Encountering a Snake - Chapter 22

Happiness is always fleeting. After Yi Mo left, Shen Qingxuan was so exhausted that he couldn’t keep his eyes open and fell asleep hugging the blanket. He slept until the sun was high in the sky, and when he woke up, his whole body ached, especially his lower back, which was sore and unbearable in a way that was hard to describe. The bed was a mess, with white stains visible everywhere, not to mention on his body, where the dried traces could be rubbed off with his hands. Shen Qingxuan sighed helplessly, rang the bell to have someone bring a bath barrel to the bedside, and after filling it with hot water, dismissed all the maids, climbing in by himself.

 

After the bath, he threw all the bed linens and pillows into the wooden barrel. Let them soak; otherwise, if the maids asked out of curiosity, he wouldn’t know how to explain.

 

After tidying himself up, Shen Qingxuan endured the soreness in his waist and went on to handle other matters.

 

He was listless the entire day, fortunately with no one around to suspect anything, otherwise, it would have been obvious he was overindulgent. Shen Qingxuan rested for another two days before going to see Xiao Tao.

 

Xiao Tao had already packed her belongings, waiting only for him to arrive so they could leave. She had been sick recently, and though she had recovered, she appeared thinner than before. Shen Qingxuan had a carriage prepared with comfortable arrangements before taking Xiao Tao to bid farewell to her parents and setting off together.

 

The journey wasn’t long but still took half a day. Since she had once served him, Shen Qingxuan naturally had to personally ensure she was settled before he could be at ease; once he started something, he did it thoroughly, whether it was a good deed or a bad one.

 

The carriage bumped along the road until it finally stopped by the pier, where the boatman who had been waiting came forward. The servants helped the young master and Xiao Tao onto the boat, leaving only two of Shen Qingxuan’s close servants to accompany them; the rest were sent away.

 

On the river, the cold wind was biting. Xiao Tao and Shen Qingxuan sat in the small cabin, the two servants had gone to the lower deck, leaving just the two of them facing each other.

 

Xiao Tao poured tea, handed a cup to Shen Qingxuan, and raised her own cup, bidding farewell with tea instead of wine: “Young Master, take good care of yourself from now on.”

 

Shen Qingxuan nodded, and they drank the tea in silence.

 

They sat quietly like that for a long time until the boat jolted as it bumped against something on the water, and a loud shout came from outside the window: “We’re docking! Boys, lay the plank!”

 

The two servants knocked on the door, and Xiao Tao stood up, helping Shen Qingxuan out of the cabin.

 

The wind was strong, and Shen Qingxuan wrapped his cloak tightly around himself, yet the wind still made him cough. Xiao Tao wore a plain blue cloak with the hood tied tightly, holding a hand warmer close as she shrank into herself.

 

After walking a bit further, a small, delicate estate came into view. But it was winter, and the vegetation had withered, giving the place a somewhat desolate feel. Xiao Tao looked around and leaned close to Shen Qingxuan’s ear, whispering, “Young Master, this place is beautiful in spring.” Shen Qingxuan smiled but said nothing.

 

A servant hurried ahead to greet them, and soon the servants who had been waiting in the courtyard came out to welcome them.

 

Shen Qingxuan entered the estate, had the residence checked, and called all the servants out for a detailed inquiry. Once satisfied with their reliability, he had the servants give thorough instructions before he and Xiao Tao entered the room.

 

The stove in the side room was burning warmly. Xiao Tao removed her cloak and put it away. Shen Qingxuan sat in a chair and said, “Now that you’re here, you’re the master. From now on, you must manage the people in the estate well. Don’t get too close to them, but don’t be too distant either. If you’re too close, they’ll become unruly; if you’re too distant, they’ll become resentful. The servants are all honest, so don’t be too harsh on them. Also, don’t be too indulgent.”

 

Xiao Tao nodded.

 

Shen Qingxuan continued, “Everything seems in order, except you’re missing two maids. You should pick your own close attendants. Go to the village tomorrow and hire some people. Looks aren’t important, as long as they’re clean. Don’t pick anyone too clever; clever people are more likely to cause trouble. Since you’re alone here, don’t let the maids take advantage of you.”

 

Xiao Tao smiled faintly, “Young Master, I was born a maid too. I know what to do.”

 

Shen Qingxuan smiled as well. After a moment, he said, “Just live well from now on.”

 

Xiao Tao wrinkled her nose, momentarily showing the demeanor of the maid she once was, “Young Master says to live well, but are you suggesting I should marry someone else? If I must marry, is there anyone with the same character as Young Master?”

 

Shen Qingxuan replied, “You’ve become quite bold since leaving the manor. Is that something you should be saying?”

 

Xiao Tao stuck out her tongue, “I was born a maid, and though I rose to be a mistress, I didn’t do well. I even caused Young Master’s child to…” She suddenly stopped, noticing the change in Shen Qingxuan’s expression, and quickly changed the subject, “Young Master has been so kind to me, otherwise I wouldn’t have survived to this day. Now I have my own land and can be my own master.” She knelt down, kowtowing, “I can’t stay by Young Master’s side, which shows my lack of fortune. Today, I kowtow to you, and I hope Young Master won’t forget this servant. Even if I marry someone else in the future, I’ll always remember Young Master.” She referred to herself as a servant again, reverting to her former identity as a maid, though she was now the master of this land and its servants.

 

Shen Qingxuan listened, reflecting on the changes in people and circumstances, and thought about his family, who had transformed that once naive and ignorant girl into someone so sharp and capable.

 

Shen Qingxuan felt completely at ease. A person who understands how to advance and retreat like her wouldn’t cause any trouble. Perhaps, after accidentally losing that child, any rebelliousness she might have had also faded away.

 

From girl to woman, the trials had catalyzed her growth.

 

As Shen Qingxuan was leaving, Xiao Tao saw him to the door, then suddenly ran after him in small steps, hesitating before saying, “Young Master, I heard that Miss Wang…”

 

Shen Qingxuan looked at her, his gaze urging her to finish her words. Xiao Tao dismissed the servant by her side and then earnestly said, “I overheard this at the market last year when I was buying some sewing supplies, though I’m not sure if it’s true or not. There’s a rumor that the young lady from the Wang family is fond of a young man who lives across the street. The two exchanged letters in secret, but when Master Wang found out, he beat the young man severely and expelled him from the city. The matter was kept quiet, and only after that did the Wang family start seeking a marriage for the young lady.”

 

Xiao Tao noticed Shen Qingxuan’s inscrutable expression and hesitated, unsure whether she should continue. After a moment’s pause, she added, “Young Master, you should marry a good woman.”

 

Shen Qingxuan smiled upon hearing this and softly said, “Good or not, I won’t marry.” He continued, “I know about this matter now, but you mustn’t speak of it to others. If it turns out to be just a rumor, wouldn’t it ruin the young lady’s reputation? Remember, don’t gossip carelessly.”

 

Xiao Tao quickly responded, “Of course, I won’t say anything.”

 

Shen Qingxuan gave a slight nod before waving his hand to call back the servant.

 

Xiao Tao stood there for a moment before suddenly asking, “Young Master, do you have someone in your heart?”

 

Shen Qingxuan did not answer, only smiled. Seeing his smile, Xiao Tao was reminded of a time when she had seen the traces on his bed, the lingering scent in the tent. In that instant, she realized there indeed was such a person, though she didn’t know who it was.

 

But whoever it was, it had nothing to do with her anymore.

 

Shen Qingxuan had the servant push him, and they headed back on the return journey.

 

Xiao Tao watched him go far away before returning to the courtyard, surrounded by the other servants. From that moment on, life took a different path, filled with new twists and turns, and another chapter began.

 

Shen Qingxuan, upon returning, began to handle the matter concerning the young lady from the Wang family. First, he had someone investigate whether the rumor was true. The person who inquired reported back that there indeed was such a young man. He had once passed the provincial examination, but his family had fallen into hardship. They couldn’t even afford the travel expenses for the next exam. His father was gravely ill, and his mother had passed away. He made a living by teaching, but after the incident, he was left destitute and alone. Shen Qingxuan pondered for a moment and then made a decision. He arranged for some silver to be given to the young man and used his father’s connections to write a letter of recommendation. Both the silver and the letter were sent to the young man.

 

This move alarmed Shen Qingxuan’s father, who came to inquire. Shen Qingxuan smiled and wrote down the situation for him to see.

 

When Shen Qingxuan’s father realized that the Wang family dared to offer such a daughter as a match, he was furious and wanted to go to their house to scold them. Shen Qingxuan persuaded him not to ruin the young lady’s reputation. The two of them stared at each other for a long time before Shen Qingxuan’s father finally conceded and asked, “What do you plan to do?”

 

Shen Qingxuan wrote: “The man has talent, and the woman is beautiful. They admire each other, a match made in heaven.”

 

When his father saw what he wrote, he nearly broke his brush in anger, exclaiming, “That is your fiancée!”

 

Shen Qingxuan shook his head: “Just an engagement. He came before me; it’s only right to step aside.”

 

Shen Qingxuan’s father was so angry that he nearly fainted. What do you mean, “it’s only right to step aside”?!

 

Seeing that his father was truly upset, Shen Qingxuan simply put down the brush and said, “Why would I marry a woman who has someone else in her heart?”

 

His father was first furious, but before he could say anything, he suddenly realized that these words came from his own son, leaving him stunned.

 

Seizing the moment, Shen Qingxuan continued, “The Wang family’s old man isn’t suitable as an in-law either. Just because the scholar fell on hard times, he looked down on him and insisted on finding a more ‘appropriate’ match for his daughter. With such narrow-mindedness, I wouldn’t respect him even if he were my father-in-law. We’d be better off helping that young man secure a good position. In the next provincial examination, he might pass, and then he could marry the Wang family’s daughter in a grand ceremony, embarrassing the old man.”

 

His father: “…”

 

Shen Qingxuan raised an eyebrow, “What do you think?”

 

His father: “…”

 

Shen Qingxuan laughed, “Since it’s settled, I’ve already arranged everything. I’ve smoothed things over using your name and written a letter to Uncle Chen, recommending that the scholar be given a position as a scribe in his office. I’m just letting you know.”

 

His father: “You’ve already done everything; what are you telling me for?”

 

Shen Qingxuan tilted his head, “You can go to the Wang family and say that your eldest son is near death and will likely pass away tomorrow. To avoid ruining their daughter’s future, they should cancel the engagement.”

 

His father: “…”

 

Shen Qingxuan said, “Hurry up and go.”

 

Shen Qingxuan’s father, following the command, moved to the door, ready to head to the Wang family. He was already stepping outside when he suddenly turned back and asked, “Son, when do you plan to tell me about your throat?”

 

Shen Qingxuan smiled and said, “Once you’ve finished the task and come back, I’ll tell you. Now, hurry up and go.”

 

Shen Qingxuan’s father replied, “Alright, I’m going.”

 

He took a few more steps, then turned back again, looking suspiciously at Shen Qingxuan sitting in the chair.

 

Shen Qingxuan was taken aback for a moment, then quickly said, “Don’t overthink it. My legs are still paralyzed.”

 

His father sighed, “Oh, alright. Then I’m off.”

 

Shen Qingxuan said, “Father, be careful on your way.”

 

His father suddenly teared up and muttered, “I’ve waited so many years to hear you call me ‘Father’ again.”

 

This single sentence brought tears to Shen Qingxuan’s eyes as well. He turned his face away, avoiding further eye contact.

 

After the engagement was called off, the Shen household celebrated the recovery of Shen Qingxuan’s voice, something that had been part of his plan all along. Shen Qingxuan’s father, in high spirits, announced that all family matters would be handed over to his eldest son to manage. He then asked how Shen Qingxuan’s voice had been cured, to which Shen Qingxuan smiled and replied, “I met an extraordinary person.”

 

Naturally, everyone pressed him to reveal who this person was, but Shen Qingxuan shook his head and said he’d bring them over the next day.

 

That evening, when Yi Mo arrived, he was “persuaded” to agree to meet the Shen family the following day.

 

In front of his parents, Shen Qingxuan held Yi Mo’s hand and casually said, “This is the extraordinary person who cured my voice. We met on the mountain, and he also said he could treat my legs, though the medicine is rare, and it won’t be available until next year at the earliest.”

 

Shen Qingxuan then turned to Yi Mo and said, “Brother Yi, the winters in the mountains are cold. Why not stay at my home, share my bed, and monitor my leg condition? Besides, it would be warmer.”

 

Yi Mo: “…”

 

Before Yi Mo could respond, he was overwhelmed by the eager pleas for him to stay, questions about the medicine needed for treating Shen Qingxuan’s legs, how he had cured Shen Qingxuan’s voice, where he was from, where he had learned medicine, and so on.

 

In the end, it all boiled down to one thing: Please, young master, stay!

 

And so, Shen Qingxuan, without any subterfuge, passed Yi Mo through his parents’ inspection and even brought him directly into his room. From that day on, they shared a bed without fear of gossip.

 

However, that night, on the bed in their room, Yi Mo’s voice turned somewhat menacing as he toyed with Shen Qingxuan, saying, “That ‘Brother Yi’ you called me was very well done. How about saying it again?”

 

Shen Qingxuan dared not call him that again, shaking his head vigorously like a rattle. Yi Mo continued to press him, but Shen Qingxuan stubbornly refused.

 

In the end, Yi Mo grabbed his most sensitive spot and wouldn’t allow him to release. Shen Qingxuan was in such agony that he felt like he was dying, even sensing the liquid at the base flowing back up—an unbearable torment. Finally, he surrendered and pleaded for mercy.

 

He said, “Brother Yi, please let go!”

 

Yi Mo replied, “Not enough.”

 

Shen Qingxuan said, “Why not enough? How is it not enough? I clearly called you.”

 

Yi Mo frowned, still moving aggressively against him, and said, “Think harder.”

 

Shen Qingxuan had no choice but to desperately think. He thought for a long time but couldn’t figure out what he was missing. Hadn’t he already called him “Brother Yi”? After thinking for a long time, his face turned from flushed to pale, and with barely any strength left, he whispered:

 

“Brother Yi, good brother, please be gentle with me.”

 

Yi Mo felt something snap in his mind, and he couldn’t hold back any longer. He scooped Shen Qingxuan up into his arms, sealing that sharp-tongued mouth with a kiss, making Shen Qingxuan dizzy. As soon as Yi Mo loosened his grip on his sensitive spot, Shen Qingxuan moa-ned and released everything.

 

Yi Mo was also defeated by him. The two of them clung together, their erratic breaths finally syncing with each other.

 

Yi Mo’s heart pounded like a drum, completely out of rhythm compared to before.

 

Afterward, whenever things got rough, Shen Qingxuan would use his trump card, sweetly whining, “Please be gentle with me,” sometimes adding “good brother” or similar terms.

 

It turned out to be a weapon of mass destruction, effective every single time.