Reborn of the Rightful

Qi Yuegui promptly curtsied, smiling as she said, "Thank you for your kindness, young master."

Ren Yijun glanced at her and then at the orchid in her hands, snorting coldly before magnanimously declaring, "You may leave now. Oh, and have someone bring tea and snacks to the flower hall."

"Right away!" Qi Yuegui placed the flowerpot under the veranda of the courtyard and briskly withdrew.

Ren Yaoqi shook her head with a smile and followed Ren Yijun to the small flower hall in the Breeze Courtyard used for receiving guests.

After they took their seats as host and guest, Ren Yijun said, "Before you arrived, I received news that Third Uncle sent a letter today."

Ren Yaoqi quickly asked, "What did the letter say?"

Ren Shimin and the others had set off for the capital in April, and now it was almost August.

During this time, Ren Shimin had only sent two letters, stating that after their arrival in the capital, a fire broke out in the Wenyuan Hall of the palace, causing the literary competition to be postponed. They were likely to return in August, just in time for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Ren Yijun laughed, "It's good news. Third Uncle's painting placed second. Although the first-place winner represented the capital, that person is actually from our Yanbei, so Third Uncle didn't exactly lose face for Yanbei."

Ren Yaoqi thought for a moment and raised an eyebrow, "Could it be the heir?"

Ren Yijun chuckled heartily, "Exactly, it's the heir of the Prince of Yanbei."

Ren Yaoqi had also heard that although the heir of the Yanbei Prince's Mansion was not skilled in martial arts, he was an expert in refined pursuits like music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

"The court had the heir of the Yanbei Prince's Mansion represent the capital to compete against the representatives sent by Yanbei?" Ren Yaoqi frowned.

Ren Yijun scoffed, "They only know how to engage in such petty tricks. It's nothing more than a way to tell the Yanbei Prince's Mansion that even if someone from Yanbei wins, the victor is still a subject of the Great Zhou dynasty and must obey the commands of the Li family, because even our heir has to rely on their favor."

Ren Yaoqi smiled upon hearing this, "Oh? So even if Yanbei won this time, it wasn't a satisfying victory?"

Ren Yijun shook his head, "Of course not." For once, Ren Yijun was being deliberately mysterious.

Ren Yaoqi played along, assuming an attentive posture.

"At the literary competition, the capital played tricks, but there aren't as many tricks to play in the upcoming martial competition. In archery, horsemanship, polo, and cuju, Yanbei achieved a sweeping victory." As Ren Yijun said this, his expression revealed an unmistakable pride as a native of Yanbei.

Ren Yaoqi exclaimed in surprise, "I recall that in previous martial competitions, although Yanbei held the advantage, the court would still win a few rounds."

Ren Yijun scoffed again, "We were just letting them win. Since they've shown no regard for face this time, why should we give them any?"

The court used the heir of the Prince of Yanbei to warn the Yanbei Prince's Mansion that "all land under heaven belongs to the emperor, and all people on it are his subjects." The Yanbei Prince's Mansion responded by directly flexing its muscles to see whose fist was harder.

Ren Yaoqi thought to herself, had the conflict between Yanbei and the court already become so intense? It seemed this trip to the capital was indeed fraught with undercurrents, which explained why Xiao Jingxi had personally gone to the capital. She could only hope they would return smoothly.

"Did Father mention a specific return date in his letter?"

Ren Yijun frowned, "Originally, they planned to set off before the Mid-Autumn Festival, but Second Young Master Xiao has fallen ill again, which might cause some delays."Upon hearing this, Ren Yaoqi was startled: "Second Young Master Xiao is ill? What illness is it? Is it serious?"

Ren Yijun gave Ren Yaoqi a strange look: "Third Uncle didn’t go into detail in his letter. After all, Third Uncle likely can’t get close to Second Young Master Xiao. But I think it’s probably a flare-up of his chronic illness. Hasn’t he always been in poor health?"

Ren Yaoqi, however, was wondering whether Xiao Jingxi’s illness at this time was genuine or if he was feigning sickness for some reason. If it was real, was it due to the poison in his body acting up, or had he been secretly harmed?

Preoccupied with thoughts of Xiao Jingxi’s illness, Ren Yaoqi became somewhat absent-minded during the rest of her conversation with Ren Yijun. She worried that if Xiao Jingxi couldn’t return before the turmoil in Ningxia due to his illness, wouldn’t Zeng Pu have another opportunity? As for whether Ren Yaoqi herself was worried about "Xiao Jingxi’s illness" as such, even she couldn’t quite tell.

After sitting with Ren Yijun for a while, Ren Yaoqi stood up to take her leave.

Ren Yijun rose to see her out.

Looking at him, Ren Yaoqi smiled and said, "Third Brother, your complexion has improved a lot recently."

Ren Yijun was taken aback and said, baffled, "As a sickly person, how could my complexion possibly look good?"

Ren Yaoqi shook her head with a smile. "A certain imperial physician once said that many illnesses are purely due to laziness. Moving around more is actually quite beneficial. The Commandery Princess taught me a sword technique, and I’ve been practicing it for almost a year now. You know I used to catch colds easily every winter, but this past year, I haven’t had to take any medicine."

Upon hearing this, Ren Yijun couldn’t help but fall into thoughtful contemplation.

Just then, a maidservant passed under the covered walkway and muttered softly while looking at the flowerpots there: "Huh? Who planted chives in a glazed flowerpot?"

Ren Yijun’s expression changed instantly. He immediately left Ren Yaoqi and strode toward the walkway. Pointing at the so-called "orchid" that Qi Yuegui had brought earlier, he glared at the maidservant and demanded, "What did you just say? What is this thing?"

The maidservant was frightened by Ren Yijun’s fierce expression and stammered, "R-replying to Third Young Master, th-this is chives. There’s a whole bundle of them in the kitchen, used for making chive boxes. If Third Young Master doesn’t believe me, I can go to the kitchen and fetch some for you?"

Ren Yijun’s face instantly turned a kaleidoscope of colors. He gritted his teeth, clenched his fist, and roared, "Qi Yuegui! Get out here right now!"

Qi Yuegui happened to be running out of the Tea Water Room, carrying the plate of ginger candy Ren Yijun had specifically requested earlier. She called out, "Coming, coming, Young Master! Your candy is here!"

But after running a few steps, Qi Yuegui sensed something was amiss. Her gaze shifted between Ren Yijun’s livid face, the pot of "orchids" under the walkway, and the trembling maidservant. Then, with swift movements, she shoved the plate into the hands of a young maid behind her and turned to dash back the way she came.

As she ran, she looked back and waved, saying, "Young Master, have some candy first. I’ll go brew you a fresh pot of good tea. I’ll be right back!"

Ren Yijun was in no mood to listen to her nonsense. He immediately gave chase: "Qi Yuegui, you foolish woman! Stop right there!"

Qi Yuegui glanced back: "Huh? Young Master, you’re going to run with me again? Alright then, but run slower! Hey—watch your step!"As soon as Qi Yuegui finished speaking, Ren Yijun kicked a small flowerpot in the courtyard and fell to the ground with a loud thud.

Ren Yaoqi: "..."

Qi Yuegui hesitated for a moment, then dawdled back: "Young Master, are you alright? Is it serious? Are you hurt anywhere? Should I have someone carry you back to your room?"

Ren Yijun scrambled to his feet and, without a word, lunged forward to grab her. Qi Yuegui was so frightened that she immediately jumped back a large step and then ran away again.

Ren Yaoqi watched the two chasing each other around the courtyard, clearly enjoying themselves, sighed, and left with her maid.

Sangshen said, "Miss, aren't you going to intervene?"

Ren Yaoqi shook her head and said calmly, "Some matters are between two people; others cannot interfere."

Sangshen glanced back, not fully understanding.

Ren Yaoqi, however, was thinking that she hadn't been able to uncover any issues with Qi Yuegui, nor could she detect any malicious intent. On the contrary, Ren Yijun had become much more cheerful and healthier because of her. Since that was the case, she might as well try to trust her this once. After all, not everyone in this world was a bad person.

Ren Yijun had lived a lonely and bitter life in his previous existence. He was a good person with a genuine nature, and she hoped that in this life, he could have someone to accompany him through the rest of his days.

The autumn of this year turned cold earlier than usual. Not long after the Mid-Autumn Festival, several bouts of rain fell in succession. With strong winds and heavy rain outside, even wearing the padded jackets meant for early winter couldn't ward off the chill. The Ren Family began sewing winter clothes ahead of schedule.

Third Master Ren had not yet returned from the capital, and Ren Yaoqi was starting to worry. She frequently went to Ren Yijun to inquire about news.

Even if Ren Shimin wrote letters home, they would first reach Old Master Ren and be read by the men of the Ren Family. However, as it approached the ninth month, there was still no word from Ren Shimin.

Ren Yijun spoke with Master Ren the Elder, asking him to send someone to the capital to check or to write to Second Old Master Ren and Fourth Master Ren of the Eastern Mansion to inquire about the situation in the capital.

In mid-September, Yanbei experienced an early snowfall, heralding the arrival of winter.

One morning, Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua returned together from Glory and Splendor Courtyard. Ren Yaoqi, who was sensitive to the cold, wore a thick cotton-padded jacket and carried a palm-sized hand warmer. As they walked through the garden, her deerskin boots crunched on the snow.

Just then, a servant woman from the gatehouse hurried over, joyfully calling out as she ran, "Third Master is back! Third Master has returned from the capital!"

Upon hearing this, Ren Yaoqi felt a surge of joy and breathed a deep sigh of relief.

How wonderful—Father was back.

After returning, Ren Shimin followed the usual protocol by first going to Glory and Splendor Courtyard to see Old Master Ren and Old Madam Ren before returning to Purple Magnolia Courtyard.

Since Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua had just returned from Glory and Splendor Courtyard, they went back to Purple Magnolia Courtyard first to wait for Third Master Ren.

Half an hour later, Ren Shimin finally appeared in the main hall of Purple Magnolia Courtyard.

During his participation in the literary competition this time, Ren Shimin not only made breakthroughs in his painting skills and befriended many like-minded companions but also gained a prestigious reputation. Though he looked noticeably thinner than when he had left, his spirits were exceptionally high.It is perfectly normal for one to be in high spirits when encountering joyous occasions. What surprised Ren Yaoqi, however, was that Ren Shimin was actually wearing a dark blue outfit with tight sleeves. Although the fabric of this garment appeared to be of good quality, Ren Shimin had always been meticulous about his appearance. How could he possibly wear a style that, in his view, was only suitable for martial artists or rough, uncultured individuals?

Moreover, the clothes looked somewhat travel-worn and dusty, which was truly unlike the dressing style of Third Master Ren, who bathed daily regardless of the season and changed outfits three times a day.

Given the author's typing speed, the next chapter will be posted after 12 a.m. Dear readers, please don't wait for the update—check back tomorrow morning instead.

It's the end of the month, so I'm asking for votes, votes, votes! ( ^?^ ).