After the tribute banquet, Fixed Capital remained bustling. In preparation for welcoming the distinguished guests from Great Coolness and Qin State, the streets appeared even more prosperous than usual. No matter the occasion, the Ming Qi royalty always sought to present an image of flourishing grandeur before other nations.
Within Shen Mansion, the servants sweeping Autumn Water Court were discussing a new topic.
"What exactly is the background of the newly arrived young lady in the mansion, to warrant such gentle treatment from Third Madam?"
"This year's freshly delivered tea was brewed for her first. Could she be some esteemed guest of the mansion?"
A matron in a blue cloth jacket whispered, "I heard this young lady's father was once very close to the old general. He even took a blade for him once and nearly lost his life."
A young maid quickly covered her mouth in surprise. "No wonder then! To have shown such kindness to the old general is to have shown kindness to the Shen family. No wonder they treat her as an honored guest."
"They say she came seeking refuge, likely due to some misfortune at home. Judging by Third Madam's attitude, they intend to take good care of her."
"Take care of her? These days, even our own people in the mansion are barely scraping by, and now we have to feed an extra mouth. They should send her away sooner rather than later."
At these words, the surroundings fell silent. Though Shen Mansion appeared prosperous on the surface, those inside knew the truth. Ever since Shen Xin's branch separated, finances had become tight, even the servants' monthly allowances had been reduced. Under such circumstances, no matter how esteemed a guest, an extra mouth to feed was unwelcome.
"It's strange how Third Madam, usually so strict with us, is suddenly so generous with this young lady," someone wondered aloud.
In Autumn Water Court, Ren Wanyun sat inside, pushing a teacup toward the woman across from her with a smile. "Freshly picked tea, the finest buds. Please try it, Miss Qing."
The woman opposite her wore a simple emerald-green damask dress. The dress bore no exquisite embroidery, its simplicity and color being notoriously difficult to wear—easily making one look like a country girl. Yet on this woman, it appeared effortlessly elegant, pleasing to the eye.
She appeared to be in her early twenties, her attire and hairstyle equally understated. Her demeanor was gentle and refined, exuding a strong scholarly air, unmistakably the product of an aristocratic family with excellent upbringing.
Chen Ruoqiu, who typically disdained martial types in favor of cultured refinement, found herself feeling a rare sense of kinship with this woman, treating her with more courtesy than usual.
Noticing Chen Ruoqiu's warmth, the woman didn't decline. She lifted the teacup for a sip and smiled. "The tea is light yet fragrant, the leaves scattered yet the aroma rich. Madam's tea brewing skills are truly exceptional."
"So Miss Qing understands the art of tea as well," Chen Ruoqiu's smile deepened. "The way of tea is finest, yet few young women these days appreciate it."
"A breeze rises beneath my arms, I long to ascend to Penglai," the woman quoted with a laugh. "Madam speaks truly—the way of tea is finest. But please don't tease me. At twenty-six, how can I still be considered a young girl?""Twenty-six?" Chen Ruoqiu exclaimed in surprise. "Looking at Miss Zaiqing's appearance, I would have guessed she was just over ten. But it's just as well—though she has the looks of a ten-year-old, she carries the poise of someone in her twenties. Such openness and composure are truly rare."
The emerald-clad woman before them was the one who had come to "seek help" the day before, named Chang Zaiqing. Her father, Chang Hu, had once been a subordinate of Old General Shen. On the battlefield, he took a blade for the general, injuring his core vitality and rendering him unfit for further combat. The Chang family relied solely on Chang Hu's support, and Old General Shen, burdened by guilt, had secretly provided financial aid. At the time, Chang Zaiqing was still young, while Shen Xin was nearing marriageable age. The old general had even joked about making Chang Zaiqing his daughter-in-law. However, before he could see Shen Xin wed, Old General Shen passed away. Since his support for the Chang family had been kept private, the two families lost contact thereafter.
Unexpectedly, the Chang family had now come knocking at their door.
A shadow of worry flickered in Chang Zaiqing's eyes. "I deeply regret imposing on the Shen family so abruptly and causing such trouble." She glanced at Chen Ruoqiu. "I know my request is sudden. If Madam finds it inconvenient, I will leave at once and not burden the Shen family further." Despite her words, she couldn't help biting her lip as she lowered her gaze.
Chen Ruoqiu warmly took her hand. "What nonsense are you saying, Miss Qing? Since your father saved my father-in-law's life, your family is our benefactor. Moreover, the old general and your father were sworn brothers—we are practically family. How could we stand by when you're in need?" She patted Chang Zaiqing's hand reassuringly. "Stay with us at Shen Mansion. Tomorrow, I'll take you to see the old madam, though she's been unwell lately and her temper is rather short. I hope you won't take it to heart."
Chang Zaiqing hastily expressed her humility. Her demeanor was natural and courteous—neither awkward nor overly familiar—making it easy to warm up to her. Even someone as cautious as Chen Ruoqiu found herself smiling genuinely in her presence.
The Chang family had lived in Liuzhou. Their sudden arrival at Shen Mansion was indeed due to trouble. Chang Hu had passed away years earlier, leaving only Chang Zaiqing and her ailing mother. Recently, her mother succumbed to illness and was laid to rest. Soon after, a local official's son attempted to forcibly take Chang Zaiqing as his concubine. Driven to despair, she nearly hanged herself with a white silk cord but was saved by her wet nurse. The nurse then reminded her that Old General Shen, her father's old comrade, might be her only hope.
Chang Zaiqing had met the old general as a child and vaguely remembered him as a generous and magnanimous soldier. With no other options, she scraped together travel expenses and journeyed to Fixed Capital. Upon arriving at Shen Mansion, she happened to meet Chen Ruoqiu, who, after learning her story, arranged for her stay.
Chen Ruoqiu smiled at Chang Zaiqing. "Having lived in a watery region like Liuzhou, Fixed Capital must feel quite different. I hope the food suits your taste. And how are you finding the West Courtyard?""You're too kind, Madam," Chang Zaiqing replied with a smile. "Your hospitality has been most considerate, and the accommodations in the West Courtyard are exceptionally thoughtful. However..." She hesitated slightly, then asked with some puzzlement, "Such a large courtyard as the West Courtyard—is it usually left vacant?" Realizing her question might be abrupt, she quickly added with a laugh, "Forgive my rudeness in asking. Please don't take offense."
"I regard you as one of our own—why would I take offense?" Chen Ruoqiu smiled. "I might as well be frank with you. You see, our household actually consists of three branches. You must have heard of the Grand General of Might—he is the eldest branch of our Shen family. But two years ago, some misunderstandings arose within the household, and the eldest branch moved out. My husband and I wanted to explain, but my elder brother and his wife had already left for Xiaochun City and only returned recently. We wished to clarify matters, but the misunderstanding runs too deep." As she spoke, Chen Ruoqiu's expression grew helpless, and she shook her head. "We simply don't know what to do anymore."
Chang Zaiqing was taken aback. "From what you say, Madam, does that mean the West Courtyard—"
"That was originally where my elder brother's family lived," Chen Ruoqiu confirmed.
Understanding dawned on Chang Zaiqing. Noticing Chen Ruoqiu's melancholy expression, she consoled her, "Madam, you needn't dwell on it too much. Blood is always thicker than water, and since it's merely a misunderstanding, it will surely be resolved in time—especially among family. Given enough time, even if you say nothing, I imagine Grand General Shen will come to see these matters as trivial."
Chen Ruoqiu smiled. "I know all this in theory, but hearing you say it brings me much comfort." She looked at Chang Zaiqing warmly. "If everyone in Shen Mansion were as perceptive as you, things would be much better. Since you understand so much, perhaps you could teach Yue'er when you have time. That child has been spoiled rotten by our doting—she could use someone as clever as you to guide her."
"You flatter me, Madam," Chang Zaiqing replied with a smile. "Yue'er is cultured, sensible, and exceptionally bright—I've never met such an intelligent girl even in Liuzhou. She must be among the finest young ladies in Fixed Capital. A woman ought to be erudite and talented—it lends her a distinctive grace."
This subtle flattery pleased Chen Ruoqiu immensely. The conversation grew even more animated, lasting until nearly noon before Chang Zaiqing took her leave.
After Chang Zaiqing had left, Shi Qing cautiously asked while wiping the table, "Madam, do you truly intend to keep that Miss Qing here?" She hesitated before adding, "The household expenses have been growing lately, and I fear Old Madam Shen will be displeased if she finds out."
Old Madam Shen had grown increasingly miserly of late. Were she to learn that Chang Zaiqing was staying at Shen Mansion at their expense, she would undoubtedly be furious. This was why Chen Ruoqiu had earlier warned Chang Zaiqing about the old lady's temper and asked for her patience.
"What does that shortsighted old woman know?" Chen Ruoqiu sneered. "She's useless at best and a hindrance at worst—she can't see beyond her nose."
"Does Madam believe this Miss Qing might be of some use?" Hua Yi, quick-witted and well-acquainted with her mistress's temperament, ventured. Two years ago, Chen Ruoqiu might have played the benevolent benefactor to cultivate her reputation, but now, with finances tight and her own situation precarious, taking in a stranger seemed unusual."Her speech and demeanor show depth, unlike the shallow-mindedness of ordinary women. She's attractive with a gentle appearance, and her temperament is refined—such intelligence is rare. Even within the household, she would stand out as exceptional. If she harbors no ambition, that's one thing, but if she does, within five years, this woman is bound to make her mark." Chen Ruoqiu smiled to herself. The place she was born in was rife with women's schemes daily, and her own mother was the most formidable of them all. In Chang Zaiqing, Chen Ruoqiu saw a reflection of her mother—except Chang Zaiqing was still so young, her future achievements might even surpass her mother's.
"But what could such a formidable person do?" Hua Yi was puzzled. "Does Madam intend to forge a good relationship now, so that when Miss Qing rises to prominence someday, she might repay Madam's kindness?"
Chen Ruoqiu laughed at this. "A woman this clever, with such a sharp mind—though she appears meek in speech, she's actually proud and ambitious. How could she ever be content to remain beneath others? If she truly climbs high, don't expect any repayment. She would look down on others."
"Then, Madam—"
"Such an outstanding person—I can't bear to hand her over to someone else." Chen Ruoqiu gazed out the window. "Fertile water shouldn't flow to outsiders; a good blade must be used where it's most needed. But a woman this formidable—even I doubt I could outmaneuver her. I wonder how many rounds that other one could withstand."
Meanwhile, Chang Zaiqing returned to the West Courtyard. Once the residence of Shen Xin's family, the West Courtyard was now much emptier. There used to be many servants there, and Shen Xin had even called over his personal guards for training, making the place lively. But after Shen Xin's family moved away, Chen Ruoqiu gradually dismissed most of the servants under the pretext of cutting expenses. Without the daily drills of the soldiers, the already vast West Courtyard felt even more desolate and silent.
Chang Zaiqing's wet nurse, Momo Zhao, hurried to greet her upon her return, taking her cloak with concern. "Miss, how did your talk with Third Madam Shen go today?"
It had been Momo Zhao's idea for Chang Zaiqing to seek the Shen family's help in the capital. If they didn't act soon, Chang Zaiqing would truly have no other options left. But the Shen and Chang families had long ceased contact—people's hearts change. Old General Shen had once been willing to look after the Chang family, but with him gone, who knew how the Shen family would treat Chang Zaiqing now?
Chang Zaiqing rubbed her temples and sat down on the soft couch in the room. "Third Madam Shen was very welcoming and agreed to let us stay for a while. Even if those people come to Fixed Capital, they wouldn’t dare provoke the Shen family."
Momo Zhao patted her chest in relief. "Amitabha! The old master always said the Shen family was full of kind-hearted souls. I was so worried they might refuse to help, but it seems we can rest easy now."
"You worry too much, Momo." Chang Zaiqing sneered, her expression disdainful. "When has there ever been a free lunch in this world? Even Old General Shen's care for the Chang family was only because my father once took a blade for him. No one is kind without reason. Third Madam Shen's warmth is only because she sees some use in me."
Momo Zhao was startled and looked at Chang Zaiqing in alarm. "Miss, are you saying Third Madam Shen isn't a good person? What should we do then?""Don't worry, Momo," Chang Zaiqing reassured her, though her eyes gleamed with a cold light. "Third Madam Shen has her demands of me, just as I have my needs from her. Though I don't yet know what schemes she harbors, I'll surely find a way."
"But—" Momo Zhao still seemed uneasy.
"Rest assured, Momo," Chang Zaiqing smiled. "We've overcome far worse to reach this day. Now that a path to survival is in sight, what have I to fear? The Shen family is merely a stepping stone, and I intend to make full use of it. While Third Madam Shen seeks to use me, I too am using her."
Momo Zhao gazed at Chang Zaiqing and finally nodded in agreement. "This old servant only wishes for your well-being, young mistress. Whatever you say, I shall follow."
Fixed Capital was the heart of Ming Qi, where every inch of land was worth its weight in gold. The most prestigious location, aside from the imperial palace, was Yanqing Lane in the southern district. Nestled near bustling taverns and shops, facing the river with unparalleled scenery, Yanqing Lane's exorbitant value stemmed not only from its history as a residence for nobility of past dynasties but also from the renowned Immortal who once declared its feng shui supremely auspicious—imbued with dragon energy, fit only for descendants of the royal family, where none but the most exalted could dwell.
The Ming Qi imperial family resided elsewhere in the capital, and constructing new palaces in the southern district would provoke public outcry and drain the treasury. Yet who dared inhabit a place with dragon energy? Would the emperor not take offense? Even the boldest lacked the means to afford it, leaving Yanqing Lane desolate for years—until now.
Now, Yanqing Lane finally had occupants: distinguished guests from Qin State and Great Coolness. The Crown Prince of Qin and a prince from Great Coolness, both rightful scions of royalty, found no better residence than Yanqing Lane. Staying in the palace was out of the question—Emperor Wenhui would never sleep soundly with foreign dignitaries under his roof.
At the innermost end of Yanqing Lane stood a heavily guarded mansion. More akin to a miniature palace, its opulent decor and vast grounds dwarfed even the grandest ministerial estates.
This was Prince Rui's Residence. While the Crown Prince of Qin chose the outermost mansion, Prince Rui claimed the innermost—perhaps deliberately distancing himself from Qin. Regardless, this mansion was Yanqing Lane's most expensive, costing twice as much as the Qin prince's, yet Prince Rui secured it without hesitation, proving rumors of Great Coolness's overflowing treasury true.
Prince Rui's audacity knew no bounds. On his first day, he replaced the entrance plaque with a gleaming golden one inscribed: "Prince Rui's Residence." Amusement and exasperation followed—was this Great Coolness prince truly settling in Ming Qi?
Now, in one of the residence's courtyards, a pure white creature fluttered about on the ground."This little thing looks delicate, but it's too fierce. So small yet already this vicious—why would the master think of keeping it?" A woman in yellow squatted on the ground, poking at a snow-white furball with a wooden stick. Upon closer inspection, the creature was fluffy all over, resembling a stuffed doll. Its clear, dark eyes darted around with a clever glint. At the moment, it was scratching the woman's hand with its claws and even tried biting her with its teeth. This was none other than a young tiger, likely just born, its tender body covered in rare pale fur with barely discernible stripes. From a distance, it looked like a pure white snow tiger—utterly adorable.
As the woman teased it, she suddenly gasped in pain, dropping the stick and exclaiming angrily, "This thing looks so gentle, yet it bites! It really hurt me. Just wait—I’ll tear you apart later!"
"Better not," another woman's voice chimed in. Dressed in faint red robes, she had a somewhat alluring air as she glanced at the furry bundle on the ground. "The master personally brought this one back to raise, Nightingale. If you lay a hand on it, you might find yourself torn apart by the master first."
The woman named Nightingale stood up. The white cub happily grabbed at her skirt with its claws, then turned to bite and tug at it, dragging it backward until Nightingale kicked it away. She walked over to the red-robed woman. "Huolong, has the master gone mad? What’s the point of raising a tiger? Sure, it looks cute now, but it’s vicious. What if it hurts someone later?"
Huolong shrugged. "Probably just a whim. Ever since this white tiger was brought back, it’s done nothing but eat and sleep. It’s only been a few days since it opened its eyes, and it already knows how to bite."
"If the master ends up bringing home a full-grown tiger one day, His Majesty will surely have another headache," Nightingale said with a grimace.
"What are you two slacking off for?" A man’s stern voice cut in. The two women turned to see a middle-aged man striding toward them. He walked up to the cage, picked up the bowl on top, and glared at Nightingale and Huolong with displeasure. "You were supposed to feed it, yet here you are lazing around!"
"Tie Yi!" Nightingale snapped. "We left the Tower Prison thinking we’d get decent work serving the master, only to end up feeding a tiger. We’re part of the Ink Feather Army, not wet nurses! Who spends their days doing nothing but playing with a tiger?"
"Do as the master commands and stop asking questions," Tie Yi retorted. He crouched down and fed the white tiger from the bowl—minced cooked meat mixed with eggs. The cub sniffed at it before happily digging in. Tie Yi patted its head, the two looking quite content together.
The sight of this burly man sitting so tenderly with a dainty little tiger was oddly touching.
After eating half the bowl, the tiger refused more. Tie Yi put the bowl aside, only to notice Huolong and Nightingale suddenly bowing behind him. "Master."
Xie Jingxing waved a hand as he stepped out from the house, followed by Ji Yushu and Gao Yang.
Ji Yushu’s eyes nearly popped out at the sight of the white tiger. "What kind of dog is that?"
Tie Yi stiffened. Gao Yang deadpanned, "Are you blind? Clearly, it’s a roe deer."
A roe deer.Tie Yi said, "Young Master Ji, Young Master Gao, it's a white tiger." His tone also carried a sense of injustice for the tiger. Unfortunately, the cub didn't understand human speech. After eating its fill, it began chasing its tail under the sun, behaving more like a cat.
"Tiger?" Ji Yushu turned to Xie Jingxing. "Third Brother, are you alright? Since when did you start keeping tigers?"
The nightingale chirped crisply, "Young Master Ji, this is something our master spotted on the way to Fixed Capital. A hunter was trying to sell this cub's pelt for a hefty price, but our master saved it."
Gao Yang glanced sideways at Xie Jingxing. "Since when have you been so kind-hearted? This doesn't seem like something you'd do."
Xie Jingxing ignored both of them. Dressed in a dark purple narrow-sleeved brocade robe embroidered with golden floral vines, his attire remained as extravagant as ever. Yet no amount of lavish clothing could surpass his striking appearance. He sauntered leisurely over to the white tiger cub, which, upon seeing a sudden figure before it, immediately pounced without hesitation, claws outstretched and ready to bite.
Only to be lifted by the scruff of its neck.
Xie Jingxing held the white cub aloft. The little tiger seemed highly uncomfortable in this position, kicking its legs incessantly, but Xie Jingxing paid no heed, studying it thoughtfully.
"Surely he's not planning to... the tiger right now?" Nightingale mimed a beheading gesture at Huolong. Huolong shivered and shook his head.
After a moment, Xie Jingxing parted the cub's hind legs, took a glance, and chuckled. "It's a female."
Everyone: "..."
So what if it's female? Was Xie Jingxing planning to take it back to Great Coolness to be Prince Rui's Royal Consort?
The cub let out a soft "aowu," its voice still tender with youth. Xie Jingxing placed it against his chest, cradling it in his arms. The white cub sprawled on his chest, tilting its head up to emit a series of "aowu aowu" sounds, almost like it was coquettishly pleading—utterly pitiable and endearing.
Xie Jingxing tugged at the cub's whiskers with his fingers, teasing it. Nightingale gasped in alarm. "Master, no! Tigers hate having their whiskers touched—it'll bite you!"
Before the words even finished, the cub chomped down on Xie Jingxing's finger. Huolong and Tie Yi both jumped in shock. Ji Yushu covered his mouth with both hands, his expression exaggeratedly horrified, while Gao Yang looked rather gleeful.
Xie Jingxing calmly met the cub's gaze. After a while, the little tiger seemed to grow somewhat guilty, releasing its bite and turning its head away. A faint but distinct set of teeth marks remained on Xie Jingxing's finger.
"Eyes like hers, temper like hers. Even the biting habit is the same." Xie Jingxing looked down at the cub in his arms, unbothered. Instead, he gently stroked its head.
The cub, seemingly drowsy, yawned and stretched lazily, making no effort to resist as Xie Jingxing tousled its head. It simply lay against his chest, resting without a care.
The sun lazily cast golden rays. The purple-robed man, devastatingly handsome, gazed down at the cub in his arms, his long lashes slightly curled yet unable to conceal the tender affection in his eyes. The cub's fur was exquisitely beautiful as it nestled obediently against him. The pair looked like a painting, a far cry from the bizarre sight of Tie Yi feeding the tiger earlier.
Xie Jingxing arched a brow, watching the half-asleep cub. "Still needs a name. Since you're so much like her, I'll call you Jiaojiao from now on."
Ji Yushu clapped his hands together. "What kind of ridiculous name is that? Third Brother, you're giving this tigress such a delicate name? That's too weird!" he protested. "Change it! Something like Tiger Tyrant, Iron Hammer, or Brother Biao would be much better!"
Gao Yang covered his eyes with a fan, as if he couldn't bear to watch.
Xie Jingxing shot Ji Yushu a glance, unhurriedly continuing to scratch the cub's chin. "Shut up," he said coolly. "This is my Jiaojiao."
－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－
Brother Xie seems to be constantly acting cute :3 But it's so adorable~
Why is this entire volume so cheerful? \o~
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