The Cheng family's carriage receded further down the bluestone-paved path as the sun began to set.
The dining table in the chamber was cleared, but the aroma of the meal lingered. Ji Jin commented, "Angelica duck soup, quite nourishing."
Ouyang Wen, sprawled on the bed and engrossed in a book, replied, "I left a portion for you, it's still warming in the pot."
"Shows some conscience. Miss Cheng came again?"
"What do you mean 'again'? You're never home, so I have to find someone to chat with to pass the time."
"Take it easy. If you ruin her reputation, be careful Cheng Beizheng won't seek vengeance."
"Shouldn't he be seeking responsibility from me?"
Ji Jin rolled his eyes and went to the kitchen to retrieve the food set aside for him. "I'd say your injuries have nearly healed, how long do you plan to keep up this act?"
Ouyang Wen shifted uncomfortably. "What act?"
"Don't you know what I do for a living? You might fool Miss Cheng, but you can't fool me. The New Year is just a few days away, you don't plan on letting the Old Madam celebrate it alone, do you?"
"Don't remind me. I sent back two letters, but my grandmother hasn't budged. She's truly furious this time."
"If the Old Madam isn't expecting you back for the New Year, then I can rest easy."
Ouyang Wen asked, "What do you mean?"
"I mean you're on duty." Ji Jin tossed a scroll of imperial yellow decree into his hands. "Take a look, the Emperor wants you to lead troops to Shanxi."
"What?" Ouyang Wen wailed as he unrolled the decree. "I can barely get out of bed, how can I lead troops?"
Ji Jin began to eat, too lazy to engage with someone feigning illness.
Ouyang Wen quieted down after reading the decree. After a moment, he spoke, "Little Yan Yan has stirred up a hornet's nest again, hasn't she?"
"Indeed."
"The Emperor truly trusts me. It must be because he still remembers my heroic deeds fighting corrupt officials in Jiangnan..."
Ji Jin interrupted him, "Enough of that. The Emperor simply figures that everyone thinks you're recuperating, so you can slip out of the capital unnoticed. Stop playing sick, get a bath, and change into my official robes. After dark, Eunuch Li will come to escort you to the palace."
Speed was paramount in military matters. With his little Qi in danger, Emperor Changwu would not have Ouyang Wen delay any longer.
After meeting with the Emperor, Ouyang Wen had only one day left for farewells.
Ji Jin saw him hunched over his desk, writing a letter, and found it odd. "Didn't you already bid farewell to the Old Madam? Who are you writing to?"
He leaned closer and saw the words "Miss Cheng" written prominently at the beginning of the letter. He looked at Ouyang Wen suspiciously. "What's going on? Have you really taken a liking to her?"
"Not at all. She keeps me company every day to relieve my boredom. I have to inform her before leaving the capital for official business."
"Is the business you're attending to something you can speak of?"
"Miss Cheng is one of us."
"One of us" my foot. It would be truly strange if there wasn't something fishy going on.
Ji Jin pondered for a moment, stroking his chin. "Actually, I've been meaning to say this for a couple of days. Miss Cheng didn't have that much of a relationship with you to begin with, yet she's suddenly so attentive. Perhaps she's taken a liking to you."
"Really? I think so too." Ouyang Wen touched his face. "This damnable charm of mine, which has nowhere to go."
Ji Jin: ...
This conversation was unendurable.
He turned to leave.
But Ouyang Wen called out to him, "Hey, Old Ji, don't go. I still need your help with something."
"Don't worry, I'll help you deliver this letter to Miss Cheng."
"It's not just about that."
"Speak."
Ouyang Wen said with a sheepish grin, "Cheng Beizheng is still helping her find a suitable match, isn't he? Keep an eye on her, don't let her agree to someone too easily. Marriage is a serious matter, at least wait until I return to the capital and help investigate the prospective groom."
Ji Jin looked at him as if he were an idiot.
And he still claimed he wasn't smitten?