BMN : Chapter 12

After the Mid-Autumn Festival, Jin Yi first visited Fangmanting after dinner. By this time, Zhao Yan had returned, and Fu Ming wondered what he had come for at this hour.

Lu Fei served the tea, but unlike usual, Fu Ming didn’t light incense or play the zither. Instead, he sat at the other end, slowly sipping tea in silence.

After a while, Jin Yi spoke first, in a more peaceful tone than usual: “That night during Mid-Autumn Festival was the first time I heard Renlan play the pipa, despite her having studied it for years.”

Relieved that Jin Yi didn’t seem to be here to reprimand him, Fu Ming avoided mentioning that incident directly. Instead, he responded, “Renlan is talented; she can excel in anything she learns.”

Jin Yi hesitated, finding it difficult to express what was on his mind. After a pause, he added, “On Mid-Autumn night, I went out with a few people at the invitation of my superior.”

Fu Ming realized that the person Jin Yi referred to as his superior must have been the man who, despite remaining silent, had the others constantly watching his reactions. Jin Yi seemed to be saying that there were high-ranking officials present that night, and even if he had wanted to, he couldn’t interfere. So, was Jin Yi subtly apologizing?

Fu Ming knew he should graciously accept the explanation and let go of his resentment. However, the man named Cui Rong, who had insulted Fu Ming that night, was someone Fu Ming disliked. Tao Yang had later told him that Cui Rong was a distant relative of Cui Jing, currently in the court and a follower of the Third Prince. However, his reputation and position were far below Cui Jing’s. It was Cui Rong, not Jin Yi’s superior, who had first insulted Fu Ming. If Jin Yi truly wanted to protect him, why didn’t he speak up?

Fu Ming smiled, his expression mirroring the one Jin Yi had seen that night, and replied in an indifferent tone, “As the head of the family, you have the right to associate with whoever you please and have fun with them. I have no say in the matter.”

Jin Yi understood that Fu Ming hadn’t forgiven him and thought to himself that Fu Ming’s temper had grown since entering the household. However, feeling guilty, he continued in a gentle tone, “Cui Rong told me yesterday that he had been rude to you and asked me to bring a gift as an apology.”

Fu Ming thought he should accept the gift, even if he didn’t want it, and said, “Thank you for delivering the message and gift. I had already forgotten about that night, so there’s no need for you to worry.”

Jin Yi couldn’t tell if Fu Ming had truly let go of the incident or if he was just trying to keep the peace. Seeing Fu Ming’s indifferent expression, he didn’t linger, left the gift, and departed.

After Jin Yi left, Fu Ming had Lu Fei put the gift away without even looking at it.

Fu Ming was disgusted by Cui Rong and had no intention of making amends. He reluctantly accepted the apology gift only because Jin Yi had brought it. However, the real source of his discomfort was not Cui Rong but Jin Yi’s indifference and passivity as his husband that night.

So be it, Fu Ming thought with a resigned smile. What else could he do?

From then on, Jin Yi continued visiting Fangmanting as usual. Fu Ming was even more careful with his words and actions, showing even more respect. It was unclear whether Jin Yi noticed or cared about this change, but Zhao Yan seemed to sense it.

One day at the dinner table, Zhao Yan asked Fu Ming, “Didn’t you say you liked this spicy steamed fish head? Why aren’t you eating?”

Fu Ming did enjoy the dish but hadn’t touched it because Jin Yi hadn’t started. He replied, “I don’t have much of an appetite today and don’t feel like eating fish head.”

Zhao Yan shook his head and, using his chopsticks, placed a piece of fish in Fu Ming’s bowl, saying with a smile, “If you don’t have an appetite, you should eat something you like!”

Fu Ming felt both helpless and comforted and began eating the fish.

Jin Yi looked at him and finally said, “If you’re uncomfortable, I won’t come here for meals anymore.”

“Don’t, Father! No, don’t stop coming here for meals,” Zhao Yan quickly interjected.

Fu Ming immediately said, “There’s no discomfort. It’s an honor for Fangmanting to have you.”

Jin Yi put down his chopsticks and said coldly, “If you have something to say, just say it. I don’t like beating around the bush. Why are you still holding on to that trivial matter from that night? Even though you’ve married into the Jin family, you’re still a man. Don’t act like a woman, being so petty and lacking the demeanor of a man.”

Hearing this, Fu Ming paused, then put down his chopsticks, closed his eyes, and said, “You’re right. I’ll keep that in mind and won’t act like this in the future.”

Jin Yi felt a twinge of regret for his harsh words but found Fu Ming’s cold and distant demeanor even more frustrating. Without another word, he abruptly got up and left.

“Father!” Zhao Yan called out, unable to stop him. He turned to Fu Ming, who smiled at him, scooped some shrimp and egg custard into his bowl, and gently said, “It’s okay. Don’t worry. Finish your meal.”

That night, when the entire Fangmanting was quiet, Fu Ming asked Lu Fei, “Am I being too difficult?”

Lu Fei shook her head.

Fu Ming said, “In the Fu family, I could swallow all sorts of grievances, but now, I’m even worse than before.” 

Lu Fei stepped closer, looking at him with eyes full of pity. “Master, I know you’re not the kind of person to act rashly. You only feel hurt because you once considered him family.”

Fu Ming lowered his head and, after a long silence, raised it again with a faint smile. “I was being delusional. One shouldn’t get carried away. Once you think you’re somebody, you forget your place and end up getting hurt.” His smile, illuminated by the candlelight, seemed lonely.

Lu Fei tried to comfort him, “Master, it’s still early days. Things will get better.”

However, from that night until the end of autumn and the onset of winter, Fu Ming hardly saw Jin Yi.

Jin Yi stopped visiting Fangmanting, not entirely due to any discord with Fu Ming but also because he was preoccupied with official duties, leaving him little time for his family.

As winter set in, the restless bandits in the southern border gathered into a formidable force, finally raising the flag of rebellion and turning the southern border into turmoil, making life unbearable for the people. Jin Yi was ordered to lead troops to suppress the rebellion.

The Jin family was both happy and worried about this. The Jin family had been in decline, and they needed military achievements to restore their standing. However, winter had brought harsh weather, and the southern border was known for its malarial climate. War was a dangerous endeavor, and they didn’t know if Jin Yi would return safely.

As the departure day for the troops approached, the Old Madam instructed Lady Wang daily to prepare Jin Yi’s travel gear meticulously. This task should have fallen to Fu Ming, but as a man, he might not be as attentive as a woman. Besides, Wang Shi had been with Jin Yi for many years and had practically raised him, making her the right person for the job.

Before departing, Jin Yi made a point to visit the Old Madam, even saying goodbye to his uncle and Renlan, receiving many blessings and well-wishes. However, he did not go to Fangmanting.

“Master, the young master is leaving tomorrow. Do you…” Lu Fei hesitated.

Fu Ming put down his pen and looked out the window at the flickering lanterns in the falling snow. After a long pause, he said, “Fetch an umbrella.”

Wanlan smiled, “Right away!”

Candlelight and snowlight intertwined as they made their way from Fangmanting to the central area of the Jin residence.

Knocking on the door, they heard Bai Lu’s voice from inside, “Who is it?”

“Sister Bai Lu, our master is here,” Lu Fei replied.

The door opened, and a thick curtain was lifted, letting out a burst of warmth. Fu Ming couldn’t help but sneeze.

Inside, Wang Shi was busy with several maids, checking the prepared travel gear. Jin Yi was by the candlelight, polishing a sword, its light and the gleam of the armor on the stand giving off a cold glow.

After the greetings, Fu Ming said, “I came to see you before your departure tomorrow.”

Jin Yi nodded and, noticing the water stains on Fu Ming’s shoes, asked, “Is it raining or snowing outside?”

“Snowing,” Fu Ming replied.

The two fell silent again, with only the sound of Wang Shi’s inventorying breaking the quiet.

Jin Yi sheathed his sword and said, “That’s enough; we’ve checked multiple times. It’s enough. You’ve worked hard these past few days; go and rest.”

Wang Shi, hearing this, had the maids close the trunks and then walked to Jin Yi’s side, speaking softly, “Take care of yourself, Master. The battlefield is dangerous, and you must stay safe. I will pray for your victory and safe return every day.”

Jin Yi nodded and waved her off. Wang Shi and her personal maid then left. At the curtain, she turned back and said, “Master Fu, you should also rest early. The young master is tired and needs to rise early tomorrow.”

Fu Ming ignored her, and she left with a bitter smile, her expression cold and elegant.

Fu Ming took a small bundle from Wanlan and placed it on the table. “This powder can be mixed with water. It helps to ward off cold and dampness and is good for the stomach. If you trust me, drink it regularly to avoid getting sick from the local climate.”

Jin Yi nodded, “I understand. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.”

Fu Ming didn’t say more and rose to leave.

As he was about to exit, Jin Yi stopped him and instructed Bai Lu, “Fetch my cloak.” Bai Lu brought the cloak, and Jin Yi handed it to Fu Ming personally, saying, “It’s cold outside. Wear this back to avoid catching a cold.”

Fu Ming took the cloak, put it on, finding it heavy and large, but also warm. He smiled and nodded, “Thank you.” As he turned to leave, he stopped again and said, “I’ve thought of a name for that song. It’s called ‘Bright Moon Night.’ I’ll play it for you when you return.”

A voice from behind responded, “Good,” and added, “Take care of the house while I’m away.”

“Rest assured,” Fu Ming nodded, then left without looking back.

The snow had thickened, the wind carrying the flakes into a blizzard.

Wanlan asked, “Master, can the army still set out in such heavy snow?”

Fu Ming replied, “As long as the roads are passable, they will. War is not a child’s play; military orders are strict and not easily changed.”

Wanlan nodded, now understanding more fully the burdens of being the head of a household, silently praying for Jin Yi’s safety.

Master and servant walked in silence, the falling snow muffling all sounds, making the night feel even quieter.

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