Chapter 141: Hello Chang’an
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Chapter 141: An Open and Fair Refusal
Cui Jing's solution was straightforward and to the point.
Returning to General Chang’s mansion with Chang Kuo, he went to the study and picked up a brush to write four large characters:
“Simply hang these four characters outside the mansion door, and any prospective suitors will withdraw on their own.”
His tone was so serious, it was as if he’d created a talisman to ward off evil spirits rather than just a simple sign.
Chang Kuo picked up the calligraphy, fixed his gaze on it, and saw the bold words “No Marriage Discussions.”
"This…" Chang Kuo's eyes lit up as he regained his composure. "Brilliant!"
The highest level of rejection is often achieved by the simplest, most direct method.
Chang Kuo immediately had someone post the sign right on the mansion door.
The previous day, after leaving Marquis Zheng's Mansion, Chang Suining and Chang Sui'an had gone to inspect the preparations for the autumn harvest at their manor. On returning home, they noticed the eye-catching sign with those four characters at the entrance.
Surprised, Chang Sui'an asked a servant who had come up to greet them, “Whose idea was this?”
“Sir, it was the General’s instruction.”
“Oh, that’s definitely something my father would do,” Chang Sui'an replied knowingly.
“But this writing doesn’t look like Father’s,” Suining commented, examining it closely. “Father can’t write such elegant calligraphy.”
In fact, few people in the entire capital could produce such strong, refined characters.
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This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com
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Would her father really go out of his way to hire a calligraphy master just for these four words?
Chang Suining’s question was quickly answered in the front hall.
She saw Cui Jing, dressed in official attire, sitting in the parlor drinking tea.
Clearly, he had been dragged here straight from court.
“Suining, did you see the words posted outside?” Chang Kuo asked, laughing heartily. “They were written by none other than General Cui!”
Suining looked at Cui Jing in slight surprise.
—Was he under some form of duress? If her father had forced him, he could just give her a quick wink.
However, the young man didn’t wink; he simply looked down and continued drinking tea.
Chang Kuo eagerly added, “Not only did General Cui write it, but the idea was his as well!”
Cui Jing: “…”
There really was no need to mention every little detail…
It almost seemed as though he was overly involved in the matter, as if he were enthusiastic about preventing her marriage discussions.
Usually not one to explain himself, Cui Jing suddenly felt the need to clarify, “It was General Chang who mentioned today that matchmakers have been frequent visitors, but Miss Chang has no interest in marriage, and he’s been quite disturbed by it—”
Chang Suining, who had already sat down, smiled knowingly and said, “Thank you, General Cui. Though simple, this method is quite effective.”
Simple?
Cui Jing glanced at her.
Was that meant as a compliment?
Meanwhile, Chang Kuo was cheerfully inviting him, “... If there’s no rush, why not stay and join us for lunch?”
“Thank you, General, but I have other matters to attend to,” Cui Jing replied, glancing at the water clock. He set down his teacup and stood up. “It’s time for me to be on my way.”
Leaving already?
Seeing that he indeed had other obligations, Chang Suining swallowed the polite invitation she had been about to extend.
Chang Kuo then arranged for someone to escort Cui Jing out of the mansion.
Outside the main gate, Cui Yuanxiang looked back at the “talisman” and belatedly asked, “... General, did you come all this way just to write these few characters?”
Anyone could have written those words, so why did it warrant the General’s personal visit?
Cui Yuanxiang felt that something was strange, though he couldn’t quite put his finger on what it was.
Hearing this, Cui Jing paused, looked back, and suddenly found his actions a bit inexplicable himself.
After reflecting for a moment, Cui Jing found himself at a loss to explain his actions; it was almost as if he’d been possessed by something…
As he puzzled over this in silence, he suddenly heard his subordinate speak up as if struck by an epiphany, “General, I think I finally understand!”
Cui Jing looked at him.
“No wonder you’ve always avoided friendships,” Cui Yuanxiang sighed. “It turns out you’re genuinely loyal and sincere at heart. Once you regard someone as a friend, you’re willing to personally handle anything related to them, no matter how small. Miss Chang is lucky to have a friend like you—how enviable.”
Cui Jing: "..."
Maybe that was it? After all, he’d never had much experience with friendships.
“Let’s go.” He mounted his horse.
Cui Yuanxiang quickly followed, shaking his head as he gazed at the resolute figure and sharp mind of his master. Such a love-starved General, he thought to himself, could easily lose his wits over the novelty of close relationships.
Meanwhile, Chang Suining and Chang Sui'an finished lunch at home and went out.
Today, being a rest day at the Imperial Academy, Cui Lang had proposed a social gathering at one of the city’s most refined locations—Lingyin Hall.
True to its name, Lingyin Hall was famous for its music, boasting the best musicians in the city. Literary societies in the capital frequently held gatherings like this, and while Suining normally disliked such events, since Cui Lang was willing to handle the cost and arrangements, she could hardly refuse an opportunity to strengthen social ties with little effort.
Currently, Wuer Society had eighteen members, each carefully selected by Cui Lang himself. Everyone enrolled in the Academy either had a family background or notable talent, so while they gathered for fun, it often became much more than that over time.
Suining had visited the family manor just the day before and understood that every stage in the life of a crop—from loosening the soil to sowing, watering, and waiting—was essential before a single grain could be harvested. No day in a seed’s life is wasted.
Lingyin Hall was decorated in the style of Jiangnan, with a main hall and private rooms on the second floor for listening to music, as well as four elegant courtyards in the back for refined gatherings. Cui Lang had reserved the “Bamboo Courtyard” for today’s event.
Suining stepped out of the carriage, and as she entered the hall, the sound of a pipa met her ears. Passing through the main hall with her brother, the sound gradually faded behind them as they reached the courtyard.
“Ah, Miss Chang?!”
As she approached the “Bamboo Courtyard,” a voice called out from the side.
She turned and smiled, raising her hand in greeting, “Scholar Tan.”
The young man in the blue robe was pleasantly surprised. “You remember me, Miss Chang?”
Suining replied with a smile, “How could I forget someone who shares an affinity with Li Bai?”
Tan Li chuckled. “Miss Chang has an excellent memory…”
Then, curiously, he asked, “I heard you established a new archery club at the Academy, called Wuer Society?”
“Yes. Today’s gathering is a club event. Scholar Tan, if you don’t mind, please join us in the Bamboo Courtyard for tea and wine.”
Tan Li showed a look of deep regret. “Thank you for the invitation, but I’m here for another reason…”
Just then, footsteps approached, and he looked back before explaining, “I’m actually here for Scholar Song’s poetry gathering.” Being a frugal scholar preparing for next year’s exams, he often sought out events with food and drink to cut expenses. Naturally, he was acquainted with the renowned Song Xian.
Amid the group of literati approaching them was the well-known Song Xian himself. Upon seeing Suining, the faint smile on his face turned cold.
“This is the very Miss Chang who painted during the Dragon Boat Festival at Dengtai Pavilion,” Tan Li said, smiling as he added, “Since you both study at the Imperial Academy, there’s no need for introductions!”
“We’re not acquainted,” Song Xian corrected him without looking her way, “and Miss Chang isn’t a student at the Academy.”
He seemed to emphasize “Miss” as if to draw attention to it.
Tan Li, after a brief pause, laughed, “Ah yes, Miss Chang is a private student of Head Master Qiao…”
Song Xian’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.
“The poetry gathering is starting, let’s go.” He seemed eager to avoid further interaction, as if he didn’t want to be associated with certain people.
Tan Li bowed and took his leave, following Song Xian’s group.
“Ning Ning, who was that Scholar Song?” Chang Sui'an asked with a frown. “Why did he seem…”
“As if he doesn’t like me?” Suining finished his thought.
Chang Sui'an nodded. “Exactly!”
The young sword-bearer glanced at his master, noting that only when a young lady was involved did his master’s keen instincts truly come to life.
“Does my sister have some kind of grudge against him?” Chang Sui'an asked quietly as they walked.
“Yes, a fated grudge,” she replied, smiling.
It began before she’d taken Qiao Yan as her mentor, never having learned that Scholar Song had once sought to study under Qiao as well, only to be rejected. Because of this history, Song had harbored a natural resentment, initially dismissing her apprenticeship as nothing more than a young girl’s frivolous act to preserve his pride.
Although he later recognized she was serious about her studies, he had set his posture too high and found it difficult to step down. Such pride was human nature, especially for a reserved scholar who valued his reputation—she understood that completely.
Once prejudice forms such a lofty pedestal, it’s hard for the person to climb down on their own.
“Has he been rude to you? If so, should I teach him a lesson?” Chang Sui'an asked, eager to defend her.
“No need, brother. Keep that mighty weapon sheathed.”
“Ning Ning!”
They heard Qiao Yubai calling to Suining. Beside him stood Qiao Yumian, who rarely ventured out but now smiled upon hearing Suining had arrived.
Suining quickly walked over. Although her brother wasn’t officially part of the club, as the club leader’s sibling, he’d grown friendly with members like Hu Yi and got along well with everyone—except when it came to competing with Qiao Yubai for the title of “older brother.”
Greeting each other cheerfully, Suining led Qiao Yumian to a seat.
Cui Lang had declared that no alcohol was to be served, so everyone raised tea in place of wine, chatting about Academy anecdotes, recent news, or even touching briefly on minor political topics.
“I heard from my father that the Emperor flew into a rage at court yesterday after Scholar Ming secretly uncovered several officials privately composing poetry mocking her for not returning power to the ministers…”
“All those officials were demoted! I think one of them was even an imperial censor who once supported the movement to depose the former emperor…”
Hearing the regretful tone in these words, Chang Suining was unsurprised. Just because that censor had once advocated for dethroning the previous emperor didn’t mean he supported Empress Ming’s ascension—or that he hadn’t shifted his stance now that the political landscape had changed. In the court, alliances were dictated by stable, unchanging interests.
This was also why the aristocratic officials were tightly united and increasingly opposed to Empress Ming, particularly as the Crown Prince grew older.
For now, it might be indirect poetry, but what about tomorrow?
Demoting a few officials wouldn’t quell this undercurrent.
As Chang Suining pondered this, a club member suddenly ran in, shouting, “Cui Lang is arguing with members of the Plum-Seeking Society!”
A servant had mentioned seeing some of Cui Lang’s elder family members arriving, so he’d gone out to exchange a few words. But now, before even meeting them, he was already at odds with members of another club?
By the time Suining and the others reached the scene, Cui Lang was already poised to throw a punch.
“Pah! So cultured, are you? I say you’re a barrel of pickles, and I’ll smash you to bits for tonight’s snack!” he spat, ready to strike.
“Sixth Young Master Cui, calm down! Gentlemen debate with words, not fists…” One of his friends was holding him back, reminding him that reinforcements hadn’t yet arrived, and they were sorely outnumbered.
Across from them, a drunken student sneered, “It’s laughable enough that you’ve formed a club led by a woman, and now you don’t even allow criticism?”
“Wuer Society, indeed—a rather boastful name, don’t you think?”
In the Imperial academy, the Plum-Seeking Society was recognized as the foremost club. To them, a group that focused on playing polo yet dared call itself “Wuer Society” was arrogantly challenging the established hierarchy. Their dissatisfaction had been simmering for a long time.
Most members of the Plum-Seeking Society were from humble backgrounds, and they harbored resentment toward the aristocratic circles that often suppressed and excluded them. Now, facing Cui Lang—an unremarkable scion of the Cui family—they seized the opportunity, fueled by their drink, to air their grievances.
“Even Brother Song said that Lady Chang’s efforts to form a club are corrupting the Imperial academy’s atmosphere!”
Hearing this, Song Xian frowned. He had indeed said this before and was still willing to stand by it. Yet, coming from someone else’s mouth, it sounded as if he’d been gossiping about a young woman behind her back.
And just then, that young woman herself appeared, overhearing every word.
When their eyes met, she did not confront him or express any anger. Instead, she calmly pulled Cui Lang aside and then addressed him directly. “Scholar Song, if you’re so inclined to rank people by gender, could it be that, aside from this difference, there’s nothing else you think you could compare with me on?”
Song Xian narrowed his gaze, while his club members displayed open indignation. Was this the height of arrogance?
Song Xian replied, “I’ve always afforded you a certain respect solely because you’re a woman.”
Chang Suining looked at him. “Yet we have never been in direct competition, so where does this ‘respect’ come from?”
Or was it that, still resentful over failing to become Head Master Qiao’s disciple, he had nursed a secret rivalry with her—one masked by his supposed disdain over competing with a woman? His fingers clenched within his sleeves, as if his innermost thoughts had been laid bare.
At that precise moment, Chang Suining added, “Instead of whispering behind my back, Scholar Song, would you dare set aside gender distinctions today and compete with me directly, to truly see who is superior?”
Was this a public challenge?
The crowd stirred, murmuring in anticipation. Confronted by these curious stares, Song Xian looked at Chang Suining and asked, “What is it that Lady Chang wants to compete in?”
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