Xianglan never expected Song Ke to say such words. A storm raged in her heart, her throat felt choked, and though she opened her mouth, no sound emerged.
Song Ke clenched his fist, feeling his heartbeat drum like thunder. He licked his dry lips and said, "Could you... come home with me first? After the imperial exams, I will surely give you an answer." Having spoken, he held his breath slightly.
Xianglan's bright, elegant eyes gazed at him, seeming to brim with clear autumn water. In that prolonged stare, Song Ke suddenly felt he understood her heart, yet immediately afterward, he felt he did not fully comprehend it.
Growing somewhat flustered, he reached out to take Xianglan's small hand. Just then, the water on the stove bubbled noisily, and the sound of clinking tea utensils came from the inner room. Xue Shi emerged carrying a tray and said, "Eldest Master Song, our home is humble and lacks fine tea, but an acquaintance sent a canister of new tea the other day. Please have a taste."
Song Ke had no choice but to withdraw his hand and sit back in his chair awkwardly. Xianglan personally served him tea and, noticing his disgruntled expression, couldn't help but let her lips curve into a slight smile. By chance, Song Ke caught a glimpse of her suddenly smiling face and was momentarily stunned. He responded absently to Xue Shi's words, his eyes fixed on Xianglan, unable to look away until she lifted her skirt and went upstairs, only then retracting his gaze.
Fortunately, Xue Shi was wholly preoccupied with rummaging for the best delicacies in the house to offer Song Ke and did not notice the unusual behavior between the two. She merely chattered on, inquiring about Song Ke's family affairs.
Song Ke answered distractedly, still privately pondering what Xianglan had meant earlier. He picked up the tea and took a sip, but in his inattention, scalded his mouth again. As he was in this embarrassed state, he heard the stairs creak, and Xianglan descended with a bundle, saying calmly and clearly, "Wasn't the Eldest Master here to take me home?"
Overjoyed, Song Ke hurriedly stood up and said, "Yes, yes!" As if afraid she might change her mind, he told Xue Shi, "There are matters to attend to at home, so I won't stay longer. I'll visit another day. If you miss Xianglan, Aunt Xue, feel free to send word to our home, and she can come back to stay for a few days."
Xianglan nodded. In truth, after returning home, she had felt some regret. With the provincial exams imminent, she had impulsively chosen this moment to confront him. If her actions caused Song Ke to fail the exams, she would bear no small responsibility.Song Ke was pleased to see her with her head bowed in such an obedient manner. He lowered his voice and said, "Yesterday, the manor sent over four pots of chrysanthemums as tribute—one of Rouge-Dotted Snow, one of Jade Pot Spring, one of Dark Ink, and one of Pink Dawn Peach. Each bloom is as large as a bowl, lovely as hydrangeas. Go pick two for yourself, and have the servant boy deliver one to Madam’s room and one to my sister with the rest."
Xianglan retorted, "Pah! When you have something good, you don’t prioritize your mother and sister but let me choose first. If word gets out, people will surely gossip."
Song Ke laughed, "It’s just the two of us in the room—who would spread it? Besides, aren’t you skilled at painting? Keep two you like and paint them as a pastime." Seeing Xianglan remain silent, he coughed lightly and added, "See how good I am to you… Could you ever find another like me in this world?"
Xianglan slightly raised her head, her damp eyes glancing at him before she lowered it again.
Song Ke said, "Since I’m so good to you, why don’t you tell me—who was that shabby scholar who went to your house yesterday?"
Xianglan was taken aback, "Shabby scholar?"
"The tall, somewhat thin one. He brought something to your house, talked with your mother for a long time, and ended up standing below your building looking up—he didn’t seem like a decent fellow." Song Ke frowned, completely forgetting that he himself had once gazed up from below the Chen Family’s building.
Xianglan thought for a moment, vaguely recalling that Xue Shi had mentioned Xia Yun came by yesterday to deliver a can of tea. She glanced at Song Ke with a faint, teasing smile, "I haven’t questioned you, yet you’re interrogating me. Dressed so finely and neatly, you don’t look like you’re off to the academy. Could it be you were visiting your future father-in-law?"
Hearing the hint of jealousy in Xianglan’s words, Song Ke felt another surge of delight and said, "What future father-in-law? It’s a headache." He then recounted the history between the Song Family and Duke Xian’s estate.
Xianglan pondered and said, "I don’t understand much about men’s dealings in business and officialdom, but one thing is clear: if someone is wicked, they will face retribution. It’s just laughable how people treat such warnings as empty words. Since Duke Xian is a cold and unfeeling man, you shouldn’t get too involved with him."
Song Ke nodded, "Yes, if it weren’t for Miss Zheng pressuring me to visit, I’ve always kept my distance from their family."
Xianglan thought to herself, "Back then, Zheng Baichuan pretended to be on good terms with my grandfather but secretly colluded with the Eighth Prince to rebel, framing charges to eliminate rivals and persecute the loyal. His indifference to the Song Family is only to be expected. Although Zheng Jingxian may have feelings for Song Ke, it’s likely unrequited—her efforts are in vain. Even if Song Ke is determined to advance, he would never stoop to associating with such vile people."
Lost in her thoughts, she felt Song Ke squeeze her hand and say, "I’ve told you everything—now tell me, who is that shabby scholar?"
Xianglan replied, "He’s just our former neighbor, copying texts and writing characters for my father to find buyers."
Song Ke frowned, "That guy has the face of a weasel—he doesn’t seem trustworthy. Keep your distance from him in the future!"
Xianglan said pointedly, "I heard he was a prodigy in studies since childhood and is taking the provincial exam this year. Eldest Master Song, you’d better focus on your studies, or else if you end up being outdone by someone with the face of a weasel, you’ll be utterly humiliated."
Song Ke said indignantly, "How could I possibly lose to him? Tell me his name—once the results are posted, I’ll see if he ranks above me!" As he spoke, he picked up a book to study.Xianglan smiled faintly and turned to look at the four pots of chrysanthemums in the corner, sighing inwardly, "Very well, I shall wait until after he has taken the examination to speak of it."
To cut a long story short, in mid-August, Song Ke took the provincial examination. Upon returning home, he slept like the dead for two days. On the third day, he rose and resumed his diligent studies. When the results were announced in September, Song Ke had achieved the top rank as the provincial champion. The entire Song household rejoiced, and Song Yima wept tears of joy, immediately rushing to the family shrine to kowtow before the Buddha, the Bodhisattvas, and Song Fang's memorial tablet, inevitably breaking down in tears once more. Song Tanzhai's cheeks were also flushed with happiness. Song Yima took her hand and said, "Amituofo, once your elder brother returns as the top scholar in the imperial examinations, you will be able to secure a good marriage." Song Tanzhai blushed and lowered her head without speaking.
In the following days, a steady stream of visitors came to the Song residence to offer congratulations. From prominent families like the Lins and Duke Xian, who had longstanding ties with the Songs, to local gentry and wealthy commoners—many had heard that Song Ke was unmarried and came either hoping to marry their daughters to him or to act as matchmakers. Song Ke remained unperturbed, personally receiving each guest and naturally engaging in various social obligations. When the Lin family sent excessively lavish congratulatory gifts, he personally visited to express his gratitude. Apart from the Four Treasures of the Study and other gifts sent by Zheng Baichuan through his steward, Zheng Jingxian secretly dispatched a servant to deliver an extremely expensive sword. Song Ke declined to accept it, ordering it be sent directly to Zheng Baichuan. After this, Zheng Jingxian fell silent.
Once all mundane affairs were settled, Song Ke packed his belongings and prepared to depart for the capital with his servant Shimo.
Xianglan packed a trunk full of food, drink, and daily necessities, carefully checked it several times, and then sat on the couch in a daze. It was early October, and the weather had turned quite chilly. The room was warmed by incense, and thick felt curtains hung over the doors and windows.
Song Ke entered from outside and, seeing Xianglan lost in thought, sat beside her. "Why so gloomy?" he asked. "If a day apart feels like three years, why not come with me to the capital? The Song family still has an old residence there—though small, it’s cared for by dedicated staff. You’ve never been to the capital; it would be a nice change of pace."
Xianglan wrinkled her nose. "Who knows how cold the capital’s winter will be? I’d rather not go. Besides, if I leave, your sister won’t have anyone to consult with. How would that do?"
Song Ke replied, "Both Madams of the Lin family have said that once I leave for the capital, they will invite my mother and sister to stay with them. But how can someone else’s home compare to the comfort of one’s own? If they choose to go, you should lock up the house and gather the maids for conversation and amusement. Don’t stay up late painting anymore—be careful not to strain your eyes. I’ve left another hundred taels of silver in the redwood box; use it for emergencies."
Xianglan agreed to each point. She added, "The heavy fur clothing, hand warmers, and foot warmers are all packed in the trunk for your journey. The brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones are your usual set. I’ve packed six changes of clothes—if that’s not enough, you can buy more in the capital. There are also two boxes of pastries in case the food on the road is unclean; eat them if you get hungry. You’re too driven, but everything has its limits. Do your best, that’s enough. Take care of your health, and don’t worry too much about home. We’ll simply close our doors and live quietly."
Song Ke said, "Indeed. If anything urgent arises, go to the Lin family and seek out the Third Young Master Lin—he can always lend a hand." With that, he pulled Xianglan into his embrace and whispered in her ear, "Wait for me to return in glory."
Xianglan nodded, her eyes growing moist.Song Ke reached out and plucked an old silver hairpin she often wore from her hair, saying, "Give this to me as a keepsake for now."
Xianglan laughed, "This is the very hairpin I use daily, and you're taking it? Every item you use—your pouches, stationery set, belt, even the shoes on your feet—is all my needlework. Why must you insist on having this hairpin?"
Song Ke waved the hairpin and smiled, "Only this one is something you always wear on your person. When I take the exams, I'll use it to tie up my hair." He then spoke some heartfelt words tenderly before going to see Song Yima and Song Tanzan.
At the gate of the Song residence, there was naturally another wave of sorrowful farewells. Song Ke gave several instructions, then went to advise the servants and maids of the household before finally boarding the carriage. He lifted the curtain and waved as the carriage gradually moved away.
Xianglan did not approach, instead hiding far away at the street corner to watch. Seeing Song Ke's carriage grow increasingly distant, she finally composed herself and turned back. Recalling his parting words to her—"Wait for my return, and we shall properly settle our matters"—she closed her door and devotedly awaited Song Ke's homecoming.
Little did she expect that in the few short months Song Ke was away, a storm would suddenly arise, and the winds of change would sweep through.
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