Transmigrated to the Northern Song Dynasty as a County Magistrate (GL) - Chapter 70

70: I Promise Never to Repeat This Mistake

The afternoon did bring rain—swift in coming, swift in passing—yet the air cooled considerably compared to the morning. Seizing the respite, Tian Qingyi and Yun Jingchu ventured out, eventually visiting a goldsmith’s shop where they purchased a golden longevity lock, a pair of golden bracelets, and a jade ruyi scepter for their newborn niece.

After shopping, they strolled leisurely, returning home just in time for dinner. Distracted by her thoughts, Tian Qingyi ate absentmindedly. Yun Jingchu observed her several times, hesitating to inquire, ultimately remaining silent.

Post-dinner, they walked through the rear garden under twilight’s painted clouds, Yuanqi and Qingyu following at a distance. Mosquitoes buzzed intermittently—Yun Jingchu fanned them away while Tian Qingyi, her own fan unopened, stared ahead blankly.

“You’ve been preoccupied since meeting Liu Zhuo. Did he say something untoward?” Yun Jingchu finally asked after swatting another mosquito.

Tian Qingyi guiltily met her beloved’s gaze—those ever-sincere, luminous eyes—tipping her internal scales decisively.

Her tavern omission hadn’t been impulsive but inevitable—rooted in fear of Yun Jingchu’s anger over an initially undisclosed matter she’d deemed resolved. Yet Liu Zhuo’s obstinacy resurrected it.

Full disclosure risked anger; concealment risked worse if Yun Jingchi learned elsewhere. Weighing options, Tian Qingyi opted for honesty—only for Yun Jingchu to preempt her. Shamed by her earlier hesitation under that guileless gaze, she realized:

Trust, built on transparency, is love’s foundation. Beyond absolute secrets, I must be forthright—or lose both.

Thus resolved, Tian Qingyi recounted everything: her feud with Liu Zhuo, his forced gifting of the courtesan, her refusal, speculations about his motives, today’s encounter, her prior reluctance, and current plans.

Yun Jingchu’s eyebrows knitted in anger. After one sharp glare, she turned away wordlessly. Tian Qingyi trailed her anxiously back to Yuzhu Residence.

Inside, she became the picture of attentiveness—dusting seats Yun Jingchu might use, fetching books, pouring tea—all while murmuring placations. As the appointed hour neared with Yun Jingchu still silent, Tian Qingyi dismissed the servants.

Pouring another tea offering (ignored), she asked calmly, “May I go?” as if inquiring about supper.

“Go if you wish—why ask me!” Yun Jingchu snapped, though Tian Qingyi’s composed demeanor slightly mollified her.

“Don’t anger yourself—it harms health. My earlier silence was wrong; I’ll never repeat it! If you disapprove, I won’t go. However pitiable her plight is, she’s a stranger—you’re my priority. I know what matters.”

Moving behind Yun Jingchu, she massaged her shoulders—a skill honed appeasing her modern-era mother. Soon, Yun Jingchu set aside her book, eyelids fluttering contentedly.

Encouraged, Tian Qingyi worked harder. Finally appeased, Yun Jingchu patted her hands. “Enough. Not solely your fault—let it rest. I’ll accompany you.”

“Thank you for your magnanimity. Never again.” Helping Yun Jingchu up, she summoned the maids.

By the time they changed into outdoor attire, the second night watch (9-11 PM) approached. Anticipating a late return, they sent word to Shangfu Courtyard—”Evening market excursion, may return late”—though Yun Jingchu insisted Jiufang Xin be notified first.

Their rendezvous with Liu Zhuo was both late and remote—a quiet tavern far from bustling streets. Arriving to find him waiting fifteen minutes in a private room, Tian Qingyi noted his surprise at Yun Jingchu’s presence.

After exchanging courtesies, the veiled woman behind Liu Zhuo stepped forward to pour tea. Yun Jingchu assessed her figure passable though the face remained obscured.

“Here’s the deed. She’s yours to dispose of—no objections,” Liu Zhuo said, producing the contract from his robe.

“My thanks.” Tian Qingyi accepted it expressionlessly, immediately passing it to Yun Jingchu for verification.

With confirmation, Liu Zhuo rose. “Your future patronage would be appreciated. Unless needed, I take my leave.” Lingering risked offense—his goal was reconciliation, not renewed enmity.

“Classmates should aid each other. Farewell.” Tian Qingyi’s smile masked inner revulsion. Were options available, I’d avoid this man who treats women as chattel.

Post-lunch investigations had revealed Liu Zhuo’s family now curried favor with Empress Liu E—a rising power. Though connections remained tenuous (via the empress’s ex-husband), shared surnames mattered for the kinless empress. Antagonizing Liu Zhuo over trifles wasn’t worth jeopardizing her next likely provincial assignment while he secured capital posts.

Superficial civility suffices—we’ll seldom meet. Saving a woman while avoiding feuds serves all.

Once Liu Zhuo departed, only the woman remained with Tian Qingyi’s group. Yun Jingchu spoke first: “We know you’re blameless. Take your deed and this silver—seek your own path.”

This prearranged solution (twenty taels—a year’s living expenses) now met unexpected resistance as the woman knelt, begging: “This humble one wishes only to serve as your lowest maidservant!”

Baffled by her refusal of freedom, Tian Qingyi gaped while Yun Jingchu replied coolly: “Our household lacks nothing—except shortage of servants.”

Sobbing, the woman confessed her mercenary parents—comfortably middle-class—had raised her as a courtesan for profit before selling her outright to Liu Zhuo. Returning to Kaifeng meant eventual rediscovery and resale; leaving meant helpless wandering.

“Better known kindness than unknown masters,” she pleaded, redirecting appeals to Yun Jingchu upon recognizing true authority. “I sing, dance, write, paint, clean—anything!”

Yuanqi and Wei Shier listened pityingly—her privileged origins yielding crueler fates than theirs.