Chapter 5 – Sudden Heavy Rain

At the Sheng household, Lady Sheng first asked her trusted servant, whose name was Sheng An, “Did the Prince’s ten thousand taels of silver really go to He Lan Gongzi to help him? Didn’t you say that He Lan Gongzi mentioned he had taken up an assignment and left for the border?”

Sheng An hastily replied, “He Lan Gongzi indeed said so, and stated that he owed the Sheng family a favor and would find another opportunity to repay it. Regarding the matter of persuading Little Prince, due to other pressing matters, he couldn’t handle it and requested Lady’s understanding. The day before yesterday, I delivered the farewell gift to He Lan Gongzi according to your instructions.”

Lady Sheng inquired, “Where did the ten thousand taels of silver that the Prince donated to the Ministry of Works come from?”

Sheng An responded, “The Prince opened a bank draft at our family’s silver shop without specifying its purpose. Indeed, some days ago, someone from the Ministry of Works came to redeem it, saying they were to take ten thousand taels of silver first, which was fully redeemed.”

Lady Sheng thought for a moment and instructed, “Go fetch Chun Xi from the Prince’s side, without alarming the Prince.”

Sheng An promptly went out and soon brought over Chun Xi, who served Xu Chun. Chun Xi was sixteen years old, sharp yet honest, also a hereditary servant of the Sheng family, and whose family members had sailed overseas. Upon seeing Lady Sheng, he bowed and greeted her, “Lady.”

Lady Sheng then asked him, “Who handled the donation of the ten thousand taels of silver that the Prince gave to the Ministry of Works?”

Chun Xi looked bewildered, “The Ministry of Works? I didn’t see that. The Prince withdrew ten thousand taels of silver from Rongqing Hall, but he personally took it to Jingzhao Fu, saying that it was to buy He Lan Gongzi’s freedom.”

“…”, Lady Sheng hadn’t expected such an answer. She composed herself and asked, “Has he met He Lan Gongzi?”

Chun Xi said, “Yes, he went to the ship but didn’t let me board. I merely waited on shore, while holding the horse. On the day he returned, he seemed displeased. I asked the Prince if things hadn’t gone well, and he had a grim expression. He laughed and said, ‘It’s not that I didn’t like him; he didn’t like me. What am I but a useless, frivolous fool?'”

Lady Sheng: “…”

Chun Xi continued, “The Prince seemed quite shaken that day. He sighed for several days, stopped drinking and to listen to music, and didn’t play cockfighting or ball games anymore. At home, he devoted a few days to reading but later said he wasn’t cut out for it and set the books aside again.”

“Lady knows that the Prince is impulsive. That day, he ordered me to go to Lord Liu Sheng’s side and organize a gathering. It seems he invited the bookkeeper from Jingzhao Fu to dinner to inquire about how to secure He Lan Gongzi’s release. They said it was difficult due to his status as the offspring of a disgraced official. However, the bookkeeper pointed out a way, suggesting that if the Prince could convince the Prefect, it would be possible. The Prefect was currently worried about the financial deficit in Jingzhao Fu. If the Prince could alleviate his concerns, securing freedom wouldn’t be more than a word.”

“The Prince later indeed went to Rongqing Hall and obtained a bank draft for ten thousand taels, which he entrusted me to secretly deliver to the surnamed Ma bookkeeper.”

Lady Sheng now understood, “It seems He Lan Gongzi learned about this and couldn’t return the money. As a descendant of a famous general, he presumably still has connections in the capital, so he donated this money on behalf of the Prince and helped me obtain this title.”

Chun Xi looked dazed. Sheng An quickly consoled her, “If the Prince knew that ten thousand taels could earn Lady this title, he surely wouldn’t have been heartbroken about the money.”

Lady Sheng’s face wore a faint expression of melancholy. Without speaking, she instructed Chun Xi, “Serve the Prince when you return. Don’t mention that I questioned you, just act as if I know nothing about this matter.”

Chun Xi obediently agreed and left.

Observing Lady Sheng’s expression, Sheng An said, “Regardless, the Prince acted out of righteousness and can be considered filial to Lady. Lady should view it as the Prince’s filial piety and ease the tension between you two…”

Lady Sheng slightly shook her head and simply said, “No need. You manage it well, ensuring he doesn’t find out that I know. Inform Rongqing Hall that I’ll cover these ten thousand taels and additionally issue two thousand taels in bank drafts. Send them to the border for He Lan Gongzi, wishing him a bright future.”

Sheng An inwardly sighed but still bowed and agreed. He then asked Lady Sheng, “Lady obtaining a title is indeed great news. I’ve already ordered rewards for a month’s salary for everyone in the business. But we should also send someone back to inform the Old Master and the Eldest Lord.”

Lady Sheng smiled faintly, “Father would be delighted if he knew this was Chun Ge’er’s filial respect for me. Send a smart messenger to report the good news.”

Sheng An laughed, “The Old Master and the Eldest Lord have always doted on the Prince. Upon hearing this, they might give the Prince more money again, fearing that His Grace might covet it.”

Lady Sheng said, “They treat Chun Ge’er as their own kin and love him dearly. In truth, Chun Ge’er is mindful of his spending. Today, when His Grace asked him for money to renovate the garden, he directly refused in front of the Grand Lady. In fact, Chun Ge’er is very prudent with his expenses compared to his cousins; he’s rather frugal.”

Sheng An laughed, “That’s true. This is also due to the conservative atmosphere in the capital. The Prince dares not be too extravagant to avoid drawing unwanted attention.”

Lady Sheng then asked, “Has the boy returned to his room?”

Sheng An chuckled, “Lady knows the Prince. I heard that the matriarch bestowed two maidservants upon him, who were waiting to greet you. The Prince returned to his courtyard and saw two additional maidservants. He took a few pieces of clothing and left again. Those serving him have reported that he hasn’t gone elsewhere, only has been staying at Bamboo Branch Workshop. The Prince no longer frequents those places of debauchery but only stays at Bamboo Branch Workshop. Sometimes he paints a few strokes, but it’s probably just boredom. They say idle people stir up trouble. Lady might as well keep him close, even teaching him to manage the business…”

Lady Sheng appeared exhausted and waved her hand. “Don’t mention this matter again. Commerce is considered lowly among the high-ranking families in the capital. The Prince… will inherit a title in the future. If I involve him in business, he won’t be able to stand tall among others. The Grand Lady and His Grace can’t be appeased either. Even the Prince himself… may not be willing to learn these things. Forget it. Regardless, we can ensure his lifelong sustenance, and as long as he’s happy, it’s enough.”

Sheng An, as Lady Sheng’s trusted manager, was different from others. He still advised in a low voice, “The boy is still young and needs to be gradually educated. The matriarch has arranged for a few maidservants, so why not select a concubine from within the Sheng family…”

Lady Sheng waved her hand. “There’s no need for that. The Duke’s Palace isn’t under my control. Why should I let a girl from our family suffer at the hands of others, as if the grievances I endure aren’t enough…” Her eyes suddenly reddened, her heart inexplicably aching. Perhaps it was because she had unexpectedly received her son’s filial respect through a title, even if it was a twist of fate. She felt a sense of emotion despite her usually strong character. At this moment, she choked up, “Moreover, the boy is like this now, lacking stability. I wonder if his sudden interest in courtesans is a genuine inclination towards men. If so, wouldn’t it be unfair to the brothers and sisters at home, making a good girl a widow? Let’s endure for a while longer. Once the boy inherits the title and stabilizes, everything will be fine.”

Sheng An dared not persuade her further and could only bow and leave.

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Xu Chun walked to the house he had secretly purchased in Bamboo Branch Workshop for his leisurely pursuits outside.

The alley was exceptionally deep, and the houses were neat and clean. The windows were bright, the desks tidy, and the flowers and bamboos sparse. He personally supervised the servants in arranging everything to his satisfaction, and kept a household here to serve him. Afraid that the matriarch and his father would disapprove, he kept it a secret. This place wasn’t even known to Liu Sheng, only a few of the attendants and guards who accompanied him were aware.

Sometimes, after drinking late outside or feeling unhappy, he would instruct the servants at the Duke’s Palace to say he was studying at the Imperial Academy. At the Imperial Academy, he’d say he had family affairs, deceiving both sides to spend a few quiet days alone.

However, he knew that this couldn’t be hidden from his mother forever. After all, he was using servants from the Sheng family. After purchasing this house, the neighboring houses on both sides of the alley were immediately bought as well. Whenever he visited, his guards would stay there. He knew it must have been his mother’s instruction, but he didn’t expose it. Fearing being seen as a wealthy target by others, it was understandable that his guards would closely follow him. In Minzhou, his few cousins were even more heavily guarded, and they traveled in a large group.

Now, he was much more discreet, and was accompanied by four attendants trained by the Sheng family to serve him.

Upon entering the courtyard gate, Sheng Lao Liu, the gatekeeper, came forward to lead the horse, and smiled. “Young Master, why did you come today? Didn’t they say there was a banquet at the palace today?” Since he lived incognito here, the household referred to him as Young Master.

Xu Chun threw the reins at him, looking gloomy. “Warm some yellow rice wine and have Old Lady Liu prepare a few dishes. I didn’t get enough to eat at the banquet today.”

Sheng Lao Liu hurriedly said, “Fortunately, we have sea cucumbers from yesterday. How about braised sea cucumber with scallions? There’s also an abalone sent by the seafood shop. I saw that it was big, so I saved it. It’s a coincidence that Young Master came by. How about simmering it with corn, chicken broth, and tofu? Also, sautéed pea shoots and spring leek stir-fried river shrimp, and a bowl of meat swallow.”

Xu Chun said nonchalantly, “Let Old Lady Liu decide. Whatever she prepares will be better than the food at the banquet.”

Sheng Lao Liu chuckled. “The servants at the Duke’s Palace, I’ve heard what Xia Chao said. They skim off the top whenever they handle money, eating better than the masters. They extorted a lot from those who followed you. They say you even have to pay to have the door called. Fortunately, Young Master now stays outside often, or their monthly allowance might not be enough to satisfy those cunning servants.”

Xu Chun couldn’t help but laugh. “Xia Chao still can’t hold his tongue. Be careful not to get punished by the matriarch again. Last time, he accompanied me when I took the grandmother to burn incense. You don’t know how mischievous he was.”

“At that time, the matriarch and Elder Sister were talking. Elder Sister presented a box of pearls to the matriarch, and said her husband bought them for her to make jewelry. Since Lotus from the matriarch’s side was adept at stringing pearls, she wanted Lotus to help make a necklace. The matriarch only opened the box to look.”

“But guess what, Xia Chao blurted out that these pearls were too small to bother drilling holes. In our Minzhou, pearls this size are used to grind into powder for medicine or cosmetics.”

“Elder Sister was infuriated, almost slapping him. I spent a lot of effort to placate her, explaining he was young and lacked manners. In the end, I compensated Elder Sister with a gold-inlaid pearl hairpin to spare him physical punishment. Ever since then, whenever I’m with the grandmother, I dare not bring him along, lest I lose even more items.”

It was the first time Sheng Lao Liu heard this anecdote, and he couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “Those rice-sized pearls are quite expensive in the capital, but they’re indeed worthless in our region. This kid needs discipline. In our hometown, Old Master also found him too mischievous and wanted to raise him for a few more years to teach him manners. However, this kid has a keen nose, and is able to detect anything wrong with food. His presence around gives Lady peace of mind. Just properly educate him, don’t indulge him. Young Master, change into casual clothes and go inside. The weather is stuffy and likely to rain. When the food is ready, I’ll invite you.”

Xu Chun nodded slightly and indeed entered the house straight away, removing his guest robes and changing into a white silk shirt and a light green bamboo cloth robe. He heard a loud clap of thunder outside, followed by a series of urgent sounds on the roof tiles, signaling that the start of rain.

This rain was sudden and heavy. Looking out of the glass window, he saw that in just a moment, the raindrops had fallen densely. The bamboo leaves outside were continuously swayed by the dense rain.

His residence had a two-story building in the back yard, overlooking the imperial lake. During rainy days, to watch the scenery and to enjoy the breeze from the upstairs veranda was extremely refreshing. At this moment, he was feeling depressed and restless. Seeing the rain, he decided to walk upstairs to the veranda. He watched as the copper wind chimes rang loudly in the wind. The imperial lake was shrouded in white mist, with countless ripples and splashes on the water surface, which rose into a mist due to the heavy rain. The lotus flowers and leaves further away were blown and swayed by the wind.

He leaned on the railing, while gazing at the rain scene, thinking about He Lan Gongzi. He was elegant and graceful, like the moon in the sky, pure and bright like snow on the mountain peak. He wouldn’t accept his assistance, but instead, he helped him greatly, and resolved the issue of his mother’s long-unsealed title. As a son, he spent his days seeking pleasure and failed to alleviate his mother’s worries. It was simply too normal that He Lan Gongzi didn’t fancy him.

At that moment, he felt ashamed and frustrated, yet he still pondered whether He Lan Gongzi’s help indicated some affection for him… But how could he meet him again? He Lan Gongzi surely wouldn’t see him again, because he found him dirty… Amidst his turmoil and self-abuse, he suddenly heard a galloping sound through the rain. The hoofbeats were intense, like sudden thunder, interspersed with neighs. He hadn’t expected to see travelers on such a rainy day.

Looking out, he could see three riders speeding toward him. Outside the courtyard wall of his small building was a narrow path. Due to its proximity to the forest by the imperial lake, it was rarely frequented by people. He hadn’t expected anyone to ride horses here, who likely wanted to take a shortcut. However, they didn’t realize that the path ended at the imperial garden, which was guarded by the imperial forest troops, not allowing entry.

He focused on the leading man. Although soaked in the rain, his black robe clung to his body, revealing a posture as straight as a spear and as majestic as a mountain. He rode a magnificent jet-black horse with a silver crest and snow-white hooves, agile like a dragon swimmingly. The two men who followed him were also fierce, each carrying a sword at their waist. Their horses were also robust, but with red fur, seemed to be guards.

In an instant, the three riders approached, and the features of the leading man became clearer. His eyebrows were stern, his nose high, and his lips thin. Xu Chun’s heart suddenly pounded.