Chapter 25: A Chance Encounter in the Bamboo Grove (Part 1)
The next day after returning from school, Ji Cheng seized a private moment to speak with Ji Lan.
"Aunt, I've pondered your words from yesterday. I know you mean well for me, but even the cleverest souls make missteps in the palace. With my limited wit, I'd likely end up wrapped in a burial mat within two years." Ji Cheng paused before continuing, "I only wish for a simple life. I'll forever remember your kindness, and would brave any danger for you if called upon."
Ji Lan frowned inwardly, considering her niece hopelessly naive. Didn't the girl understand this was for the family's benefit? There were no easy paths - even marriage into nobility brought risks. In great households, arranging a daughter-in-law's "accidental" death required minimal effort.
Moreover, what worthy match could a merchant's daughter like Ji Cheng secure outside the palace? Empty promises of gratitude meant nothing. Only by marrying into the imperial family would she become truly useful.
Resolving to write her brother Ji Qing for reinforcement, Ji Lan offered dismissively: "Your thoughts are noted. Your future isn't mine to decide - handle it as you will."
This polite refusal carried clear threat: without imperial ambitions, Ji Cheng could expect no marital assistance from her aunt.
Ji Cheng sighed, recognizing her aunt's unshakable resolve. Her attempt at mutual understanding had failed, leaving only alternative paths to dissuade Ji Lan's schemes.
Reviewing recent events in the Shen household's third branch, Ji Cheng analyzed her aunt's motivations. Blessed with peerless beauty and strong will, Ji Lan had married into the prominent Shen family as a local legend from Jin. Yet among her sisters-in-law, her status dwindled. For years she'd bided time, awaiting her moment to astonish all.
True prominence required her husband Shen Ying attaining ministerial rank - an unlikely prospect, Ji Cheng judged. Thus Ji Lan's hopes now rested on either her sons' success or Ji Cheng becoming Empress Dowager through palace entry.
Another sigh escaped Ji Cheng. Her aunt's vaulting ambition, fueled by the family's wealth, had even extended to bribing palace eunuchs - a recent discovery that troubled her. The Ji fortune, hard-earned through generations, bled into bottomless schemes offering little return.
That afternoon under pretense of painting lessons, Ji Cheng visited the family's Orchid Lane residence. Manager Mei reported progress disengaging from Ji Lan's shops while establishing Western Regions operations.
"As latecomers without powerful backing, we shouldn't compete directly with the Tan or Chen families," Ji Cheng advised. "Start modestly - even a tea stall suffices. Focus on information gathering along trade routes. Understand regional politics to avoid missteps. This is a long game requiring steady footing."
As Manager Mei assented, Liuye whispered: "Miss, Master Hao has arrived."
Ji Cheng nodded dismissal. Adjusting her robes, she proceeded to the rear garden's Zhaoyu Pavilion.
The so-called "Master Hao" bore no true scholarly credentials. This former Jin Province swindler, caught red-handed by Ji Cheng years prior, had traded prison fate for becoming her shadow operative. Now a well-connected fixer in capital's underworld, his scams operated on entirely different scale.
"Third Young Mistress!" Hao Ren bowed theatrically. "Your humble servant lost sleep awaiting this reunion since hearing of your capital arrival!"
His honeyed words drew giggles from maid Yuqian. Ji Cheng smiled wryly - this fox's silver tongue couldn't be trusted, yet his usefulness outweighed his antics.
"Master Hao, I trust you've been well?"
"No itch, no itch!" He grinned. "Three bath buckets yesterday - wouldn't dare bring lice before my lady!"
The maids stifled laughter at this unscholarly jest from the faux scholar. Dressed in Confucian robes with honest features, Hao Ren played his self-styled "wise master" role convincingly.
As the servants withdrew to prepare tea, Hao Ren called after: "It's been years since proper Jin-style plum buns! Might Yuqian grace this lowly one with a basket?"
"Wait then!" Yuqian retorted, chin lifted.
Alone in the waterside pavilion - its partitions removed and connected to shore by zigzag bridge - Ji Cheng stated her purpose plainly. What followed would have shamed her to voice before others, but between two predators, no pretense was needed.
Hao Ren agreed instantly: "I thought you sought some grand scheme! This trifle? Consider it done - I'll make her disgorge every stolen copper!"
Watching Hao Ren depart across the bridge, Ji Cheng resembled an unadorned lotus - deceptively delicate. The scam master shuddered recalling her ruthless cunning. Though men might covet her beauty, those who knew her kept distance. Even his eighth concubine, while fair-faced, lacked that dangerous allure that made Ji Cheng simultaneously captivating and terrifying.
Shaking his head, Hao Ren marveled at her audacity - moving against her own aunt! Yet he understood her code: mutual benefit first, merciless retaliation when crossed. Besides, this job's profitability pleased him greatly.
Later at Shunyang Street's art supply store, Ji Cheng replenished painting materials before visiting a nearby spice shop. Emerging with rare fragrances, she noticed a bookstore's new sign: "Master Ziyu's Painting Manuals - Just Arrived!"
Remembering Madam Yu's praise for this southern artist's lively aquatic motifs, Ji Cheng entered promptly.
"Shopkeeper, one Master Ziyu manual please."
"Apologies, young miss - the last copy went to that gentleman."
Following the gesture, Ji Cheng locked eyes with Qi Zheng - brother of Yunyang Marquis' daughter Qihua. Lifting her veil halfway to reveal jade-like features, she watched recognition dawn on his blushing face.
"Miss Ji." He bowed stiffly.
"Master Qi." Her nod held composed grace.
When conversation faltered, Ji Cheng inquired after Qihua's health, then deftly shifted to painting talk. Learning Qi Zheng had studied under Master Ziyu himself, she adopted a playful martial salute: "So you're the master's disciple! This humble student pays respects!"
Their animated discussion of techniques continued until Qi Zheng nearly offered personal painting guides - stopping just short of propriety. "Should you visit Qihua, she might show you my study materials," he amended awkwardly.
Thanking him, Ji Cheng departed with the purchased manual, aware of lingering gazes from other patrons.
In the carriage home, Yuqian teased: "Wasn't Master Qi exactly like those refined scholars from operas?"
Though prepared, Ji Cheng's cheeks warmed. Liuye immediately scolded: "Shameless girl! Such talk could ruin our lady's reputation!"
Yuqian pouted. "I only meant to amuse!"
"Amuse?" Liuye hissed. "Haven't you seen how Miss endures enough already?"
Ji Cheng's sidelong glance silenced them. While modern trends allowed women more freedom, respectable ladies didn't initiate conversations with unmarried men. Yet she felt no shame - unlike privileged maidens like Shen Yan or Wang Siniang who could rely on family alliances, her path required... proactive navigation.
"Enough," Ji Cheng interceded. "But Yuqian - mind your words henceforth."
(The End of Chapter)
