Chapter 33: The Weight of a Promise

After arranging a marriage for her son in Huaixi, Madam Shen traveled northward with Shen Ti by boat. The journey benefited from favorable winds and smooth waters, and within a month, they had returned to the capital.

Her parents-in-law had long passed away. Now, apart from some elder relatives, there was no one above her in her household—an ideal state of freedom for a woman. No wonder her sisters-in-law and younger relatives all envied her.

When Lord Shen returned home that evening, Madam Shen had already freshened up and greeted him looking radiant.

He could tell at a glance that things had gone smoothly.

“Are Father-in-law and Mother-in-law in good health? Are your brothers well?” After being apart for two or three months, the couple exchanged concerned inquiries. At last, he asked, “So, which niece did you betroth him to?”

“They’re all well and send their regards,” Madam Shen replied as she helped him out of his robes. “I’ve chosen Fourth Daughter from my third brother’s family.”

She quickly added, “It’s not just because she’s from the third branch. The girl is truly outstanding.”

After Lord Shen had changed into his home clothes and they were seated, Madam Shen recounted the events of their trip to Huaixi. “...It was precisely because she had delayed her own engagement due to this matter. Once I saw her temperament, I knew she was exactly the kind of girl we were looking for. It felt like fate.”

Lord Shen asked, “That disobedient son of mine didn’t act improperly, did he?”

Madam Shen gave him a look. “What disobedient son? Others would beg to have a son like ours. You’re the only one who insists on being so harsh.”

Lord Shen said calmly, “Don’t let the fact that he placed third in the national exam make him arrogant. Entering officialdom is only the first step. If he loses his clarity now, disaster will follow. Better he never entered at all.”

“Pah! Don’t say such things!” Madam Shen cut him off. “I made a vow before the Bodhisattva—my son will surely achieve greatness and rise to the top!”

Lord Shen chuckled and shook his head.

They hadn’t seen each other for a while. Just as Lord Shen took his wife’s hand to share a few private words, a maid announced from outside, “Young Master is here.”

Lord Shen let go and cleared his throat. “Let him in.”

Before leaving, Madam Shen had arranged for new clothes to be tailored—just in time for the change of season. Shen Ti now wore a newly made summer robe of sky-blue gauze with a bamboo-leaf pattern, lightly scented with a refined and cooling fragrance, bringing a refreshing sensation on a hot summer day.

Though perhaps it was the youth’s cool and aloof demeanor that gave off that impression more than the scent.

Madam Shen turned to look and, sure enough, it wasn’t just Shen Ti who emanated a chill—the once gentle look in Lord Shen’s eyes also turned cold upon seeing his son.

When father and son faced each other, it was like two basins of ice meeting in midsummer.

Madam Shen felt a headache coming on.

“Greetings, Father,” Shen Ti saluted with precision.

“Rise,” Lord Shen nodded. “Was the trip smooth?”

Shen Ti stood and smoothed his robe. “Yes. Mother has arranged a marriage with Fourth Cousin from Third Uncle’s family, just as you wished.”

Madam Shen nearly groaned aloud.

As expected, Lord Shen’s voice turned stern. “What I wished was to find you a worthy match among the noblewomen of the capital. This engagement is the result of your own willfulness. You know full well whose wish this truly fulfills.”

Shen Ti was about to reply when Madam Shen stood up to smooth things over. “It was my wish, my wish, alright? Enough from both of you. The engagement is set—what’s the point of arguing? Better to focus on proper business.”

“To you,” she pointed at her son, “aren’t you reporting to the Hanlin Academy tomorrow? Go prepare whatever you need.”

“And you,” she turned to her husband, “there are so many things to discuss with Huaixi’s side regarding the betrothal.”

“Everyone, back to your tasks.”

Shen Ti had more to say, but Yinshi’s words, relayed through Changchuan, echoed in his mind:

“Don’t clash head-on with your parents. It’s pointless. Every conflict with them only gets taken out on others.”

“First, become strong. Otherwise, defying your parents only disappoints them and changes nothing.”

“Never throw a tantrum. The more you fight, the more you seem like a child. The calmer you are, the less others dare decide things for you.”

“Want to be treated like an adult? Learn to compromise. Only children fight their parents head-on.”

Shen Ti regretted it.

As scholars, they often debated—and Shen Ti always won. Earlier, he had instinctively rebutted his father. But now, recalling Yinshi’s advice, he realized she was right. It hadn’t helped; it only disappointed his parents and made him seem immature.

She was right—entirely.

He pressed his lips together. He had been wrong.

Lord Shen gave a faint hum but gave his wife face by letting the matter drop. “Scholar Liu likes to test newcomers. He’ll surely question you tomorrow. Prepare well.”

“Yes, Father,” Shen Ti replied with lowered eyes.

His gesture of concession brought Madam Shen relief. Even Lord Shen was slightly satisfied.

Shen Ti then asked, “What about Miss Feng…”

Lord Shen replied, “Naturally, she will only enter the household after your marriage is complete.”

His expression was stern. “Now that you are engaged, don’t be distracted. Focus on your career. The second-ranked examinee, Hanlin Scholar Yang, returned a few days ago and has already had an audience with His Majesty. Right now, the emperor still remembers your cohort. In three years, when the next batch appears, your moment will have passed.”

Shen Ti accepted the lesson. “I understand.”

At least they hadn’t argued this time.

After he left, Madam Shen beamed. “See? Just getting engaged has already changed him.”

What pained her most was when father and son argued endlessly. Her son was undeniably brilliant, brimming with talent and pride. Such qualities were admired in others—but within one’s own home, they were exhausting.

Lord Shen reflected that this wasn’t Shen Ti’s first engagement. Yet, something truly had changed. After returning from Huaixi, he had learned to bow his head.

The scholarly world was idealistic, but reality was cold and harsh. Learning to lower one’s head was the first step toward maturity.

A man on the cusp of entering officialdom had finally begun to shed his arrogance and youthful edge.

Lord Shen was pleased.

But he still warned his wife, “Have someone watch him and Miss Feng. Nothing must happen before the wedding.”

Madam Shen proudly said, “I already have someone watching. Since his return, he hasn’t gone to her—he came to see you first. He studies the classics—he knows propriety.”

Lord Shen nodded, finally satisfied.

Shen Ti walked back to his residence, reflecting deeply.

His father had looked at him differently today. Was it because he had always been too rash and impulsive? Had he truly come across as a child?

He had been a prodigy from young, admired wherever he went. His academic achievements far surpassed his peers. Even when facing his father, he argued if he believed he was right.

Until he met Yinshi—who bluntly told him that he was behaving like a child.

It had shocked him. But upon reflection, he saw she was right.

He needed to change.

As soon as he stepped into his courtyard, he saw a maid sitting under the veranda, speaking with Changchuan.

When she saw him, she quickly got up and rushed down the steps, bowing. “Young Master, you’ve returned.”

Shen Ti nodded. “How has she been these past months? Has anyone mistreated her in the household?”

“No, no one dares to mistreat her,” the maid said. “But she often cries at night, waiting for you. She hasn’t slept well.”

The maid pleaded, “Young Master, she longs to see you. Could you go to her?”

But Shen Ti hadn’t visited Feng Luoyi since returning that afternoon—because he had already thought it through.

Yinshi had warned him: “Every fight with your parents, someone else will bear the cost.” If he went rushing to visit Feng Luoyi now, his father would be disappointed.

His father’s disappointment wouldn’t hurt him—but it would fall on Feng Luoyi.

The more he thought, the more he understood how right Yinshi had been.

Right now, he had no power to protect her. She was officially a servant. If his parents wanted to punish or sell her, he couldn’t stop them.

They simply hadn’t gone that far—yet.

But if he continued defying his father, it might happen. They wouldn’t beat or kill her, perhaps, but sending her far away was easily done.

“Not today,” Shen Ti refused the maid. “I’ll visit her after I’m done with official business tomorrow. Tell her to rest easy. If she needs anything, come to me.”

Disappointment was written all over the maid’s face.

But Shen Ti owed no explanations to a servant. He needed to establish his career and earn his parents’ approval—only then could he truly protect Feng Luoyi.

The maid bowed and left.

Once inside, Shen Ti asked Changchuan, “What were you talking about?”

“Zhaoxiang was asking about the trip to Huaixi,” Changchuan replied honestly.

“And you told her?”

“I did.”

No one had said to keep it secret. Besides, a betrothal was a joyous occasion—not something to hide. So, when Zhaoxiang asked, Changchuan answered truthfully.

Shen Ti nodded.

Better she knew in advance. It would make things easier when he visited her tomorrow.

Feng Luoyi would surely be upset, but he had done his best.

In a remote courtyard within the Shen residence lived Feng Luoyi—the fallen daughter of a former Ministry of Rites official.

She had dressed carefully, full of hope. Her clothing was plain and light, her hair styled simply, making her look delicate and pitiful.

Looking into the mirror, she saw a woman who was once a respected noble daughter, now living as a lowly servant dependent on others’ mercy.

Lord and Madam Shen had originally bought her back to send her home to her relatives. Once they did that, they would have fulfilled their duty and washed their hands of her.

Whether she would be well-treated by her kin or whom she would marry afterward—none of that would concern them.

Faced with such a powerless fate, Feng Luoyi couldn’t hold back her tears.

Thankfully, she still had Shen Lang.

Shen Ti—Shen Jiyun—the dazzling third-place laureate, her former fiancé.

He had stood up to his parents for her, vowing to honor their engagement and shield her from harm.

But alas, noble and humble, lawful and illicit—the gulf between them was too vast.