Kapitel 4: Chapter 5 Sentiments and attitudes
"Qianqian, try this hairpin." Sang Zhi said excitedly as she passed the hairpin in question to Wei Qian. A well-crafted, silver hairpin with a white flower decoration and strings of small but gorgeous pearls cascading down.
They were in Sang Zhi's room which was located closest to the Old Master Sang's living quarters and farthest from the guests' living quarters, surrounded by almost a dozen boxes of jewelry. From lustrous pearls to golden hairpins, Sang Zhi had them all. As her father's only daughter, there was nothing in the world she couldn't have. She was their little princess, Sang Zhi said herself.
Wei Qian smiled as she placed another hairpin into her hair, and indeed the hairpin was beautiful. "Wow Qianqian, every hairpin suits you. This one highlights your perfect skin more, so I'll give it to you."
Wei Qian didn't say anything, only smiling in the mirror in front of her. Sang Zhi, realizing this, asked, "Is something wrong?"
Wei Qian shook her head, "No, I like this one very much. However, I can't take it."
Upset, Sang Zhi forcefully turned Wei Qian to face her, "Why not? If it is about your mother, I can ask my mother to gift it to you. Then no one can refuse."
Wei Qian smiled, "You're too stubborn sometimes. I've been refusing your things for almost an hour now, I'm tired. Trust me when I say, if I want something I'll surely tell you. Can we do something else instead?"
Realizing Wei Qian's words did make sense, Sang Zhi sighed, "Alright, what do you want to do?"
Wei Qian, pretending to think about it, stood with her finger tapping her chin thoughtfully. After a few steps, Wei Qian turned, jumping animatedly, "Let's spy on the boys and see what they are doing."
Sang Zhi's face fell evidently, "But they are having a lesson with Teacher Lu. If Father finds out that we disrupted their class I'm going to get an earful." So would Wei Qian, however she was used to listening in on the boys' lessons and she didn't feel content just staying here.
"Then we'll just take a peek. Besides, it's so boring here with nothing else to do. And you don't own any qin (Chinese zither/stringed musical instrument). How am I supposed to be happy?"
Sang Zhi didn't like hearing this. Unlike her brother who likes songs and poems, Sang Zhi preferred painting and embroidery. Thus, did not own any musical instruments.
"How about this? I can send someone to get one of brother's qins and bring it here. Then you can play for me a song or two?"
It was Wei Qian's turn to frown, "That's great, but what if the servant ruins the qin, then who will take responsibility? I'll be too guilt-stricken to not take responsibility. By then, I won't be able to play any songs for you!"
Sang Zhi, understanding Wei Qian's words, nodded, "Okay, you stay here. I'll go get it." Wei Qian nodded excitedly. With a defeated sigh, Sang Zhi wore her light, night blue cloak and went out.
For a second, Wei Qian realized that the cloak was not designed for a female, but a male. It was large and cocooned Sang Zhi, making her seem small and fragile. Wei Qian did not think much about it and let it be. A few minutes later, Wei Qian also wore her light, white fur cloak, alerting Sang Zhi's maid.
"Young Lady Ling, where are you going?"
Wei Qian smacked her lips and said seriously, "What is taking A'Luo so long to bring us snacks? If Sang Zhi returns before me, tell her I'm looking for A'Luo and to wait for me. Understood?"
The maid nodded, still a bit confused, but Wei Qian didn't dwell on it. So excited she had a spring to her steps, Wei Qian walked towards one of White Fountain Hall's side halls where she had seen her younger brothers enter.
Upon nearing the side hall, she could already hear a confident and authority commanding voice give instructions to the young masters inside. Just like Ding Wei had told her during the day, they were indeed having a political class.
Not wanting to be found out, Wei Qian decided to hide under the side window closest to the bushes. Then she wouldn't be seen. Following her plan, Wei Qian took careful, silent steps when she suddenly saw a figure below her.
Before she could yelp in surprise, a hand immediately reached out to cover her mouth as the figure pushed her and pinned her against the wall.
It was Wang Yan.
Gesturing her to remain quiet, Wang Yan pulled her attention to the fact that the teacher had gone silent upon hearing chaotic moves outside his classroom. Seeing that Teacher Lu was walking towards the window, Wang Yan took Wei Qian's hand and tagged her away to the point of running.
If it were any other noble lady they would be angry and offended at such an act of violation of private space, however Wei Qian was beyond that.
She was pleased.
Wang Yan was a handsome man. Even his figure from behind left Wei Qian blushing, let alone that they were holding hands. Wei Qian could feel her face redden and it made her feel embarrassed.
How could she feel this way over simple, innocent touch?
Wang Yan stopped in front of Sang Zhi's courtyard, his breath a bit haggard. He turned to look at Wei Qian, his eyes clear and searching. Wei Qian spoke first, "Young Master Wang, what are you doing?"
Realizing he was still tightly holding her hand, Wang Yan let go and apologized, "Sorry, Third Miss Ling. I saw that Teacher Lu was getting close to finding us, and knowing his temperament he wouldn't let us off easily. That's why I dragged you away."
The two stayed silent in an awkward moment, as they were both thinking of their situation. Wei Qian, clearing her throat nervously, queried, "Aren't you going to ask me what I was doing there?"
Wang Yan smiled, "You didn't ask me either, so why should I?" He was right, Wei Qian thought.
"Why were you hiding? You are a young man. You are obligated to join the class, aren't you?"
Wang Yan smiled, but before he could answer he noticed small amounts of snow on Wei Qian's left shoulder.
"Forgive my rudeness." He said as he took a step closer to Wei Qian, reached out and gently brushed the snow off her shoulder. Wei Qian froze at the sudden action, her heart beat running faster and faster, rendering her flustered. Then it hit her, a realization.
This behavior, this level of intimacy at the first meeting. Could he be...
He is a playboy!
Maintaining her composure, Wei Qian met Wang Yan's gaze and said, "I didn't take you for such a glib man, Young Master Wang. I'm sorry to disappoint you. Such tricks don't work on me."
Pleasantly surprised, Wang Yan took a step back, "You misunderstand me, Third Miss Ling. I was only concerned for your appearance. If anyone asks why you are so untidy, well let's just say you'll have trouble on your doorstep."
Taking note that Wang Yan had excluded himself, Wei Qian could only snicker, "You still haven't my question, Young Master Wang. Why were you..."
"If I ask you the same question, will you answer me?" Wang Yan interrupted; his arms folded across his chest.
Such a mischievous and evasive young man, Wei Qian thought, I was right. He is not a gentleman.
Wang Yan took notice of the new addition to Wei Qian's attire, the white flower hairpin on her hair. "Sang Zhi gave this to you?" He asked, his fingers playing with the strings.
Unmoved, she answered, "Yes, why? Is it precious?"
Wang Yan shook his head, "Not before you wore it."
Wei Qian rolled her eyes in an attempt to hide her surprise. How could he say such things so confidently? Does he have no shame?
Disgusted she ever thought highly of such a man, Wei Qian said with a scorn, "I really misunderstood you, Young Master Wang."
Wang Yan's face showed his confusion and before he could say his thoughts a young voice sounded in the air.
"Qianqian?" Sang Zhi called out, her eyes looking between the two. I
n her hand was a well-covered zither and A'Luo, Wei Qian's maid servant, stood behind her with a tray of foodstuffs. Wei Qian, pretending to be unaffected, walked over to Sand Zhi and upon reaching her side said, "I was looking for you. Why were you gone for so long? What a nice zither!"
Wang Yan saw through Wei Qian's technic and with a smile, walked over to the young ladies, "Sang Zhi, are you now getting interested in music now that Third Miss Ling is here?"
Sang Zhi's infatuation oozed out of her actions that Wei Qian was made certain that Sang Zhi did harbor feelings for Wang Yan. Her eyes lit up and her smile widened, it was anything but discrete. Whether or not Wang Yan was worthy of them, after her recent interaction with him, she was not sure.
"Wang Yan ge-ge, don't tease me. Qianqian was bored and wanted to play, so I got her this zither from Xiao Yu's collection."
Upon hearing this, Wang Yan nodded, "No wonder it looks so familiar. That's Linzi, one of the zithers personally made by Grand Scholar Master Gao when he was our age. It is very valuable. It is worthy of Third Miss Ling's musical talents."
Grand Scholar Master Gao is First Madam Gao's father and Ling Wei Qian's grandfather. He was famous for his great influence on scholars of the Central Plains.
Sang Zhi's grip instinctively tightened. Never before had she heard him praise any other girl for anything outside their looks and appearance.
Wei Qian noticed Sang Zhi's movements but said nothing, instead she remarked, "Such a legendary zither, I've often heard that your family has heard it. For Sang Zhi to choose it for me, naturally I won't let her faith in my talents down."
Sang Zhi, hearing this, felt guilty for her earlier assumptions. Wei Qian was her new friend; she couldn't distrust her.
Besides, Wang Yan was known to be a notorious playboy all over Suzhou. Even though Wei Qian took a liking to him, she could only join the long line of ladies waiting for Wang Yan's attention. Only she could have Wang Yan whenever she wanted, and she was happy that way.
In reality, Wei Qian's words were a message to Wang Yan that he shouldn't say such things lest they get her in trouble. Wang Yan could only smirk subtly.
"Don't be so polite, Qianqian. Wang Yan ge-ge, since you are here you can join us and listen to Qianqian play. The more the merrier, right?"
Wei Qian was a bit startled with this request. She expected Sang Zhi to dismiss Wang Yan so she wouldn't be near him. Who knew she would ask him to stay and hear her play? Wei Qian could only wonder whether Sang Zhi was so confident in her relationship with Wang Yan she didn't see her as a threat, or if Sang Zhi wanted to show off their close relationship and make her standing clear to Wei Qian. Only time could help Wei Qian figure out her dilemma.
"Alright, if Third Miss Ling is willing, then I'm available to listen." Wei Qian smiled tightly, feigning when in reality she was annoyed by his constant, elusive comments that left a lot to thought.
"Qianqian obviously wouldn't mind. Wang Yan ge-ge, don't make things hard for her."
Wang Yan extended his arm, pointing to Sang Zhi's room, and uttered courteously, "Alright. Young ladies, please."
Sang Zhi smiled widely as she passed the zither to Qianqian and grabbed Wang Yan's arm, pulling him close to her. "Let's go."
Despite this not being his initial intention, Wang Yan appeared undisturbed and went ahead and the two left Wei Qian and A'Luo behind. Shocked but unable to say anything, Wei Qian could only silently follow the two into the room. A'Luo, who had seen almost the entirety of their (Wang Yan and Wei Qian's) interactions, had kept her surprise to herself. Never had she seen her young mistress interact and look so intrigued by a young man.
In Bingzhou, many young masters had professed their love for her yet Wei Qian never sized up any of them like she did Young Master Wang. Maybe this was her young mistress willing to give her heart to a man. A'Luo followed the young masters with a hidden smile on her face.
In Sang Zhi's guest room, tables were laid out and their afternoon meal had been served. Wei Qian offered to play for everyone while they ate, to which no one objected. Wei Qian settled down at the head of the room, the zither named "Linzi" already set on the table before her.
Wei Qian had been pleased with herself lately, and since she had promised to play her signature "Spring Sky, Winter Moon" for everyone later, she opted to play another one of her pieces. After gauging the zither's strings with a few notes, she began playing her music piece which she named "The Sword and the Heart".
When she played, she remembered the scene that inspired this piece. She was thirteen when it happened, when a man with a club threatened her life but a boy with a knife (saber) saved her life.
That day of the year she and A'Luo had gone jewelry shopping and bought something for her mother's birthday. Since A'Luo was significantly older, sixteen at the time, First Madam Gao had no problem allowing Wei Qian to go out as long as A'Luo accompanied her. This was Wei Qian's first time buying her mother a gift and she was excited.
Who would have thought that on her way back she would meet street bandits!
There were about four of them, most likely no older than A'Luo at the time, and Wei Qian was frightened out of her wits.
At that moment, A'Luo had provoked the bandits by not giving them any of the jewelry and although the bandits were armed with clubs they were reluctant to hurt them.
At that moment, a boy seemingly younger than Wei Qian, came wearing a shabby straw-made hat and cut the bandits down. Wei Qian was still scared and A'Luo was suspicious of the young hero so neither of them showed gratitude.
However, after telling her father of this scenario, Provincial Commandant Ling became very interested in the boy's identity.
A few days later Wei Qian found him eating scraps thrown out by a restaurant cleaner and she felt sorry for him and tried to approach him. His initial reaction towards this was holding a knife to Wei Qian's heart, as he threatened to kill her if she came closer.
Out of fear, Wei Qian quickly explained herself and her intention to buy him food for saving her life. The young man agreed and while he ate, A'Luo was sent to inform her father that they had found him.
An hour later, one of her father's Lieutenant Commandants, Lieutenant Shi, came and asked the young lad to come with him. Wei Qian offered to accompany him to ensure that he didn't get offended and kill anyone. However, he refused and said that he wouldn't need a girl to protect him.
That day, he was adopted as Lieutenant Shi's second son and named Shi Xie.
Shi Xie had become her savior but he always regarded her as his savior. He once told her that his life before he met her had had its peaks and valleys, but his peaks were too high and his valleys were too dark and lonely.
Before Lieutenant Shi, Shi Xie had another identity and another adoptive parent. Their time and happiness as a family was too short and too sweet, Shi Xie opted to not live another happy life and just wander as a beggar all his life.
However, after Wei Qian bought him food and his favorite candy, candied fruit, he tasted the sweetness he had long wished to forget and now he couldn't find his will to become a wanderer again. Instead, he wanted to build his life and become what he had always aspired to be.
A great and respected general.
From this words, Wei Qian was inspired to create this music piece. A few weeks after this interaction Shi Xie was sent to join the Ling Army and be General Ling Jing's son Ling Ying's study partner and subordinate.
Wei Qian always held Shi Xie in high regard and didn't want him to leave, however it was not something she could control and instead she chose to play this music piece as a goodbye to him. Despite not being knowledgeable or versed in music, he understood Wei Qian's intentions and promised to return to hear her play it again.
From that time to now, it has been three years since Shi Xie and Wei Qian parted.
Wei Qian came to a finish with her performance; her eyes were dry but her heart was emotional. Wang Yan knew a lot about music and he could sense that this music carried a lot of sentiment to Wei Qian, but Sang Zhi was oblivious and only heard the surface of the music piece. "Brilliant. Qianqian, that was really beautiful. You didn't even mess a note, everything was perfect. Had I not eaten I would have danced to accompany your beautiful music. What's its name?"
Wang Yan observed as Wei Qian answered calmly, "The Sword and The Heart".
By now Wang Yan could tell that Wei Qian was good at hiding her real thoughts and feelings, so the calmer she sounded the more affected she was.
"What a great and poetic name!" Sang Zhi praised with a smile, before turning to Wang Yan to ask, "Wang Yan ge-ge, what do you think?"
Wang Yan shared a gaze with Wei Qian, "The sword and the heart, indeed a poetic name. What inspired Third Miss Ling to create such a moving piece? I am only curious"
"Even I want to know." Xiao Yu, accompanied by the other young masters of Ling mansion, uttered as he strode into the room before Wei Qian had an opportunity to skeptically answer Wang Yan and make him eat his words.
Why she carried such animosity towards him, Wei Qian assumed it was because of his earlier teasing. In reality, it was because he had embarrassed her by not being the young master she had perceived him to be.
Xiao Yu continued, "We had just been dismissed from class and heard you play. Naturally I had to find you and hear more of your musical talent." Realizing it was his zither, Linzi, Xiao Yu shone with pride, "It turns out Linzi found its way to you, what an honor!"
Ding Wu spoke as well, "Third Sister, it's been a long time since you played this piece. Last time you did, you were-"
Wei Qian interrupted her brother from revealing more by saying, "What are you saying Fifth Brother, you are always out with your friends and rarely at home. How do you know I haven't been playing this piece?"
Considering Wei Qian's quick and defensive reaction, Wang Yan was now sure of what he had guessed earlier.
However, he didn't focus on it and instead diverted the attention, "Fifth Master Ling, to think you admonished me yesterday. You would have thought we are birds of a feather. You really are a scoundrel."
Sang Zhi laughed cheekily at Wang Yan's response, making Ling Ding Wu redden in anger and embarrassment. Xiao Yu stepped forward, though, to give his father's and therefore his guests face, "Wang Yan, don't tease our guests."
Wang Yan said no more and backed out, and this interaction make Wei Qian more curious of Wang Yan's identity. The servants treated him like a young master, but he didn't seem to live like one.
Xiao Yu seemed to treat him like a friend in one minute, and like a servant in the next. "Young Master Wang Yan is candid and playful; Fifth Brother won't take it to heart. Young Master Wang is surnamed "Wang", I wonder where he comes from?"
Sang Zhi answered in Wang Yan's stead, "Wang Yan is the third young master of the Wang family of Quling."
Wang family of Quling!
Wei Qian couldn't help but express her surprise. His family was more noble than the Sang family thousandfold!
Not only was the Wang family's eldest son was married to Second Princess Feng Chuan, His Majesty's only surviving daughter, but he was also titled City Lord of Shangzhou. If Wang Yan was indeed his brother, then what was he doing here?
"Don't look so shocked, Third Miss Ling. My father and I are not on good terms so he sent me here to be someone else's problem. I have to trouble Old Master Sang and Xiao Yu to accommodate such an ingrate."
"I told you to stop saying such things, Wang Yan ge-ge. Besides, as long as you are willing to be my matrilocal husband, I'll take responsibility for you."
Xiao Yu was quick to anger and sternly warned, "Sang Zhi, don't speak such uncouth words and act unruly in front of our guests! If your reputation is ruined, how will our father and mother arrange a good marriage for you in the future?"
Wei Qian quickly realized that despite his kindness to Wang Yan, Xiao Yu, and probably Old Master Sang as well, never thought of Wang Yan as family. To quickly admonish his sister over such trivial words said in such intimate company, it was evident Xiao Yu didn't even tolerate the thought of Sang Zhi marrying Wang Yan.
Ding Wei stepped forward to ease the tension, "All is well, Brother Yu. We are friends, we can't possibly sally Sister Sang Zhi's reputation. Unless you think so little of the young masters of the Ling family?"
Before Xiao Yu could refute, Ding Wei turned to Wei Qian, "Little Seven, we came here straight from class and didn't have time for lunch. It's already late so we shall leave you guys be and head on our way."
Wei Qian nodded, "Alright."
As Ding Wei had already spoken and Wei Qian had already agreed, Xiao Yu could not say anything and left with the Ling young masters.
After they left, Sang Zhi quickly went to Wang Yan's side, "Don't listen to my brother. You know how he is sometimes; he probably spoke that way because he was in a foul mood from the lesson. Don't think too much of this, okay?"
Wei Qian was puzzled by Sang Zhi's words. Her intention was to pacify Wang Yan, but instead she helped her brother find reason for his words. She didn't refute or claim that her feelings and thoughts weren't one with her brother's, which seemed like the bigger problem between them. This could only be because her feelings weren't as she expressed them. They were only outward, not infelt affections.
Likely pity and possessiveness.
Wang Yan already knew of all these. Besides, he lived under the same roof with Xiao Yu and Sang Zhi. How could he not know of their feelings, thoughts and attitudes towards him?
Wang Yan smiled, though not enough to hide the sadness swimming in his eyes, and said, not meeting Sang Zhi's eyes, "You think too much. Why should I mind? Besides, your brother has warned you many times not to say such things. You are a woman after all, your reputation is very important. Otherwise, how can I rest easy on matters of your marriage?"
Sang Zhi was about to say something but Wang Yan continued, turning his back to her, "You are turning sixteen this year, and soon marital prospects will be coming to your door. Many young masters will come to propose marriage to your father. You are beautiful and talented, among other great qualities. No doubt your marriage will be over and above the standard."
Sang Zhi stared at Wang Yan's figure as tears stung her eyes but dared not stream down her face. Silence stayed in the room for a while, and in this time a maid entered the room. "Third Young Lady Ling, Concubine Shang has prepared some desserts for you and Second Young Lady Ling. She said that since you are a picky eater, she had them made without too much sugar to suite your taste."
The maid said as she passed the plate of green bean cakes to A'Luo. "I appreciate her intentions, please thank her for me."
The maid nodded and excused herself. "Young mistress, you didn't have lunch, you must eat or you will get unwell."
Wang Yan turned to face Wei Qian, "Then I won't take up any more of your time. I'll take my leave." Wang Yan lingered a bit more than normal, sharing a glance with Wei Qian. However, without sparing Sang Zhi a glance, Wang Yan walked out and left the room.
While leaving, Wang Yan met Qi Ming, Xiao Yu's guard and close confidant. It was clear why Qi Ming would be outside of Sang Zhi's room.
One, to hear of the conversation between Wang Yan and Sang Zhi for Xiao Yu after he left.
Two, to pass the message to Wei Qian that Xiao Yu had gifted Linzi to her.
Wang Yan sensed that had Ding Wu hadn't spoken, Xiao Yu would have done it in order to clarify his stand to the Ling young masters of his feelings to their sister.
Xiao Yu also wanted Wang Yan to realize his identity in the Sang mansion. He wasn't the son of the noble family, but an illegitimate son abandoned by his family and saved by the Sang family. Wang Yan was treated as a young master in order to save the Wang family face, but in reality he was the Sang family's servant.
As Qi Ming and Wang Yan spoke with their eyes, Qi Ming couldn't help but feel sorry for Wang Yan. In Qi Ming's eyes, Wang Yan was a better and more loyal friend than Xiao Yu was, despite his cheeky and shameless antics. It could be because of their positions in the Sang mansion, or maybe because their personalities were so different it made them compatible.
Either way, the two went on with their business and pretended that nothing happened.
Qi Ming entered Sang Zhi's room and nearly knocked her off balance as they collided at the entrance. In a bid to save her from falling, Qi Ming held Sang Zhi's waist close to him, leading them to share an intimate moment.
From what she knew, and what Sang Zhi spoke about, it was somewhat clear that neither carried feelings for the other, however they were too close to each other and the moment seemingly made them redden in embarrassment.
"I apologize, Young Miss." Qi Ming said as he let her go. Sang Zhi said nothing, only clearing her throat as she gained her footing, and went to her inner chamber adjacent to the guest room.
Wei Qian pretended not to see anything and opted to look at the zither in front of her keenly.
Qi Ming went ahead to salute Wei Qian, "Third Young Lady Ling, Young Master Sang sent me to tell you something. He says that since Linzi has found its way back to Grand Scholar Master Gao's family, he won't make it hard for you. He therefore gifts it to you, and hopes that you will not refuse him."
Wei Qian, already expecting this, said with a smile, "Alright, tell him I will take his gift." After all, it was another reason she had agreed to play the qin so easily!
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