After replying to Xiao Jinglin's letter, the year-end arrived. This New Year was also peaceful for the Ren Family. It is said that if a year starts well, the entire year will be smooth and uneventful. Ren Yaoqi thought to herself that if this were truly the case, it would be wonderful.
Before the New Year, the doctor treating Concubine Fang reported to Old Madam Ren that the wounds on Concubine Fang's face had mostly healed. The scabs had fallen off, and the skin had closed. However, due to the deep knife cuts from before, the scars were now completely beyond cure.
Concubine Fang still remained secluded indoors, not even making an appearance during the New Year celebrations. In previous years, Old Madam Ren had always specially permitted Concubine Fang to show her face during the festivities.
After the Spring Festival and into the second month, Ren Yilin, the second son of the second branch of the East Mansion, finally got married.
After Ren Yilin's previous engagement was called off, Second Madam Su Shi eventually found him a bride—the daughter of a wealthy Yang family from a neighboring town. Although the Yang family's wealth could not compare to that of the Ren Family, this Miss Yang was a legitimate daughter, and her dowry was quite substantial. Thus, Concubine Yuan did not say anything further. Outside, however, it was widely said that Second Madam Ren was kind-hearted and sincere, even towards a concubine-born son.
During Ren Yilin's wedding, the old master of the second branch did not return. However, Fourth Master Ren, who was in the capital with Second Old Master Ren, did come back once. Ren Shimin did not return specifically for his concubine-born nephew's wedding; he came to discuss matters regarding the coal depot in the capital with the West Mansion.
The coal depot in the capital had once again failed to turn a profit the previous year. Fourth Master Ren had returned to complain about their financial difficulties. He claimed that they were struggling to keep things afloat in the capital, constantly entertaining and socializing, yet still barely surviving. However, maintaining their dignity in the capital was essential. Therefore, this year, the expenses of Second Old Master Ren and Fourth Master Ren in the capital would once again have to be covered by the family's funds from their hometown.
Old Master Ren was not stingy when it came to money. Whatever amount Fourth Master Ren asked for, Old Master Ren merely trimmed a small fraction as a token gesture before giving him the full sum.
However, Old Master Ren knew that the coal depots in the capital and the south could not continue like this. Otherwise, the Ren Family would not only fail to develop but would also risk destroying the foundation they had already built.
Old Master Ren could not help but recall Concubine Fang's words once again.
But now, Concubine Fang simply refused to see anyone. No matter how much Old Master Ren wanted to inquire further, it was futile. After careful consideration, Old Master Ren decided that if the mountain would not come to him, he would go to the mountain. He picked up his brush and wrote a letter to Fang Yacun, mentioning Eunuch Lu in the letter and asking Fang Yacun to help him find out what Eunuch Lu's preferences were.
Two months after Fourth Master Ren left White Crane Town with the banknotes, it was time for Ren Shimin to go to the capital to participate in the literary competition.
Ren Shimin needed to go to Yunyang City first to meet up with the others before heading to the capital together.
Regarding Ren Shimin's opportunity to represent Yanbei in the literary competition in the capital, the Ren Family was naturally delighted and supportive after their initial surprise. For the Ren Family, this was Ren Shimin's chance to bring honor to the family. Having a renowned scholar among them would also be a source of pride for the Ren Family.
Thus, on the day Ren Shimin departed, Eldest Master Ren, Second Master Ren, and Fifth Master Ren—who had been confined for several months before being released—all gathered with their sons and nephews to see Ren Shimin off.Ren Yaoqi joked in front of Ren Shimin that she wanted to go too, and Ren Shimin actually took it seriously, bringing her along. Old Master Ren and Old Madam Ren did not say anything about it. Ren Yaoqi then invited Ren Yaohua to join them.
The Ren family escorted Ren Shimin all the way to Yunyang City.
Ren Shimin planned to visit Yunyang Academy first and would depart from Yunyang City in the afternoon.
Ren Yaoqi was thinking of going with Ren Yaohua to Treasure Vase Alley to visit her maternal grandparents when a carriage from the Yanbei Prince's Mansion arrived. It was said that the Commandery Princess had sent something back for her, and the Princess Consort, knowing she was in Yunyang City today, had sent someone to fetch her to the mansion.
The maid who came to pick her up was someone Ren Yaoqi recognized—she was indeed from the Princess Consort’s side.
Ren Yaoqi asked Ren Yaohua if she wanted to come along, but Ren Yaohua shook her head and said, "What would I do there? You go ahead and come back soon."
Ren Yaoqi had no choice but to board the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion carriage alone. However, what she did not know was that shortly after she left, Ren Yaohua coincidentally ran into the little girl Lei Pan’er.
After arriving at the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion, Ren Yaoqi first went to see the Princess Consort. The Princess Consort had her maid Sujin bring out the items Xiao Jinglin had sent back for Ren Yaoqi. They were all small trinkets with distinct ethnic characteristics, such as wind chimes made from what seemed to be animal bones and a large, round, hollow drum covered with snakeskin.
The Princess Consort curiously leaned over to look and, after examining them, shook her head with a light laugh. "Traveling all this way, I thought they’d be something special. What are these messy things?"
Ren Yaoqi picked up a colorful floral headscarf and smiled softly. "When I used to listen to the Commandery Princess talk about the borderlands, I was always curious and kept asking, 'What’s that?' or similar questions. The Commandery Princess said she’d bring some things back for me to see the next time she went to the border."
The Princess Consort finally understood.
After receiving the items and chatting with the Princess Consort for a while, Ren Yaoqi took her leave when she noticed the Princess Consort had visitors.
However, as soon as Ren Yaoqi stepped out of the Jiuyang Hall, she encountered Xiao Jingxi.
Xiao Jingxi was dressed in formal silver-white attire that day, exuding an air of nobility and grace. Standing there, he looked as if he had stepped out of a painting.
It had been over half a year since they last parted in the carriage, and their anonymous correspondence had ended several months ago.
Remembering the "Yijianxi" she had kept in her drawer, Ren Yaoqi’s heart skipped a beat when she saw Xiao Jingxi.
"Have you seen the things Jinglin sent back for you?" Xiao Jingxi asked, acting as if nothing had happened, and smiled at Ren Yaoqi.
Ren Yaoqi nodded and pointed to the pile of items in Pingguo’s hands. "They’re all here."
Xiao Jingxi glanced at the assortment of trinkets and couldn’t help but chuckle softly, teasing, "She only remembers to bring things for you. She even specifically told the messenger not to let me peek."
Ren Yaoqi also joked, "If there’s anything you like, Master Xiao, feel free to take it."
"Like what?" Xiao Jingxi repeated the words softly, glancing at Ren Yaoqi.
Under his gaze, Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help but avert her eyes slightly, not daring to meet his gaze.
After a moment of silence, Ren Yaoqi asked, "Are you also leaving for the capital today?"Xiao Jingxi nodded and said, "Yes, I'll depart this afternoon with your father and the others."
Ren Yaoqi paused, then said, "Then... take care and have a safe journey."
Ren Yaoqi actually wanted to remind him about the matter of the Ningxia Regional Commander, but she didn’t know how to bring it up.
However, Xiao Jingxi seemed to sense that Ren Yaoqi still had something to say. Looking at her with a faint smile, he asked, "Do you also want to tell me to return before winter sets in this year?"
Originally, Ren Yaoqi had indeed intended to say something along those lines, but why did it sound different coming from Xiao Jingxi’s mouth? After thinking for a moment, she finally realized what was off—such words were usually spoken by a wife bidding farewell to her husband before a long journey.
Seeing Ren Yaoqi blush and glare at him with annoyance, Xiao Jingxi was momentarily stunned. Upon reflection, he realized his earlier remark had been inappropriate, almost like teasing.
But he truly hadn’t meant it that way.
Thus, the ever-wise, resourceful, and sharp-witted Second Young Master Xiao couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret. With reddened ears and at a loss for words, he stammered, "I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it that way."
This time, Ren Yaoqi genuinely witnessed Xiao Jingxi’s ears turning red, and she was momentarily stunned as well. This side of Xiao Jingxi felt novel to her—could someone like him also blush and feel flustered? As she thought this, a vague, indescribable feeling stirred within her.
In the end, she didn’t truly blame Xiao Jingxi, and she couldn’t bear to see him so uncomfortable. So, she averted her gaze and changed the subject: "I remember you said earlier that you’d go to the capital for the Literary Contest in late summer. Why are you leaving now?"
Fortunately, Xiao Jingxi quickly regained his composure. "You were right before. I recalled the phrase 'troubled times in autumn,' so it’s better to return before autumn arrives. I submitted a memorial to the capital and moved the schedule up by a few months."
Ren Yaoqi was taken aback upon hearing this. She hadn’t expected her words to actually have an effect. If Xiao Jingxi could indeed return before Wu Xiaohe’s death, Ningxia would likely be better managed, and Zeng Pu’s chances of coming to Yanbei to take over the Wu Family’s influence would be even slimmer.
Thinking this, Ren Yaoqi’s mood brightened, and a smile appeared on her face. "Yes, the capital is always a place of trouble for you. It’s best to return as early as possible. Moreover, I heard from the Commandery Princess that the Liao people in the north become more active during autumn and winter."
Last year, Yanbei and the Liao people clashed several times on a small scale. According to Xiao Jinglin, Yanbei won more often than it lost. However, the Liao people could come and go as they pleased—if they lost, they could simply retreat without consequence. Even when Yanbei won, it was the border civilians who suffered the losses.
Yun Wenfang had distinguished himself in these battles, earning considerable merit. He was now considered a fierce general under Min Wenqing’s command. He had truly proven through his actions that he wasn’t just a spoiled, pleasure-seeking second-generation heir who bullied others. Even Min Wenqing, who had always disliked the Yun Family, now regarded Yun Wenfang more favorably. Of course, when it came to making the most of his talents, Min Wenqing remained as ruthless as ever.
Seeing the smile on Ren Yaoqi’s face, Xiao Jingxi’s mood also brightened and lightened.
With little left to say, Ren Yaoqi felt it inappropriate to linger with Xiao Jingxi any longer. She bowed and took her leave.Xiao Jingxi nodded, watching Ren Yaoqi's figure slowly walk out of the Yanbei Prince's Mansion.
Second update...
The author is sleepy, timidly requesting to move the next chapter's extra update to tomorrow noon... 〒_〒.
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