Marrying The Imperial Elder Chapter 41

Only after climbing into the carriage with the chest and sitting down inside did Zhen Tingyun realize that her heart was still pounding.

She couldn’t help pressing a hand against her burning cheeks. Only after the heat gradually faded did she begin seriously thinking things through.

Those gifts couldn’t possibly have been cheap. Who knows how long Teacher had secretly saved them? Now he’s suddenly given them all to me… Could something have happened to him?

The more she thought about it, the more worried she became. She repeatedly urged the coachman to go faster so they could reach the Western Hills villa as soon as possible and ask her teacher in person.

Since she urged him constantly, they made unusually good time.

When they arrived at the villa, everything outside looked exactly as it always had. Two guards still stood watch at the entrance. They already recognized Zhen Tingyun. Seeing her breathing hard while trying to carry the heavy chest out of the carriage, they hurried over to help. “Miss Zhen, let us handle that.”

Zhen Tingyun didn’t insist on doing it herself. She nodded. “All right. Please carry it inside for me.”

After a pause, she asked, “Is Teacher here?”

The two guards immediately replied, “He is.” Even as they answered, they found it rather surprising. Their prince was always busy with government affairs and rarely visited this villa. The last time Miss Zhen had come, he had happened to be here. Now, once again, she’d arrived while he was present.

What an extraordinary coincidence…

Hearing that Yuanhui was indeed there, Zhen Tingyun quietly breathed a sigh of relief before walking inside.

Fu Changxi had already been informed of her arrival. When he saw her enter, he couldn’t help asking, “Isn’t today your birthday? Why aren’t you celebrating at home? Why have you come here instead?”

Zhen Tingyun glared at him before giving a dissatisfied snort. “Because you sent over an entire chest of treasures! My whole family was frightened out of their wits. How could we possibly celebrate my birthday after that? They practically pushed me out the door to return everything as quickly as possible.”

She paused. Her cheeks grew warm again as she spoke more quietly. “…Besides, I was worried. I was afraid something might have happened to you, Teacher.”

At first, Fu Changxi chuckled at her somewhat exaggerated complaint but when he heard the second half, he paused. Motioning for her to sit beside him, he smiled. “Silly girl. It was only a birthday gift. What could possibly have happened to me?”

Zhen Tingyun huffed. “Isn’t it always said that families about to have their property confiscated secretly send their valuables away beforehand?”

Fu Changxi looked at her for a long moment. “…You certainly have quite an imagination.”

And somehow you always manage to imagine the wrong thing.

Thinking back over all the worry she’d felt on the journey, Zhen Tingyun realized she probably had overreacted. She couldn’t help sighing but then she remembered the chest she’d brought back. Her expression immediately became serious again. Sitting up straighter, she spoke earnestly. “Teacher, you know how I grew up. I was raised in the countryside. Even buying a second-hand qin required careful saving. I rarely even saw gold or silver. The things you sent, I’ve honestly never seen anything like them in my entire life…”

Fu Changxi was normally as cold-hearted and unyielding as stone. Yet hearing her words, even his heart softened. His voice became unexpectedly gentle. “Precisely because of that, I wanted to give you some good things. After all, aren’t young ladies supposed to have a few valuable possessions tucked away for the future?” 

Zhen Tingyun, however, shook her head. “Precisely because of that, I can’t accept them.”

Even without his memories, Fu Changxi was still Fu Changxi.

He had occupied a position of supreme authority for many years. For over a decade he had commanded Beijiang, leading the armies with decisive ruthlessness. His orders were absolute, and very few people dared oppose him. So after Zhen Tingyun rejected his goodwill again and again, he inevitably became somewhat displeased.

His brows drew together, and his expression turned cold.

Yet Zhen Tingyun remained completely unafraid.

She calmly continued explaining her reasoning. “I’ve read in books that, ‘Courtesy requires reciprocity. To receive without giving in return is discourteous; to give without receiving in return is also discourteous.’ I think that’s absolutely true. Relationships between people can only last if both sides give and take. Even back in the village where I grew up, most people had barely read any books, yet they still understood this principle. They knew what reciprocity meant.”

“When one family held a wedding, everyone else would give gifts, and those gifts would be carefully remembered. Later, when the other family celebrated something, the favor would be returned. If someone accepted gifts but never repaid them, the entire village would look down on that person.”

She looked directly at him. “The things you’ve given me are treasures I’ve never even seen before. If I truly accepted them, I’d never be able to repay you.”

She spoke each word deliberately. “Wouldn’t that end up damaging the relationship between Teacher and me?”

Fu Changxi fell silent for a moment. Then he said, “Aside from that painting, everything in the chest means very little to me. I live alone. Those things are of no use to me. They simply sit in the treasury collecting dust. At present, you’re my only student. Naturally I wanted to give you some of them instead of letting them remain locked away forever.”

But Zhen Tingyun still refused. She answered sincerely, “I understand your kindness, Teacher But I truly can’t accept gifts of this value. Perhaps one day, when my own circumstances improve, and I can also look at these things and think, ‘They’re nothing special,’ just as you do… Then I’ll be able to accept them without feeling burdened. And at that time, I’ll also be able to give you gifts of equal value in return.”

Fu Xiuqi thought to himself:

If we’re waiting until you become wealthy enough to think these treasures are ‘nothing special’…we’ll probably be waiting until the end of time.

Still, seeing how earnest she was, even someone as steadfast and unwavering as Fu Changxi found himself persuaded. At last he relented. “If you won’t accept them, then so be it. But keep the painting. I specifically had someone fetch it from my old residence in the north some time ago. It was always intended for you.”

The authentic masterpiece truly was extraordinarily rare. Even among his own possessions, it counted as one of his greatest treasures. It had been kept all this time in the inner treasury of the Su Wang Manor in Beijiang and had not accompanied him back to the capital. Only after seeing Zhen Tingyun during her previous visit had he suddenly remembered the painting. On impulse, he had immediately sent riders north to retrieve it.

They had galloped day and night to deliver it, barely managing to arrive before her birthday.

Hearing that, Zhen Tingyun couldn’t help pouting. “That painting is worth more than the entire chest of jewels! How could I possibly accept it?”

All that persuading had been completely wasted…

Fu Changxi merely replied calmly, “If you won’t take it, shall I have someone tear it up?”

Zhen Tingyun: “…” She stared at him in utter disbelief. She simply couldn’t believe someone like him would say something so shameless.

Fu Changxi changed his tone and comforted her. “Enough. An ancient painting like this is priceless in the hands of someone who appreciates it. In the hands of someone who doesn’t, it’s nothing more than a piece of old paper. I don’t think you appreciate paintings anyway. So just keep it for now. Perhaps someday you’ll repay me with another painting.”

Since he’d already said so much, Zhen Tingyun could only nod. “All right. I’ll keep it for you for now. If you ever want it back, just tell me.”

Fu Changxi inwardly could only laugh helplessly.

The master and student let the matter drop and moved on to other things. Glancing outside, Fu Changxi estimated that she had hurried all the way here. He asked, “Have you eaten?”

“Only a few bites,” Zhen Tingyun answered honestly. “Then your gift arrived. My whole family became too anxious to sit still so I had no choice but to bring everything back.”

Seeing her aggrieved expression, Fu Changxi almost couldn’t resist reaching out to pat her head. But as her teacher, he reminded himself to maintain proper decorum. Instead he said, “Since today is your birthday, and you’ve already come all this way, shall I have someone prepare something for you to eat?”

Zhen Tingyun muttered, “If it weren’t for you, I’d already have finished eating by now.”

Grandmother had only just brought out the longevity noodles! And the fragrant bijing rice porridge in the kitchen had only been halfway cooked! Now everyone else would get to enjoy it instead.

Watching her sulk, Fu Changxi suddenly thought of an idea. “How about this? Have a few pastries first to fill your stomach. Since there aren’t many people on Western Hill today, we can ride into the hills together and hunt some game. We’ll count it as celebrating your birthday and add a few fresh dishes for dinner.”

Zhen Tingyun was obviously tempted. Even so, she said, “But I didn’t bring my horse and I don’t have a bow or arrows.”

“I’ll have everything prepared,” Fu Changxi replied calmly.

All her worries vanished immediately. She practically sprang out of her chair. “Then, let’s go!”

Her eagerness made the corners of Fu Changxi’s lips curve upward. As always, he thought everything through carefully and added, “I’ll have someone bring you a riding outfit. It’s not very convenient to ride while wearing a dress.”

Zhen Tingyun naturally nodded. Then she suddenly paused. “You have riding clothes that fit me?”

As she asked, she looked at him suspiciously, her expression practically saying: Were you planning something?

Fu Changxi almost blurted out, give me a break. You’re just a little girl. Why would I have improper thoughts about you?”

Fortunately, he still remembered to spare his young student some embarrassment. Suppressing the impulse, he merely explained, “…Of course they’re meant for you. Didn’t I tell you before that you could come here whenever you had time to practice riding and archery?”

Only then did Zhen Tingyun smile sheepishly.

Fu Changxi instructed the servants to bring out the riding clothes.

Although this had merely been a casual order and no tailor had ever taken Zhen Tingyun’s measurements, the outfits the servants brought were far more beautiful and elaborate than she had expected.

There wasn’t just one set. There were several, each in a different style and color, all laid out for her to choose from.

Zhen Tingyun looked over the riding outfits before choosing a grayish-blue one. “This one is the plainest. I’ll wear this one.”

The others were decorated with gemstones or inlaid pearls.

Only this one was simple in color, without excessive ornamentation. The frog-button closures were adorned only with pearls the size of lotus seeds, while wisteria vines were embroidered around the cuffs and collar. It looked elegant yet understated. It was also light and comfortable to wear, making her feel much less burdened.

Fu Changxi thought they all looked more or less the same. Seeing that she had made her choice, he simply waited nearby.

After changing into the riding outfit, Zhen Tingyun let down her long black hair and braided it before walking outside to choose a horse together with him.

Perhaps because of her fondness for Malantou, she once again chose a black horse. Unfortunately, although this horse was the same color, it was nowhere near as gentle.

The moment she climbed into the saddle, the horse jolted unexpectedly. She nearly fell off. Fortunately, Fu Changxi had already anticipated this.

One hand caught her shoulder while the other supported her lower back, firmly steadying her in the saddle before saying, “Be careful.”

She wore a riding belt around her waist to support her back. The belt was tied rather tightly, emphasizing how slender her waist was. Since Fu Changxi’s hands were broad, when he held her waist it truly gave the impression that it could be encircled in a single hand.

Even through the belt, Zhen Tingyun could faintly feel the warmth of his hand and the strength with which he held her.

She hurriedly called, “Teacher…”

Fu Changxi also realized the situation. Looking slightly uncomfortable, his fingers tightened briefly before relaxing, and he quickly withdrew his hand. He then selected a white horse of his own, mounted it, and rode out.

The two of them left the villa one after another. Fu Changxi led her toward a nearby forest. “The weather isn’t particularly good today,” he said. “There’s not much sunshine, and the woods are rather damp. You girls shouldn’t stay inside for too long. Just ride around the edge and have some fun.”

It was Zhen Tingyun’s first time participating in anything resembling a hunt. Sitting on horseback, she was eager with anticipation. “What kinds of animals are in the forest?”

Fu Changxi knew she was fearless simply because she lacked experience, so he explained a little more. “Don’t worry. There are no lions, tigers, or bears. Otherwise, the people from Yan Wang’s residence would never allow the Little County Princess to come here so often. If there really were dangerous beasts, even if no one were attacked, a frightened horse throwing its rider would already be troublesome enough.”

Zhen Tingyun looked disappointed. “…Then what is there to hunt?”

Fu Changxi answered, “The mountains are large and so are the forests. There should be wild rabbits and pheasants.”

Half her enthusiasm disappeared instantly. She muttered, “Are there any deer? I’ve heard roasted venison is delicious…”

Fu Changxi glanced at her. “That depends on your luck.”

There was nothing wrong with what he’d said. It was simply that the look in his eyes carried a deeper meaning. After humming to herself for a moment, Zhen Tingyun insisted they split up. “Today’s my birthday. My luck is definitely good. I can’t let you steal it.”

When it came to birthdays, the birthday girl had the final say. Knowing that hidden guards were watching over them, Fu Changxi wasn’t worried about her safety. So he simply let her do as she pleased.

As it turned out, her luck was rather questionable. The two of them entered the forest together before separating. She rode around for quite some time. Along the way she actually spotted several rabbits and pheasants. But wild animals were far more alert than practice targets. Especially the rabbits. Before she could even draw her bow and nock an arrow, they kicked off with their powerful hind legs and disappeared into the undergrowth in the blink of an eye.

After wandering all over the forest… she failed to catch so much as a single feather.

Even the hidden bodyguard following her secretly couldn’t help feeling sympathetic.

Should I secretly cheat a little…? Maybe throw a stone and break a pheasant’s wing or a rabbit’s leg?

Meanwhile, Zhen Tingyun had become thoroughly frustrated. After wandering around in vain, she could only turn back. Just then she happened to run into Fu Changxi, who had come looking for her. The next thing she noticed was the string of game hanging from his saddle. His archery had been honed through years of practice. When hunting rabbits or pheasants, he shot directly through the eye, leaving the fur and feathers undamaged and avoiding unnecessary blood.

Most astonishing of all, there was even a red fox among the animals.

Although its fur wasn’t especially remarkable, Zhen Tingyun hadn’t even caught a glimpse of a fox herself.

She looked at Fu Changxi suspiciously. “Teacher… You didn’t cheat, did you?”

Fu Changxi was speechless. “…What would there even be to cheat about?”

Looking at his student, who still had absolutely nothing to show for her efforts, he almost felt a headache coming on. “I wrote you those notes on horseback archery before. Did you actually read them?”

“I’ve memorized the whole thing!” Zhen Tingyun sounded both aggrieved and irritated. Puffing out her cheeks, she bit her lip. “But when I practice archery, the targets don’t move.”

Wild rabbits and pheasants, on the other hand moved. And they moved very fast.

Fu Changxi sighed. Just as he was about to say something, his voice suddenly dropped. “Don’t speak. Something’s coming.”

Before he’d even finished speaking, he swung smoothly off his own horse. Then, in one fluid motion, he mounted Zhen Tingyun’s horse, settling directly behind her.

Zhen Tingyun’s entire face turned scarlet. Remembering his warning, she dared not raise her voice. Instead she whispered, “Teacher? What are you doing?”

Fu Changxi leaned forward slightly until he was close to her ear. His voice was barely above a whisper. “Don’t talk. Raise your bow. Draw the string. Nock an arrow.”

Zhen Tingyun froze for a moment then she quickly obeyed.

Fu Changxi had corrected her shooting posture many times before. Now every movement she made was smooth, precise, and textbook-perfect. Just as she finished taking aim, rustling sounds came from the grass ahead. Something really was approaching. Judging from the noise, it sounded considerably larger than a rabbit or pheasant. 

Excitement welled up inside her. Holding her breath, she fixed her bright eyes on the bushes ahead.

Sure enough, a moment later, a wild deer stepped out of the dense woods. It crossed through the tall grass and appeared before them.

Even the hand holding her bow trembled slightly. Yet she still found time to turn her head just a little toward Fu Changxi, who sat immediately behind her. Blinking her large, expressive eyes at him, she seemed almost to be speaking without words.

See?

Didn’t I tell you I had good luck today?

I said I wanted a deer… and here came a deer!

Fu Changxi watched her long, curled eyelashes flutter up and down and suddenly had the urge to laugh. Fortunately, he remembered not to startle the deer ahead, so he held it in. Suppressing his smile, he reached out and covered the hand holding her bow. Slowly, he guided her aim, adjusted her angle bit by bit, and finally lowered his voice. “That’s it. Release the arrow.”

Almost instinctively, Zhen Tingyun let go of the bowstring, which had been drawn to its limit. The arrow shot forward like a bolt of lightning. It struck the deer’s right eye directly. The tremendous force knocked the entire animal to the ground. It struggled violently for a few moments before gradually becoming still.

Zhen Tingyun was so delighted that she didn’t know what to say. She tightened her grip on the bow before turning around to look at Fu Changxi. “Tonight we’re eating venison! My treat!”

Seeing the two little dimples appear on her cheeks, Fu Changxi finally laughed aloud. “Very well. I’ll look forward to my student’s filial offering.”

Since their hunt had been exceptionally successful, Zhen Tingyun rode back sitting as straight as a spear, chin held high, looking thoroughly triumphant.

Fu Changxi indulged her completely. Knowing she had wanted roasted venison, he ordered the servants to prepare a barbecue grill. The pheasants, rabbits, and deer were all cleaned, skinned, butchered into pieces, lightly marinated, and made ready for roasting.

In an excellent mood, Zhen Tingyun rolled up her sleeves and eagerly stepped forward.  “Teacher, just sit and rest. I’ll handle something this small. Consider it my filial respect as your student.”

Fu Changxi hadn’t intended to help anyway. Hearing her say that, he simply assumed the posture of a pampered nobleman, sat comfortably nearby, and waited for his student’s tribute.

Since she had never eaten venison before, and since this deer had been her own catch (though admittedly with plenty of Fu Changxi’s help), she roasted two pieces first. Watching the juices drip through the wire rack as the flames hissed beneath, the rich aroma of meat gradually filling the air, she placed both pieces onto a plate and handed it to him. “Teacher, please try it first.”

Seeing how respectful and attentive she was, Fu Changxi felt rather pleased. 

At least she’s filial enough to let her teacher eat first.

Then she immediately added, “I’ve never cooked venison before. I don’t know whether it’s done… Could you taste it for me and tell me how I did?”

Fu Changxi: “…”

So that’s it.

Since this is your first time and you’re not confident enough to eat it yourself… you’ve decided to use me as the test subject?

Looking down at the two pieces of venison on the plate, he suddenly found them a little difficult to eat. After thinking for a moment, he used a small knife to cut the larger piece into several smaller portions. Seeing that the inside was fully cooked, he finally relaxed and sampled a few bites with the knife.

Without blinking, Zhen Tingyun watched him intently. When he merely ate without commenting, she couldn’t help asking, “Is it good?

Did I overcook it? Or is it still undercooked?”

Without saying a word, Fu Changxi simply speared a piece of venison with his knife and held it toward her mouth.

Just as she was about to lean forward and bite it, he lifted the knife slightly higher.

Zhen Tingyun immediately shut her mouth. Grinding her teeth, she glared at him with puffed cheeks. “Teacher only knows how to tease me!”

Fu Changxi looked at the rosy flush spreading across her cheeks. He couldn’t tell whether it came from anger, embarrassment, or simply the warmth of the fire.

Her skin was astonishingly fair. Her face was soft and white, almost like fresh milk. Now, with that faint blush staining her cheeks, she resembled plum blossoms blooming against white snow. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

For some reason, Fu Changxi suddenly felt his throat grow dry. He picked up another piece of meat with the knife and once again offered it to her.

This time, however, Zhen Tingyun refused to be fooled. She simply turned her head away with an expression that clearly declared: I will not eat food offered in insult.

She looked remarkably steadfast.

Left with no choice, Fu Changxi coaxed her gently. “All right. If you don’t eat it soon, it’ll get cold.”

His tone remained calm but Zhen Tingyun took it as an apology. Only then did she graciously open her mouth and bite the meat from the knife.

The venison’s exterior had been roasted to a dark brown. Against it, her small teeth were white as pearls.

As she bit down gently, the contrast of black and white was striking. Between her softly moving red lips, the tip of her tongue appeared and disappeared.

Fu Changxi stared fixedly at the knife in his hand. For some inexplicable reason, his throat became even drier. It felt as though flames were slowly licking at it.

This time he didn’t suppress the feeling. He directly ordered the servants to bring wine before saying to Zhen Tingyun, “Eating meat without wine is rather dull. I’ll have them bring you some fruit wine. The kind that won’t make you drunk.”

After swallowing the bite of venison already in her mouth, Zhen Tingyun nodded repeatedly. “Mhm.”

Thus, teacher and student each had a small jug of wine. Eating meat, drinking together, the two enjoyed themselves immensely.

By the time Zhen Tingyun carried the painting back from the Western Hill Villa, she felt pleasantly light-headed. She forced herself to stay awake long enough to return home and deal with the family then she collapsed onto her bed and immediately fell into a deep sleep.

So passed Zhen Tingyun’s birthday. Time flowed by like water. Before long, June arrived.

On the first day of June, the entrances of both the Imperial Women’s Academy and Yuhua Women’s Academy in the capital were crowded with people. All of them had come to register for the entrance examination. Anyone who paid the registration fee could sign up and receive an admission token.

On the day of the examination, candidates entered using that token. 

Each academy issued only a limited number every year, and demand always far exceeded supply.

Besides paying the fee to obtain a token, female instructors at the academies could also recommend their own students for the examination.

For example, when Zhen Yiyun had taken the entrance exam the previous year, she had been personally recommended by Teacher He of Yuhua Women’s Academy.

Of course, recommendations were free, but they came with strict limits.

Each instructor received only one recommendation slot.

Students admitted this way were assigned to the same examination hall, where supervision and examination rules were even stricter than usual.

Because of that, people generally believed that students who entered through recommendations were genuinely more capable.

Madam Pei had prepared for this long ago.

She had already sent someone to register Zhen Tingyun at Yuhua Women’s Academy and had obtained an admission token. Handing it to her daughter, she said gently, “Yuhua Women’s Academy is closer to home. And since your elder sister studies there, it’ll be much more convenient for you sisters to attend together.”

As she spoke, Madam Pei added, “Besides, your Third Cousin is taking the entrance examination for Yuhua Womens’ Academy this year as well. I’ve already spoken with your aunt. When the time comes, you and your Third Cousin can go together and look after each other.”

Zhen Tingyun had originally wanted to apply to Capital Womens’ Academy. She wasn’t particularly eager to attend the same school as Zhen Yiyun, and she also knew Madam Chu from Capital Womens’ Academy. But Madam Pei had acted efficiently, already completing the registration and obtaining the admission permit. Besides Zhen Yiyun’s presence, there was really nothing wrong with Yuhua Womens’ Academy, so Zhen Tingyun did not object.

After all, ever since her birthday, her relationship with her parents had improved considerably. Her father had even begun taking time to review her schoolwork…

There was no need to reject Madam Pei’s kindness over something like this and sour the family relationship again. Her expectations of her parents were no longer high. As long as everyone could live peacefully without causing unnecessary trouble, she was satisfied.

No one could have imagined, however, that something as simple as an entrance examination permit would end up causing so much trouble.