Chapter 7

Chapter Seven

The son of the magistrate refuses to marry, and she rejects all the eligible young masters in the courtyard. Instead, she calls upon a wild man of unknown origin and proclaims him her new husband.

Housekeeper Cao busily disperses the curious onlookers, while Qian Tong and her “new husband” are cornered beneath the corridor by the Qian family’s female relatives brought in by Lady Qian.

Lady Qian’s gaze flickers repeatedly between the two before she clutches her chest, finally demanding, “Where on earth did this man leap out from?!”

She had inquired with the third and fourth branches of the family; no one recognized him.

Qian Tong replies, “Song Yunxin.”

“What?”

Noticing the unmoving shadow just behind her, likely infuriated and indifferent to the sun, she looks at Lady Qian and repeats firmly, “His name is Song Yunxin.”

“Song, Song…” The surname matters little.

Dressed in coarse, low-quality cloth, Lady Qian feels faint, noting even the household servants are better dressed. “Did you perhaps just pick him up from under the bridge?” she accuses.

What is she trying to do? Drive her mad?!

“Mother, please be cautious with your words,” Qian Tong interrupts before the insult can be spoken. “He’s listening. Since we’ll see each other often, let’s keep some respect for one another.”

Acceptance is a process. Ignoring Lady Qian’s near-fainting expression, Qian Tong steps forward, shielding most of the gazes aimed at the young man. “Everyone has seen him. Regardless of who comes here today, he is the husband.”

They once agreed with their own mouths that she could like whomever she wished.

Now that she has made her choice, they have no grounds to oppose it.

Having introduced the new husband, she turns to the man standing behind her and introduces one by one: “This is Mother, Third Aunt, Fourth Aunt... They are busy today, so we won’t trouble them. We shall visit another day. Now, I’ll take you to meet Father.”

With that, she pushes through the crowd, waiting for the young man to follow.

After several steps with no movement, Qian Tong looks back.

Under the sun, the young man’s face is flushed slightly red, but his eyes remain cold as he stares at her, standing still without moving.

“Come on,” she urges.

So many eyes are on him, the probing of the women inside suffocates—like they want to peer into his bones to see every inch of him. Doesn’t he feel awkward?

Song Yunzhi marvels at her confidence.

There is no trace of hesitation or the slightest embarrassment on her face; her urging seems natural, as if certain he will follow her.

Yet, a little patience now could save much turmoil later.

At this critical moment, he must not ruin the effort.

After a moment’s pause, he finally moves and follows her.

—

When Qian Tong arrived, Qian Minjiang, head of the Qian family, had already been informed by the servants of the commotion in the garden.

Whether she marries the magistrate or someone else makes no difference to the Qian family.

Upon hearing the news, Qian Minjiang lacked even the energy to be angry. So when Qian Tong came with her companion, he did not even raise his head. “As long as you’re happy, I, as your father, can’t control you.”

Qian Tong gave no reply. She left her “husband” waiting outside and quietly went inside to stand beside the family head.

Qian Minjiang was the most diligent of several brothers from childhood. Apart from sleeping, he spent nearly all his time in his study, his eyes nearly worn out from reading and poring over ledgers.

Before him lay a ledger of bad debts collected the day before.

As expected, nothing was recovered.

Qian Tong leaned forward and picked it up, flipping through it.

Qian Minjiang glanced at her, thinking she had come to apologize. As his only daughter, his heart softened slightly. “Old debts, it’s fine if they can’t be recovered. Since the betrothal to the magistrate’s household was not finalized, they won’t be needed anytime soon.”

Though he said so, he was helpless and tiredly wiped his face.

The future of the Qian family looked bleak. Losing this marriage alliance with the magistrate’s household meant losing their leverage before the court. If the court abandoned them, what would become of the Qian family?

Turn to the Park family…

That was a last resort.

Years ago, when the emperor sought aid, the four great families secretly exchanged views. Ultimately, the Park family took the lead in rejecting the emperor, and the other three families, including the Qians, followed suit.

Since the chaotic times, the four families had supported each other. Now, the Park family dominated, their merchant ships spread across the southeast seas, even the court dared not cross them lightly.

If it were still the chaotic era, with the Qian family behind the Park family and the four great families united against the court, the government might not dare to move against them.

But now, after five years of stable governance, the nation was peaceful and the military strong. The times had changed.

And the Park family had already taken sides.

Not long ago, the Park family’s second son was betrothed to Princess Mingfeng, the youngest daughter of the Prince of Pingchang.

Even the Park family was now forging ties with the court. The other three families could not sit idle; each was eager to act. The Qian family’s salt permits were in Yangzhou, and their influence in the court was limited. The only acquaintance was Magistrate Lan.

Though the betrothal failed, the goodwill remained.

Later, he would go visit Magistrate Lan, spend some silver, and try to have the magistrate speak favorably of the Qian family before the officials coming to investigate, or to secure an introduction, so he could build good relations.

This meant the marriage alliance between the Qian family and the magistrate’s household was entirely impossible now.

Qian Minjiang raised his eyes to look at his only daughter, who stared calmly at the ledger. She was a stark contrast to the stubborn girl who, two years ago, knelt in the ancestral hall and questioned him, “Why?”

A pang of guilt tugged at his heart, but more than that was helplessness. Finally, he turned his gaze to the future son-in-law outside the door and asked, “Where are you from?”

“From Jinling,” Qian Tong replied without looking up, flipping through the ledgers. “He used to be an escort, but his parents have passed. He has a younger brother who is a scholar. I’ve transferred him to bookkeeping in the freight department.”

It was common for wealthy families to pick up people like this.

But was she too casual about her lifelong marriage?

—

Qian Minjiang finally came back to his senses, tapping Qian Tong’s forehead with a finger. “You really are…” Before he could call someone in, he rose and went to the door, thoroughly examining the young man standing on the threshold.

Tall, broad-shouldered.

Strikingly handsome.

Dressed in coarse green cloth beneath the eaves, one hand clasped in front, the other behind his back, his expression steady and eyes clear—neither fawning nor arrogant.

Understanding why she chose him, Qian Minjiang asked, “What’s your name?”

Silence.

Inside, Qian Tong glanced back, catching the cold glare the young man shot her, as if he had suppressed it for a long time. His dark eyes nearly sparked fire. Fearing his pride would flare, she answered for him, “Song Yunxin. ‘Yun’ as in sunlight, ‘xin’ as in grass growing wild.”

A faint trace of surprise crossed the young man’s tense face, fleeting but visible to Qian Tong, who pulled out a few ledgers from the desk. Her eyes shone with a hint of triumph as she looked at her husband.

She had guessed correctly.

His name and fate were intertwined; those two characters suited him perfectly.

Despite her pride, Song Yunzhi had no heart to praise her. His mind was filled with endurance and duty. As the Qian family head inquired about him, he also observed the family head. Fifty-something, slightly overweight, wearing a silk brocade belt and a gaudy golden ring on his left thumb.

A typical rich merchant’s guise.

How long would he last if he ended up in prison?

“Now that you have entered the Qian household, you will not be wronged. But remember, the Qian family cannot tolerate those of poor character. Keep to your role.”

He was brought home and passed the scrutiny of many eyes. They could not simply be sent away. Whether this would work was to be seen after a time of observation.

Qian Minjiang summoned a servant and returned with an inkstone and two silver notes of one hundred taels each, as a gift.

Song Yunzhi declined, but Qian Tong accepted on his behalf.

Leaving, under the family head’s watchful gaze, Song Yunzhi bowed to his future “father-in-law.” “Thank you, Master Qian.”

—

In the corridor on the way back, Qian Tong held the ledgers and inkstone, glancing at the cold-faced husband beside her. She teased, “Still angry?”

Song Yunzhi glanced sideways. Seeing the smile on her face, he immediately turned his head away, silent.

Qian Tong was unperturbed, walking beside him softly. “I don’t know how much you understand about Yangzhou or my Qian family, but from today on, I can tell you everything you want to know.”

His eyes flicked slightly.

She continued, “My family has mined salt for generations. Thanks to our skilled salt mining, we have held the Yangzhou salt permits for over a century, becoming one of the four great families. Don’t you think that’s quite wealthy?”

Doesn’t he?

Noticing the golden hairpin in her hair, she realized today she wore a white jade pearl crown, seemingly even more precious than the golden one.

Song Yunzhi silently accepted her words.

“But the higher-ups think so too,” Qian Tong said. “They find the four great families too arrogant, too rich, and want to bring us down. The Qian family is now at a critical point.”

The corridor was spacious and quiet; she stepped closer to him and walked on. “Big trees attract wind. We must be cautious. At this critical moment, only low-profile action can see us through safely. That’s why I found you—not on a whim. To humiliate you, yes, but also to narrow the wealth gap, and to lessen others’ hatred of the rich, showing that we merchants have our own troubles.”

She spoke from the heart, drawing closer to him.

Song Yunzhi seemed to understand, slowing his steps and stopping in the corridor. He asked, “Am I your trouble?”

She was not wrong—he was.

He would suffer much.

Faced with his displeasure, Qian Tong choked, realizing he was proud and sensitive. She shook her head repeatedly, denying, “No... You are my savior.”

She had to see her own expression as ridiculous.

Song Yunzhi ignored her, withdrawing his gaze and stepping forward. Just then, she called, “Song Yunxin.”

He somewhat regretted revealing his childhood name—only his mother called him that—and answered out of habit, “Hmm?”

“I do not belittle you,” the young woman caught up with him, standing slightly sideways to shield her eyes from the sun. Facing him, her gaze, illuminated by the morning sun, was sincere and resolute. “I truly want to live my life with you.”

Song Yunzhi turned his head away.

If not for the lingering poison within, he might have been fooled.

Her sincerity mattered little; sooner or later, she would fall into his hands and taste the bitterness of life.

“Here,” she said, tossing everything she held into his arms, softly complaining, “So heavy.”

Pinching her aching arm, Qian Tong took back her ledgers, leaving the inkstone and two silver notes with him, soothing, “The gift is small, but better than nothing. Since you just arrived in Yangzhou two days ago, receiving two hundred silver taels for free, isn’t that pleasing?”

Though he had entered the Qian household and gained boundless wealth, one must know contentment to live happily.

At the crossroads, she had matters to attend to and no time to accompany him. She instructed, “Rest first. In the afternoon, I’ll have A Jin show you around the mansion. You’ll receive your due. Don’t disappoint me.”

Her steps were brisk, coming and going like the wind.

Song Yunzhi turned back, only to see her flowing skirt behind. Watching her hand over the ledgers to a maid, she instructed, “Don’t let anyone touch these ledgers. Take them to the room and lock them up first.”

Song Yunzhi looked again.

A Jin, the chubby servant called by Qian Tong, was one of the four bodyguards who had blocked the teahouse door the day before. Large and burly but perceptive, he stepped forward to take the inkstone. “Master, let me carry that for you.”

Song Yunzhi turned, shooting a cold glance.

Understanding the meaning behind the gaze, A Jin smiled and corrected himself, “Young Master Song, let me carry it for you.”

Everyone was inside now; no one knew what stubbornness he was showing.

—

Qian Tong went to the old madam’s courtyard.

Lady Qian liked Buddhist worship, and the courtyard was designed like a temple. Passing through the family head’s garden, through a narrow alley, the scenery changed completely.

No flowers or plants lined the path, only towering ancient trees. The entire courtyard was silent, solemn and dignified, with no sound of conversation. Deeper inside, the faint scent of incense wafted.

The sweeping servants and maids quietly nodded to her arrival.

Qian Tong headed straight to the old madam’s Quiet Moon Pavilion.

Just as she reached the eaves, the nanny who had met her briefly the day before came out upon hearing the news. “Seventh Mistress is here. The old madam is reciting sutras. I will lead you in.”

Usually, the old madam would have finished by this time.

Qian Tong peeked inside and softly asked the nanny, “Grandmother, is she well today?”

The nanny smiled. “All is well. Before you came, the old madam even took a large bowl of sweet potato porridge.”

The garden incident had been reported long ago. In a good mood, the old madam’s appetite was good. Qian Tong understood the nanny’s meaning.

She had made the right choice. The old madam did not oppose this husband.

As expected, Qian Tong waited inside.

The old madam had loved tranquility since youth. After her children and grandchildren were many, she no longer required daily greetings from them, unlike other noble families.

Without any major affairs, no one entered here usually. The courtyard was quiet, the furnishings simple. Aside from a few everyday pieces, nothing was added. The wooden floor was polished spotless. Three sides of gauze windows were opened, curtains rolled up, letting in clean, bright light.

Qian Tong did not sit but approached the Guanyin statue on the shrine and lit incense.

After bowing, she stood as the nanny supported the old madam in.

Nearly seventy, the old madam’s posture remained upright. Years of Buddhist devotion had given her a serene, refined face and clear eyes, still hinting at her youthful sharpness.

“Grandmother,” Qian Tong bowed.

Lady Qian nodded and gestured for her to sit, her voice calm and measured. “Big trees attract wind. Your father will never understand this. You made the right choice.”

Rarely did the old madam praise anyone. The nanny looked at the obedient Seventh Mistress with a smile.

“You went to great lengths to find him. You must be satisfied,” Lady Qian said. “Check everything thoroughly. Don’t let anything be unclear.”

No matter the matter, nothing escaped this matriarch’s notice. She knew of Qian Tong’s abduction of the man. Qian Tong bowed deeply and answered, “Yes.”

Lady Qian said no more, silently assessing her.

Qian Tong remained composed and upright.

After a long silence, the old madam finally withdrew her gaze and spoke softly, “The Cui family’s eldest branch—your eldest sister is still there. Don’t close all doors. Give her some dignity.”

—

Fuyin feared going to the old madam’s courtyard most of all, feeling suffocated. Later, Qian Tong saw her fear and stopped taking her, going alone each time.

Just as Qian Tong left the old madam’s courtyard, she saw Fuyin blocking her way, warning, “Mistress, don’t return to the courtyard.”

Curious, Qian Tong asked, “Are the debt collectors here?”

Fuyin shook her head, though it was almost the same. “The door is nearly broken from the crowd. Third and Fourth Masters went to speak with the family head, and Third and Fourth Ladies came to ask you for an explanation. They want to know why you can’t choose the young masters from the extended family.”

Why choose them?

Those idle women, who fancied themselves more insightful than anyone, would come up with all sorts of bizarre ideas. Having worked all morning without eating a morsel, lunch time had passed. If she went back now, she probably wouldn’t get to eat.

Better to avoid trouble. Qian Tong told Fuyin to prepare the horses. “Let’s go to the teahouse.”

Each of the four great families controlled their own territory. The Qian family held the salt permits in Yangzhou, while the Cui family controlled the major teahouses and restaurants. Nearly all large establishments belonged to the Cui family.

Qian Tong chose a teahouse near the bustling market.

Though the four great families competed secretly, they maintained a cordial front and often visited each other. Upon her arrival, no one failed to recognize her.

The proprietor enthusiastically led her to a private room.

When food and drink arrived, the visitor was not the proprietor but the magistrate’s youngest son, Young Master Lan.

The young master was famous for his charm, eyes full of springtime affection, seeming to look fondly at everyone.

Qian Tong did not expect to meet him here. Realizing she had come to the wrong place, she knew this teahouse was no longer under her eldest sister’s control. It had been taken over by the Cui family and now belonged to Young Master Lan.

“Lady Qian,” Young Master Lan greeted with a bow.

Qian Tong stood and returned the greeting, “Young Master Lan.”

Meeting her former fiancé unexpectedly created a subtle awkwardness. Young Master Lan smoothed his sleeves and cautiously asked, “Lady Qian, what brings you to the teahouse today?”

The day before, she sent word for him to take another bride, and now she appeared at his teahouse—easy to cause misunderstanding. Qian Tong began explaining.

“I knew you’d come,” Young Master Lan interrupted eagerly. “I didn’t take those words seriously yesterday.”

Qian Tong looked at him in surprise.

“The Cui family head has invited Father for tea,” Young Master Lan whispered urgently. “He arrived half an hour ago.”

Qian Tong was puzzled by his meaning. Did he want the Qian family to catch wind and rush over to challenge the Cui family, two women vying for one man?

He must be crazy.

Young Master Lan stepped closer. “Seventh Mistress, this marriage was arranged by our parents, not by me. I…”

“I came to collect debts,” Qian Tong cut him off impatiently.

Young Master Lan was stunned.

“This teahouse has accumulated salt debts under my Qian family for several years, totaling twenty-five thousand seven hundred taels. I heard Young Master Lan has plenty of funds recently. Please settle the account.”

Chapter Seven ends.