Spring Message in the Snow – CH 047

Chapter 47

Surou touched her forehead, a thin layer of sweat appearing on her brow. Lately, this had happened frequently, filling her with resentment yet leaving her speechless.

To make the play convincing, yesterday’s hand-holding was not enough. The Grand Tutor needed to be convinced that the rumors circulating in the streets were entirely false. That way, if any busybodies tried to uncover the secrets, the Grand Tutor could righteously rebuke them without batting an eye.

He extended the pendant further, saying, “Please, Young Lady, do me this favor.”

Surou had no choice but to accept it. The jade pendant felt heavy on her fingertips. She said awkwardly, “Then I will wear it for now and return it to you later.”

Helian Song’s eyes flickered, and he smiled. “Given as a gift to you, Young Lady, it belongs to you from now on. No need to return it. Besides, I already have one on my waist; another would be too bulky. Please, Young Lady, share the burden.”

But Surou hesitated. After all, it was an heirloom; accepting it so casually seemed too inappropriate. Before she could politely decline, he preemptively said, “Young Lady, are you aware of the rampant rumors circulating outside? This capital is teeming with imperial spies; if the Emperor were to inquire, word would quickly reach his ears. Therefore, in my humble opinion, you should not only wear it today but also every day thereafter. If the Emperor were to visit, seeing this jade pendant on you would naturally reveal your intentions.”

These words were reasonable and irrefutable. Surou, not one to be petty, said no more and lowered her head to fasten the jade pendant to her belt.

Seeing the time, it was time to pack up and head to the Grand Tutor’s residence. Being late would be impolite, and it would not be good to keep the elders waiting. She turned and instructed Quelan, “Have Si’er park the carriage in the alleyway. I am going to a banquet, and it will take a while. You all fill your stomachs and wait for me.”

Before Quelan could reply, Helian Song interjected, “Just let them go back first. I also came by carriage today. I will take you after the meal. Why have a bunch of people waiting there?”

Quelan looked expectantly at her mistress, waiting for her instructions. Surou had originally thought they could part ways after the banquet, but seeing his cold gaze fixed on her, she almost immediately guessed what he was about to say—nothing more than a show of affection for everyone. She was momentarily deflated and could only instruct Quelan, “Just do as the Heir Apparent wishes!”

Quelan responded with a “Yes” and went to inform the servants in the courtyard. Helian Song was satisfied and said gently to her, “It’s almost time. Would you like to touch up your makeup, Young Lady?”

Girls were bound to care about their appearance. She thought for a moment and said, “Then please wait a moment, Your Highness.” She turned and went into the inner room.

Standing in the hall, he turned to look at the courtyard outside. There was a tall osmanthus tree in the garden, its lush branches cutting through the light and shadow, creating a world of dappled light.

Such leisurely days were rare. Military affairs were being reorganized, and the power of the four armies was being consolidated. He was busy day and night. Almost every time he appeared before her, it was after a hectic day and night, a moment he had managed to free up, which he simply did not let her know. However, despite the immense scale of military affairs, he still enjoyed indulging in such delicate sentiments in his spare time. For example, standing here waiting for her to get ready, even though it was a very ordinary thing, made him feel the warmth of home.

Perhaps it was because he had been alone for so long—twelve years living alone in this vast imperial city. Although he held a high rank and possessed a large fortune, upon returning home after social engagements, he especially longed for a caring person to greet him. So, after their engagement, regardless of her wishes, he inexplicably felt a deep attachment to her. A secret, fleeting affection, even with the greater good at stake, seemed justifiable.

Unfortunately, she was like a stubborn rock, refusing to budge. His plans were thwarted, and all his long-term, painstaking arrangements were in vain. Left with no other choice, he had to swallow his pride and pursue her. Before meeting her, he navigated the officialdom with intelligence and cunning; now, dealing with her required not only intelligence and cunning but also considerable shamelessness. In short, as the Grand Tutor had said, to win a beauty’s heart, one must first learn to be humble and shameless.

He waited patiently. Previously, he was impatient and easily agitated by trivial matters, but her appearance now seemed perfectly natural. He waited until her hair was styled and her eyebrows were lightly painted; each meeting was fresh, each time revealing a different kind of stunning beauty.

Sure enough, a short while later, the beaded curtain rustled softly. He turned to look. She was dressed the same as before, but now a delicate floral decoration adorned her brow. That exquisite detail accentuated her refined beauty. If before she possessed a dignified and elegant beauty, now she had a unique charm, as serene and beautiful as spring ripples on a lake.

He was mesmerized, yet afraid of offending her; he quickly stepped aside, saying, “Let’s go.”

But it was as if countless hooks had sprouted from her, captivating his gaze. Even as they walked side by side, he could not help but glance at her, intentionally or unintentionally. That captivating feminine beauty eased his turbulent emotions and stirred within him a longing for a peaceful life.

Sometimes, Surou was truly oblivious to romance. When he stole another glance at her, she caught his gaze and asked, puzzled, “Why are you staring at me like that? Is there something on my face?”

“Indeed, there is something,” Helian Song said tactfully, “Your floral decorations are very well done, Young Lady.”

Surou nodded. “I learned this in the Forbidden City. Noble ladies also have ready-made floral decorations made of gold leaf, shad scales, etc., but it’s inconvenient to stick something on your forehead, and it’s not as comfortable as drawing it on. So those of us who serve closely have to learn to draw floral decorations. It’s just that it’s not so easy to draw them on myself, so I can only draw the most ordinary ones.”

She was discussing this with him very seriously, completely unaware that he was praising her. After walking a while and stepping out of the gate, she pointed to a shop with a large signboard and said, “That Zhang family’s pastries are quite good. Buy two boxes to take to the Grand Tutor’s residence!”

But he said it was not necessary. “I already ordered some pastries from Liang’s garden. My teacher’s wife loves their abalone-shaped pastries, and I’ve already sent some to her residence. The other day I saw you eating Pan Tower’s pastries, except for the milk sugar dumplings, which you ate a few extra bites of. I had some bought for you today, and they are chilling in the ice. You can take them home to eat later.”

Surou was slightly taken aback. She found this man unusually meticulous. She had previously only heard of his ease in officialdom, but now it seemed that it was not entirely due to his ability to blend in and go with the flow; he must also possess remarkably keen observation skills. She was just a little surprised that he remembered how many bites of pastries she ate during their conversation at Pan Tower. Such a person, if raised in an ordinary family, would surely be a very warm-hearted scholar!

It was always a kind gesture, and she could not refuse. Just as she was about to thank him, he suddenly took her hand. Startled, Surou looked at him questioningly, only to find him already exchanging pleasantries with acquaintances. Unable to pull away, she could only suppress her emotions and force a smile to keep up with the conversation.

Perhaps having learned from yesterday’s experience, he held her hand with practiced ease today. After a perfunctory attempt to pull away, she tried, but he would not let go.

A refined gentleman, possessing a serene and unassuming air under the sunlight, glanced down at her with a serious expression and said, “There are many colleagues passing by on this long street; we might run into each other again.”

The setting sun cast long, narrow shadows through the shops lining the street. Walking in the shade, despite the heat, a touch of tender warmth lingered, stirring a tremor in her heart. He held her hand tightly, turning to look at her every now and then. Their eyes met, and a smile, impossible to suppress, flowed from the corners of his eyes and brows.

Surou was still somewhat bewildered. Seeing his smile, she instinctively flinched, secretly wondering how things had come to this, parading hand-in-hand with him in the street…

However, the man’s hand was indeed much larger than hers. She secretly measured it against her own; her thumb and middle finger, interlocked, were far apart.

But he could feel even her slightest movements. She had returned his grip earlier, had she not? She was not heartless after all. With more time, even a block of ice would melt.

He pointed forward. “That’s the Grand Tutor’s residence.”

The servant driving the carriage stopped under the shade of a tree and carried a food box to the gatehouse to announce that the Heir Apparent and Lady Zhang had come to visit.

The Grand Tutor and his wife quickly came out to greet them warmly and led them into the hall.

Although Grand Tutor Hang held a high position, he was always frugal and simple, disliking extravagance in his home; everything was furnished with the most elegant touches. The elderly couple had three children: two sons and their families served as officials in other cities, and their youngest daughter had recently married. Therefore, their household was small, consisting only of the elderly couple and a small group of servants.

Madam Hang warmly invited them to sit, smiling, “Today is a family banquet; I’ve had the kitchen prepare a few simple dishes. I will join you for a drink with the teacher in a little while.”

Helian Song acknowledged and went back to discuss court affairs with the Grand Tutor. Madam Hang then chatted casually with Surou, asking about her grandmother. “We met briefly at the Golden Duck Banquet years ago, but due to my poor health, I have not attended for several years, and thus have not been able to get to know your grandmother.”

Surou replied gently, “My grandmother is doing very well; it’s just that recently the marriage arrangements of my siblings are causing her some worry.”

“Those are joyous occasions. Older people love to worry about their children’s and grandchildren’s weddings,” Madam Hang said with a smile, her eyebrows relaxed. “My family just had a young daughter marry off this year, so we have some experience with sending invitations and hosting banquets. Last time, the teacher mentioned that your wedding with Jie Ran is set for the sixth day of the ninth lunar month. I was thinking that if my health allows, I will go and help you with the arrangements. Jie Ran is not like other children who have elders to help them; he’s struggling on his own. If I can be of any help, I, as his teacher’s wife, absolutely cannot stand idly by.”

Given the current situation, Surou naturally wanted to say something agreeable. She sincerely thanked her and then added, “He also told me that he has been fortunate to receive care from the teacher and his wife in the capital over the years. You two are like family to him. As for the wedding banquet, Teacher’s wife, you do not need to worry about it for now. We will ask the Four Departments and Six Bureaus to arrange it; they should be able to handle it properly.”

Madam Hang, however, was still uneasy. “What about the wedding bed? The time of setting up the bed, which family’s child to turn the bed—these are all very important. Remember to find a boy born in the Year of the Dragon, and his birth time must be auspicious, not clashing with yours, to ensure you have a son soon. Marriage is a major event, a once-in-a-lifetime event; you must not be careless.”

Surou was extremely embarrassed but forced a smile and agreed, “Do not worry, Madam. The elders at home will help with the arrangements. If anything is overlooked, please take care of it. After all, we’ve never experienced anything like this before, and we are afraid that any mishap might bring bad luck later.”

“That’s exactly right,” said Madam Hang. “Anyway, if there’s anything I can do to help, please do not hesitate to tell me. I do not have much to worry about at home right now, and my grandchildren’s marriages will not be for another two years. I am just sitting here anyway, so I can lend you a hand.”

As they were talking, a maid came in and said that the dishes were all served and invited the distinguished guests to move.

Madam Hang then stood up and invited everyone to take their seats. She took Surou’s hand and led her into the flower hall, arranging for her to sit next to Helian Song.

Looking at the dishes, there were peach rice, crab-stuffed oranges, Dongpo tofu, and jade belt soup, all of which were extremely exquisite and delicious. During the meal, Helian Song took great care of her, fetching her orange lid and handing her a handkerchief, displaying the demeanor of a true gentleman. Madam Hang, watching from the side, was very pleased and smiled, saying, “I was telling your teacher earlier that I was afraid Jie Ran would not know how to please the young lady, which might displease her. Now look, it seems she will not suffer if she marries him. Such a considerate gentleman is hard to find even with a lantern.”

Helian Song smiled and said, “Teacher’s wife, you flatter me. Now that I’ve betrothed her, I will naturally treat her with all my heart. She suffered greatly during her ten years in the palace. After marrying me, I will slowly make up for all the grievances she endured. People say that hardship precedes sweetness; since she has suffered first, her future blessings will surely be boundless.”

This time, even Grand Tutor Hang looked at him with approval, discovering that his student, rumored to be rather dull in matters of love, had actually met the right person and was quite adept at charming and persuasion.

He had been genuinely worried before, as rumors circulated that the Zhang family was breaking off the engagement with the Prince’s Mansion. He had assumed the two were truly doomed, but today it seemed they were deeply in love. Not only were their eyes meeting and exchanging glances, but even their jade pendants were a pair. Grand Tutor Hang could finally breathe a sigh of relief. He had previously incurred the wrath of many officials for opposing the Emperor’s expansion of the harem. Acting as the matchmaker for Helian Song was, in a way, a formal challenge to imperial power. If things went well, he would be victorious; if they separated, it would be a huge defeat, and he, too, would be ridiculed by those officials.

Therefore, the Grand Tutor was in high spirits. “Counting the days, there are still two months left. We can start preparations now.”

Helian Song agreed, “Fearing too many guests, I’ve already ordered the Pan Tower Restaurant to be booked for the sixth day of the ninth month.”

Surou, upon hearing this, looked at him in astonishment, unsure how much of his statement was true. Even after leaving the Grand Tutor’s residence following the banquet, she kept pondering this question. As soon as she got into the carriage, she asked him, “Is it true that we booked Pan Tower?”

The crescent moon was barely visible in the sky, but the starlight shone brightly, reflecting in his eyes. He did not answer her at first, but once inside the carriage, he said, “Pan Tower is busy, and the sixth day of the ninth month is an auspicious day. We are not the only ones getting married; it’s better to plan ahead so we will not be in a rush.” ​​He glanced at her, then added, “I did not discuss this with you before making this decision, so please forgive me, Young Lady. If you do not like Pan Tower, I can have someone arrange another place. How about Ban Tower? Or Fangzhai Garden, or Liangzhai Garden?”

Wait… Surou struggled to clear her thoughts. “It’s not about which restaurant is best; it’s about the marriage… is it really settled?”

The carriage lights illuminated his face; even at such close range, there was not a single flaw.

He said, “What’s wrong? Is it not good to settle down? Are you still hesitating, Young Lady? Or is there something I did wrong that displeases you? Tell me, and I can change.”

Surou stammered, “No…it’s not that I want you to change…”

He then adopted a wronged expression. “Or do you think I am not good enough for you? You can earn your wealth and status, but if I do not meet your expectations, then I will have to be reborn.”

Surou’s hair stood on end at these words. She quickly said, “No, no, no, Your Highness does not need to be reborn…I mean, I have not decided yet; after all, there are still two months…”

Upon hearing this, he sighed sadly, leaned back forlornly against the carriage railing, and murmured, “Two more months…if only tomorrow were the sixth day of the ninth month!”

Though his tone was melancholy, his eyes smiled as he looked at her. From the moment he faced her again during the temple ceremony until now, she had remained unmoved, making him wonder if an eighteen-year-old body housed a heart that had seen through the coldness of the world. But now, he noticed a hint of shyness in her evasiveness, a shyness typical of her age. She could blush, and she could be flustered. He suddenly found it increasingly interesting. If things went as planned, besides marrying an impeccable princess, he might also gain a bittersweet childhood romance!

He gently closed his eyes and murmured to himself, “Actually, I’ve thought about leaving the capital before the wedding. That way, there would not be any unforeseen circumstances, and on the actual day, my lady would have no choice but to marry me. But I cannot bear to miss two months of spending time with you. For me, a marriage in name only is effortless; what I care about is the heart…” He patted his chest, a teasing smile playing on his lips, “Perhaps that childhood bump you gave has struck my heart. Life is like that, full of twists and turns and unexpected encounters. Now I just want to ask you one question: do you have someone you love?”

Surou shook her head awkwardly. “No.”

“But last time you told the official that you loved me and wanted to spend your life with me, and I took it seriously.” He finished speaking, straightening up and gazing intently at her. “Since it was a well-considered decision, you should take responsibility. Now the wedding date is set, the restaurant is booked, and I am yours. So please, Young Lady, do not hesitate and accept me.”