Spring Message in the Snow – CH 018

Chapter 18

The atmosphere was strange; even Quelan noticed something amiss.

The young lady, usually so amiable and polite to everyone, seemed unusually wary this time. She straightened her back, and even her hands clenched tightly beneath her sleeves.

Quelan was puzzled and looked back curiously. Two people stood before the gates of the Duke of Wen’s mansion. One was dressed as a servant, wearing a blue round-necked robe with a sword at his waist. The other was a different story. Based on Quelan’s limited experience interacting only with the servants in the mansion, he was a refined and elegant man, possessing a certain air of strength and wisdom.

Could he be a member of the imperial family in the capital? Looking closer, he did not quite seem like it. She could not quite put her finger on it; perhaps it was those eyes that told a story, like the moon’s reflection falling into a deep pool, a sliver of silver light rising from the abyss, chilling even the bright sun.

Quelan looked blankly at Surou, then stammered, “Young lady, who is this?”

Surou’s lips moved slightly. “Heir Apparent of Wukang.”

The Heir Apparent of Wukang, the young man escorted by the Master before? Quelan was a little dazed, but she knew that the young lady had a grudge against him. Therefore, when she saw the man slowly walking towards her, her heart was in her throat. She was afraid that the young lady would clash with him again and even more afraid that he would deliberately make things difficult for her to avenge the “bump” from before.

Should she stand in front of her young lady? The thought flashed through her mind for a moment, but she realized she did not dare. So she looked anxiously at Surou, her feet trembling with nervousness.

Surou looked over without showing any emotion. The sunlight outside the umbrella was bright, shining on the dark gold hilt of the short blade at his waist, reflecting a deep light. She lowered her eyes and replied politely, “Your Highness,” and then asked, “What can I do for you?”

Helian Song felt somewhat at a loss for words. They had no real connection, at most a case of “becoming acquainted through a fight,” and he was not sure if her resentment had lessened. He pondered for a moment and said, “It’s been many years since we last met. I never expected to see you again at yesterday’s temple enshrinement ceremony.”

Surou had spent many years in the palace and had her share of people she deeply resented, but could she simply offend them outright? No! If her childhood impetuosity had persisted to this day without restraint, it would mean she had made no progress. Therefore, she had to suppress it and calmly reply, “My father, by the grace of the court, is honored to be enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. His children, in gratitude, wish to move his spirit tablet. Since I was home, my younger brother and I participated in the ceremony.”

Helian Song nodded. “I’ve heard that the daughter and son would be moving the spirit tablet together. I originally thought it would be your younger sister, but it turns out it’s you, Second Young Lady. I did not greet you yesterday, and now I’ve run into you here…” He pointed back. “My humble abode is not far away… What a coincidence.”

Surou’s brow twitched. Following his gaze, she saw a magnificent mansion in the distance, half-hidden by a huge camphor tree. She had not paid it any attention before, but it turned out to be the Prince’s Mansion.

What a twist of fate! She sighed inwardly and could only dryly reply, “Indeed, a coincidence.”

The conversation was undeniably awkward, and not only did Surou feel this way, but he probably shared the same sentiment. Their situation was not suited for roundabout pleasantries; the more they talked, the less interesting it would become. A mere polite greeting would suffice, and they could simply part ways.

Fortunately, he intended to keep it brief, speaking directly: “Regarding your father’s passing, I’ve always felt guilty. Over the years, I have not known what I could do for your family to express my apologies. Having not yet been granted the title of heir apparent or held any real official position then, I’ve been willing but unable to and dared not disturb your family so casually. In the future, if you or your family ever need my help, please do not hesitate to send someone to my residence to convey your message.”

These words came as a surprise, somewhat beyond Surou’s expectations. She had always assumed that those who had spent years navigating the officialdom had developed a sophisticated and diplomatic way of dealing with people, and even those who were sincere would inevitably be somewhat evasive and roundabout.

Although his father’s death was caused by him, if he had intended to shirk responsibility or live a more aloof life, ten years would have been long enough to have erased the past debts, and he would not have needed to come all this way to say these things. Now it seemed this man had some conscience at heart. Although Surou still feared and disliked him, she was reluctantly willing to give him the runaround because of his apparent sincerity.

It was somewhat laughable how low the moral standards of this world were. If you killed someone, as long as you felt remorse, it seemed you had the right to demand forgiveness.

But what could be done? As Grandmother said, times had changed. Their statuses were worlds apart. One must learn to be more pragmatic to avoid getting bruised and battered.

So she composed herself and said calmly, “Your Highness is too kind. So much time has passed; whatever grudges there may have been, they should all be forgotten. Please, Your Highness need not dwell on them. My father was ordered to go on the expedition by the court; it had nothing to do with Your Highness personally. A military general who dies for his country deserves the court’s reward. Yesterday, he was honored with a place in the Imperial Ancestral Temple; I believe that has already comforted my father’s spirit in heaven. Your Highness should also let go of this.”

She showed no intention of lingering on him, and her words were all attempts to smooth things over. Helian Song hesitated. Was the reproachful look he received yesterday just his imagination?

But regardless of whether it was an illusion or not, he still felt indebted to the Zhang family. Over the years, he had exerted some effort behind the scenes to advance Zhang Ju and Zhang Zhi’s careers, but for the true victims, it seemed he had never found an opportunity to make amends.

Zhang Lu’s wife, Lady Pan, and young daughter were confined to the inner quarters, rarely interacting with the outside world. His son, too young to enter officialdom, only took the provincial examination this August. As for his eldest daughter, she entered the palace at the age of eight, practically severing her ties with the mortal world. He had a heart full of gratitude, but could not find a way to help her.

Fortunately, the situation had taken a turn for the better. Zhang Surou had been released from the palace. For a palace attendant released from servitude, things could not always go smoothly. He could make up for his debt to Zhang Lu by doing this to her, thus lessening the guilt he had carried for so many years.

He sighed softly and looked up at her. Under the parasol, she was slender and graceful, her skin as smooth as satin in the sunlight. She pursed her lips, a hint of stubbornness in her expression. Although the years of hardship in the palace had smoothed her edges, the spirit she held as a child could still be faintly seen.

“I meant no harm; I simply wanted to do my part for the family of the Chancellor.”

Surou said, “Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, but my family is doing quite well, so there’s no need for you to trouble yourself.” She turned to look out the umbrella, the small jade pendant beside her ear swaying at her neck, casting a graceful emerald glow. “I’ve been away for a while now, and my grandmother must be eagerly awaiting my return. I will not delay any longer. The weather is hot. Your Highness, please take care of yourself.” She curtsied and turned to leave with Quelan.

From the step to the carriage, it was only a short distance of two zhang^{(1 zhang=3.3 meters)}. Quelan, feeling somewhat uneasy because the young lady had kept the heir apparent at arm’s length, glanced at Surou as they walked. She saw that Surou remained unchanged, her face expressionless, as if in deep meditation, and she wondered what she was thinking.

Helping her board the carriage, Quelan followed. As she lowered the curtain, she glanced outside. The heir apparent was still standing there, his expression seemingly somewhat forlorn.

The servant drove the carriage away, out of East Ji’er Lane. Only then did Quelan softly call to her mistress, “Are you unhappy?”

Surou snapped out of her reverie, the frost between her brows slowly melting away. She raised a hand to rub her cheek and said, “It’s too hot. I am feeling a little irritable.”

As for the source of her irritation, it was, of course, because of the heir apparent.

Quelan dared not mention it again and vigorously fanned her, saying, “When we get home, have them prepare some chicken head mushroom and iced tea for you, young lady. It will help cool you down.”

Surou laughed. “Do you think I was harsh, and that my tone was not good to that heir apparent?”

Quelan said no, “The young lady was very tactful and did not say anything that offended the prince. But in my opinion, he meant well, feeling he had wronged our master, and was trying to make amends through his family.”

Surou’s lips twitched sadly. “The person is gone; what’s there to make amends for… Do not tell Grandmother when we get back, lest this troubles Grandmother.”

Quelan responded with a “Yes” and then mentioned that she was to arrange flowers for the county princess the next day. Surou, having spent many years in the palace, did not know where to buy seasonal flowers in the city, but Quelan knew them like the back of her hand, rattling off a list: “One place is in front of Sun Yang’s shop, and another is by the roadside outside the city gate. Most young ladies in the city buy flowers at Sun Yang’s shop; the flowers there are more expensive, but they are of better quality, and the leaves and foliage are more vibrant. The flower stalls outside the city are cheaper, but the branches are not properly trimmed, and they look messy. The inns and brothels in the market often buy their flowers there to decorate their facades.”

The two chatted about these trivial matters, and their earlier displeasure quickly faded away.

Upon returning to the Zhang Mansion, Surou first went to Suihua Garden to report to the Grand Madam. The Grand Madam had a maid bring over fragrant drinks, saying, “Quickly moisten your throat; you’ve been walking under the scorching sun all day, lest you catch heatstroke.” She then asked, “Did you see the Princess?”

Surou replied that she had. “The Princess does not act like royalty; she’s very kind and gentle. The county princess is also dignified and clever—a very intelligent girl. They were very courteous, saying many things to persuade me to stay, and I could not refuse, so I agreed.”

After listening, the Grand Madam Zhang thought for a moment and said, “It’s a good idea. It’s not a bad thing to associate with such prominent families. There’s a Golden Duck Banquet in a few days, and this news will quickly spread among the noble ladies. This is much better than wasting time and effort boasting. Naturally, people will come to curry favor, and Madam Kong will then back down.”

Surou hummed in agreement, “We will see then. I do not know if the County Princess will attend. If she does not, I am afraid I will not be free either.”

Upon hearing this, the Grand Madam Zhang knew she was trying to decline and quickly said, “This is of utmost importance. Even if you miss a day, I am sure the Princess will understand. You are of age now, and marriage is just around the corner. If you do not take this opportunity to make a name for yourself, you will have to wait until next year. How old will you be next year? Nineteen! Even if you are not in a hurry, are your aunt and uncle not so? Is your stepmother not worried?” She then added with a sigh, “Why is your eldest sister settling like this? Is it not all for the sake of her younger siblings? You cannot let your eldest sister down. You must find a good husband and restore the family’s reputation.”

Seeing her grandmother’s anxiety, Surou quickly tried to comfort her: “I was just saying it casually, Grandmother; do not take it seriously. There are still several days until the banquet. When the time comes, regardless of whether the county princess attends, I will go. I will go no matter what. Are paintings and flower arrangements more important than finding a husband?”

Her smooth talk immediately quelled the old lady’s anger. She simply poked her forehead and said, “A person who can handle things independently outside, yet so incompetent at home! Let me tell you, I’ve inquired around. The family of Shen An, the Supervising Secretary, has a very good son, about your age. He focused entirely on his studies, delaying his marriage, but last year he passed the imperial examination and is now in charge of repairing Jinming Pond. He’s achieved some minor official rank. His father was a classmate of your uncle, a very steady and upright man. It’s said he and his wife were childhood sweethearts, and he’s never taken a concubine his entire life, only keeping his wife. Just think, a family with such a simple household and upright character is hard to find even with a lantern.”

She grew increasingly excited, carefully calculating, “On the day of the Golden Duck Banquet, I must have a good talk with Madam Shen. If both of us feel it’s a good match, it would be a match made in heaven, Su’er, do you not think?”

Surou listened to her grandmother’s plans. Although the censor was only a fourth-rank official, not considered a top-tier noble family in the capital, in her grandmother’s eyes, the absence of messy concubines and the young master’s upright and ambitious nature were the best arrangements for her granddaughter’s marriage.

What did it matter if the family was not of high social standing? Success could be earned through one’s own efforts. The family did not need to be wealthy; a stable life was enough. So, when choosing a husband, one must be discerning. Shangrou’s husband was a prime example of the opposite: utterly uneducated, indulging in all sorts of vices, from drinking and gambling to womanizing. Aside from a relatively respectable family background, he had nothing else.

The grandmother and granddaughter discussed it for a while, their words flowing smoothly, as if the marriage was already settled.

Surou simply smiled and agreed. She did not have many requirements for her future marriage. Her grandmother was an older woman with deep experience; she could tell at a glance who was suitable and who was not, saving Surou the trouble of worrying.

The next morning, she and Quelan went to the flower shop in front of Sun Yang’s main store to buy flowers. This “main store” was one of the most prestigious restaurants in the capital, like Pan Tower, capable of brewing its own wine, unlike other inns and restaurants that had to buy their wine from the main store. Such a large shop naturally attracted many smaller shops, even the flower shop, which occupied only a tiny corner, yet its business was booming.

The mistress and servant looked at the flowers, and Quelan, dazzled by the sights, happily picked out a large pile, presenting it to Surou and asking, “Young lady, is this enough?”

Surou said it was enough and then went to choose some calamus and privet. After paying, the shopkeeper very politely gave them a sprig of crabapple. The two of them then carried the flowers and plants out, heading towards the Duke of Wen’s residence.

Sun Yang’s main shop was not far from West Ji’er Lane; there was no need to take a carriage, a leisurely walk was perfectly fine.

The Bian River was lined with willow trees, providing shade and a pleasant breeze as one walked beneath them.

As she approached, she was surprised to find the county princess already waiting inside. Upon seeing her, the princess quickly went to the corridor to greet her. Her new female tutor, dressed in a sky-blue dress, held a branch of crabapple blossoms. At this time of year, the crabapples were ripe, their small red berries adorning the branches, creating a serene and tranquil beauty against her backdrop of a woman as serene as autumn water.