29 Futile Neutrality

Wei Hong Sheng's life was not currently quite as bleak as others predicted or feared. He had chosen an estate with a nice, sunny courtyard that was close enough to the palace that he could go and pay respects when needed. It was a respectable distance from Prince Rui's estate and within reach of pretty much anything he needed. Wei Hong Sheng had lost his position as the heir to Prince Rui, but he retained the businesses that he owned and had a great excuse for moving out. There had been some losses, but he couldn't focus on them. He had to think about his next steps.

"You say the betrothal gifts were already sent?" He frowned at his subordinate who was delivering a report. To think that Prince Rui's estate would move so quickly this time. Last time, the princess consort had dragged her feet on the matter until he'd finally had to prompt her. Only then were the betrothal gifts sent, which had left Yan Qiu Yue and her family with a less-than-favorable impression of him.

"Yes, it was around the same amount of things that were sent when you and the young miss were previously engaged. However, the duchess was not too happy with the items this time."

"Oh?"

"Apparently, there were a lot of practical items--rare herbs, jewelry, and such. She felt that this was somewhat lacking in terms of elegance."

The duchess' reaction was a welcome surprise. Considering how unwelcome this marriage was in general, Wei Hong Sheng didn't think that she was the sort to quibble over such details. Had his own gifts been able to leave a stronger impression? He was sure that the choice to include more practical items instead of decorative objects, luminous night pearls, and paintings was made by Wei Tian Ao. It seemed like just the sort of thing a merchant would do. He'd meant well, no doubt, wanting to send things that he thought Yan Qiu Yue and her family would actually be able to use. However, this was slightly against common etiquette. The gifts were symbolic more than anything else. Wei Tian Ao sending things that were usable--and thus finite--did not bode well for the marriage. Of course, he most likely did not understand that this is how his gifts would be interpreted.

"I'm surprised my brother is at liberty to consider these betrothal gifts. I had heard that he was just moping about." No doubt the princess consort had pushed him to make a decision as soon as possible. Wei Tian Ao seemed like the sort who would act decisively when cornered.

This was not good for Wei Hong Sheng.

"Good work." he finally said, motioning for another servant to present the other man with a little purse of money. "Keep me apprised of the situation at Duke Ning's estate."

The subordinate saluted Wei Hong Sheng with cupped fists. "What about your father's estate?"

"I'm not as worried about them at present. Keep the same informants in place."

The other man grunted in acknowledgment before leaving the study at a brisk pace.

"Now then..." Wei Hong Sheng rose from the desk, stretching his arms high above his head until he heard the popping sound from his aching joints. He had not left the estate in almost a week. There were just some things he had to see and experience on his own. With that thought in mind, he changed into less eye-catching clothes and put on a veil to obscure his facial features. Once preparations were complete, he left the estate and headed towards the town.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the city...

"So this is Tiankong Tower!" Yan Qiu Yue's voice was full of wonder as she craned her head up to look at the building. It was several stories high, which was an amazing architectural feat. "Why is it that I've never heard of this place?"

Due to her having to thank someone at the Crown Prince's banquet on her brother's behalf for "invaluable help at Tiankong Tower", Yan Qiu Yue had been curious ever since about what this tower was. After all, she'd never even heard of it before.

It turned out that Tiankong Tower was a meeting place for young scholars, particularly poets. Many gathered here to compete in composing poetry or gather ideas. A few times a month, people would come to give lectures to others. Most of these lecturers were high-ranking scholars from previous exams, so it was common for those lectures to fill up quickly. Tickets sold for these lectures were used to fund the upkeep and semi-regular renovation of the tower. It was a good, closed system that meant that the owners of Tiankong Tower, whoever they were, did not have to worry about funding or being under the jurisdiction of others.

Yan Qiu Heng was part of a poetry society here and came often. "It's just a pastime," he'd explained. He was less interested in the poetry aspect and more interested in the opportunities for networking. It was getting harder for their Yan family to stay truly neutral. He naturally understood their father's wishes, but it was impossible to always abide by them. It was possible to seclude oneself and not connect to others, only to become embroiled in national affairs later. At that time, one would be caught completely unprepared with no one at one's side to bestow coal in the winter. It was more prudent to make lots of friends. Who knew what connection might prove to be their important saving grace in the future?

Yan Qiu Heng knew that this wasn't honorable behavior, but he'd long since decided to do his utmost to make sure that at least his sister would lead a good life. What use was honor if one had to die and one's loved ones had to suffer for it? If he had been closer to Tian Ren and Wei Tian Ao, he absolutely would have scorned the former for the decisions he'd made. Since he was not close to them, he could only hope that Wei Tian Ao would be worthy of his sister.

He smiled at the starry-eyed Yan Qiu Yue. "Though the tower is famous among scholars, it's not a place that normal citizens go to very often. Thus, Tiankong Tower isn't a household name. It's only natural that you haven't heard of it."

Yan Qiu Yue nodded, coming to an understanding. "Is it alright for me to be here?" She had a veil on to protect her modesty while traveling around outside, but she was able to see that there were few other women in the vicinity.

"Yes, the separation of genders is more relaxed here. What truly matters is one's ability and breadth of knowledge. In fact, I brought you here today for a very special reason."

Yan Qiu Yue's face showed puzzlement as her lips formed a little moue. What could the reason be? But she didn't need her twin to explain. As they walked closer to the entrance doors of the tower, Yan Qiu Yue's eyes landed on a large sign that had been put up to tell of today's activity to take place on the second floor of the tower: a discussion group for Inspector of the Whistling Pines.