When Xiao Ying and Wu Junru arrived, the room fell silent.
Xiao Ying was the Marquis and held an official position. With the aura of the battlefield about him, he carried an air of authority and lethality. Both the servants and his nieces feared him. His appearance silenced the lively chatter of the women in the room.
Wu Junru, standing beside him, wore her usual gentle and elegant smile, as if the imperial edict incident from years ago had left no mark on her. Behind her trailed several young ladies, including the only legitimate daughter of the main branch, Xiao Yuya, along with two concubine-born daughters, Xiao Yuyun and Xiao Yuying.
Xiao Ying and Wu Junru, accompanied by their children, greeted the Old Madam and took their seats. During this, Xiao Yuying, who was standing beside her wet nurse, glanced up and gave Xiao Jingduo a sweet smile.
Xiao Jingduo’s thoughts were immediately in turmoil.
To them, what kind of person was he? A successful older brother they could exploit? Or a brainless support they could manipulate at will?
Xiao Jingduo couldn’t help but wonder: did he really come across as someone who was so easygoing and foolish?
Now, with all members of the Xiao family’s third branch and Xiao Su’s mother and daughter present, the Old Madam, delighted to see everyone gathered together, cheerfully announced the start of the banquet.
This family feast was arranged in honor of Xiao Jingduo, making him the undisputed center of attention. Even cousins who normally kept their distance came forward to toast him, while his female cousins chatted cheerfully, trying every possible way to win his favor.
Midway through the banquet, the Old Madam, perhaps judging that the timing was right, brought up a topic:
“Duo’er, do you think the imperial examinations are difficult?”
Xiao Jingduo glanced to the Old Madam’s other side, already guessing the point of the question. Instead of answering directly, he countered, “Why is Grandmother asking this?”
“It’s for your second brother, of course. Hu’er is growing up, and it’s time to start planning for his future.”
The seat to the right of the Old Madam, typically reserved for the most favored, was now occupied by Xiao Jingduo. As a result, the previously favored Xiao Jinghu had been shifted to the left. Upon hearing the Old Madam’s words, the fifteen-year-old Xiao Jinghu snorted in frustration and grumbled, “I don’t want to take the imperial exams! I want to be a general, like Uncle!”
“Nonsense! What are you talking about?” the Old Madam scolded him sternly. To her, having her grandson study, take the imperial exams, and become a successful scholar like Xiao Jingduo was the ideal path. She found the thought of him engaging in the dangers of military life abhorrent. However, Xiao Jinghu showed no understanding of the Old Madam’s concerns. He continued to disdain the idea of studying and spent his days in mischief and play.
The Old Madam was deeply troubled. When Xiao Jinghu was younger, he was mischievous and rambunctious, but she couldn’t bring herself to discipline her beloved grandson, thinking that Xiao Ying would take care of his future arrangements later. However, she later learned that not all children of officials could simply inherit their elders’ positions without going through examinations. If that were the case, the imperial court would have collapsed long ago.
In the Xuan dynasty, the court imposed strict limitations on the privileges granted to the descendants of high-ranking officials. Officials of the third rank and above were allowed to use their status to secure positions for two descendants. A first-rank official’s son could directly receive a seventh-rank position, bypassing the imperial exams. However, such privileges were rare. Across the entire court, first-rank officials held mostly honorary titles, and third-rank officials could be counted on two hands. Thus, very few descendants could take advantage of this pathway.
For officials ranked between the fifth and third ranks, only one descendant could benefit, and even then, it required the emperor’s explicit approval. Xiao Ying, currently holding a fourth-rank position, could sponsor only one descendant. With Xiao Jingye and Wu Junru in the picture, the Old Madam doubted that this privilege would be given to Xiao Jinghu.
By the time the Old Madam understood these rules, it was already too late. Xiao Jinghu had grown up spoiled and willful, making it nearly impossible to reform him. Moreover, the Old Madam adored her grandson too much to subject him to strict discipline. Unable to blame Jinghu directly, she redirected her anger toward others, with the Second Madam becoming her primary scapegoat.
Xiao Jinghu was only two years younger than Xiao Jingduo, yet the difference between them was like night and day. The Second Madam endured the Old Madam’s scoldings without daring to talk back, and once the Old Madam’s temper cooled, she cautiously began devising plans. As Jinghu’s mother, the Second Madam couldn’t help but be anxious when comparing Jingduo’s accomplishments to Jinghu’s. After much deliberation, she came up with an idea.
The solution was right in front of them. If Jingduo could attend the Imperial Academy at age thirteen and later pass the jinshi exam, there was no reason Jinghu couldn’t do the same!
Thus, after several rounds of wine, the Old Madam brought up the matter with Xiao Jingduo:
“Duo’er, there are only a few brothers in our family. You and Hu’er grew up together and have always been close. As they say, brothers are bonded by blood. Even though you and Hu’er are from different branches, you’re just like full brothers. You should support one another—helping each other is what allows the Xiao family to flourish.
“You’ve passed the jinshi exam and made a name for yourself, but your younger brother still has some catching up to do. I remember you entered the Imperial Academy at thirteen, and Hu’er is now fifteen, about the same age. Why don’t you speak to your mentors at the Academy and arrange for Hu’er to study there too?”
As the Old Madam spoke, Xiao Jingduo slowly turned the wine cup in his hands. Once she finished, he placed the cup down and replied, “Grandmother is absolutely right. Brothers should support one another. However, admissions to the Imperial Academy are decided by the jijiu. I’m just a low-ranking official—how could I influence the jijiu’s decisions?”
“The jijiu?”
“The head of the Imperial Academy, a fourth-rank official,” Xiao Jingduo explained kindly before adding, “Since the Marquis is also a fourth-rank official, Grandmother might find it easier to have him speak with the jijiu. Being of equal rank, they might find it easier to communicate.”
A peer of Xiao Ying? The Old Madam looked at Xiao Jingduo, who was smiling calmly, and felt a pang of uncertainty. Still unwilling to give up, she asked, “Isn’t it just admitting a student? Wouldn’t the jijiu be too high-ranking to bother with such matters?”
Xiao Jingduo didn’t even blink as he lied: “Yes, that’s correct.”
This left the Old Madam in a bind. “Then… then how did you get in back then?”
“I was rewarded by the palace at the time, and I believe it was the Crown Prince who recommended me to the jijiu,” Xiao Jingduo replied leisurely, watching the Old Madam intently.
No matter how proud the Old Madam was, she wouldn’t dare suggest that Xiao Jingduo approach the Crown Prince to ask for a favor. She hesitated for a moment, then let out a long sigh. “It seems having Hu’er study at the Imperial Academy won’t work. Oh well, hiring a tutor at home is just as good. Duo’er, you’ve just passed the jinshi exam, so your knowledge must be solid. Why don’t you take a few days to tutor Hu’er yourself?”
Absolutely not. Xiao Jingduo wanted to refuse immediately. But a blunt refusal would be too direct, and it wasn’t yet time to openly antagonize the Old Madam. He paused deliberately, putting on a show of hesitation. “But tomorrow, I need to accompany my fellow graduates to pay respects to the Chancellor. Declining the Chancellor’s invitation wouldn’t be appropriate.”
“You’re going to meet the Chancellor? Oh dear, then you absolutely can’t miss that. What about the following days? You should have some free time then, right?”
“After that, there’s the Apricot Garden Banquet, the palace banquet, and visits to the Wenshi Pavilion and the Buddha Tooth Relic. Once I find some free time, I’ll report back to you, Grandmother.”
As for when he’d find free time—well, that would depend on the will of the heavens.
The Old Madam had no choice but to agree reluctantly. Xiao Jingduo, seeing that she had finally quieted down, quickly excused himself under the pretext of sobering up, hurrying outside before she could come up with any more troublesome ideas.
The February night wind still carried a slight chill. Standing under the corridor, Xiao Jingduo tilted his head to gaze at the stars in the night sky.
Not long ago, he had been the eldest son of the Marquis’s household, caught in an awkward and ambiguous position. Yet with just the announcement of the exam results, everyone’s attitude toward him had completely changed. How mysterious the workings of the world were.
As he was lost in thought, faint footsteps sounded from behind him, accompanied by a maid’s soft and respectful greeting: “My lord.”
Turning around, he saw Xiao Ying standing not far away, looking at him with an expressionless face.
Xiao Jingduo gradually gathered the emotions that had momentarily slipped through, donning an indifferent, unconcerned facade. He bowed slightly and said, “Ah, it’s the Marquis of Dingyong. Forgive me for the lack of courtesy.”
Xiao Ying’s face darkened upon hearing the title, but he didn’t correct him. Instead, he said, “Passing the jinshi exam on your first try—I must have underestimated you.”
A fleeting, sarcastic smile tugged at Xiao Jingduo’s lips before disappearing. “You flatter me.”
“Passing the exam is certainly a good thing. They say one should establish a family and a career. You’re already seventeen this year; it’s time to start preparing for marriage.”
“I know what you’re thinking. Since there’s no one else around, let me be frank with you—I won’t do as you wish.”
Xiao Ying laughed. The smile on his face had yet to fade, but his gaze was sharp, like that of an eagle. “Oh? So you’ve finally decided to reveal your true thoughts? You’ve been playing the role of the obedient grandson in front of your mother for so long. Why stop now?”
“Because it’s unnecessary,” Xiao Jingduo said, standing tall. The cold wind swirled around him, carrying the biting chill of early spring. His voice seemed to freeze in the night air, sharp and unyielding.
Xiao Ying immediately caught his meaning—that while Xiao Jingduo found it necessary to pretend in front of the Old Madam, he saw no such need with him. It was an overt slight. Xiao Ying, protected by his title of marquis and supported by his military achievements, hadn’t encountered anyone bold enough to speak to him like this in years. Yet his own son repeatedly pushed his limits.
“Xiao Jingduo, you may think passing the jinshi exam at seventeen is impressive, but let me remind you—it’s just an exam. It doesn’t guarantee you’ll secure an official position. Even if you pass the Ministry of Appointments’ selection test, not all officials are equal. I’ve seen many jinshi graduates bask in fleeting glory, only to languish in mediocrity. Some end up as mere clerks with no influence to speak of. I sincerely hope you won’t become one of those examples of squandered talent.”
Xiao Jingduo merely smiled. “That’s something you don’t need to worry about, Marquis of Dingyong.”
Xiao Ying raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “You seem to have an unfounded confidence in yourself. Tell me, where does it come from? What makes you think you’ll secure a good post from the Ministry of Appointments? And where do you get the audacity to defy me?”
“Because I believe in the justice of the world,” Xiao Jingduo said, lifting his head to meet Xiao Ying’s eyes directly. “You abandoned your wife for wealth and status. You indulged Wu Junru, who ultimately drove my mother to her death. A man like you will face retribution sooner or later.”
“You’re still hung up on what happened back then?” Xiao Ying chuckled, shaking his head dismissively. “She didn’t want to live. Who else can she blame?”
“Heh.” Xiao Jingduo couldn’t suppress a bitter laugh. This was his father—always capable of surpassing his expectations for heartlessness. “You might see her death as trivial, but to me, she was the most important person in my life, the one who raised me. You only saw her as timid and weak, unfit to fulfill the duties of a marquis’s wife. But do you have any idea how she managed the household in Zhuojun for nine years, how she endured Grandmother’s misplaced anger because of you? You scorned her for being submissive, but did you ever stop to consider why she became that way?”
Mentioning Zhao Xiulan stirred up Xiao Jingduo’s emotions. He closed his eyes, forcing himself to calm the anger brewing in his chest. After a moment, his voice steadied:
“You’ve risen to great heights now, naturally unwilling to let past connections tarnish your glory. My mother was one, and I am another. If you refuse to acknowledge the past, so be it.”
“My matters are no longer your concern. I won’t marry Cheng Huizhen, and don’t even think about planting anyone by my side to control me. Push me too far, and I can’t promise what I might do. After all, Aunt and Cousin still live under the Xiao family’s roof—it won’t end well for anyone.”
Having laid everything bare, Xiao Jingduo had nothing more to say. After a brief silence, he turned to leave.
Before he got far, Xiao Ying called out to him: “You claim to need nothing from me, but do you realize the official selection is in May? At such a critical time, are you truly unafraid?”
“With nothing to ask of you, there’s nothing to fear.” Xiao Jingduo replied without turning back. “Other sons may rely on their fathers to smooth the way, but I don’t need it. Treat it as though I don’t exist in this household. If I fail the Ministry’s test, I’ll take it again next year. If I’m assigned a poor post, I’ll accept it willingly. Oh, and if you’re worried about me and want to tip off the Ministry to ensure my failure…”
Xiao Jingduo chuckled softly. “That’s up to you. As long as the imperial examinations exist, I will keep taking them. One day, I will earn an official position through my own efforts.”
The early spring wind carried a chill as it whistled through the buildings, echoing the growing rift between father and son—a wound that deepened with every exchange, driving them further apart.
Xiao Jingduo strode quickly away from the corridor. Gradually, the cold wind faded, and the warm glow of lanterns grew closer.
The maid waiting outside was startled to see him. “Eldest Young Master, why are you here?”
Xiao Jingduo paused, lowered his gaze, and pinched the bridge of his nose, not wanting to talk about what had just happened. “Is Grandmother still inside?”
“Yes, the Old Madam just sent someone out to ask where you were. Young Master, are you going back now?”
Xiao Jingduo didn’t respond. He stood still, looking through the bare branches toward the house where the banquet was taking place.
Outside the house, many maids and servants bustled about, relaying orders from their masters. Through the heavy curtains, he could see the women inside—dressed in luxurious gowns, their hair adorned with ornate pins. Among them were his grandmother, his sisters, and his nominal mother.
But his grandmother only wanted to use him to secure a future for her second grandson. His sisters, with their charming smiles and honeyed words, thought only of leveraging his name and value. As for his so-called “mother,” she wasn’t worth mentioning.
Standing there, Xiao Jingduo suddenly found this household unbearably meaningless. Distrust between father and son, schemes from his stepmother, and exploitation by his sisters—he had lived here from the age of nine to seventeen, yet in the end, he still stood alone.
“Eldest Young Master?” The maid, who had been about to escort him back, turned and saw him standing there, his expression devoid of joy or sorrow, as if he were a statue.
Before she could speak again, Xiao Jingduo moved. He took a step—not toward the house where the Old Madam was, but away, without looking back. “Tell Grandmother I can’t handle my liquor and have gone back to rest.”
“Ah, but how can this—Eldest Young Master! Young Master!”
Following the unpleasant conversation with Xiao Ying, Xiao Jingduo remained dispirited for days. Outwardly, he continued to attend banquets with his usual detached politeness, but he knew this was only the calm before the storm.
For now, Xiao Ying seemed to have abandoned the idea of arranging a marriage for him, and Wu Junzhuo maintained her façade of gentle propriety, playing the perfect matriarch of a noble family. Yet beneath the surface, unseen currents were already beginning to stir.
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you all have a good weekend <3
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