MSW Chapter18

43

The leisurely days passed quickly, and before he knew it, it was New Year’s Eve. The sky had been overcast for several days, and on this day, Duan Linzhou finally woke up, only to hear Liu Guang say that it had snowed again outside.

 

Although Duan Linzhou was afraid of the cold, he quite liked snowy days because Ruizhou had so little snow.

 

He was wrapped up tightly by Liu Guang before being let out of the room. With a hand warmer tucked under his arm, he leisurely strolled down the long corridor. The snow was light, gently falling like fine salt, adding to the poetic and picturesque beauty of Marquis Annan Mansion with its pavilions and towers. Mu Peixuan was always an early riser, and today, being New Year’s Eve, the Mu family would go to the ancestral temple to pay respects to their ancestors, so he had already begun his busy preparations early in the morning.

 

The entire Marquis Annan Mansion was bustling with activity. It was rare for Duan Linzhou to be idle; these past years, he had been constantly busy. Ever since he was struck by this poison, he had been stuck in Ruizhou, rarely traveling far. If it had been a few years ago, even on New Year’s Eve, Duan Linzhou might not have stayed in Ruizhou City. Old Master Duan believed that a young man should aim for the world, and though his son was a Zhongyong, he had a natural talent for business, no less than Tianqian, so he no longer restrained him.

 

It wasn’t until the year Old Master Duan passed away. He left on the 29th of the lunar year, and Duan Linzhou stayed in Ruizhou. He held Duan Linzhou’s hand tightly, his eyes filled with regret.

 

It could be said that the bond between father and son was weak. Old Master Duan was a businessman with a cold temperament, and if it weren’t for Duan Linzhou’s natural talent, Old Master Duan wouldn’t have placed such importance on this illegitimate son. He knew that although Duan Linzhou appeared to smile warmly, he was actually proud and had little interest in ordinary people, let alone his legitimate brothers and half-brothers. Duan Linzhou regarded none of them with any importance. Old Master Duan feared that after his death, his sons would have no future, so in the last two years of his life, though he appeared neither close nor distant with Duan Linzhou, he fully entrusted the family’s affairs to him.

 

In the end, the old fox was still the craftiest. After Old Master Duan passed away, Duan Linzhou cursed the old fox in his heart, yet he couldn’t help but feel his eyes redden.

 

Duan Linzhou had never treated the Duan family unfairly. Even though Duan Linyu, unwilling to be overshadowed by an illegitimate son, repeatedly caused trouble and tried to step on him, Duan Linzhou never once thought of taking his life.

 

It wasn’t until he was poisoned in the capital.

 

Duan Linzhou let out a deep sigh, staring absently at the snow-covered pine trees outside the corridor. He thought to himself that it wouldn’t be long before he would meet that old man. If he knew that Duan Linzhou had ruined his legitimate son and handed the Duan family’s fortune over to others, he wondered how furious he would be. At this thought, Duan Linzhou let out a cold smile.

 

When Duan Linzhou was first poisoned, he believed that since it was poison, there must be a way to cure it. But after struggling for three years, those three years had gradually crushed all his hopes for life.

 

Duan Linzhou had long since prepared himself for death.

 

Then, he thought of Mu Peixuan, and a sudden sense of reluctance and regret rose within him. The long-forgotten feeling of dissatisfaction seemed to awaken all at once. Duan Linzhou found himself feeling somewhat lost. Had marrying Mu Peixuan been a mistake?

 

“Why are you standing here?” A voice suddenly came, and Duan Linzhou looked up to see Mu Peixuan standing a few steps away, frowning at him.

 

Duan Linzhou snapped back to reality, his palm still resting on the hand warmer, and he tilted his chin slightly, saying, “Admiring the snow.”

 

Mu Peixuan said, “What’s so special about the snow?” As he spoke, he reached out and gently pressed the back of his hand to Duan Linzhou’s cheek. Duan Linzhou blinked slowly, looking at Mu Peixuan. Mu Peixuan quickly withdrew his hand and said, “Foolish children and those pretentious scholars are the ones who enjoy gazing at the snow. Duan Linzhou, are you still a child?”

 

Duan Linzhou snorted softly and replied, “Yeah, still a child,” his tone rising slightly. Then, in a lower voice, he added, “Junwang Gege.”

 

Mu Peixuan: “……”

 

He awkwardly curled his palm into a fist and said, “Stop making noise.”

 

Duan Linzhou chuckled and asked, “Has Your Highness finished with your tasks?”

 

Mu Peixuan replied, “En, my elder brother is handling the other matters.”

 

Duan Linzhou nodded, then looked out at the snow and said, “This snow has been falling for most of the day already, hasn’t it?” He sighed and continued, “Last year’s flood already damaged the foundation, and now the price of rice in the shops has been rising constantly. If the snow continues for another day or two, the common people will probably be unable to afford even the coarsest rice.”

 

Mu Peixuan’s expression also grew slightly more serious as he said in a low voice, “The Commander has also shared this concern. I’ve heard that there has been a snow disaster in Fengzhou, and the situation is severe. The governor of Fengzhou has been ineffective in handling the disaster, and many people have died from the cold.”

 

Duan Linzhou inhaled sharply. He had once traveled to Fengzhou for business. It located to the northwest of Ruizhou, with Wanzhou in between, once Fengzhou suffered a disaster, it’s likely that the refugees would seek to escape to Ruizhou.

 

Duan Linzhou furrowed his brow and said, “They should have made preparations for the disaster earlier.”

 

Mu Peixuan replied, “Last night, my elder brother, the Governor, and the Commander discussed it through the night. They’ve already outlined a plan, so there’s no need to worry too much.”

 

The snow continued to fall until dusk, yet it didn’t stop. Despite the snow, the atmosphere of New Year’s Eve was still strong in Ruizhou, and the snow didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the people for celebrating the New Year.

 

Marquis Annan Mansion was rarely this lively. Mu Peixuan and his older brother, Mu Peizhi, were gathered together, and there were many more members of the Mu family present, all gathered to spend New Year’s Eve together.

 

This was also the first New Year after Mu Peixuan’s marriage. Whether they had met Duan Linzhou before or not, the members of the Mu clan all sized up this famed boss from Lingnan, either openly or discreetly. Duan Linzhou acted as if he hadn’t noticed those scrutinizing gazes, standing with a gentle smile by Mu Peixuan’s side, his posture upright and his bearing distinguished. If not for the sickly air between his brows and the overly thin frame hidden beneath the thick cloak, one would hardly be able to tell that he was someone with one foot already in the grave.

 

Mu Peizhi and Mu Peixuan, being of high status and seniority, naturally had no one daring to behave improperly before them. During the New Year’s Eve vigil, they sat at the main table chatting leisurely with the clan members. The younger ones, draped in brocade cloaks, darted into the back garden to set off fireworks. There were plenty of fireworks prepared; once lit, they whooshed into the sky and burst into brilliant, colorful flames.

 

The trees seemed ablaze with silver flowers, lively and splendid.

 

Duan Linzhou stood beneath the eaves, hands tucked into his sleeves as he looked up at the fireworks in the night sky. Amid the continuous bursts of explosions, snowflakes swirled down, the dazzling display beyond words. Mu Peixuan had left his seat at some point and was now leaning quietly against a lacquered red pillar, silently watching Duan Linzhou. Sensing Mu Peixuan’s gaze, Duan Linzhou turned his head and, seeing it was him, smiled faintly and said, “Happy New Year, Xiao Junwang.”

 

As he spoke, someone happened to light a firework, and the whistling roar drowned out Duan Linzhou’s voice. Mu Peixuan raised his eyebrows and stepped closer, saying, “What did you say?”

 

Duan Linzhou smiled and repeated, “I said, Happy New Year, Xiao Junwang.”

 

Mu Peixuan looked at Duan Linzhou, a smile slowly appearing on his face as he softly replied, “Happy New Year.”

 

The New Year’s Eve vigil was meant to last the whole night. Naturally, Duan Linzhou couldn’t stay up that long. After watching the fireworks for a while, he went to rest. As midnight passed and Mu Peixuan returned to the room, wrapped in a chill, he found Duan Linzhou already fast asleep.

 

A single lamp was lit inside, its light softened by a cover, casting a gentle glow.

 

Duan Linzhou was sleeping soundly with his head turned to the side, but one hand had fallen onto Mu Peixuan’s pillow. Mu Peixuan reached out, then, remembering his hand was still cold, pressed it against the bedding to warm it slightly before gently placing Duan Linzhou’s hand back under the covers.

 

Suddenly, Mu Peixuan’s gaze caught on a flash of red peeking out from under the pillow. He lightly lifted it and found a red envelope hidden beneath. Startled, he reached for it and opened it, only to see it was filled with small, finely crafted gold ingots, each engraved with blessings like “peace year after year” and “good fortune and prosperity.”

 

Mu Peixuan gazed at Duan Linzhou for a long time, silently repeating in his heart, Peace year after year.

 

Peace year after year.

 

44

Duan Linzhou spent a lively New Year at Marquis Annan Mansion.

 

Mu Peizhi had two children, both born of Marchioness Annan, Lady Li, the eldest son, Mu Jinyu, and the second son, Mu Jintang, both still young. On the morning of the first day of the new year, when they came to offer New Year’s greetings to Mu Peixuan and Duan Linzhou, Duan Linzhou handed out gold ingots shaped like little fish and birds as auspicious gift, easily winning the children’s favor. They gathered around Duan Linzhou, calling him “Little Aunty” one after another.

 

The title was quite novel, and Duan Linzhou raised an eyebrow upon hearing it. The two Mu children were well-behaved and, with the New Year, dressed in round, festive clothes that made them look especially cheerful. Duan Linzhou found it amusing, and since his private vault was filled with rare trinkets, he had Liu Guang pick out a few small toys that the children would likely enjoy, such as the Baguenaudier[mfn]Baguenaudier, also known as the Chinese rings, Cardan’s suspension, Cardano’s rings, Devil’s needle or five pillars puzzle, is a disentanglement puzzle featuring a loop which must be disentangled from a sequence of rings on interlinked pillars.[/mfn] and Thousand-Mile View[mfn]It is a type of optical toy or tool, similar to a telescope. It is designed to give the illusion of seeing long distances or to offer a unique viewing experience, though it’s typically simpler than a modern telescope.[/mfn].

 

The two children were completely captivated, ignoring the nannies’ repeated attempts to hurry them. They sat on a plush, thick blanket, happily playing to their heart’s content.

 

Although the two children were brothers, they had different personalities. The older one was bound by rules and taught to be polite. He was surprised by the Thousand-Mile View, and Duan Linzhou taught him how to use it. He opened his eyes wide in curiosity. Duan Linzhou handed him the Thousand-Mile View, and he shyly said, Thanks, Little Auntie, then excitedly leaned against the window and looked around with the telescope.

 

The younger one, though only four years old, was calm and patient enough to tackle the Baguenaudier.

 

Duan Linzhou looked on with amazement and smiled at Mu Peixuan, saying, “Your two little nephews are so clever at such a young age, they’re quite extraordinary.”

 

Mu Peixuan stared intently at the Thousand-Mile View in Mu Jinyu’s hands, casually replying, “Since Yu’er and Tang’er became aware of things, they’ve been kept close by my elder brother, who personally teaches them.”

 

Duan Linzhou raised an eyebrow, noticing that Mu Peixuan was staring at the Thousand-Mile View in Mu Jinyu’s hands. He leaned in closer and smiled, “Does Your Highness take an interest in that too?”

 

Mu Peixuan awkwardly withdrew his gaze and said, “It’s just a novelty, that’s all.”

 

Duan Linzhou said, “That Thousand-Mile View was exchanged from a foreign merchant five years ago when the caravan sailed out.” A hint of amusement appeared in his eyes as he continued, “I remember there’s another one. If Your Highness likes it, I’ll have Liu Guang find it for you.”

 

Mu Peixuan cleared his throat and replied, “It’s a toy for children…”

 

“This is hardly a child’s toy,” Duan Linzhou said with a smile. “The reason it’s called the Thousand-Mile View is because it allows you to see places beyond the reach of ordinary eyes. While it may not extend a thousand miles, it’s quite useful when sailing. I have no use for it now, so it will not gather dust if it is in Your Highness’s hands.”

 

His words were both charming and considerate. Mu Peixuan glanced at Duan Linzhou, about to speak, when he heard Mu Jinyu call out, “Father and Mother are here.”

 

Mu Peizhi and Lady Li had come to fetch the two children.

 

Outside, snow was falling. The couple stepped in from under their umbrella and saw Mu Peixuan and Duan Linzhou already there to greet them. The brothers exchanged a few pleasantries, and Mu Peizhi smiled helplessly, saying, “I was just on my way back. I heard these two children were holed up here and didn’t want to leave, so I stopped by to check on them.”

 

Mu Peixuan asked, “Elder Brother, have you gone to the prefectural government again?”

 

Mu Peizhi nodded, and Duan Linzhou said, “The wind is strong outside. Marquis, Madam, please come in and sit.”

 

The group immediately entered the warm pavilion, which was as warm as spring. It felt like a different world compared to the cold wind and snow outside. The children, who had been playing, saw Mu Peizhi and Lady Li, immediately put down their toys, and called out, “Father, Mother.”

 

Lady Li scolded playfully, “We agreed that you guys come and wish your little uncle and aunt a happy New Year, yet here you guys are, refusing to leave.”

 

Duan Linzhou smiled and said, “It’s my fault. Seeing how adorable Yu’er and Tang’er are, I couldn’t help but keep them a little longer.”

 

Lady Li laughed and said, “Don’t go supporting them. Otherwise, they’ll be coming to bother you all the time in the future.”

 

Duan Linzhou replied, “I’d welcome it.”

 

Since Duan Linzhou’s marriage into Marquis Annan Mansion, it was the first time he had sat down with Mu Peizhi and his wife to chat. Mu Peizhi was gentle in nature, and the two brothers sat across from each other. The tea was brewed by Duan Linzhou, who rolled up his sleeves to reveal a pale, slender wrist as he poured tea for the couple.

 

Lady Li was calm and composed, not paying attention to the conversation between the Mu brothers. She sat beside the younger Mu Jintang, keeping company with the two children.

 

Mu Peizhi and Mu Peixuan did not avoid Duan Linzhou in their conversation. What they discussed ranged from the snow disaster in Fengzhou to the growing unrest in the northern border with the Hu people and the increasingly intense factional struggles within the court.

 

As Duan Linzhou observed the two brothers, who shared a slight resemblance in their features, he suddenly realized that despite their relationship not being particularly close, they were not as estranged as outsiders had claimed. There was no bitter rivalry between them, no animosity like the rumors suggested. Even Duan Linzhou himself had nearly been deceived by Mu Peizhi.

 

Mu Peixuan was unaware that, before marrying him, Duan Linzhou had already interacted with Mu Peizhi.

 

The world often said that although Mu Peizhi came from a military family and was the legitimate eldest son of the Old Marquis, he seemed somewhat ordinary compared to his younger brother, who had achieved fame at a young age.

 

Mu Peizhi, rather than being seen as a military general, was more like a scholar. He had quite a reputation in the Lingnan region. However, for a military official, no matter how great his reputation, without military achievements, he became nothing more than a decorative, useless ornament.

 

Duan Linzhou suddenly realized that while Mu Peizhi might not be skilled in military affairs, he was by no means a mediocre person who relied on his family’s influence to hold the half tiger tally of the southern border.

 

They talked for a while longer, and Duan Linzhou eventually left his seat to join Mu Jinyu in playing with the Thousand-Mile View. He was patient and engaging, and before long, he had become completely immersed in the game with Mu Jinyu.

 

As Mu Peizhi was speaking, he noticed that Mu Peixuan had shifted his gaze. Following his line of sight, he saw Duan Linzhou standing by the window with Mu Jinyu, both looking at the falling snow through the Thousand-Mile View.

 

Mu Peizhi smiled slightly and said, “It seems you get along well with Boss Duan.”

 

Mu Peixuan didn’t reply, his expression neutral.

 

Mu Peizhi said, “That’s good,” with a light sigh. “Now I can rest easy.”

 

Mu Peixuan paused, looking at Mu Peizhi and asking, “Rest easy about what?”

 

Mu Peizhi replied, “That I haven’t caused you to lose your happiness because of me.”

 

Mu Peixuan pressed his lips together but remained silent.

 

Lady Li saw that Duan Linzhou had been accompanying Mu Jinyu by the window for quite a while already, so she called Mu Jinyu over, gently warming his cold little hands. “Alright, no more playing.”

 

“It’s so cold outside. What would we do if your little aunt caught a cold?”

 

Mu Jinyu obediently sat down, and Lady Li pushed a hand warmer towards Duan Linzhou’s direction, saying, “Warm your hands.”

 

Duan Linzhou smiled and thanked her. Lady Li laughed and said, “I didn’t expect you to be so fond of children.”

 

Duan Linzhou replied, “Madam, I’ve made a fool of myself.”

 

Lady Li gently said, “Don’t call me ‘Madam.’ You’re Ah Xuan’s wife, so if you don’t mind, you can just call me ‘Dasao[mfn]Da Sao refers to sister-in-law[/mfn]’.”

 

Duan Linzhou looked up at Lady Li, let out a soft “Aye,” and called out, “Sao-zi[mfn]Sister-in-law[/mfn].”

 

Lady Li smiled even more warmly and said, “You love children so much. When your health improves, you and Ah Xuan should have a child as brilliant and talented as you.”

 

Duan Linzhou was taken aback for a moment, then coughed lightly and said, “I am a zhongyong…”

 

Lady Li replied, “Being a zhongyong just means it’s not easy to conceive, not that it’s impossible. You and Ah Xuan have a long future ahead of you.”

 

Duan Linzhou gently rubbed the hand warmer in his hands, lowering his eyes and smiling. “Then I’ll take your good wishes to heart.”

 

Mu Peizhi and Lady Li stayed for a while longer before leaving with the two children. Mu Peixuan watched them walk away and then asked Duan Linzhou, “What were you talking about with Dasao just now?”

 

Duan Linzhou raised an eyebrow, leaned in close to Mu Peixuan’s ear, and whispered with a laugh, “Dasao said I should take care of my health and give you a little heir.”

 

Mu Peixuan: “……”

 

Mu Peixuan regained his composure and said, “What did you say then?”

 

Duan Linzhou confidently replied, “I said give, I’ll give him three, four, or even six!”

 

Mu Peixuan: “……”

 

He rubbed his reddening ears and said, “…Duan Linzhou, how can you say such things in front of Dasao?”

 

Duan Linzhou widened his eyes and said softly, “Oh? So Your Highness never considered that we might have children?”

 

Mu Peixuan thought to himself, Of course… of course I never thought of that! He had just begun to connect with Duan Linzhou, how could he be thinking about having children already, and especially not three, four, or six—

 

Mu Peixuan steadied himself and said, “I suppose even if I wanted to, Boss Duan might be willing but powerless.”

 

Duan Linzhou scoffed, “Willing but powerless?”

 

Mu Peixuan looked Duan Linzhou up and down and said, “You almost fainted when I touched your reproductive cavity, Duan Linzhou, you—”

 

Duan Linzhou’s cheeks immediately turned red. He glared at Mu Peixuan for a while and said, “Xiao Junwang, you definitely can’t imitate Xu Ying with that face of yours.”

 

Mu Peixuan said, “Why should I seek afar when what I need is right here?”

 

—This kid was indirectly saying that he was thick-skinned. Duan Linzhou laughed out of anger.

 

The lively New Year festivities continued until the fourth day of the new year. After four days of snow, it finally stopped. The sound of hooves echoed on the long street, freshly cleared of snow, as a rider made his way directly to Marquis Annan Mansion.

 

Mu Peixuan finished practicing with his spear, took a bath, and changed into fresh clothes. Just as he was about to check if Duan Linzhou had woken up, a servant came to report that Xu Ying was asking to see him.

 

Why would Xu Ying come to see him at this time?

 

Mu Peixuan’s right eyelid twitched inexplicably. He turned and walked toward the flower hall.

 

Xu Ying was waiting in the hall, pacing back and forth. As soon as he saw Mu Peixuan, he quickly took a few steps forward, grabbed Mu Peixuan’s arms, and with a pale face said, “Peixuan, something happened to the Yu family.”