TSLSILMH Ch 8

Chapter 8

 

Over the next few days, Xie Shu took the restorative medicine under Xi Mo’s careful supervision. Thankfully, the taste was much improved compared to before, making it tolerable for Xie Shu.

However, his health had already recovered substantially, and now overmedicating could prove more harmful than helpful. During these days, Xie Shu noticed that within the courtyard, he hardly had to do anything at all—everything was arranged for him without effort. It seemed all that was expected of him was to lie around and do nothing.

But that felt like the worst kind of time wasted.

Xie Shu still had far too much to learn about this world. What he had grasped through books alone was still woefully insufficient.

After finishing his breakfast, Xie Shu glanced toward Xi Mo and said thoughtfully, “Today, I’d like to go out for a walk.”

He had been contemplating this for a while. Though the Yu Estate was grand, it was still merely a microcosm of this world. If he truly wanted to understand this era, there was no better way than to see the world outside the Yu residence with his own eyes.

Upon hearing this, Xi Mo’s heart skipped a beat. The basin in his hands wavered slightly, as a feeling of “so it begins” stirred within.

These past few days, Xi Mo had often felt something surreal—his master seemed like a changed person. His state of mind had broadened; his temper had become more measured. He even took the initiative to grow closer to Langjun for the first time.

But the better his master behaved, the more Xi Mo feared he might revert back to his old self.

And now, hearing that his master wished to go out, Xi Mo’s mind leapt to one alarming conclusion: Was Master planning to visit Wei Qingtong?!

Having been by Xie Shu’s side for so many years, Xi Mo was naturally aware of how deeply he had once loved Wei Qingtong—so much so that even after marrying into the Yu family, he remained fixated on the other.

In the past three years, Xie Shu had not infrequently left the residence under the pretense of visiting his old home. The truth was, the Wei and Xie households were neighboring estates, so no one thought much of it.

When Xie Shu had fallen into the water and later awakened, not a word had been mentioned about Wei Qingtong. Xi Mo had thought perhaps his master had finally let go and was ready to live well with Yu Langjun.

But now, just after regaining his health, was Master thinking of going to see Wei Qingtong again?!

Xi Mo struggled internally with how he might dissuade his master—or if he dared, even block his departure entirely. But just then, Xie Shu noticed something off about him.

Xi Mo didn’t seem keen on letting him leave. But why?

Was it because the Yu family didn’t allow it? That didn’t add up. Over the past few days, Xie Shu had wandered other parts of the estate unimpeded. Though many servants still treated him with cold indifference, there had been no restrictions on his movement.

Xi Mo had just steeled his resolve—yet under Xie Shu’s calm and unwavering gaze, he couldn’t say a word.

Strangely enough, his master carried a more commanding presence now than he ever had before.

With no choice, Xi Mo began preparing for their outing. But this time, he packed with ulterior motives—only light items and bits of silver, deliberately avoiding anything of value, fearing his master might once again try to gift things to the Wei family.

The Wei family was notoriously greedy—they would only give Xie Shu an audience if some material benefit was involved. Over the years, using the past relationship between the Wei and Xie families, they had repeatedly demanded things through Xie Shu.

If not for that, Wei Qingtong would never have met with Master—and even if they met, it was always under the watchful eye of the Wei family. The only exception had been that boating trip.

No one knew what Wei Qingtong had told Master to make him believe he was such a virtuous young man—forgoing marriage just to wait for him.

Naturally, Master had found it hard to let go.

These thoughts left Xi Mo extremely dispirited.

And now, seeing Xi Mo dragging his feet and loading impractical and cumbersome items as well as scattered silver into the bag, Xie Shu couldn’t help frowning. “Xi Mo, we’re only heading out for a stroll. A small sum of money is all we need.”

He emphasized the phrase “a small sum.” Given that he was currently relying on another household’s resources, it made sense to be frugal.

To his surprise, Xi Mo’s gloomy mood instantly vanished. Beaming with joy, he swiftly repacked everything and asked eagerly, “Master, would you prefer a carriage or a sedan chair?”

In the end, Xie Shu chose neither—his aim was to explore and observe, and walking was the most fitting option.

As soon as Xie Shu exited the estate, the gatekeeper passed the message along.

Meanwhile, in the main hall of the Yu residence, Yu Wanzhong, the master of the family who had been ill for days, finally made an appearance. His stern face bore square features and sunken eyes, and though illness had not yet left him, one could still tell that he had once been a figure of stature. Now, however, he looked quite haggard from illness.

At his sides were Yu Chuxi and Yu Wanchun. Today was the first day of the month—the day when all the family businesses submitted their monthly accounts. Originally, this was a task Yu Chuxi had been entrusted with, but with the return of his younger brother, Yu Wanzhong decided to sit in as an additional measure.

Yu Chuxi’s expression remained composed. How could he not understand that Yu Wanchun had been lying in wait for him?

It explained why Yu Wanchun had remained unusually quiet these days—he must’ve somehow persuaded their father to personally preside over the accounting.

Clearly, everything had been arranged to trap him in multiple snares.

Yu Wanchun looked genial and spoke in a measured tone: “Chuxi, let’s begin then. It’ll be a fine chance to see what you’ve learned so far. After all, the whole expanse of the Yu family’s business will soon be in your hands—you mustn’t slack off even a little!”

As soon as he spoke, Yu Wanzhong’s eyelids twitched slightly, and a trace of unease flitted across his face.

Yu Wanzhong had built the family enterprise from scratch in his youth. After decades of expansion, the Yu family had become one of Jinling’s wealthiest clans—calling them the richest in the region would be no exaggeration.

However, Yu Wanzhong had one pressing concern—his descendants were few. Of all the children over the years, only one had reached adulthood: Yu Chuxi, born of his late first wife.

Had that child been a man, all would’ve been simple. But Yu Chuxi was a shuang’er—one born male but deemed destined to wed and bear children².

This left Yu Wanzhong deeply troubled about the inheritance. He had considered passing control to his younger brother, Yu Wanchun—but that man was, at best, capable of maintaining the status quo. Under his rule, the brilliance of the Yu family would surely fade. There was also a measure of selfish hesitation.

But then Yu Wanzhong discovered that his child had keen business sense and intellect.

Yu Chuxi even expressed interest in managing the business and volunteered to marry in a husband³.

Yu Wanzhong had immediately been filled with hope and, after careful selection, chose someone ideal: a man with no complicated background, who wasn’t from a merchant family, preferably with some scholarly reputation, and perhaps even future political ambition.

That’s when Xie Shu appeared.

Xie Shu met every requirement. Orphaned, already a xiucai⁴ at fourteen, with boundless future prospects—and, critically, he was good-looking, befitting Yu Chuxi’s status.

It had seemed a perfect match. Yet after three years, Yu Wanzhong found no signs of affection between the two. Whenever he inquired, Chuxi always replied that they were doing well—but the elder couldn’t help having doubts.

Yu Wanchun’s warning echoed clearly. Chuxi was a shuang’er—if he lacked support from a husband, how could he hope to shoulder such a vast enterprise in a ruthless marketplace filled with tigers and wolves?

Yu Chuxi then spoke lightly, confidence unwavering. “There’s no need to worry, Second Uncle. Ever since I took over from Father, I’ve focused all my efforts on the family business. I’ll not bring shame to our household, and I won’t let the Su family mock us again, claiming we have none fit to lead.”

Yu Wanchun barely managed to keep smiling, but at the mention of the Su family, his expression flickered.

Yu Chuxi had clearly been referencing an incident from two years ago, when Yu Wanchun and the Su family had contended over a shipment of goods. Both parties used every trick in the book, but in the end, the Su family prevailed, causing significant losses.

Yu Wanchun had long considered it a bitter humiliation, and being reminded of it made him visibly uncomfortable.

He forced a smile toward Yu Wanzhong. “Chuxi has indeed become much sharper since taking charge—let’s hope he shows the same energy when we review the accounts.”

Yu Wanzhong, weary and not in the mood for squabbles, simply motioned. “Let’s begin.”

As the accounting commenced, tension filled the room. Each month’s review was always a pressure-filled event.

Currently, the Yu family oversaw sixteen commercial enterprises covering a wide range of industries. Each had a designated manager, though some decisions still required central approval. The monthly accounts were a moment of reckoning, demanding rigorous scrutiny.

Staring at Yu Chuxi, Yu Wanchun sneered inwardly. He had previously overseen several of these businesses himself—why should Chuxi now reap reward without effort?

If Yu Chuxi wanted to take from him, he’d best weigh his strength carefully.

Sure enough, halfway through the reviews, trouble emerged. Several businesses were clearly underperforming. Most notably, “Wanli” had reported significant losses since the beginning of the year—coincidentally, right after the new regulations had been implemented.

Yu Chuxi’s expression remained calm, though his mind was already at work.

Soon, an official from Wanli spoke up: “Young Master, Wanli’s accounts are complete. I beg your forgiveness—we failed to meet your expectations, but we had our difficulties…”

“Difficulties”? Yu Chuxi didn’t need to guess what they were going to say.

Wanli handled timber. Every spring, timber supplies underwent seasonal shortages. The warehouse needed clearing, and spring was peak building season for households placing advance orders.

Timber wasn’t like other commodities—the transportation costs alone were substantial. Naturally, this reflected poorly on paper.

This officer likely hoped to question Yu Chuxi’s business acumen or use the situation to undermine his newly imposed rules.

The dilemma was tricky. If Yu Chuxi showed leniency, others would follow suit. If he applied harsh punishments, it might breed resentment.

Either approach worked into his Second Uncle’s trap…

As Yu Chuxi cast a cold glance, the officer visibly shrank. Everyone knew the young master’s personality—he wasn’t remotely like a typical shuang’er. It was no wonder that only a poor scholar looking to marry in would have taken him as a spouse.

The officer, chewing on silent complaints, waited for his cue—just one moment of strict rebuke, and he’d cry injustice with Yu Wanchun backing him.

But Yu Chuxi suddenly smiled and said, “There’s no need to explain—I already know.”

The room fell momentarily silent. Yu Wanchun took the chance to interject, “If you already knew, then why burden them with these new regulations?”

Yu Chuxi arched a brow, appearing genuinely puzzled. “Second Uncle, what do you mean? I implemented them for your sake.”

Yu Wanchun’s heart faltered—a bad feeling welled up.

He quickly denied, “What are you saying, child? What does this have to do with me?”

Yu Chuxi casually tapped the table. “Did you not tell me last month you were heading to Quanzhou? Their timber is renowned. I asked you to procure some on my behalf, didn’t I? But not only did you forget, you returned after just five days. I was going to ask—was there an emergency, perhaps?”

Yu Wanchun’s face turned green. None of what Yu Chuxi said was true. He’d gone to Quanzhou for a different business matter—and only rushed back after hearing unsettling news en route…

He’d returned to learn that Yu Chuxi had taken advantage of his absence to update policies and promote trusted allies, bringing many enterprises firmly under his control. Had he stayed away two more weeks, it would’ve been disastrous.

Of course Yu Wanchun had rushed back. But now—how could he explain himself?

Without waiting for an answer, Yu Chuxi continued, smiling. “Everything had been appropriately arranged. Second Uncle had promised—but now… well, someone must be held responsible. And since you’re a senior and have always supported this officer…”

No further elaboration was needed. The official’s face turned ashen. Realizing he’d backed the wrong side, he quickly volunteered to resign and quietly fade into an idle position. No one dared cross the young master again.

Yu Wanchun seethed, desperate to act—but noting Yu Wanzhong’s calm demeanor and apparent approval of Chuxi’s actions, he knew it was futile.

Yet just as his fury boiled without release, a servant approached and whispered a few words—Yu Wanchun’s eyes flickered.

Later, after the accounting concluded successfully, Yu Chuxi sat calmly again, but noticed his Second Uncle reassembling himself with fresh vigor. Something was different.

Warily, Yu Chuxi listened as Yu Wanchun said warmly, “Brother, I must say, seeing how steadily Chuxi works today is truly heartening. He clearly put in much effort. However, while it’s good to be dedicated to business, Chuxi mustn’t neglect his husband. I heard that Xie Shu was seriously ill recently—you really should spend more time with him.”

Yu Wanzhong, unaware of any such incident due to his illness, frowned. “What’s going on, Chuxi?”

Yu Chuxi lowered his gaze, then offered a faint smile. “Don’t worry, Father. Just a small accident—he fell into the water, but he’s recovering well. He treats me… with great gentleness.”

But Yu Wanchun shook his head. “No need to hide it, Chuxi. I just heard that you two have been living separately all this time. Do you know he’s already left the estate today?”

Footnotes:

1. Shuang’er (雙兒) – In BL and danmei fiction, a male character with a role or status akin to a woman, sometimes imagined as having the ability to bear children. Not a historical classification, but common in fictional reinterpretations.

2. Husband in a matrilocal marriage – In this context, a man like Xie Shu is referred to as a “married-in” husband (zhui xu, 入贅), one who enters his wife’s household due to social or economic reasons, reversing traditional patriarchal family roles.

3. Xiucai (秀才) – The first level of scholarly achievement in the imperial examination system, required before one could rise to higher academic ranks or officialdom.