Chapter 87: Breaking the Ice

Xiao Chan's hometown, Nanting Village, is a small mountain village near Runzhou, not far from Jiangning. While this distance may seem trivial in modern times, the rugged mountain roads of the present era make it a journey of four to five hours—roughly an entire day.

Though mourning is inherently solemn, the process is rarely free of mundane matters. Xiao Chan grieved her father's passing, but having been sold to the Su family at the age of four and returning home only once every year or two, her sense of connection to her father was vague at best.

Her sorrow, therefore, was less about deep familial bonds and more about the occasion itself. In practical terms, the trip involved bringing along a significant number of items, visiting relatives, following various customs, and covering the intricate expenses tied to the funeral rituals. Moreover, having the Su family's guye (Master Ning Yi) accompany her signified the Su family's esteem for her. This gesture carried symbolic weight.

From another perspective, this visit was almost like a modest version of a triumphant return. While such a notion might seem ill-suited to a funeral, the reality was that a respected daughter serving in a prominent household returning home—especially with her Master—was a matter of pride. Whispers would circulate about the deceased raising an exceptional daughter, now positioned within an influential family. It lent an air of prestige to the burial, a reflection of the deceased's pursuit of dignity during their lifetime. Of course, it's unnecessary to lay bare such truths in their starkest form.

After all, life is a tapestry of social norms, and navigating these intricacies is merely part of the human experience.

The group departed the Su residence after breakfast. Dongzhu, a young servant boy who joined the household the previous year, drove the carriage. Accompanying them was Yeng, the house guard, a steadfast and dependable man in his forties wielding a large nine-ringed saber. Yeng had grown up alongside the Su family's patriarch, Su Boyong, and remained a loyal retainer. The Su family had even arranged his marriage to a high-ranking maid, with whom he now had two sons.

Though reserved, Yeng showed Ning Yi immense respect. His youngest son was currently studying at Yushan Academy, where Ning Yi was his teacher. After exchanging greetings upon boarding, Yeng initially sat outside. It wasn't until Ning Yi invited him in for a brief chat that he joined the interior before excusing himself, leaving space for Ning Yi and Xiao Chan.

Despite her sleepless night, Xiao Chan remained energetic, occasionally lifting the curtain to peek at the scenery and chat with Ning Yi. Ning Yi inquired about her family—relatives, neighbors, and the elders in the village.

A meticulous planner, Xiao Chan had already mapped out the necessary social dynamics. In her mind, Ning Yi would merely need to sit by while she handled the details. However, Ning Yi, no stranger to social subtleties, listened intently, mentally preparing a framework of who to thank, what to say, and what gifts to present. After all, his presence wasn't purely ornamental.

As they left Jiangning, the official road became crowded with impoverished refugees, many wearing tattered clothes and haggard expressions. It was a familiar sight, though not yet alarming—these early arrivals often had relatives to turn to. Xiao Chan lowered her voice, sharing her thoughts about the plight of these displaced families.

Once they veered off the main road, the refugee trails grew sparse, and the path became increasingly uneven. Around noon, they paused to let the horses rest, eating pre-packed snacks such as layered flatbread. Xiao Chan had brought ample food, concerned Ning Yi might not take well to village fare.

Initially seated across from each other, a jolt during the afternoon ride caused some gift boxes to tumble, prompting the pair to rearrange their seats. Xiao Chan ended up sitting beside Ning Yi, her hands clasped primly on her lap, head bowed in a rare display of quiet. She briefly considered moving away but noticed the boxes occupying the opposite side. Ning Yi appeared unconcerned, gazing out at the verdant mountains, sparse farmlands, and scattered villages.

"You didn't sleep well last night. Once we arrive, there'll likely be a lot to handle. Try to rest now, even if the ride's a bit bumpy," Ning Yi suggested.

Xiao Chan hesitated before nodding and closing her eyes. Exhausted, she soon leaned against Ning Yi's arm.

As the carriage jolted again, Ning Yi adjusted his position, guiding her to lie on his lap. He gently patted her shoulder, coaxing her to sleep. Xiao Chan opened her eyes briefly, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. Feeling the reassuring pats, she finally closed her eyes and drifted into slumber. Nestled against his leg, her delicate figure, clad in a light white outfit, embodied a serene, youthful grace.

She slept soundly throughout the journey, waking only as they neared Nanting Village. Blushing, she adjusted her hair while Ning Yi stretched his numbed leg. Quietly, she knelt beside him and began massaging his leg, her demeanor soft and attentive.

When they arrived at the village, the usual formalities of greetings and condolences commenced.

The funeral was already in its third day—it was summer, and delaying the burial wasn't an option. As Xiao Chan was technically no longer part of the household, having been sold to the Su family, the family wasn't obligated to wait for her.

The village came into view, with a makeshift canopy erected near the main hall. Xiao Chan's relatives, including her elder brother and sister-in-law, came out to greet them.

Xiao Chan had once briefly mentioned her family: her parents, an elder brother who had married the most beautiful girl in the neighboring village, and a younger brother who had tragically died of starvation. Having been sold to the Su family at the age of four, Xiao Chan did not officially bear the surname Xu, though her elder brother, Xu Dalang, retained it.

Thanks to Xiao Chan working in the Su household, the Xu family's current financial situation was decent and fairly well-off within the village. The funeral, as a result, was quite lavish. There were musicians, storytellers, monks, and Taoist priests—all present in abundance. Many people came to pay their respects. For a rural area, this level of grandeur was considered respectable.

Xiao Chan was the source of this prestige. As soon as she returned, numerous villagers, including distant relatives, neighbors, and acquaintances, flocked to greet her.

This wasn't out of pure opportunism; the countryside folk were simple and honest. However, there was great curiosity about Xiao Chan, who now worked for an immensely wealthy household in the city. Xiao Chan warmly greeted these people, introducing Master Ning Yi. He, in turn, politely met with the crowd, exchanging pleasantries and expressing gratitude for their care of Xiao Chan's family. He complimented her contributions to the Su household, emphasizing her importance there.

When it became known that Ning Yi was the Su family's Master, the villagers were taken aback. Conversations ensued, marveling at Xiao Chan's good fortune in finding a benevolent master, and praising the Xu family's luck. For a wealthy family's son-in-law to accompany a maid back to her home for a funeral carried significant weight. There was speculation that Xiao Chan might have become a personal maidservant or even a concubine, making her effectively part of the Ning family, with the prospect of one day becoming a young mistress—an enviable destiny in the villagers' eyes.

Although Xiao Chan looked youthful, she had experienced much of the world and was skilled in managing social situations and setting the mood. However, she hadn't anticipated Ning Yi's ability to handle these greetings and conversations so smoothly. Even if he had remained completely silent during the visit, it would still have been a show of status for the Xu family. Villagers would simply see him as a wealthy or distinguished individual, and that would have been explanation enough. Instead, Ning Yi's courteous manner and kind words delighted everyone, prompting them to repeatedly commend Xiao Chan's luck in serving such a fine family.

Afterwards, Ning Yi met Xiao Chan's mother, participated in the funeral rites, and attended the evening feast. While the number of social interactions was reduced, they weren't entirely avoidable. Later that evening, Xiao Chan, draped in mourning attire, knelt in the memorial hall beside her mother.

There wasn't much for Ning Yi to do, as he wasn't required to be present at all times. Though there was a troupe performing opera in the hall, it didn't interest him. Xiao Chan's elder brother and sister-in-law had already prepared a room for him to rest. Nevertheless, he stepped out to engage in brief conversations with a few respected elders and notable figures in the village, shielding Xiao Chan from some of the social obligations.

In the countryside, there weren't many forms of entertainment. The performances and chats in the hall kept some people up all night. However, once the necessary interactions were complete, there wasn't much left to do. By the time it reached Hai hour (around 9 p.m.), Ning Yi returned to his room to tend to his injuries, clean up, and prepare for bed.

Shortly after Ning Yi entered his room, Xiao Chan arrived with a basin and towel in hand. The lively sounds of the memorial hall carried faintly through the quiet courtyard. She had changed into a simple moon-white outfit, her damp hair faintly fragrant. She began tending to Ning Yi's bandages just as she did back in Jiangning.

"Coming out at this hour—will it be a problem?"

"It's fine. Mother and my brother's family are there. It's not like we have to stay the whole night. Mother even told me to come here..." Xiao Chan lowered her head, skillfully removing his bandages as her voice gradually softened.

"The villagers seem quite kind."

"They were just praising how good Master is..."

Their conversation was light, resembling their usual exchanges in Jiangning. Xiao Chan helped Ning Yi change his bandages, wash up, and clean his hands and face. After a few trips in and out of the room, she finished her tasks and carried the basin away. Outside, the faint sounds of water being poured out mingled with distant laughter.

As Ning Yi stood by the window, opening it to let in the refreshing night breeze, he returned to his bed. Moments later, the door creaked open.

Xiao Chan entered quietly, her head bowed. She closed the door behind her and glanced at Ning Yi before slowly walking to his bedside. Her chest rose and fell softly under her moon-white clothing. Tugging at her sleeves, she bit her lip hesitantly.

"Ma-Master, may I... may I sleep here tonight?"

Her voice was barely audible, like the buzz of a mosquito.