Chapter 48

Yao Niang, sitting behind the screen, still couldn't understand why Shen Linfeng had come.

Meanwhile, Shen Linfeng, standing in the hall, picked up the examination paper, glanced at the essay topic, and began writing with focused concentration. The servants standing around were stealing glances at him.

Is it true that good-looking people always attract attention? If so, why did she have to wear a veil every time she went out? Men and women certainly lived differently in this world.

Prefect Jie noticed her daughter looking at Shen Linfeng from time to time. She understood that when a man and a woman fell in love, it often started with curiosity. Shen Linfeng had been hiding in Henan because of the incident with his maidservant, but now he was willing to come here. She had a sense of what was happening.

The topic Shen Linfeng received was "Excessive Spending." He was familiar with this question; it was from the Northern Song Dynasty's Jia You Sixth Year imperial examination. It was surprising that they were testing on this topic, as he had written many essays on past years' questions before his own exams.

After a brief moment of thought, he began writing.

While Yan Mai was sipping tea, he was also observing Shen Linfeng. He had initially expected a fifteen-year-old boy, but instead, he saw the nineteen-year-old Shen Linfeng, who had indeed passed the second-level examination. He was impressed. Seeing Shen Linfeng's calm demeanor, he knew he was confident.

Sure enough, within half an hour, Shen Linfeng had finished and submitted his paper. Prefect Yan Mai and Prefect Jie, both graduates of the imperial examinations, reviewed his work and found his opening paragraph enlightening.

Most of the eight-part essays were rehashed material, but the skill lay in how one could still dance while wearing shackles.

Shen Linfeng easily passed the essay portion.

Yan Mai commented, "Young man, your essay is beautifully crafted, but remember, governing a country isn't just about theory."

Shen Linfeng, known for his patience, humbly replied, "Your Excellency is right. I am young and need more guidance from you and the prefect."

Most young men tend to be hot-headed, and Yan Mai had a grandson like Jingzhao. Yao Niang thought about her brother, who wouldn't take such criticism lightly, even if it came from an elder. He was the type who would challenge the examiners after ranking second in the provincial exams.

Prefect Jie nodded approvingly upon seeing Shen Linfeng's response.

The next test was archery. Shen Linfeng stood a hundred paces away and drew a bow with seven and a half pounds of force, effortlessly hitting the bullseye.

Shen Linfeng smiled at Yan Mai, "Your Excellency, what will the third test be? My nephew is skilled in music and plays the lute well."

Yan Mai glanced at Shen Linfeng, "Impressive, young man. But this time, the music isn't chosen by me. Listen..."

A clear and melodious tune filled the air. Shen Linfeng recognized it as the sound of a harp.

"This is 'Yang Chun Bai Xue,' an ancient piece composed by Shikuang of Jin and Liu Juanzi of Qi. Everyone knows it, but it's a rare piece." Shen Linfeng understood that Miss Yan San was implying that she wasn't easy to win over. This girl had high standards.

Shen Linfeng and Yan Mai listened attentively. Suddenly, the music stopped, and Shen Linfeng quickly began playing the strings. Yan Mai, who had closed his eyes, opened them to watch Shen Linfeng. This young man had many tricks up his sleeve.

But a too handsome husband might not be a good thing, as he could attract unwanted attention. Yet, considering his granddaughter's beauty and talent, they would make a perfect match.

Yao Niang, in the inner room, heard Shen Linfeng play. The smooth melody captivated her, and she couldn't help but smile and turn away.

Nurse Song congratulated Prefect Jie, "Madam, congratulations on gaining such a fine son-in-law."

...

Soon, Shen Linfeng said to Yan Mai, "Your Excellency, I'll write to my brother and sister-in-law in the capital. They'll be thrilled to learn that my nephew is marrying your granddaughter."

Yao Niang remarked, "This Governor Shen is quite adept at handling things!"

"He's about the same age as your father and is already a provincial governor. That's no small feat," Prefect Jie said.

Yan Mai and Prefect Jie were pleased with Shen Linfeng's response. Yan Mai added, "My intentions are clear. My granddaughter and her mother plan to visit Luoyang's peonies next month before returning to the capital. I'll send a letter with them."

Shen Linfeng clapped, "What a coincidence! My sister-in-law loves Luoyang's peonies, and Linfeng plans to go there next month to pick some rare ones. Now that we're family, let Linfeng escort Madam Yan and Miss Yan to Luoyang. It's a win-win situation."

Yan Mai looked at Shen Linfeng, "Gongding, it's up to you."

Shen Linfeng hadn't expected this coincidence. He glanced into the inner room and said seriously, "Your Excellency, I'll keep this in mind."

...

Yao Niang hadn't anticipated that her marriage would be arranged so quickly. Her grandfather, being her father's elder, had spoken, and her father had already been inclined towards the match. The engagement seemed inevitable.

Yet, she didn't feel entirely unwilling. After coming here, she realized that blind marriages like theirs rarely allowed for choosing someone with similar talents, looks, and backgrounds. Even less likely was finding someone with compatible personalities.

Perhaps one day, men and women would be free to interact, or else it would be like writing an eight-part essay—dancing while wearing shackles. She considered herself lucky to know that Shen Linfeng was knowledgeable and well-mannered before their marriage. Her brother's marriage was arranged solely based on family status.

Like her second sister-in-law, who managed everything well but had a lofty spirit, her second brother was incompetent. Her brother, with his rebellious nature, had a wife who couldn't control him, causing her constant worry.

Shen Linfeng, on the other hand, was stable-tempered, highly educated, and already an imperial scholar. Moreover, he was more handsome than any man she had ever met.

"Yao Niang," Prefect Jie brought in a bowl of silver ear soup.

Yao Niang stood up, "Mother, why are you bringing it yourself? Put it down."

Prefect Jie smiled, "I was worried you might have reservations, but seeing your expression, it seems you've made up your mind."

Yao Niang nodded slightly, "In the capital, I felt pushed into this and was reluctant, thinking I should have nothing to do with the Shens. But life is full of changes. We've come to Henan, and yet the engagement has happened. Since it's unavoidable, why not think positively?"

"I agree, Yao Niang. Don't overthink it. Enjoy it," Prefect Jie relaxed.

Enjoy it? Yao Niang was puzzled.

After settling the matter, Yan Mai returned to inspect the river in Shangqiu, while Shen Linfeng remained tense.

He had unexpectedly arranged his own marriage and would accompany Prefect Jie and her daughter to Luoyang. His previous engagement involved only a game of polo with Yan Ningxin. This time, he would escort them, which was appropriate since traveling alone could attract trouble.

"Rong An, prepare plenty of food for the journey. What's best to eat on the road?" Shen Linfeng asked.

Rong An smiled, "You love lamb skewers. Why don't we bring a sheep?"

Shen Linfeng waved his hand, "That's too bloody. Let's think of something suitable for girls."

Rong An glanced at Shen Linfeng, "You've never done this before! You used to love sleeping, but now you'll be accompanying Madam Yan and Miss Yan. You can't do that anymore."

Shen Linfeng gave her a light tap on the head, clearly annoyed: "What nonsense are you spouting? Don't say such things outside."

Rong An covered her mouth and giggled, quickly responding, "I understand, I understand."

Because they were going to Luoyang in April, Ye Jingwan, Shao Xixi, and Chen Shuyi threw a farewell party for her. This time, almost everyone knew her true identity. Ye Jingwan found it amusing, having heard that her grandfather and grandmother had a quarrel.

After all, the Ministry of Appointments oversees the promotion of officials across the land. If her brother could marry the daughter of the Vice Minister, his future would be limitless. Moreover, her grandfather was the General River Commissioner, and her brother was a scholar-official from a prominent family. It was just too bad that regret came too late.

Yao Niang didn't care about these undercurrents: "I'll be heading to the capital soon. If any of you sisters visit the capital, you can find me at the Yan residence in Anren District."

Ye Jingwan raised her cup: "Sister Yan, the green mountains remain unchanged, and the waters flow forever."

"By the way, Yao Niang, you're going to Luoyang. Are you and your mother going alone?" Shao Xixi was the most concerned. She knew how ethereal both mother and daughter looked, and although they had guards, there were no men with them. She worried about potential collusion among the servants.

For this reason, Shao Xixi added, "You should bring more people with you."

Yao Niang remembered that Shen Linfeng would be accompanying her but didn't want to mention it now. Instead, she said, "Thank you for your concern, Sister Shao. I will bring more people. How are you doing, by the way? Your eyes look a bit dark."

Shao Xixi yawned: "Every day, I work on embroidery, shoes, and even the phoenix-and-peonies on the bridal veil. It's exhausting."

Yao Niang had experienced the weddings of Yan Rubei and Yan Ningxin. The embroidered shoes and clothes were custom-made at embroidery shops, while the bride's tasks included making sachets and fragrant pouches to give to her in-laws.

So, Yao Niang reminded her: "Why don't you have the embroidery done at a shop? You could use the extra time to do other needlework. That way, your in-laws would see your efforts. Those embroidered clothes, though beautiful, are worn only once and then discarded. It's not worth the effort compared to trendy clothes."

In essence, you're not a professional embroiderer, and your daily embroidery is just a hobby compared to specialized shops.

This was heartfelt advice, which she wouldn't offer if it weren't for Shao Xixi.

Shao Xixi pursed her lips: "My stepmother is very persuasive. She says that a new bride must make her own wedding attire for a happy marriage. My father doesn't involve himself in such matters, so I have no choice but to do it myself."

"I see. Sister Shao, I previously invested some money in Peng Jiejie's cosmetics shop. I heard they also have an embroidery shop. They are about to distribute profits, but I won't be here to receive them. Why don't they send you a bridal veil and shoes instead? Consider it my wedding gift. I really wish I could attend your wedding, but I have no time. My father has been urging me to return home with my mother." Yao Niang added the last part, fearing Shao Xixi might feel it was charity.

Perhaps because Yao Niang always had her mother and brothers around, her biggest problem was resolved. Her life was better than others', and situations like Shao Xixi's were unimaginable to her. So, she offered help without expecting anything in return.

In truth, today's parting might mean they'd never meet again.

But Shao Xixi refused: "Sister Yan, I appreciate your kindness, but if Peng Jiejie sends me something, my family will ask questions, causing trouble."

Yao Niang didn't insist: "Alright, I apologize for overstepping. Please don't take offense."

Ye Jingwan noticed Yao Niang was upset. Unlike Yu Qinger, who was of similar status despite her parents' indifference, Shao Xixi was more reserved. If Yao Niang understood this, she wouldn't have been so abrupt.

The atmosphere became tense. Yao Niang rarely dealt with such situations, as her father had always taught her to maintain dignity. Whenever she showed her abilities, many wanted to befriend her. Today, she genuinely wanted to help Shao Xixi but didn't understand why she reacted that way.

Since Shao Xixi refused, Yao Niang didn't force the issue, feeling as if she had made a mistake.

Gu Mama reminded her: "Miss, it's getting late. We need to pack tonight."

Relieved, Yao Niang bid farewell: "Thank you, sisters, for seeing me off. May we meet again someday."

After Yao Niang left, Chen Shuyi, who wasn't close to Ye Jingwan or Shao Xixi, excused herself. Alone, Shao Xixi felt embarrassed: "Did I do something wrong today?"

"No, you did nothing wrong. But you can see that the Jin Ling Yan family is as rumored. Her grandfather and father are extremely strict. I've heard her grandfather impeached two prime ministers when he was a junior official. Her father doesn't even give face to the Shen family. So, refusing her offer might have upset her, making her feel she's already being accommodating. However, remember that friends come from different backgrounds but share hardships. Yao Niang stood up for you during your coming-of-age ceremony, showing she's a good person. Don't worry about others sympathizing with you," Ye Jingwan patted her shoulder.

Shao Xixi wanted to say more but realized Ye Jingwan had left.

On the way back, Yao Niang asked Gu Mama: "Why did you call me? It wasn't necessary."

"Friends are few but precious," Gu Mama feared Yao Niang might get hurt, as she had been sheltered all her life. Her toughest days were with her grandparents in the northwest, but she was still the granddaughter of the governor of Gansu and Shaanxi.

Yao Niang smiled: "Oh, I forgot about that. No need to be so sensitive."

"Before, you were like them. Now they know your identity, so they treat you differently," Gu Mama explained.

Yao Niang understood. Before, she was Prefect Jie's granddaughter, and they could speak freely. Now, if she was unhappy and told her father, he was the Vice Minister of Appointments.

Even longtime friends treated her differently. What about marriage?

Back home, Yao Niang discussed this with her mother, who said, "That's why marriages should be between equals. If you marry down, others will be cautious around you, especially men. They can't tolerate a wife with a stronger background, even if you're understanding. Your mere presence is oppressive. No wonder men prefer promotions, wealth, and dead wives."

"Mother, that doesn't sound like something you'd say," Yao Niang was skeptical, as her mother usually avoided such phrases.

Her mother coughed lightly: "Your father told me that."

Yao Niang laughed: "No wonder. Anyway, I won't let this bother me. We leave for Luoyang soon. I'll spend the next few days with Grandfather and Grandmother."

Night fell, and Yao Niang fell asleep quickly. Her mother called Gu Mama over: "You did well today. Yao Niang is inexperienced. She'll be the matriarch of the Wu Xing Shen family. Shen Linfeng seems different towards her. I fear she might accidentally reveal their engagement."

Gu Mama agreed: "Yes, Madam."

"Let them interact more on the journey. If it doesn't work out, we'll call off the engagement," her mother worried about her daughter's well-being.

Gu Mama was surprised: "Didn't Third Elder agree?"

Her mother smiled: "We decide. Yao Niang is my treasure. I can't let her suffer. We need to evaluate Shen Linfeng. Don't tell anyone what I said."

Gu Mama nodded.

Soon, the departure day arrived. Yao Niang wore a spring outfit, a green robe paired with a pearl-white pleated skirt, looking graceful and fresh.

Even her veil was intricately designed with silk leaves and delicate pearl tassels. Standing beside her mother, she asked, "Mother, why did you make such an elaborate veil for me?"

Her mother patted her: "You'll see soon."

Shen Linfeng rode over, mindful not to arrive too early, knowing others might still be sleeping. He was often reluctant to get out of bed himself.

But he didn't expect that when he arrived, the Jie family and Yao Niang had already loaded their luggage onto the carriage. Clearly, they had risen earlier than him. Shen Linfeng felt quite embarrassed: "Madam Yan, Third Miss, I'm sorry for being late."

Jie Shi smiled and said, "It's not that you're late; it's that we got up early. You had to come from the east, so naturally, you would be slower."

Shen Linfeng smiled: "Madam Yan, I've planned our route from Kaifeng to Luoyang. We can stay at Songyang Inn and a few other places. Please take a look—"

"You talk to our third girl. I get lost as soon as I step out of the house," Jie Shi waved her hand hurriedly.

Shen Linfeng's grip on the map tightened. Yao Niang also didn’t expect her mother to push her forward. Didn’t her mother always say that a daughter’s reputation should be flawless?

But she stepped forward confidently, and the tassels of her veil brushed against Shen Linfeng's hand. Shen Linfeng took a small step back, then realized it was inappropriate and immediately looked at Yao Niang. Through the light veil, he could still see her gaze.

Yao Niang saw him seemingly take a step back and looked at him with confusion, her almond-shaped eyes revealing bewilderment.

Shen Linfeng immediately stepped forward, took a deep breath, and reintroduced: "We'll first go to Songyang Inn, which is the first major inn after leaving Kaifeng. Then we'll stay at Runan Lodge, which is a key transportation hub. Finally, we'll stay at Fenglin Inn in Luoyang, which is closest to the Peony Garden."

"You've arranged everything very well. But I heard that Fenglin Inn is hard to book. Have you made a reservation in advance?" Yao Niang tilted her head to look up at him; he was indeed very tall.

Shen Linfeng smiled: "Don't worry, I've already sent someone ahead to make arrangements."

Yao Niang nodded: "Then we can rest assured."

Shen Linfeng also breathed a sigh of relief and suddenly blurted out, "Do I look calm now?"

Yao Niang shook her head instantly, covering her mouth and laughing: "No, you look very nervous."