Song Tangning, bewildered, looked up in shock. "What?"
"I mean, your elder brother might not be unaware of his faults," Xiao Yan's words left Tangning stunned. Seeing the confusion in her eyes, he spoke softly, "Song Jinxiu is not a child, and unlike Xie Yin, who is young and easily fooled, Song Jinxiu prides himself on being a gentleman who is strict with himself. How could he not know his behavior is flawed? He just refuses to admit it."
Song Tangning opened her mouth, wanting to ask why.
Xiao Yan continued, "Because he cannot admit his mistakes. Once he does, he would have to acknowledge his disregard for family bonds. Admitting it would mean acknowledging that he has failed in self-cultivation. Gentlemen are supposed to be strict with themselves, and nowadays, aristocratic families place even more importance on self-cultivation. He has always prided himself on being a gentleman, but admitting fault would mean acknowledging a loss in virtue."
"Song Jinxiu entered public service at a young age and has always been among the best of the aristocratic families in the capital. He will not allow himself to be tainted with the reputation of moral failing, so the fault can only lie with you."
"But, Song Tangning, this has nothing to do with you." His voice was cold as gravel, low and emotionless, yet Tangning could detect the comfort in his words. Although he was clearly annoyed by having to explain, he seemed to be ensuring she understood it was not her fault.
Tangning's nose was stuffy, and tears began to well up in her eyes. She hugged the fur-lined cloak, its scent of snow bamboo calming her restless heart, forcing herself to hold back her tears.
"Brother, do you like the house you gave me?"
"Yes, it’s beautiful." Xiao Yan’s gaze softened as he leaned against the screen. "The previous owner was a hedonist, most adept at enjoyment. The house is filled with the finest scenery. I remember the front yard was planted with many flowers and herbs, and the back yard had a pond for a hot spring. If I didn’t mind moving, I would have moved in already."
Tangning sniffled, "So, I guess it’s a bargain for me."
Xiao Yan chuckled indulgently, "It’s no bargain. I received the money. If you like it, just settle in comfortably."
Tangning tilted her head, "Then, Brother, can you lend me a few guards? If members of the Song family come, I’ll need to deal with them."
"Alright."
"Thank you, Brother." Tangning smiled, her eyes still red but now shining brightly.
The Concubine of the King watched from the side as Xiao Yan patiently comforted Tangning. Despite his indifferent demeanor and lack of concern in his words, each of his sentences eased Tangning's worries, silently soothing her distress and bringing a smile to her face.
She suddenly felt a great deal of admiration for Xiao Yan, the infamous Supervisor. Despite his reputation, his heart seemed much cleaner than Song Jinxi’s. Although his methods were somewhat brusque and his words sharp, he was genuinely caring towards Tangning.
Tangning was fortunate to have such a brother.
Xiao Yan's residence was in Yucun Alley in the southern part of the city, quite far from the King’s residence in the west. When the carriage finally arrived at the Xiao residence, someone from next door was already waiting eagerly.
As soon as the carriage stopped and Tangning was helped out, the person rushed forward crying.
"Miss!"
"Huawu?" Tangning was stunned. When her personal maid embraced her, she looked toward Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan gestured to her long cloak, which had fallen to the ground, "You’re seriously injured and need someone to care for you closely. This maid was beaten up earlier for having a conflict with a concubine, and she secretly ran away at night. She seemed loyal, so I had her brought here."
Huawu, only fourteen years old, had a round face and walked with a limp. She approached Tangning with tearful eyes and said, "I heard they said you fell off a cliff and almost didn’t make it. I was so scared, Miss. How could you be so badly hurt? Does it hurt…?"
Seeing Huawu’s tears almost drowning her, Tangning was reminded of the past, when Huawu, skinny and pale, had brought her a small bag of osmanthus cakes to comfort her.
"Miss, try this osmanthus cake. It’s really delicious. I’m so full my stomach is round." She had deliberately burped and carefully fed Tangning, her dark, hollow eyes fixed on the cake as she licked her dry, cracked lips.
"It’s fragrant, right? I tried it, it’s very sweet…" The little maid's face was pale as she smiled. "I saved up some money. When you’re better, I’ll find a way to rescue you."
"I’ve already found a way. The people in the front yard are vigilant, but there’s a dog hole in the back yard. When the master and others are out, I’ll quietly carry you through it. After we escape, I’ll earn a lot of money to buy you all kinds of cakes." Huawu spoke with hopeful excitement, trying to comfort Tangning despite her injuries.
But then, she had seen the bloodied Huawu beaten to death in the courtyard for stealing Song Shulan’s bracelet. Tangning had planned to settle things and bring Huawu out from the Song family but had not expected Xiao Yan to have rescued her first.
"Huawu…" Tangning thought of her previous life, her heart aching deeply. She wanted to reach out and touch Huawu’s face, but seeing her own wounds made Huawu cry even harder.
"How did your hands end up like this? How will you write in the future? Wuwah!" The little maid cried loudly, almost unable to catch her breath.
Tangning, despite her sadness, quickly reassured her, "Don’t cry. I’m fine. I just look a bit worse for wear. I’ll be better in a few days."
"Really? Really?"
"Yes, really. If you don’t believe me, ask Auntie." Huawu looked eagerly at the Concubine of the King, who was also amused by her tear-streaked face.
"Miss is telling the truth. Her injuries are not serious. As long as she takes care of her wounds and rests properly, she will recover. But if you keep crying like this, she might not be able to stand. And doesn’t your backside hurt? You’ve just been beaten and are so lively."
"Let’s go inside first," Xiao Yan said. "I’ve had the place tidied up a bit. Once you’re inside, you can stay in the main courtyard for now. Uncle He is an old servant in my house; you can ask him for anything you don’t know, or send someone to find me next door."
Uncle He, standing nearby, stepped forward and bowed.
Tangning looked at Xiao Yan and asked, "Brother, aren’t you coming in?"
"I won’t. It’s late tonight. You and Princess Cheng should settle in first. I’ll come by tomorrow." Xiao Yan was not a man of many words. It was already rare for him to comfort Tangning. After giving a few instructions to Uncle He to take care of Tangning, he nodded to the Concubine of the King and turned to head next door.
After he left, Uncle He, who had seemed kind-hearted, smiled and said, "It’s cold outside. Miss and Princess Cheng should go in. I’ll have someone bring in the things from the carriage."
Tangning nodded, "Thank you, Uncle He."
=====
You can read ahead to chapterr 50 here
Comments
Post a Comment