Chapter Twenty-Nine: Each with Their Own Arguments

By noon, the carriage halted about a mile from the City Defense Camp. Outside, the burly man spoke in a low voice, “Your Highness, Princess Royal, the City Defense Army camp is ahead. I’ll go summon Qin Haizhou; please wait a moment.”

The Grand Heir replied, “Very well, go ahead.”

Yang Yaozong, still intrigued by the military encampment of this era, turned to the Grand Heir and said, “Your Highness, I’d like to step out for some fresh air.”

The Grand Heir agreed, “That’s fine. I’ll join you.”

Both alighted from the carriage. Though still some distance from the camp, Yang Yaozong could already see several squads of soldiers patrolling its perimeter. It seemed the burly man had stopped the carriage here in accordance with regulations. Yang Yaozong nodded inwardly, thinking the City Defense Army’s security was indeed strict. Perhaps because it was midday, he didn’t hear any sounds of drills or training.

About a quarter-hour later, the burly driver returned with Qin Haizhou. Qin approached, about to perform a formal salute, but the Grand Heir stopped him, reminding him they were traveling incognito and should remain discreet.

Even from afar, Yang Yaozong could see Qin Haizhou’s delighted expression as he neared. After Qin paid his respects to the Grand Heir, Yang Yaozong cupped his hands in greeting. “Brother Qin!”

The driver had only told Qin Haizhou that the Grand Heir wished to see him and waited outside the camp. Seeing Yang Yaozong beside the Grand Heir, Qin Haizhou was naturally pleased. The previous day, after bringing home the tomatoes Yang Yaozong had given him, his wife, daughter, and sister all tasted them and loved them. His sister was especially curious about these rare fruits and pressed him for details, but he only mentioned they were a gift from Yang Yaozong, giving no further explanation. His sister, apparently acquainted with Yang Yaozong, insisted on knowing more, but as he had been summoned with the Grand Heir, he could not elaborate and excused himself. Knowing his sister’s curious nature, he had stayed in the camp since leaving home the previous day.

Now, seeing Yang Yaozong dressed so differently—clean, scholarly attire, hair bound with a scholar’s ribbon, exuding a refined and elegant air—Qin Haizhou couldn’t help but admire him anew. In response to Yang Yaozong’s greeting, he returned the salute, saying, “Brother Yang, thank you for the tomatoes yesterday. My sister and daughter both enjoyed them! May I ask what brings Your Highness and Brother Yang to the camp today?”

Hearing the mention of tomatoes, Yang Yaozong suddenly recalled that the lady in his carriage must have tasted the ones the Grand Heir had brought back as well. Yet, she still treated him with the same cold indifference. He sighed inwardly—indeed, she was the very image of a celestial being, untouched by mortal concerns, unmoved even by the taste of tomatoes.

Seeing Qin Haizhou’s puzzled expression, Yang Yaozong explained, “We do have matters to discuss with you, Brother Qin. As it’s midday, why don’t we first find a quiet place to share a meal? I’ll explain everything then.”

The Grand Heir laughed, “Let it be as the Grand Heir’s Tutor suggests. I am quite hungry myself. Let’s quickly find a quiet place to dine and talk.”

Hearing the title “Grand Heir’s Tutor,” Qin Haizhou looked at Yang Yaozong in surprise.

Yang Yaozong smiled at him. “This morning, I was summoned to the palace and, by the Emperor’s favor, appointed Grand Heir’s Tutor.”

Qin Haizhou, now convinced, burst out laughing. “The Emperor’s insight is indeed brilliant—your talents should not be wasted. This is a happy occasion! I said yesterday I’d find a chance to host you. Today brings the opportunity to my door. No time like the present—why not have lunch at my house? It will be quiet, and my wife’s cooking is quite good.”

Yang Yaozong glanced at the Grand Heir, who nodded in assent. He smiled, “Then we’ll trouble you, Brother Qin. Let’s visit your home today—I should get acquainted with your door, as I expect I’ll be visiting often.”

Qin Haizhou was delighted. “Please, Your Highness and Brother Yang, board the carriage. I’ll drive up front with Brother Zhou.”

So, Yang Yaozong realized that the burly man was surnamed Zhou and seemed close to Qin Haizhou.

Upon their arrival at Qin Haizhou’s residence, a modest two-courtyard home not unlike Yin Ruxin’s but wider, only the Grand Heir and Yang Yaozong entered with him. The main building was spacious and two stories high; side wings housed servants and maids. The rear was likely the private quarters of Qin Haizhou, his wife, and his concubine. Though somewhat crowded, the house was practical.

Qin Haizhou led them into the main hall. Since the Grand Heir had requested discretion, the atmosphere was relaxed. Qin Haizhou, mindful of etiquette, sat on the right, leaving the left for the Grand Heir and Yang Yaozong.

Upon entering, he’d instructed a maid to inform his wife. Soon, several women entered gracefully. The leading lady was poised and cultured, her bearing scholarly. Slightly behind her was a slim, shy beauty dressed as a matron. Following them was a seventeen- or eighteen-year-old girl, slender and delicate, with a pure, refined beauty and lively eyes that betrayed a playful spirit. She occasionally stole glances at Yang Yaozong and the Grand Heir, and when caught by Yang Yaozong’s gaze, she quickly looked away, resuming her composed manner. By her side was a little girl of four or five, rosy and adorable, resembling both Qin Haizhou and the leading lady, though shy and clinging to the older girl’s hand.

As they entered, Qin Haizhou introduced the guests. “These are my friends, Cheng Jing and Yang Yaozong. Please prepare some food and wine; I have matters to discuss with them.” He then introduced his family: the leading lady was his wife, the next his concubine, and the young maiden, introduced with a trace of helplessness, was his sister Qin Xueyao. Lastly, he affectionately picked up his daughter, saying, “This is my daughter. I’ve spoiled her, so she’s shy around strangers. Zhilan, greet our guests.”

A burst of laughter came from Qin Xueyao. When all eyes turned to her, she blushed and said, “Brother, you call them ‘brother,’ yet have Zhilan call them ‘uncle’? How does that work?”

Her remark brought a ripple of suppressed laughter to the room. Qin Haizhou himself laughed and said, “I hadn’t thought that far. Let’s each address as we see fit.” He ended awkwardly.

As the introductions concluded, the atmosphere relaxed. Yang Yaozong glanced at Qin Xueyao, finding her lively and clever, exceedingly charming.

Catching his gaze, Qin Xueyao stuck out her tongue at him. She knew who Yang Yaozong was—from the Red Temple Festival when she’d accompanied Mu Qinghan downstairs to admonish him. She was the very Miss Qin of whom Little Hua had spoken. She hadn’t seen Yang Yaozong before, and on that day, she’d only been curious about the man chosen by her cousin as a husband. That afternoon, she and Mu Qinghan had been upstairs enjoying poetry and tea when Mu Qinghan’s expression grew stern and angry. Upon asking, Mu Qinghan explained that Yang Yaozong had just entered the teahouse, adding that he was her cousin Nangong Qingyi’s husband. Incensed, she’d insisted on going downstairs with Mu Qinghan to confront him, leading to the scene where Yang Yaozong was slapped.

Masked as they all were for the festival, and with her disguised as a boy, Yang Yaozong did not recognize her now. Yet, seeing her playful gesture, he felt she seemed familiar, though he couldn’t quite place her. Qin Xueyao, on the other hand, recognized him, noting that he looked taller and stronger than before, his handsome features and scholarly attire making him even more distinguished. Meeting his gaze, she felt her heart flutter, and stuck out her tongue to hide her shyness.

Everyone except Qin Haizhou’s daughter was amused by the exchange. The little girl, confused, thought she was the reason for their laughter and looked on the verge of tears.

Seeing this, Yang Yaozong rose, walked over, and smiled kindly at her. “Zhilan, would you like some candy?”

The little girl, still frowning, clung tightly to Qin Haizhou, her eyes both expectant and wary. With gentle warmth, Yang Yaozong showed her his clenched fists. Her big, teary eyes fixed on his hands, convinced there must be candy inside. Slowly, he opened his fists—only to reveal nothing. Disappointed, she was about to cry, her little face scrunching up.

Those watching thought Yang Yaozong’s attempt to amuse her had backfired. Qin Xueyao rolled her eyes at his performance, while Qin Haizhou, embarrassed and worried, was about to comfort his daughter when Yang Yaozong repeated the gesture. This time, he brought his fists together and kissed the space between them with a playful “pop.” The women watching blushed; Qin Xueyao snorted, thinking him unbecoming of a scholar, but still watched curiously. Yang Yaozong slowly opened his hands, and there, as if by magic, was a round piece of candy.

The little girl’s eyes widened in delight, her sour mood vanishing in a burst of laughter. She reached eagerly for the candy. The others, too, were astonished at this conjuring trick. Qin Xueyao, beyond surprise, was full of curiosity, her eyes fixed on his hands, trying to see how he’d produced the candy. Even the Grand Heir, unable to restrain his curiosity, came over to watch.

Zhilan, entranced, reached for the candy, but Yang Yaozong shook his head with a smile, closed his fists, and withdrew his hands. The little girl, now fascinated, watched to see what would happen next. The room fell quiet with anticipation. Yang Yaozong separated his fists, kissed his right hand, and slowly opened it before her—the candy was there again. He jiggled it. “Here you go,” he said. Zhilan took it, beaming up at him.

“Would you like more?” he asked. She nodded. He held out his left fist and looked from her to his hand. She seemed to understand, leaned forward, and planted a loud kiss on his fist. Yang Yaozong laughed, opened his hand, and revealed another piece of candy. Zhilan giggled, taking it eagerly. “Clever girl,” he praised her, and she, flush with joy, felt no more shyness toward him.

The Grand Heir, amazed, nudged Yang Yaozong and whispered, “Hey, where did you produce that candy? You know magic! You must teach me.”

Yang Yaozong could only give a helpless smile. The candy, in fact, had been slipped into his sleeve pocket by Little Hua that morning, in case he got hungry waiting in the palace. He’d thought he wouldn’t need it, but now, seeing the little girl about to cry, he’d thought of it and used the opportunity to perform a little sleight of hand.

The others found his trick novel, and Zhilan’s peals of laughter warmed the room, putting everyone at ease. Qin Haizhou looked at Yang Yaozong with admiration. Usually, to coax his daughter out of a bad mood took all day, but Yang Yaozong had made her laugh with a single trick. Delighted, he said, “Zhilan, thank your Uncle Yang. He gave you the tomatoes you liked yesterday.”

Zhilan, recalling the delicious tomatoes, looked even more fondly at Yang Yaozong. Yet she felt he was more like an older brother than an uncle, and said sweetly, “Thank you, Brother Yang.”

Hearing this, everyone in the hall laughed. Yang Yaozong, a bit embarrassed, echoed, “Let each address as they see fit.”

Qin Xueyao, seeing his embarrassment, smiled knowingly to herself, thinking, “He truly is a man apart from the rest.”