Chapter 17
When she climbed up, her steps were unsteady and her forehead bumped against his chest. He kept hold of her hand and gently wrapped his other arm around her waist, steadying her so she could stand firmly on the stone path.
The closeness was uncomfortable; she quickly slipped out of his embrace and turned to call out to Gong Yulan, “Come quickly, I’ll pull you up.”
Facing Gong Yulan eased the heat and embarrassment that had colored her cheeks moments before.
Gong Yulan reached up from below, and she took her hand, pulling her up onto the path.
Gong Yulan, too, seemed a little embarrassed. She had never met Wei Qi, and now wasn’t sure whether to offer a greeting or not. He looked stern and intimidating, so she whispered to Song Yan, “I—I’m going to find my father,” then lifted her skirts and hurried away faster than a startled rabbit.
Song Yan knew that Wei Qi must have learned she had put the insect in someone’s tea. It was truly improper, and being caught red-handed left her mortified. She awkwardly plucked two bits of leaves and petals from her hair and brushed off the dried twigs from her dress.
Wei Qi said, “A scholar from the Guangwen Institute told me you were here.”
Song Yan replied quietly, “That’s Yulan’s father. She was my friend when we were girls.”
Wei Qi moved ahead, and she followed, waiting until they were far from the rockery before explaining, “I put the insect there because she’s so hateful. My brother’s leg was injured when her twin brother knocked him from his horse, and they never apologized. Instead, they spread rumors to shirk responsibility, saying my brother flirted with her. My brother would never do such a thing. She even wanted to marry him once, but he refused!”
Wei Qi glanced at the young woman beside him, cheeks flushed, lips pursed, her hair disheveled from their encounter. He couldn’t help but laugh.
He had heard of the lawsuit between the Song and Tang families; Song Yan’s resentment toward the Tang family was understandable. Still, he hadn’t expected she’d resort to placing an insect in someone’s tea.
Thinking it over, though she was married and usually poised and gentle, she was still only eighteen.
He said, “If you did it, then don’t hide. She has no evidence, and she wouldn’t dare confront you. Even if she knew it was you, you can say it was just a joke—there’s no harm in that.”
His words were a revelation. Why hadn’t she thought of this? Why should she hide? What did finding an insect in Tang Lingxiao’s tea have to do with her? Couldn’t she simply stand here and enjoy the scenery?
Tang Lingxiao couldn’t touch her for the insect in her tea—yes, she disliked her, and wanted to disgust her. So what?
She realized she had been too timid.
What surprised her even more was hearing such words from him. He was always so proper, the sort to distinguish right from wrong, yet here he was, advising her with such boldness.
Wei Qi asked, “Why did you come to watch the dragon boat races without telling me?”
“You never asked,” Song Yan replied softly.
Wei Qi thought for a moment—it was true, he’d forgotten. Every year, the Ministry of Rites invited court officials to the Xiyuan dragon boat races, and the officials themselves reported how many family members they'd bring so seating could be arranged. Having been widowed for years, with no one in his household to bring up the matter, he had never paid it much mind—not this year, either.
He said, “If you wish to come again next year, I’ll inform the Ministry of Rites ahead of time.”
Song Yan quickly replied, “I’ll come with Yulan.”
She meant he should arrange at least two seats.
Wei Qi smiled and nodded.
Just then, the sound of drums echoed from across the lake—a new round of dragon boat races was about to begin. Wei Qi turned to her, “Come with me.”
She followed him, realizing after a few steps that they were heading toward the two-story waterside pavilion.
From afar, she could see a ring of guards around the second floor—clearly, the Emperor was there. In contrast, the first floor was filled with ladies dressed in bright reds and greens—noblewomen of high status.
Wei Qi brought her to the first floor, leading her to a seat by the lake. Near a round table, he addressed a richly dressed woman, “Princess.”
The woman turned with a smile, “You’re Hongyu…” Her gaze fell on Song Yan behind him. Wei Qi said, “This is my wife.” Then, turning to Song Yan, “Come greet Princess Xin. She is also my grandmother’s cousin.”
Song Yan stepped forward and knelt, “Greetings, cousin.”
She offered a formal salute but addressed her as cousin, both respectful and familiar. Princess Xin beamed, quickly rising to help her up, taking her hand, “Child, why bother with all these formalities on ordinary days?” She looked her over, then turned to Wei Qi, “You do have some luck—your wife is quite the beauty.”
Wei Qi coughed softly at the mention of “luck with beauties,” then explained his purpose, asking Princess Xin to arrange two seats for Song Yan and her friend.
Princess Xin replied, “That’s easy. It’s cool in front of the pavilion—I’ll have two stools brought out.” She gave instructions, and soon maids placed two stools and a small table on the grass before the pavilion. Other tables nearby seated noblewomen unfamiliar to Song Yan. This area was considered extra seating—not as high as the pavilion, but closer to the water, more open and refreshing.
Wei Qi told her, “Sit here. I must go upstairs. I’ll return after the races.”
Song Yan asked, “What about Miss Gong?”
“I’ll have someone help you find her,” Wei Qi replied.
Song Yan nodded repeatedly.
After Wei Qi left, she waited, was served tea and pastries, and after a while, as the dragon boat races grew more intense, a young eunuch brought Gong Yulan over.
Gong Yulan was delighted, “This place is wonderful—outside is far too hot!” She drank some tea and sampled the pastries, exclaiming, “These are delicious!”
Song Yan boasted, “Of course—this is Xiyuan, where the Emperor comes!”
Gong Yulan swallowed her pastry and asked, “Did your Grand Secretary arrange this?”
Song Yan nodded and whispered, “Do you see the lady inside, in green brocade with a five-phoenix hairpin? That’s Princess Xin, who granted us these seats. I hadn’t realized she’s the cousin of my late grandmother from the Duke’s mansion—a distant relative.”
Gong Yulan dared not look directly at the princess, only stealing a glance from the corner of her eye, then smiled at Song Yan, “It’s certainly a privilege to sit at the pavilion. Next time I see you, you’ll be a titled lady, won’t you?”
Song Yan pouted, “Don’t tease me.”
Gong Yulan laughed, then leaned in, “But I didn’t expect your husband to be so young and handsome—thirty and already like that. If he were in his teens or twenties, who knows how charming he’d be!”
“Young? Handsome?” Song Yan looked at her in disbelief.
Gong Yulan was puzzled, “Don’t you think so?”
“I…” Song Yan realized she had never considered the question.
To her, Wei Xiu was the dashing, heroic youth. Gong Yulan’s fiancé was decent as well, but Wei Qi…
She had never really thought about it, nor studied his features closely. His third-rank official’s robes, his commanding presence, his reserved nature, the calm yet sharp eyes—he was always composed and steady. Everything about him made people overlook his appearance, awed instead by his aura.
Gong Yulan continued, “Anyway, he’s not as bad as you once thought. He even arranged for you to sit at the pavilion. The daughter at home is just a girl—once you have a son, no one will oppose you.”
Song Yan thought of Wei Xi, of Mistress Jiang, and of the formidable Madam Guo. She didn’t care if Wei Qi was young or handsome; she only wanted him to respect her as much as possible. Gong Yulan was right—fortunately, Wei Qi had only a daughter, no son. However things turned out, the legitimate eldest son would be hers, so the days ahead wouldn’t be too bad.
The two spent a pleasant day together. At noon, the dragon boat races ended, the Emperor returned to the palace, and after the procession departed, Wei Qi came over, “Shall we go home?”
Song Yan looked at Gong Yulan, who brightened and quickly said, “Thank you, Grand Secretary Wei. You two head home, I’ll go find my father.” With a bow, she slipped away.
Wei Qi turned to Song Yan, and together they left Xiyuan.
She asked, “I came by ox cart; how did you get here?”
“On horseback,” Wei Qi replied, then turned, “I’ll ride with you today.”
Outside, Wei Qi indeed joined her in the ox cart. The compartment was small, and they sat facing each other.
Wei Qi observed Song Yan, noticing how she sat upright, head slightly bowed, hands folded in her lap—proper and demure. It was as if the girl who had slipped insects into someone’s tea and wandered through flowerbeds was someone else entirely.
Perhaps she only behaved so in his presence, because he was so severe and intimidating.
But he didn’t know how to be less severe.
The ox cart rolled slowly along the road. Suddenly, he said, “About Xi, I didn’t consider your feelings carefully enough.”
Startled, Song Yan looked up, eyes filled with surprise.
He continued, “Though you are her mother in name, you’re only six years older than her. You would wish for a mother by your side—how could you raise her? Besides, her temperament now may not be easy to guide.”
Song Yan lowered her head in silence, tacitly agreeing.
He finished, “I’ll find another solution. Don’t worry about it anymore. If she acts out again, others might not dare tell me, but you must let me know.”
Song Yan nodded.
She thought for a moment, then couldn’t help asking, “What does Grand Secretary intend to do?”
Wei Qi shook his head, “I haven’t yet thought of a good plan. I’d like to entrust her to mother, but I fear she won’t agree. Most likely, she won’t.”
Song Yan said, “Mother’s health is poor, but elders usually cherish their grandchildren. I think Xi is mostly dignified and calm, and there’s a trace of your likeness in her features. Perhaps mother would be willing.”
“Oh?” Wei Qi was puzzled, “She resembles me?”
Song Yan’s words had carried a hint of flattery, but his question made her anxious. Still, she replied firmly, “Yes, her eyes are like yours, and her nose—a high bridge.”
Wei Qi laughed.
His laughter carried amusement, and Song Yan was puzzled, not seeing what was funny.
Wei Qi said, “She can’t resemble me—if she does, it’s purely by chance.”