Chapter 13: A Request

Xu Jun Ying entered, draped in an embroidered snow-white cloak with cherry blossoms and a golden-threaded phoenix tail motif. The cloak softened his military bearing, adding a refined and scholarly air. Meinang’s once-dark eyes brightened when she saw him, and she greeted him with a radiant smile, rising to meet him. The maids, startled, huddled together before bowing and greeting Xu Junying. He removed his cloak and shook off the snow, which Meinang took from him, instructing Cui Xi:

“Bring the Marquis a cup of hot tea!”

Xu Jun Ying declined. “No need. I’ll keep the cloak Grandmother gifted it to me. Better to leave it here.” It was clear that he was his grandmother’s favorite, she had not offered Meinang anything similar. Passing the cloak to another maid, Cui Si, Meinang refrained from taking out his fur cloak, and instead, said:

“I was just wondering when you’d return, given the heavy snow and difficult roads. I was about to send Cui Xi with a lantern to guide you home!”

Xu Jun Ying gave her a brief look. “There was no need, I know this residence well enough myself.”

“Please, have a seat, Marquis. I’d like to talk.”

Meinang realized that with Xu Jun Ying’s current attitude, their relationship as husband and wife would never improve. He had concubines and a special confidante, Zheng Mei Yu, and could afford to ignore her. But she could not ignore him, he was Heng Ge’er’s father, her and her son’s sole protector. Without his support, life would not be so easy.

“Is something the matter? How are your mother and brother? Have they retired?”

Xu Jun Ying, at least, still inquired about her family’s well-being. Smiling, Meinang handed him a cup of tea, saying, “Mother and Brother are well. Thank you for your concern.”

Xu Jun Ying didn’t take the cup. “Leave it; I already had tea with Grandmother.”

With no other option, Meinang set the cup down and sat across from him.

“I have to leave early tomorrow. If there’s nothing pressing…”

“I would like to discuss something,” Meinang said, raising her eyes.

After listening to her, Xu Jun Ying, like Meinang, became momentarily lost in thought, staring at the round sheep-leather lamp on the table.

Meinang waited patiently after making her request. She wanted her brother to return to Yue Zhou to accompany his wife, without the need to rush. They could spend a peaceful New Year there, returning to the capital after the roads cleared. As for her mother, Lady Qin, she wished to bring her to the Marquis’ residence to celebrate together, sparing her brother and sister in law from a taxing journey. She hoped Xu Jun Ying would agree.

After a moment, Xu Jun Ying said, “That may not work.”

Meinang gazed at him, her eyes fixed. Xu Jun Ying turned slightly away and continued, “Your mother and brother may not want that. If your brother wishes to make a quick trip and reunite with your mother in the capital, I could assign men to accompany him, using the military’s horses and carriages. He could be back within two weeks.”

Meinang lowered her eyes. That was a feasible plan, but the problem was her sister in law’s pregnancy, which couldn’t withstand the bumps of the journey.

Xu Jun Ying went on, “The main road between the capital and Yue Zhou is relatively smooth, though it may be slippery due to the snow. The military carriages are sturdy, driven by trained soldiers, and can be lined with extra blankets. We’ve previously used this method to transport the pregnant wives of officers over longer distances.”

Meinang sighed, “I’ll ask Mother and Brother tomorrow. If my brother insists, I’d appreciate your help.”

Xu Jun Ying nodded. “I’ll leave my prized horse behind. If your brother wishes to go to Yue Zhou, let him send the horse to find me, and I’ll arrange a protective escort of ten or twenty men.”

“Thank you, Marquis!”

“Of course,” Xu Jun Ying said, rising to leave. Helping with this request was a simple matter and saved him the hassle of interacting with the Qin family. He avoided any meeting with Lady Qin, let alone staying with her.

Watching Xu Jun Ying leave with a cold, indifferent demeanor, Meinang thought, “Does he truly not care about his wife?”

The next morning, after consulting with Lady Qin and Qin Bo Qing, Xu Jun Ying’s prediction proved correct they declined Meinang’s invitation to stay at the Marquis’ residence for the New Year. Lady Qin said:

“My child, I know you’re filial, but the Marquis’ family is of high standing. For us to stay there could bring you unwanted attention. Your brother and sister in law can celebrate in Yue Zhou, I’ll be fine spending New Year here in the capital.”

Meinang hadn’t expected her mother to refuse. “If I’d known, I wouldn’t have married into such a high-ranking family!”

Lady Qin quickly covered Meinang’s mouth, “Don’t say such things! This is your blessing. Many women would give anything to be in your position. And now, with your son, Heng Ge’er, you’ll have endless glory and wealth ahead of you. Enjoy it, without worrying about us.”

Moved, Meinang leaned against her mother. Qin Bo Qing, her brother, smiled and said, “If you’re doing well, Sister, then Mother and I can rest easy.”

The two had hurried to the capital from Yue Zhou for a funeral, planning to escort Lady Qin back to her home. But after learning that Meinang was alive and well, they joyfully came to the Marquis’ residence. They hadn’t brought any gifts with them. Lady Qin was determined to pay her respects to Xu’s Grandmother and meet Madam Zheng, keeping up proper decorum.

Qin Bo Qing began preparing gifts, wondering what would be suitable. The Qin family had always been devoted to scholarly pursuits. Since their finances were now limited, every penny had to be managed wisely.

Meinang covertly took out a piece of aged ginseng, packaged it neatly, and bought some supplies under the guise of needing medicine. She prepared three gift boxes for Lady Qin to visit Xu’s Grandmother, Madam Zheng, and potentially Madam Gui, just in case. She also saved 800 taels of silver, giving 600 to Lady Qin to support her sister in law and brother. Lady Qin initially resisted but eventually accepted, knowing her daughter would be well taken care of at the Marquis’ residence.

Later, Meinang accompanied Lady Qin to visit Madam Zheng, who, feigning illness, did little more than exchange a few polite words before allowing them to leave. As they walked outside, they encountered the legendary Zheng Mei Yu, who greeted Meinang respectfully:

“Greetings, Cousin! Congratulations on your recovery. I’ve wanted to visit, but with Aunt’s illness, I’ve been kept busy caring for her.”

Meinang glanced at her and replied indifferently, “Thank you for your concern. Please take care of yourself, don’t overextend.”

Avoiding further interaction, she guided her mother to Grandmother’s residence.

Afterward, the men of the family, including Xu Jun Ying’s younger brothers and several learned guests, hosted Qin Bo Qing for tea. They enjoyed a lively conversation, delighted to extend warm hospitality. Afterward, a military escort was prepared to ensure his safe journey.

A servant arrived to inform Meinang that Xu Jun Ying had arranged for Lady Qin’s return to her home, sparing Meinang’s own attendants from unnecessary work. Meinang prepared ginseng portions for her family, her own health, and to repay a favor to Ning Rulan. With care, they embarked on their respective paths.