Chapter Eleven: An Old Acquaintance

Page 1/3

Upon seeing that face, Song Baiqing’s expression froze. He had seen a similar face once or twice before, on a day when his father suddenly held a banquet. When his father asked about that young lady across the long banquet table, the outline of her oval face had been etched into his mind.

The next time was when the Song family, bearing more than a dozen horse-drawn carriages laden with dowry, rode at the forefront through the busiest streets of the capital to formally propose to the Duke of Zhen Guo’s residence.

She had stood behind a screen, peeking out to watch him speak with her father. When he caught her gaze, she did not flinch. Her eyes were unexpectedly calm, with a hint of scrutiny.

Later, when he heard her name again from his father’s mouth, the Wen family had already fallen into disgrace. His father anxiously urged him to retrieve the engagement token from the Wen family immediately and break off the betrothal.

This marriage was truly a stain on the Song family’s reputation.

Originally, the prestigious Song family’s alliance with the Duke of Zhen Guo’s household was considered a social climb. Song Baiqing, famed as the “Number One Scholar of the Capital,” was academically outstanding, barely worthy of the duke’s legitimate daughter.

But with the sudden downfall of the Wen family, the Song family severed ties with them as quickly as possible. Still, suspicions arose among the noble families in the capital. If one married their daughter into the Song family, and the authorities later discovered any lingering connections to the disgraced Wen family, wouldn’t that also taint their own reputations?

Thus, Song Baiqing’s standing among noble ladies became awkward.

He himself was a gentleman of refined scholarship, graceful and aloof like a solitary pine, a rare flower atop the mountain, effortlessly stirring the hearts of noble daughters.

Yet the past betrothal was a chilling shadow.

So the matter dragged on, his marriage delayed. Without a legitimate wife, he could not take concubines. The Song family’s strict traditions and century-old reputation forbade placing any servant girl by his side.

Song Baiqing’s virginity became a subject of ridicule among some wealthy and decadent young men. He did not care, but he never expected they would actually drag him to pick a girl.

Nor did he expect to see such a familiar face here.

At the time, Song Baiqing naturally did not connect her to Wen Zhiyan. After all, they had met only a few times, and he had no deep impression of her appearance. He only knew that the capital praised her as a celestial beauty—undeniably stunning.

He assumed it was merely a resemblance. After all, all the Wen women had been exiled to the frontier. Wen Zhiyan would never appear in the capital, let alone in a place like this.

The madam, noticing Song Baiqing’s reaction, naturally thought he liked the girl. She immediately pulled the girl out and, despite her struggling, pushed her onto Song Baiqing.

Fragrance and an ethereal aura wafted over. Instinctively, Song Baiqing caught her. By the time his mind registered it, his palm was already enjoying the warm softness.

“Isn’t this a fine choice, sir? This young lady just arrived this month, graceful and well-formed. She’s been examined—an absolute virgin. I guarantee, sir, you’ll be very pleased!”

Page 2/3

The madam smiled, her wrinkles blooming like flowers. Before Song Baiqing could reply, others began to tease.

“It’s her, it’s her! I always thought Song brother wasn’t interested in women, but turns out he just hadn’t met such a beauty!”

“Seriously, this girl is stunning. Let Song brother have the honor first. After he’s done, I’m next!”

The group, laughing and pushing each other, left, kindly closing the door behind them.

“Miss—”

“Master Song, save me!”

Song Baiqing’s words were interrupted. He watched as the woman before him knelt at his feet, tears streaming down her face. He was at a loss.

“Miss, if you need my help, please stand and speak. I am not worthy of this—”

He bent down to help her up. She clung to his arm, her tear-filled eyes fixed on him without blinking. Her lips trembled softly, as if she had finally resolved something.

“Master Song, I am Wen Zhiyan.”

With a thunderous shock, Song Baiqing felt his mind falter. After a long moment, he found his voice.

“You said… who are you?”

“The legitimate daughter of the former Duke of Zhen Guo, Wen Chongyi—Wen Zhiyan.”

“Y-you… how are you here?”

Song Baiqing helped Wen Zhiyan sit down. Once she calmed, she told him everything since her family’s downfall.

“So, you’re the last one left of the Wen family…”

Wen Zhiyan nodded. “When I woke, I was at the back door of this brothel. My mother took me in and imprisoned me. I had no choice… Master Song, I want to live. I want to uncover the truth for my father. Can you save me?”

“How… how can I save you?”

“I spent the night with you today. Tomorrow, my mother will put my name up for trade. Can you buy me? I’ll find a way to repay you.”

Wen Zhiyan grasped Song Baiqing’s sleeve like a lifeline.

Song Baiqing knew he should refuse. If others learned her identity, the entire Song family would be implicated.

Page 3/3

Yet, as if guided by some unseen force, he nodded.

Wen Zhiyan had been at Drunken Wind brothel for over ten days and understood the rules. Seeing Song Baiqing agree, she wept with joy, tears falling in large drops, yet she did not forget to blow out the candle in the room.

“This… this is because…”

“If the candle is lit, mother will think it didn’t work and will torture me…”

“I see…”

Song Baiqing smiled awkwardly. They sat in silence for a moment.

Finally, Wen Zhiyan spoke first. “I never expected to meet Master Song here…”

“I… I was dragged here by some fellows from my circle…”

“If it weren’t for meeting Master Song, I truly don’t know how I’d survive.”

“You’ve survived and come safely to the capital. That’s already remarkable.”

In the darkness, Wen Zhiyan looked at him quietly and asked, “Master Song, do youI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.