Chapter 53: Bringing the Message

As it reached lunchtime, Ning Rulan returned to join Third Master for their meal, while Meinang, thinking of Heng Ge’er, wanted to check in on him at Qui Hua Courtyard. The two women stood, had the maids tidy the hall, and then bid each other farewell.

At the entrance of Qui Hua Courtyard, Meinang saw Xu Jun Xuan coming out. Upon seeing her, he bowed and said, “Sister in law, you’ve come? I just greeted Mother, and Heng Ge’er is playing happily on the couch.”

Meinang returned the courtesy, “Aren’t you staying a bit longer, Sixth Master? Returning to your studies so soon?”

Xu Jun Xuan chuckled, “Father once advised, ‘Never give up easily.’ Having come this far, I must give it my all. If I can earn my rank through talent, even if it’s just in the top three, it would bring honor to our ancestors.”

Meinang looked around and said, “Sixth Master, you are quite straightforward.”

Xu Jun Xuan laughed even more openly, “This I’ll only say to you, Sister in law. You understand a scholar’s heart. As for the note I promised for Brother in law, it’s no longer necessary. Those gatherings are mostly frivolous banter. There’s another gathering soon, though, with a young Imperial Academician lecturer. If Brother in law returns in time, we could go together and listen.”

Meinang quickly thanked him, “Thank you for your support. My brother from my family should be back soon.”

They exchanged a few more words before Xu Jun Xuan took his leave. Meinang watched his slender but upright figure as he walked away, admiring his character. Despite having a fallback, he was committed to achieving success on his own merit, confident and unyielding.

When she entered the main room, Lady Zheng was playing with Heng Ge’er, who giggled so much that drool trickled down onto her outer robe. Lady Zheng, unbothered, used her handkerchief to wipe it off and said, “Heng Ge’er, are you teething again? Show Grandma, let me see if there’s a new tooth!”

Heng Ge’er saw Meinang and gleefully ran to her, almost knocking Lady Zheng over. Lady Zheng turned to Meinang and said with a smile, “This silly boy no wonder he’s so happy!”

Meinang bowed respectfully to Lady Zheng, waiting quietly until Lady Zheng said, “Want to be in your mother’s arms? Alright, Grandma will take a break.”

She then took Heng Ge’er, who happily cuddled with her, playfully biting her cheek.

“You bit me, Heng Ge’er! That hurt!” Meinang said gently, smiling.

Lady Zheng laughed, “He’s been biting everyone lately. He even bit Summer Lotus so hard she almost cried. This little tiger has quite the strength!”

Soon after, lunch was served. Meinang helped Lady Zheng wash her hands and set the table, feeding Heng Ge’er some soup. Lady Zheng encouraged her to sit and eat as well, and she gladly did so. Heng’er, messy but delighted, grabbed a drumstick and offered it to her. The servants couldn’t help but laugh as Meinang enjoyed the precious time, unfazed by her soiled clothes.

After eating and bathing, Heng Ge’er grew drowsy and quickly fell asleep in Meinang’s arms. Lady Zheng asked the nursemaid to carry him to her bed, intending to nap alongside him.

As Meinang left the courtyard, she saw Xu Jun Ying, wearing formal court attire, approaching. She greeted him and informed him that Lady Zheng had retired for her nap.

Xu Jun Ying stopped and looked at his servant, Bao Yu. “Since the lady is resting, leave the gift with the maid,” he instructed, and Bao Yu quickly complied.

Curious, Meinang wondered aloud, “What special gift is this?”

Xu Jun Ying explained, “It’s silk, a gift from an old friend, with just enough for Mother, Madam, and Second Madam.”

Meinang nodded, sensing his indirect explanation, and soon excused herself.

As she walked away, Meinang felt the cold air, sneezing twice. “Is it too chilly, Madam? Let’s put on your cape,” suggested Cui Xi, her maid.

Just then, Xu Jun Ying called her back. After instructing her maids to step aside, he asked her directly, “Have you made any plans with the Marchioness of Chang Le?”

Meinang, puzzled, replied, “Marchioness of Chang Le? I don’t know her.”

Xu Jun Ying continued, “Apparently, she was at the gathering with a group who set a fire in the plum forest.”

Meinang smiled, “It wasn’t so serious, only a few branches were burned, and they’ll grow back in spring.”

Unmoved, Xu Jun Ying added, “She invited you to view her flowers tomorrow. I declined on your behalf, saying you were unwell and couldn’t attend.”

A bit frustrated, Meinang explained, “It’s just a slight chill, I’ll be fine tomorrow. I’d like to go out and meet people.”

Xu Jun Ying, with a cold expression, replied, “You caught a chill indoors. How would you fare outside? It’s better for you to rest at home. Besides, these ladies are of distinguished background, unlike you. There’s no need for you to socialize and face unwarranted embarrassment.”

Meinang stared at him, stunned. “Are you saying I am unworthy to associate with these noblewomen? Am I not also the wife of the Marquess of Wei yuan, a title decreed by the Emperor himself? Or are you suddenly ashamed of my background?”

Xu Jun Ying looked away, “What mattered in the past no longer matters now. Should they inquire, remember that you declined due to your health.”

With that, he turned and left. Meinang watched him go, feeling a mix of anger and disbelief.

Back at her quarters, she took a hot ginger bath and slept off her frustration. Waking up refreshed, she laughed to herself, “This is a new beginning, I won’t let myself get upset over Xu Jun Ying’s whims. I’ll focus on building my life in my own way.”

After all, his actions spoke clearly, he wished to keep her from mingling with others, fearing she might become too influential or gain support that would complicate any future plans to replace her.