Song Ke naturally remembered that his father, Song Fang, was a frequent guest of Duke Xian, Zheng Baichuan. When he was five or six years old, he was often taken to the Duke's residence. Zheng Jingxian was a year younger than him, still a four-year-old toddler at the time. Her features resembled her father's, and since her facial contours hadn't fully developed in childhood, she looked rather boyish. Yet, she loved chasing after him, calling him "Yi Fei gege." The women in the household would tease, "Since Xian jie'er likes Ke gege so much, does she want to be his bride someday?" Zheng Jingxian would raise her thick eyebrows, widen her large eyes, and declare, "So what if I do? What's the big deal!" This always drew hearty laughter from everyone.
Song Ke found it tedious. Having been reborn, he was no ordinary child and paid little mind to such playful banter. However, Zheng Jingxian's clinginess did annoy him somewhat. As they grew older, the custom of separating boys and girls after the age of seven meant Zheng Jingxian was confined to the inner quarters and rarely saw outside men. Occasional encounters were nothing more than fleeting glimpses. Now, meeting again, Zheng Jingxian had blossomed into a dignified young lady, though the bold spirit in her brow remained unchanged.
Zheng Jingxian also quietly observed Song Ke. She saw him again in the Lin family's garden, standing by a cluster of bamboo with a young servant boy, gazing toward the Green-Gathering Residence. His indigo-patterned robe made him look as straight as a pine tree, yet as faint as distant clouds. At first glance, she recognized him as the "Yi Fei gege" she often visited in her childhood. Her heart began to pound wildly, and her eyes remained fixed on him until long after he had left, leaving her standing there in a daze.
Now, as she looked at Song Ke, she felt her face grow warm for some reason.
Song Ke bowed and said, "It's been so many years, I hardly dared to recognize you."
Zheng Jingxian turned slightly and curtsied, smiling. "My father often mentions Lord Song, saying his scholarship was excellent and his early passing truly regrettable. He also spoke of his only son, who excelled in poetry and books from a young age, and wondered how he fares now."
Song Ke quickly returned the courtesy. "I'm honored that Duke Xian still remembers. I will surely pay a visit someday."
Though this was merely a polite remark, Zheng Jingxian immediately replied, "My father is currently staying at our ancestral home. He's free tomorrow. I'll tell him you're coming and ask him not to go out." After saying this, she curtsied and took her leave.
Song Ke was taken aback and shook his head helplessly. This Miss Zheng's temperament hadn't changed—bossy since childhood, and even more so now. Even for a visit, formal arrangements like sending a visiting card and choosing an appropriate date were customary, yet Zheng Jingxian had taken charge of the matter with a single sentence.
Yuexi and Junxi had been chatting behind the gate of the outer study courtyard and witnessed the entire scene. They exchanged a knowing glance. Yuexi whispered, "The daughter of Duke Xian is quite bold, daring to meet with the Eldest Master privately in someone else's home. She doesn't seem concerned about her reputation."
Junxi pursed her lips. "I think she'd be glad to have her reputation tarnished, just to latch onto the Eldest Master. You could tell by the way she looked at him."
Yuexi hurriedly covered her mouth. "You mustn't say such things."
Junxi retorted, "If she dares to look at him like that, why can't I say it?" After a moment's thought, she added, "We should tell Xianglan about this. She and the Eldest Master have feelings for each other. Miss Zheng doesn't seem easy to deal with. If she marries into the household later, Xianglan will likely suffer. She should be forewarned."
Yuexi said, "There's no certainty of that yet."
Junxi replied, "She's already coming to visit. Isn't that certainty enough?"Yuexi recalled the fervent gaze Zheng Jingxian had directed at Song Ke moments earlier and fell silent. She immediately summoned Ludou and instructed, "Go to the back street and find Xianglan. Tell her that both the Duchess of Duke Xian and Miss Zheng have arrived. They praised the Eldest Master extensively, and Miss Zheng even invited him to visit her home tomorrow to meet her father." After speaking, she pressed a handful of coins into Ludou's hand.
Ludou took the money and went to the back street, knocking on the Chen Family's door. She relayed Yuexi's message to Xianglan. Being clever, Xianglan understood instantly. She handed Ludou a handful of dried fruits and said, "I'm aware of the matter now. Please convey my gratitude to your sister Yuexi." Privately, she thought, "All three Lin sisters, along with Zheng Jingxian from the Duke Xian's household, have taken a liking to Song Ke. It's no wonder they're so enamored—young ladies secluded in inner chambers rarely encounter men outside their families. Moreover, Song Ke is exceptionally handsome and poised, with a rare elegance seldom seen in this world. Coupled with his scholarly achievements and capabilities, even if his family has fallen from grace, countless young maidens experiencing their first flutter of affection would be drawn to him." She slowly sat down in a chair, musing, "The Duke Xian's estate has endured for three generations. Though not as illustrious as before, it remains a legitimate noble house. This generation has produced one or two talents who, while not abundant, have upheld the family's standing. Zheng Jingxian is the only daughter of the second wife, Wei Shi, and is deeply cherished by Duke Xian. If Song Ke were to marry her, his official career would soar with the wind. I suppose this is an opportunity he would eagerly embrace."
With a quiet sigh, she stored the half-finished shoes she had been making for Song Ke into a chest and snapped the lock shut with a click.
The next morning, Song Ke took his visiting card and went to the Zheng family's ancestral residence. The gatekeeper ushered him in, and an elderly maidservant led him to the study. A young servant guarding the doorway said, "The master is practicing calligraphy and has requested not to be disturbed. Please wait here, young master."
Song Ke replied, "It's no trouble. I wouldn't dare disturb my elder." He stood in the courtyard holding his gifts, thinking to himself, "Duke Xian certainly puts on airs. Even as a junior, when I come to visit, unless there's urgent business, he should receive me promptly. Yet here I am, made to stand in the courtyard while he amuses himself with a few brushstrokes. Even Chief Grand Councilor Shen, at the height of his power, never carried himself with such pretension."
Inside the room, Zheng Baichuan stood behind his desk, brush in hand, swiftly dotting and dashing across the paper. In his fifties, with silver streaks at his temples, he had inherited his ancestors' noble title and lived a life of comfort and privilege. Having once served as an Imperial Censor before retiring, he now spent his days adorning himself with flowers, composing poetry, and whiling away the hours.
He glanced up and noticed Zheng Jingxian stealthily peeking through the door crack. Clearing his throat, he lowered his gaze and said, "What are you staring at? Are you so anxious just because I've made him wait a short while?"
Pouting, Zheng Jingxian walked over and clung to Zheng Baichuan's arm. "I was the one who invited him to visit you, Father. Making him stand in the courtyard now makes me look foolish.""Nonsense." Zheng Baichuan set down his brush and glared at Zheng Jingxian. "Who ever heard of eagerly inviting someone to visit our home?" Yesterday, his wife and daughter had gone to the Song residence and returned full of praise for Song Ke. Upon inquiry, he discovered the mother and daughter had gone—one to evaluate a potential son-in-law, the other a prospective husband. He wasn't particularly old-fashioned—such a visit wasn't inherently improper—but the Song family had declined sharply since Song Fang's death, barely sustained by past prestige. Though technically of official lineage, they were now marginal. His daughter, while no imperial princess, was still a young lady of standing; her interest in such a family displeased him, hence his deliberate neglect of Song Ke today.
Zheng Jingxian refused to comply. She snatched the brush from her father's hand, stamped her foot, and said, "You can practice calligraphy anytime! Why must it be now? Father, hurry and let him in! Quickly, quickly!"
Zheng Baichuan had no defense against his youngest daughter. With a sigh, he waved his hand and sat down.
Song Ke stood in the courtyard, lost in thought, his mind still occupied with Xianglan, when the door suddenly opened. Zheng Jingxian stood at the entrance, smiling brightly. "Sorry to keep you waiting. Please, come in."
Song Ke paused, understanding dawning. He clasped his hands and entered, finding Zheng Baichuan seated behind a desk, his slightly plump face taut. Song Ke bowed deeply. "This junior, Song Ke, pays his respects to the esteemed Lord Zheng."
From the moment Song Ke entered, Zheng Baichuan found his demeanor striking and relaxed slightly. But as he observed closely, he noticed Zheng Jingxian making exaggerated signals with her eyes. Clearing his throat, he said, "Please, have a seat."
Song Ke sat in the master's chair to the left and smiled. "I came in haste and lacked time to prepare a worthy gift. My family possesses an ancient inkstone, a piece by a renowned artisan, still worthy of appreciation. I humbly offer it for your judgment."
This gesture aligned perfectly with Zheng Baichuan's refined tastes, softening his expression further. Before he could speak, Zheng Jingxian interjected, "Your gift is perfect! Father adores inkstones—he must have over a hundred in the house. He'll be delighted!"
Zheng Baichuan sighed inwardly and said to Song Ke, "My youngest has been spoiled and lacks restraint. Please don't mind her." He shot Zheng Jingxian a stern look; she stuck out her tongue and retreated to the side.
Song Ke thought, "Spoiled indeed—a young lady unaware of propriety, entering a study meant for male guests. What kind of upbringing does the Marquis of Xian's household enforce?" Outwardly, he smiled and said, "Your daughter is forthright and refreshingly candid."
Zheng Baichuan exchanged pleasantries with Song Ke, noting his polished replies and composed demeanor with silent approval. He sighed nostalgically, "I shared a deep bond with your father. In the Censorate, we aligned in views and often drank and discussed literature here—such joyful times. Who could have foreseen our separation by life and death? It truly weighs on the heart."Song Ke said, "My late father often praised Old Master Zheng for his loyalty to the sovereign and devotion to the country, as well as his courage in offering candid admonitions. His moral integrity was most admirable and greatly inspired him in political views." Meanwhile, he sneered inwardly: "Zheng Baichuan is an old fox. He cut ties with our family as soon as my father died. Despite years of friendship with my father, he never lifted a finger to help us widows and orphans during our most difficult times. He is by no means a virtuous man worth associating with. If Zheng Jingxian hadn't insisted I come, I wouldn't have bothered visiting. Now I have no choice but to deal with him hypocritically."
These words, however, pleased Zheng Baichuan, who laughed and said, "You flatter me, you flatter me. It is you, the younger generation, who shows great promise. I heard you'll be taking the imperial examination next month. How are your preparations going?"
Just as Song Ke was about to respond, Zheng Jingxian approached and said, "Father, I heard that the chief examiner for this year's Jinling provincial examination is Lord Jiang Yun, who was once promoted by you. Why don't you write him a letter and ask him to leak a few exam questions?" After speaking, she glanced at Song Ke, her face flushing slightly before she quickly averted her gaze.
This not only caused Zheng Baichuan's expression to darken but also made Song Ke frown. He thought to himself, "Zheng Jingxian's words make it sound as if I came here specifically to ask Zheng Baichuan for favors and exam questions." He was immediately displeased. Little did he know that although Zheng Jingxian appeared aloof and proud, she was actually fervent and passionate at heart. Having set her sights on Song Ke, she spared no effort in scheming for his benefit. However, being young, accustomed to being pampered, and overly anxious out of concern, she inevitably acted inappropriately.
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