Chapter 48: C48. New Year's Money.

Chapter 48

As the clock ticked toward the turn of the year, Yunzhu and her husband found themselves seated at the same table with Pan shi and her son once again. The New Year’s Eve dinner was a feast fit for royalty, an extravagant spread that dazzled the eyes. Yet, for Yunzhu, none of it could fill the hollow ache of loneliness that settled deep in her chest.

This New Year’s Eve was a cruel shadow of what she had known before. Memories of her lively family, her brother’s infectious laughter ringing out like music, haunted her. Her hands moved the chopsticks out of habit, her heart too tangled in longing to notice the food on her plate.

Pan shi, always keen to prod, caught the flicker of distraction in Yunzhu's eyes. With a calculated smile, she broke the silence, her tone dripping with mock concern. "The Marquis of Huai’an has been blessed with another daughter. Perhaps next year, you and my son might finally gift our Duke an heir? A child would bring us a much livelier celebration, don’t you think?"

Yunzhu, as if the words had slid past her like a ghost, offered no reply. She didn’t need to.

Cao Xun, ever composed, returned the volley with a polite smile. "I’ll be sure to seek my mother’s sage advice on the matter."

Meanwhile, Cao Shao, silent as the grave, observed the exchange with his usual detached air. He understood his mother’s game well; this was no mere suggestion—it was a jab, a pointed reminder of Yunzhu’s failure to conceive. Six months of marriage, and still, no whispers of a child.

The answer was painfully obvious to him. Yunzhu was stunning, a vision of grace and allure, yet his elder brother treated her with a cold indifference that went beyond mere duty. To Cao Xun, Yunzhu was little more than a pawn, a decoration to be admired but never touched.

The realization stirred something twisted within Cao Shao—an unspoken satisfaction laced with worry. He reveled in the idea that Yunzhu might remain unclaimed by his brother, yet he couldn’t ignore the storm of gossip her perceived infertility might unleash. The thought soured the evening for him, leaving his meal as tasteless as the hollow cheer in the room.

No one bothered to propose staying together to ring in the New Year. As soon as the dishes were cleared, Pan briskly took her leave with her son, leaving Yunzhu and Cao Xun to their solitude.

Cao Xun turned to his wife, his voice as calm as ever. "Shall we take a stroll through the streets?"

Yunzhu glanced out the window at the chilly night, her tone unenthused. "It’s freezing out there. What’s the point?"

Unfazed, Cao Xun replied, "It’s been years since I’ve celebrated the New Year in the capital. I’m curious to see if the festivities have changed."

The weight of the moment wasn’t lost on Yunzhu. She knew what this year meant to him. Relenting, she signaled for Lian Qiao to fetch her fox fur cloak, wrapping herself in its warmth before following him outside.

The streets were alive with activity, the shops glowing with light and energy. Merchants hustled and bustled, taking full advantage of the New Year’s crowds. Children darted through the throng, bundled tightly in layers of thick clothing, their laughter cutting through the cold.

One mischievous boy, emboldened by the thrill of the night, lit a string of red firecrackers with a smoldering stick of incense, delighting in the startled reactions of passersby. The air was thick with noise, laughter, and life—a sharp contrast to the quiet ache that lingered between Yunzhu and Cao Xun.

Yunzhu leaned into her memories as she recounted a snippet from her childhood to Cao Xun. Her tone was casual but laced with a playful edge. “When I was little, my brother had a knack for pulling silly stunts. Once, he nearly toppled onto me, and my grandfather tore into him for it.”

Cao Xun gave her that boyish grin that always seemed to disarm her. “That sounds exactly like something they’d do.”

She smirked, her voice taking on a teasing note. “Oh, and by the way, my grandfather is always singing your praises. Though, to be fair, he uses that as a chance to take digs at my brother.”

Truthfully, her grandfather had little patience for either her father or brother, but Yunzhu wasn’t about to air that dirty laundry in front of Cao Xun. She still had her pride to uphold.

Cao Xun’s curiosity flickered. “Really? What does the old man praise me for?”

Yunzhu’s gaze sharpened, her lips curling into a sly smile. “Wouldn’t you like to know? That little gem of information isn’t for you.”

The two wandered through the bustling street, their hands entwined, bodies effortlessly aligned. It was a dance only they could hear. Cao Xun’s eye was caught by a group of children swarming a candied haw stall, their laughter ringing out like wind chimes.

Each cluster of hawthorn berries was wrapped in delicate paper—a charming touch. Without a word, he guided Yunzhu toward it.

She glanced at him, arching a brow. “If you’re craving them, go ahead. But I’m not a child anymore.” Her voice was tinged with mild exasperation; she’d long left behind such sugary indulgences.

Cao Xun leaned in, his voice a low murmur that sent shivers down her spine. “In my eyes, you’ll always be a child.”

Yunzhu’s lips parted, and in a voice barely above a whisper, she quipped, “You certainly didn’t think that way last night.”

But perhaps she’d been too quiet because Cao Xun didn’t catch her words. Instead, he went ahead and bought a bundle of candied haws, the bright red coating glinting like rubies in the sunlight.

She tried to refuse, but when he offered them to her, something about his insistence made her relent. The sweet, icy glaze beckoned her, and she bit into one, savoring the burst of tangy-sweet flavor. Before she could finish, Cao Xun plucked the remaining half from her fingers and ate it himself, entirely unfazed by the stares of curious onlookers.

Their stroll ended at home. As the carriage pulled up, Yunzhu stepped onto the shaft and flashed him a mischievous look. “Turn around,” she ordered, then climbed onto his back with a giggle, draping her arms over his shoulders.

Cao Xun carried her inside effortlessly, his stride steady and confident. Beneath the privacy of her hood, Yunzhu leaned in close, her breath warm against his ear. “Tell me, are you in such a hurry to become a father?”

Cao Xun’s smirk deepened. “What’s the difference between being a father and having you now?”

His cheeky reply hit her, and she retaliated with a playful bite to his ear, the sharpness of her teeth making him flinch. “Careful,” he warned through a wince. “We’re visiting your parents for New Year. What will my father-in-law and mother-in-law think if they see the state of my ear?”

For once, Yunzhu was struck silent, though a flicker of guilt crept into her expression.

Once inside, she examined his ear with care. It was flushed a deep red where her teeth had sunk in. Her fingers lingered as she traced the mark, wondering aloud if it would fade by morning.

But deep down, she wasn’t so sure she wanted it to.

*

The morning after, the first day of the Lunar New Year broke with a sharp crackle of firecrackers ripping through the early silence, dragging Yunzhu from her slumber. Half-dazed but curious, she nudged Cao Xun beside her. “What time is it?” she murmured, her voice still honeyed with sleep.

“Still early,” he replied, his tone low and intimate as he pulled her closer, fingers stroking her hair with slow tenderness. A sly smile tugged at his lips as he added, “Nineteen now, aren’t you? Another year older.”

She grinned, playful and quick, brushing her fingers over his head. “And you, my dear Cao Xun—thirty-one. One year closer to the big four-zero.”

He laughed softly, his arm shifting to retrieve something from under the pillow. A red envelope appeared, glowing like a secret between his fingers. “Here. New Year’s money,” he announced, handing it to her with an amused glint in his eyes.

Her brow arched, teasing. “Do you really think I’m a child?”

His voice dropped an octave, deliberate and smooth. “When the moment calls for it, absolutely.”

She chuckled, a warm, sultry sound, before propping herself against his chest. With deliberate care, she unfolded the red envelope, her curiosity piqued. Inside, nestled between the folds, were two dark banknotes. “How much?” she asked, the corner of her lip curling.

“Two thousand taels,” he replied casually, as though it were nothing.

Her pulse quickened, a sharp thrill coursing through her. Unable to help herself, she shoved the envelope back under the pillow, her hands suddenly unsure what to do with such a sum.

As the daylight filtered through the window, cutting soft golden lines across the paper screens, Cao Xun’s silhouette moved in quiet grace, dressing on the other side. Still flushed, her heart hammering in her chest, Yunzhu reached beneath the pillow again.

With a steadying breath, she retrieved the envelope and unfolded it once more. The notes stared back at her, their crisp edges speaking volumes.

Five hundred taels. Four of them.

Her breath hitched, disbelief and giddy delight coiling in her chest. A laugh bubbled from her lips, soft at first, then spilling over as she clutched the notes. Two thousand taels. For her.

Damn him, she thought, still laughing. Damn him for always knowing how to leave her breathless.

*

This year marked Yunzhu's first Lunar New Year as a newlywed, and she was soaking up every moment of it. According to tradition in the capital, she could spend the holiday with her family until the fifth day of the New Year before returning to her husband’s household. If her new husband had no pressing obligations, he might even join her, though his presence wasn’t guaranteed.

Cao Xun had slyly suggested a string of lively social activities from the second to the fifth day, setting the stage for some spirited days ahead.

Over at Duke Ningguo's Mansion, the New Year festivities weren’t particularly extravagant, though they were steeped in warmth and tradition. Leaf card games were a staple. The family spent their days handling more formal matters, but as night fell, everyone gathered in the cozy Nuan Pavilion around a table thoughtfully arranged by Meng Shi, the household’s matron.

Li Yao, however, was his usual aloof self. He sneered, “Is it really appropriate for a grown man to waste time on childish games like this?”

His father, Li Yong, who held the leaf cards, shot him a pointed look but said nothing.

Cao Xun, lounging nearby, couldn’t help but notice the young woman sitting across from Li Yao. She seemed to have intentionally positioned herself far away, though Li Yao was surprisingly invested in the game despite his earlier complaints.

The room buzzed with chatter, teasing, and playful banter as the game unfolded.

“Mother,” Yunzhu asked, her voice light, “is everything ready for my sister-in-law’s arrival in March?”

Meng Shi smiled warmly. “Everything’s been handled. You just need to come and enjoy the celebration when the time comes.”

Yunzhu turned to her brother with a mischievous grin. “Brother, haven’t these past few months felt like forever?”

Li Yao scowled. “Forever? Try enduring our parents breathing down your neck daily. Father makes me submit an essay every single day, like I’m still some schoolboy. Miss one, and I get an earful from both of them. Honestly, let’s just get this wedding over with. At least once I have my own household, I won’t have to deal with this anymore.”

His sister couldn’t resist chiming in. “Oh, but if you marry A Min, Mr. Gu will be your legal grandfather-in-law, and trust me, he’ll keep you in line even more.”

Li Yao froze, visibly deflated by the thought.

Li Xian, usually quiet, added matter-of-factly, “Most would kill for the chance to learn under Mr. Gu. You’d be a fool not to appreciate it.”

Li Yao shot back, “Why don’t you write my essays, then?”

Yunzhu laughed, leaning forward. “Oh, Brother Xian’s handwriting is leagues better than yours. Do you really think he’d embarrass himself by passing off anything you wrote as his?”

Li Yao slapped a card onto the table, his face darkening. “You’re all the same—delighting in my misery and not caring a bit about my struggles.”

Cao Xun, quietly observing, plucked up the discarded card and played his own with effortless finesse. He glanced at Li Yao, his expression a mix of amusement and pity.

What a fool.

Li Yao, brooding as ever, had nothing more to say.

*

The next day, Li Yao dragged Cao Xun to the martial arts training ground, ready to put him through his paces with a fiery display of marksmanship.

Meanwhile, Yunzhu and her younger brother lounged just outside, their gazes sharp and watchful. With a teasing glint in her eye, Yunzhu seized the moment to dig for answers. "So," she murmured, her voice low and curious, "how did His Highness, the Second Prince, treat you? Did the Crown Prince stir up any trouble?"

Li Xian, ever calm and composed, replied with measured confidence, "The Second Prince treats me like any of his other companions—no better, no worse. As for the Crown Prince, he likes to poke and prod, but His Highness keeps him in check. There's no need for us to lift a finger."

Her curiosity far from satisfied, Yunzhu leaned closer, her tone sharpening. "The Crown Prince sounds like one of those arrogant brats who looks down on everyone as if they’re beneath him—like a spoiled son dismissing his concubines. But surely the Second Highness doesn’t let him get away with that nonsense?"

Li Xian smirked faintly. "You’ve got it right. The Second Highness doesn’t tolerate disrespect. The Crown Prince wouldn’t dare push his luck too far, especially not under the Emperor’s nose."

Still intrigued, Yunzhu dropped her voice to a whisper. "And the Emperor? Where does he stand in all this?"

At this, Li Xian stiffened. His voice dipped, cautious. "That’s not something you should be asking, sister. Let’s leave it alone."

Yunzhu’s lips curved into a sly smile, but she said nothing more. Instead, she reached out and jabbed her brother’s chiseled face with a playful finger. "For someone so serious, you’re far more infuriating than our elder brother."

Li Xian dodged her hand effortlessly, tilting his head just enough to avoid her touch. A hint of a smirk danced on his lips, a rare flicker of amusement breaking through his otherwise stoic exterior.

*

Three days passed in a blur, and Yunzhu climbed into the carriage alongside Cao Xun, ready to head back to Dingguo’s mansion. The excitement she felt when she first arrived had long since faded, leaving her mood sour and heavy.

Cao Xun, always ready to tease, glanced at her and suggested with a sly grin, “If you’re that into card games, why not invite my stepmother and second brother? We could have an evening of pure entertainment.”

His words pulled an unexpected laugh from Yunzhu. She shot him a sharp glare and bit back, “Fine, but if you stir up trouble tonight, don’t think I won’t put you in your place.”

Of course, Cao Xun’s suggestion was nothing but idle banter.

Later, the two attended a lively social gathering. It was the seventh day of the lunar new year, and the Marquis of Huai’an was throwing an extravagant full moon celebration for his young daughter. Yunzhu joined Cao Xun for the event, her poised demeanor masking any lingering irritation.

When they arrived, Yunzhu noticed how much Tuantuan, the baby girl, had changed since her birth. The once-rosy infant now had creamy, porcelain skin, and her almond-shaped eyes had grown wider and more captivating. Tuantuan, a mere nickname, clung tightly to Liu Jing, her caretaker, who had grown fuller and rosier after her confinement. Her real name, Yunzhu noted, would come when she turned one.

The Marquis Heir, Zhang Hu, was also in attendance. At just thirteen, the boy carried himself with a calm maturity. Unlike Li Xian, Zhang Hu exuded charm, smiling effortlessly and mingling with ease.

Yunzhu handed red envelopes to both the boy and the baby girl. Zhang Hu accepted his with practiced politeness, nodding as he said, “Thank you, madam.” Yunzhu, however, didn’t linger—she wasn’t one to waste her energy on small talk with strangers.

Once the Lantern Festival came and went, the new year truly began. The men were back to their routines, leaving for work at dawn and returning late into the night.

The city saw its share of farewells, too. When Prince An and his wife finally departed for their fiefdom, Yunzhu and Sun Yurong found themselves at Zuixianju, watching the spectacle unfold. The procession of palace guards was mesmerizing, a dazzling show of grandeur. But Xie Wenying, the prince’s wife, was hidden from view, seated inside a gilded carriage that rolled slowly away.

As the carriage disappeared from sight, Sun Yurong turned to Yunzhu, her tone heavy with sentiment. “We grew up together, you know. The thought of never seeing her again... it feels strange. A little empty.”

Yunzhu, ever practical, offered her a confident smile. “Don’t dwell on it. Focus on yourself. Tell me—have any suitors shown up at your door lately?”

Sun Yurong gave a soft snort, her lips curving into a wry smile. “Plenty. After all, I’m the legitimate daughter of the Duke’s mansion. But they’re all the same—boring, predictable, and utterly unworthy of my time.”

The suitors from their circles, whether local or beyond, were utterly underwhelming. Worse yet, finding a man who could meet their lofty expectations was like searching for a diamond in a desert.

Curious, Yunzhu leaned in, her tone sly but intrigued. “So, tell me—what kind of man are you even after?”

Sun Yurong’s gaze was unwavering as she studied Yunzhu before responding with a smirk. “I crave a man of stature—someone noble, someone striking, someone with the looks of Cao Shao, the allure of Pan An. But alas, they never return my affections. The aristocratic young men, the ones who could light up a room, always have better options. None of them pick me. But no matter. I’ve already decided: this year, with the Emperor hosting an extra imperial examination, I’ll snatch myself a brilliant, dashing foreign scholar. I couldn’t care less about their pedigree. All I want is a man with looks, talent, and a stroke of luck. Together, we’ll climb the ranks. I’ll be the wife of an official, and not just any official—a high-ranking one.”

Yunzhu scoffed, crossing her arms as a sharp laugh escaped her lips. “You’re calling that low marriage? Darling, that’s not settling—it’s scraping the bottom of the damn barrel.”

Her words hung in the air, dripping with disbelief and challenge.

Sun Yurong didn’t flinch. She tilted her chin up, a devilish glint in her eyes as sunlight danced on her perfectly polished nails. “Money,” she drawled, her voice a silky blend of confidence and seduction, “is just one cut of the diamond. I am the brilliance.”

Yunzhu had nothing to counter. Sun Yurong’s sharp tongue and unshakable poise left her utterly disarmed.