Transmigrated to the Northern Song Dynasty as a County Magistrate (GL) - Chapter 65

65: Returning to Kaifeng Again

Although Tian Qingyi hurried along the way, delays due to the weather meant she arrived in Kaifeng several days later than expected. Originally, she had planned to arrive before the Ghost Festival to spend it with Yun Jingchu. However, by the time she reached Kaifeng, it was already the 20th day of the seventh month.

Wearing a Daoist robe and a wide-brimmed hat to shield herself from the sun, Tian Qingyi sat on her horse, gazing at the familiar Xinsong Gate and the endless stream of carts and horses. It felt as though her departure had been just yesterday, yet three years had already passed since she left. After entering the city with the flow of people, she saw colorful towers and shops lining the streets. Only when she reached the familiar gate of the Jiufang Residence did the group finally stop.

As soon as the horse halted, Tian Qingyi eagerly dismounted. The gatekeeper, recognizing the Second Young Master, hastily bowed before rushing inside to report. Another servant, who remained in place, stepped forward to assist.

After turning to give Qingyu a few instructions, Tian Qingyi was about to leave when Zhang Sancheng approached to bid farewell. Though he was a retainer of the Jiufang family, he did not reside with them. Moreover, with the imminent reunion between father and son, Jiufang Xin—his former employer—would likely be too preoccupied to entertain him. Besides, Zhang Sancheng was eager to see his own family and decided to return in a few days to pay his respects to Jiufang Xin.

Tian Qingyi, already mid-step toward the residence, had no choice but to pause and return the courtesy. After granting permission, she specifically instructed Zhou Ba to escort Zhang Sancheng. During her tenure as magistrate of Huating County, Zhang Sancheng had been of great help to her, so it was only right to extend some courtesy in return.

Finally free of interruptions, Tian Qingyi wiped the sweat from her forehead with a handkerchief and strode briskly inside. If not for the scorching heat and the sun still high in the sky, she might have sprinted ahead like the servant who had gone to announce her arrival. But the oppressive sun forced her to restrain herself.

As she walked along the familiar paths and took in the familiar scenery, Tian Qingyi finally felt the reality of truly returning to Kaifeng. According to etiquette, she should have first paid respects to her elders, but her longing to see Yun Jingchu was too overwhelming. Thus, she headed straight to Yuzhu Residence without sparing a glance at the servants bowing along the way.

Yet, when she arrived at Yuzhu Residence with a heart full of joy and anticipation, she searched the rooms in vain for the person she longed to see. Only when Yuanqi, who had rushed over upon hearing the news, appeared did Tian Qingyi confirm she hadn’t mistaken the place. She immediately asked, “Where is Second Madam?”

“Reporting to the Second Young Master, after the mourning period ended, the Second Madam wanted to surprise you and set off for Huating County the very next day,” Yuanqi replied, visibly shocked. A closer look would reveal a hint of guilt in her eyes.

Tian Qingyi felt as though a bucket of cold water had been dumped over her. Despite the sweltering heat, she was left as wilted as frostbitten eggplant. After a long pause, she finally spoke, “I wrote to inform Second Madam that I would return early. Did you not receive the letter?”

“The letter arrived the day after the Second Madam left. This servant immediately arranged for someone to deliver the letter and chase after her. They should be able to catch up—perhaps the Second Madam will return in a few days,” Yuanqi replied, unsure whether she was comforting the Second Young Master or herself.

Entrusting the letter to a merchant had clearly been less reliable than sending it with her own people. At the time, she had been in a hurry to dispatch the letter and lacked extra hands to send it personally. Now, regret was futile.

“When did Second Madam leave?” Tian Qingyi pressed, unwilling to give up.

“The Second Madam left the day before yesterday. The pursuer set out yesterday afternoon,” Yuanqi answered truthfully, not daring to withhold anything.

Tian Qingyi was rendered speechless. If not for the weather delays, if she hadn’t lost a day on the road—would she have arrived before Yun Jingchu’s departure? Alas, there were no “ifs.” This time, they had truly missed each other. All she could do now was hope the pursuer would hurry.

Before she could even take a sip of tea, Steward Liu arrived, summoning her to Shangfu Courtyard on Jiufang Xin’s orders.

In low spirits, Tian Qingyi forced herself to rally, changed into a more formal robe, and followed Steward Liu to Shangfu Courtyard.

Steward Liu had initially intended to speak favorably of Jiufang Xin to Tian Qingyi, but seeing her stern expression, he held his tongue. When someone was in a bad mood, advice often fell on deaf ears. He didn’t want good intentions to backfire.

Upon arriving at Shangfu Courtyard, Tian Qingyi saw not only Jiufang Xin but also Fan Zhuzhu. Jiufang Xin had aged further, his hair whiter, the medicinal scent in the room stronger, and his frame thinner—only his eyes retained their clarity. Fan Zhuzhu, adorned with floral hair pins and dressed in a ginger-yellow straight-collar jacket, looked so youthful she could pass for Jiufang Xin’s daughter.

Tian Qingyi stepped forward to bow and pay her respects. Jiufang Xin, seated upright, accepted her greeting with composure, while Fan Zhuzhu couldn’t bear to let her kneel and stopped her, pulling her into an embrace. “Yan’er, you’ve grown thinner and darker. You must have suffered greatly on this journey,” Fan Zhuzhu said tearfully.

Before Tian Qingyi could respond, Jiufang Xin interjected irritably, “Spare the coddling. It’s only been three years, and with servants attending to his every need, what hardships could he possibly have endured?”

Fan Zhuzhu, her face hardening, retorted, “Coddling? I think it’s you, as a father, who have failed. Look at the Eldest Young Master, whom you personally raised—I won’t even bother criticizing him. At least my Yan’er is diligent, not only passing the imperial exams but also becoming a magistrate!”

“Father, mother, please calm your anger. Excessive emotion harms the body—your health is what matters,” Tian Qingyi interjected, sensing the tension escalating. She wondered what had happened at home to make them so confrontational.

Jiufang Xin snorted and fell silent, while Fan Zhuzhu tugged Tian Qingyi to a seat, saying, “Yan’er is right. Anger harms the body. I’ll be the bigger person and not argue with you.”

“Instead of paying respects to your parents upon returning home, you went straight to your own quarters. Do the words ‘filial piety’ mean nothing to you?” Jiufang Xin ignored Fan Zhuzhu, directing his question at Tian Qingyi.

“Our dynasty governs with filial piety as its foundation. As your son, I naturally uphold loyalty and filial duty. However, after the long journey, my appearance was disheveled, and I dared not present myself before Father and mother in such a state. Thus, I returned to Yuzhu Residence first to tidy myself before paying my respects. I beg your forgiveness,” Tian Qingyi replied. She had anticipated this question when Steward Liu came to summon her and had deliberately changed clothes beforehand.

Fan Zhuzhu defended her unconditionally: “A disheveled appearance is discourteous. Yan’er’s actions were justified. Don’t nitpick over such trivial matters—you don’t even know what’s worth fussing over.”

Jiufang Xin’s expression remained neutral, but his mind was anything but calm. Glancing between Fan Zhuzhu and his second son, he realized that with Fan Zhuzhu present, a proper father-son conversation was impossible. Feigning fatigue, he yawned and said, “Since Yan’er has had a tiring journey, he should retire early to rest. Tomorrow, your mother can properly welcome you with a feast.”

“Father, rest well. Your son takes his leave.” After bowing, Tian Qingyi exited with Fan Zhuzhu. Though Fan Zhuzhu wanted to pull her aside for a chat, seeing her visibly drained expression, she held back. After escorting her to the door and offering a few words of advice, she let her return to rest.

The emotional letdown, compounded by days of physical exhaustion, left Tian Qingyi genuinely listless. After washing up upon returning to Yuzhu Residence, she skipped dinner and went straight to bed.

Before drifting off, Tian Qingyi couldn’t help but reflect: If she hadn’t impulsively decided to surprise Yun Jingchu, she wouldn’t have pushed herself so hard on the road. At the very least, they could have met as planned. Though the surprise would have been absent, the anticipation would have remained.

Had time permitted, they might have even toured a few towns along the way. The mere thought filled her with longing—yet it was not to be. If she had returned a bit later, she wouldn’t have had to face Jiufang Xin’s displeasure so soon.

Tian Qingyi slept straight through until the next morning. After washing up and eating breakfast, she had no choice but to return to Shangfu Courtyard to pay her respects. This time, Fan Zhuzhu wasn’t present, and Jiufang Xin did most of the talking—primarily questioning her about her work.

Regarding official matters, Tian Qingyi saw no reason to hide anything and answered truthfully. To her surprise, Jiufang Xin didn’t criticize her but instead offered considerable praise.

Finally, he divulged confidential information: Unlike typical magistrates, who had to serve two terms and undergo three evaluations before promotion, she might receive favorable reassignment after her next post—implying she wouldn’t have to wait as long.

Tian Qingyi didn’t believe her performance had been particularly outstanding, nor did she think Jiufang Xin could directly promote her. That left only one possibility: Jiufang Xin had pulled strings. And the person he’d approached was undoubtedly none other than Chancellor Wang.

Never had Tian Qingyi imagined she would one day become someone who relied on connections and backdoor deals—the very thing she had once despised. She had always admired those who achieved success through genuine ability.

Yet here she was, forced into becoming the kind of person she loathed—worse still, she couldn’t refuse. At this moment, she had no idea where fate would lead her next.

Lost in thought, Tian Qingyi mechanically walked out of Shangfu Courtyard. Only when she reached the gate did she snap back to reality and turn toward Fan Zhuzhu’s quarters.

This time, Fan Zhuzhu wasn’t listening to maids recite novels but was sewing clothes—children’s clothes, so small Tian Qingyi feared she might tear them just by holding them. Bewildered, she blurted, “Is there a child in the household?”

“There will be soon—either this month or next. Didn’t you know? Your sister-in-law is pregnant and is due late this month or early next. She’s a good person—while you and Yongnian were away, she was the only one who remembered this old woman, visiting often. Making clothes for her child is the least I can do,” Fan Zhuzhu explained cheerfully, her hands never pausing.

With her own son gone early and Jiufang Xiyan unable to give Yongnian children, Fan Zhuzhu was fated never to have grandchildren of her own. Now that Li Yan was expecting, sewing these clothes fulfilled her wish to do something for a grandchild.

Knowing Tian Qingyi would visit, Fan Zhuzhu had prepared her favorite snacks, perilla drinks, and chilled watermelon, plums, and peaches in advance. The small table before Tian Qingyi was soon laden with treats.

Noticing her hesitation, Fan Zhuzhu urged, “Eat up! These are all your favorites. If they’re not good, I’ll have someone buy more.”

Tian Qingyi finally picked up the perilla drink and took a sip. Indeed, it tasted better than the version in Huating County. She tried a plum next but found it too sour and left the rest.

“Such a major event as Sister-in-Law’s pregnancy, and no one told me? Now I’ve returned empty-handed,” Tian Qingyi remarked. Though she corresponded regularly with Yun Jingchu, she also wrote to Fan Zhuzhu and Jiufang Xin periodically—yet neither had mentioned this.

Fan Zhuzhu replied without thinking, “I assumed Yongnian would tell you, so I didn’t write about it. Gifts aren’t a big deal—I’ll prepare some on your behalf and send them over.”

If Yun Jingchu had thought the same, it was no wonder Tian Qingyi hadn’t known. As for Jiufang Xin, his letters to her were strictly formal inquiries about official matters—personal affairs never came up.

Mother and daughter chatted the entire morning, and Tian Qingyi even stayed for lunch in Fan Zhuzhu’s quarters. By the time they finished, she had learned much about recent family affairs—including why Jiufang Xin and Fan Zhuzhu had become so antagonistic.