The Beauty Within the Gates
Chapter 42
But the worthy son-in-law across from him said instead, “I am not one to indulge in culinary pleasures. Moreover, the Wen family is currently facing difficulties. Master Wen, please take this back for the Old Madam.”
Hearing this, Second Master Wen regarded him even more highly. Whether a man has a sense of responsibility shows most clearly when hardship strikes. How could this be called a prodigal son? It was clearly his own daughter who had stumbled upon a treasure.
Earlier, at the city gates, accepting him had been forced, tinged with reluctance. Now, he was genuinely satisfied. With the elders of both families previously absent and now himself returned, he needed to assume the role of an elder to ensure the two children would live in harmony. He asked modestly, “While Gao Xian has been at your residence, has she ever acted improperly?”
“She’s been very good,” Xie Shao replied. “You’ve raised her well, Father-in-law. The young lady is virtuous and filial.”
Virtuous? With the family fortune squandered, where did that ‘virtue’ come from? Still, it wasn’t easy for him to give Second Master Wen this face, refraining from exposing the true culprit. If the other party wouldn’t say it, he himself had to know it clearly in his heart.
It was mealtime. Most people had gone into taverns or restaurants, leaving the roadside teahouse nearly empty. Second Master Wen spoke candidly to this newly acknowledged son-in-law. “Gao Xian’s mother passed away early. At home, it’s only been me and her elder brother, and we’ve both been away for years. When things come up, she has to make decisions on her own. Over time, it’s inevitable that she’s grown strong-willed. Back at the Wen family, her grandmother could still weigh things for her. At your honored residence, without such restraint, if she comes up with some sudden notion, my good son-in-law will need to give it extra thought.”
Xie Shao more or less guessed what he was trying to say and didn’t let him beat around the bush. He replied gently, “Regarding the matter of hoarding grain and then donating it last time, Shuse did consult me beforehand. We truly didn’t anticipate that war would later break out in Luo’an, nor that the request for grain would reach Fengcheng. The young lady is kind at heart and carries the nation in her thoughts. There was no fault in her actions. In the end, it even brought honor to both the Wen and Xie families, along with three official posts. If you weigh it carefully, it wasn’t a loss. Silver has its price; prospects are boundless. Father-in-law need not grieve too much.”
Now he was the one turning around to console him.
But hearing that it had been done with his consent beforehand, Second Master Wen immediately felt much more at ease.
Where could one find such a worthy son-in-law? Nothing must go wrong. Thinking back to the chaotic, chicken-flying-dog-jumping way this marriage had come about, he couldn’t help smoothing things over. “As the saying goes, ‘Those destined to meet will meet, even across a thousand miles.’ When fate arrives, no matter the form, two people will always come together. I had always wondered which young master would become my future son-in-law—I never imagined it would be you, Third Young Master.” Not holding back his joy, he praised, “For Shuse, that girl, to find a son-in-law like you is truly her good fortune.”
Not long ago, the young lady had still been plotting to go find someone she truly liked. Now, judging by her father’s tone, he seemed to have firmly settled on him.
He suddenly felt a bit of sympathy for the young lady. How on earth was she going to bring this farce to an end?
Sympathy aside, it didn’t stop him from quietly adding another obstacle. Hearing Second Master Wen call him “Third Young Master,” Xie Shao replied humbly, “Father-in-law, please call me by my courtesy name, Xian Wei.”
He had even shared his courtesy name, clearly treating him as one of the family. Second Master Wen was very pleased. He lifted the wine pot and clinked cups with him. “Xian Wei is a fine name. Come, let’s have a few drinks, just the two of us.”
After a few cups, the relationship between father-in-law and son-in-law took a big step forward. The conversation lost its formality and became much more intimate. Second Master Wen sighed and continued candidly, “Xian Wei, to be honest, Gao Xian has been spoiled by me. She’s stubborn. When she was at home, she vexed me more than a few times. But she has her strengths: she doesn’t hold grudges, and she forgets unpleasant things quickly. True, sometimes she doesn’t even remember what she herself said, but looked at another way, isn’t such a person easy to please? And there’s one more thing: she’s full of energy, cheerful all day long. The moment you see her face, even your own spirits lift. With someone like that at home, won’t the family surely prosper in the future?”
Xie Shao could tell he wanted him to see more of the young lady’s good qualities.
Second Master Wen wasn’t exaggerating. The young lady truly was as he described, brimming with energy. That very day, when Xie Shao returned to the mansion after duty, he saw her hugging a lotus lantern taller than herself, hurrying out.
Xie Shao had just stepped off the covered walkway and nearly got poked by the lantern in her arms. Reaching out to push aside a lotus leaf, he asked, “Where is my young lady headed?”
The young lady instantly popped her head out from behind the lantern, her eyes sparkling like starlight. “Husband, you’re back! I’m going to the Ming Mansion to deliver the lantern. I’ll be back a bit later.”
Xie Shao lifted his head and glanced at the burning clouds along the horizon. Later—how much later could that really be?
He couldn’t help reminding her, “Young lady, have you forgotten that you’re already married? Running out like this every day without a word, have you given any thought to how your husband’s family might feel?”
Wen Shuse froze. Hadn’t things always been like this since the marriage?
Although they had agreed to leave each other be, she still had to consider his dignity. She politely requested, “I’m reporting to you, Husband. I’m going out briefly to deliver a lantern to Miss Ming and will be back very soon.”
Unexpectedly, the young master opposite her refused to let it go. “If you’re reporting to me, then you should do it properly, not like this, just going through the motions. I don’t think you care at all whether I agree or not. You clearly intend to act first and inform me afterward. If I hadn’t returned in time, what would you have done?”
She would have already dashed off long ago.
Not understanding why he was being so abnormal today, Wen Shuse took a deep breath and asked patiently, “Then do you agree, Husband?”
Instead of answering directly, the gentleman turned his head away and looked up at the sky, wearing an infuriatingly smug expression. “It’s too late now. It’s unsafe outside. You should have someone else deliver it.”
How could that possibly do?
She had made the lotus lantern with her own hands, intending to give it to A’Yuan as a wedding gift. Of course, she had to deliver it personally. Seeing that he was determined to stop her, she protested unhappily, “Husband never used to control me like this.”
“I’ll have to start controlling you from now on. Leaving it unchecked won’t do,” he said. Ignoring the shock on her face, he turned and called for Minzhang. “Go make the trip for the Third Young Madam.”
Minzhang stepped forward to take it. Wen Shuse reacted at once, turning aside to dodge him, gritting her teeth. “No need. I’ll send it tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow likely won’t do either. From now on, my lady should just stay properly at the mansion,” he said, and passed by her from the side she’d moved aside.
Only after he’d gone down the passageway did Wen Shuse come back to herself. She handed the lantern to Xiangyun and hurried after him. “What does Husband mean by this? Are you confining me to the house?”
“Not to that extent,” the young master said, walking ahead with his hands behind his back, not turning his head. “It’s just that there are many unrelated men at the Ming Mansion. It wouldn’t be appropriate for a young lady to go alone. Loose tongues might spread rumors, which would be bad for your reputation.”
Wen Shuse clicked her tongue. “You’re clearly just being petty, yet you make it sound so noble.” She was going to Ming Wanrou’s courtyard, escorted the whole way by servant women, who would spread rumors?
Even after she said this, the gentleman in front of her neither refuted her words nor relented.
They reached the west wing. Seeing a pile of bamboo strips and gauze beneath the pear tree, he turned and glanced again at the young lady, whose chest was still heaving with anger, and asked, “You made these?”
Wen Shuse snapped, “Who else would it be?”
She’d spent most of the day making it, just to give A’Yuan a surprise. She’d finally finished it before dusk and was eager to deliver it, only to find herself unable to leave the house.
The young master’s gaze swept over her with a probing look, carrying a hint of surprise. “Didn’t expect you to be so skillful.”
She hadn’t planned to respond, but seeing the faintly condescending look on his face, she felt irritated if she didn’t. “What’s so difficult about it? Could it be that Husband can’t do it?”
“I can’t.” He turned his head and glanced at the lanterns hanging in the courtyard. “The Dragon Boat Festival is coming up. The lanterns in the courtyard should be replaced anyway. I’ve been worrying about the household’s tight budget and having no silver to buy new ones. Since my young lady knows how to make lanterns and has time at home, this is a perfect way to save some money.” He looked up and gave the young lady a faint smile. “I’ll trouble you with this.”
Wen Shuse widened her eyes and stared at him, unable to believe what she’d just heard. He wanted her to make lanterns? For such a large courtyard, how many would that take?
This was simply too much. She couldn’t help but tear away the pretense: “Third Xie, don’t you dare…”
“Today at the pleasure market, I ran into your father. “He asked how my young lady has been faring in this humble home. I told him everything is well. Though my young lady did squander my family fortune, the good thing is that she now understands the importance of frugality.”
Wen Shuse: ……
That single sentence struck her squarely at her weak spot. The anger that had just flared up was instantly doused by a bucket of cold water, extinguished on the spot.
He ran into Father?
And what exactly did he say?
Without sparing a glance at the young lady standing there dumbfounded, Xie Shao turned and went up the steps, pushed open the door to the west wing, and closed it calmly in her face.
It took Wen Shuse quite a while to come back to herself. With nowhere to vent her frustration, she turned to Xiangyun and complained, “Did you see that? Isn’t he infuriating? Just a few days ago, I thought we were getting along quite well. Turns out I misjudged him completely. With an attitude like that, it’s obvious he has no intention of living peacefully with me.”
Xiangyun hurried to console her. “Miss, calm down first. When something behaves out of character, there’s always something strange behind it. Let’s go back inside and think carefully about a way to deal with this…”
—
Only once it had finally gone quiet outside did Minzhang turn his head.
Seeing his master standing just behind the door panel, his ear tilted toward one side as if perked up, fingers fumbling at the collar of his robe for a long while without undoing a single button.
Minzhang couldn’t help thinking: A grudge is easy to make, but hard to mend. After these past days, he was certain that this Third Young Madam was not someone to trifle with.
He quietly reminded, “The lanterns in the courtyard were changed just before Master’s wedding…”
But his master didn’t appreciate the kindness. “Do I need you to manage my affairs?”
He took off his round-collared robe and hung it over the screen. Now that he was inside, he was once again composed and unruffled. He ordered Minzhang to prepare water so he could bathe and change.
He had already eaten at the Prince Mansion, so he’d sent word to Nanny Fang not to bring supper. After bathing, he sat on the meditation mat and pulled out the stack of reports Madam Zhou had given him, strategic predictions drafted by the mansion’s advisors regarding the Prince Manison’s future prospects.
Most of it was empty theorizing and not worth reading. After flipping through more than half and preparing to extinguish the lamp and rest, a sudden knock came at the door.
“Husband…”
Xie Shao: …
Wasn’t she supposed to be angry?
Minzhang was also at a loss. The Third Madam had been furious just moments ago, and now her anger had already calmed down? It felt suspicious. He glanced at his master, uncertain whether the door should be opened.
The young lady’s voice sounded again from outside. “Husband, are you asleep?”
Xie Shao got up and went to open the door himself.
The moment the door opened, the first thing he saw was a round gauze lantern. The white rabbit painted on it, illuminated by the lamplight, had eyes of a vibrant red that shone with a lifelike gleam. For a moment, he was taken aback. Then, the young lady’s face appeared beside the lantern, her brows and eyes curved into an ingratiating smile, brighter and more beautiful than the moon in the sky. She asked, “Do you like it, Husband?”
No one disliked a pretty young lady. His gaze lingered for a moment before he came back to himself and hurriedly turned his head away. “The young lady’s hands are indeed skillful, finishing a lantern so quickly. I suppose it won’t be long before you’ve replaced all the lanterns in the courtyard.”
Wen Shuse nearly failed to hold her smile in place. Fortunately, she had already prepared herself mentally. “We can talk about the others later. I only wanted to make one for you first, Husband. You’ll be able to use it when you return tomorrow.”
Hearing her say that, he glanced sideways and studied the rabbit lantern in her hands again. Such sudden favor couldn’t help but stir a sense of pride within him.
It was beautiful, but why a rabbit?
The young lady caught the question in his eyes and explained, “My zodiac sign is the rabbit, so I painted it on for you. From now on, when my lord carries this lantern, you can think of it as me accompanying you at your side, lighting the road ahead.” As she spoke, she offered the lantern forward. “Would Husband like a closer look?”
Compared to the way she’d glared at him in anger earlier, this attitude was undeniably much more pleasing.
Seeing a trace of softening in his expression, the young lady lifted the lantern shade, thoughtfully blew out the candle inside, and placed the lantern into his hands with both of hers. She even praised herself as she did so. “When I was little, I learned how to make lanterns from my mother. I suppose talent can be inherited. Grandmother says the lanterns I make are even prettier than the ones sold at the flower market…”
Were they really that good?
He reached out to take it, but hadn’t even had time to look closely when something suddenly pricked his finger, and it was a sharp sting. Ten fingers connect to the heart—the pain made him grit his teeth. Yet he didn’t drop it to the ground. Seeing stars, he couldn’t help but suspect her motive. “Second Wen, are you deliberately seeking revenge? Trying to murder your own husband?”
Wen Shuse froze, completely caught off guard. But seeing the pain on the young master’s face, the lantern in his hands became like a scalding lifesaving draught, too precious to drop, yet too painful to hold.
She focused her eyes, then gasped. This was bad—his finger was bleeding.
She was truly wronged. Taking Xiangyun’s advice to heart—one must bow under another’s eaves—she’d meant to placate him so everything could be discussed calmly afterward.
Seeing blood bead continuously from his finger, nearly staining the little rabbit red, she was instantly frightened. She hurriedly took the lantern from him and set it aside, apologizing over and over. “Husband, I’m so sorry. I must not have cleaned the bamboo splinters thoroughly. I truly didn’t mean to prick you. I’m not that petty.”
Whether she’d done it on purpose or not was no longer his concern. The wound had to be dealt with first.
Minzhang was startled as well and quickly fetched the medicine chest.
Perhaps the pain had muddled his head, Xie Shao grabbed the gauze and was about to wrap it around when the young lady stopped him in time. “You can’t bandage it yet. There may still be splinters inside. Let’s clean it first, and I’ll help you remove it.”
Afraid he might move again, she held his palm tightly with both hands and turned to tell Minzhang to prepare salt water.
Minzhang moved quickly. Once the salt water was ready, the young lady held his hand and personally cleaned the wound. “I’ll try to be as gentle as I can. Bear with it, Husband. I’ve been pricked before, too. I know how much it hurts. But once the splinter’s out, it’ll be fine.”
So late at night, and with such a small injury, there was no question of summoning the household physician. With his palm clasped in her hands, his body naturally leaned closer. Their shoulders brushed, and as he lowered his head, he caught sight of her dark, flowing hair. He didn’t know what she usually washed it with, and the scent was uncannily like the white magnolias in the courtyard. Without realizing it, he leaned in further, but just then, the salt water touched his fingertip. The injured spot throbbed sharply with pain, banishing every stray thought. He shut his eyes and clenched his teeth.
Once the blood was washed away, they could indeed see that half a bamboo splinter was still lodged deep inside the tip of his finger.
Just the sight of it made Wen Shuse’s conscience twinge. “Husband, hold on a little longer. I’ll pick the splinter out for you.”
She had Minzhang bring out a silver needle, heated it over the flame, then pinched his fingertip. Suddenly, she realized the light was too dim to see clearly. Without further thought, she rose and knelt beside him.
Their arms tangled again. As she shifted and adjusted, by the time she settled herself properly, she had ended up half sprawled across his lap.
The young master’s body had long since stiffened.
In the deep quiet of the night, the posture looked undeniably intimate. Since their marriage, let alone closeness like this, they hadn’t even held hands.
Now, not only was his hand clasped in hers, but she had practically thrown herself into his arms, lying across his legs.
He wasn’t a eunuch; there was no way he could remain perfectly unmoved. His thoughts drifted farther and farther until the silver needle pierced in, and a sharp pain shot through his finger. Completely unprepared, he hissed, “…!”
Before he could pull his hand back, the young lady grabbed it and tugged it forward, irritation flickering in her voice. “Husband, don’t move.”
With that pull, his nose was buried fully in her dark hair. His head swam, and he truly didn’t move again.
The silver needle dug into flesh, yet not a sound escaped him this time. That alone eased Wen Shuse’s nerves considerably. Holding his finger steady, she carefully teased out the bamboo splinter embedded inside.
The bamboo splinter wasn’t thick, just a long, thin sliver, but embedded in flesh, it could hurt terribly.
She examined it carefully once more. Confirming that nothing remained inside, she finally let out a breath of relief and released his hand. Turning back, she looked at the young master behind her, whose forehead was flushed red. “Husband, try squeezing it. Does it still hurt inside?”
The moment she turned her head, he straightened up. He lightly brushed the wound with his finger. “The pain is gone, but how long does my lady intend to lie on top of me?”
Only then did she realize how improper her position was. Yet the more flustered she felt, the more composed she appeared. Serenely rising from his lap, she adopted an air of dignified detachment. “Husband, please don’t let your thoughts run wild. When it comes to tending the injured, there is no distinction between men and women. Had it been anyone else today, I would’ve done the same.”
Her words were far from pleasing to the ear. Straightening the robe she had rumpled, he pressed further, “Is that so? Then, whom else has the young lady treated before?”
Who else? Wen Shuse thought for a moment.
Before she could come up with anyone, the young master in front of her supplied a name himself. “The Second Young Master Ming?”
So that was the only person he remembered, the Second Young Master Ming, but to be honest, “No, not him. You are actually the first person to get pricked by my lantern.”
The implication being that he was simply unlucky.
By that logic, she had indeed admitted to having gifted a lantern to the Second Young Master Ming.
The other man hadn’t hurt his hand—yet he had. He didn’t suspect her of doing it on purpose. If it wasn’t deliberate, then what did it mean? It meant she hadn’t been careful when making his lantern, hadn’t smoothed the splinters properly. Clearly, it had been a half-hearted effort.
Tonight, she was probably here to curry favor with him, but he had obviously lost interest. He cut her off decisively. “I appreciate your gesture, but as you can see, I was pricked by your lantern, gained nothing from it, and even shed blood. I’m truly in no mood now, and I cannot agree to whatever request you were about to make. My young lady should return. Next time you make a lantern, remember to be careful and thorough. Others are one thing, but don’t end up pricking yourself.”
Such pettiness. He truly showed no mercy at all.
But what could she do? She was the one who had messed up, leaving a hole in his finger. Standing before him, she felt a notch shorter and could only offer apologies and make amends. “Husband, it’s my fault. To make it up to you, tomorrow when you return from your duties, I’ll personally cook a meal for you.”
That, at least, caught Xie Shao completely off guard.
On the one hand, he couldn’t help admiring how far she was willing to go just to make a trip to the Ming Mansion. On the other hand, he was genuinely curious what kind of food she could possibly cook. So, he responded vaguely, “We’ll see.”
—
The wound healed quickly, and by the next morning, it had almost scabbed over. Afraid that going on duty with bandaging would draw attention, Xie Shao removed the gauze.
That very day, to his surprise, he ran into the Second Young Master Ming at the Prince Mansion.
The last time, the Second Young Master Ming had delivered a letter to Consort Yang in the palace on Madam Zhou’s behalf. Today, Madam Zhou invited him to the mansion for a banquet to express her gratitude.
At the midday feast, she also summoned Xie Shao along with several advisors.
Xie Shao had crossed paths with the Second Young Master Ming before, but wasn’t particularly close to him. They exchanged a few polite words upon meeting and then took their seats, yet Xie Shao couldn’t help paying closer attention.
He spoke with grace and composure, unhurried and measured—truly deserving of the reputation for gentleness and refinement.
Just as Xie Shao was quietly praising the young lady’s good taste, wondering if the other party would wait for her, Madam Zhou suddenly turned to matchmaking. “My goodness, how forgetful of me. Which family’s daughter is the Second Young Master engaged to?”
Second Young Master Ming looked slightly awkward but replied politely, “In response to Madam, this junior has not yet been betrothed.”
Madam Zhou was taken aback. “Such a talented young man, and still not betrothed? I wonder where the eyes of Fengcheng’s young ladies have wandered off to.” Since Young Lady Ming would soon marry into the Prince Mansion and become family, she smiled and added, “If Second Young Master doesn’t mind, shall I keep an eye out for you in the future?”
Xie Shao cast a quiet glance toward Second Young Master Ming. Seeing the man’s ears slowly redden, he hesitated for a moment, then inclined his head toward Madam Zhou and replied, “I’ll trouble Madam Zhou with it.”
That was it.
Drawing his gaze back, he couldn’t help feeling a twinge of regret on his young lady’s behalf. The gentleman who had fasted for a day for her sake probably wouldn’t be waiting for her anymore.
Strangely, a trace of satisfaction welled up in his heart. He almost wanted to rush back immediately and share the news with her, already picturing the look of disappointment on her face after the blow—pitiful and forlorn.
He didn’t linger after finishing his duties, heading straight back to the Xie Mansion. Even his steps were noticeably lighter as he crossed the threshold, but before he could reach the garden, he saw his wife unexpectedly coming out to greet him. Spotting him from the other end of the covered corridor, she waved eagerly from afar. “Husband, husband…”
She looked so happy that it almost made him reluctant to shatter her.
When she reached him, before he could say a word, she grabbed his arm, pulled him closer in one motion, then rose on tiptoe. One hand cupped beside his ear as she whispered softly, “Husband, a transfer order has just arrived in Fengcheng. The Eldest Young Master is to take up a post in the Eastern Capital!”