The Hong family was far too prosperous. They were clever, well-versed in dealing with many government offices. Official evaluations were done every three years; barring surprises, one could assume a three-year cycle. Wasn’t that enough time for them to cultivate deep connections with certain officials?
A wealthy region was never short of corrupt officials. Investigating them through merchants they dealt with was the basic starting point. Such a fat piece of opportunity—failing to take a bite would be a waste. Once an inquiry began, even if the Hong family survived, they would be thoroughly stripped.
And with such an opportunity, wouldn’t other merchant houses jump at the chance? With imperial inspectors arriving, no merchant would dare lie. Any truth that could be reported would be something that could strike a serious blow to the Hong family.
With these forces aiding, no matter how tough the Hong family was, their vitality would be heavily drained.
The saying goes, “Be vigilant in times of peace.” Reaching such a level in business, it was only proper to consider external threats.
Wu Pingzhi said, “You can’t deny that when they struggle with you, they will surely seek favor with adults they know.”
Through the screen, Hong Chu raised his cup of tea to Wu Pingzhi. “Thank you for your guidance, Young Master Wu. I understand the outcome.”
He had no real chance of winning, but he wanted to try again. If time was short, he would stir the chessboard within his own family and act decisively. He wanted to remain in the Hong family for the long term and lead them past the next hurdle.
For a first-time meeting, Wu Pingzhi’s discussion of “internal troubles” was already sufficient. Speaking of “external threats” as well would carry risk; any slip could implicate local officials in the capital region. That would bring no benefit.
Hong Chu poured more tea, offering it to Lu Yang and Wu Pingzhi. The three drank together.
Once they left the room, he would not mention a word outside.
Wu Pingzhi drank several cups, then drew up the screen. People had their own ambitions, and he had done all he could.
He had heard of Hong Chu’s name before—renowned for skill, astute in handling affairs despite his youth, not someone to be trifled with. He had expected Hong Chu to be fiery in temperament. Unexpectedly, he was like frost over snow: proud, composed.
Few in business were so detached, yet Hong Chu showed an outward, engaging demeanor—not overly warm, but just the right balance.
With the discussion concluded, Wu Pingzhi felt it was time to take his leave.
Hong Chu, however, insisted he stay for the meal. “We don’t know when we’ll meet again. Today, we’ll use Brother Yang’s place to gather, just as friends.”
Wu Pingzhi, citing other matters, stepped out briefly, returning to the circle of scholars. Once Lu Yang had arranged the meal, he came back.
In the same study, topics shifted quickly like wind, this time turning to everyday conversation.
All three were socially adept; the atmosphere couldn’t cool down, and anything could be discussed—business, mutual compliments.
Hong Chu praised the Wu family’s skill in hiding wealth, which impressed him greatly.
Wu Pingzhi was modest, explaining that the Wu family was small, making it easier to conceal assets. A family as large and wealthy as the Hong family couldn’t hide as easily.
Lu Yang listened, noticing how deft conversationalists resembled each other—modest yet still praising others. Compared to them, his “top scholar husband” was genuinely entertaining.
It was the opening day of the study; after mutual compliments, they even praised Lu Yang.
Once the meal finished, Hong Chu had to leave.
He rose to take his leave, with Lu Yang and Wu Pingzhi seeing him to the outside of the study.
Today, he wore deep blue robes, fitted and refined, donning a cloak outside that made him stand out along the street.
Wu Pingzhi thought he resembled a blue flame—the small, intense glow around the heart of a candle.
Lu Yang, standing with him, hesitated slightly but finally spoke:
“Brother Chu swore at the ancestral hall, never to marry in his lifetime.”
Wu Pingzhi drew back his gaze.
A fleeting encounter was not enough to decide a lifetime.
He said, “Over the years, I’ve suffered many losses, practicing what my father taught me. He said that a person, whether in business, office work, or ordinary life, must restrain desire. Don’t be greedy, don’t force things. I’ve always found that difficult to endure. Friendship is for networks; studying is for the imperial exams; rising above is to avoid being bullied. Life is a high mountain, and I’ve always been on the path.
“When Xie Yan taught me composition, he saw that if I couldn’t change, I should learn to pretend. Later, I tempered my temperament. My father also spoke to me regarding marriage choices. In life, one must endure grievances, accept some injustice. He wanted me to face pressure outside, but come home to a safe nest, to reduce my selfishness.
“Before the upcoming imperial exams, Xie Yan even protected me once. I’ve also let go of obsession with friendship.”
He spoke at length, then turned to Lu Yang.
“I know what I want. I’m not suitable for him. It’s a pity, and I admire the Hong family. In a place like that, creating an independent path and leaving a fallback is the wisest choice.”
Many can weigh gains and losses; few knowingly act against impossibility.
This brief meeting would mark an unforgettable day for him.
On the twenty-sixth day of the winter month, Shun went for a viewing, arranged near San Shui Alley at the old Yu Teahouse.
His mood was calm. Repeated disappointments and fatigue from previous viewings made him careless about his appearance.
Especially since he knew Hai Youtian well—recent frequent meetings made changing into new clothes, wearing some jewelry, or applying a bit of powder seem forced. Hai Youtian might think he already had intentions!
This year, having just arrived in the capital, his family was busy. When the season came, Lu Liu bought several cotton garments for everyone, adding new clothes. Shun had worn them twice at home, but since he also needed to work at the shop, he feared soiling them and hadn’t worn them again.
Upon stepping out, Lu Liu saw him and pushed him back to change.
“Why come out like this?”
Shun explained his reasoning. Lu Liu laughed, scolding, “Still acting like a child. Since you’ve met and know each other, you must wear new clothes for a viewing. Otherwise, he’ll see you as usual. How is that a proper viewing?”
Shun emphasized again, “What if he thinks I have intentions?”
Lu Liu brought him the clothes and helped adjust them. Seeing Shun hesitate, she laid the jacket on the kang, undid the buttons, and dressed him, instructing:
“What’s there to fear? Even if you have thoughts, how would he know? You’re here for a viewing. Thoughts may come first, or later; it doesn’t matter. See those previously viewed—many thought it was settled, could marry you—so what? You wouldn’t glance twice. If later life together is possible, let him think it; don’t mind it. If he uses that to bully or command you, then you can be angry later.”
Shun turned, stretched, put on the cotton jacket. “By then, it’ll be too late to get angry!”
Lu Liu said, “Not too late. He can’t even beat Er Huang; what’s there to fear?”
Her words made him laugh. He looked down at the outfit, feeling proud.
Used to showing off in the mountain village, Shun now walked around in new clothes, wary of others missing them. Considering whether to add jewelry, Lu Liu helped adjust his hair with silver pins and two bracelets. That was enough.
His family suggested waiting until his return; he didn’t linger.
Step by step, glancing back thrice, he left the alley, heading straight to the old Yu Teahouse.
Behind him, Lu Liu and Li Feng followed at a distance, staying nearby to wait until the viewing concluded before returning home together.
Inside the teahouse, Hai Youtian had arrived especially early.
Having heard from Chen Guizhi about the possible marriage into the family, he had prepared carefully for the viewing.
He consulted the steward regarding Shun’s value. The redemption silver was slightly lacking, but he had already identified a shop to fulfill a prior commission. Seeing that Lu Yang and Li Feng either rented or bought the shop, the expected return would suffice.
