Chapter 54: Grace

Bai Zhan hurried back from outside the residence, entered the East Garden through the east gate, but didn’t see Lord Hou. When he asked Rui Bao and Rui Zhu, they told him that Lord Hou had taken his horse to visit the First Madam and then went to discuss matters with the Second Master. It seemed he would be dining with the Old Madam and wouldn’t return to the East Garden until after dark.

What should he do? This matter involved the Eldest Mistress, should he go inform her? But as Lord Hou’s personal attendant, it would be inappropriate to report to the Eldest Mistress without informing Lord Hou first.

Bai Zhan peered toward the main house through the moon gate, where he was spotted by Cui Si, who teased, “Why are you sneaking around like a thief? If you have something to say, come out and say it like a man.”

Feeling indignant, Bai Zhan thought, “I am strong and broad-shouldered, hardly unmanly!” But he had no choice but to step forward and say, “Could you please inform the Eldest Mistress that the soldiers escorting her elder brother back from Yue Zhou have arrived?”

Cui Si was surprised and then delighted. “This was the news Eldest Mistress had been eagerly awaiting.” “Wait here. I’ll go report to the Eldest Mistress right away,” she said, and hurriedly went inside.

When Cui Si delivered the message, Meinang was overjoyed and summoned Bai Zhan in to hear more details. However, what he reported left her feeling worried, making her want to visit her family immediately.

Qin Bo Qing, her elder brother, was frail. He had fallen ill on the way back to the capital, and his pregnant wife, also weak, had to look after him. By the time they arrived in the capital, the couple could barely move. The soldiers escorted them back to the Qin residence before coming to report to Bai Zhan, who, unable to find Lord Hou, informed the Eldest Mistress.

Meinang turned to Mama Wang, “Prepare some things. I’ll ask the First Madam’s permission to return to my family home.”

Mama Wang looked at the time and advised, “Mistress, it might be best to wait until morning to discuss it with Lord Hou. You can’t just decide to leave on your own.”

Meinang remembered what Xu Jun Ying had told her: ““Always consult me, listen to what I say.””

She frowned, thinking, “What is there to discuss? My family is bedridden, surely, he wouldn’t forbid me from visiting them?” But living under someone else’s roof, she had to swallow her pride and wait.

As night fell, Mama Wang called for dinner, which fortunately was a hot pot meal prepared with care by Mama Cai: a rich lamb broth, freshly made beef meatballs, thinly sliced carp, crisp green vegetables, and a dish of spicy, seasoned salt for dipping. Meinang ate some meat and vegetables, then had Mama Wang and the other maids join her. After dinner, she tried to pass the time reading and even took up embroidery from Cui Si’s kit, but by the time it was the Hour of the Pig (9-11 p.m.), Xu Jun Ying still hadn’t returned. Unable to wait any longer, Meinang had Cui Si find Bai Zhan and send him to Qui Hua Courtyard to welcome Lord Hou back with a lantern.

Meanwhile, Xu Jun Ying was still at Qui Hua Courtyard, enjoying tea with his grandmother. Tonight, it was just the two of them since the other brothers hadn’t come due to the cold. Without Meinang present, Zhuang Yulan was able to chat with him freely. She gracefully performed her tea ceremony, creating beautiful tea patterns each time. Smiling sweetly, she asked, “Cousin Ying, is the tea to your liking?”

Xu Jun Ying smiled, “The tea is a fine tribute, naturally delicious.”

Zhuang Yu Lan pouted, “But, Cousin Ying, if that’s all you say, then any tea steeped casually would taste good.”

Realizing her meaning, Xu Jun Ying responded, “Your tea artistry is indeed delightful to watch, which makes it taste all the better.”

Pleased, Zhuang Yu Lan beamed, “Thank you for the compliment, Cousin Ying. This cup is particularly nice, like a blooming peach blossom. Please enjoy it.”

Just as he was about to take the cup she offered with both hands, a servant announced from the hallway, “Bai Zhan has come to escort Lord Hou back to the East Garden.”

Xu Jun Ying retracted his hand, wondering, “Why did Bai Zhan come if I’m here with my horse? What’s going on?”

He stood up to bid farewell to his grandmother, who kindly said, “Go on. Come back tomorrow if you’re free to join me for dinner again.”

“Yes, Grandson will return if he has time,” he promised and, turning to Zhuang Yu Lan, said gently, “No need to see me out. It’s too cold outside.”

His grandmother interjected, “She can see you to the hallway, a little cold won’t harm her.”

Zhuang Yu Lan took the cloak that Rui Xue handed over and carefully fastened it around Xu Jun Ying. She had to stand close to reach up, her breath quickening as her fingers fumbled with the ribbon, causing her face to flush. Xu Jun Ying took the ribbon from her, tied a simple knot, and said, “This will do.”

As he stepped out, Zhuang Yulan followed him to the hallway. Feeling the chill wind, she sneezed, and Xu Jun Ying instructed Rui Xue, “Take the young lady back inside.”

She called out longingly, “Cousin Ying, come home from the office early tomorrow, and I’ll keep you company for a game of chess.”

Xu Jun Ying nodded, “Alright, if I have time, I’ll come. You go inside and rest with Grandmother.”

Watching him walk off with his horse and Bai Zhan, Zhuang Yulan’s initial joy turned to disquiet. “How much longer must I wait until I can be like Qin Meinang, walking with him side by side in the Qui Hua Courtyard, sharing our lives together?”

On the way back, Bai Zhan informed Xu Jun Ying of Qin Bo Qing’s situation. Xu Jun Ying thought to himself, The soldiers that Bao Ju selected are highly capable in long journeys, braving dangers, even fighting if necessary. But they aren’t trained in personal service. Qin Bo Qing is a frail scholar with no attendants. Left with soldiers who only know speed and efficiency, he must’ve had a rough journey back. It’s a wonder he arrived unharmed.

“Bao Ju, tomorrow, have each soldier who escorted Master Qin given twenty strokes of the cane. This is a leniency. Were it not for the New Year, it would have been fifty. You take ten as well,” Xu Jun Ying ordered sternly.

Bao Ju accepted the punishment without complaint, thinking about how these soldiers were accustomed to the roughness of battle, not the delicacy needed to attend to a sick scholar. He inwardly scolded them for not realizing the importance of their duty, especially when they were instructed to protect and care for the Lord’s brother in law.

As he walked in the biting wind, Bao Ju felt its chill reach his core. He knew that tomorrow he’d have to face both the caning and perhaps an even harsher reprimand from the Eldest Mistress.