Chapter Eight: Keeping the Appointment

As noon approached, Yang Yaozong and Yin Ruxin rose and took their leave from Bruno. Before departing, Yang Yaozong instructed Xiaohua to leave ten taels of silver for Bruno, and under the puzzled gaze of the young girl, he advised Bruno to hire a carriage the next day to deliver the potted plants and anything else deemed useful to the Nangong residence. He also reminded Bruno not to neglect the crops already planted in the courtyard; after the harvest, arrangements for Bruno’s lodging would be made anew.

Yang Yaozong’s careful planning filled Bruno with joy at the prospect of serving him at the Nangong estate. Bruno escorted Yang Yaozong and his companions all the way to the carriage at the end of the lane, and gifted Yin Ruxin a pot of chili peppers that Yang Yaozong had chosen for her.

Seeing that Yang Yaozong had selected it for her, Yin Ruxin accepted without protest. Smiling with the grace of a young gentleman, she said to Yang Yaozong and Bruno, "It is noon—why not join me for lunch at my villa? There are some questions I wish to ask Young Master Yang." Her lively, expressive eyes fixed on Yang Yaozong, clearly referring to the clock, telescope, and those strange new plants she knew little about. In her heart, she thought, You promised to explain them—don’t go back on your word.

Yang Yaozong looked at Yin Ruxin’s clever, speaking eyes and guessed her thoughts. He laughed and shook his head. "You are eager to learn. Well, why put it off? It will be a good chance to sample the rare teas you have hidden away."

Yin Ruxin was delighted at his agreement; her brows and lips unconsciously lifted in joy. Bruno, however, felt a little embarrassed and replied, "Thank you for your invitation, Young Master Yin, but I must decline. Tomorrow I must begin work at Young Master Yang’s residence, and I need to organize my belongings and tend to the crops in the courtyard..."

Yin Ruxin smiled and nodded at Bruno, "Thank you for the potted plant." She and Yang Yaozong boarded their respective carriages and departed under Bruno’s watchful gaze.

Yang Yaozong’s carriage followed close behind Yin Ruxin’s. Inside, Xiaohua stared curiously at the round tube and two objects covered in coarse cloth on the seat, unable to resist asking, "Sir, what are these things? Are they really worth ten taels of silver?"

Yang Yaozong saw Xiaohua’s big, inquisitive eyes fixed on the items, finding her adorable. He couldn’t help but reach out and gently flick her nose.

Blushing deeply at his unexpected gesture, Xiaohua stared at Yang Yaozong, half annoyed, "Sir!"

Seeing her face redden like a ripe apple, Yang Yaozong laughed heartily and explained, "These are gifts from Bruno, and they are quite valuable. This one tells the time—a clock. The other allows you to see far, far away—a telescope." Patiently, he pointed to the telescope again. "This telescope can be given to your mistress, for use commanding troops on the battlefield. It’s what people call the ‘far-seeing eye.’"

Xiaohua blinked and smiled, "Sir, you’re amazing! The foreigner gifted you such precious things." She still didn’t fully grasp the importance of the clock and telescope, but seeing Yang Yaozong’s excitement, she trusted they were indeed valuable. That the ‘far-seeing eye’ was meant for her mistress made her even happier, for it meant he was thinking of her.

Yang Yaozong noticed Xiaohua had forgotten about the ten taels of silver and said with a smile, "Bruno is skilled at cultivating plants, and I’m interested in those matters myself. So I’ve hired him to help me grow some new flowers and crops at the residence. I’ve agreed to pay him ten taels a month."

Tilting his head, Yang Yaozong continued, "I should have ten taels a month for pocket money, right? We’ll use that. I have little else to spend it on."

Xiaohua was stunned to hear Bruno would be paid ten taels monthly; her eyes widened in disbelief.

Yang Yaozong exaggerated his surprise, widening his eyes even more. "Don’t tell me my monthly allowance is less than ten taels? Then… how much is it?"

Realizing he’d misread her reaction, Xiaohua quickly explained, "No, not at all..." She nervously pulled a purse from her sleeve, unfolded a silver note, and handed it to Yang Yaozong. "This five hundred taels was left for you by my mistress before she left for campaign. If it runs out, you can draw more from the account. Over the years, Mistress has earned much reward from the Emperor for her military achievements, and for her inventions that benefit the people and strengthen the army."

She hesitated, then quietly asked, "Sir, is Bruno really that capable?"

Yang Yaozong nodded seriously, "He is indeed skilled, and ten taels a month is fair. May I bring him into the residence?"

The young girl nodded, "You may employ whomever you wish—just inform Steward Hao, and arrangements will be made. The salary need not come from your own pocket; Steward Hao will record and manage it."

Yang Yaozong nodded, then shook his head, thinking how Steward Hao truly lived up to his name. Stern-faced and meticulous, he’d surely interrogate him about the ten-tael salary. Steward Hao had managed the Nangong household for decades, keeping everything in perfect order even while Nangong Zhan and Nangong Qingyi were away at war. Among the servants, he was second only to the master and mistress in importance—not so easily fooled as Xiaohua.

Yang Yaozong smiled at Xiaohua, "Let’s not mention Bruno’s salary to Steward Hao—just handle the arrangements yourself. I’ll pay him directly. And find him a single room. I’ll tell your mistress about this later."

The young girl nodded, "Xiaohua understands."

Her bright eyes blinked mischievously as she asked, "Sir, where are you going with Miss Yin? I must tell my mistress!"

Yang Yaozong shook his head, "Not to a brothel, but to her villa. I promised to explain the clock and telescope to her, and she has rare tea for me to sample."

Xiaohua pursed her lips and huffed, "I think Miss Yin has ulterior motives. Those fox-like charming eyes are always fluttering at you."

Yang Yaozong raised his brow and looked at the swaying curtain, his face turning a bit serious. "Oh? I haven’t noticed. I’ve only met her twice; she’s simply a clever, eager student. Our relationship is purely that of friends. You shouldn’t doubt her just because she was once a courtesan and famed for her beauty and talents. Besides, what would a courtesan see in me?"

He hadn’t intended to discuss such matters with a young maid, but since she was Nangong Qingyi’s personal attendant, and left behind to care for him, he felt it best to explain clearly and prevent any unfounded suspicions. That way, Nangong Qingyi wouldn’t misunderstand him due to idle gossip.

Xiaohua, for the first time, was chastised by Yang Yaozong and shrank back, her eyes reddening as she nodded. Though young, she’d long served Nangong Qingyi and was capable of analyzing situations. She knew Yang Yaozong was right—her doubts stemmed from Yin Ruxin’s background and reputation for captivating men.

Yet, after spending time with Yang Yaozong, she felt he did have some talent, and though perhaps not enough for Yin Ruxin to favor him, he was undeniably handsome. She stole a glance at him, still sitting upright and watching the curtain, cheeks flushed, and nodded in affirmation. But thinking of his words—that he regarded Yin Ruxin only as a friend despite her beauty—she felt her mistress was at least as attractive, and far more accomplished.

But… but… Sir seems to have forgotten so many things, including those about Mistress.

And Mistress doesn’t know he isn’t truly dull.

He seems different from other scholars, though she couldn’t quite say how. In any case, she resolved to watch over him closely, and not let any foxes ensnare him while Mistress was away.

With these thoughts, the young girl felt the weight of responsibility grow heavier. "I must write to Mistress tonight and let her know all about Sir, so she can understand him better," she resolved silently.

Yang Yaozong sensed the carriage had grown tense, seeing Xiaohua with her head bowed, fists clenched on her knees, her young face drawn and troubled. He thought, "A fifteen-year-old girl, caring for me so attentively—back in my former world, girls her age were just starting high school, still cherished children, free to play and be spoiled. But this one has worked for years, and though she’s been spared hardship by serving Nangong Qingyi, she’s adept at household tasks and social dealings. Otherwise, Qingyi wouldn’t have entrusted her to me. Perhaps my words earlier were too harsh and frightened her."

If only he knew that Xiaohua still harbored her doubts, and had twisted his explanation to mean that he attracted courtesans not by talent, but by charm—he would hardly feel remorse for his earlier strictness.

"Xiaohua," Yang Yaozong called, smiling.

She looked up, "Sir?"

He nodded, seeing her gloomy expression, "Let me sing you a little tune."

There’s a girl in the village named Xiaohua,
She’s lovely and kind,
Her beautiful big eyes,
Her braid thick and long,
Hmm…

Yang Yaozong sang only this brief verse, then winked at her with a smile.

Upon hearing the odd little song, and recalling the lyrics, Xiaohua touched her braid and giggled. The tension in her face melted away, and she laughed, "Sir, is that from your hometown? Were you singing about me? It’s so lovely!"

Yang Yaozong threw back his head in laughter, and the carriage was filled with merriment once more.

In the carriage ahead, the maid Ru Yi, disguised as a boy, watched the equally disguised Yin Ruxin and said, "Miss, you seem especially happy today!"

Yin Ruxin glanced at her sideways, "Oh?"

Ru Yi smiled, "You’re not as you usually are. It’s like there’s a happiness radiating from you, inside and out. After meeting Young Master Yang last night, you seemed strange after he left. I couldn’t quite say how. This morning, you waited here, eagerly expecting him. In that foreigner’s courtyard, you and Young Master Yang chatted so cheerfully, and when parting, you invited him to lunch at your villa. No man has ever visited your villa before! It’s the first time I’ve seen you invite someone. And… and you seemed so happy in his presence, full of feminine charm. Miss, could it be you’ve fallen for Young Master Yang?"

Ru Yi covered her mouth in surprise at her own words. Who was her mistress? In the capital, her beauty and talent were unrivaled. Scholars and nobles alike sought her favor, yet Young Master Yang, though accomplished and handsome, was only a ‘live-in son-in-law.’ Surely Miss wouldn’t fall for him. No, she shouldn’t.

Yin Ruxin’s face turned rosy at Ru Yi’s final remark, "fallen for Young Master Yang." Seeing Ru Yi’s startled expression, she raised her fan and tapped her maid’s forehead, "Don’t say such things again. If others hear, it could harm Young Master Yang’s reputation."

Ru Yi rubbed her brow and whispered, "Miss…you…you haven’t…fallen for him, have you?"

Yin Ruxin rolled her eyes, poised to tap her again, but Ru Yi quickly clammed up, covered her head, and leaned back to dodge.

Yin Ruxin found her exasperating and amusing, and withdrew her hand. "Don’t speculate. Young Master Yang is knowledgeable, broad-minded, honest and unrestrained. He’s different from other scholars—there’s a genuineness about him, and it’s comfortable to converse with him. As for ‘liking’ him…" Yin Ruxin shook her head and thought, Her feeling for Yang Yaozong was ‘admiration,’ not ‘love.’ Yet she couldn’t deny the urge to draw close to him, to satisfy her curiosity. The more intrigued she was, the more she wished to understand him; the more she tried, the closer she wanted to be. And the closer she got…

She realized she was caught in a strange cycle, and her emotions grew restless as she absentmindedly fanned herself.