18 Mounting the Horse

Madam Yin did not mention the fragrant sachet, fearing it might offend the young lady, and merely invited her to visit the residence often during her leisure time.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Madam Zhou, Madam Mao approached with a cheerful smile.

She was already quite pleased with Tong Youyu, and seeing her connection with the Yin family now made her all the more warm and welcoming.

In the Dayong Court, it was customary to be quite open about pre-marriage meetings; Madam Yin had also heard of the Shen family's intentions.

If she hadn’t known Tong Youyu had already been introduced to the Mao family’s fourth son, she might have thought that the fragrant fish sachet came from here.

But that was unlikely—those two children had little contact, and if there had been such a favorable match, it would have been told to her long ago; there was no reason to keep it secret.

“Madam Mao,” Madam Yin glanced beside her and asked, “Why isn’t the Fourth Young Master here today?”

Madam Mao replied, “Unfortunately, he caught a cold from the autumn wind last night and couldn’t come to pay respects to Madam Yin.”

“In this season, one must take care of their health,” Madam Yin said, taking Tong Youyu’s hand gently. “Fishy is a beloved child. Since Sister Shen passed away early, it falls to this aunt to look after her a little more.”

Madam Mao was surprised. “You call yourself her aunt?” That was more affectionate than she expected.

“Indeed,” Madam Yin said earnestly. “Back then, I was like a sister to her mother. By rank, that’s how it should be.”

Madam Yin’s considerate gesture implicitly supported Tong Youyu, leaving her deeply moved.

There is a saying: distant relatives are not as good as close neighbors. Long periods without contact can sever familial bonds.

Her family and the Yin family were separated by distance, had long lost touch, and had no blood relation; in fact, they were less connected than distant relatives.

Yet Madam Yin was still willing to care for her. Given the Yin family’s current status, this was undoubtedly elevating her standing.

When the banquet commenced, Tong Youyu took a seat beside Lin Jin Zhu. Madam Yin did not insist on having the young lady sit at the head to avoid awkwardness.

Today there were many guests, so the Prince of Li's residence arranged separate seating for men and women, one in the front courtyard and one in the rear garden, to accommodate everyone.

Lin Jin Zhu was here simply to attend the banquet. She was already quite hungry but still chatted with Tong Youyu.

“Madam Yin treats you exceptionally well!”

“The lady is kind-hearted,” Tong Youyu nodded earnestly.

Yin Mingyan, having been scolded by her mother, squeezed over to sit with them, glancing meaningfully at Tong Youyu. “My mother already knows.”

“What?” With no context, no one understood.

Yin Mingyan looked at Tong Youyu and whispered, “My brother’s beloved.”

Tong Youyu was startled. What beloved? Was there such a thing?

Surprised, she glanced around and quickly pulled Yin Mingyan aside. “It’s not proper to spread news before anything is certain. Otherwise, Aunt will start nagging you.”

Why reveal such a private matter so suddenly? Which family did the girl belong to?

“I wouldn’t tell others,” Yin Mingyan snorted softly. She was clever.

Tong Youyu pretended not to have heard, curious but knowing it wasn’t right to pry.

“What secret are you whispering about?” Lin Jin Zhu frowned at them.

“Nothing. You’ll find out in time,” Yin Mingyan replied, her tone complex.

After the birthday banquet, they moved to the stage where the opera began.

Leaving too early would be rude, so Tong Youyu stayed a while longer with Madam Yin.

Throughout the day, Yin Zijian stayed in the front with the Fourth Prince and did not come to the rear.

Soon, rumors spread that the Crown Prince was again competing secretly with the Fourth Prince, sparing no game, not even the pitch-pot.

“Such lack of composure—someone is bound to be disappointed again,” Madam Yin said with a half-smile.

She was too indifferent to bother with such matters. With this time, it was better to prepare a proper gift for the meeting.

“Fishy, do you know what the Fifth Miss of the Zhou family likes?”

“Why does Aunt ask about her?” Tong Youyu was puzzled, then recalled Yin Mingyan’s words at the banquet. Could it be...

Sure enough, Madam Yin smiled. “Fishy is family, and this Fifth Miss is likely to become part of our household.”

Earlier, she had summoned her daughter to interrogate which girl was her brother’s so-called sweetheart.

Yin Mingyan pouted. “You just spoke with her. If you hadn’t guessed right, why ask me?”

That confirmed it was Zhou Qiyu—the childhood name was Blue Carp.

Tong Youyu had not expected it to be her. After the initial surprise, she said, “I’m not close to the Fifth Miss, so I’m afraid I can’t help Aunt. But according to Master Yuan, she is skilled in painting. She probably likes scrolls?”

Madam Yin nodded with a smile. “I have an ancient painting in my study that would be perfect.”

Tong Youyu pondered. For Aunt, the most important thing was the children—especially Yin Zijian’s lifelong matter. That was paramount.

If she could help ease the burden even a little, it would be her repayment.

Especially concerning that hidden ailment...

*******

A few days after the Prince of Li's birthday banquet, Tong Youyu found a moment to go out early in the morning to the Wan Tai district’s medical clinic, lining up just to inquire if tumors and other difficult ailments could be treated.

She thought it best to find out clearly before calling Yin Zijian. Otherwise, if it was a wasted trip, her good intentions might only delay matters.

She wasn’t sure if Madam Yin knew about Yin Zijian’s condition. If Doctor Lu could cure him, everyone would be pleased, and he could face his wedding without psychological burdens.

Since it concerned Miss Zhou’s reputation, Tong Youyu understood the gravity but no one spoke openly.

After waiting most of the day, she finally entered, leaving Jin Kui outside to avoid any leaks.

“Miss, may I ask who you are inquiring about with such effort?”

Doctor Lu’s rule was that only close relatives could queue in person—no servants allowed. Otherwise, the wealthy could send messengers at midnight, leaving no chance for the poor.

Last time, it was Shen Shuzhang who queued for the matriarch.

Tong Youyu didn’t tell Jin Kui, only told her to wait.

Inside, she changed the patient’s gender to female, saying her elder sister had a tumor on her leg, describing the symptoms, and asking if safe removal was possible.

“There are many kinds of tumors. I cannot diagnose from words alone,” Doctor Lu frowned. “If the patient’s illness is in a private area, I’m afraid—”

“What if it’s not in a private place? She can accept the doctor’s examination openly,” Tong Youyu said, looking at him.

It would be strange for an unmarried young woman to know about a man’s leg ailment.

Doctor Lu relaxed. “In that case, all patients are treated equally. Bring her here tomorrow for an examination.”

“Thank you, Doctor Lu.”

Tong Youyu left somewhat relieved. The doctor was impressive; perhaps there was hope.

If Yin Zijian could be healed, Aunt would surely be delighted, and their childhood grievances might be wiped clean.

Her smile vanished the moment she saw Shen Shuzhang.

“Cousin, why are you here?”

Jin Kui scowled and said stiffly, “The young master is just passing by.”

Probably another carriage driver. Tong Youyu decided to have her grandmother handle this back home.

She had tolerated it long enough. Moreover, her grandmother was in good health and aware of Shen Shuzhang’s feelings, so no need to hide anything.

“I have something to say to my cousin,” Shen Shuzhang said seriously.

At that moment, Tong Youyu had a premonition of what he intended to say.

“No need, cousin. I don’t want to hear it.”

He surely hadn’t given up; otherwise, he wouldn’t have sought her out.

“You are wise and probably already know,” Shen Shuzhang’s tone became urgent. “Don’t accept Mao Yanchi’s proposal. He’s not worthy of you.”

“Cousin!” Tong Youyu frowned. “There are many eyes here. Please be careful with your words.”

She had no intention of quarreling in public and quickly pulled Jin Kui away.

But Shen Shuzhang followed closely, not giving up, though mindful enough not to shout.

Unable to bear it, Tong Youyu and Jin Kui worked together to shake him off.

Anyway, she did not want to get into that carriage. The thought of being pestered all the way made her headache.

After putting some distance, she slipped into a teahouse, hidden among the crowd.

Jin Kui went to distract Shen Shuzhang while she nestled in a secluded corner, ordering a pot of clear tea with the waiter’s smile.

After two cups, feeling that the man had left, she came out.

Though Shen Shuzhang was shaken off, she lost Jin Kui. Wan Tai district was seldom visited, and she was unfamiliar with the surroundings. No agreed-upon meeting place existed.

She could only wander, hoping Jin Kui would come back looking for her.

After quite some time with no sign of Jin Kui, the sky darkened. Black clouds gathered, threatening rain.

At the lakeside, where it was open and empty, she grew anxious.

Passersby hurried away, each seeking shelter, yet there was none in sight.

What was she to do?

The heavens did not heed her wishes. When rain was due, it fell relentlessly, drumming down.

Tong Youyu hurriedly looked around for a pavilion to shelter beneath but saw no buildings.

The autumn rain was chilly, each drop prickling her skin. She hunched her shoulders and took refuge under a locust tree.

Suddenly, a figure silently emerged from behind the tree.

“Cousin, why do you hide from me?”

Tong Youyu was startled and turned to see Shen Shuzhang.

“Y-you’re here?”

“You always send Jin Kui to fool me. Do you think I’ll be deceived again?” Shen Shuzhang’s eyes fixed on her. “You know my feelings but pretend not to see…”

Tong Youyu turned away, her back to him. Though her clothes were not thin, the rain clung wetly to her, making her unpresentable.

“Does my cousin no longer want me as her brother?” If this façade fell away, they might as well not be relatives.

“Grandmother and my parents all like you. It would be perfect if we could be even closer,” Shen Shuzhang stepped forward. “Look back at me…”

“Don’t come closer,” Tong Youyu turned her head. “I don’t want this. Uncle and aunt only treat me as a niece, not a daughter-in-law.”

“Why not? What makes Mao Yanchi better than me?” Shen Shuzhang pressed on.

Tong Youyu was both angry and disappointed. “Aunt has planned much for you, out of earnest care. If you persist, it’s unfilial…”

“I don’t want anyone else. I only want you, cousin.”

Shen Shuzhang was now right behind her. Under the locust tree, there was barely room to shelter from the rain. He could easily grasp her shoulders and turn her around.

At that moment, the sound of horse hooves pierced through the light rain, splashing swiftly toward the lake and the locust tree.

“Whoosh!” The strong hooves raised high, the horse reared and neighing, then stopped.

A figure cloaked in black, sword at his side, exuded an imposing presence.

Yin Zijian dismounted, threw off his cloak, and covered Tong Youyu’s head with it. Given his stature, the cloak entirely enveloped her small figure.

He glanced coldly at Shen Shuzhang. “You’re a scholar, yet you have no honor. Aren’t you afraid of scandal?”

“Why is the young general here?” Shen Shuzhang’s face darkened.

Tong Youyu was suddenly hidden under the cloak, her vision blackened, but the warmth and breath from Yin Zijian dispelled the chill.

She barely poked her head out to hear him say, “Your cousin invited me here to seek medical help. Who knew the young master would block the way.”

“What?” Shen Shuzhang was surprised. He had come to Wan Tai only for Doctor Lu. He forced a smile and cupped his hands. “Young general, you misunderstand.”

Tong Youyu tightened the cloak around her and said, following Yin Zijian’s words, “Aunt is still waiting for me. Cousin, you should go back.”

“...Very well.”

Under Yin Zijian’s cold gaze, Shen Shuzhang dared not linger and fled into the autumn rain.

Once he left, Yin Zijian spoke. “How can someone be so spineless? Couldn’t you be a little less useless?”

He crossed his arms, scowling.

Tong Youyu lowered her head. “I won’t tolerate him anymore...”

He was about to retort but saw her trembling slightly—she was cold.

Looking at the cloak, it was reasonably thick but not a raincoat. After soaking, it would only protect against wind.

“Come with me.” He reached out, pulling her close, taking off her cloak, and draping it over himself.

Then, to her surprise, he drew her into his arms, covering her completely.

Tong Youyu was startled. “Young general...”

“Hidden underneath, no one can see.” Yin Zijian looked down at her fluffy head and said softly, “Tong Youyu, you’re very short.”

“But...” There was a difference between men and women! Were they really this close?

Before she could say more, Yin Zijian pinched her waist and lifted her onto the horse. She was so light, barely a handful.

He followed closely, sitting behind her, pulling the cloak forward to cover them both completely.

The back of her head rested against his neck, warmth enveloping her, her heartbeat close enough to hear.

His scent engulfed her entirely.