Front Courtyard Study.
Grand Tutor Shen first shared a cup of tea with Yan Peifeng before instructing the page boy to bring out a chest of books.
Lifting his perpetually drooping eyelids, Grand Tutor Shen gazed at the book chest with a distant, nostalgic look. “These are my early notes. The younger generations in our family are mediocre, so it would be better to put them in your hands, where they can be put to full use.”
Yan Peifeng cupped his hands in gratitude. “Thank you, Grandfather. Since I have married Yunying, I am also a descendant of the Shen family.” This was a tactful way of telling Grand Tutor Shen that Yan Peifeng understood his intentions.
Grand Tutor Shen smiled, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes deepening with age, layer upon layer, making him resemble an ordinary elderly man more than when he was stern and unsmiling.
He walked over and sat down at the chessboard, taking the black pieces first. “Care to keep an old man company for a game?”
Yan Peifeng nodded. “I would be honored.”
This game of chess was both a test and a lesson.
Half an hour later, after the fourth urging from someone from Cihui Courtyard, the game finally reached its end. Surprisingly, it ended in a draw, which neither had expected.
“You have not wasted these five years. Good.” Grand Tutor Shen’s eyes sparkled. At his age, seeing raw talent brought him joy, and he longed to polish it. Knowing this was his own grandson-in-law naturally made him even happier.
Previously, he had only heard of Yan Peifeng’s reputation as an uncut gem but had never interacted with him. It was only today that he truly felt it.
Young and talented—it would be a shame if he were broken upon entering the officialdom.
Grand Tutor Shen’s guidance for Yan Peifeng became more detailed, and his dedication exceeded what he had initially anticipated.
After Yan Peifeng was taken to Cihui Courtyard by Shen Chujun and Shen Chuyan, the steward watched Yan Peifeng’s retreating figure, filled with confusion. When Grand Tutor Shen asked, he inquired, “Why is the Grand Tutor so dedicated to guiding Yan Peifeng, even more so than to the elder masters and young masters of our own family?”
“Chess reflects a person. Observing Yan Peifeng’s playing style, he has been lying low for a long time, like an eagle ready to soar. He is not comparable to Fengze or Chujun.” Grand Tutor Shen lamented that the sons and grandsons in his family were mediocre in talent and lacked any spark.
The steward lowered his head. Shen Chujun and the others were already scholars or provincial graduates at a young age. The Grand Tutor’s standard of measurement was himself—how many geniuses like the Grand Tutor existed in the world?
Suddenly thinking of Yan Peifeng, who had just left, the steward couldn’t help but sigh at Third Miss’s good fortune, having stumbled upon such a person by sheer luck.
In Taishi Mansion, even the treatment of Jingyuan Studio had improved. Just the day before, the Emperor had bestowed a string of lychees, a fresh and precious fruit transported from Lingnan. In the past, Jingyuan Studio would never have received such a share.
When the Grand Tutor ordered it to be sent, Old Madam Shen had someone deliver two lychees there.
Lunch was served in the Rear Courtyard.
As it was a family banquet, there was no need to separate men and women or use screens to divide them.
Grand Tutor Shen was busy with court affairs, and finding time to meet Yan Peifeng was already a special gesture of regard. He did not join the others for lunch. However, with Old Madam Shen seated at the head of the table, the meal proceeded lively and harmoniously.
This was the first time Shen Yunying and Jiang Wensheng had dined with the entire Shen family. During the meal, aside from focusing on eating, Shen Yunying paid close attention to whether Jiang Wensheng felt uncomfortable.
After the meal, Yan Peifeng was invited by Shen Chujun to the front courtyard study to seek advice on scholarly matters. Shen Yunying went to Jingyuan Studio for her afternoon rest. Jiang Wensheng, unusually energetic today and not feeling sleepy, called for Yinping and Yinzheng to inquire in detail about Shen Yunying’s specific circumstances in the Yan family.
Meanwhile, in the Yonggui Courtyard of the second branch.
Second Madam Wang was dejected and resentful. “The third branch really had their day today. Even your grandfather made time to see him and kept him in the study for so long. Even your eldest brother has never been so highly regarded by the Taishi.”
The more she spoke, the more she felt the Taishi was biased. In her anger, Second Madam smashed the teacup on the table. “My son is his own grandson, yet he can’t compare to a grandson-in-law? I really don’t know what your grandfather is thinking!”
Shen Yunman could only try to soothe her first. “Mother, Grandfather values scholarship. As long as Eldest Brother works hard and makes progress, Grandfather will surely notice.”
However, her own marriage prospects seemed to have hit a snag.
Shen Yunman recalled Shen Yunying she saw today—radiant and dazzling, glowing all over, clearly living very well. And Yan Peifeng, such a noble and upright gentleman. To be his wife, Shen Yunying was truly blessed for three lifetimes.
Witnessing the third branch’s glory, Second Madam immediately thought of the marriage alliance with the Yong’an Marquis Mansion. She pulled Shen Yunman and asked, “When will the Yong’an Marquis Mansion come to propose?”
“Did you see the look in your eldest aunt’s eyes when she looked at us? Hmph, when the day comes for the Yong’an Marquis Mansion to propose, I must go to Jiahe Courtyard to see her expression.” Second Madam felt pleased just thinking about it and snorted coldly. “That shameless wench Shen Yunzhi, who willingly degraded herself, should grow old and die in Tong’an, never to return to the capital. Let’s see if Madam Wen can still laugh then!”
Shen Yunman’s features were somewhat childish, a trait inherited from her mother, Madam Wang, but Shen Yunman didn’t like it. When standing next to Zhang Xingyu, she looked too young.
Now, she frowned. “I hinted around, and Shizi Zhang said his mother wants to decide later. Our Taishi Mansion is busy with Shen Yunying’s wedding first and can’t spare the time.”
Second Madam’s anger flared even more, and she stood up abruptly. “That third branch! Those mother and daughter must not block your path!”
Shen Yunman sighed. Her mother was always so impulsive.
“Mother, I don’t think Madam Yong’an’s reason is as simple as what she said on the surface.” Shen Yunman instinctively thought of the Flower Appreciation Banquet at the palace. Could it be that the Yong’an Marquis Mansion minded that?
Second Madam said unreasonably, “If it weren’t for the third branch, there wouldn’t be this excuse!”
Shen Yunman held her forehead. Her mother’s temper had its good and bad sides. Shen Yunman was already used to it.
Shen Yunman suggested to Second Madam, “Mother, why don’t you go to Cihui Courtyard to see Grandmother and finalize this marriage as soon as possible? If we don’t settle the engagement early, I’m worried something might change. We can’t let Madam Yong’an keep delaying. What if Eldest Aunt comes up with another scheme and this marriage falls through?”
Shen Yunman had been in contact with Zhang Xingyu for nearly three months. During this time, she had considered backing out but couldn’t find anyone better.
The single day for the bride’s return home was too short. Shen Yunying wished she could stay in Jingyuan Studio forever, but under Jiang Wensheng’s urging gaze, she slowly left Jingyuan Studio.
Just like when they came, Shen Yunying and Yan Peifeng shared the same carriage.
This carriage from the Yan family was one Yan Peifeng was accustomed to. It was spacious inside, equipped with a tea table and hidden compartments. Yan Peifeng had been discussing poetry and painting with Shen Chujun, Shen Chuyan, and others in the front courtyard, and his interest hadn’t waned. He remembered leaving a commentary from the previous dynasty in the carriage last time. The author was very free-spirited, and his critiques, whether mocking or scolding, were all precise.
He had only finished half of it last time, so now was a good opportunity to continue reading.
Shen Yunying took a piece of dried plum from her sachet and put it in her mouth. It was sweet and sour. Before closing her eyes to rest, she noticed Yan Peifeng was actually reading a book in the carriage?
Shen Yunying couldn’t help but widen her eyes in surprise. Was Yan Peifeng really this diligent?
She thought of the box of books in the carriage behind them—those were from Grand Tutor Shen for Yan Peifeng to read.
Shen Yunying quietly shifted a little further away. She didn’t want all that complicated knowledge seeping into her mind. She only needed to learn what she wanted to learn.
Since Yan Peifeng was reading, Shen Yunying remained quiet throughout the journey back, not disturbing him with any conversation.
As they neared the Princess Mansion, Yan Peifeng finally set down his book and said in a gentle, refined tone, “Madam, I would like to go to the study to organize the books Grandfather gave me. Please feel free to dine without me this evening.”
Shen Yunying nodded instinctively. “Alright, husband, go ahead.”
By the time the moon had climbed the treetops and gradually begun its descent westward, reaching the hour of Hai, there was still no sign of Yan Peifeng returning to their room.
Ignoring the objections of Yinping and Yinzheng, Shen Yunying changed into soft sleeping robes and tucked herself into bed.
“Yan Peifeng just received Grandfather’s old books and treasures them dearly. Right now, that pile of books is his wife. Don’t worry, Yan Peifeng won’t come tonight,” Shen Yunying said with her eyes closed. Her mind gradually grew muddled, losing the ability to think clearly, and she could only follow her train of thought. “Tonight is the tenth day of the month.”
According to the schedule Yan Peifeng had set for visiting the Rear Courtyard, it wasn’t yet the fifteenth.
Yinping frowned. “Today is still only the third day of the wedding.”
No matter what, shouldn’t the newlyweds spend the first three nights together in the bridal chamber? Yinping had heard of this custom.
Seeing that Shen Yunying was both sleepy and exhausted, wanting to go straight to bed without the slightest intention of waiting for Yan Peifeng, Yinping thought it over. Just in case, she decided to keep watch outside for the night.
That night, Shen Yunying slept soundly and sweetly.
She didn’t know that in the study at the front courtyard, there was another person keeping an eye on Yan Peifeng’s movements, willing to stay up all night just to see if he would go to the Rear Courtyard to accompany his new wife.
Yang Mingyue guarded the candlelight and the entrance to the front courtyard study, her eyes growing brighter and brighter.
The pitch-black night sky couldn’t conceal Yang Mingyue’s delighted mood.
It was only the third day of the wedding, and the young master already wasn’t going to his new wife’s room!
Hmph, Grandmother said the young master liked his new wife so much and that she was so wonderful, but look at the result? She still couldn’t win the young master’s heart. Yang Mingyue curled her lips into a smile. Having served by the young master’s side for so many years, she believed she understood him well. Once she became his concubine, she would surely be able to serve him properly!
With these thoughts, Yang Mingyue, having just finished her night watch, felt not the slightest bit tired. Instead, she was brimming with energy as she went to find Nanny Yang. As soon as they met, she couldn’t wait to say, “Grandmother! Last night, the young master stayed in the study the entire night!”
“The new wife isn’t as wonderful as you said. The young master doesn’t like her at all.”
The more Yang Mingyue pondered, the more convinced she became that her guess was correct, and an eager expression couldn’t help but appear on her face.
Nanny Yang took a big bite of her meat bun and said coldly, “It’s ‘Master’! Don’t keep calling him ‘young master’ all day. Where are your manners?”
Yang Mingyue stubbornly refused to change her wording. “The young master hasn’t scolded us for it.”
The maids in the front courtyard study still mixed up “master” and “young master” when addressing him. Because these were all servants chosen for Yan Peifeng by Princess Jiarong and the Consort, Yan Peifeng showed them a bit more leniency than others.
Yang Mingyue’s confidence was now higher than ever, and she could no longer listen to Nanny Yang’s scolding. She returned to her room and dug out her eyebrow pencil and lip rouge, looking them over and feeling like something was still missing.
“Grandmother, I’m going out to buy rouge, and I’ll also get a handkerchief for my grandmother. I won’t be back until evening.” Yang Mingyue didn’t give Nanny Yang a chance to object, speaking as she ran out the door.
Nanny Yang was in a hurry to get to work in the front courtyard. Seeing her granddaughter vanish in a flash, she let out a heavy sigh. She now deeply regretted forming a marriage alliance with Nanny Hua’s family—even her own granddaughter had been led astray!
Yang Mingyue excitedly ran to the largest rouge shop in the east of the city, Taoyao Pavilion. The rouge here was the best in the capital. Yang Mingyue had heard that Shen Yunying’s rouge was bought from this very place, and even the cheapest box cost one tael of silver.
Standing in front of Taoyao Pavilion, Yang Mingyue touched her purse, which contained two taels. Clenching her lips tightly, she walked in with a determined look. She would buy it—to better serve the young master!
When she came out, Yang Mingyue’s expression was somewhat resentful. She had saved her monthly allowance for so long just to afford the cheapest box of rouge. Meanwhile, the new wife, Shen Yunying, used the finest rouge from Taoyao Pavilion, which cost thirty taels per box.
She couldn’t help but recall her grandmother’s words: the difference between clouds and mud.
Feeling dejected, Yang Mingyue wandered the streets, slowly making her way to the alley entrance to buy snacks for Nanny Hua. Just as she was about to turn the corner, she suddenly saw Shen Yunying standing by a window with an unfamiliar, handsome man, chatting and laughing.
It was particularly grating to the eye.
In the private room of the Yuelai Restaurant across the way were Shen Yunying, Jiang Gaoheng, and his younger cousin, Jiang Wan.
On the fourth day of her marriage, Shen Yunying finally got her wish to sleep in. It was nearly noon by the time she slowly woke up and had breakfast. She had originally planned to stroll around the Rear Courtyard of the Princess Mansion to familiarize herself with the surroundings and think about how to pass the time in the future.
Suddenly, Yinzheng brought an invitation card.
It was from Jiang Wan, the younger cousin of the Jiang family.
It turned out the Jiang family was returning to Jiangnan, and Jiang Wan had invited Shen Yunying to a farewell banquet, with Jiang Wan as the host and Jiang Gaoheng accompanying them.
Thinking of her abruptly ended engagement with Jiang Gaoheng, Shen Yunying initially wanted to decline. But then she suddenly remembered she still had a travelogue handwritten by Jiang Gaoheng and his friend.
Why not take this opportunity to return it to Jiang Gaoheng?
So, Shen Yunying agreed to go out. She brought Yinping and Yinzheng with her to the private room at Yuelai Restaurant.
Jiang Wan was as adorable as ever, rushing up excitedly as soon as they met and calling out, “Cousin Yunying! You finally came!”
“I was afraid you wouldn’t come.”
Jiang Wan spoke whatever was on her mind, pouting as she complained to Shen Yunying, “Mother and brother both forbid me from coming to play with you! I couldn’t even attend your wedding!”
Hearing this, Shen Yunying felt a bit awkward. She had initially thought it was because of her engagement to the Jiang family that the elderly lady and others didn’t want to invite the Jiang family to the Taishi Mansion.
Shen Yunying had even complained about this to Jiang Wensheng, only to be told by him that it was because the Qintianjian (Imperial Astronomical Bureau) took the wedding very seriously, calculating every detail and avoiding anyone with conflicting zodiac signs.
Even Shen Yunying’s uncle, a concubine-born son of the Shen family, had gone to Lingcheng Temple outside the city to study in seclusion.
This really was the fortune-teller’s fault.
Shen Yunying could only pat the young girl’s head and say, “Going shopping today is just as good.”
After Shen Yunying and Jiang Wan planned out their itinerary for the day, the young girl enjoyed a candied hawthorn stick to fill her stomach before heading out to shop.
Shen Yunying then walked over to Jiang Gaoheng. “Second Cousin.”
Jiang Gaoheng looked somewhat embarrassed, directly cupping his hands and bowing. “Cousin, it was my fault for letting you down.”