Chapter 60: 060. Siblings, Cousins (An Update)
Translator: 549690339
The maid closed the curtain, “Old Madam, Second Young Master has arrived.”
Nian Jincheng entered the room, only to see that his grandmother Qiao’s face was full of smiles while playing with a colorful parrot next to his older brother, Nian Jinxing, the eldest son of the Nian Family.
Grandmother’s love and grandson’s filial piety painted a harmonious picture.
Nian Jincheng respectfully greeted his grandmother and older brother, but it seemed that no one heard him.
As sunshine poured in through the carved window frames, premium silver-thread coal burned brightly and warmly in the room. Only Nian Jincheng stood half in the shadows as if he were unnecessary.
After the nanny whispered a few words into Qiao’s ear, she spared a mere three-tenths of her attention from her beloved eldest grandson and parrot for Nian Jincheng.
With just a three-tenths share of her attention, her gaze towards Nian Jincheng was slanted, looking completely unconcerned. She opened her mouth lazily, “Aren’t you usually busy? How did you find spare time to visit this old woman?”
The nanny pursed her lips. Among the grandchildren, Nian Jincheng was the busiest, but no matter how busy he was, as long as he was in the capital city, he would visit daily. However, eight out of ten times, Qiao wouldn’t let him in.
In the eyes of outsiders, Nian Jincheng was a man close to the emperor, the pride of the Nian Family, with a promising future. But since childhood, he had never been liked by his elders, no matter how hard he worked or how outstanding he was. Even the servants at home could see this.
“Grandmother, the emperor has given me an order, and I will leave for Bei’an County today to guard the mine.” Nian Jincheng repeated what he had said earlier.
Qiao laughed at the news, “Good! Off you go, and don’t worry about the matters at home.”
“Take care, grandmother, I am leaving.” As soon as Nian Jincheng turned to leave, he looked back before the curtain fell, only to see his big brother, who had never liked him, and Qiao whispering warmly to each other.
As Nian Jincheng reached the entrance of his father Nian Jitang’s courtyard, a guard stopped him.
“Second Young Master, the master is busy. He ordered not to see anyone.” The guard said sternly.
But Nian Jincheng already saw Nian Jitang.
With the window open, Nian Jitang had his clothes half open, a seductive concubine with mischievous eyes in his arms. They shared a moment of carefree laughter.
Nian Jitang looked up, seemingly glancing at Nian Jincheng, but then dismissed him, whispering something to the concubine, who laughed, her body trembling with glee.
Nian Jincheng retracted his gaze and expressionlessly said, “After father finishes his business, please tell him that I have received an imperial order to leave the city to guard the mine in Bei’an County. I may not be back for some time.”
The guard hesitated for a moment, “Such a significant matter, shouldn’t your subordinate report it to the master right now? Perhaps the master…” Nian Jincheng turned away, “There’s no need. It’s nothing important.” His affairs had never been of much importance to his father.
Last year, Nian Jincheng became the Martial Arts Champion. While outsiders praised him, he heard his father say to a colleague that he wished his eldest son, Nian Jinxing, had become the champion instead. And he would have offered incense at the ancestral hall to celebrate.
Qiao and Nian Jitang had even suggested that Nian Jincheng resign from his military position so Nian Jinxing could replace him.
They called it respecting seniority and observing proper family hierarchy.
Simply because he was born under an ominous sign during a thunderstorm. Perhaps there were other reasons, but no one had ever told Nian Jincheng.
He returned to his residence, opened and then closed his packed luggage, poured himself a glass of wine from the old jug, and with the rockery in the courtyard as a view, drank it all, one sip at a time.
His attendant, Nian Ye, ran in, “Young Master, Crown Prince Bei Jingwang and
Miss Qin have arrived!”
Nian Jincheng was surprised to see Qin Yujun pushing Xing Yusheng’s wheelchair through the door.
Early in the morning, a shocking piece of news spread throughout the capital city.
Three years ago, General Gai Yun, who had voluntarily gone to Bei’an County to guard the iron mine, and his young, handicapped son, Gai Huai’an, were accused of secretly kidnapping and killing several young girls in Bei’an County!
At the emperor’s command, Fourth Prince Duanmu Chen had gone to Bei’an County to investigate the case. With conclusive evidence, he exposed the truth and arrested the monstrous father and son!
Moreover, three years ago, Mei, the fifth daughter of the Vice Minister of Rites, who had a marriage contract with Gai Huai’an, had mysteriously disappeared after their engagement was broken off. Her bones were discovered in the garden of Gai Yun and Gai Huai’an’s residence in Bei’an County!
Mei, the Vice Minister of Rites, had gone to the palace early in the morning, and left with red eyes.
Meanwhile, the entire Gai Family in the capital city was imprisoned.
When the shocking and disgusting acts of father and son Gai Yun and Gai
Huai’an were exposed, the common people were both appalled and disgusted.
The once victorious and glorious general turned out to be so sinister and shameless behind the scenes, causing countless harm and sending chills down people’s spines.
Meanwhile, the news that Emperor had appointed Nian Jincheng to replace Gai Yun’s position did not receive much attention.
Nevertheless, some people still noticed it, such as Xing Yusheng.
This was Xing Yusheng’s first visit to another family in the capital city, but it wasn’t his first time meeting Nian Jincheng.
Last month, at the Qin Mansion poetry gathering, Nian Jincheng had sought out Xing Yusheng. The two played a game of chess and exchanged some words that outsiders didn’t know, and it wasn’t a pleasant conversation.
Qin Yujin, dressed beautifully, came out to meet Nian Jincheng, explaining with a smile, “I apologize for the abrupt visit. My cousin learned that General Nian is going to Bei’an County and would like to ask for a favor.”
“What can Nian do for His Highness, the Crown Prince of Xing?” Nian Jincheng’s expression was indifferent.
Xing Yusheng looked pale, with a cloth bag on his knees and his hands on top of it, “There is a Qiuming Manor in Bei’an County, which belongs to my family. Before coming to the capital city, I stayed there with my grandmother for a while. I made a friend in Bei’an County, and knowing that General Nian is going there, I would like to ask you to help me deliver some books to her.”
Qin Yujin chuckled lightly, “My cousin has never mentioned such a friend before. I’m curious about who this person is, that you think so much of and even asked my grandfather for his treasured books as a gift.”
“Alright,” Nian Jincheng took the books handed over by Xing Yusheng, “Where does Crown Prince Xing’s friend live and what’s her name?”
“She lives in Su Family Village of Feiyan Town, Bei’an County,” Xing Yusheng said.
The fingers of Nian Jincheng’s hand that held the books suddenly tightened. But the name Xing Yusheng said next was different from what Nian Jincheng had expected…
“Su Liang?” Qin Yujin asked curiously, “My cousin’s friend has a unique name.” “It’s a woman. General Nian, don’t get it wrong,” Xing Yusheng said.
Qin Yujin was surprised, “A woman? Is this your close female confidante, cousin?”
Xing Yusheng turned his head slightly and frowned, “Just a friend, don’t talk nonsense, cousin.”
“Oh,” Qin Yujin was very good-tempered with Xing Yusheng, and she smiled upon hearing his words, “I misunderstood.”
“General Nian?” Xing Yusheng noticed that Nian Jincheng seemed lost in thought, “I heard that you have been to Su Family Village?”
Nian Jincheng nodded, “I passed by there when I was on an errand.”
Xing Yusheng knew that Nian Jincheng’s visit to Su Family Village was part of
his mission to investigate Gu Ling’s whereabouts.
But it had nothing to do with the current matter.
Qi Yan, who had gone to deliver the medical books to Su Liang, had not yet returned to the capital. When Xing Yusheng heard that Nian Jincheng was going there, he got some medical and poison books from Old Master Qin to send to Su Liang, and asked Nian Jincheng to take them along the way.
“Is there any message to convey to Miss Su Liang?” When Nian Jincheng mentioned this name, he remembered a girl wearing a wedding dress, thin, timid, and heavily made-up.
Indeed, Nian Jincheng had been to Su Family Village and had met Su Liang, even talked to her.
At this moment, Nian Jincheng couldn’t understand how that girl could be Xing Yusheng’s friend. Even though he knew Su Liang grew up in the capital city, the impression left from that encounter was not a good one.
However, since Nian Jincheng and Xing Yusheng were not friends, it wasn’t appropriate for him to ask further questions despite his doubts.
Xing Yusheng shook his head, “It would be great if General Nian could help me deliver the books. There’s nothing else.”
Qin Yujin took off an exquisite embroidered sachet from her waist, “Cousin, I really want to get to know Miss Su Liang. Can I give her this? I made it myself.”
Xing Yusheng glanced at it, “Up to you.”
Qin Yujin wrapped the sachet in a handkerchief and handed it to Nian Jincheng.
Nian Jincheng took it and put it in the cloth bag given by Xing Yusheng, “I will definitely deliver it.”
“Thank you, General Nian,” Qin Yujin’s face flushed slightly.
“I’ll take my leave.” As Xing Yusheng finished speaking, Qin Yujin pushed him out and left.
Nian Jincheng returned to his room, opened the cloth bag, and flipped through the three ancient books inside—two medical dictionaries and one book on poisons.
With a mysterious look, Nian Jincheng placed the cloth bag in his luggage and set off with his entourage.
He was going to guard the mine in Bei’an County, and the troops were already there. He and his servant traveled lightly, with no extra baggage.
He didn’t know when he would be able to return. Nian Jincheng mounted his horse and rode out, looking back and seeing that no one from the Nian Family had come to see him off.
“Young Master, let’s go. We still have a long journey ahead, and the Fourth Prince might get impatient if we’re late.” Nian Ye sighed.
Just as Nian Jincheng raised his whip, he heard Nian Ruxue’s voice. “Wait, Second Brother!”
Nian Jincheng turned his horse around and saw Nian Ruxue running out, holding up her skirt.
“Take care on the road, Second Brother.” “Hmm.” “Be careful of the Fourth Prince’s plots.”
“I will.”
“Return to the capital as soon as possible.”
“I shall follow the emperor’s decree.”
“I made these desserts for you to eat on the road.”
“Thank you. Little sister, practice your martial arts diligently. I’ll test you when
I return. ”
“I will!”
Nian Jincheng took the desserts Nian Ruxue had given him, mounted his horse again, waved to her, and said, “Go back! Don’t worry about me!”
Nian Ruxue smiled sweetly, “Take care, Second Brother!”
At the Qiao Family residence, Nian Jinxing was still there.
“Did little brother leave?” Nian Jinxing asked languidly.
“He left.” Nian Ruxue sat beside Qiao’s wife, massaging her leg quite naturally.
“Finally, I don’t have to see that annoying face every day!” Nian Jinxing snorted.
Nian Ruxue frowned, “Big brother, we should at least keep up appearances. If you treat him well, he’ll return your kindness tenfold.”
Nian Jinxing sneered, “Is that why you’re always trying to get close to him?”
Nian Ruxue didn’t argue, “It would be beneficial for both of us if Second
Brother becomes accomplished.”
“It would be beneficial for you. As the eldest son of the Nian Family, I have been outshined by a concubine-born half-brother, and I’ve lost all face!” Nian Jinxing’s expression darkened.
“Big brother, sharing in each other’s glory and losses…” Nian Ruxue sighed.
Nian Jinxing toyed with the agate beads in his hand and said sarcastically, “All he won was a martial arts championship. He’s never even been to battle. Since when did the Nian Family’s glory depend on him? We don’t even know if he’s really part of the Nian Family!”
Qiao’s wife frowned, “Jinxing, don’t talk nonsense!”
Nian Jinxing realized his earlier words were mocking his father, and he pretended to slap his own face, “I’m sorry, grandmother, don’t get angry. It would be my fault if your health worsened. Ruxue, move aside, I’ll massage grandmother’s legs.”
Qiao’s wife poked Nian Jinxing’s forehead and laughed, “You’re quite the jester for someone your age. Your aunt sent word from the palace, asking you to be careful about your behavior outside so she can speak highly of you to the emperor and find you a suitable position in the army.”
Nian Jinxing immediately stood up and bowed respectfully, “Understood!”
His behavior made Qiao’s wife laugh so much that she leaned on Nian Ruxue for support.
After leaving the Nian Family, Xing Yusheng and Qin Yujin took a carriage back to Qin Mansion.
Qin Yujin laughed, “I wonder if Miss Su likes the sachet I sent.”
Xing Yusheng said indifferently, “My cousin’s interest lies elsewhere. She’s not trying to make friends with me, but wants Nian Jincheng to keep your gift close to him.”
Qin Yujin’s face turned red, “Cousin, don’t talk nonsense!”
“So you went to the Nian Family with me today because you didn’t think Ajun was reliable?”
“You and Miss Su seem to have quite a special relationship, don’t you? “You’re overthinking it. She’s already married.”
“You would send a book to a married woman? What’s your real intention, cousin?”
“Books are meant to be read, and they’re perfect gifts for friends. It’s not like sachets that need to be carried around.” “I’ve already said it’s a gift for Miss Su!”
“Oh, so it’s for Miss Su.”
“What a coincidence.”
“Such a coincidence indeed.”
Hearing the laughter from inside the carriage, Qi Jun, who was outside, sighed and gazed at the sky.
Although they rarely met before, Xing Yusheng and Qin Yujin had a good relationship. Their first “quarrel” today seemed quite strange.
“How did you get to know Miss Su?” Qin Yujin curiously asked.
Xing Yusheng thought for a moment and said. “Her family has a near tree and
the pears are delicious.”
Qin Yujin paused, “And then?”
Xing Yusheng abruptly changed the subject, “Do you think Nian Jincheng will stay in Bei’an County for long?”
After giving it some thought, Qin Yujin said, “Probably not.”
“That’s not certain.” Xing Yusheng said.
Realizing she’d been diverted, Qin Yujin asked, “Cousin, you still haven’t told me how you and Miss Su met! ”
Xing Yusheng sighed, “She’s a doctor. When I was seriously ill, she saved my life. So she’s not only my friend but also my lifesaver.”
Qin Yujin’s expression turned serious, “So that’s the reason. No wonder my cousin sent her medical books. You should have told me earlier, so I could have prepared more appropriate gifts for her.”
Qi Jun said from outside, “Miss Suls cooking is delicious. I’ve had steamed buns she made herself.”
Xing Yusheng snorted, “Ajun, your wages for this month are gone.”
Qi Jun, rubbing his forehead, said, “Master, Miss Su gave me those steamed buns.”
“Next month’s wages are gone too,” Xing Yusheng declared.
Qin Yujin, trying to hold back her laughter, said, “Ajun is so pitiful. Even he has tasted Miss Su’s steamed buns, but my cousin and I haven’t. What a pity. What’s more important: steamed buns or wages? What do you think, Ajun?”
Qui Jun replied weakly, “Miss Qin, please don’t tease me anymore. Wages are essential. I haven’t married yet!”
“My cousin hasn’t found a wife yet either, so what’s the rush for you?” Qin Yujin teased Xing Yusheng with a grin.
Xing Yusheng snorted, “Exactly, who would want to marry a sickly person like me? However, considering General Nian Jincheng’s talents, he’ll have no difficulty finding a wife with so many admirers.”
Thinking about the verbal sparring between Xing Yusheng and Qin Yujin, Qui Jun couldn’t help but summarize their conversation: “Come on, let’s hurt each other”…
However, Qi Jun thought Qin Yujin was great for making Xing Yusheng more cheerful..
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