Chapter 96: The Cloud Clan’s Subtle Mastery of Heaven and Earth

The next day, Master Qu, the divine physician, accompanied Yue Wan as they took their leave from the Yun Residence. The matriarch did not come to see them off, which struck Chu Xiu as somewhat odd. However, aside from the matriarch, Shen Yu, Yun Xian, and Luan Qing were all present. After a reluctant farewell, the gathering warmly congratulated the divine physician on gaining an adopted daughter, making for a lively scene.

After Master Qu had departed and everyone returned to their own gardens, Shen Yu and Chu Xiu strolled leisurely behind the others. Shen Yu whispered, “Given my master’s detached nature, he should be indifferent to worldly matters. Yet, when it comes to the Yun Residence, he obeys every command without question, even willing to lie. Don’t you find that strange?”

“Could it be that he has some connection to the Yun Residence?” Chu Xiu had long suspected as much.

Shen Yu smiled with a hidden meaning. “I used to think the same, until yesterday when the matriarch specifically said she would not see master off today because she was unwell from sorrow over matters concerning the second branch. I think I understand now.” Seeing Chu Xiu still puzzled, he lowered his voice and hinted, “My master has never married in his life.”

“You mean…” Chu Xiu frowned slightly, warning him, “Don’t speak recklessly. Don’t sully the good names of those two.”

“What did I say? I said nothing. The suspicion is all yours. Besides, even if there is something, it’s probably one-sided on master’s part.” Shen Yu laughed slyly. “But the matriarch, able to captivate the old marquis’s heart, must possess considerable charm. If my master harbors affection for her and remains a lifelong bachelor because of it, that’s understandable.”

“That’s getting more absurd by the minute!” Chu Xiu scolded him with a faint blush. “Be careful, or the matriarch will skin you alive.”

Shen Yu laughed heartily, then sighed deeply. “I always feel I might follow in my master’s footsteps... Do you think I will?” His jet-black eyes fixed on Chu Xiu in an instant, as if tentatively testing, yet also confessing.

Chu Xiu halted, lowering her gaze to avoid his. “Even if you wish to remain unmarried for life, I doubt the Marquis of Wenchang would consent.”

“Then I’ll wait.” Shen Yu stopped beating around the bush. “Hearts are made of flesh and blood. I don’t believe you will be cold-hearted forever.”

Chu Xiu smiled bitterly and shook her head. “Why bother... In a few years, when my beauty fades and age dulls my charm, you will…”

“I don’t love you for your looks alone.” Shen Yu hurried to explain. “Of course, everyone appreciates beauty. When I first saw you, I was struck. But now, I am not superficial. Even if you are the finest in Nanxi, beauty is fleeting. The waves behind the Yangtze will inevitably surpass the ones before.”

Without giving her a chance to reply, Shen Yu sighed. “Han Chu, how can I make you understand? It’s almost as if I have to lay my heart bare before you.”

To lay bare his heart… Chu Xiu felt her throat tighten but still cruelly refused. “But I have already decided…”

“You’re only seventeen now. Don’t rush your decisions.” Shen Yu interrupted again. “Life is long. I can wait. Don’t stop me.”

“You’re mad, young marquis!” Chu Xiu whispered in astonishment, overwhelmed by the depth of his affection.

“Is there a lifetime when one should not be mad?” Shen Yu replied with a hint of mischief, joking shamelessly. “Don’t worry; I won’t bother you for a while. Since I’ve decided to stay in Yanlan City long-term, I must find something to do. Making friends is inevitable, and it’s good to know more people.”

“Making friends?” Hearing this, Chu Xiu suddenly recalled something and asked, “Did your elder sister marry the Fourth Prince?”

“No, not the Fourth Prince. My brother-in-law holds the title of Prince Fu.” Shen Yu corrected her. “My sister Shen Xuan married last year. You had already left for Fangzhou with Wan Zhi, so you didn’t see it. She is the principal wife of Prince Fu. The wedding was quite the spectacle... tsk, tsk...” He clicked his tongue twice, but seeing Chu Xiu’s expression darken, suspecting she recalled Yun Ci’s marriage contract, he quickly stopped. “Han Chu, I didn’t mean anything by it.”

Chu Xiu sighed lightly, shaking her head. “Young marquis, your brother-in-law, Prince Fu, has the support of civil officials. Prince Mu boasts military achievements. Since the demise of the Crown Prince, these two have been the strongest contenders for the Nanxi succession. You are destined to side with Prince Fu. As for Prince Mu… you must be cautious.”

Shen Yu had never even considered this. “When I wrote home to Father Marquis, saying I intended to reside here long-term, he didn’t warn me either!”

“Such matters cannot be put in letters. What if they are intercepted? That would be troublesome,” Chu Xiu said seriously. “Probably, the Marquis of Wenchang trusts you have the Yun family’s protection. But Prince Fu and Prince Mu each have their strengths. For now, the Yun clan will likely remain neutral, but you must be vigilant.”

Seeing Shen Yu’s confused look, Chu Xiu bit her lip in frustration. “Don’t you understand? Fangzhou is Prince Mu’s domain. If the succession conflict erupts one day, Prince Mu will be the first to seize you and use you as leverage against your father! If the Marquis of Wenchang supports Prince Fu unconditionally, he might even kill you as a warning.”

She made it so clear that Shen Yu finally understood. His days of indulgence had not prepared him for such complexities. How could a woman like Han Chu, born from a humble background, grasp these matters?

Seeing Shen Yu’s searching gaze, Chu Xiu explained, “Back at the Drunken Flower Pavilion, patrons often discussed northern and southern affairs. I overheard some… Later, here, he mentioned a few things.”

Hearing this, Shen Yu suddenly felt despondent and self-disparaging. The matriarch was right; with his current intellect, he had little to be proud of, far inferior to Yun Ci, and how could he hope to win Han Chu’s heart?

“For the Yun Residence and your own safety, young marquis, you should return to Jingzhou promptly!” Chu Xiu urged with concern.

Snapping back to reality, Shen Yu regarded her for a long moment, moved by her genuine worry. He felt a surge of contentment and gratitude. Even if he had to die for her, it would be worthwhile. Facing danger was nothing. He laughed casually, “You worry too soon. I know what I’m doing.”

Seeing his confidence, Chu Xiu said no more. The two remained silent until Shen Yu escorted her back to Zhiyan Pavilion.

*****

Afterwards, following the matriarch’s instructions, Chu Xiu took full charge of the household’s internal affairs. While still in her postpartum confinement, she stayed in Zhiyan Pavilion reviewing old accounts and learning the traditions. Once out of confinement, she went to Rongjin Hall every morning and evening to listen to the matriarch’s lectures and study the estate’s domestic management.

Having learned bookkeeping from Yun Ci and being intelligent, the household affairs, though complex, were basically about finances and relationships. Master these two, and much could be managed with reference to old precedents. Furthermore, Yun butler and several capable assistants were there to support her.

For Chu Xiu, money matters were straightforward—just follow the ledgers. But the intricacies of social dealings were not something to master overnight. The Yun Residence was vast, with tremendous expenses. Knowing what gifts were appropriate for what occasions, when to reward, when to withhold—this was an art.

The matriarch gave a few brief instructions and handed Chu Xiu a list detailing the prominent families and figures of the northern and southern realms: who held power, which lady was favored, which had fallen from grace—everything was clear at a glance. Naturally, the Wenchang Marquis family was included.

Blessed with a photographic memory, Chu Xiu found it easy to memorize the list alongside the other accounts. After a month, she had overseen the household’s affairs and finances without significant error.

Though the matriarch never verbally praised her, she was clearly satisfied and presented Chu Xiu with a new task—to discard outdated ailments and establish new rules for the Yun Residence.

The Li Xin Marquisate had centuries of tradition, with some customs now obsolete yet still followed out of habit. The matriarch had long wished to institute new regulations but, burdened with both external and internal duties, had no opportunity. This time, she gave Chu Xiu six months to draft new guidelines for the Yun Residence, requiring innovation beyond rigid conventions, preserving only the essence and discarding the dross.

Meanwhile, the matriarch busied herself with mid-year business affairs, with Rongjin Hall bustling with officials from various regions reporting accounts.

Chu Xiu accepted the task with some trepidation. Most of her trusted aides were women, except for Zhuying, a martial arts expert unfamiliar with such matters. She thought of Shen Yu, the legitimate youngest son of the Marquis of Wenchang, wondering if the Shen Residence had any regulations she might borrow.

She initially intended to ask Shen Yu to visit and discuss strategies but hesitated, feeling it might be taking advantage of him.

As Chu Xiu fretted over the new regulations, a message arrived at Rongjin Hall: on July eighteenth, branches from north and south would gather at the Li Xin Marquisate, bringing outstanding young males selected from their clans for the matriarch’s inspection.

This was the most significant event for the Yun family currently—the selection of an heir to be adopted under Yun Ci and eventually inherit the marquisate. Consequently, each branch was eager, anxious that their best candidate would be chosen.

From early July, branches arrived one after another. Some deliberately came early to gain favor by privately presenting their candidates to the matriarch.

At the end of June, Chu Xiu had arranged several vacant gardens to accommodate the clans and carefully inquired about inter-branch relations: who were allies, who bore grudges. She sought to avoid placing hostile branches together in lodging and meals to prevent conflicts.

With July eighteenth approaching, sixteen or seventeen children had been brought, though two branches were delayed en route and failed to appear on time. These children ranged from two or three years old up to seven or eight, all strong and handsome, some resembling Yun Ci or the old marquis Yun Li—each branch employing its own tactics.

A few days earlier, some had already come to Zhiyan Pavilion to pay respects. Chu Xiu welcomed all but did not examine the children closely nor ask questions, leaving the final decision to the matriarch.

For a long time, the entire Yun clan had not been so united in anticipation of a day. This time, since it involved the marquisate’s succession, all eyes were drawn. Not only the branches but leading families of both northern and southern realms, even royal relatives, watched closely.

Everyone awaited the day of the heir’s selection…