Chapter 95

The King of Chu became silent, giving Tao Sheng more time to think about Ji Yanming.

Her cousin had been away for a while now.

Ji Yanming used to travel often, but his trips rarely lasted more than three months. Tao Sheng had grown used to having him around, and she always felt a bit uneasy when he was away.

Tao Sheng poured herself a cup of tea and spoke to the King of Chu, “It’s almost New Year’s Day. I wonder if my cousin will come back to celebrate.”

The King of Chu replied, “Yesterday, I asked my father about it. He said Xiao Ji is in Shuzhong ^[1]refers to a place in the central region. and very busy. Whether he can return for the New Year… it’s hard to say.”

His 40th birthday isn’t until the year after next, and Ji Yanming mentioned that he might not be able to return. This shows that this trip is going to be difficult, and he needs to be ready for a long, tough situation.

Though Tao Sheng felt disappointed that Ji Yanming might not return in time for the New Year, she was also happy for the King of Chu.

Ji Yanming was now an inspector, traveling to different regions to supervise officials and eliminate any remaining forces from the crown prince’s faction.

While there were many people in the court more suited for this task than Ji Yanming, the emperor had appointed him, showing his trust in Ji Yanming’s abilities. This appointment indicated that the emperor supported the King of Chu.

In other words, all their efforts over the years had not been in vain.

That was something to be happy about.

However, Tao Sheng didn’t have time to dwell on her feelings. After entering the twelfth lunar month, the banquets and celebrations leading up to the Lantern Festival kept her extremely busy.

When people are busy, their longing for someone eases a little.

As the third most important person in the Taiyue Bureau and a fifth-rank Taiyue Cheng, Tao Sheng had a particularly hectic New Year.

Before the New Year, when Tao Sheng visited the Luo family to deliver gifts, Grand Master Luo mentioned that this year, the family was particularly complete. Tao Sheng’s two uncles, who had been sent away, returned to the capital with their wives and children, so they would be celebrating the New Year together in a lively manner.

After the Lantern Festival, the court officials returned to work, and Tao Sheng had ten days off.

As planned with Ji Yanming, Tao Sheng stayed at Ji’s residence for two days before visiting Grand Master Luo’s home.

After greeting Grand Master Luo, Tao Sheng followed Luo Xin to visit Old Madam Luo.

Old Madam Luo, like other elders in the Luo family, adored Tao Sheng.

She always said that Tao Sheng resembled her daughter from when she was young and that she had a bright future. Old Madam Luo liked her deeply and immediately pulled her to sit beside her.

Besides Tao Sheng’s mother, Luo Xin, there was also a middle-aged woman in her forties in Old Madam Luo’s yard, who was an acquaintance of Tao Sheng.

Tao Sheng nodded and smiled, greeting, “Mrs. Chu, long time no see.”

It was none other than Mrs. Chu Meng, the wife of Luo Xiu’s old friend, Chu Yan.

“So you two know each other,” Old Madam Luo said with a smile. “That’s even better.”

Tao Sheng hadn’t seen Mrs. Chu for many years. She looked older now, but still graceful and elegant.

Mrs. Chu was obviously very happy to see Tao Sheng. She immediately took off a pair of beautiful jade bracelets from her wrist and handed them to Tao Sheng.

“I was planning to visit you at the Su family’s house in a few days, but I didn’t expect to meet you here today. I came in a rush and didn’t bring any gifts. Only these bracelets can be considered presentable.”

“I appreciate your kindness, madam,” Tao Sheng declined. “But this bracelet is too valuable. If I accept it rashly, I’m afraid the elders will say that I’m ungrateful.”

Luo Xin laughed and joked, “Master Chu was my father’s favorite student, and Tao Sheng is our ninth daughter. We are family. Just accept it. Master Chu has just been promoted to second-rank assistant minister of the Ministry of Revenue. It would be good for us to visit each other often.”

Mrs. Chu insisted, saying, “I’ve watched you grow up. Why are you being so polite to me?”

Tao Sheng accepted the gift and said, “You took good care of me when I was in Qin County, and I always thought of you. It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly ten years since we parted in such a hurry.”

Mrs. Chu said, “I only knew you were smart and sensible when you were young, but I never thought you had such ability. You’re already a fifth-rank Taiyue Cheng at such a young age. Unlike your second brother, who is a few years older, he’s only just become an eighth-rank governor of the Beijing Guard Command.”

Lord Chu had just been promoted and bought a new house in the capital. Mrs. Chu was busy with many things.

_

Because of this, she stayed only briefly at the Luo family and left before dinner.

After Madam Chu left, Madam Luo told Tao Sheng, “Your grandfather and uncle said I wasn’t paying enough attention to your marriage. They were right. I’ve been looking for a good match for you and found one: the second son of Master Chu’s family, Chu Xun. What do you think?”

Tao Sheng was surprised.

Years ago, her adoptive family and Lord Chu had been close, and the two families even arranged a marriage for their children when they were young. But as Lord Chu became more successful, Su Wan began to worry about the match. The families were growing apart, and their status difference became clear. Su Wan felt that the marriage was no longer a good fit, so they decided to end it.

Now, Madam Luo was suggesting Chu Xun, Lord Chu’s second son, as a possible match again.

Tao Sheng decided it was time to tell her grandmother and Luo Xin about the past connection between the families. After hearing the story, Old Madam Luo was happy. “Our two families are meant to be together. Even if the engagement was broken, we can reconnect now.”

Tao Sheng’s grandmother and mother were excited about the future, but Tao Sheng remained uncertain. “I haven’t seen Chu Xun in years. I don’t know what he’s like now. Let’s wait and see.”

Days passed, and Tao Sheng didn’t think much about it. Many young men had been suggested to her recently, but most were ruled out quickly. 

Then one day, after returning from the government office, Tao Sheng saw two guests in the hall: Madam Chu and a young man she didn’t recognize.

Su Wan was excited to see her old friend. “We were just talking about you! Come, see who’s visiting.”

“It’s Madam Chu,” Tao Sheng said, smiling. “I saw her a few days ago at my grandfather’s house.”

Madam Chu smiled warmly. “That day you were in casual clothes, and I was stunned. You’ve grown into a beautiful young lady. Today, in your official dress, you’re even more impressive.”

Chu Xun also stood up and smiled at Tao Sheng. “My mother has met you, but I haven’t. Greetings, Lord Luo.”

Tao Sheng noticed that Chu Xun had changed a lot since she last saw him. He was tall and handsome, with a confident and cheerful demeanor. Unlike Ji Yanming or Xie Huaian, Chu Xun had chosen a career in the military, which gave him a different style.

It was cold in the capital, but Chu Xun’s smile warmed the room.

Tao Sheng greeted him back. “Lord Chu, long time no see.”

Chu Xun grinned. “I don’t like being called that. Do you remember when you were five and called me ‘second brother’?”

Tao Sheng felt embarrassed. “You’re still talking about that, even in front of the elders?”

Chu Xun laughed. “I don’t remember much from when we were in Qin County, but I remember you. My mother always talked about how you would be my future wife, so I always tried to behave well around you.”

Tao Sheng met his eyes. “Maybe you really did remember.”

***

If you’d like to show your appreciation, consider buying me a coffee—it really helps me keep going! 𖹭