Chapter 12: The Prefect Hosts a Banquet

After finishing breakfast, Xiaodie deliberately avoided Zhu Lou and Lv Luo, slipped out through the side gate, and headed straight to the Zhao residence.

Xiaodie was only sixteen or seventeen, in the prime of youth. Though she wore simple cloth skirts without makeup, she possessed a natural charm all her own.

“My lady is deeply grateful for your kindness, young master, and has specially instructed me to return this silver to you,” Xiaodie said.

“This package contains a pair of knee guards. My lady heard that you will soon be traveling to the capital for the imperial examinations after the New Year, so she had them sewn especially for you.”

“The weather in Bianjing is different from Yangzhou; during the spring exams, it’s often cold with a late chill. I hope you will accept them with a smile.”

Zhao Han took the knee guards from Xiaodie’s hands and glanced at them. The stitching was fine and even; the outer layer was indigo coarse cloth, lined inside with soft cotton batting. The edges were bound with dark cotton thread, showing that Lady Wei had put considerable effort into making them.

“Please convey my thanks to Lady Wei. I am truly touched by this kindness,” Zhao Han said.

Xiaodie’s eyes sparkled like stars, and she smiled gently.

“If not for you that day, I’m afraid I would have been dismissed from the Sheng household. I truly don’t know how to repay your kindness.”

Zhao Han replied warmly, “It was a trivial matter, nothing worth mentioning.”

“Miss Xiaodie, you must remain vigilant in the future. It’s easy to dodge an open attack, but hard to guard against hidden arrows.”

He knew Lin Qingshuang would not give up so easily. In her eyes, Lady Wei was the greatest enemy.

To eliminate Lady Wei, one must first strike at Xiaodie—cut off her wings, block her retreat, imprison her, and then slowly wear her down like water boiling a frog.

Xiaodie nodded repeatedly. “I’ve taken note. Today, Miss Lin sent a steady stream of things to our courtyard and even instructed the kitchen to take better care of Lady Wei’s meals. Now that our master has spoken, I suppose she will keep quiet for a while.”

Zhao Han furrowed his brows, and the words "difficult childbirth" suddenly flashed through his mind.

“Has a doctor been to the house recently to check on Lady Wei’s condition?”

Sensing Zhao Han’s unease, Xiaodie promptly replied, “The doctor came three days ago. He said the fetus seemed stable and that there was nothing wrong.”

After a moment of thoughtful silence, Zhao Han said, “You should secretly ask the doctor again. If there really is nothing wrong, you can rest assured completely.”

Xiaodie nodded vigorously; the safety of Lady Wei was not something she could take lightly.

Time quickly approached the end of the year, during which several important events occurred.

First, Zhao Han had exchanged formal betrothal letters with Hua Lan, thus sealing their marriage.

Second, Sheng Hong was about to be promoted to fifth rank official of the Ministry of Personnel. Having received the imperial commission, he was waiting for the new prefect to arrive in Yangzhou, after which he would hand over his current duties and move his family to Bianjing.

Third, the patriarch of the Bai family had passed away, with clan nephew Bai Ting leading the family in conducting the funeral rites.

The elder Bai had been well-liked in life and successful in commerce. Merchants, gentry, and officials came in an endless stream to pay their respects.

On this rare sunny winter day, the Yangzhou magistrate, Lord Zheng Xian, had arranged a banquet at his suburban villa. He invited all major officials of Yangzhou to celebrate the scholars who were soon to travel to the capital for the imperial examination.

It was clear that Lord Zheng’s gesture was partly to consolidate goodwill and create mutual support among future government officials.

Zhao Han, having ranked among the top in the provincial exam, had naturally received an invitation early on.

The banquet was held in a warm pavilion, with tables laden with seasonal fruits and exquisite dishes, accompanied by a few singers and musicians from the entertainment bureau to enliven the atmosphere.

“You are all the talents of Yangzhou. Surely you will top the lists in the capital exams,” Lord Zheng said with a smile, raising his cup. Wrinkles gathered at the corners of his eyes, embodying scholarly grace.

“By your blessing, Lord Ming, we will do our utmost to live up to expectations,” a broad-shouldered scholar stood and cupped his hands in salute, his voice clear.

Among the literati and officials of the Great Zhou, it was customary to address each other as “Lord Ming” as a mark of respect.

The hall resounded with assent as everyone raised their cups in a toast. The flickering candlelight filled the pavilion with warmth and brilliance.

As the Yangzhou administrative official soon to be promoted and transferred to the capital, Sheng Hong was naturally present.

“Lord Sheng, with your impending promotion and a fine son-in-law secured, double congratulations are in order!” someone said.

“If my daughter hadn’t been betrothed last year, I would have competed with you!” the Yangzhou county magistrate, Lord Chu, said with a hearty laugh, eyes full of envy.

Sheng Hong blushed with pleasure, lifted his teacup, and sipped delicately. “Lord Chu jokes. When my daughter marries, you must come to celebrate.”

“Definitely, definitely!” Lord Chu waved his hand and turned to flatter the other officials.

Sheng Hong stroked his beard and smiled, whispering to Zhao Han, “Son-in-law, by the time spring exams are over, your aunt and I should be in Bianjing.”

Though not formally related yet, Sheng Hong already referred to Zhao Han as his son-in-law.

Zhao Han cupped his hands in reply, “I will personally go to welcome you and aunt then.”

Sheng Hong looked satisfied. Just as he was about to lead Zhao Han to chat with Lord Zheng, a burst of laughter broke out not far away.

“What year’s candidate are you? Why are you taking so long to compose a poem about plum blossoms?”

“Yeah, with your poetic talent, you’re bound to fail in the capital next year.”

“In my opinion, you might as well go home and farm early, save us the embarrassment.”

Zhao Han looked up to see a ragged-looking youth with his head bowed, surrounded by several scholars.

The youth’s lips moved as if to defend himself, but no sound came out.

“What’s your name? Are you here just to freeload?”

The youth clenched his fists and lifted his head. “My surname is Bai, given name Ye. It’s just a poem about plum blossoms. Give me some time — I’ll write one!”

The other scholars, proud of their own talents, nearly doubled over with laughter at his words.

Bai Ye?!

Zhao Han’s gaze sharpened as he studied the youth. He was not surprised to see Gu Tingye suddenly appear at Lord Zheng’s banquet.

In the story, Gu Tingye had boldly brought the late patriarch Bai’s will to the Bai family to claim the inheritance.

Besides relying on the support of the eldest son of the Yuan family, he also gambled that Sheng Hong and the other officials of Yangzhou would grant him favor.

Hosting justice for the Marquis family’s legitimate heir, they would owe him a debt in the future.

Moreover, with the will in hand, his claim was legitimate. They merely gave him a helping hand.

Otherwise, a mere sixteen or seventeen-year-old youth causing a scene before the funeral would have been driven out by the Bai clan elders long ago. How could he have reclaimed such a vast fortune?

Now, without the Yuan family backing and no acquaintance with Sheng Changbai or Sheng Hong, he naturally had to find other means. Lord Zheng was an excellent target.

If he could gain Lord Zheng’s assistance, the Bai family would dare not act rashly.

Seeing Gu Tingye’s gloomy expression and furrowed brows, Zhao Han stepped forward and said, “Why not let me compose this plum blossom poem for him?”