Shen Weizhen ended up using the ointment A-Chun had brought.
Though it was reported to the outside world as an accidental sting, that was not actually the case.
Most of the scholars currently studying at the academy were in their teens or twenties, young men full of vigor and prone to hotheadedness.
Even while studying under the same roof, they were divided into two factions. One was headed by Shen Weizhen, composed mostly of scions from wealthy, prestigious families whose ancestors included prominent ministers and famed generals. The other faction consisted of children of the newly risen elite, who usually took their cue from Zhang Jian, the fourth son of the Left Servant of the Department of State Affairs.
Occasionally, a child or two from a scholar-farmer family would be caught in the middle, treading carefully to survive.
This time, a dispute had arisen. A hotheaded youth from the newly risen faction lost a debate and, for reasons unknown, caught a black scorpion and hid it in his book bag, intending to bide his time for revenge. Unbeknownst to him, the black scorpion escaped during class.
Having never seen such venomous insects before, the scholars scattered in all directions. Only Shen Weizhen remained unperturbed; he caught the black scorpion, killed it, and strictly instructed everyone not to utter a word about the incident to the master, claiming instead that the scorpion had strayed into the classroom from the mountain woods and that he had been stung by accident.
Though Shen Weizhen had not yet entered officialdom, the turmoil following his father’s passing had already taught him the ways of the world. He had long wished to resolve the conflict between the two academy factions, knowing full well that these classmates would prove useful in the future—there was no need to ruin relationships over a moment of passion. Furthermore, avenging his father would require even more allies.
Everything was within his calculations.
Except for A-Chun bringing the medicine.
Shen Weizhen had not expected her to come.
There was nothing wrong with his own eyesight, but he remembered Shen Shiru’s condition—as soon as night fell and the light grew dim, his father could not see clearly, often stumbling along even an ordinary path. At night, when his father went to the study to inspect his schoolwork, the hem of his robe was frequently stained with dew and mud.
On a night with such heavy rain, she was so petite and unable to see clearly, yet she had stumbled all the way here clutching the food box and the ointment.
Though he knew her true origins, he could not help but feel a surge of pity.
In the years since his father’s death, Shen Weizhen had experienced many things, and his mindset was vastly different from before. Regarding A-Chun, this younger sister, he had once wanted nothing more than to rid himself of her, but his thoughts had later shifted.
How they had shifted, he could not say for sure.
When he sent servants to bring A-Chun into the residence, Shen Weizhen had intended to raise her like his other sisters for a year or two before betrothing her to a suitable family.
The Marquisate did not lack wealth and could easily afford a generous dowry. Marital alliances were more solid than any other bond—once joined, they shared in glory and loss alike. As the eldest brother, Shen Weizhen had already arranged the future marriages for his younger brothers and sisters.
He shouldn’t have passed by the lotus pond that day.
Shen Weizhen closed his eyes, calming his emotions, and thought coolly.
How out of his mind he was.
His illness this time wasn’t severe; his cold had long cured, and a scorpion sting wasn’t enough to do much harm. Staying away from the academy all these days was merely for show. Shen Weizhen understood Zhang Jian’s temperament well—reckless, hot-blooded, and straightforward. When Shen Weizhen told the academy master that a scorpion from the mountain woods had accidentally strayed into the classroom, Zhang Jian’s face unreservedly betrayed a look of admiration.
Shen Weizhen needed to seize this opportunity to turn swords into plowshares.
Laying down his brush, his daily calligraphy practice was complete.
Just as he was about to bathe and retire for the night, he looked up and caught sight of the food box A-Chun had brought. Remembering her eye condition, Shen Weizhen stepped out of his study and instructed Ye Qing: “There are two boxes of Eye-Brightening Pills in the courtyard. Go retrieve them and deliver them personally to Young Lady.”
As Ye Qing acknowledged the order and turned to leave, Shen Weizhen called him back: “What time is it now?”
“Just past the hour of Hai (11 p.m.).”
It was already past the hour of Hai; A-Chun had likely fallen asleep long ago. Besides, there was no sense in an elder brother sending gifts to a younger sister in the middle of the night.
“Deliver them tomorrow then,” Shen Weizhen said. “Go rest early as well.”
The next day, A-Chun awoke early.
Her mother Shen Yun’e’s cough had worsened.
Nanwu Province experienced year-round drizzle and humid air, whereas the capital was excessively dry.
The lungs thrive on moisture and detest dryness. Although there were doctors in the residence to treat her and money was no concern, money could not bring rain to the courtyard.
Thus, A-Chun frequently brewed lung-nourishing soups and teas, hoping to nourish her mother through food.
In this residence, apart from the Matriarch, Lady Li, and Shen Weizhen who had their own private kitchens, anyone else wishing for extra food or drink had to go to the main communal kitchen.
Having heard last night that Shen Yun’e’s cough had aggravated, A-Chun calculated the time and got up early today to simmer soup in the kitchen.
The culinary habits of the capital differed greatly from those of Nanwu Province, and no one knew how to make those regional soups, so A-Chun, having learned a little, often prepared them herself.
When Helu went to deliver the Eye-Brightening Pills on orders, she found Qiushuang tidying up alone and asked in surprise, “Where is Young Lady?”
Having grown up together, the two were well-acquainted, so Qiushuang spoke without reservation: “Young Lady took a little maidservant with her to the kitchen to simmer some soup.”
Having worked in Shen Weizhen’s courtyard for ten years, Helu’s mind ran deeper than Qiushuang’s. Hearing this, she held onto the box and told Qiushuang to accompany her to the kitchen to see Young Lady.
At first, Qiushuang didn’t understand why Helu did this, but as they drew near the main kitchen, she gradually came to realize why.
Two older maidservants were in the courtyard, chatting while picking vegetables.
“A distant cousin coming to seek shelter—how does she actually consider herself a high-born young lady? Just because the Matriarch pitied her and showed a little favor, she shouldn’t put on such grand airs.”
The other added, “Indeed! Making a pot of soup requires so many ingredients—morel mushrooms, sea coconuts… She really is from the countryside; give her an inch and she’ll take a mile. Stewing nourishing soup is one thing, but to torment us old bones by making us wake up at the crack of dawn to find ingredients for her!”
Anger flared in Qiushuang. Rolling up her sleeves to charge forward, she was stopped by Helu.
“You are Young Lady’s maidservant. If you act improperly now, it is Young Lady’s reputation that suffers,” Helu whispered. “Let me handle it.”
Qiushuang gritted her teeth: “These gossiping old hags—see if I don’t rip their tongues out!!!”
Helu replied, “Go ahead then. Can you actually rip their tongues out right now? What use is hurling a few insults? Just follow me and keep quiet.”
Though furious, Qiushuang knew Helu’s words held truth.
When a cousin suddenly arrived to seek shelter, even if favored somewhat by the Matriarch, the servants underneath would still remain defiant. Until a blade fell upon them, such people would never learn to mind their words and actions.
Helu’s status, however, was different. Since Shen Weizhen was not yet married, the entire Shen household was managed by Lady Li. Shen Weizhen had a brilliant future ahead and was immensely capable; no one dared slight the maidservants or errand boys from his courtyard.
Without coughing or making a sound, Helu naturally walked over holding the box. Catching sight of her, the two old maidservants gasped in shock and scrambled to their feet, one even knocking over a copper washbasin holding vegetables. When they spotted Qiushuang beside her, their faces turned even paler.
“Miss,” the older one said nervously, “does Eldest Master have instructions?”
“Eldest Master has not yet fully recovered from his cold, and Young Lady, out of concern, specifically came to simmer nourishing soup,” Helu said. “Eldest Master dotes on Young Lady, so he specifically sent me to assist her and deliver a few items to her as well.”
The two old maidservants turned pale as chalk.
—Wasn’t it rumored that Shen Yun’e had an improper past with the late master, and that Eldest Master disliked mother and daughter?
Helu did not scold the two old women. She found A-Chun, who was tending the stewing soup, respectfully handed the box containing the Eye-Brightening Pills to Qiushuang, and said courteously: “Eldest Master feels distressed that Young Lady works so hard waking up so early, and has sent me to take over for you. Please rest to the side, Young Lady, and instruct me if there is anything to be done.”
A-Chun was left dazed, catching only the phrase “Brother feels distressed,” and smiled: “Thank you for Brother’s thoughtfulness.”
When the soup was done, Helu ladled out a bowl, saying she would bring a portion to Eldest Master. Only after leaving the kitchen did she apologize, explaining that seeing how fragrant the soup smelled, she took the liberty of bringing a portion to Eldest Master, hoping Young Lady would not mind.
Naturally, A-Chun did not mind in the least.
Shen Yun’e had a small appetite and could only drink half a bowl nowadays. With so much soup simmered, let alone giving a portion to Shen Weizhen, giving away most of it was no problem.
She simply didn’t know how to repay her brother’s kindness.
Just as now, A-Chun was well aware of the gossip behind her back, but living under someone else’s roof was an indisputable reality, so she couldn’t blame others for talking. Thus, she hoped all the more to marry early so she could bring her mother over to care for her.
Now that Helu was backing her up, it was undoubtedly on Shen Weizhen’s intent. Otherwise, as in the past, he would have simply dispatched any maidservant to deliver things rather than sending a chief maidservant of Helu’s stature.
“Thank you, Sister Helu,” A-Chun said. “Please tell Brother that if he likes drinking it, I will make it for him every day from now on.”
Helu couldn’t help but chuckle: “Young Lady, how could you enter the kitchen every single day? Even if you are willing to make it, I fear Eldest Master wouldn’t have the heart to let you.”
A-Chun felt shy: “Brother treats me so well, yet there is so little I can do for him… Receiving gifts from Brother every day without any way to repay him makes me feel truly guilty.”
Helu thought to herself, How could there be no opportunity to repay him? Earlier, while serving tea, she had heard Shen Weizhen talking with others about selecting suitors for his sisters. This young lady was remarkably lovely and possessed a gentle disposition; if she could find a fine match, it would naturally be the greatest repayment to Shen Weizhen.
Such words, of course, could never be spoken to an unmarried young lady. Helu personally escorted A-Chun back to Cangchun Courtyard, and by the time she returned to Renshou Hall to report, it was already late.
She reported everything she had seen and heard today to Shen Weizhen, down to the last detail without omission, including A-Chun’s earnest words of gratitude.
Upon hearing this, Shen Weizhen instructed: “Do not disturb the Matriarch. Go tell Mother that two servants in the kitchen were gossiping about their masters, and ask her to make the decision.”
Helu agreed.
Recalling the calluses and knife scars on A-Chun’s hands, Shen Weizhen added: “Chunyu has good culinary skills. Go tell Young Lady that if she wishes to simmer soup or cook in the future, there is no need to go to the main kitchen—she can simply use the small kitchen in my courtyard. She won’t need to do the manual work either; she can just state the recipe and let Chunyu prepare it. As for purchasing ingredients, charge everything to my account.”
Helu accepted her orders and took her leave.
Only after she left did Shen Weizhen notice the soup brought by Helu, said to be brewed personally by A-Chun in the flavor of Nanwu Province.
He knitted his brows.
Due to his parents’ discord, Shen Weizhen instinctively repelled and detested Nanwu Province.
Anything or any food related to Nanwu Province, he would never touch.
He would not make an exception this time either.
He simply did not understand why A-Chun always wore such a deeply grateful expression. He had merely offered her a tiny bit of help—scarcely even counting as “help,” just fulfilling his obligation as an elder brother, a mere effortless gesture—yet she was eager to offer him everything she had.
Encountering such unreserved gratitude for the first time, so direct that it seemed as though she were laying her warm heart bare before him, completely unlike his other brothers and sisters, left Shen Weizhen feeling somewhat at a loss.
For a moment, he genuinely did not know how to treat her.
The bowl of soup sat until it turned stone-cold, then was poured out. Shen Weizhen did not touch a single sip.
At noon, an errand boy came running all the way to report that Zhang Jian, the fourth son of the Left Servant of the Department of State Affairs, had come to visit.
Arriving without sending a visiting card in advance was a sudden action on his part, yet well within Shen Weizhen’s expectations.
Mindful that there were many young sisters in the inner quarters, Shen Weizhen stood up: “Please invite Young Master Zhang to move to the front hall—”
Before he could finish his sentence, Ye Qing came in to report: “Eldest Master, Young Master Zhang has arrived.”
Shen Weizhen’s expression remained unchanged as he watched Zhang Jian stride into the courtyard.
Though displeased by his lack of etiquette, Shen Weizhen still maintained a polite smile, addressing him by his courtesy name: “Shaofan, welcome.”
Zhang Jian, possessing a straightforward disposition, cupped his hands in greeting: “Brother Yuanjing, are you feeling better?”
As they moved under the veranda of the bamboo grove to exchange pleasantries, before they had spoken more than a few sentences, Zhang Jian suddenly froze. He stood stock-still, staring blankly with his mouth slightly agape, as if he had laid eyes on something extraordinary.
Shen Weizhen turned around.
The shadows of the bamboo grove flickered lightly in the cool, late-summer breeze. Amid the lush greenery, A-Chun approached carrying a small food box. She wore an apricot-colored wide-sleeved shirt, layered with a pomegranate-red short-sleeved vest, and a red-and-green striped eight-paneled skirt tied around her waist in apricot fabric with no ornaments, draped with a pomegranate-red gold-sprinkled silk sash—looking like a heavenly maiden.
Shen Weizhen felt the sun today was too bright and harsh, dazzling him so that he couldn’t see clearly.
Their eyes met across the distance, and A-Chun cried out in pleasant surprise: “Brother!”
Shen Weizhen thought to himself that hiring a single tutor might not be enough; he would need to hire an additional lady to instruct her in proper etiquette.
The bamboo leaves fractured the sunlight into fine, scattered spots of light, illuminating the soft, fine hair on her forehead. A-Chun took a few quick steps forward, bubbling with joy: “Brother, the Matriarch just sent me some pastries. They taste wonderful, so I wanted Brother to try them too! I originally planned to send them to your courtyard, but I didn’t expect you to be here—”
Shen Weizhen hadn’t expected her to come either.
At the end of this bamboo grove lay the courtyard where he resided. His younger sisters feared him and rarely dared to come here to play. It was precisely for this reason that Shen Weizhen had chosen to speak with Zhang Jian here.
He had overlooked the fact that there was still one younger sister in the house who was not afraid of him.
A-Chun’s behavior was improper.
With an outside gentleman present, she shouldn’t have approached, let alone come so close.
How could she act as if she hadn’t seen Zhang Jian at all?
Shen Weizhen promptly called out to her: “Jinghui, this is my classmate, Zhang Jian.”
A-Chun was nimble-handed. While he was speaking, she had already set down the food box and opened the lid. Hearing those words, she uttered a soft exclamation, followed her brother’s gaze, and gasped in shock—
“Ah! How is there another person here!”
A-Chun immediately took a few steps back, shifting behind Shen Weizhen, and offered a proper, polite greeting: “Young Master Zhang.”
Disliking Zhang Jian’s gaze, Shen Weizhen spoke up: “Shaofan, this is my younger sister, Jinghui.”
Zhang Jian stood up abruptly, his knees banging against the stone table with a loud clatter. Startled, A-Chun took a step back, moving closer to Shen Weizhen and looking at Zhang Jian in surprise.
Zhang Jian felt no pain whatsoever. Under her gaze, his entire body felt warm and fuzzy, like a duck being roasted over a gentle fire, losing its downy feathers layer by layer.
In this warmth, Zhang Jian stared blankly at A-Chun, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, “Sister.”
A-Chun curtsied slightly.
“Yuanjing,” Zhang Jian couldn’t help asking, “which sister of yours is this?”
“Cousin,” Shen Weizhen replied flatly. “Jinghui, you go back first. I will come to see you later.”
A-Chun realized in hindsight that wealthy households in the capital had strict rules, and unrelated men and women should not meet in such a manner.
Observing Shen Weizhen’s expression, she felt her brother was in a bad mood and feared he might lecture her on etiquette later.
Wanting to save face, A-Chun did not want to be scolded by her brother back in Cangchun Courtyard: “May I go wait in Brother’s courtyard?”
Shen Weizhen nodded: “Alright.”
Dejectedly holding her small food box, A-Chun slunk off to Renshou Hall to wait.
It wasn’t that she was stingy and unwilling to share with this Young Master Zhang; rather, the Matriarch had only bestowed six pieces in total. Being fond of sweets, she had eaten two, given two to her mother, and now only two were left.
She wanted to save them all for her brother.
Helu was instructing the maidservants to take Shen Weizhen’s clothes to wash when she saw her. Startled at first, upon hearing that Shen Weizhen had asked her to wait, she immediately led her to a small side room.
This was where Shen Weizhen and his younger brothers often drank tea. Outside the window lay a small pond with shimmering blue water; with the bamboo blinds rolled up, gentle breezes carried the scent of flowers and the chirping of birds, making it exceedingly refined.
A-Chun drank two cups of tea before Shen Weizhen finally returned.
His expression was dark. Seeing her, he paused, his face chilling in an instant.
“When an outsider is present, you should not have walked straight over,” Shen Weizhen said. “If there is a next time, wait in my courtyard first and have Helu or the others come call for me.”
A-Chun said softly, “I didn’t see him.”
Shen Weizhen didn’t hear clearly: “What?”
“I didn’t see him,” A-Chun explained. “I don’t know why, but earlier I only saw Brother and didn’t see Young Master Zhang at all. Only when Brother spoke and pointed it out did I notice him…”
She felt somewhat wronged, yet felt it was wrong to feel that way—even if she hadn’t seen him, it was still her fault.
Yet all she wanted was for her brother to taste the delicious pastries.
A-Chun took deep breaths to swallow down her sadness, hanging her head.
“The pastries sent by the Matriarch were delicious—there were six pieces in total. Mother ate two, and I originally thought I would eat one and give the remaining three to Brother. But they were so delicious that I couldn’t resist and ate another one…”
The more she spoke, the more annoyed she became with herself.
Why say all this? Would her brother think she was greedy and stingy?
It was all her fault. Shen Weizhen had sent her a mica lantern and a cloak yesterday, and Eye-Brightening Pills today; she had thought her relationship with her brother was drawing closer, but it turned out to be mere wishful thinking on her part.
How embarrassing.
Yet once the words were out, they were like water washing ashore—impossible to stop: “…Now there are only two pieces left. If Brother doesn’t like to eat them, I’ll leave.”
With that, A-Chun reached out, covered the opened food box, picked it up, and stood up: “I’ve bothered Brother today, I—”
Before she could finish, Shen Weizhen reached out to stop her.
With mixed feelings, he temporarily didn’t know what to say to her.
He had merely offered a single gentle reprimand, yet she had replied with a dozen sentences—looking at her aggrieved appearance, it seemed as if he were the one who had done wrong.
“I didn’t say I wouldn’t eat them,” Shen Weizhen’s voice softened. “Why act so fast?”
A-Chun kept her head down: “I have a condition (jí) in my eyes; perhaps this is what the master meant by ‘eye condition and quick hands’ (yǎn jí shǒu kuài – a pun on ‘quick eyes and fast hands’).”
Shen Weizhen corrected: “The ‘jí’ in ‘yǎn jí shǒu kuài’ does not mean ‘disease’ or ‘condition’.”
He reached out and took the food box from A-Chun’s hand.
A-Chun asked: “Then what does it mean?”
As she raised her face, Shen Weizhen caught sight of her eyes. Indeed, having held back tears moments ago, her eye rims were red and her eyes shone bright, like green roof tiles washed by heavy rain.
He let out a silent sigh, utterly helpless.
“It means I want Jinghui to stay and drink tea,” Shen Weizhen said. “Sit down. I’ll talk to you slowly—I won’t scold you, so don’t cry.”