BMN : Chapter 17

 

With the managerial power slipping away from Lady Wang, she felt a deep sense of frustration. However, the Old Madam held absolute authority in the household, and Jin Yi remained unmoved by Lady Wang’s tearful pleas. The decision was final. While few offered Lady Wang a helping hand, there was plenty of schadenfreude throughout the household.

 

Lu Fei felt a quiet satisfaction, but she kept her emotions restrained. Wanlan, on the other hand, couldn’t hide her joy. Noticing this, Fu Ming advised, “When someone you dislike falls into misfortune, if they truly deserve it, observe for a moment and then walk away. Don’t laugh at their downfall, and certainly don’t throw stones into the well.” Wanlan pondered these words, and although she still felt Lady Wang deserved it, she refrained from openly displaying her satisfaction.

 

At Fangmanting, the significant events in the household seemed of little concern.

 

However, some still gossiped and linked these events to Fu Ming.

 

During a break, the servants gathered and talked about the recent changes. One said, “Now that Lady Wang has been ousted, you’d think the next in line would be the young master from Fangmanting, but it hasn’t happened.”

 

“That’s to be expected, right? Even though he has the title of the main wife, he doesn’t really hold any power. He wasn’t even present at the Old Madam’s dinner the other day!”

 

“Poor Ming Gongzi, left alone like that… It’s really sad. So young and a man, without a career, married but not respected. Such a waste of a good person!”

 

…

 

The gossip spread, and although Fu Ming heard bits of it, he paid little attention.

 

Since meeting Zhou Chengyan and others, Fu Ming frequently received invitations to social gatherings. He observed the bustling, prosperous capital, where citizens lived in peace and engaged in various trades. This peace contrasted with his realization that he would never enter officialdom or contribute significantly to state affairs. He decided to document the vibrant scenes he witnessed through his writings and illustrations, hoping that, while his name might not be remembered in history books, his work would capture the vivid times he lived through.

 

Finding solace in this purpose, Fu Ming dedicated himself to his work. Zhou Chengyan and the others, aware of his aspirations, supported and advised him. Zhou Chengyan even visited the Jin household two to three times a month, bringing supplies and discussing Fu Ming’s progress. Although Fu Ming sometimes found his enthusiasm overwhelming, he welcomed his genuine interest.

 

Since Jin Yi’s return to the capital, Fu Ming continued his documentation and attended to various social obligations. The Jin family, once prestigious, had declined over the generations. However, Jin Yi’s martial and strategic talents, nurtured since childhood and favored by his grandfather, had revived their fortunes. The emperor, honoring a promise to Jin Yi’s grandfather, rewarded Jin Yi for his military successes, hinting at further responsibilities. The Jin household, previously quiet, now buzzed with visitors offering congratulations.

 

As Jin Yi’s spouse, Fu Ming frequently hosted guests, conducting himself with grace and eloquence, earning praise for the household. The Old Madam, recognizing his efforts, both guided and commended him. Jin Yi’s visits to Fangmanting became more frequent, and the household gossip about Fu Ming’s status finally subsided. Everyone acknowledged that, regardless of favoritism, Fu Ming’s position was secure.

 

With the constant entertaining, Fu Ming grew somewhat weary. One day, with perfect spring weather, and all recent invitations addressed, he planned to visit the countryside to observe the spring plowing—an essential part of his records on agricultural practices.

 

Before he could leave, Bai Lu came to Fangmanting with a message: “The Master asks you to stay home today, as a distinguished guest will be visiting. He will return from work to meet them together.”

 

With his plans thwarted, Fu Ming changed his clothes and spent the time sketching the spring scenery in the courtyard.

 

As he was capturing the delicate pinks and whites of blooming trees on paper, he heard the gate creak open and footsteps approaching.

 

Jin Yi arrived, bringing the guest directly to Fangmanting. Fu Ming set down his brush and turned, his face lighting up with a smile as he recognized the visitor. His expression brightened like a blooming spring flower, making his features clear and radiant.

 

“An old friend of yours, Brother Xiangxian,” Jin Yi announced, addressing Fu Ming.

 

Fu Ming laughed, “Finally! I thought the spring blossoms would wither before you came!” Turning to the visitor, he greeted, “Yisun, how have you been?”

 

Years ago, they had called each other by their given names. Now, the familiarity was comforting. Jiang Yisun replied, “I’ve been well. Seeing you in good spirits, Ming Gongzi, I assume you’ve been well too.”

 

Fu Ming nodded, then added, “Yisun, you’re different now; This is a good thing.” He motioned for them to enter the house.

 

Jiang Yisun declined, “I like this courtyard. Let’s sit by the stone table under the flowering trees.”

 

Fu Ming smiled and agreed. The three of them sat at the stone table, where Lu Fei and the other servants served wine, fruits, and snacks before retreating. Fu Ming poured wine for his guests.

 

“What wine is this?” Jiang Yisun asked after taking a sip.

 

“Plum wine, brewed last winter,” Fu Ming replied. “It’s not strong; perfect for a rare gathering like this.”

 

Jin Yi, after tasting the wine, asked, “Did you make this yourself?”

 

Fu Ming explained, “I got the recipe from Chengyan’s brother and tried making it for the first time. How do you like it?”

 

Jiang Yisun took another sip, “It’s sweet and fragrant, not usually my preference, but it’s pleasant.”

 

Jin Yi nodded, “If there’s more, save a jar for me.”

 

Fu Ming chuckled, “There isn’t much left, but I can reserve two jars for you.”

 

The three continued drinking and chatting. Jiang Yisun recounted his experiences since leaving the capital, especially the recent campaign, praising Jin Yi’s strategic brilliance and bravery. Despite Jin Yi’s attempts to downplay his achievements, Fu Ming encouraged Jiang Yisun, the two of them bantering like storytellers in a teahouse, with Jin Yi as the hero of their tale. Jin Yi felt awkward listening to their praises but couldn’t help feeling the warmth of the moment. The wine tasted especially good, and the spring sun was particularly warm.

 

As they laughed and talked, Jin Yi noticed a falling blossom on Fu Ming’s shoulder. He gently picked it off, feeling a surprising softness in his heart.

 

As mealtime approached, Jin Yi sent for Zhao Yan. The boy greeted Jiang Yisun respectfully, calling him “uncle.”

 

Jiang Yisun, hearing Zhao Yan also call Fu Ming “uncle,” whispered, “Why does Jin Yi’s son call you uncle too?”

 

Fu Ming replied, “How else? We’re of the same generation, and if he calls you uncle, shouldn’t he call me brother?” Sensing Fu Ming’s discomfort, Jiang Yisun didn’t press further.

 

After the meal, Jiang Yisun accompanied Jin Yi to visit the Old Madam, following the tradition of sworn brothers paying respects to each other’s elders.

 

When Jiang Yisun finally took his leave, it was nearing dusk. Jin Yi invited him to stay for dinner, but Jiang Yisun declined, citing other obligations.

 

Fu Ming escorted him to the gate, asking, “Have you seen Yan Le?”

 

Jiang Yisun hesitated before replying, “I went, but he refused to see me.”

 

Fu Ming paused, then said, “Don’t blame him.”

 

Jiang Yisun sighed, his voice heavy, “I know why he wouldn’t see me.”

 

“He doesn’t want to burden you. Even when we occasionally meet at gatherings, he maintains a courteous distance.”

 

Jiang Yisun said nothing for a moment, then managed a faint smile.

 

That evening, Jiang Yisun gathered a few high-ranking military officers at Jianlou, a fine dining establishment, and ordered a sumptuous meal. He also hired several musicians and singers, including Yan Le.

 

Yan Le, informed by a servant that a military officer had requested his presence, arrived at the private room. As he entered, he was momentarily taken aback to see Jiang Yisun among the imposing men seated around the table. Quickly composing himself, he smiled and greeted the guests. Learning that Jiang Yisun was the host, he sat next to him and asked, “What would you like to hear?”

 

Jiang Yisun turned to the others, “What do you all want to hear?”

 

“We’re not very familiar with music titles. Play something you excel at,” someone suggested.

 

Yan Le began with “The Ambush from Ten Sides,” a powerful piece evoking the chaos of battle, which resonated with the audience, recalling their own wartime experiences.

 

After the piece, the guests applauded, and one remarked, “We’re here to relax. Let’s hear something lighter.”

 

Noticing Yan Le’s quickened breath and reddened fingertips from the intense playing, Jiang Yisun suggested a break. But Yan Le smiled and said, “If you want something light and cheerful, I’ll play ‘Green Waist’.” He started playing a lively tune, filling the room with a festive atmosphere.

 

As the guests chatted and drank, Jiang Yisun couldn’t help glancing at the quiet, focused Yan Le beside him.

 

After finishing the song, Jiang Yisun playfully pulled Yan Le close, joking, “Such a delightful performance deserves a reward. Here, see anything on the table you want? I’ll serve you.”

 

Yan Le, appearing both shy and compliant, leaned against Jiang Yisun and pointed to a dish, “I’d like the drunken shrimp.”

 

Jiang Yisun, ignoring the servant’s offer to help, insisted on peeling the shrimp himself, drawing laughter and teasing from the guests, who joked about his attentive manner.

 

As the meal continued, Jiang Yisun excused himself to wash his hands, with the others urging Yan Le to accompany him. Yan Le followed.

 

In a quiet corner of the hallway, Jiang Yisun’s casual demeanor vanished. He looked at Yan Le seriously and said, “Alas, I’ve finally seen you.”

 

Yan Le sighed, his tone softening, “So, you’re a military man now. Congratulations on becoming a general.”

 

Jiang Yisun smiled, “Just fortunate to serve under a good commander.”

 

“That must be Ming Gongzi’s husband?”

 

“Yes. I visited the Jin residence today.”

 

“Is Ming Gongzi doing well?”

 

“He seems better than you.”

 

Yan Le chuckled, “As long as you’re all well, that’s good.”

 

“And you?” Jiang Yisun’s tone grew urgent.

 

Yan Le kept smiling, “Me? You can see I’m fine.”

 

Jiang Yisun shook his head, “You’re still as stubborn as ever. The three of us, and yet, Ming Gongzi and you, are both as stubborn as mules.” He placed his hands on Yan Le’s shoulders, “Yan Le, will you really never turn back? If you do, wherever I am, you’ll have a place.”

 

Yan Le turned away, gazing at the roofline visible from the hallway. After a long silence, he said, “There’s no reason to turn back now. You wanted a family, right? Go find a good wife, have children, and build your home.”

 

Jiang Yisun sighed bitterly, “Many people pay a fortune for just one song. How can this be a waste?”

 

Yan Le turned back to face him, “You’ve heard the music today; it’s just ordinary.”

 

Jiang Yisun replied, “Yes, compared to what you used to play for us, it’s indeed ordinary.”

 

“So, after all these years, your taste hasn’t improved.”

 

“I can only hear the emotion in the music, not the technical skill. Ah Le…”

 

Yan Le shook his head, “Let it be. Ah Le is a person of the past. The songs I used to play, I can’t play them anymore. If you’re willing to pay, I’ll play for you, but that’s all it will be… Just that.”

 

Jiang Yisun watched Yan Le, his face obscured in the dim hallway light. All he could see was the moonlit sky and drifting pear blossoms outside. As Yan Le brushed past him, it felt as if a petal had slipped through his fingers, leaving him clutching at emptiness. The dimness of the corridor seemed to consume him, inch by inch.

 

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