The Beauty Within the Gates
Chapter 41
After more than ten days on the road, his heart eager to return home, he hadn’t expected that the very moment he entered the city gates, he would see his two children. It was an unexpected delight. Second Master Wen hurriedly stepped down from the carriage.
He was tall to begin with; now that he was so dark from travel, he looked even thinner.
Dark and thin… Wen Shuse was certain this was her own biological father. She stepped forward to greet him. “Brother said Father would arrive in Fengcheng in the next few days. This morning I thought I’d try my luck, and sure enough, I caught you.”
Wen Huai was astonished. What a little fox. No wonder he and their father, all these years, no matter where they went, always found themselves thinking of her.
Second Master Wen was clearly delighted. He looked the two of them over carefully, very satisfied. “Seems Fengcheng’s climate really does nourish people. In our family, you’re the fairest of them all.”
“That’s because Father and Brother are both too dark,” Wen Shuse showed not the slightest bit of gratitude. “When Father returns home, Grandmother probably won’t even recognize you.”
Second Master Wen chuckled a couple of times, unconcerned. “It doesn’t matter if a man’s a bit dark.” Then he asked, “How is your grandmother’s health? Is she in good spirits?”
Wen Shuse nodded. “Quite good. She just thinks about Father all the time.”
At this, Second Master Wen’s expression filled with guilt. While one’s parents live, one should not travel far. He had spent years away from his mother, unable to fulfill his filial duties, leaving her constantly worried. It truly wasn’t very filial of him. With a sigh, he said, “Thankfully, your eldest uncle’s family has been looking after her.” Then he remembered something else. “How was your eldest sister’s wedding banquet? Was it lively?”
Beside them, Wen Huai shot Wen Shuse a glance. He would never forget what he’d gone through the day he returned home. Now that he’d finally made it through, he found himself with the leisure to see how she would handle this.
Having learned from past experience, she handled it with practiced ease. Wen Shuse’s expression didn’t change. “Father has only just arrived. Let’s go home first and talk there.”
Family matters and gossip could never be fully recounted anyway; it wouldn’t hurt to talk about them later at home. Second Master Wen turned around, and only then did he notice Wen Huai properly, surprise flickering in his eyes. “How did you end up dressed like this? It looks far more proper than the blue robe you usually wear.”
Wen Huai, never one to let things stay calm, deliberately fanned the flames. “Father doesn’t recognize it? This is an official uniform.”
Second Master Wen froze.
Wen Huai continued, “Do you like it, Father? If you do, Gao Xian still has another set.”
That loose tongue of his! She’d planned to explain things slowly once they were back at the Wen Mansion—now look at this. Their father was already staring at her with a face full of confusion. Wen Shuse had no choice but to speak up first. “Father’s been away for nearly half a year. A lot has happened at home, and it can’t all be explained in a moment. Let’s get on the carriage first, and I’ll tell you everything slowly.”
With that, she headed toward Second Master Wen’s carriage ahead of them.
Second Master Wen stopped her. “I know you like clams. I brought back an entire cartful, packed to the brim. There’s no room to sit, so you’d better take your own carriage.”
Clams again.
The scene felt painfully familiar. Looking at his father, Wen Huai seemed to see his former self. Remembering how disastrous it had been back then, he turned his head away, unable to bear watching.
Wen Shuse, however, didn’t move for a long while. She glanced back at the carriage parked by the roadside and suggested, “Why don’t we just walk back?”
Second Master Wen laughed. “There’s still quite a distance to home. How long would that take on foot?” He was too eager to wait any longer and pressed on, “Why is Wen Huai wearing official robes? What on earth is going on?”
It seemed there was no waiting until they got home. With people coming and going at the city gates, this wasn’t the place to talk, but then again, they’d have to meet sooner or later. “Father,” Wen Shuse said, “let me first introduce someone to you.”
Before Second Master Wen could react, Wen Shuse turned and walked toward the carriage parked to the side. She stopped by the straight-latticed window and lightly knocked twice. “Husband…”
Before dawn had even broken, the young lady had come knocking, dragging him straight out of his bed. He’d hastily pulled on his clothes, climbed into the carriage, and gone to stake out the yamen with her.
Next, they had chased after Wen Huai all the way to the city gate. Fourth Miss Yu had left, yet they’d ended up bringing Second Master Wen back instead.
The carriage was parked not far away. Xie Shao had long since heard the voices outside, but given his status, an abrupt meeting would be unbearably awkward. He’d planned to wait until the young lady went back and explained everything properly; seeing each other again another day wouldn’t be too late. He never expected that after just a few exchanges, the young lady would come knocking on his window instead.
The knock knock sounded right by his ear, stiffening his back. He very much didn’t want to respond, but the young lady was persistent, knocking again. “Husband, are you awake? Father has returned. Come down and meet him.”
Xie Shao: ……
With words like that already spoken, what choice did he have?
Moments later, the carriage curtain was lifted from inside, and out stepped a handsome, slightly drowsy-looking young master.
When Second Master Wen heard Wen Shuse call out “Husband,” he had already been stunned speechless. Now, seeing the true face of the young master emerging from the carriage, he was utterly bewildered and at a complete loss.
Yet Wen Shuse, right before his eyes, took hold of the young master’s sleeve, pulled him to her side so they stood shoulder to shoulder, and said with a smile, “Father, this is the Third Young Master Xie, your son-in-law.”
Xie Shao lowered his head slightly and greeted him with proper courtesy. “Father-in-law.”
Second Master Wen stood there, looking from one to the other, unable to react for a long while.
Even without Wen Shuse introducing him by name, he would have recognized him. Wasn’t this the only son of Minister Xie, the Third Young Master of the Xie family, Xie Shao?
But how had he become his son-in-law?
Wen Huai, having been through this himself, understood this feeling all too well. He knew how difficult it was to accept. And this was only the beginning, and there was more to come. So, he said, “Father, let’s get in the carriage and talk.”
Wen Shuse and Second Master Wen entered the carriage one after the other. Wen Huai and Xie Shao did not get on, remaining outside to wait.
About half an incense-stick’s time later, Second Master Wen’s roar burst out from inside, just as it had with Wen Huai back then, “Preposterous!”
Xie Shao clasped his hands behind his back and glanced at Wen Huai. Wen Huai twisted his neck away, staring up at the sky. At least he’d had time to enter the city and stroll around Fengcheng that day. This time, their father had only just stepped through the city gate.
The blow was no small one. For a long while, there was no movement from inside.
By the time they’d been delayed like this, the sun had already risen, and it was getting late. Xie Shao looked at Wen Huai. “I’ve arranged to meet several advisors today. Might I borrow the Registrar’s horse? I’ll pay you a visit another day.”
Was he trying to escape?
Unfortunately, Wen Huai refused. “Our family has fallen on hard times. The horses haven’t been fed proper fodder these past few days. I’d hate for my brother-in-law to get hurt. It’s safer for my brother-in-law to take the carriage.”
The term brother-in-law was crushing. Xie Shao’s feet remained rooted to the spot, left with no choice but to wait.
Another half an incense-stick passed before Second Master Wen finally lifted the curtain and stepped down from the carriage.
No one knew what Wen Shuse had said to him inside, but when Second Master Wen saw Xie Shao again, his attitude had unexpectedly turned courteous. He even asked him, “Has Chancellor Xie not returned yet?”
Although Second Master Xie had long since resigned from office, many people in Fengcheng still addressed him that way, so it wasn’t strange. Xie Shao nodded. “My maternal grandmother of the Ruan family in Quanzhou has fallen ill. My father and mother went to visit her, and I’m afraid they’ll be delayed for a few more days.”
“I had wanted to pay my respects earlier,” Second Master Wen said. “Once he returns, I’ll come calling myself.” The words made his stance clear that he had tacitly acknowledged this marriage.
It had gone more smoothly than he’d imagined. Xie Shao cupped his hands in salute. “We’ll await your visit, Father-in-law.”
Second Master Wen cast another discreet look at him. The young man was indeed handsome. Swallowing the bitterness in his chest, and with no heart for further conversation, he said, “Let’s head back,” then turned and returned to his own clam-laden carriage.
Wen Huai swung himself onto his horse and rode ahead, the horse’s hooves lifting smartly, full of vigor.
Just as he was watching, the young lady pushed open the carriage window again and called to him, “Aren’t you supposed to be on duty? Hurry up and get in. I’ll drop you off at the crossroads later. I need to go back to the Wen Mansion first. Can you walk the rest of the way yourself?”
With Second Master Wen returning today, the young lady was bound to go back to the Wen Mansion.
From the city gate to the Wen Mansion, the route passed by the Prince Mansion. It was only a few steps farther, nothing troublesome.
Once he climbed into the carriage, the young lady acted as though nothing had happened at all. It seemed that her earlier display of enthusiasm had been purely for appearances. Now that the people were gone and he no longer had any use, she promptly left him to cool off on his own.
Feeling somewhat displeased, he asked curiously, “Your father has no objections?”
Wen Shuse knew exactly what he meant and shook her head. “Husband, you’re so good-looking and now an official. Father hardly has time to like you enough.”
That was far too insincere. His memory wasn’t so poor that he’d forgotten how this marriage had come about. He lifted his eyes to study her, then suddenly understood something. “Did you tell him that you’re fond of me?”
As expected, they were cut from the same cloth. He had guessed correctly on the first try.
Wen Shuse didn’t bother to hide it. “What else could I do? To put everyone at ease, I could only sacrifice myself and make up a reason like that.”
In response, the young master opposite her let out a mocking snort. “The young lady is truly one of a kind, broad-minded, and generous. But to speak of affection so casually, it comes rather easily, doesn’t it?”
Wen Shuse froze for a moment, then asked sincerely, “Then how would you, Husband, explain things to your esteemed father and mother?”
What could be difficult about that? “Tell the truth.”
Tell the truth. That would mean going their separate ways?
She didn’t know when Second Master and Second Madam Xie would return, but it couldn’t be too long now. Having finally managed to appease the three members of the household, having it exposed so quickly wouldn’t be very cost-effective.
Wen Shuse spoke gently, trying to negotiate. “Husband, why not wait a little longer? From what I can see, we’ve been getting along quite well these days. Let’s make do for now. In the future, when either you or I meet someone we truly like, we can part on good terms. What do you think?”
What did she mean… was she proposing a divorce?
The one she likes… the Second Young Master Ming?
That’s right. It was a wrong beginning to begin with; it had to end eventually. If a young lady like her wasn’t afraid of her reputation, what was there for him to fear? “Fine. Just say the word whenever it’s convenient.” He turned and instructed the coachman, “Stop the carriage.”
Before Wen Shuse could react, he stood up, pushed open the door, lifted the curtain, and jumped down.
They hadn’t even reached their destination yet. Wen Shuse leaned her head out the window, wanting to call after him, but all she saw was the young master plunging straight into the bustling street, never once looking back. His retreating figure carried the unmistakable air of a clean break, each going their own way. She stared, stunned, unable to figure out what she’d done to offend him.
—
The carriage continued on toward the Wen Mansion. Second Master Wen was far from as composed as he’d appeared. Sitting inside the carriage, he still hadn’t fully recovered.
Who would have thought that the old matriarch, wise her whole life, would end up arranging such a muddle? If one were to assign blame, neither the Xie family nor the Wen family could escape responsibility.
But a mistake was a mistake. The girl had already been married for over a month, could she truly be returned whole and untouched? Since it couldn’t be undone, the only choice was to accept it.
The only consolation, perhaps, was that Gao Xian herself seemed to like him.
A father knows his own daughter best. Since she was little, whenever she saw someone good-looking, she couldn’t help but take a few extra glances. With Third Xie’s appearance, wasn’t it exactly to her taste?
Thinking of it more positively, even though Chancellor Xie had resigned, he had served as the Prime Minister of the nation. A child raised by such a man, how poor could his character really be?
If one were to talk about laziness or squandering the family fortune, he knew his own daughter’s temperament well enough. It wasn’t a matter of who was worthy of whom. On the contrary, he was rather grateful that the Xie family hadn’t immediately sent her back.
Judging by Third Xie’s attitude just now, the two of them seemed to get along fairly well.
Although he hadn’t been able to personally see her married off, what parents truly wished for was nothing more than their children living steady, peaceful lives. As long as the two of them could live harmoniously from now on, he had nothing to complain about.
Just as the shock in his heart was finally settling, he suddenly remembered that he had originally meant to ask how Wen Huai had come by his official post, only to have his thoughts completely derailed by that earth-shattering news.
Once they arrived at the Wen Mansion, Second Master Wen asked again the moment he stepped down from the carriage, “What exactly is going on with Bo Wen’s official post?”
Before Wen Shuse could answer, someone was already visible at the doorway, hurrying forward with a warm greeting. “Second Master has returned.”
With that single call, the previously quiet courtyard finally gained a bit of life. A servant woman in the front yard who had been sweeping fallen leaves dropped her broom and passed the word inside. “Quick, go inform the Old Madam that Second Master has returned.”
Having been away from the home for half a year, Second Master Wen set his question aside for the moment and lifted his gaze to survey the mansion. Along the way, he encountered only three or five servants. He turned and asked again, “Why are there so few people?”
The timing was just about right. Once they met Grandmother later, things might slip out. Wen Shuse stopped him. “Father, go to the front hall first. I have something to say to you.”
He’d already been given quite a fright the moment he entered the city gates, and there were many matters he hadn’t had the chance to ask about properly. With the people from the main branch around later, some things indeed wouldn’t be convenient to discuss. “Very well, I also have a few matters to discuss with you two siblings.”
There was no need to go to the front hall at all. They sat down directly in the pavilion by the lotus pond in the rear courtyard.
Wen Shuse took the initiative to defer. “Father, you should speak first.”
His own matters were happy ones and could wait. What he wanted to clarify first was Wen Huai’s official post. “You speak first. Tell me everything that’s happened in the mansion over the past half year, in detail, leaving nothing out.”
Wen Shuse didn’t hide anything anymore. “A little over half a month ago, I bought an official post for Brother.”
So, it really was bought.
On the road back, he’d already had his suspicions. She’d married into the Xie family’s second branch, not the Eldest Young Master of Minister Xie. Not to mention that Chancellor Xie wasn’t even in Fengcheng now. Even if he were, he neither had the authority nor the need to arrange an official post for his wife’s family.
Bought or not, it didn’t matter. Given Bo Wen’s age, he couldn’t keep following him out to sea forever anyway. Buying a post was a good thing. He asked directly, “How much silver?”
Wen Shuse, however, answered vaguely and sidestepped the question. “Father doesn’t know, Brother now isn’t just Young Master Wen anymore. He’s also Registrar and Military Advisor. Just a few days ago, he even handled a case quite impressively.”
Second Master Wen looked at Wen Huai in surprise, his gaze full of gratification. He couldn’t help teasing, “Is that so? I thought all he knew how to do was catch crabs.”
Seeing that their father had indeed been led astray, Wen Huai, having already fallen for this trick once, flicked his sleeve. “Father, let her keep talking.”
Second Master Wen turned back, his expression still gentle. “Go on.”
Wen Shuse smiled at him. “I bought one for Father as well.”
Second Master Wen’s expression slowly stiffened. One for him too… that meant two positions…
For a single post, by shifting around the cash she had on hand, she might just barely have been able to scrape it together. Two posts, however, were far less likely. He hadn’t given her that much silver.
Unless the price of the court officials had dropped.
But then he heard her continue, “I sold off all the shops, added Grandmother’s hidden savings, and used it to buy grain. Coincidentally enough, war suddenly broke out in Luo’an, and they happened to be short on provisions. It seems Father and Brother were simply destined to be officials. Otherwise, under Jing Wang’s strict governance, these posts really couldn’t have been bought on an ordinary day.”
Second Master Wen’s reaction was exactly the same as Wen Huai’s had been back then. He stood there stunned for a long while, then asked hopefully, “How many shops are left?”
“What could possibly be left? They’re all gone.” Wen Shuse was instead surprised by his question. “Our shops being able to buy two official posts was already a great bargain. The entire assets of the Xie family’s second branch only bought one post…”
Wait a moment, which Xie family…?
Second Master Wen’s mind simply couldn’t keep up.
Wen Huai truly couldn’t hold back anymore and cut in from the side, blunt and to the point. “Not just our family. She’s also squandered the Chancellor Xie’s family fortune.”
Clear and simple. What was there left to misunderstand?
The earth-shattering thunderbolt finally struck Second Master Wen. The Wen family’s shops were gone, and even the Xie family’s fortune too…
Thank heaven and earth, at least she herself remained completely intact.
Second Master Wen stared blankly at the young woman who, just moments ago, had filled him with pride, only to see her suddenly transform into a debt collector come knocking. The contrast was too great; for a moment, he didn’t know how to react, and he couldn’t help blurting out, “You… you…”
Wen Shuse quickly interjected. “Uncle and Aunt have already gone to the Eastern Capital and won’t be coming back. They’re leaving it to Father and Brother to fulfill filial duties before Grandmother.”
Second Master Wen was struck dumb once again.
Wen Shuse pressed on with the bombardment. “They’ve already left. Now the residence has only the Old Madam left. It’s desolate and quiet around her, and she asks me every day when Father will return. Grandmother is truly pitiful.”
Second Master Wen: ……
The moment the Old Madam was mentioned, all the fight drained out of him. He dropped heavily onto the stone bench, unsure whether he should first scold the spendthrift before him or reflect on himself instead.
After a long while, seeing that his expression had finally eased somewhat, Wen Shuse cautiously continued, “Father is also a ninth-rank court official, concurrently serving as an Investigating Magistrate. I asked Madam Zhou, and your main duty is overseeing the crowds and maintaining order in the pleasure markets. Father has spent years traveling and seen all kinds of people. You’ll surely handle it with ease.”
Second Master Wen felt his head throbbing and raised a hand to press his forehead.
Wen Shuse went on persuading him. “Money kept on hand will be spent sooner or later. An official post is different; it can protect you for a lifetime. Not to mention Father and Brother, if I were a man, I’d want to buy an office for myself too.” She leaned in slightly, tugged at Second Master Wen’s sleeve, and said softly, “Last time I heard Brother say that Father made quite a bit from seafood this year. Can’t we make a comeback again?”
Second Master Wen’s heart skipped. He looked at her with full wariness.
One glare from him sent Wen Shuse straightening her back at once. Only then did she ask, “Father, what was it you wanted to tell me just now?”
Tell her what? With the Wen family and the Xie family, two enormous gold mountains already gone, was there anything left that she couldn’t squander? Second Master Wen’s thoughts churned rapidly before he suddenly waved his hand. “Don’t get your hopes up. I’m bankrupt too. I came back this time without a single coin to my name.”
Wen Shuse froze.
Wen Huai, beside her, was also startled and turned to ask, “What happened?”
Second Master Wen let out a long sigh, his face full of worry. “On the way back, we ran into a storm. The ships all capsized, and all the money I had was used to compensate for the lives lost…”
When it rains, it pours—this was hardship piled upon hardship.
The entire family had been counting on Master Wen’s return to resolve the Wen family’s predicament, but the rumors turned out to be true. Master Wen’s trip had indeed ended in a complete loss.
All that remained of the family’s possessions was a single cart of clams.
—
When Xie Shao first heard the news, he found it hard to believe. Recalling Second Master Wen’s demeanor at the city gates, he hadn’t looked like a man who’d gone bankrupt.
It wasn’t until dusk, when the young lady returned to the mansion looking utterly dispirited and handed him a basket of clams, “Father asked me to share these with you, Husband. Eat sparingly, there won’t be any left next time”—and then, the following day, he ran into a thoroughly dejected-looking Second Master Wen at Jing Wang Mansion, and he finally believed it.
They had really gone bankrupt completely. Three official posts, each like a radish filling its own hole, now they had all come into use.
After spending several days finally dealing with the pile of aides at the Prince Mansion, Xie Shao followed Pei Qing again today to patrol the pleasure market. He had just stepped away from a seafood stall when someone called out, “Deputy Xie.” Almost at the same time, he heard another voice behind him, “Deputy Wen.”
The two masters turned around together. Both wore the same ninth-rank official robes, one older, one younger. Each carried a tangle of complicated feelings inside. After exchanging a look, Xie Shao stepped forward first to greet him. While on duty, there could be no talk of family ties. He paused briefly, then addressed him as everyone else did: “Deputy Wen.”
That day at the city gates had been too rushed for proper conversation. The pleasure market was unlike the bridge market, crowded with all sorts of people. Second Master Wen pointed toward a teahouse beneath a large banyan tree ahead. “Let’s sit for a bit.”
A father-in-law and son-in-law meeting naturally had things to say. Pei Qing did not follow them, instead taking his leave and heading back to the yamen.
It was already the hour for the midday meal. Tea alone wouldn’t fill the stomach. Passing a stall along the way, Xie Shao took out some coins and bought a few flatbreads.
Second Master Wen looked at the flat, nearly empty purse in his hand, and his heart filled with mixed emotions.
He had seen for himself what kind of life Third Young Master Xie had lived in Fengcheng before.
Calling it worlds apart would not have been an exaggeration.
Remembering that it was his own spendthrift daughter who had squandered the other family’s fortune, and that they hadn’t divorced her already, he truly had heaven to thank. Guilt weighed heavily on his heart. He told Xie Shao to wait at the wine shop, then turned back and crossed over to the tavern opposite.
When he returned, he was carrying a food box with a roast chicken inside. Smiling, he pushed it toward Xie Shao. “I secretly kept a few taels of silver on me when I came back. Eat up, my good son-in-law. After you’re done, head back, and whatever you do, don’t tell her.”
Back at the city gate, accepting him had been out of necessity, with a touch of reluctance. Now, however, he was genuinely satisfied. Faced with such a prodigal daughter, had it been anyone else, the household would probably have long since been turned upside down.