Chapter 32: The First Step (Part 1)

In the lively hubbub, torchlight illuminated the Su residence at night. The blue-tiled eaves and intricately painted corridors shone as snowflakes fell, either melted or pushed away by the warmth in the air.

Tonight's banquet had just begun, stretching from a side hall of the Su residence, with twenty-six tables of varying shapes and more than two hundred guests. For the Su family, this was just an ordinary winter banquet. Other seasons saw fewer gatherings, but as the year-end approached, these feasts became frequent.

The main family's three branches, many distant relatives, esteemed elders, and managers from various regions filled the seats. At the central round table sat Elder Su, Song Mao, several elders of Su's generation, and main family members Su Boyong and Su Zhongkan. Seating arrangements here were significant; only those who made real contributions to the Su family could sit nearby. For example, Su Chonghua, head of the Yushan Academy, Su Yunsong, a key business manager, and other heads were positioned close. Even direct members of the three branches had to hold authority to earn a spot nearby. If Xi Junyu were invited, he too would be seated there.

As for Su Tan'er, despite managing much of the main family's affairs, she sat a table away with Ning Yi, as she had not yet been officially recognized due to her status as a woman. They had little interaction, appearing calm, though what lay in their hearts was another matter.

Beyond this point, seating was less strict. Nearby, Su Wenxing and Su Wengui gathered at a square table, occasionally casting scheming glances in their direction.

Neither Su Tan'er nor Ning Yi could have anticipated that a few people at this ordinary feast would be observing them with fluctuating emotions, unable to find any relief.

"Later, when Magistrate Song comes over, he'll praise Ning Yi. Once Magistrate Song speaks, everyone will take note; the show will begin."

Su Wengui felt confident, especially when Song Mao mentioned Ning Yi early on, commending his teaching skills. This strengthened his assumption. About fifteen minutes into the banquet, people began to move between tables. Another fifteen minutes later, Song Mao took his wine cup and walked around with Su Zhongkan.

Given his rank, Song Mao could have remained seated as a matter of pride, yet he was as considerate as ever, mingling with Su's family and friends. He exchanged greetings around nearby tables, showing great respect. Soon, he casually spoke a few words in the direction of Su Tan'er and Ning Yi: "The Su family has both Tan'er and Li Heng…"

"I'll go over..." Su Wenxing lifted a cup and approached, only to find Song Mao and Su Zhongkan already turning away. Slightly stunned, he headed back.

"What happened…?"

"Not sure, Uncle just said a few words and left."

"As a magistrate, he shouldn't speak too much; perhaps he's waiting for Tan'er and Ning Yi to toast first, then comment on them," Su Wengui suggested thoughtfully.

In the flickering firelight, the banquet continued noisily with shadows shifting, children playing, and clinking glasses. Those with schemes found little joy in the revelry. Soon, Su Tan'er and Ning Yi stood to offer their toasts, and Su Wenxing and Su Wengui followed suit, mingling and heading toward the main table. After the toasts, Su Tan'er and Ning Yi returned to their seats, and the two cousins, puzzled, did the same, exchanging glances and furtively discussing what to do next. Later, Su Tan'er and Ning Yi again spoke briefly with Song Mao, with Su Wengui nudging Su Wenxing to follow—only to return, still with no result.

The banquet gradually wound down.

If following strict protocol, others wouldn't leave until Elder Su retired, though he enjoyed staying to chat with old friends. Sensing it was time, he waved with a smile, "If you have matters, or if you're full and merry, feel free to go, go on, hehe…"

As the banquet drew to a close, some children, worn out from play, began dozing off, while others had drunk too much and slumped over tables. Elder Su's words granted a more relaxed atmosphere; some guests left, while others approached the elder to chat. Su Wengui and his group wore dark expressions. Su Wenxing had been boasting for days about Song Mao's presence, but now felt utterly embarrassed.

"What a disappointment..."

"Your uncle never intended to put him to the test..."

"Why couldn't he just say it plainly if he didn't want to help…"

At the hall's edge, Song Mao rose, politely excusing himself as he headed toward the exit, with Su Tan'er and Ning Yi following suit to bid farewell. Seeing this, the frustrated Su Wenxing abruptly stood and shouted, "Wait!"

The momentary hush gave way to murmurs as Song Mao glanced back, Su Tan'er and Ning Yi looked over, puzzled, and continued on after seeing no reason to stop. Elder Su turned to Su Wenxing and blinked, "Oh, Wenxing, what's going on? Need something?"

"Uh… I… No, nothing…"

With his face turning red, Su Wenxing slumped back in his seat, frustrated and defeated. Moments later, he rose again and hurried after Song Mao.

After returning to his quarters, Song Mao sipped the sobering tea that Song Kai had prepared. He hadn't drunk much but went through the motions out of politeness. Clear-headed, he set up his writing materials and reflected on the day's events.

What a fruitful day it had been.

His meeting with Master Qin was routine, meant only for maintaining connections, as one never knew when an alliance might be useful. He had no grand expectations regarding the mentorship link with Qin Shiyuan—just a bond to nurture for potential benefits, should Qin Shiyuan regain influence. Even if Qin's fortunes faltered, he'd still have ties with Qin's two sons. Their relationship wasn't deep, so it surprised him when things took an unexpectedly favorable turn.

At the Qin estate, Ning Liheng and two elders engaged with surprising ease and equality. It was no casual exchange between juniors and elders; Qin Shiyuan had introduced him as "a close friend," which left Song Mao somewhat taken aback. Still, this shift was advantageous. When he openly acknowledged his familial ties with the Su family, Qin's demeanor softened, moving beyond simple student-teacher politeness—a promising change.

Another highlight was meeting Kang Xian, also known as Kang Mingyun.

With his brush ready, Song Mao carefully wrote, "For the esteemed Master Kang Mingyun…" pausing to consider his wording. He scratched out "esteemed" and wrote "virtuous." Such phrasing was fitting for an admired scholar, a man of moral standing.

Though trivial, these matters occupied his thoughts. Testing Ning Yi's sincerity no longer seemed relevant after their brief exchange at the Qin estate. As an official, Song Mao wasn't afraid of Qin Shiyuan or Kang Mingyun, and Ning Yi, with no official rank, posed no threat. If anything, Ning Yi was a small player.

Yet, why bother?

Whether the Su family passed to the second branch or to Su Tan'er, his gains would remain unaffected. His nephew's plans to embarrass Ning Yi were trivial, unworthy of further thought. With his decision clear, he felt at peace, leaving such minor issues behind.

Moments later, Song Kai entered to announce, "Young Master Wenxing is here to see you." Song Mao nodded, eyes on his scroll as he continued writing.

Snow drifted by, lending the nightscape a feeling of solitude. In the distance, a temple bell tolled softly. From the second-floor railing, Ning Yi gazed down at the softly glowing Su family estate, the snow-laden scene casting a serene, evocative atmosphere over the illuminated rooms and pavilions.

Footsteps sounded from the stairs, and without looking, Ning Yi knew who approached. These steps were neither as light nor as lively as Xiao Chan's; they were graceful and calm. He tilted his head slightly and glimpsed the edge of a fox fur coat.

The figure paused beside him, leaning against the railing. Together, they silently took in the courtyard view. If Ning Yi turned, he could catch her youthful, beautiful profile. At last, Su Tan'er spoke, "My Lord enjoys watching the view from here, doesn't he?"

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Ning Yi smiled, knowing the time had come for a long-awaited conversation.

…

"You're a strange man, My Lord."

"Hmm?"