Chapter 57: New Year
The imperial court is a massive whirlpool…

Lin Guilan’s eyes immediately welled up with moisture: “Miao Ge’er…”

“Well said, what an ambitious child.” The Duke of Yingguo nodded approvingly. “No need for more words, I’ll observe your future achievements.”

“Our Miao Ge’er is bound to achieve great things in the future.” Jiang Yunxiu said with a smile. “Although Miao Ge’er is still a child, many of his insights and ideas are beyond what a child should possess. Though Danqing and Sichan are his older siblings, it’s actually Miao Ge’er who takes care of them more often in daily life, truly easing this mother’s heart.”

“Actually, if father and mother want more children, I would support it too.” Jiang Zhimiao said hypocritically. “What matters most is father and mother’s happiness.”

“Look how sensible this child is.” The Duke of Yingguo laughed. “Miao Ge’er, I’ve heard that everyone in the duke’s residence enjoys listening to your stories. When will you tell me one too?”

“That’s no trouble at all.” Jiang Zhimiao patted his small chest. “Grand Duke of Yingguo, this is something I’m good at. After we finish eating, I’ll tell you a story about heroic knights.”

“Wonderful, I love hearing such stories most.” The Duke of Yingguo smiled warmly. “Told by little Zhimiao, it’s sure to be extremely captivating. Little Zhimiao, how do you know so many peculiar stories?”

In an instant, several pairs of eyes at the dining table simultaneously turned toward Jiang Zhimiao.

Jiang Zhimiao swallowed nervously, looking somewhat tense under these familiar gazes.

“I… I came up with them myself. I’m not as capable as my parents, so I usually enjoy pondering these strange stories.”

“You were only five when you first came to the duke’s residence.” The Duke of Yingguo marveled. “Truly a child prodigy.”

“My father is this dynasty’s Tanhua.” Jiang Zhimiao straightened his back. “I can’t be too inferior, can I?”

“In a few months, the Metropolitan Examination will be held again. Nian Chen, you’ve been in the Hanlin Academy for nearly three years now.” The Duke of Yingguo shifted the topic, looking toward Jiang Qingshi. “Nian Chen, what are your plans for the future?”

“My assignment naturally depends on His Majesty’s arrangements.” Jiang Qingshi said calmly, his tone respectful when mentioning Emperor Jingrui. “As a subject, one need not think too much, just focus on doing well with current duties. Both favor and punishment are the emperor’s grace. Wherever His Majesty deems me needed, he will naturally send me there.”

The Duke of Yingguo nodded approvingly: “Remaining unperturbed by honor or disgrace is a subject’s fundamental duty. Although that’s true, your talents are evident to all. Even though you never form factions or take sides proactively, precisely because of this, you’ve likely become a thorn in many people’s sides.”

“According to Your Grace, what should be done about this?”

Hearing this, Lin Guilan asked anxiously. Although Jiang Qingshi often explained court affairs to her after moving to the capital, she was straightforward by nature and still didn’t quite understand these complexities. Upon hearing that some people disliked Jiang Qingshi, she immediately grew worried.

“Don’t panic, Guilan.” Jiang Qingshi patted her hand steadily. “After nearly three years of experience, I’m no longer the Jiang Qingshi of before. I’ve already made decisions about this matter, and I thank Your Grace for the reminder. I will make preparations early.”

“Open attacks and hidden arrows are impossible to guard against.” The Duke of Yingguo spoke meaningfully, “You wish to remain uninvolved, yet there are those determined to thwart your intentions. This court is a massive whirlpool—if flawed governance persists, it will harm those who genuinely work for the people.”

The Duke’s words cast a solemn silence over the dining table. Even young Wei Danqing seemed lost in thought. Seeing the heavy atmosphere, Jiang Zhimiao quickly lightened the mood, playing her role as the family’s cheerleader.

“Let’s eat the hot pot! This dish is delicious when dipped briefly! After the meal, I’ll tell Grandpa Duke a story!”

Under the table, Jiang Qingshi gently squeezed Lin Guilan’s hand. Startled from her distraction, she met her husband’s gaze and was immediately embraced by his encouraging and reassuring eyes.

Yes, she should trust her husband. Though their shared experiences couldn’t be called stormy seas, their journey had faced many ripples—and hadn’t they overcome every one together?

Lin Guilan nodded to Jiang Qingshi, and the couple shared a knowing smile.

Time flowed like a river, days fleeting as a hare’s dash. In the blink of an eye, the New Year passed.

Fresh snow blanketed the rooftops, crimson tiles peeking through white jade-like drifts, dressing the solemn Hanlin Academy in renewed splendor.

Jiang Qingshi walked along the academy’s bluestone path, his new shoes crunching softly on the thin snow. Lin Guilan had made them for the New Year—comfortable and well-fitted, reminding him of his virtuous wife with every downward glance.

Officials of the Great Liang Dynasty enjoyed a ten-day holiday around the Lantern Festival, their rare respite in a year. Thus, the Hanlin Academy stood nearly empty save for a few on duty. Yet Jiang Qingshi, now highly valued at the academy, had returned to handle official matters.

Though he longed to spend this precious holiday time with his wife and son, official duties demanded earnest attention—lest others seize upon negligence.

With his three-year term ending soon, his future posting remained uncertain. While he believed in accepting what comes, this period demanded extra caution. He handled everything personally, fearing tampering if tasks left his hands.

Having established his footing at the Hanlin Academy, many officials, sensing court trends, now followed him willingly. Beyond all else, Jiang Qingshi’s exceptional competence commanded genuine respect.

But recent events had stirred unease.

His townsman Zhuo Zhiming had been the most outstanding among the Shujishi probationary scholars. Though honest and socially reserved, Zhuo’s brilliant mind and photographic memory earned Wang Xiuwen’s high regard. Yet somehow, he recently committed a major official error—one that reached Emperor Jingrui’s ears.

Zhuo was fined, a minor consequence. But with the Sangguan Examination approaching, his prospects dimmed: where he might have secured a Hanlin position, he now likely faced relegation to local posts like County Magistrate, barred from the Six Ministries or Supervisory Secretariats.

No one understood Zhuo Zhiming better than Jiang Qingshi. Though Zhuo Zhiming maintained an unreadable exterior, he was actually more meticulous than Jiang Qingshi himself. Such a grave mistake was certainly not something Zhuo Zhiming would commit.

Yet Zhuo Zhiming offered no further explanation, only advising Jiang Qingshi to exercise caution in all official matters going forward. Jiang Qingshi felt deeply sorry for him—Zhuo Zhiming was a rare gentleman of integrity in this world, yet he would never fully realize his ambitions.

Preoccupied with these thoughts, Jiang Qingshi absentmindedly pushed open the library door, only to find someone already inside. Xie Qinghe, not wearing his official robe but dressed in a brand-new persimmon-red round-collar gown embroidered with green ruyi cloud patterns, was hunched over a desk. He reviewed documents while puffing warm breath into his cupped hands against the cold.

“Rongyu?” Jiang Qingshi hadn’t expected anyone to arrive earlier than him. “Why haven’t you lit a brazier? How can you bear staying in this freezing library?”

“You’re finally here.” Xie Qinghe glanced up, his expression still composed but a hint of triumph gleaming in his eyes. “Nian Chen, I’ve beaten you today.”

“Indeed,” Jiang Qingshi chuckled. “The esteemed Young Marquis Xie actually skipped celebrating the festival at home and came to the Hanlin Academy before dawn to handle paperwork. Anyone would call you utterly unromantic. Rongyu, I heard matchmakers nearly wore out your doorstep this New Year. Well? Have you found a suitable young lady?”

“Don’t bring that up,” Xie Qinghe said with a weary sigh. “I don’t know what’s gotten into my father lately. I’ve told him I’m still young and want to postpone marriage for a few years, but he acts as if he doesn’t hear me and nags like any ordinary parent.”

“The Marquis is getting older—it’s natural for him to be anxious,” Jiang Qingshi replied. “Considering he’s the only one concerned about your marriage prospects, it’s remarkable for a battle-hardened man to go to such lengths. You should be more understanding of his paternal worries.”

“Nian Chen, you truly sound like a father yourself,” Xie Qinghe remarked with a slight pout. “Your words are full of wisdom. My father did have me late in life, and it hasn’t been easy for him. Now he manages all affairs in our household… but he knows nothing about these matters. Could you ask your wife to help me vet potential matches when she has time?”

“Of course,” Jiang Qingshi agreed warmly. “Guilan would be delighted to know the Young Marquis trusts her judgment. Though she comes from a humble background, she’s become acquainted with many noble ladies in the capital over the past two years.”

“Social status doesn’t matter,” Xie Qinghe frowned. “But forget it—I still have no interest in marrying now. Let’s discuss this another day. I’ll talk to my father again and ask him to stop fussing like an old nursemaid… Nian Chen, you’ve been here awhile—hurry and light the brazier. This room is unbearably cold.”

At this point, Xie Qinghe looked somewhat embarrassed, hesitating before adding, “I… don’t know how to light it.”

“Right, I forgot you’re the young master who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth,” Jiang Qingshi said as he deftly kindled the brazier. “Next time, sleep in later. In this bitter cold, someone like you who’s never endured hardship could easily get frostbite—just like I used to.”

“It’s fine, I can’t stay idle at home anyway.” Xie Qinghe looked defiantly at Jiang Qingshi. “Mainly I don’t want to lose to you. I used to be quite confident until I met you and learned what it means that there’s always someone better. In your presence, I naturally can’t afford to slack off.”

“You’ve always been competitive, and we’re both unfortunate souls. While other officials are enjoying family happiness at home these days. The Emperor’s Lantern Parade is in a few days, and Miao Ge’er still wants me to take him to join the excitement.”

“I haven’t seen Miao Ge’er for a long time either.” Xie Qinghe thought for a moment. “Let’s go together then, it’ll be some consolation for these days of hard work. Last time Miao Ge’er fell asleep halfway through telling me a story, and I’ve been thinking about that story ever since.”

“That child leaves cliffhangers everywhere.” Speaking of Jiang Zhimiao, warmth filled Jiang Qingshi’s heart. “Even the Duke is still hooked by his stories. He doesn’t seem like the steady, studious type to me, yet he keeps so many peculiar stories in his mind. I wonder how he comes up with them all.”