MSW Chapter8

23

By the time the account books were brought before Duan Linzhou, it was already noon.

 

Duan Linzhou wasn’t in good health, so he usually took a short nap in the afternoon. When he woke up, Liu Guang told him that Steward Zhu had arrived. He raised an eyebrow and asked Liu Guang to invite the man in.

 

The account books were a thick stack, and Duan Linzhou paused for a moment when he saw them. He recalled the conversation the night before about sending the New Year’s gifts and couldn’t help but feel both amused and helpless.

 

The steward was very respectful toward Duan Linzhou, and it was different from the usual politeness, this was genuine respect, recognizing him as the master of the house.

 

After all, he was someone left behind by the Old Marquis Annan, and he knew how to be tactful, understanding when to advance and when to retreat. Duan Linzhou, however, did not reach out to flip through the stack of account books. He simply stared at them, his expression unreadable.

 

Steward Zhu carefully observed Duan Linzhou’s expression. Honestly speaking, he was not satisfied with the Junwang Fei. No matter how capable Duan Linzhou was, he was still a merchant by birth, and in the traditional hierarchy of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, merchants were at the bottom. Moreover, there was also a significant age gap between them, making them truly mismatched. This, in turn, even led to some resentment toward Mu Peizhi and his mother, who was in the main courtyard as well. However, now that the matter was settled and even Mu Peixuan had accepted Duan Linzhou, Steward Zhu, as a servant, had no choice but to place his trust in Mu Peixuan.

 

The capital was far away, and when Steward Zhu spoke about Mu Peixuan’s shops and estates in Ruizhou City, he noted that most of the noble families in the current era looked down on merchants. However, no one would turn away from money.

 

Most of the shops Mu Peixuan owned had been granted to him by the Old Marquis during his lifetime, including the estates outside the city. Mu Peixuan didn’t own many assets under his name, and when you added up all the various sources of income, it wasn’t a large sum either.

 

But this is “not much” compared to the wealthy Boss Duan of Lingnan.

 

Duan Linzhou said, “Leave the account books for now.”

 

Steward Zhu didn’t hesitate and agreed. Duan Linzhou looked at the middle-aged man in front of him, giving a slight smile as he said, “Steward Zhu, you’ve worked hard.”

 

Liu Guang stepped forward, presenting a brocade box with both hands. Steward Zhu was momentarily stunned, but Liu Guang had already opened the box to reveal an aged ginseng inside.

 

Duan Linzhou said, “I’ve heard that your son has been frail since childhood. Coincidentally, I don’t have much here, but I always keep these herbs on hand. They’re nothing rare, just take them as tonic for your son’s health.”

 

Steward Zhu looked at the brocade box for a moment before accepting it with both hands, quietly saying, “Thank you, Junwang Fei.”

 

The account books sent by Steward Zhu appeared to be a thick stack, but Duan Linzhou was quick with numbers and had been accustomed to reviewing accounts for years. He spent the entire afternoon going through the stack, but his expression grew somewhat troubled.

 

Mu Peixuan was young and seldom involved in matters of management, so it was inevitable that the people below him might harbor other intentions. The account books were flawless, but the more flawless they were, the more suspicious they seemed.

 

Duan Linzhou tapped his fingers on the table, closing his eyes to think for a moment. He then instructed Liu Guang to call for Yu Zhong. Yu Zhong was his head steward, someone Duan Linzhou had personally promoted from a humble abacus apprentice. He was entirely loyal to Duan Linzhou.

 

Liu Guang responded with an acknowledgment.

 

This matter was not directly told to Mu Peixuan by Duan Linzhou. Three days later, he presented the evidence of the stewards who managed the estate embezzling funds, as well as the evidence of the shopkeeper’s manipulation that ruined the business operations, along with several account books, both clear and concealed, to Mu Peixuan.

 

The two stewards were shocked and horrified, still kneeling on the ground, trembling and pleading miserably.

 

Duan Linzhou paid them no mind, slowly sipping on the bitter medicine in his cup. Mu Peixuan stared coldly at the two treacherous stewards and instructed Steward Zhu to bring people to search their homes, arrest them, and send them directly to the prefectural government.

 

After dealing with them, Mu Peixuan looked at Duan Linzhou’s smiling eyes and gave a cold chuckle. “Boss Duan has quite the skill.”

 

Although Duan Linzhou had long known that since Mu Peixuan had handed over the account books, it meant he was entrusting all the affairs of his inner residence to him, knowing was one thing, Mu Peixuan truly placing his trust in him was another matter entirely.

 

Duan Linzhou said, “Naturally, I wouldn’t dare betray Your Highness’s trust.”

 

He shook his head and laughed, “Your Highness entrusting your entire household to me just like that, aren’t you afraid—”

 

Mu Peixuan raised an eyebrow and said, “Afraid of what?”

 

“Does Boss Duan even fancy my meager possessions?”

 

Duan Linzhou looked at Mu Peixuan and replied honestly, “Not in the slightest.”

 

Mu Peixuan: “……”

 

Duan Linzhou couldn’t help but laugh aloud.

 

For the first time, Mu Xiao Junwang felt a little embarrassed for being “poor.”

 

Even the medicine didn’t taste bitter anymore, Duan Linzhou finished the whole cup. Mu Peixuan, catching the lingering scent of medicine in the air, asked, “Who prescribed this for you? You’ve been drinking it every day, and yet there’s still no sign of improvement.”

 

Duan Linzhou replied, “Old Physician Ji.”

 

As he spoke, Duan Linzhou took out a small piece of incense from a box and tossed it into the burner. Mu Peixuan had just been about to mutter something about quack physicians when he heard the name “Old Physician Ji.” Ji was known as a miracle physician in Ruizhou. When the Old Marquis Annan had been gravely ill, they had also invited Physician Ji for treatment.

 

Mu Peixuan said, “There are renowned physicians in the capital too.”

 

Duan Linzhou gave a faint smile, his tone gentle as he said, “When my illness first flared up, I was in the capital. Aside from the imperial physicians, all the well-known physicians in the city came to see me — none of them could do anything.”

 

Ordinary people couldn’t even dream of summoning an imperial physician, let alone someone like Duan Linzhou, who was a merchant. No matter how wealthy he was, he still couldn’t get a foot in the door of the Imperial Medical Bureau.

 

Mu Peixuan pressed his lips together, suddenly recalling something Duan Linzhou had once said — that he had been poisoned three years ago, and the poison had first flared up while he was in the capital.

 

Three years ago, he was in the capital.

 

Mu Peixuan couldn’t help but think — three years ago, both he and Duan Linzhou had been in the capital. If they had met back then… the thought stirred a faint, inexplicable sense of regret in his heart.

 

Mu Peixuan said, “Mu Ke, the second son of the Head of the Imperial Medical Bureau, is quite skilled in medicine. I’m on fairly good terms with him; tomorrow, I’ll write him a letter and invite him to make a trip to Ruizhou.”

 

Duan Linzhou looked deeply at Mu Peixuan without saying a word. Mu Peixuan met his focused gaze, then looked away uncomfortably and said, “What are you staring at?”

 

Duan Linzhou broke into a smile. Though he didn’t hold out much hope, he didn’t want to dampen Mu Peixuan’s enthusiasm either. “Let’s talk about it after the New Year. With the year-end so near, how could we ask someone to travel a thousand miles from home?”

 

He added with a hint of teasing, “For Your Highness to be so concerned about my illness, Duan is truly flattered. Could it be that you can’t bear for me to die?”

 

Duan Linzhou leaned in closer, and Mu Peixuan instinctively stepped back half a pace, saying, “I merely don’t wish to be saddled with the title of a widower for no good reason.”

 

Duan Linzhou drawled, “Oh? Is that so?”

 

Mu Peixuan glanced at him and retorted, “What else? What does Boss Duan think it is?”

 

Duan Linzhou opened his mouth, ready to tease that Mu Peixuan couldn’t bear to part with him — but at the last second, he changed direction. “Naturally,” he said, “It’s because Your Highness is kindhearted and takes pity on the sick.”

 

24

It was the end of the twelfth lunar month.

 

The New Year was approaching, and soon it was Mu Peixuan’s time off. With the holidays just around the corner and the weather clear and pleasant, Xu Ying and a few others made plans to visit the hot spring estate outside Ruizhou for a bit of hunting and leisure.

 

The hot spring estate belonged to Mu Peixuan — it had been a gift from his father on his tenth birthday. Built against the mountains, the estate spanned a vast area, with a section of forest enclosed as a hunting ground. Whenever they had free time, they would head there to ride horses and hunt, enjoying themselves immensely.

 

Xu Ying asked, “Is Boss Duan coming?”

 

Mu Peixuan thought for a moment but didn’t give a direct answer. “I’ll ask him.”

 

Xu Ying chuckled and added, “I’ll bring Yuan Ge’er along too.”

 

Li Yue clicked his tongue and said, “What’s with you two? One’s bringing his wife, the other his sweetheart. Are you trying to kill us?”

 

Hearing the word “wife” from Li Yue’s mouth, Mu Peixuan thought of Duan Linzhou but remained silent. Xu Ying burst into laughter and said, “Don’t be jealous ah.”

 

Li Yue gave a smile that didn’t reach his eyes and said, “What do I have to be jealous of?”

 

Xu Ying said, “Oh right, bring your younger brother along. He’s also a kunze, just in time to keep Yuan Ge’er company.”

 

Li Yue lifted his foot and kicked him. “Get lost. What do you take my younger brother for?”

 

Xu Ying nimbly dodged and grinned. “I just figured your father’s always so strict with him. Thought it’d be good for you to bring him out for some fresh air, that’s all.”

 

Li Yue’s younger brother was a kunze. In earlier years, when he was still young, Li Yue used to bring him along to play, but as he grew older, their father no longer allowed it.

 

Hearing Xu Ying’s suggestion, Li Yue was a little tempted. He hesitated and said, “I’ll think about it.”

 

Mu Peixuan said, “Then we’ll meet at the city gates tomorrow.”

 

That evening, when Mu Peixuan returned home, he asked Duan Linzhou. Upon hearing this, Duan Linzhou raised an eyebrow and said, “Your Highness wants me to join you and your friends for some fun?”

 

Mu Peixuan pursed his lips and said, “If you don’t want to go, then don’t.”

 

Duan Linzhou smiled and teased, “Then does Your Highness want me to join?”

 

Mu Peixuan replied stiffly, “If you want to go, go ahead.”

 

Duan Linzhou let out a faint sigh and said, “I’m afraid my health is too frail, and I’d spoil everyone’s mood… perhaps it’s best if I don’t go.”

 

Mu Peixuan frowned and said, “What’s there to spoil the mood? It’s just a hunting trip with some drinking. Even if you stay at the estate, it’s also no big deal. Besides, there’s a hot spring at the estate — perfect for a soak…”

 

As he spoke, Mu Peixuan noticed the smile in Duan Linzhou’s eyes, and his words faltered. He turned his face away and emphasized, “It was Xu Ying who asked about you. He and Li Yue are bringing people along, so he casually asked if you wanted to join. He said it would be more lively with more people.”

 

Duan Linzhou stretched out his voice, “Oh?”

 

Mu Peixuan replied, “That’s exactly it.”

 

Duan Linzhou chuckled and closed the account book in his hands. “Then I suppose I should have Liu Guang prepare a few things.”

 

Mu Peixuan saw the excited look on his face and couldn’t help but feel a little relieved. “There’s not much to pack. The estate has everything needed.”

 

Duan Linzhou nodded in agreement.

 

However, despite his words, when the two of them set off the next day, Liu Guang still packed quite a few things. Duan Linzhou is afraid of the cold, so he has to prepare some warm things when going to the mountains, and his daily medicine is also essential.

 

Mu Peixuan rode on horseback while Duan Linzhou sat inside the carriage. The carriage moved slowly down the long street. With the New Year approaching, Ruizhou had grown even more lively and festive.

 

By the time they arrived, Li Yue, Xu Ying, and the others had already gathered. The group set off in a grand procession toward the outskirts of the city. The riders, all young and spirited, had their cloaks billowing in the wind as their fine steeds trotted briskly beneath the warm winter sun, drawing frequent glances from passersby.

 

Mu Peixuan was dressed in a fitted black riding outfit today, his long hair tied high. There was a youthful pride in his eyes, making him appear even more striking — radiant like the blazing sun.

 

Duan Linzhou opened the carriage window and gazed at Mu Peixuan, who was just a few steps ahead. Sensing something, Mu Peixuan turned his head and met Duan Linzhou’s gaze directly. He pulled on the reins and paused for a moment, stopping beside the carriage window. “What’s wrong?”

 

Duan Linzhou shook his head with a smile and said, “It’s nothing.”

 

Mu Peixuan asked, “Cold?”

 

Duan Linzhou replied, “No.”

 

Mu Peixuan said, “It’s colder up in the mountains. Have Liu Guang prepare a thicker cloak.”

 

A faint smile appeared in Duan Linzhou’s eyes as he responded, “Alright.”

 

25

“Tsk, tsk, tsk,” Xu Ying was sharp-eyed, seeing Mu Peixuan leaning slightly from horseback to speak with Duan Linzhou, and once Duan Linzhou closed the window, Xu Ying couldn’t help but lower his voice and tease, “Xiao Junwang, since when did you and Boss Duan get so—” He waggled his eyebrows and gave Mu Peixuan a meaningful wink. “Hmm?”

 

Mu Peixuan cast him a sidelong glance, pulled the reins, and nudged his horse forward a few paces with a squeeze of his legs.

 

Xu Ying caught up quickly, grinning shamelessly as he said, “Aiya, I remember a certain someone turned into a grim-faced devil for half a month when they were about to get married.”

 

He exaggeratedly turned to ask Li Yue, “Who was it again? Li Yue, do you remember?”

 

Li Yue gave a dry cough, but the corners of his mouth couldn’t help lifting into a smile.

 

Mu Peixuan looked at Xu Ying and smiled faintly. Then, without warning, he straightened his riding crop and snapped it forward, landing a sharp smack on the hindquarters of the chestnut horse beneath Xu Ying. The steed, startled and in pain, neighed loudly and bolted ahead at full speed. Xu Ying let out a startled cry, hastily grabbing the reins and tightening his legs around the horse’s flanks. “We were just talking! What’s with the violence?!”

 

As soon as he opened his mouth, a gust of cold wind rushed in, and before he could say more, he was already being bounced several yards ahead by the galloping horse. “Mu Peixuan!”

 

Mu Peixuan leisurely twirled the gem-inlaid riding crop in his hand and turned to look at Li Yue. Li Yue immediately nudged his horse to the side and said, “I didn’t see a thing.”

 

The hot spring estate sat atop Qiyu Mountain, just outside of Ruizhou City.

 

With fair weather on their side, the group traveled smoothly and arrived at the outskirts of the estate an hour later. Xu Ying was still a little disgruntled, grumbling the whole way about how heartless Mu Peixuan was. He kept saying that if it weren’t for his top-notch riding skills, he would’ve been thrown clean off the horse already.

 

Mu Peixuan tugged the corner of his mouth into a half-smile and said, ‘If you can fall off a horse from that, you’d better not bother being a Qianhu after the New Year.’ That one line shut Xu Ying up immediately.

 

He gave a few indignant grumbles, looking thoroughly wronged, then trotted off to find Fang Yuan to complain, though what came of that need not be said.

 

The carriage came to a stop just outside the estate gates, and servants from within quickly came out to greet them.

 

Aside from Mu Peixuan, Li Yue, and Xu Ying, the group also included two other close companions: Yu Jing, the legitimate second son of Ruizhou’s prefect, and Xu Fangyi, the youngest son of the vice commander of Ruizhou’s garrison. The five of them were frequently seen eating, drinking, and making merry together, sharing a deep bond. Yu Jing and Xu Fangyi had each brought along a few trusted companions as well, making for a rather impressive entourage.

 

This wasn’t their first time, and they were all familiar with the surroundings. Mu Peixuan and Duan Linzhou walked together inside. Since they were coming, the servants of the estate had already prepared everything in advance. The furnishings inside the estate followed the customs of Ruizhou, grand yet with a touch of elegance. The estate also had a plum garden, and the flowers were in full bloom.

 

Mu Peixuan glanced at the plum blossoms and couldn’t help but look at Duan Linzhou. Duan Linzhou tilted his head, admiring a single red plum blossom. Its branches stretched gracefully, releasing a subtle fragrance. Duan Linzhou wore a snow-white brocade cloak, his hair bound with a jade crown, his fair complexion accentuating his ethereal appearance, completely free from any hint of a merchant’s vulgarity.

 

The plum fragrance was faint, curling its way into the air and into Mu Peixuan’s nostrils, but he couldn’t help but think of Duan Linzhou’s Xinxiang, his throat tightening. He opened his mouth and said, “Duan Linzhou.”

 

Duan Linzhou looked over at the sound of his voice, a plum blossom brushing against his cheek. The red plum blossoms, his fair complexion, and the contrast between them created a captivating, almost mesmerizing allure. Mu Peixuan gazed at him, and for a moment, it felt as if all the people in the garden had vanished, leaving only the two of them in the vast expanse of the plum garden.

 

In that moment, Mu Peixuan’s throat went dry, and an inexplicable, intense longing arose within him, like a desert ascetic thirsting for a few drops of precious rain.

 

The feeling came suddenly and forcefully, catching Mu Peixuan off guard. He fought to suppress it, holding it back with great effort. Not wanting to stay in the plum garden any longer, he subtly lowered his voice and said, “Let’s go for now.”

 

Duan Linzhou didn’t suspect anything, he nodded in agreement and replied, “Alright.”