The next day’s grand court session erupted into chaos over the petition to exempt the examination guarantee silver. In no time, the court officials had split into two clearly demarcated factions: the aristocratic families and the common-born officials.
Most astonishing of all was that the initiator of this proposal was Kaifeng Prefect Tu Yao, himself from an aristocratic family. Even more surprising was Qingwu Marquis Xie Xian, who stood on the same side as Tu Yao.
The aristocratic opposition looked at them as if they were traitors.
Their objections were numerous, but ultimately boiled down to the same few points: “The court spends so much every year—don’t you think organizing exams costs money? What’s a small fee for the students? It’s only one tael and five mace, after all. If they’re capable, they can earn it back in a month by becoming a government-sponsored scholar.”
The common-born faction argued that this very premise was flawed.
With this one tael and five mace barrier standing in the way, many children from poor families couldn’t even qualify to take the exam, let alone have the opportunity to “earn it back”?
What you call “trivial” is enough to drain three generations’ worth of savings.
The two sides spent most of the day locked in verbal combat, neither gaining the upper hand.
However, with Tu Yao and Xie Xian—these two so-called “traitors”—on the opposing side, the aristocrats found themselves at a subtle disadvantage.
Someone finally confronted Xie Xian directly, sarcastically asking, “Your Excellency wears silks and satins so lavishly, yet you speak of such things?”
If you care so much for the common-born scholars, why not just give away all your wealth?
His words caused even the emperor, already weary from the noise, and all the officials present to collectively gasp in dismay.
True enough, Xie Xian was indeed a royal son-in-law—and even took pride in it—but in court, addressing him as “Prince Consort” rather than “Minister Xie” was clearly meant to mock him for living off his wife’s status.
Even Tu Yao, who had been resting his eyes from the exhausting debate, instinctively lifted his eyelids to glance at the speaker.
Just see how this fool meets his end.
Xie Xian, with a casual flick of his sleeves, blinked his eyes and showed no sign of anger. He deftly replied, “Because I understand the Emperor’s compassion for the people’s hardships, I recognize the difficulties of worldly affairs. Unlike some, who merrily enjoy their salaries without accomplishing anything.”
In other words, “I perfectly understand the Emperor’s concern for the people’s struggles. It’s only right that I have wealth, unlike you lot who happily collect your salaries without doing a thing.”
With this single sentence, he dragged the previously neutral emperor into the fray.
The speaker’s face turned purple with rage, stammering incoherently, unable to come up with a rebuttal.
How could he possibly argue back—by saying the Emperor doesn’t care?
He immediately regretted his choice—why had he challenged this master of insults?
Couldn’t he have picked someone from the Censorate instead?
The hall fell silent first, then came the synchronized rustling of official robes as all the ministers turned their gazes toward the dragon throne.
The Emperor: “…”
You’ve praised me so unexpectedly!
Actually, the court wasn’t exactly desperate for that one tael and five mace of silver. But seemingly insignificant matters often had complex, interwoven implications. It would take several rounds of discussion before anything could be decided.
After court, the officials gathered in their respective factions. Xie Xian and Tu Yao walked out together openly.
Since Xie Yu served in the Kaifeng Prefecture, the two had often interacted. Now, having allied in court, they no longer bothered to hide their camaraderie.
The weather was pleasant, so instead of taking sedan chairs, they strolled along the shaded roadside, chatting as they walked.
It was early summer, with lush greenery everywhere. The scenery alone was enough to uplift one’s mood, somewhat dispelling the lingering tension from the court session.
“It’s not really about a few taels of silver,” Tu Yao mused, gazing at the bustling street crowd. “It’s just a means to suppress the common-born.”
These people toiled every day without a moment’s rest. How many could even save up one tael and five mace in a whole year?
The struggle between social classes was fiercer than fire and water. The imperial examination was the only path to breaking through these barriers. The aristocrats feared that a flood of common-born scholars would threaten their status and dilute their privileges.
Nearby, large pots boiled with soup, white steam rising and rolling. It splashed onto the cook’s face, where sweat glistened under the sun.
A bowl of minced meat soup was only three cash, yet there were still people hesitating for a long time before daring to approach.
Xie Xian sighed, “Years ago, when I traveled with my senior apprentice, we once stayed at a farmer’s house after missing our lodging. That was when I first realized that there were people in this world who couldn’t even afford to eat eggs…”
He would never forget the scene of a girl crying bitterly after the family reluctantly slaughtered their hen to host them, saying she could no longer collect eggs to sell for money.
The young Xie Xian had been deeply shaken. For the first time in his life, he stood there, utterly at a loss when faced with a child sobbing uncontrollably.
But after he emptied his purse to compensate the family, the girl stopped crying and laughed again, her face glowing red as she devoured the chicken soup more eagerly than anyone…
Common-born scholars struggled to rise. Years of hardship forged their extraordinary willpower, endurance, and relentless drive to climb upward.
They were like grass growing through cracks in stone—given the slightest sunlight and rain, they would grow wildly.
Turning the next corner, the two unexpectedly encountered an old acquaintance: the very official who had confronted Xie Xian in court.
Upon seeing Xie Xian, the man’s pupils constricted. He longed to flee but, constrained by pride, could only grit his teeth and glare back.
Xie Xian gave a cold chuckle, then turned to Tu Yao and said, “A defeated general—this fellow is not worth discussing with.”
Go back home and farm!
Tu Yao: “…”
If the father is this audacious, it’s no wonder Xie Yu grew up the way he did.
The man could hardly bear such humiliation. His blood surged to his head, and he stammered incoherently, pointing at Xie Xian and shouting “You—you—you!” Several times. If not for his companion’s support, he might have collapsed.
His companion: “…”
Why did you have to provoke him for no reason?
You can’t fight him, and you can’t even argue with him!
Xie Xian strutted past like a victorious peacock, not even bothering to spare half a glance.
Tu Yao, somewhat helplessly, signaled to a passing patrol officer, “Keep an eye on him. If he looks unwell, call a doctor.”
After all, it was their jurisdiction. If something happened, the Kaifeng Prefecture would have to clean up the mess.
The two strolled to the Kaifeng Prefecture office, where they saw a young couple standing by the roadside, apparently waiting for someone.
Before Tu Yao and Xie Xian could recognize them, the young man’s face lit up. He hurried over and bowed, “Greetings, Prefect!”
It was Li Qinghe.
He dared to glance at Xie Xian, but immediately felt his heart race and his head spin. He quickly lowered his gaze, too shy to look again.
Could there really be such a handsome man in the world?
He didn’t know whether the other had seen through his thoughts, but Xie Xian softly laughed.
Li Qinghe immediately felt flustered, not knowing where to put his hands and feet.
Tu Yao was somewhat surprised, “Ah, it’s you. Is there something I can help you with?”
Li Qinghe bowed his head and said, “Your Excellency’s wisdom and fairness cleared my name. I am deeply grateful, with no way to repay you. Knowing your reputation for integrity, I dare not stain it with gifts. I have only prepared a basket of eggs as a humble token of thanks. Please do not refuse.”
A young woman, unfamiliar to them, stepped forward, indeed carrying a bamboo basket.
The basket was uncovered, openly displaying dozens of smooth, round eggs—clearly meant to avoid any misunderstanding of bribery.
Tu Yao and Xie Xian exchanged glances. Xie Xian smiled, “You’re quite clever.”
Gratitude was genuine, and thanks were sincere—but surely the main intention was to make a favorable impression?
Li Qinghe blushed, “I cannot hide from you, Excellency, but my gratitude is sincere…”
When dealing with intelligent people, the wisest move was not to pretend to be clever, for that would only invite their disdain.
Dou Niang, aware of her lowly status, dared not raise her head. Suddenly, a slender, elegant hand extended before her.
The hand was long and smooth, like a piece of the finest jade, neither too thick nor too thin—proof alone that its owner must be an extraordinary beauty.
She hesitated for a moment, then heard the official speak with a smile, “What? Are you reluctant again?”
Dou Niang snapped out of her trance and quickly handed the basket over with both hands, not daring to say a word.
Tu Yao glanced at Xie Xian, who had taken the initiative, and the latter said casually, “It’s almost Qingming Festival in two days.”
In the north, there was a tradition of eating boiled eggs during Qingming. Those who were particular would carefully select beautiful, adorable eggs, placing them in nets or cloth bags. Friends would compare them—competing over whose egg looked best or had the hardest shell—before playing the whole day and finally eating them.
Tu Yao shook his head helplessly and said to Li Qinghe, “Well, at least you showed restraint. You didn’t bring anything too flashy.”
Li Qinghe and Dou Niang understood the cue and knew not to overstay. After a brief greeting, they stepped aside and watched the two officials enter.
Only after Tu Yao and Xie Xian had disappeared through the gates did Dou Niang slowly exhale, realizing only then that her palms were damp with sweat.
“Li Lang, who was that official just now? His bearing and grace were truly extraordinary.”
She had only dared to steal a glance while bowing, but was awestruck.
Li Qinghe was both surprised and delighted, “Dressed in a censor’s robe, and with such grace—he must be Qingwu Marquis Xie Xian.”
Never did he expect to meet him here. It was an unexpected delight.
What a worthwhile trip today had been.
Meanwhile, as Xie Xian followed Tu Yao into the Kaifeng Prefecture office, he sniffed the air, “Smells delicious.”
A passing officer chuckled, gesturing as he spoke, “Ma Bing said everyone’s been working hard these days and needs nourishment. She got up early to prepare a huge headfish—huge!—and it’s stewing now!”
There was also wild duck soup, cold vegetable salad, and more. He couldn’t even remember all of it.
“Not worse than an outside chef,” Xie Xian winked, raising the bamboo basket in his hand. He smiled at Tu Yao, “Let me first pay respects to your wife, then offer these eggs as a gift.”
The officer had seen the basket earlier, but since it was carried by Xie Yu, he assumed it was something valuable. Now that he looked closely… Hmm? Eggs?
Looking again, still eggs!
Do they now hand out eggs at court?
Tu Yao’s wife was surnamed Zhao, a lady from a distinguished Jiangnan family. She had been suffering from a cough recently, and after a brief exchange of greetings with Xie Xian, she apologized, “Forgive me, I cannot entertain you further.”
Xie Xian didn’t mind, smiling, “We’re not strangers. My lady, please don’t be so formal.”
Saying so, he was about to take the basket of eggs to the herb garden to join the meal.
Tu Yao: “…”
You really don’t hold back, do you?
Madam Zhao smiled and gave him a gentle push, “Go on, I need to rest. Don’t stay here to bother me.”
Even if a guest, one must still be treated with courtesy. How could she leave him alone?
Tu Yao reluctantly called for the maid attending his wife and inquired about her condition. Only after confirming she was fine did he feel reassured.
Originally, he had wanted Ma Bing to check on her a couple of days ago, but due to a corruption case, Ma Bing had been occupied with sketching suspects day and night, leaving her no time. So the visit had been postponed until now.
When Tu Yao and Xie Xian arrived at the herb garden, it was already filled with people. Wang Heng and his two apprentices had the advantage of proximity, naturally being present. Also there were Xie Yu, Yuan Pei, Huo Ping, Song Tui Guan, and Zhang Tong Pan. Rarely were they all gathered together.
The herb garden’s small kitchen wasn’t enough, so Ma Bing had asked for help setting up large pots in the courtyard. Firewood burned beneath them, and the bubbling steam made the pot lids rattle.
The unique fragrance of fish meat wafted from there.
Seeing their entrance, everyone was momentarily stunned, then rose to bow.
Xie Xian waved cheerfully, “No need for formalities. Please, sit down.”
He first went to check on his son, instinctively showing concern, “Hmm, you’ve lost weight.”
Xie Yu looked down at the basket of eggs being handed to him.
Eggs?
What did that mean?
Xie Xian had already wandered over to Ma Bing’s side, curiously asking, “Young lady, what delicious food are you making?”
Although they had only met once, Ma Bing felt that this person was hard to understand by ordinary standards.
You just show up like this, bringing something?
Fine, bring something, but just a basket of eggs?
Speaking of eggs, she glanced at Xie Yu, who was holding the basket in silence, and suddenly felt a little sympathy.
“Minister Xie,” she called, waving him over, “Give them to me.”
There was a small pot still simmering with braised ingredients. She could crack a few eggs into it to make braised eggs—great to eat plain or with wine.
Xie Yu’s movements as he handed over the basket were tinged with relief.
Ma Bing picked out a few eggs, casually tapped them against the edge of the pot, and with a few quick flicks of her fingers, the shells fell away neatly—effortlessly stylish.
Looking up, she saw father and son still standing there, so she laughed and handed them each an egg, “Go play.”
Xie Yu: “…”
He felt somewhat brushed off.
But Xie Xian happily accepted the eggs, examined them for a moment, then suddenly “clack!”—he tapped his egg against Xie Yu’s!
“Haha, I win!”
Looking at his unbroken egg, Xie Xian was delighted like a child, showing no trace of the man who had nearly driven a colleague to faint with anger moments ago.
Xie Yu looked down at his own egg, now dented, his temple throbbing, his mouth pulled tightly downward.
On the side, Tu Yao led the way in avoiding eye contact.
Is this really a father?
“Crack!”
Xie Yu crushed the egg in his hand and glared murderously at the remaining basket.
Ma Bing: “…”
She cautiously placed the basket on the table, “Please, help yourself.”
Xie Yu looked at her, then actually sat down by the table, beginning to seriously select an egg—very solemnly.
Everyone: “…”
Ma Bing gave Yuan Pei a meaningful look and whispered, “Are they always like this?”
So childish.
Yuan Pei mumbled, “Well… more or less.”
Was this something he could actually say?
Yet whether it was Xie Xian’s luck or Xie Yu’s misfortune, the latter picked seven or eight eggs in a row to challenge his father, and every single one failed!
Even Tu Yao’s attention was now drawn, and the look in his eyes at the egg in Xie Xian’s hand carried a hint of reverence.
This is the general among eggs! Xie Xian joyfully announced to everyone, “I’m going to take it back for the princess to see.” He also wanted to repeatedly recount the glorious history of consecutive victories!
A vein on Xie Yu’s forehead throbbed violently. Suddenly, he grabbed another egg and, in a flash, struck it against Xie Xian’s.
“Waah, it’s cracked, it’s cracked!” Yuanpei exclaimed with wide eyes, “Marquis’s egg is cracked!”
After shouting, he paused for a moment himself, feeling something was off about his words.
Huoping somehow obtained a large handful of dried pumpkin seeds. With thick, clumsy fingers, he tried to peel them awkwardly. Although they weren’t enough to fill his teeth, he was quite enjoying himself watching and eating them.
Nobles and officials often have smooth sailing in life, so they tend to develop some odd habits, commonly known as having too much idle time.
Just get used to it and don’t be surprised.
Xie Xian repeated Xie Yu’s earlier silence, clearly showing they were indeed father and son. Then, angrily pointing his finger, he accused, “You knowingly broke the rules! You cheated!”
Looking at the finally shattered egg, a flash of satisfaction passed quickly through the young marquis’s eyes, while he calmly replied, “I didn’t.”
“You did!” Xie Xian turned to Tu Yao and shouted, “He used his knuckles, I saw it clearly!”
He smashed the egg deliberately with his finger bones; it wasn’t a proper egg tapping at all!
Tu Yao silently turned his face away, clearly unwilling to get involved in this mess.
The others also started looking at the sky or the ground, as if the scenery they saw every day had suddenly become extraordinarily fascinating, making it hard for them to look away.
Xie Yu, with a wooden expression, retorted, “Words alone aren’t proof—you have no evidence.”
“This is the evidence!” Xie Xian cried bitterly.
He had wanted to take it back for the princess to see.
Xie Yu lifted his chin, narrowed his eyes slightly, and said, “When handling cases, one must rely on evidence. Both eyewitness accounts and physical evidence are indispensable.”
With a confident certainty, he added word by word, “You have no eyewitness.”
Xie Xian: “…You’re unfilial!”
Ma Bing’s expression had gradually shifted from shock to numbness, and now had finally turned into impatience.
Without hesitation, she pushed the two men apart and grabbed back the basket of eggs, “Move aside! You two made such a mess with all these eggs—eat them yourselves!”
Forget about the elegant and noble image of the jade tree-like Marquis of Qingwu, or the gentlemanly young marquis—nonsense!
When the father and son were at each other’s throats, Princess Ningde sent someone to deliver gifts. Seizing the opportunity, Tu Yao stepped in to mediate, and peace was finally restored to the courtyard.
He even subtly hinted to the arriving official that they might as well take the imperial son-in-law back with them, as the noise was hurting his eyes.
The official smiled, nodded, and then skillfully changed the subject, performing the whole routine flawlessly.
“The princess heard that the consort is visiting here, so she sent me to deliver some fruits as a little treat,” said the official. He clapped his hands, and attendants carried in two baskets.
One basket contained light yellow Western Region melons, each as large as a baby’s head, round and adorable, exuding a rich fragrance. Just bringing them in for a short while filled everyone’s noses with their sweet aroma.
The other basket held golden Dongting loquats, carefully bundled with tender leaves, crisp and cute. Each fruit was about the size of a small egg, unblemished and plump.
Everyone then washed the fruits and ate them.
Cutting into a melon released a glistening juice, the fragrance growing stronger and sweeter. The soft flesh held a row of small seeds, giving it a charming look.
Ma Bing took a piece and tasted it. The texture was smooth and tender, sweet as honey.
Indeed, it was from the Western Regions—only fruits from there could be this sweet.
Come to think of it, it had been several years since she last tasted such fruits.
Though loquats were common, she hadn’t eaten many, mainly because she disliked peeling them, as they always left her hands sticky with juice.
However, the batch delivered by Princess Ningde was clearly superior to anything on the market. The skins were particularly thin and peeled off easily with just a light tug.
The flesh was thick and tender, and devouring them in large bites was very satisfying.
Loquats nourish the lungs, relieve coughing, and benefit the stomach and intestines, making them perfect for this season.
Later, she could go to the market to see if there were more. If so, she could buy some and slowly simmer them into loquat paste to prepare for coughs during seasonal changes.
Alternatively, when there was nothing else to do, scooping a spoonful and mixing it with hot water also made a delicious drink.
After eating the fruits, their empty stomachs felt even hungrier, and everyone’s eyes turned enviously toward the stove.
Ma Bing went to check and saw that the timing was nearly right. She called for the table and chopsticks to be prepared.
Xie Xian had never done this before and found it extremely novel. He wanted to join in setting the tableware but ended up sweeping his wide sleeve against a cabinet on his way out, causing a pile of bowls to crash noisily to the ground.
Ma Bing took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled, struggling to force a smile onto her face. “My lord, perhaps you should rest outside.”
If he kept meddling, she feared she might lose control and commit an act of insubordination.
The main dish was fish head tofu soup. The bighead fish had been freshly delivered that morning by fishermen. Ma Bing had first pan-fried it, then simmered it over low heat for an hour, resulting in a pot of snowy-white, thick broth.
A few golden oil droplets swirled within, while cubed tofu rolled and bubbled like a chatterbox.
When one’s appetite was poor, simply scooping up the rich broth and eating a few pieces of tender tofu and shredded fish meat, all washed down with a hot bowl, would warm the entire body, leaving a lingering fragrance and ensuring better health than any miraculous elixir.
The bighead fish had thick meat with relatively few bones. Its large body was suitable for braising.
Pouring on a bit of sauce while eating made it particularly satisfying when eaten in large mouthfuls.
Recently, everyone had been exhausted, so it was time to properly replenish their strength.
The bighead fish was delicious and satisfying, and eating more wouldn’t cause weight gain. There was no need to worry about dizziness or heart problems in summer, making it suitable for all ages.
There were also sliced salted duck eggs oozing oil, pickled Chinese toon sprouts from a few days ago, bitter melon stir-fried with eggs, and chilled side dishes. The table was fully loaded with dishes.
Xie Xian had been praising the fish head soup nonstop, but when his eyes fell on the Chinese toon sprouts, his expression changed dramatically.
Weed! Seeing everyone else enjoying themselves, even Xie Yu frequently reaching for more, Xie Xian almost wrinkled his face into a walnut.
What was wrong with the people in Kaifeng Prefecture? Why did they insist on opposing him!
Ma Bing spent a good afternoon resting. In the evening, she went to take Lady Zhao’s pulse.
Speaking of it, she had been in Kaifeng Prefecture for over ten days without yet meeting this legendary literary lady!
She had heard that Lady Zhao was renowned for her literary talent, especially skilled in composing lyrics. Several books of her writings had been published and sold well. She also loved growing plants and flowers, with various seasonal flowers blooming throughout her courtyard.
In the mild climate of the transition between spring and summer, flowers Ma Bing recognized and those she didn’t were in full bloom, with a faint floral fragrance floating in the air.
As she walked toward the house, passing through flowers and butterflies, stepping on fallen petals, it felt like entering a fairyland.
“I’m sorry to trouble you when you’ve been so busy earlier,” Lady Zhao apologized.
Her demeanor was excellent. Although over forty years old, she still exuded grace. Her every movement was as elegant as a living court lady painting, making it hard for first-time visitors not to be captivated.
Ma Bing couldn’t help but admire inwardly—indeed, knowledge and culture gave one an innate elegance, inspiring admiration.
Traditional Chinese medicine emphasized inspection, inquiry, and pulse diagnosis. By this time, the evening had arrived, and Lady Zhao had removed her makeup. Observing her complexion, Ma Bing saw no signs of illness.
“Please don’t say that, my lady. This is my profession, after all, and within my duties.”
A couple of days ago, she had argued with Minister Xie, insisting that since she was doing two jobs, she should be paid for both!
She remembered Xie Yu’s complex expression at the time. He had looked at her for a long time, as if wanting to say something but repeatedly holding himself back. Eventually, he nodded.
So now Ma Bing was very happy.
Earning silver!
She took out the herbal pillow and checked Lady Zhao’s pulse.
“You’re very well-preserved, my lady. It’s just that the rising temperatures recently have triggered your phlegm condition. You used to cough a lot, didn’t you?”
Lady Zhao nodded, “I had asthma as a child, which was later cured, but it left me with a lingering condition, causing occasional coughs.”
Ma Bing nodded, “That’s it. These past few days, you must have felt chest tightness and nausea, heavy limbs, and even dizziness and palpitations at midday, right?”
Lady Zhao smiled and nodded, her gaze filled with admiration.
“People always say that teaching requires old scholars and medicine requires experienced doctors, but I must say, your medical skills are no worse than theirs.”
“I wouldn’t dare to claim such praise,” Ma Bing waved her hand repeatedly, taking out paper and brush to write a prescription. “I’ve just traveled widely and seen many difficult cases. I’ve been forced to handle things as I go.”
She handed the prescription over, “Don’t worry, my lady. It’s nothing serious, just a seasonal issue. You don’t even need to take proper medicine. I’ve written a formula for Erchen Decoction, adding two loquats for a sweet and sour taste to stimulate the appetite. Taking it a few times should suffice.”
A proper Erchen Decoction might also include tangerine peel, Poria, and licorice, but Lady Zhao’s symptoms were very mild, barely qualifying as an illness. Taking unnecessary medicine might burden her body.
“If you’re too lazy to take even that, eating some fresh loquats would also work, though the effect won’t be as good.”
After all, loquats were fresh fruits with limited medicinal effects unless made into loquat paste, which might require eating until one was full.
Lady Zhao looked at the prescription and praised, “Beautiful handwriting.”
The characters were well-structured, flowing, and subtly sharp, not resembling the handwriting of an ordinary girl.
“The weather is unpredictable during this transition between spring and summer,” Ma Bing added, “Please pay attention to your diet, avoid cold foods, and refrain from consuming hot and spicy items…”
She spoke in detail, and Lady Zhao listened attentively, even ordering the maid to bring several plates of pastries and fruits.
Ma Bing felt a bit embarrassed, but Lady Zhao smiled, “My children aren’t around. If you don’t mind, would you like to stay and chat with me for a while?”
Her smile was irresistible, and Ma Bing almost immediately agreed.
Besides… those pastries looked too good not to try?
Southern pastries were known for their delicacy and refinement. Coming from a noble family, Lady Zhao was even more particular, even considering color coordination and shape when presenting the pastries, making them truly pleasing to the eye.
So then… eat?
Ma Bing picked up a piece and discovered it was meat-filled, seemingly mixed with ham. When held to the light, it appeared translucent. It was savory and rich without being greasy, perfect for late-night hunger.
There was also red bean cake wrapped in flaky pastry, and yam cakes with a milky aroma…
Ma Bing accidentally overate, leaving the plates spotlessly clean.
She touched her nose, her face flushed red.
“Cough, red beans benefit qi and blood, yam strengthens the spleen, nourishes the stomach, and relieves cough. These pastries are fine for you to eat, my lady, just don’t let them interfere with your main meals.”
She tried to speak seriously.
Lady Zhao looked extremely happy, her slightly wrinkled eyes radiating maternal warmth.
“Eating heartily is a blessing. When I was young, I also loved eating, but unfortunately, as I’ve aged, my stomach has weakened, so I can only watch others enjoy their food. Seeing you eat happily makes me happy too.”
Ma Bing quickly wiped the pastry crumbs from the corner of her mouth, only then realizing belatedly that all the maids serving in the room were… plump and healthy-looking.
Exactly! Girls should be a bit chubby!
“Just now you mentioned traveling to many places,” Lady Zhao looked at her face gently, “It must have been hard for you, being so young and wandering far from home.”
When her daughter was that age, she was still clinging to her side, playing the affectionate daughter.
With those words, Ma Bing almost cried.
Her fingers resting on her knees curled slightly, and she mumbled uncomfortably, “Ah, it was… okay.”
Lady Zhao smiled, suddenly reaching out to tuck Ma Bing’s hair behind her ear, “But I also envy your freedom to travel. Have you encountered any interesting people or events along the way?”
Her fingers were warm and soft, carrying a pleasant fragrance. At that moment of touch, it felt like a warm sunbeam on a winter afternoon, shining straight into Ma Bing’s heart.
She seemed to see tiny dust particles drifting in the air, and long-buried memory fragments rising from a desolate wasteland, swirling within a beam of light, stirring up broken longings…
Before coming, Ma Bing had no idea Lady Zhao was such a warm and amiable person. After a few sentences, she gradually relaxed.
Due to some indescribable emotions, she instinctively wanted to get closer to her, even going out of her way to think up two jokes with great effort.
The maids in the room didn’t laugh, even looking somewhat confused, but Lady Zhao was very gracious, covering her mouth and laughing heartily.
After chatting a while longer, Ma Bing noticed that Lady Zhao was beginning to show signs of fatigue and politely rose to take her leave.
Lady Zhao held her hand, reluctant to part, “Come visit again. In a few days, there’s a polo match in the city. I’ll take you there to play.”
Ma Bing smiled and agreed.
When she went out, several young maids in the courtyard were jumping up and down, chattering around a tree.
Ma Bing casually asked what was going on and learned that they had been collecting laundry when a sudden gust of wind blew Lady Zhao’s shawl onto the tree.
It was an old persimmon tree, thick with branches and lush foliage, very sturdy. None of the girls knew how to climb, and they were considering whether to ask a man outside for help.
Ma Bing laughed, “Why call someone else? I’ll climb up and get it down.”
Saying so, she handed her medicine case to someone else and quickly rolled up her sleeves and pants, then nimbly climbed up.
Lady Zhao came out upon hearing the noise and looked up to see that Ma Bing had already climbed over a person’s height, her heart pounding with fear, “What are you doing up there, child? Come down quickly! Don’t get hurt. It’s just a shawl!”
Ma Bing even had the leisure to turn her head and smile, “It’s okay. You all stand back so nothing falls into your eyes.”
Her movements were extremely nimble, and in the time it took to speak, she had reached the top of the wall. Lifting her head, she saw most of Kaifeng Prefecture spread out before her.
This ancient city had not fallen silent with nightfall. Instead, the crisscrossing streets and shops were brightly lit, their glow painting half the sky red, making it even more magnificent and beautiful than in daylight.
The air was filled with a vibrant and jubilant atmosphere, as countless citizens chatted and laughed, demonstrating the immense vitality of the imperial capital.
Colored lanterns gathered into a long, crimson dragon, winding in all directions as if alive, flowing endlessly into the distance…
In an instant, Ma Bing even forgot to breathe.
Thump, thump!
It sounded like her heartbeat, yet also resembled the slow and heavy pulse of the capital city itself, sending shivers through one’s body.
So beautiful!
So beautifully eerie!
“Miss Ma?!”
Dazedly, she heard someone speaking. She looked down and met Xie Yu’s gaze; he was standing outside the wall.
Since he had finished work, Xie Yu wasn’t wearing official robes, appearing more leisurely than usual.
He simply tilted his face upward, looking at her with a hint of surprise, as moonlight poured down like water.
A cool evening breeze, laced with floral fragrance, brushed past, causing his lavender-colored long robe with cloud patterns to ripple under the moonlight, making him seem almost ethereal.
Outside the wall, the flowerbeds were in full bloom, with clusters of peonies bursting into brilliant splendor. Yet he stood quietly amidst that vivid scenery, overshadowing it all effortlessly.
Ma Bing blinked slowly, finally realizing her heart was beating rather fast.
This was bad, very bad—beauty really could be dangerous…
She smiled down at him, then grabbed her shawl and leaped swiftly from the top of the wall before he could speak.
As soon as she landed, Madam Zhao staggered over. She first examined Ma Bing from head to toe, then surprisingly slapped her a few times with force.
“Nonsense! Utter nonsense! Child, don’t you understand the danger! Climbing trees in the middle of the night—do you think it’s a game?”
Yet after slapping her, she felt regretful and tenderness welled up. Prodding Ma Bing’s forehead, she scolded, “Were you scared out of your wits? Why didn’t you dodge? Did it hurt when I hit you?”
How much strength could a refined young lady possibly have? Ma Bing simply smiled. Before she could speak, however, Xie Yu appeared at the courtyard entrance with a dark expression.
“Madam Zhao,” he politely greeted her with a formal bow, but his eyes remained fixed on Ma Bing, his lips already downturned.
What if she had fallen from such a height…
Seeing Xie Yu’s expression, Ma Bing inwardly groaned. She hastily tossed her shawl to a maid and slipped away before anyone could stop her.
Xie Yu, who hadn’t had a chance to speak yet, was left in confusion: “?”
It felt as if a string in his mind had snapped with a “pop”—”Stop!”
Ma Bing, already outside, shrank her neck and ran even faster.
He’s so fierce!
All his life, Xie Yu had never been treated this way, and for a moment, he didn’t know how to react.
Madam Zhao paused, then suddenly burst into laughter.
“You look much more interesting now than when you were little!”
Perhaps it was a case of extremes generating their opposites. Princess Ningde and her consort had always preferred unconventional approaches, often saying and doing astonishing things, even causing the Emperor frequent headaches. Yet their son had grown up to be so formal and meticulous.
She remembered when she first saw him—he was only five or six, yet already as solemn as an old man…
She had never seen him so flustered before.
It was as if someone had stirred the still depths of a well, suddenly bringing it to life.
Xie Yu quickly regained his composure.
Only at this moment did he seem to realize what he had just done, his face burning with heat.
“Bring some tea for Minister Xie to cool his temper,” Madam Zhao said with a smile.
The maids also turned away, trying to suppress their giggles.
Xie Yu: “…”.
This was the downside of always being surrounded by elders!
After watching Xie Yu drink half a cup of tea with a stern face, Madam Zhao finally waved her round fan and said, “She’s a good girl.”
Xie Yu’s gaze finally shifted from the teacup.
Previously, Minister Tu had wanted Madam Zhao to observe her, and he had come to inquire about the results.
“She must have had a hard past, carrying so many burdens for one so young…”
Even the slightest kindness seemed to bring tears to the girl’s eyes, making one’s heart soften completely.
Recalling Ma Bing’s expression just now, Madam Zhao sighed softly, “I don’t know what you and the old master are planning, but if this girl truly committed any wrongdoing, there must have been a reason beyond her control.”
Xie Yu opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but didn’t know where to begin.
The law is merciless; so many convicts had cried and pleaded their cases, yet…
“You didn’t see the look in her eyes just now,” Madam Zhao paused her fan-waving, thought for a moment, then shook her head again, “No, you’re still too young; perhaps even if you saw, you wouldn’t understand.”
“What?” Xie Yu asked, puzzled.
Madam Zhao gently tapped his chest with her fan. “Here, she’s missing her mother.”
She was looking at him, yet also seemed to be looking past him at someone else—someone she missed deeply.
That child must be longing for her mother terribly.
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