing in that fortune.”
“I knew that coming to the academy meant placing service to the princess above all else, but I could at least learn a few things here: writing, painting, playing the qin.”
“Even if I leave the Marquis Yi Estate in the future, I will still be able to make a living.”
“Very well, that counts as a way out.” Meng Xueran sighed at how many helpless, bitter lives existed in this world. Snatching the wooden box, he said, “Let us go release it together. Since you are afraid, you ought to speak up.”
Baitang asked, “Where shall we go?”
Meng Xueran said, “Follow me.”
Thus, the three of them walked out of Fanghua Academy and arrived at a distant, secluded patch of grass. Opening the box, they set the snake free. Meng Xueran stated, “In truth, this snake possesses no poison whatsoever. It was merely purchased for self-defense. Who told Bu Jingyu to bully people so excessively?”
Mei Shiyi remarked, “Lady Baitang has a mild and kind nature, making her unsuited to remain in a viper’s den of right and wrong like the Marquis Yi Estate. If the opportunity arises, you had best leave as soon as possible.”
“Mm. Thank you for your kind intentions.” Baitang nodded.
Meng Xueran asked, “Shiyi, how is it you know that the Marquis Yi Estate is a viper’s den of right and wrong?”
“Tch, its reputation precedes it.” A trace of imperceptible sarcasm flashed across the depths of Mei Shiyi’s eyes, though he said nothing further.
Upon their return, classes had just begun. Meng Xueran spent the rest of the day safe and sound. Before he knew it, autumn had arrived. Every time the bell rang, he was invariably the first to sprint out of the classroom, eager to return early to see his adoptive father and practice martial arts with General Mei.
Inside the small kitchen, Mei Jinshu spent the entire day following morning court researching culinary arts. Because he knew today was Meng Xueran’s birthday, he wished to accompany Meng Xueran through it while casually bringing up a small request.
Should any unexpected changes truly occur down the line, this would at least leave a way out for the future.
Anyone with even a shred of conscience would not repeat the mistakes of the past life by reducing him to a bedchamber plaything. He did this for no other reason than to survive until the very end.
A sharp blade sliced across his fingertip, oozing bright red blood. He wrapped it in gauze and continued chopping vegetables.
As an unfortunate fellow whose memories were temporarily sealed by the system, cooking was out of the question; merely boiling a bowl of longevity noodles already counted as an acquired skill, provided it at least looked edible.
Ye Ting kept watch outside the small kitchen the entire time. Catching sight of Mei Shiyi bringing someone back, he hastily warned, “He is back! He is back!”
Mei Jinshu instructed, “Go. Pin him down in the front hall and do not let him leave.”
“This subordinate will go at once.” Ye Ting hurried forward. Taking advantage of the exact moment Meng Xueran stepped across the threshold, he closed the door behind him. “The young master has returned. Come, sit down. Are you hungry?”
Meng Xueran looked at him in bewilderment. Exchanging wide-eyed stares with Mei Shiyi, he asked, “Guard Ye is exceptionally enthusiastic today? And you have much more to say than usual.”
Ye Ting replied, “Is that so? This subordinate has naturally always been a warm-hearted person.”
Something was wrong, nine parts out of ten, it was deeply suspicious. Meng Xueran glanced left and right. There was nothing unusual inside the room save for a few extra dishes on the table; everything else seemed completely normal.
Was he just overthinking things?
“Why did you close the door?” Meng Xueran asked.
Ye Ting answered, “It is getting cold, so I was afraid you would catch a chill.”
Meng Xueran asked, “Where is adoptive father? Is he not coming to dine?”
Ye Ting replied, “He is coming, he will be right here!”
“This is so strange.” Mei Shiyi stepped forward to ladle out soup, placing a bowl of yam and chicken soup in front of Meng Xueran as he said, “Perhaps My Lord is still occupied with official business. Drink some soup first to line your stomach.”
“Wait!” Ye Ting intercepted. “My Lord has not taken his seat yet. We must wait a little longer, wait a moment!”
Meng Xueran did not pick up the bowl. He had always made it a habit to wait until Mei Jinshu picked up his chopsticks first before moving his own. Since the man had not arrived, he certainly would not eat beforehand. Moreover, he genuinely enjoyed dining together with his adoptive father.
Realizing he had breached etiquette, Mei Shiyi hurriedly corrected himself, “Right, right. We ought to wait.”
Thus, everyone remained completely silent, quietly waiting in place as if bound by a mutual understanding.
The Chancellor’s Residence was peaceful year-round, neither extravagant nor ostentatious. Regarding the rumors outside portraying the Chancellor as a deeply mysterious and low-profile figure, Meng Xueran found them somewhat reasonable; after all, he had never even left the estate alongside his adoptive father, and the man could probably walk down the main street without a single person recognizing him.
His thoughts drifted wildly, and the dishes were on the verge of turning cold.
Suddenly, the door was pushed open by a servant. Mei Jinshu walked in holding a plate in one hand, atop which sat a steaming bowl of noodles. Setting the bowl down in front of Meng Xueran, he said, “Eat quickly.”
“Did adoptive father make this himself?” Meng Xueran blinked, instantly recognizing it as a longevity noodle. The bowl contained only a single strand of extraordinary length, topped with a poached egg.
Seeing him so moved that he was nearly at a loss for words, a soft warmth bloomed within Mei Jinshu’s chest as well. Reaching out with the hand that hadn’t been treated to ruffle the boy’s hair, he let out a chuckle and said, “Eat already. I have things to discuss with you once you finish.”
“Mn!” Meng Xueran scooped up the bowl and devoured it rapidly, finishing even the broth. Setting down his tableware, he looked up expectantly and said, “It is all gone. Adoptive father, speak.”
Mei Jinshu stated, “Crossing the age of ten means you are growing into a young man. Starting today, separate quarters will be arranged for you.”
Meng Xueran’s body shuddered as he tried his utmost to suppress the surging disappointment in his heart. “Can I no longer sleep alongside adoptive father? But I do not wish to be alone. I dislike empty palaces and lifeless living quarters.”
“Yet a person must always learn to face solitude.” Watching the boy’s twisted expression, Mei Jinshu recognized it as pure childishness. Still, if the child truly didn’t want to sleep alone, other options weren’t entirely out of the question. “So, you prefer having company? In that case, let Mei Shiyi accompany you.”
He couldn’t help marveling at what a two-birds-with-one-stone arrangement this was. He had kindly delivered this opportunity right to their doorstep; it remained to be seen whether this childhood sweetheart Mei Shiyi could finally achieve his long-held wish.
Meng Xueran protested, “Adoptive father, that is not what I meant! I do not need anyone else.”
Sensing the implication behind those words, Mei Shiyi dropped to one knee and requested guidance, “This subordinate’s status is humble. How could I presume to overstep and share quarters with the Young Master? That violates the rules.”
“Rules are made by people,” Mei Jinshu insisted. “Starting today, the Young Master of the Chancellor’s Residence is moving to the Plum Quarters, and you shall accompany him. Only by eating and dwelling together can we ensure the Young Master’s safety, is that not so?”
His tone brooked no argument; it was an absolute command. “Ah Jiu, what are your thoughts?”
Meng Xueran said, “Mei Jiu obeys adoptive father’s arrangements.”
Even though dissatisfaction lingered in his heart, he had no choice but to comply. The meal passed in quiet serenity because he knew this was the sole person willing to celebrate his birthday with him, making him cherish it all the more.
Mei Jinshu placed a chicken drumstick into the boy’s rice bowl. Regardless of anything else, he had at least managed to touch the boy’s heart; this kid couldn’t hide his feelings at all. The sight of him refusing to go to the Plum Quarters yet desperately forcing himself to compromise was truly long-suffering enough.
“Eat more. You study at the academy by day and practice martial arts with General Mei upon your return; a scrawny pair of arms and legs will not do.”
“Thank you, adoptive father.”
“How have things been at the academy lately? Have you suffered any bullying?”
“No, everything is well.”
“That is good. It seems you can handle things.” Mei Jinshu picked up his soup bowl and took a sip. The flavor was pleasant, so he ladled another portion into a separate bowl nearby. “Save this for General Mei.”
Meng Xueran asked, “Is General Mei returning today?”
Mei Jinshu replied, “She should be arriving shortly.”
The sound of horse hooves echoed from outside the Chancellor’s Residence. Mei Xianxue strode through the gates, travel-worn and weary, clad in light armor and a white cloak, her long hair tied up, looking utterly valiant and spirited.
“Elder Sister.” Mei Jinshu led the group forward to welcome her.
Mei Shiyi bustled about setting an extra place setting while Ye Ting hurriedly pulled out a chair. “General, please take a seat.”
“I can manage myself. Do not be so stiff; we are all family here.” Glancing at the two figures standing rigidly like pillars to the side, Mei Xianxue instructed, “The two of you, sit down as well.”
Ye Ting declined, “This subordinate wouldn’t dare.”
Mei Shiyi echoed, “This subordinate is accustomed to standing guard at the side.”
Mei Xianxue stated, “This is an order.”
“Sit down. Consider it keeping me company for my birthday.” Watching the two of them obediently take their seats, Meng Xueran felt the atmosphere grew even more like a real family. To make them less restrained, he even placed a piece of braised pork into each of their bowls.
Mei Jinshu rarely drank alcohol. Believing that drinking caused people to lose their sanity while he preferred to remain sober, he had cultivated the habit of a total abstainer, drawing criticism from quite a few people on that account.
Yet his mood tonight was inexplicably fine, and a little drink did no harm.
“Elder Sister, come. Accompany me to test my tolerance.” Filling his cup to the brim, he clinked glasses with Mei Xianxue and drained it in one go. “Refreshing.”
“Wait, I almost forgot the main event.” Mei Xianxue motioned for her attendant to bring over a brocade box, handing it to Meng Xueran. “This is your birthday gift. Consider it a joint present from the two of us siblings.”
“There is a gift as well?” Overwhelmed by the unexpected favor, Meng Xueran took the heavy brocade box and opened it. Inside lay an exquisite, razor-sharp short sword. Lifting the weapon, he slid it from its scabbard; the blade gleamed with a biting cold light, reflecting his delighted eyes.
He sheathed the blade, stroked the purple bead embedded in the hilt, and exclaimed excitedly, “It is so beautiful!”
Mei Jinshu asked, “Do you like it?”
Meng Xueran replied, “I love it!”
“Silly child.” Mei Xianxue produced a braided plum-blossom black-jade sword tassel, tied it securely to the hilt, and explained, “The dark iron was originally purchased by Xiaoshu. I took it to the military camp to be forged, and it was just finished in time for your birthday. Thankfully, we made it.”
Mei Jinshu cautioned, “Elder Sister, you mustn’t drink any more. We still have to enter the palace tomorrow.”
Enter the palace. Meng Xueran snapped to his senses with a jolt. Ah, yes. His birthday also happened to be the birthday of the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace.