Chapter 112 – Stone Flower

Indeed, Xiuxiban was overjoyed upon receiving the invitation. They had originally planned to leave the capital, but they couldn’t bear to miss out on such a golden opportunity. Thus, they began preparing earnestly for their performance on Mid-Autumn Festival.

As the days passed swiftly, Sheng Tongyu also had to pack up with Sheng Changzhou and others, reviewing his businesses in the capital one last time. Lady Sheng tried to persuade him to stay, but Sheng Tongyu smiled and said, “There’s a lot of work at the other place, and Changzhou still has official duties. Also, Wu Yinghou is returning. Although I wouldn’t be able to see Youlin off to his post, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future.”

Lady Sheng spoke with a heavy heart. “I wanted to discuss Youlin’s marriage. His father will only be out of mourning after another year, but already, people are hinting at marriage proposals. If they weren’t good matches, it would be fine, but they all have excellent family backgrounds and appearances. I’m truly conflicted. He is the eldest son, and until his marriage is settled, it wouldn’t be right to arrange marriages for Hui and the two girls. They’re all reaching marriageable age now.”

Sheng Tongyu looked at Lady Sheng and lowered his voice. “Coral, you’re usually so clever; why are you muddled when it comes to your children? Youlin’s coming-of-age ceremony was personally attended by the Emperor. I’m just an ordinary civilian, and even though Changzhou is a low-ranking official, Commander Fang Zixing came out to greet us. I heard that when Changyun and Changtian arrived, Commander Fang greeted them personally too. Without a word from above, who would dare to command Commander Fang? I’ve been paying attention, and even Wu Yinghou doesn’t dare to order his brother around.”

Lady Sheng was slightly taken aback. Sheng Tongyu continued, “Youlin’s marriage must be arranged by the Emperor. You shouldn’t look at these matters. Instead, consider Huai and the two girls’ marriages first. I suggest not aiming too high. We are already favored by the Emperor; we don’t need to seek alliances that could invite jealousy.”

Lady Sheng spoke in confusion, “I was thinking that since the Emperor needs our Sheng family to help open sea routes and values Youlin, then regarding his marriage…”

Sheng Tongyu interrupted, “I remember you told me last time that he seemed to prefer men.”

Lady Sheng was stunned. “Although that’s true, I’ve been carefully observing him with his servants, and there’s no sign of intimacy or ambiguity. Moreover, this past year, he’s been working hard, studying diligently, and has gained the court’s favor. I thought maybe he’s changed his mind, but I’m not close to him. I was thinking of asking Changzhou to inquire privately if he has a girl he likes.”

Sheng Tongyu shook his head. His sister hadn’t seen the Emperor attend Youlin’s coming-of-age ceremony, so she couldn’t possibly guess what it meant.

The esteemed emperor was unexpectedly young. Sheng Tongyu had met countless talents, and Zhang Wenzheng, the imperial scholar who married into their family, was refined and handsome. The Zhang family members who came for the wedding were all as graceful as wind-swept cypresses. At the coming-of-age ceremony, there was also the top scholar He Zhiziu, who was elegant and outstanding among the crowd.

But none could compare to the emperor’s divine appearance, as deep as the sea?

The cold-faced emperor personally placed the cap on Youlin’s head. When Youlin raised his eyes to meet his gaze, the emperor gave a slight smile, his eyes soft and his tone gentle, as if coaxing a child. The care and affection were indescribable.

Others might think it was simply the emperor’s favor, but as Youlin’s family, knowing that he liked men, they saw something else in that scene. Coupled with the Sheng family’s sudden rise in fortune, the promotion of their eldest grandson, and the alliance with the prestigious Jiangnan clan, the Zhang family, it all pointed to one thing. The Sheng family father and son had long understood the situation.

Though they didn’t dare to make wild guesses, the emperor was decisive and deep. How could they dare to provoke the dragon?

Sheng Tongyu slowly comforted his sister, “Youlin has grown up now; you can no longer control him. In my opinion, you should not meddle in this matter. Just take care of everything for him so that he has no worries. Look, he’s about to take office soon. We don’t understand the ways of the government, so we can only let him follow his teacher. Fortunately, the emperor favors him now, so his career should be temporarily safe. It all depends on what the emperor wants Youlin to do.”

Lady Sheng was confused and shocked, as if she hadn’t fully grasped the situation. Sheng Tongyu patted her shoulder. “Coral, just like before, you have your path, and Youlin has his own path. Let him go boldly on his own.”

Lady Sheng suddenly seemed to understand. “Does the royal family want to marry Youlin as a son-in-law? But the current emperor doesn’t seem to have a princess yet. Could it be a princess from another royal house? Has Wu Yinghou given any hints?”

Sheng Tongyu was speechless at his sister’s sudden leap of logic. After careful consideration, regardless of whether they were all considered members of the royal family, Sheng Tongyu didn’t dare to explain too much. After all, those speculations were just speculations. Who dared to guess the emperor’s intentions? But at this moment, Youlin had clearly embarked on a path that could not be turned back. The Sheng family had no choice. Sheng Tongyu only comforted his sister, “Don’t worry too much. It’s a good thing for Youlin. Just let him concentrate on taking office, and let him decide his own marriage.”

Lady Sheng’s eyes reddened slightly. “How could I not know that I failed to discipline him properly in the past and no longer have the right to do so now? But I hope he lives a comfortable life. If he still has those habits and really lives with someone of high status, will they tolerate him? Will they put up with him?”

“Our beloved child, how could we bear to let him suffer at the hands of the nobles? It would be better to find someone from a humble background. Or if he really prefers men, why not? Our Sheng family isn’t short of money. As long as they have good character and decent looks, we can register them as his partner and tell outsiders that they’re adopted sons. Why not live quietly behind closed doors? There’s no need to endure the royal family’s arrogance. Perhaps every meeting would require kneeling and bowing, speaking softly and submissively…”

Sheng Tongyu was speechless.

His sister had been sharp and strong-willed her whole life. Although she was slightly lacking in acumen in this matter, it wasn’t her fault that she lived in the inner quarters and hadn’t seen the emperor. But in a strange way, she hit the nail on the head, revealing her underlying concern.

He and his son had privately discussed this matter and were equally worried. It wasn’t just about kneeling and bowing, being submissive and obedient. It was about facing three kneelings and nine bows upon meeting, and the risk of being punished by the entire family for displeasing the emperor… But now that things had come to this, they could only take it step by step.

He comforted Lady Sheng, “A thousand pieces of gold can’t buy true love. If Youlin likes someone, we should let him go. As you said, living quietly behind closed doors, who knows what happens? Maybe our Youlin is such a lovable person, and they’ll respect and love each other, know and cherish each other, living better than most couples. Our Youlin is blessed, bestowed a dream omen by Empress Heaven. Can he be an ordinary person?”

Just looking at the emperor’s doting and caring expression, sending a guard thousands of miles away for Youlin’s protection, disregarding his low rank and using Wu Yinghou’s influence to personally crown him, and giving him a name that specifically echoed the dream omen—it was clear that he also believed in the auspiciousness of that dream omen.

Recalling, the current emperor had specifically asked whether the scales thrown down by Empress Heaven in the dream were dragon scales or fish scales. This showed how deeply he cared. Not to mention, the kindness was genuine. Compared to this emperor, the Sheng family’s efforts to cultivate this grandson might not have been as thoughtful!

Just look at the messy affairs of the Duke Jingguo Mansion. With just a flick of the finger from above, they were resolved.

Looking at Youlin’s transformation over the past year—entering the Imperial Academy, passing the official exams through patronage, and going abroad for training—all were signs of the emperor’s careful cultivation. The Duke Jingguo Mansion and the Sheng family, two large clans, were merely paving the way for the emperor’s plan for Youlin. This was the emperor’s great grace. Though they were merchants, they knew they couldn’t betray his kindness, and they didn’t dare to ponder the relationship between the emperor and their junior family member. Even a hint of disrespect felt like a sacrilege.

Sheng Tongyu carefully comforted Lady Sheng again and asked about Duke Jingguo. “He seems to have reformed, cutting off wine and women… He appears more stable now.”

Lady Sheng replied coolly, “That’s none of my concern. He saw the emperor attend Youlin’s coming-of-age ceremony and felt he earned face. With the emperor’s grace, he dare not stray from the path again. Now, he can indulge in his water garden and mountains, and we don’t interfere with each other. To me, this is a happy life.”

Sheng Tongyu nodded, understanding his sister’s resolve. It seemed that although their marriage was superficially harmonious, it was emotionally distant. But without a mother-in-law and after settling the affairs of the concubines and their children, their lives were quite good. He consoled Coral Sheng a few more times before leaving. Upon returning, he was about to remind his sons to be careful with Youlin when he saw Xu Chun shooting arrows with his three sons in the mansion’s garden.

Xu Chun stood under the sunset, his figure straight, broad-shouldered, narrow-waisted, and long-legged. When he picked up a bow and drew it, his demeanor changed instantly. Beside him, Dinghai stood silently, never taking his eyes off Xu Chun. Suddenly, he reached out and touched Xu Chun’s arm, apparently correcting his posture.

Changyun watched Xu Chun, holding a bow and arrow, frowning as if debating the superiority of the posture with Dinghai. Changtian held a bow and arrow, his face eager to try, radiant.

Sheng Changzhou stood aside, smiling as he watched his three brothers. Having gotten married and become an official, although he stood nearby, his eyes never left the arrow, obviously protecting the three brothers.

All the children he had watched grow up suddenly seemed to have become more outstanding within this year. Standing aside, Sheng Tongyu’s eyes welled up with emotion.

Xu Chun quickly noticed his uncle and greeted him with a smile. “Uncle, did you just come from Mother? What do you want to eat tonight? I had the kitchen prepare seafood noodles and fish dumplings. Uncle, you’ll definitely like them.”

Sheng Tongyu laughed. “Youlin, you’ve been considerate. It’s almost the Mid-Autumn Festival, and I’ve been eating richly lately. How about some simple dishes like turnips and greens?”

Xu Chun was about to say something when Qiuhu ran in and said, “Young Master, Manager Luo from Qianqiu Workshop sent someone to deliver a message. He said that the leader of Xiuxiban wants to see you.”

Xu Chun was taken aback and looked apologetically at Sheng Tongyu. “Uncle, I have some urgent business outside. I’ll handle it first. Uncle and my cousins don’t need to wait for me for dinner. I don’t think it’s anything major. I’ll see the person and finish the matter, then return immediately.”

He hurriedly bowed and left.

Changtian asked, “Xiuxiban? Sounds like the name of a theater troupe.”

Sheng Tongyu said, “Don’t ask too many questions. There must be a legitimate reason. Youlin isn’t that kind of frivolous person anymore.”

Changzhou added, “I’ve noticed that he’s indeed been busy with something important these days. He’s been distracted, and he seems to leave the mansion every night. Chunxi hasn’t been seen either. I asked Xiaochao and the others, and they only said that Youlin has tasks and goes out on official business. He’ll definitely return before taking office. Fortunately, Dinghai is still by his side, otherwise I’d be quite worried about him going out like this.”

Sheng Tongyu said, “Don’t make wild guesses, and don’t talk nonsense in front of your aunt and uncle. Cover for Youlin. Have you prepared gifts for Wu Yinghou’s mansion and Commander Fang? Let me see the gift lists.”

The three brothers chuckled and reassured their father. The four of them entered the house without further mention.

Xu Chun arrived at Qianqiu Workshop and saw Master Zhao accompanying Madam Yang Zher, waiting in the private room. Seeing them both bow deeply, Xu Chun hurriedly returned the courtesy. “Have you received the palace invitation? There are only two days left. Fortunately, I saw your performance yesterday, and I believe you can prepare in time.”

Master Zhao said gratefully, “The stage along the Imperial River for the Mid-Autumn Festival performance was booked a month ago. Now, I hear that the palace finds it too extravagant and has canceled a group of lantern pavilions along the riverbank, freeing up a spot. Thanks to your recommendation, we’ve been included. We’re truly grateful.”

Xu Chun smiled. “It’s also your luck to have this opportunity. Earn well during the Mid-Autumn Festival, and perhaps there’ll be another chance during the emperor’s birthday festival.”

Yang Zher, however, knew it wasn’t that coincidental. This noble gentleman was likely the person Chuwei mentioned who had great influence. But when the powerful lend a hand, it’s like opening up a bright path for commoners. She performed a formal bow. “We’re unable to express our gratitude. After you left, I often thought about the matter you asked about, but I couldn’t find any leads.”

“But today, my husband and I were originally packing to return home, but since we’ll be performing again, we unpacked our belongings. That’s when I remembered this object.”

Yang Zher handed him a box. Xu Chun opened it to find a piece of black lacquer stone, its natural patterns resembling flower petals with a lustrous sheen. Curiously, he asked Yang Zher, “What is this?”

Yang Zher explained, “This stone was collected by Chuwei when we went to the imperial mausoleum. She said it looked like a natural stone flower. At the time, I found it beautiful and asked her for a piece, which I casually placed in my makeup box. After returning to the mansion, I fell seriously ill, barely alive. Thinking I was about to die, a junior from the theater troupe visited me. I gave her some of my belongings, including this stone, to send to my senior brother…” She glanced at Master Zhao, her cheeks turning red. “My clumsy husband has kept it for me ever since.”

“After miraculously recovering, I lost my singing voice and could never perform again. Later, I was sold out of the mansion, not taking anything from the duke’s residence. Fortunately, at that time, I had someone send my makeup box to my senior brother, so this dark stone flower has remained until now.”

Yang Zher sighed. “At the time, we were just strolling after dinner. We couldn’t wander far, so we walked around the imperial estate at the foot of the mountain. Chuwei said she found it on the roadside at the foot of the mountain. Because it was a different color from the surrounding stones, it looked like something that had fallen from a carriage passing by. The stone’s pattern was unique, and she found it curious, so she picked it up to show us.”

“I suspect she later threw them away because, after all, she had to travel and wouldn’t carry such dirty items. Back at the mansion, I didn’t see her mention it anymore. Only this piece I gave her has remained. During difficult times, I took it to a pawnshop, but the owner said it was worthless and returned it.” Yang Zher clearly recalled the hardships of the past and couldn’t help but glance at Master Zhao again. Master Zhao held her wrist, and they exchanged smiles, their affection evident.

Yang Zher regained her composure and said with a smile, “Thinking about it now, I doubt there’s any connection between Prince Regent’s matter and this stone. I guess Chuwei probably forgot about it. It’s too insignificant. We stayed at the foot of the mountain for half a month, and it was winter. There were countless trivial incidents every day, and Chuwei was still favored at the time, serving the duke from time to time. She might have thrown it away long ago.”

She looked at Xu Chun sincerely. “But at this point, my husband and I don’t dare to speak to Lord Li and Chuwei. After all… we’re still scared. Fortunately, there’s still Qianqiu Garden. We entrust this item to you, Master. You can cross-reference it with Chuwei. Perhaps the nobles can think of something that commoners can’t. Or it may be completely useless, making your trip in vain.”

Xu Chun examined the stone flower in his hand repeatedly and cupped his hands. “Thank you for your trust, Master and Madam. I’ll take this stone and investigate it.”