Chapter 5: Seized and Mounted

Lin Jinzhu sensed something from their conversation. She glanced back and forth between the two, stretching her neck to ask, “You… know each other?”

“No,” Tong Youyu replied without hesitation, not wanting to be associated with him.

But Yin Zijian wouldn’t let her off so easily. “We crossed paths in childhood.”

Lin Jinzhu covered her mouth in surprise. “Childhood friends? Innocent playmates!”

“Don’t say any more,” Tong Youyu cut in, unwilling to dwell on it. She then opened her textbook and said, “In a couple of days, Master Yuan will take us on a field trip. Have you finished your homework?”

“Not yet,” Lin Jinzhu pouted, following her lead to change the subject. “I definitely want to go to Suishan. The red maples blanketing the mountain must be breathtaking.”

Master Yuan adored the red maple trees. Every autumn, he would ascend Suishan several times, sometimes quietly admiring the view, other times playing the zither or painting. Not satisfied with going alone, he would bring his students along to enjoy the scenery.

Beautiful sights are beloved by all, but homework must be completed first before they could set out.

Tong Youyu was quite busy, attending dance and calligraphy practice without fail. Tomorrow, she was to accompany her grandmother to Wantai Lane for medical treatment.

Rumor had it that a highly skilled folk doctor had arrived, drawing countless patients who queued daily. He had no time for home visits.

He had established a rule to treat everyone equally, regardless of wealth or status, strictly in order of arrival.

This policy unquestionably enhanced the doctor’s reputation, attracting a steady stream of seekers.

Upon hearing this, Shen Cheng decided to take the elderly lady there himself, and Tong Youyu naturally accompanied them.

On the day of departure, the weather was uncooperative, with a fine drizzle falling.

Though the rain was light and didn’t hinder their journey, the dampness everywhere was somewhat irksome.

What annoyed Tong Youyu more was that her uncle had a last-minute matter and couldn’t go. Instead, Shen Shuzhang took his place, bustling about with the carriage.

She helped her grandmother settle inside the carriage, while Shen Shuzhang sat opposite.

With the senior elder present, he behaved properly, speaking suitably, though his gaze was somewhat lingering.

Fortunately, Wantai Lane was not far, and due to the weather, the clinic wasn’t as crowded as usual.

Shen Shuzhang opened an oil-paper umbrella and queued outside, while Tong Youyu stayed inside the carriage with her grandmother.

“You’re unusually quiet today,” the elderly lady leaned against the window and asked, “Is it because of your cousin?”

Tong Youyu was surprised. “Grandmother, why do you say that?”

The old lady chuckled softly. “My mind may falter, but my eyes are sharp.”

Tong Youyu fell silent briefly before whispering, “It’s impossible between Yuyu and my eldest cousin. Grandmother, please focus on your recovery and don’t worry about this.”

“If he pesters you, just tell me. A toad wanting to eat swan meat!” the grandmother teased.

Tong Youyu laughed. “Grandmother, that’s your own grandson.”

“So what?” The old lady glanced at the raindrops on the window. “At seventeen, he should be thinking about marriage.”

In Dayong County, it was customary to arrange marriages for boys at seventeen or eighteen, and girls at fifteen or sixteen. Most of the Shen children had reached the appropriate age.

Tong Youyu smoothed her grandmother’s thin blanket. “I suppose your sister-in-law has already made plans.”

“She’s quite particular and likely to be picky. Doesn’t even consider her own son’s faults,” the elderly lady snorted.

Shen’s grandmother was well aware of Peng’s intentions. As a senior family member, she wished for the best for her children and grandchildren. Even after sending them all to Fengli Academy, the results were merely passable.

The capital was filled with noble families, and the academy’s students changed every year. If one hoped to secure a good marriage through this, it was best to abandon that hope early.

Peng was determined to find Shen Shuzhang a wife of excellent background and appearance, which was no easy task. That was why she hadn’t rushed into matchmaking.

The elderly lady grew more alert talking about the children’s marriages. “Your father wrote that there might be a transfer at the end of the year. If he becomes an official in the capital, that would be good for you. You wouldn’t have to leave the city.”

“The capital’s splendor is certainly alluring,” Tong Youyu said in a low voice, “but the political arena is treacherous… The princes are all grown now, and it’s unstable…”

Although the emperor had long appointed a crown prince and the empress’s position was secure, the prince himself behaved erratically.

With the favored consort gaining more influence and her fourth prince reaching maturity to share the burden of governance, coupled with the formidable reputation of the Yin family, the court’s situation inevitably grew turbulent.

Tong Youyu feared that the small fish would suffer amidst the turmoil, while the big players might withstand it.

“Good of you to think of these things,” Shen’s grandmother smiled. “Our Yuyu is truly wise.”

“Grandmother, please don’t tease me. I wouldn’t dare speak a word of this outside,” Tong Youyu replied.

The old lady coughed lightly. “Your concerns are valid, but it’s still early. Why do you think the Yin family sent the young general to the academy?”

Yin Zijian? Tong Youyu was slightly taken aback, having never considered this.

The old lady whispered, “The fourth prince’s power is not yet consolidated. The Yin family is yielding.”

General Yin is already formidable, and now with a young general holding rank, immediate appointment might provoke envy.

Regardless of the Eastern Palace’s stance, the emperor is in his prime. If he perceives the Yin family as a threat, all favor would vanish instantly.

The emperor’s strategy is to preemptively yield rather than wait and lose favor.

Moreover, Yin Zijian is still young — it’s not yet his time to take action.

Tong Youyu suddenly understood and took the old lady’s hand. “Grandmother, you truly possess great wisdom!”

“Of course,” the elderly lady chuckled. “You’re clever because you take after me.”

“Well said!”

The two praised each other heartily, creating a warm atmosphere.

After waiting for an hour, they finally entered the folk doctor’s clinic.

The doctor’s surname was Lu, and he seemed quite capable. Upon seeing the elderly lady, he immediately commended her clear state of mind, beneficial to her condition.

It’s known that stagnation of emotions can cause blockage and illness, and even a healthy person might fall ill from it.

After taking her pulse, Doctor Lu prescribed medicine and advised a follow-up in three days.

Tong Youyu listened carefully to the instructions, feeling a glimmer of hope that her grandmother would soon be cured.

On the way back, a gentle smile lingered on her face, her eyes sparkling like water, captivating Shen Shuzhang so that he couldn’t look away.

He said softly, “Tomorrow, cousin plans to admire the red maples at Suishan. It must be a magnificent sight.”

His tone carried a hint of regret. If he attended the same academy as his cousin, many things would be easier.

Tong Youyu restrained her smile and slowly turned away. “Not sure if it will rain.”

“Walking in the rain has its own charm,” Shen Shuzhang said, wishing to accompany her. “Tomorrow, let me take you in my carriage.”

The resting elderly lady spoke faintly, “Since when has the household lacked carriages?”

“Of course not,” Shen Shuzhang smiled and dared not press further.

*******

The next day, the sky did not rain, but the sun was hidden behind layers of clouds, unable to break through.

Jin Kui packed a thin cloak and an oil-paper umbrella, along with some pastries and fruit tea in a lunchbox, then brought them to Suishan.

The group gathered first at the academy to ensure everyone was present before departing.

Princess Changhui, having learned from the previous day’s lesson, avoided any ostentatious displays this time, which pleased Master Yuan.

Just before departure, Yin Mingyan suddenly approached, claiming her carriage had broken down and requesting a ride with Tong Youyu.

Tong Youyu then noticed Yin Zijian had arrived on horseback, leaving Mingyan without a carriage.

She nodded. “Thank you, Sister Mingyan, for not minding. Please join me in the carriage.”

Human relationships are subtle, like drinking water—one knows its warmth or coldness. Tong Youyu guessed Mingyan held some grudge against her, but at least they could sit and talk.

Once the misunderstanding was resolved, the matter would settle.

Tong Youyu thought well and helped Yin Mingyan into the carriage, asking Jin Kui to serve fruit tea.

Unexpectedly, just as the carriage began to move, Yin Mingyan accidentally spilled an entire cup of fruit tea all over Tong Youyu’s skirt.

That day, Tong Youyu wore a pale moonlight skirt edged with lotus green. The light-colored fabric was instantly stained with reddish-brown fruit tea, spreading a large blotch like congealed blood.

“Oh dear, I’m so sorry!” Yin Mingyan dropped the cup and took out a handkerchief. “Will you be angry with me, Sister Tong?”

Tong Youyu looked up at her, their eyes meeting.

Yin Mingyan stared back without avoidance, showing no hint of guilt. She didn’t fear Tong Youyu’s displeasure at all.

Tong Youyu pursed her lips slightly and asked, “Sister Mingyan, how do you see me?”

She had invited her in precisely to clear the air.

Mingyan smiled. “Every cause has its effect. You know the truth in your heart.”

“I don’t,” Tong Youyu lowered her gaze to the stain on her skirt. “Though I can’t blame everything on amnesia, the feud between me and the young general is mine to bear. I’m trying to make amends…”

“You’re wrong, Sister Tong,” Mingyan toyed with the handkerchief. “My brother and I are twins. His matters are mine too. If you offend him, it’s like offending me.”

“I… also apologize to you, Sister Mingyan…”

“No need,” Mingyan refused to accept the apology, lowering her voice. “My brother is a man. There are things he can’t do to deal with you. Luckily, I take care of it.”

She wouldn’t allow anyone to say that her big brother was bullying a young lady.

No matter how timid Tong Youyu’s nature, she couldn’t help but feel indignant hearing this.

She had apologized repeatedly and shown sincerity, yet the other party seemed unwilling to let her make amends.

“Miss Yin, you’re so aggressive, I don’t know what to say.”

No sister this, not the address she deserved.

“Are you angry?” Yin Mingyan appraised her from head to toe. “I’m not unreasonable. I had no complaints against you before; I’m just standing up for my family. When my brother forgives you, I won’t pursue it anymore.”

Tong Youyu didn’t know whether to praise their sibling bond or not.

Outside the carriage window came the neighing of horses. Yin Zijian rode a tall black steed alongside, his robes billowing, heroic and dignified.

He had warned his sister not to meddle, but now couldn’t help but watch the carriage closely.

Having fought in battles, Yin Zijian was especially sensitive to bloodstains and immediately noticed the reddish-brown mark on Tong Youyu’s skirt, exposed so blatantly.

He frowned sharply. “Tong Youyu, you’ve become shameless.”

“What?” She was suddenly scolded, puffing out her soft cheeks in displeasure.

Yin Zijian snapped, “Your skirt! Such private matters should not be so openly displayed!”

Looking down, Tong Youyu realized his misunderstanding.

Flushed with both embarrassment and anger, she leaned half out the window, hands on the sill. “What am I afraid of? I’ll show everyone—your brother and sister’s handiwork!”

Most of the carriages traveling with them had open windows to enjoy the scenery. Hearing the commotion, many poked their heads out to watch.

“Sit back down,” Yin Zijian said, pressing his lips tight.

“None of your business!” Tong Youyu decided not to show him any kindness. She was going to be targeted anyway.

Yin Zijian didn’t argue. With a swift reach, he pulled her halfway into his embrace. Amid her surprised cries, he hoisted her onto his horse.

With a squeeze of his thighs against the horse’s belly, he galloped away swiftly.