Chapter 27: Confrontation

Zhang Zhongheng was eighteen this year, three years older than Xu Ruojin.

He was born into the distinguished Zhang family, and though not a direct descendant, the old patriarch was indulgent with his grandchildren, showing particular affection for Zhang Zhongheng, who remained at the ancestral home in Zhonglin County.

Fond of good food and amusements, uninterested in learning—mention the Zhang family in Zhonglin, and everyone thought of Zhang Zhongheng.

The Zhangs had already mapped out his future. He was to pass the imperial exam for scholar, preserving the honor of generations, then settle in Zhonglin County to guard the family legacy. They did not expect him to achieve top honors or chase official rank.

Among his generation, several cousins were outstanding, so the family was content for him to muddle through, so long as he was passable.

But Zhang Zhongheng was not willing to settle.

Proud and ambitious, he always sought to stand out. When he learned the family had chosen a bride for him from such a shabby household, he felt insulted—did they take him for a fool?

He had already investigated the Xu magistrate’s family. Xu Yaohui was but a minor official; his wife came from merchant stock, uncultured and unruly. Their two sons—one notorious for gambling, the other so dull he spent years struggling with the Analects.

What kind of daughter could such a family possibly raise?

That day, he had clashed with Liang Xiao, recently demoted from the capital to Zhonglin County, and had pushed Xu Ruojin into the lake.

He cared little for her fate. If she truly died, the match could be swapped. But who could have guessed Liang Xiao would leap in and drag her out alive?

Zhang Zhongheng warned everyone present that day to stick to the story: Xu Ruojin fell in herself. She survived, but he wasn’t sure if she remembered what happened.

And worse—Liang Xiao was the one who carried her out. This was a double thorn in Zhang Zhongheng’s heart.

The old patriarch valued reputation above all. If the truth came out, Zhang Zhongheng’s standing in the family would surely suffer.

But the Xu family had kept silent for so long. Were they planning to pursue the marriage, or was there some other purpose?

This was why Zhang Zhongheng agreed to visit the Xus.

He was determined to uncover what the Xus were plotting.

“A younger generation pays respects to Magistrate Xu and Madam Xu.”

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Zhang Zhongheng cupped his hands in greeting. Madam Yang stepped forward with a smile, ushering him inside, “No need for such formality, Master Zhang. We’ve long awaited your arrival. Please, come in for tea.”

“Thank you, Madam Xu.” Zhang Zhongheng signaled his attendant to present a list of gifts. “A few trifles—please don’t find them lacking.”

“There’s no need for such courtesy. Soon, we’ll be family,” Madam Yang said, her fawning manner drawing a fleeting look of contempt from Zhang Zhongheng as he brushed his sleeve and took the last seat in the hall.

Behind him, maids and servants lined up: one presented a handkerchief, another poured tea, another straightened his attire, still others waited for orders.

This ostentatious display filled Madam Yang with envy, while Xu Ruojin kept a neutral face, inwardly cursing.

“I’ve come today to apologize to Miss Xu. Last time at our gathering, it was my servants’ negligence that nearly led to disaster. Ultimately, the fault is mine. I hope Magistrate Xu and Madam Xu can forgive me.”

As Zhang Zhongheng spoke, his narrowed gaze swept everyone in the room.

When his eyes landed on Xu Ruojin, he paused, then quickly looked away, surprised—she seemed different this time.

Madam Yang beamed, “Not at all, it was the girl’s own carelessness. Master Zhang’s personal apology is a blessing for Ruojin.”

“Enough. The matter is in the past, no need to dwell,” Xu Yaohui interrupted Madam Yang’s flattery. “I just returned from the capital and heard of your father’s troubles. If there’s any way I can help, just say so.”

“Thank you, Magistrate Xu.” Zhang Zhongheng stood and bowed again.

Madam Yang could not stop admiring Zhang Zhongheng. Looking at Xu Ruojin, she called, “Ruojin, Master Zhang has been here a while. Why haven’t you come forward to pay your respects?”

Feeling Zhang Zhongheng’s gaze and seeing everyone’s eyes on her, Xu Ruojin stepped forward with grace and bowed, “Master Zhang has been considerate. I have fully recovered—thank you for your concern.”

Zhang Zhongheng felt uneasy; her words seemed pointed. “Miss Xu is fortunate indeed. She looks even livelier than before, which reassures me.”

Xu Ruojin gave a cold laugh, stepped back, and said no more.

Madam Yang saw the awkwardness and hurried to smooth things over, “Master Zhang must be tired from setting out early. Why not stroll in the garden and enjoy some refreshments? Please don’t refuse. I intended to host a luncheon, but learned you are needed at home, so decided against it.”

“Thank you, Madam Xu.”

Zhang Zhongheng was eager to leave, but Xu Ruojin’s cool attitude unsettled him. He wanted to probe further. “May I ask Miss Xu to show me the way?”

Xu Ruojin replied calmly, “I don’t know the way.”

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“This girl has been spoiled, forgets her manners,” Madam Yang snapped, shooting Xu Ruojin a glare. She ordered Nurse Huang to attend him, “Everything’s ready in the garden, Master Zhang, please.”

“Thank you.”

Zhang Zhongheng led his entourage ahead. Xu Ruojin felt Madam Yang’s icy gaze, and could only follow with Nurse Huang and Chun Cao supporting her.

The garden was already arranged.

Wind-blocking screens, a tea table of yellow pear wood, and exquisite pastries crowded the corner table. Flowers in full bloom surrounded the pavilion, making it especially lovely.

But none of those present cared to appreciate the scene; each had their own agenda.

Zhang Zhongheng and Xu Ruojin sat in the pavilion, staring at each other for a long moment, neither willing to yield.

Sensing something was off about the girl, Zhang Zhongheng waved his attendants back.

Xu Ruojin nodded to Nurse Huang and Chun Cao, who sensibly withdrew.

Qiu Lan remained by Zhang Zhongheng’s side.

Xu Ruojin said nothing, but Zhang Zhongheng frowned and ordered, “You leave as well.”

“Yes, young master.” Qiu Lan stepped back, not far.

The contempt on Xu Ruojin’s face was unmistakable. Zhang Zhongheng’s brows knitted as he spoke first:

“Miss Xu always speaks in riddles. Why not be direct? If I get up and leave now, your efforts would amount to nothing.”

“If you truly wanted to leave, who could stop you? I’d say it’s a guilty conscience—always afraid someone will expose your secrets.”

Xu Ruojin spoke unhurriedly, her disdain plain in her eyes.

Zhang Zhongheng’s expression darkened. He lowered his voice, “So the Xu family really is ruthless, planning to use this incident to force the marriage? Never!”

Xu Ruojin looked at him, her voice airy and distant, “However ruthless the Xu family may be, we’ve never pushed anyone into a lake to drown. Master Zhang, you overestimate yourself!”