Chapter 39 – Wind Direction

After setting up the fishing date, Xu Chun began actively preparing to tidy up the villa. Alcohol was a given; apart from cherry wine, he also prepared several kinds of Tusu wine and calamus wine. He ordered the delivery of whole lambs for roasting, and copper pots for picnic cooking. Then he instructed someone to select strong and large deer for breeding, saying he wanted to make deer blood soup.

In addition to food and drink, Xu Chun personally inspected the rooms, repeatedly directing the butlers to clean the entire villa several times. Every day he had off, he would rush over to the villa.

One day, when he returned to the Idle Cloud Workshop, he was stopped by the manager, Luo Yuzhou. “Young Master, that scholar He came looking for you. He’s been here for a few days. Since you were either at the Imperial Academy or at the villa, we just made up excuses to brush him off. But he’s been coming every day for the past two days.”

Xu Chun was taken aback, but Luo pulled his hand and whispered, “We sent someone to discreetly inquire about him. He became the top-ranked scholar! They say he’s been appointed as a reader in the Hanlin Academy, but he still wears that old robe, probably not wanting to draw attention.”

Xu Chun suddenly recalled, “Right, I did hear the top scholar’s surname is He.” That day, he hadn’t paid attention to what Xu Gu said, but now that it all clicked together, he praised, “Just as I said, he knows how to endure hardship and enjoy luxury, destined to ride the winds and clouds. Indeed, his name was marked in red ink by the examiner and listed on the official announcement board.”

He thought about it and immediately cursed inwardly. The scholar might be here to reclaim those few books. He was a scholar, a future official whose name would go down in history. These few books filled with amorous content, although written under a pseudonym, could still pose a risk.

But those books had disappeared after Brother Jiu read them that day. Later, when he asked Qiu Hu and Dong Hai, they only said it seemed that Ninth Master took them away.

Brother Jiu thought he wasn’t studying properly, so the fate of those few books was likely the same as his sketchbook – either burned or destroyed.

Xu Chun groaned inwardly and instructed Luo Yuzhou to invite He Zhiqiu to the study. He changed his clothes and mentally prepared a set of words, then went to see He Zhiqiu. “Mr. He, it’s been quite some time since we last met. Have you written any new books? How is your mother’s health?”

He smiled and bowed as he greeted him. He Zhiqiu noticed that with the weather getting warmer, this young master of the Xu family had grown taller. Wearing a thin spring shirt, he had shed some of his youthful air, but his appearance remained strikingly handsome. His nose was straight, his lips thin, and his complexion rivaled the spring flowers. His eyes flickered and avoided contact when looking at him, and his bow wasn’t as natural and graceful as before.

He Zhiqiu realized that Xu Chun must have heard that he had become the top scholar. He returned the bow and said, “Thank you for your concern, Young Master. You should know that my family’s situation has eased, and my mother’s condition has improved. Recently, I received some income, and thinking back to those lost manuscripts, it’s truly regrettable they are gone. Now that I’m no longer short on money, I’d like to ask the Young Master for a favor. I want to buy back the previous manuscripts at twice the price. If they’ve already been printed, can I retrieve all copies, and I’ll pay double for any losses.”

Xu Chun’s face turned red, and he bowed apologetically. “Mr. He, it’s not that I’m unwilling. Your writing is truly excellent, your words exquisite. I kept your book on my desk to reread repeatedly, but unfortunately, my brother saw it. My brother is strict and somewhat overly critical, valuing cleanliness. Seeing me reading miscellaneous books, he scolded me for neglecting my studies and focusing on trivial matters. Therefore, he took those few books and burned them. I deeply regret it and couldn’t rectify the situation. As for printing, since they were taken away, I never had them printed, so there’s no loss. Please bear with me, sir. Money is a minor matter. I didn’t take good care of the manuscripts, wasting your hard work.”

He Zhiqiu fell silent for a moment, watching as Xu Chun’s face turned bright red, filled with shame. He clasped his hands and said, “Young Master, there’s no need for self-reproach. Since the manuscripts have been destroyed, there’s nothing that can be done. I’ll take my leave now. If there’s any need in the future, please feel free to call upon me again.”

Xu Chun bowed repeatedly, personally escorting He Zhiqiu out. He gifted him a year-long membership card for the Idle Cloud Society and promised him unlimited access to the workshop’s books and a thirty percent discount on all purchases.

Finally finishing this matter, Xu Chun sighed in relief. He went back to the Duke’s residence to visit. Lady Sheng mentioned to him, “There’s no need to visit your grandmother today. She’s been upset by Gu Ge’s decision. Now she only says her heart feels oppressed, forbidding anyone from disturbing her. Even your eldest sister, who specially came back to see her, wasn’t allowed to meet her.”

Xu Chun laughed. “What’s wrong? Eldest Brother still refuses to stay in the capital?”

Lady Sheng replied, “I don’t know why he suddenly became stubborn. Your grandmother and aunt have tried persuading him for several days. They even mentioned that he would be seen as ungrateful to his adoptive mother for leaving right after the adoption. Yet, he just kneels there silently. I haven’t bothered him these past few days. Your aunt might think I incited him. She speaks to me in a rather strange manner now.”

Xu Chun chuckled. “I think Eldest Brother has always been peculiar. Perhaps there’s a reason for him to leave. As for Aunt, she’s naturally unhappy. Now she owes us Second Branch a favor. Everyone in the capital knows how virtuous and kind the Duchess of Jing is.”

Seeing her son smiling, Lady Sheng felt relieved, but for some reason, her heart felt a bit sour. She still smiled and said, “I heard from Qing Qian that you want to find a chief manager. In my opinion, things in the house are relatively calm now. I was thinking of letting her go out to work. Why don’t you let her join you to gain some experience? There’s no need to look for someone else.”

Xu Chun was surprised. “Isn’t Sister Qing Qian indispensable to Mother? Without her, you won’t have anyone to help you. Besides, my place is too small; it would be a waste of Sister Qing Qian’s talents.”

Lady Sheng said, “I have plenty of people, so it doesn’t matter if I lose one. I asked her, and she’s willing. She doesn’t want to marry yet, and staying in the house makes her too conspicuous.”

“Your grandmother has repeatedly mentioned to me that maids should be released when they reach a certain age. She talks about the rules of the Duke’s residence and insists they should be matched with the household managers to ensure their long-term loyalty. But how could she possibly look down on people in the house! It’s better to let her manage the business in the store. After being away from the house for a while, everything will naturally fade away.”

Xu Chun smiled. “That’s great. With Sister Qing Qian’s help, I’ll be much more relaxed.”

Seeing that her son didn’t object, Lady Sheng felt even more at ease. Over the years, she dared not send anyone close to her son, fearing that he would overthink it and mistakenly believe she was trying to monitor him. She only personally chose four capable servants to follow him from Grandfather Sheng’s side. Now seeing that her son wasn’t resisting, she couldn’t help but feel a little wistful.

Xu Chun then asked about his biological father. Lady Sheng laughed. “Ever since he was personally summoned by the Emperor and praised, he’s truly been basking in glory! Now he doesn’t drink wine and doesn’t allow maids to serve him closely. He constantly speaks of the deep sea of imperial grace and the heavy mountains of ministerial integrity. He’s even determined to fast continuously until the imperial altar is restored! He’s really going to be a loyal and filial official! May Empress Dowager bless!”

Xu Chun burst out laughing. At the same time, he quietly confided in Lady Sheng, “Mother, whatever you do, don’t give him any money to repair the imperial altar. It’s the royal family’s responsibility. They have plenty of money. Don’t empty your own pockets to fill it for them. Let him take his time fixing it.”

Lady Sheng found it both amusing and annoying. “Understood.”

Xu Chun beckoned. “When Sister Qing Qian is ready, you tell me, and I’ll come personally to invite her. Hehe.”

With that, he dashed out the door. Unfortunately, just at the entrance, he ran into Xu Kuai, who had just come out of the inner courtyard with her personal maid following behind. She looked ready to get into a carriage and return to her husband’s home. It would be impolite not to greet her, so he called out, “Elder Sister!”

Xu Kuai didn’t ignore him or make sarcastic remarks as she used to. Instead, she stood still and asked, “Xun Ge’er, where are you going?”

Xu Chun stiffened and stood his ground. “The Prince of Shun invited me. He said he’s gathering classmates from the Imperial Academy tonight at the Thousand Autumn Garden to discuss plans for the Dragon Boat Festival. They want to elect teams for shooting willows and playing cuju.”

Xu Kuai said, “You’ve certainly matured. Speaking of which, there’s something I need your help with. Didn’t your eldest brother-in-law fail the exams? He’s been depressed at home these days. If there are any literary gatherings or banquets among your classmates at the Imperial Academy, bring your brother-in-law along to cheer him up.”

Xu Chun snorted inwardly but only smiled on the surface. “As Elder Sister wishes, I shall comply. However, tonight’s gathering is only for classmates…”

Xu Kuai interrupted, “Naturally, it doesn’t have to be tonight. Just look at the banquets later on. They don’t have to be exclusive to your classmates. Or you could host one or two yourself. Since Uncle isn’t at home, if you invite guests, Aunt will surely arrange everything well for you. This way, your brother-in-law can attend appropriately and help you entertain the guests. It’s perfect timing since Eldest Brother has to wait a while before receiving his official appointment. This is when you should invite your classmates and friends.”

Xu Chun said, “Elder Sister is right. But I heard that Grandmother seems to be feeling unwell. Let’s wait a few days until she’s healthy again.”

Xu Kuai replied, “It’s all because Gu Ge’er refuses to stay in the capital, causing Grandmother to feel uncomfortable. It’s only natural for an elderly lady to be reluctant to part with her grandson. In my opinion, Gu Ge’er’s plan is quite good. What’s wrong with leaving the capital? They say the Emperor values practicality. Haven’t many officials who performed well outside the capital been promoted to the Six Ministries in recent years? As long as he performs exceptionally during the capital inspections, he can come to the capital for examinations and report his duties. Isn’t that easier to manage? My mother is just having trouble adjusting her perspective.”

Xu Chun was surprised to find her argument quite reasonable. He nodded in approval and said, “Elder Sister, your words are very true.”

Xu Kuai laughed and continued, “In the past, it was my fault for being too hasty with you, worried about your constant wandering and lack of focus on serious matters. Now that you’ve entered the Imperial Academy, I underestimated you. It turns out that Xun Ge’er is indeed a pillar of society. The future glory of the Xu family will depend on you.”

Xu Chun watched as Xu Kuai smoothly delivered her flattering words. He almost thought he misheard her. For a moment, his composure wasn’t thick enough, and he could only stammer out a few replies. Xu Kuai reminded him to study hard, take care of his health, and avoid places of debauchery before finally getting into her carriage and leaving.

Xu Chun was utterly perplexed and couldn’t resist asking Xia Chao, who was following him, “Tell me, why is Elder Sister suddenly so flexible and adaptable? Where did she get her wisdom from?”

Xia Chao chuckled and whispered to Xu Chun, “While you were meeting with Madam, I overheard some gossip outside. The eldest daughter came back and asked the Grand Lady for money. Apparently, she wants to see some famous gynecologist. The consultation fee is expensive, and there’s also the birthday celebration of the old lady at that place, requiring funds for gifts. You know how extravagant the eldest daughter usually is, spending a lot. The Grand Lady has been covering more than she should for her expenses annually. Today, she only gave her the consultation fee and lectured her on thriftiness.”

“In the past, she always favored you. But now that your adopted brother has come over, whether he aims for a capital official position or service outside the capital, the rewards for officials at all levels, travel expenses, servant costs, and steward fees need to be considered. Not to mention, there are marriage expenses to be planned. It wouldn’t be fair to burden the Second Branch anymore. The imperial decree is clear. Now that Gu Ge’er belongs to the First Branch, if I continue to favor you, even though he’s newly adopted and might not mind such things, Grandmother is watching! Do you still not know what kind of person your grandmother is? She holds the wealth of the Duke’s residence tightly! When it came to your dowry, a significant portion was contributed from my dowry. The public fund only provided five thousand taels! It’s fortunate that your aunt added two thousand taels to your dowry and sent a pair of mother-of-pearl screens, otherwise, it would have been quite embarrassing.”

Xia Chao imitated her tone perfectly, and Xu Chun couldn’t help but laugh. He asked him, “Who’s so mischievous, telling you such private information?”

Xia Chao chuckled, “Money can make ghosts push the millstone. Usually, the Grand Lady is very stingy and treats the servants below her harshly. The servants from the First Branch, even those who came with the dowry, are eager to switch positions. Moreover, now that the situation in the residence is clear, the Emperor praised our Duke for his filial piety, fraternal love, and benevolence! Our Madam is virtuous and kind! Both the Young Master and the Second Young Master are talented! We even passed the Young Master over to the First Branch. Doesn’t this mean that the future Duke’s residence will belong to Your Highness, the Prince? The division of the household is inevitable, so they naturally want to curry favor with the future owner of the Duke’s residence.”

“Why not flatter Your Highness now, then? Your courtyard is the most peaceful in the entire residence! Who wouldn’t want to be there!”

Xu Chun glanced at the twilight sky and said with a smile, “Let’s hurry. I’m really going to be late, and I might have to pay a penalty with a drink.”