Chapter Two: Giving Thanks

In two days, it would be the Mid-Autumn Festival. Early this morning, Madam Shen roused Shen Qiuning from her sleep.

"Qiuning, get up quickly. I had Seamstress Song make you two sets of clothes a few days ago; go fetch them," Cui Wanyun burst energetically into Shen Qiuning's room.

"Let Mingyue go. I want to sleep a little longer," mumbled Shen Qiuning, barely opening her eyes.

Seeing her daughter's languid state, Cui Wanyun yanked her upright and scolded her roundly, "Absolutely not. Seamstress Song needs to see you try them on to check the fit. If the measurements are off, she’ll fix them right away. You sleep so much you never see the sun—so young, yet so listless. Get up now! I'll come back later, and if you're still sleeping, you're doomed. I’ll make sure you don’t see tomorrow’s sun!"

No sooner had her mother left than Shen Qiuning flopped back down, wrestling with herself for a while before finally dragging herself up.

...

Shen Qiuning trudged out the gate, stepped onto the carriage, and immediately fell asleep. She was deep in a pleasant dream when suddenly—bang!—the carriage jolted forward at breakneck speed.

"Miss, the horses are startled. Hold on tight," Mingyue grasped the window with one hand and steadied her mistress with the other.

Shen Qiuning snapped awake, clinging desperately to the opposite window. "How did the carriage get startled? Ayang! Can you control it?"

"Miss! I can barely hold it!" the coachman cried from the front.

The carriage hurtled into the woods, the terrain unknown. Shen Qiuning urged Mingyue to hold on tight, then leapt out herself to help Ayang with the reins. "Ayang, my skills are better than yours. Hold the reins steady, and I'll jump onto the horse's back to calm it."

She poised to jump, but just then, another figure leapt ahead of her onto the horse. Whoever it was had superb horsemanship—gradually, the carriage slowed and stopped. Mingyue hurried down to see what had happened. Gu Yan had just jumped off the horse and saw Shen Qiuning approach.

Shen Qiuning strode over, uncertain why this stranger would risk his life to save her. Her eyes caught sight of his hand, raw from the reins, and she frowned sympathetically.

"Thank you, sir, for your help. May I know your name? My father and I will call to thank you properly," Shen Qiuning said sincerely, hands clasped in respect.

"I am Gu Yan. It was nothing, Miss. No need for thanks," Gu Yan replied, bowing.

"Sir, there’s ointment in the carriage. If you don’t mind, let me help you bandage your wound," she offered, feeling it improper to ignore an injury caused by herself.

"Then I’ll trouble you," he answered as they boarded the carriage together, tying the curtain aside.

Shen Qiuning smiled softly. "Thank you, Sir Gu."

"Miss Shen is pure and unmarried; this is what I ought to do," Gu Yan said, watching her.

A gentle breeze wafted through with traces of wood scent, tousling Shen Qiuning’s hair against her face, making her even more captivating. Though she was beautiful, Shen Qiuning was puzzled.

"I never gave my name. How did you know I am Shen?" Her tone was not harsh, but held a hint of chill. She had no memory of meeting Gu Yan before; how could he know her name at their first encounter, and why be here at this rarely traveled spot to save her?

Gu Yan looked at her, seeing a flustered little rabbit, and chuckled softly, teasing, "I know because I know. Is it so strange for someone to know Miss Shen's name?" His tone was relaxed, nothing like his earlier gentleness.

Shen Qiuning met his gaze, scrutinizing him. When expressionless, he seemed refined and proud; but when he smiled, he was rather rakish, his phoenix eyes playful and dark, with a hint of fierceness—likely from years on the battlefield. In ordinary moments, he seemed almost... demonic. Coupled with his dark attire, it was clear his earlier gentle demeanor was mere pretense.

Annoyed, Shen Qiuning shot him a look. "I dare not. Sir Gu, your talents are extraordinary. If you want to know, you will know. A simple girl like me cannot stop you."

Gu Yan thought to himself: "No talents? She pretends to be weak, but actually plays the game expertly."

Though he thought this, Gu Yan heard the coldness in her voice and replied, "I remember your name because I saw you before and you left a deep impression. Does this answer satisfy you, Miss Shen?"

Shen Qiuning sneered, "Ha, now you’re not worried about a maiden’s reputation? You say you remember me—could it be you’re infatuated? If so, send a formal proposal to my home. My parents will decide. No need for these schemes."

Gu Yan had only meant to tease her, but was unexpectedly rebuffed—she was indeed sharp-tongued.

"Infatuation is too strong; I only think you’re different from other girls, especially when... you had a sword at someone’s throat."

"If Miss Shen is so keen for me to send a proposal, I’ll have to choose a good day," Gu Yan said, recalling the time he saw her with a sword at the neck of the Minister’s son.

As he spoke, Shen Qiuning remembered the incident: Liu Ye, the Minister’s son, bullied classmates at the academy, demanding a sword duel. His family had only ever served as civil officials, with little martial skill and low rank. Liu Ye "accidentally" slashed the other’s robe and "accidentally" wounded his arm, flaunting his status. Shen Qiuning witnessed this, seized his sword in three moves, and pressed it to his throat, saying, "Abusing your position? Is your father dead? What kind of upbringing is this!"

Liu Ye had never been so humiliated by a woman. "Do you know who I am? My father is the Minister! I am his only son, and you dare insult him and threaten me!"

"Hmph. The sword’s in my hand—what can you do? If a son is unruly, blame the father. Just a Minister’s son, you think you’re special? If I killed you today, your siblings would keep the Minister’s line alive." She pressed the sword closer, blood beading on his neck.

Liu Ye trembled in terror. Shen Qiuning, seeing his cowardice, mocked him, "Weakling. With your pathetic skills, you challenge others to duels. You’re the most despicable here. Next time, duel me—if you last five moves, you win. Remember, coward, I’m the only legitimate daughter of the General’s Mansion, Shen Qiuning."

She tossed the sword at his feet, arranged for a carriage to send the classmate home, and walked away without looking back. Later, she sent a letter to the Minister’s Mansion, signed with Shen Mu Nian’s name. That night, wails echoed from the Minister’s house; Liu Ye didn’t return to the academy the next day, said to be bedridden from his father’s beating. Shen Qiuning only chuckled at the tale—she was more effective than her father.

So they had met earlier than she remembered. Shen Qiuning stared at Gu Yan, silent.

In truth, even earlier, when they were both very young, they played together. But by the time she could recall, Gu Yan was already sent to the army for training.

Gu Yan, noticing his hand was bandaged, spoke, "Miss Shen, now that I’m bandaged, I’ll take my leave."

After they stepped out, Gu Yan looked at the carriage. "This carriage is ruined. How will Miss Shen return?"

He was about to offer his own horse for them to ride together when Shen Qiuning nimbly mounted the carriage horse, pulling Mingyue up after her. "No need to trouble you, General Gu. I’ll visit to thank you another day."

Then she called, "Ayang, find someone to haul the carriage back!"

With that, she galloped away.

Gu Yan brushed the dust from his clothes, laughing, "She is indeed a general’s daughter."

Shen Qiuning hurried to Seamstress Song’s place. Though late, the clothes fit well, and she soon returned home.

Back at the mansion, Shen Qiuning recounted the day’s events to Shen Mu Nian and Cui Wanyun.

Shen Mu Nian was distressed, dreading the prospect of visiting Gu Wen Ting. Though their families were close and grew up together, a minor mishap had soured their relationship, and now they were always at odds in court, frustrating the emperor.

Cui Wanyun glanced at him. "Just go. The man saved your daughter. Which matters more—your pride or your child? Besides, Gu Wen Ting only accidentally poured laxative instead of salt into your wine. It’s hardly a deep grudge. You’ve been squabbling since childhood, isn’t it exhausting?"

The mention only vexed Shen Mu Nian further—the incident had embarrassed him in front of many, kept him from court the next day, and earned him a mocking remark from the emperor. He stayed home for three days, his lifelong dignity as Mighty General shattered by a packet of laxative. The whole farce was only a light wound for Shen Mu Nian.

"Pfft," Shen Qiuning accidentally burst into laughter.

Clenching her teeth to stifle her amusement, she said, "Exactly, Father. Besides, Uncle Gu apologized—he meant to play a harmless prank with salt, but used laxative instead. I’ve already promised to visit and thank them; if you refuse, where’s my honor? People might say we slighted our benefactor, that I’m nothing, but what about you, the renowned general—your reputation would be tarnished, and I couldn’t bear it!"

She feigned tears, and her dramatic performance convinced her father—though he couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d heard this reasoning somewhere before.

Stars sparkled; the night breeze was chilly, with occasional insect chirps to ward off the gloom.

The next day at dawn, Shen Mu Nian and Shen Qiuning set out for the Gu family. Mingyue was about to buy pastries, but Shen Mu Nian stopped her.

"Eh, that old fellow can’t stomach fine food, it’s a waste. Just get him two jars of Southern Candle wine from East Market."

Shen Qiuning glanced at her father, thinking how he claimed to never speak to Gu Wen Ting, yet remembered his favorite drink. She instructed Mingyue to buy Chen’s Southern Candle wine in East Market.

When they arrived at the Gu residence, Gu Yan came out to greet them. Shen Mu Nian glanced behind him; Gu Wen Ting was nowhere in sight.

"That old—" He was cut off by Shen Qiuning bumping him.

"Ahem, why isn’t your father here to greet us?" Shen Mu Nian quickly corrected himself.

"Who wants to see me?" Gu Wen Ting’s robust voice echoed from behind, holding two jars of Bamboo Leaf Green wine.

He walked over, arching a brow at Shen Mu Nian. "We just saw each other in court yesterday, and here you are again. When did General Shen become so sentimental?"

"If you’re ill, see a doctor," Shen Mu Nian replied disdainfully. Shen Qiuning bumped him again.

"Hey, old fellow, what’s that supposed to mean? You—" Gu Wen Ting started to retort.

"Ahem! Father, tea is ready. Don’t stand at the door; you might dehydrate," Gu Yan interjected.

"You brat—" Gu Wen Ting turned to scold him.

Seeing Gu Wen Ting about to launch into another tirade, Shen Qiuning quickly interrupted, "Uncle Gu, I’m thirsty. Let’s go inside."

For Shen Qiuning’s sake, Gu Wen Ting let it go, waving his sleeve and carrying the jars inside.

Shen Qiuning watched the group, amused and helpless.

Inside, Shen Qiuning handed the Southern Candle wine to Gu Wen Ting. "Uncle Gu, this is Chen’s Southern Candle wine from East Market. I heard it’s your favorite."

She then produced a delicate box, handing it to Gu Yan. Inside was an elegant sword tassel. "General Gu, I made this sword tassel myself. Though it’s not as exquisite as those from the shops, it’s my token of gratitude. I hope you won’t mind."

Gu Yan looked at the pink tassel, his mouth twitching as he glanced at Shen Qiuning. Their eyes met.

"You did it on purpose?"

"So what if I did?" Shen Qiuning raised her brow.

Their silent exchange finished, Shen Qiuning feigned innocence. "Does General Gu dislike my gift? I spent all night making it. If you really don’t like it, just toss it. I don’t mind." She pretended to wipe away tears, sticking her tongue out at Gu Yan behind her hand.

Gu Yan looked at her—she truly was different. He put away the tassel, smiling, "How could I not treasure a gift from Miss Shen? I like it very much and will keep it safe."

"Oh? If you like it so much, why not attach it right now? And keep it on always," Shen Qiuning teased mischievously.

Gu Yan clenched his teeth, smiling and whispering so only she could hear, "That won’t be necessary. Shen Qiuning, don’t push your luck."

"Hahaha, the girl is thoughtful! She brought me my favorite wine and made a tassel for Yan’er. Daughters are the best! Gu Yan, your old tassel is worn; now’s a good time to change it. Let me see what the girl made." Gu Wen Ting’s fondness for Shen Qiuning grew, but his brow twitched at the bright pink tassel.

"Um...hahaha, Qiuning’s hands are skillful. It’s beautiful...beautiful," Gu Wen Ting’s voice faded, looking at his son with pity and resignation.

Gu Yan’s earnest gaze sought a sliver of fatherly affection, and Gu Wen Ting replied with a look: "Words are like spilled water; nothing I can do now. Take care of yourself." He looked away, ending the silent father-son exchange with Gu Yan’s concession.

"Well, we’ve paid our respects. Let’s go," Shen Mu Nian stood, eager to leave.

"Who wants you here anyway!" Gu Wen Ting grumbled.

Seeing the two about to bicker again, Shen Qiuning quickly bid farewell to Gu Wen Ting and Gu Yan.

As they approached the door, Gu Wen Ting followed with two jars of wine, handing them to Shen Mu Nian awkwardly. "Bought the wrong kind by mistake. I don’t like Bamboo Leaf Green—no taste. You can have them."

"Ha! You’re tasteless. That Southern Candle wine is the worst!" Shen Mu Nian grabbed the jars and boarded the carriage.

Shen Qiuning rubbed her forehead with resignation, thanked Gu Wen Ting, and got into the carriage.

Gu Yan watched them leave, then turned to Gu Wen Ting. "Tsk, Father, you’re so awkward. You weren’t like this when you pursued Mother."

"Hmph, what do you know? When I courted your mother, you weren’t even formed yet. Keep mocking me and I’ll thrash you."

Gu Yan found his father’s antics amusing. "Alright, Father. When you can beat me in ten moves, go ahead and thrash me."

He waved goodbye, "I’m off, old man."

Gu Wen Ting glanced at Gu Yan, furious, and strode off. That boy’s tongue was sharper than ever—where had he learned such venom?