Chapter 20: The Ancient Painting

When Tong Youyu was sent back to the Shen residence, accompanied by Yin Mingyan, no one found anything amiss.

Madam Peng wanted to invite Miss Yin to stay for dinner, but as the evening had grown late, she was politely declined and had to let it go.

Although the Yin family had no direct ties with the Shens, the fact that Tong Youyu was living there meant that interactions between the two families would gradually increase—it was not something to rush.

After returning home, Tong Youyu went straight to the Zhuyi Hall for dinner, keeping her grandmother company and chiefly lodging a complaint.

“I hold deep respect for my eldest cousin, and I never wished to bring these matters to light, but if I continue to turn a blind eye, I fear it will do him harm.”

Especially the act of bribing the coachmen with silver—such a despicable tactic was hardly befitting a gentleman.

Madam Shen had noticed Shen Shuzhang’s intentions earlier, so she wasn’t surprised, but his behavior still infuriated her, prompting her to summon Madam Peng at once.

Tong Youyu quickly stopped her: “Grandmother, if you call my aunt here, my uncle will be disturbed as well, and the whole family will know—there will be no peace.”

Knowing her aunt’s temperament, she might fly into a rage and even invoke family discipline.

“Should he not be reprimanded?” Madam Shen was heartbroken; the eldest son of the Shen family had turned out like this!

“Of course,” Tong Youyu said, “Grandmother, punish him severely, and have that coachman dismissed.”

“Certainly, the coachman cannot be kept—he’s easily bought, who knows when he might be bribed again to betray his master!”

Though Madam Shen was angry, Tong Youyu’s counsel calmed her.

“You, child, even at a time like this, still care about your aunt’s feelings—do you feel like a guest under the Shen roof?”

Tong Youyu shook her head. “Not at all. Precisely because my maternal family has treated me well, I do not wish to cause offense. After all, during holidays and festivals, visits must be made.”

“It’s commendable you think so, but your eldest cousin is utterly foolish, filled with nonsense!” The old lady cursed her grandson mercilessly.

When Shen Shuzhang came over, he was berated fiercely as an unfilial descendant of the Shen family.

He dared not admit guilt, defending himself by saying that a virtuous lady was a suitable match for a gentleman, and that being cousins did not disqualify him from pursuing her.

Madam Shen sneered, “Then go ahead and pursue her. Your mother suffers from chronic headaches and is proud and discreet—try to anger her and see what happens.”

“Grandmother…” Shen Shuzhang knelt on the ground.

“You only think of yourself; when have you ever considered others?” the old lady looked at him. “How do you think your cousin feels? And what about your parents, and me?”

Shen Shuzhang was pained, as if everyone was pressuring him.

Tong Youyu said calmly, “From beginning to end, I have only regarded my eldest cousin as a brother. I will continue to respect and care for my sister-in-law and maintain good relations.”

After Shen Shuzhang was sent away, Madam Shen found an excuse to dismiss the coachman and his family.

Madam Peng, who managed the household, came to inquire after hearing the news. Upon learning the coachman’s deceit, she said nothing further.

******

Having finished her complaint, Tong Youyu felt a weight lifted but unexpectedly fell ill the next day.

The autumn rain was truly not to be endured; even with bathing, changing clothes, and drinking ginger tea, she couldn’t fend off the chill.

Her illness struck fiercely. She took leave from the academy, and when Wenren Ze came to guide her in qin music, she could not participate, so Shen Yumu attended classes first.

The female doctor prescribed several doses of medicine to be taken warm after meals.

The Mao family was looking for an excuse to visit the Shen household. Upon hearing of her illness, they sent Mao Yanchi with nourishing supplements to pay a visit.

Naturally, the young men did not enter the women's quarters to see her condition; Shen Cheng and Shen Shuzhang received him.

After being reprimanded, Shen Shuzhang kept a low profile and was polite to Mao Yanchi in front of the elders.

Tong Youyu was normally healthy; after two days of medication, she recovered.

Feeling better, she got up to read.

Just as she settled by the window, Jin Kui came running in. “Miss, that Fourth Young Master Mao has met with an accident.”

“What happened?” Tong Youyu looked up.

He had only just visited their residence the day before. The Mao family seemed inclined to continue contact, but she herself was uncertain.

Jin Kui spoke quickly, “He was kicked by the Young General, and his leg was broken!”

“What?” Tong Youyu was stunned. “What offense did Fourth Young Master commit?”

“How do you know he did anything wrong?” Jin Kui shook her head. “I heard there was no reason, not even a quarrel—he just got his leg broken!”

At first, Tong Youyu found it hard to believe. Yin Zijian, though trained in martial arts and unmatched among his peers, was not one to bully others by force.

There must be some misunderstanding.

“Then... how is Fourth Young Master’s injury?” Tong Youyu said, “I am well now; I should go with my aunt to visit him.”

It was only proper to reciprocate visits.

“He broke a leg; how could he be well? I heard Madam Mao cried so much, but no one dares to question the General's mansion.”

Jin Kui hesitated, then whispered, “Miss, perhaps the Young General beat him because of you?”

“Nonsense! How could this concern me?” Tong Youyu immediately shook her head in denial.

“But Miss, on Mid-Autumn Night, the Young General didn’t even know the Mao family—no grudges, no enmity.”

“That…” It did seem so.

Tong Youyu hesitated. “Could it be that he did this to sabotage my marriage prospects...?”

Jin Kui was taken aback. “Why would you think that way?”

“If not that, then what else?”

“Miss, you’re so kind—could the Young General have feelings for you?”

Jin Kui’s words startled Tong Youyu. “Impossible! You must not speak such nonsense!”

“This isn’t nonsense. The Young General has saved you multiple times…”

Tong Youyu frowned. “He already has someone he cares for—my aunt told me herself. That is definite. You must keep your mouth shut!”

“Is that so?” Jin Kui clapped her hand over her mouth. “I nearly ruined Miss’s reputation.”

“Jin Kui, I was unruly as a child and offended the Young General badly,” she said. “He nearly bit off my nipple—that was excruciating.”

For a weak child, such a thing was unforgettable.

Tong Youyu sighed. “Now that he’s a Young General, invincible, he won’t seek revenge on a girl. He’s probably enduring all this. But Fourth Young Master is a man, so he took action to warn me.”

Her reasoning was sound, leaving Jin Kui confused. “Could that be true?”

Tong Youyu nodded slightly.

Sure enough, the next day, Tong Youyu accompanied Madam Peng to the Mao residence. Madam Mao’s eyes were swollen from crying; she immediately said the match was off.

Her son was not fortunate enough and begged them not to visit again.

Madam Peng was shocked—this was sudden, as everything had been fine before.

Tong Youyu studied her face and asked, “Is this because of Fourth Young Master’s leg injury?”

Madam Mao seemed to hold back frustration, glancing sideways. “Surely Miss Tong understands?”

Madam Peng’s expression darkened. “Madam Mao, you don’t mean to blame our Miss, do you?”

“Who said I blame her?” Madam Mao clutched her handkerchief and wept. “It’s just my son’s misfortune that he cannot marry Miss Tong.”

At that, Madam Peng had nothing to say.

Leaving the Mao household, she frowned. “The Mao family is truly unreasonable—turning sour without cause and acting strangely.”

Tong Youyu suspected Yin Zijian had said something but dared not reveal it. “Thank you for your efforts, Aunt.”

“Don’t mention it. If it’s never meant to be, their displeasure is a blessing. Let’s look elsewhere.”

Madam Peng wondered if Mao Yanchi’s leg was so badly injured that he could no longer marry.

“The year-end is busy; Aunt, don’t trouble yourself now. We’ll see what happens after the New Year.”

Tong Youyu was in no hurry; many girls in Dayong Prefecture married late at sixteen or seventeen.

She still needed to find out if Yin Zijian’s actions were truly connected to her.

His attack was too harsh. If he hated her, he shouldn’t involve innocent people...

******

Back home, Madam Peng first reported to Madam Shen that the match was off. The betrothal gifts were valuable—should they be returned?

Madam Shen immediately said, “Return them. If it were ordinary trinkets, keep them, but we don’t want gold ornaments.”

Tong Youyu’s gold bracelet had never been worn. Without hesitation, she took it out. Shen Lianyin and Shen Yumu also returned their gold earrings.

Shen Yumu sighed, “Our cousin lost a fine match; now no betrothal gifts.”

“Who cares,” Shen Lianyin said.

Shen Shuzhang was nearby and chuckled, “Mao Yanchi was never worthy of our cousin—it’s for the best.”

“Huh?”

The Shen sisters all turned to look at him, sensing something off in his tone.

Madam Peng’s expression changed. “Is that something you should say?”

“I’m just stating facts—nothing wrong.”

Lately Shen Shuzhang had been in low spirits, genuinely distressed.

“Is that how you speak to your mother?” Madam Peng was furious and immediately called him inside for a scolding.

“What’s wrong with you? So angry, even daring to talk back to mother… all for cousin?” Shen Yumu also sensed something was wrong, as did Shen Lianyin.

Tong Youyu said nothing.

“Ignore him.”

Madam Shen glanced over, “Do you really think your aunt is unaware?”

A mother knows her child best—perhaps she was just pretending not to notice.

“So grandmother knows too,” Shen Yumu raised an eyebrow, “Our cousin has been hiding it well.”

Tong Youyu’s fears had come true. Her eldest cousin’s feelings were exposed publicly, and he no longer pretended, which angered her aunt and made her uncle sigh in distress.

Third Cousin was also awkward with her, fearing she might become her sister-in-law.

The household atmosphere was strained; even the servants looked at her strangely.

Seeing this, Tong Youyu was naturally unhappy. Just then, Madam Yin hosted a banquet and invited her to bring Jin Kui along for a visit.

Madam Yin held a flower appreciation gathering, not on any festival, but with late autumn chrysanthemums as the theme—there had to be some reason behind it. Others guessed that the General’s mansion was preparing for a marriage match between their children.

Many guests came: noble ladies, fine carriages, and among them was the Fifth Miss of Minister Zhou’s family.

Tong Youyu, well aware of everything, showed no expression, while Yin Mingyan, a bit more lively, seemed ready to assist her aunt.

After the previous celebration for the Prince of Lijin’s birthday, everyone in the capital knew Madam Yin favored Tong Youyu, so her appearance caused no surprise.

The stewardess led Tong Youyu into the inner residence, where Madam Yin sat at the main seat, sipping tea.

“Greetings, Aunt.”

“Fishy, you’ve come?” Madam Yin smiled, looking her over. “Looks like you’re well now. You caught a cold in the rain, and Mingyan was sick too. Aunt hasn’t visited either of you.”

“A mild chill won’t hurt. Is Sister Mingyan alright?” Tong Youyu felt guilty—Mingyan hadn’t needed to go out in the rain.

“She’s tough, like an ox. Of course, she’s fine.” Madam Yin linked her arm and sat her down.

“Mother doesn’t give me any face,” Yin Mingyan grumbled, and everyone laughed.

After greetings, Tong Youyu sat beside her and drank tea.

Today was about appreciating chrysanthemums, so the conversation revolved around the flowers. The young girls chirped like orioles and swallows—it was lively.

As the topic turned to painting flowers, Tong Youyu spoke up: “Miss Zhou’s paintings have even been praised by Master Yuan.”

Madam Yin glanced at her and smiled, “Master Yuan himself is a superb artist; his praise outweighs that of thousands.”

Although Zhou Qiyu’s reputation was not as illustrious as the talented Lu Runing, she had practiced qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting since age three. Minister Zhou was a civil official from a literary family.

Everyone began to praise her in turn, and Zhou Qiyu’s lips twitched with a smile. “My sister is shy, please forgive her this once, sisters.”

Madam Yin couldn’t help but chuckle. Suddenly recalling something, she sent the stewardess to fetch an ancient painting of chrysanthemums she had prepared as a gift for Zhou Qiyu.

“A skilled painter must receive a painting; otherwise, it is a waste.”

Madam Yin also gave Tong Youyu an additional gift for the betrothal—a pair of red jade wrist clasps carved with twin fish.

“Fishy’s mother loved red. I once sought red jade to carve for her but was delayed and never gave it. Now that we’ve reunited in the capital, I had it re-carved just in time.”

“A gift for me?” Zhou Qiyu was surprised and honored to receive such a precious antiquity.

Tong Youyu didn’t expect to receive one herself. After some thought, perhaps it was to avoid making Zhou Qiyu stand out too much—after all, it wasn’t yet time to discuss marriage. Only Zhou Qiyu received a gift…

“The elder’s gift cannot be refused. Thank you, Aunt,” she said, turning to Zhou Qiyu with a smile. “Fifth Miss loves painting and will surely cherish this.”

Zhou Qiyu blushed and bowed in thanks.

Onlookers were envious or understanding.

After the gifts, Madam Yin went to arrange tea and snacks in the back garden, leaving the courtyard to the young ladies for enjoyment.

She also ordered the enclosure housing the white tiger opened. The girls were timid, so they watched from a distance through the cage.

Once she left, everyone gathered to congratulate them.

Yin Mingyan wondered why her mother had suddenly given Zhou Qiyu a painting, though Tong Youyu’s gift was also exquisite.

The fine red jade was rare and carved into twin fish, both unique and delicate.

Tong Youyu preferred blue, but seeing the red fish today, she found she liked it as well—it was the color favored by her mother.

The Lady of Yun’an County arrived with Zhou Qiyu, smiling slyly, “So many girls came today, yet only you two received gifts…”

Zhou Qiyu looked at Tong Youyu and pouted, “Madam Yin dotes on Tong Miss; how can I compare?”

The Lady of Yun’an County cast a sidelong glance at Tong Youyu. “Madam Yin is kind and compassionate, especially since she lost her mother early and so cares for her as if her own daughter. How could it be the same for others?”

She lowered her voice, “In terms of family background, the Minister Zhou’s household matches the General’s mansion better…”

Tong Youyu listened without offense and nodded gently. “Aunt treats me like half a daughter.”

“Well then…” Zhou Qiyu’s heart raced uncontrollably.

Her Zhou family had no usual dealings with the Yin family yet received such a precious painting—could it mean…

The Lady of Yun’an County smiled, but the warmth did not reach her eyes. “Sister Zhou’s happy event approaches.”