BMN : Chapter 10

Ever since Fu Ming attended a literary gathering, his reputation gradually spread throughout the capital. Unlike his previously tarnished reputation, this time, he was praised by notable figures in the city, who spoke of his considerable talent and gentle, refined demeanor, making him someone worthy of association.

One day, after the morning court session, a colleague stopped Jin Yi and joked, “Your husband’s reputation is known all over the capital. You are truly fortunate, Master Jin!”

Jin Yi responded with a slight smile but said little else, taking his leave and departing. However, his heart was stirred with a slight ripple of doubt: Was the Fu Ming spoken of by outsiders truly the same person residing in Fanmanting?

As these words spread into the inner chambers, even the Old Madam and Ren Lan heard of them. Some of Ren Lan’s close friends expressed a desire to meet this esteemed Fu Gongzi, but propriety made it impossible, leaving them regretful. Ren Lan shared this with her older brother, half-jokingly saying, “With Ming Ge so highly regarded, Big Brother, don’t be unaware of the treasure you possess!”

This time, Jin Yi could only laugh awkwardly and brush off the comment.

Soon, the hot June days, along with the wilting lotus flowers, passed. As July’s heat waned, cooler weather began to emerge.

It was around this time that the Old Madam fell ill. Being a man, Fu Ming couldn’t attend to her directly. With Ren Lan, Lady Wang, and Xinyue in attendance, there was no need for him to be present constantly. However, he didn’t remain idle because the Old Madam entrusted Zhao Yan to him, formally asking him, in front of Jin Yi and others, to educate and care for Zhao Yan.

Fu Ming knew this was a great trust from the Old Madam, and Jin Yi surprisingly had no objections, while Ren Lan also approved. Was this family subtly testing him all along and finally acknowledging him?

Regardless of the private feelings between Fu Ming and his husband, at least in the matter of educating the legitimate great-grandson of the Jin family, his role was now solidified. Fu Ming felt a great sense of responsibility, which he didn’t shy away from, as he enjoyed spending time with Zhao Yan.

From then on, Zhao Yan spent increasingly more time in Fanmanting, and Fu Ming became more attentive to Zhao Yan’s manners and character. 

Although Fu Ming was stricter than before, Zhao Yan was a smart child who understood that Fu Ming’s change was for his own good. Occasionally, Zhao Yan would throw childish tantrums, but Fu Ming, while criticizing him, would also patiently explain the situation to him, treating him like a reasonable adult. This won Zhao Yan’s respect and affection. They continued their previous activities, such as storytelling, gardening, and playing games, which deepened Zhao Yan’s trust and closeness with Fu Ming.

Because of Zhao Yan, Jin Yi also frequented Fanmanting more often, occasionally even staying for meals.

At the dining table, Zhao Yan sat in the middle, with Fu Ming and Jin Yi on either side, occasionally serving him food and encouraging him to eat more. During their first meal together, Zhao Yan suddenly put down his chopsticks, looked left and right, and gradually teared up.

“What’s wrong? Did you eat something too spicy?” Fu Ming wiped his tears with a handkerchief, asking softly.

Zhao Yan shook his head, sniffled, and whispered, “Yan’er is not uncomfortable, I’m just… too happy.”

Though treated well by his elders, especially the Old Madam, who doted on him, Zhao Yan had always felt the absence of his mother. Today, this void seemed to be oddly filled, making his sensitive young heart ache with both sourness and warmth, causing him to cry.

Fu Ming was the first to understand. He patted Zhao Yan’s head without saying much, simply picking out the bones from Zhao Yan’s favorite steamed fish, dipping it in sauce, and placing it in his bowl.

Perhaps because he himself had lost his parents at a young age, Fu Ming could empathize with Zhao Yan’s feelings. He suddenly realized that not only Zhao Yan but even Jin Yi shared this lack of familial affection. In this regard, they were quite similar.

Since he had to live with his own regrets, why not make this little guy’s life more complete?

Perhaps Jin Yi had the same thought, as he began joining Fu Ming and Zhao Yan for dinner at Fanmanting every other day. The kitchen staff in Fanmanting, indeed, had better culinary skills than those in Jin Yi’s own courtyard, and recently, he had been enjoying his meals more.

It was a busy season at the government office, with even the previously more relaxed military officials now leaving early and returning late. Jin Yi started returning to the Jin residence later in the day. Even so, Zhao Yan preferred waiting for his father to return before eating dinner. Fu Ming arranged for a bowl of soup to be prepared every afternoon so that Zhao Yan wouldn’t have to wait on an empty stomach. Hearing about this while ill, the Old Madam nodded in approval and said, “Though he’s a man, he is quite considerate.”

Xinyue smiled and added, “You have a good eye, Old Madam.”

The Old Madam patted Xinyue’s hand and sighed, “You’re a good child too, but he (Jin Yi) is too stubborn to be persuaded, causing you to be wronged.”

Xinyue shook her head, “To be able to stay in the Jin residence is already a great blessing for me. The late Madam trusted me and asked me to stay with the Master. In fact, I know she was worried about me and Zhao Yan. I don’t need any status. As long as I can watch Zhao Yan grow up and not betray the late Madam’s trust, I’ll be satisfied.”

The Old Madam coughed a few times, then smiled, “If you can think this through, it will make you feel better. Don’t worry; Longjie (Jin Yi) is a reasonable person, and the Jin family won’t mistreat you.”

Xinyue nodded, gently massaging the Old Madam’s back, and softly asked what she wanted to eat today…

Meanwhile, back in Fanmanting, despite being exhausted, Jin Yi still mustered the energy to play a game of chess with Zhao Yan. Recently, Zhao Yan had been learning chess from Fu Ming and, eager to test his new skills, challenged his father. Although Jin Yi wasn’t skilled in chess, he was still much better than a beginner child and quickly defeated Zhao Yan.

Unhappy, Zhao Yan threw down the pieces and said, “I don’t want to play anymore. Playing with Dad isn’t as fun as playing with Uncle Ming!” At least Fu Ming would teach him step by step and let him win sometimes.

Jin Yi sternly replied, “You issued the challenge. If you lose, you have to accept it. Getting upset is not at all becoming of a man.”

Hearing this, Zhao Yan became even angrier but also felt a little guilty and remained silent.

Fu Ming walked over, half-hugging Zhao Yan, and said, “Why don’t you go rest with your nanny for now? It’s very late, and if you don’t sleep, you won’t be able to get up tomorrow. Think about what happened tonight while you’re bathing, and we’ll talk about it tomorrow, okay?”

Zhao Yan nodded, bid farewell, and his nurse hurriedly led him away.

Unusually, Jin Yi showed no intention of leaving with them.

Fu Ming also did not see him off. Instead, he simply brewed a calming tea and placed it on the table next to Jin Yi’s seat. He then asked, “Do you mind if I play a song?”

Jin Yi shook his head, “Do as you please.”

Fu Ming walked over to the qin (a Chinese stringed instrument) and sat down. Lu Fei placed a fragrant cake made from fruitwood and fresh flowers in the incense burner. As the delicate fragrance filled the air, the soft sounds of the qin flowed like a stream, starting from the mountain creeks, carrying a red maple leaf over smooth stones… The water gradually calmed, seemingly entering a forest under the moonlight, with a few bird calls lightly falling into the water, their echoes dispersed by a gentle breeze…

Unbeknownst to him, Jin Yi dozed off with his head resting on his hand. When he woke up, Fu Ming was still playing, but the melody had changed to a more cheerful tune, gently waking him from his dream.

Seeing him rise, Fu Ming stopped playing and said, “The night is cool. You should go back to your room to sleep.”

Jin Yi asked, “What was the first piece you played?”

Fu Ming smiled faintly, “An impromptu composition. Since you fell asleep while listening, it must not have been very good.”

Jin Yi shook his head, “It was a good piece. If you think of a name, let me know.”

Fu Ming nodded in agreement.

Unusually verbose, Jin Yi then said, “I’ll take my leave now. You should rest early as well.”

“Mm. Take care.” Fu Ming responded, then turned to Lu Fei and instructed, “Bring two lanterns, one in front and one behind, to escort the Lord back.”

Jin Yi initially wanted to say that the moonlight outside was bright enough, and there was no need for additional lanterns. But then he decided against rejecting Fu Ming’s goodwill, silently agreeing. As he left, he even took a few of the fragrant cakes Fu Ming had prepared, noting their unique scent, different from any he had smelled before. Although Fu Ming hadn’t mentioned it, the fragrance was something he had concocted with the maids, perhaps considered unworthy by a dignified man like Jin Yi.

The night air was cool as Jin Yi walked unhurriedly along the path lit by the lanterns. Halfway, he suddenly looked up to see the clear moon overhead. Ming was the name of that person, and it was as clear and transparent as his eyes.

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