Young Marquis

At dawn's first light, Zhuque Avenue in the capital city began to stir with bustling life. The sound of hooves rang out sharply as a youth clad in dark robes, his black hair tied high and flowing freely, rode swiftly. A faint smile played on his lips as he gently tightened the reins. His magnificent steed neighed loudly, the wind billowing his sleeves, carrying with it a vibrant morning energy as he charged straight into the lively market street, drawing curious glances from passersby.

“Xingzhi, if you don’t hurry up, your father will beat you to death,” teased a boy dressed in a dark green robe.

“No worries, my mother will stop my father,” came Xingzhi’s carefree reply.

Before long, the youth arrived home. He handed his whip to a servant and tidied his appearance before the main hall. Taking a deep breath, his heart fluttering with nervous anticipation, he stepped inside.

As he entered, Chen Yi sat holding a teacup, his expression stern, while beside him stood a mother silently exchanging glances with him.

Xingzhi approached and instinctively knelt with a thud.

Hearing the sharp sound, Qi Jingyun’s heart ached. She hurriedly rose, attempting to help him up.

But Chen Yi, voice tinged with anger, demanded, “Where were you last night? It’s one thing to neglect your duties, but now you’ve learned to stay out overnight? Really?”

“I was drinking with Zhiqing and Zhirun at a country villa. I got drunk and stayed there for the night,” Xingzhi explained under Chen Yi’s furious gaze.

“So now you’ve learned to drink too? Bring the family discipline! Today, you need a proper lesson,” Chen Yi’s anger only deepened.

Qi Jingyun grew anxious, gently holding Chen Yi’s arm, softly persuading him.

“Master, please don’t be angry. Xingzhi just came back; don’t use family punishment right away. Maybe just confine him. The exams are in a few months—let him focus on studying. I promise he won’t repeat this,” she pleaded.

Chen Yi, seeing his wife’s earnest words, reluctantly nodded in agreement.

Qi Jingyun then gave a subtle look to the still-kneeling Xingzhi, who understood and quickly rose, retreating to his room.

Upon entering, Xingzhi found his personal attendant, Wansheng, pacing anxiously, brows furrowed.

Hearing the door, Wansheng’s face brightened with a smile upon seeing his young master. He hurried forward to check for any injuries.

Seeing Xingzhi unharmed, Wansheng wiped away a tear and smiled, “Young master, I’m glad you’re alright.”

“Who do you think I am? Nothing can happen to me,” Xingzhi said confidently, sitting down and crossing one leg as he poured himself some tea.

Noticing Wansheng’s admiring gaze, Xingzhi cleared his throat awkwardly and instructed, “I need to focus on my studies for a while. Tell Xunan and Xubei that I won’t be going out to play.”

“Yes, young master. Wansheng will see to it,” came the earnest reply as he turned to carry out the order.

“Oh, I’m exhausted. Time to rest a bit,” Xingzhi muttered, rubbing his shoulders as he lay back on the couch.

He had barely fallen asleep when the voice of Steward Lu echoed through the halls, accompanied by several others. Xingzhi rose to see Lu and several servants nailing wooden planks over the windows.

“All sealed up. The marquis ordered that young master be confined for a few weeks to focus on his studies,” Steward Lu announced.

Xingzhi stared at the nailed-up windows, a chill running through him. This time, it was truly lockdown. The old man was determined to keep him locked away for days. With no choice, Xingzhi quietly closed the door and turned away.

In the following days, he could only rest his head on his desk or lie on the couch, boredom nearly driving him mad.

Just as he grew restless, Wansheng entered holding something. Xingzhi took it and saw an ancient tome, its worn pages exuding a rustic charm.

Before Xingzhi could inquire, Wansheng sheepishly scratched his head and said, “The eldest son of the deputy minister next door sent this for you, young master. He said it’s to help you pass the time.”

“Well, that’s thoughtful of him,” Xingzhi replied, reclining on a cushion and crossing his legs as he began to leaf through it seriously.

Amused by the strange symbols and formations, Xingzhi found a way to while away the hours.

Two weeks later, Xingzhi was finally released. Like a bird freed from a cage, he breathed in the fresh air outside, feeling truly alive again. After being cooped up indoors, he felt as if he had nearly turned into a quail.