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Shen Xiling, however, remained unaware of the events unfolding behind her back. She had no inkling of how Miss Fu perceived her and continued her routine of rising early and studying late into the night, living quietly alongside Water Pei, Wind Robe, and Zi Jun.
On this particular afternoon, after the midday rest, Shen Xiling and Water Pei returned to the Chouqin Study to prepare for the afternoon class. Qi Ning and Qi Le had arrived earlier and were busy copying texts. That morning, they had failed to recite a poem correctly and were punished by Master Wang to copy it thirty times.
Upon seeing her, Qi Ning greeted Shen Xiling with a smile. “Miss Wenwen has come so early. You don’t have to copy anything—why didn’t you stay in your room and rest longer?”
Shen Xiling smiled softly and replied, “I couldn’t sleep, so I got up.”
From the side, Qi Le chimed in while copying, “I truly envy Miss Wenwen. You’ve never been caught by Master Wang. How many times have Third Brother and I been punished already…”
Water Pei stifled a giggle behind her hand, and Shen Xiling laughed as well. Qi Ning, captivated by her radiant smile, felt his heart race and his cheeks flush. Unfortunately, Qi Le, oblivious to subtleties, ruined the moment by saying, “Alas, all this copying day and night is going to cripple my hand—Miss Wenwen, could you help me copy some lines? If you ever get punished, I’ll do the same for you.”
Though Shen Xiling intended to study diligently and avoid punishment, she appreciated Qi Le’s kindness and agreed to help him. Just as she reached for the paper and brush, Qi Ning smacked Qi Le on the back of his head and scolded, “You really are dense! Have you forgotten how sharp Master Wang’s eyes are? Your handwriting is far worse than Miss Wenwen’s—he’ll surely notice and punish you again!”
Qi Le, rubbing his sore head, sighed and resumed copying. As he wrote, he remarked, “That’s true… Hmm, Miss Wenwen, how did you practice your calligraphy? Why does it look so similar to Second Brother’s?”
Startled by the question, Shen Xiling hesitated before answering. Qi Ning, sensitive about her relationship with his second brother, watched her closely. After a pause, she murmured, “Perhaps it’s just a coincidence… Honestly, I don’t think they’re that similar. My writing… pales in comparison to Second Brother’s.”
Her response was tactful, but whenever she mentioned Qi Yin, there was an unmistakable softness in her tone and expression. While Qi Le, still young and naive, failed to notice, Qi Ning detected something deeper. He felt a vague unease, sensing that Shen Xiling’s feelings toward his second brother differed from those she held for him. Unable to contain himself, he blurted out, “Speaking of Second Brother, he’s leaving Jiankang today. Who knows when he’ll return—it might be quite a while.”
Shen Xiling froze at this news.
Qi Yin… was leaving Jiankang?
A sudden void opened in her chest, accompanied by a suffocating ache. She couldn’t help but ask, “Second Brother is leaving? Where to?”
Qi Ning shook his head. “I’m not sure. He said he’d leave today but didn’t mention where. By now, he’s probably already left the estate.”
Another piece of her heart seemed to crumble.
Qi Le, who had been listening while copying, noticed the silence between them. Looking up, he saw Qi Ning’s strange expression and Shen Xiling’s pale face. Concerned, he asked, “Miss Wenwen, you don’t look well. Are you unwell? Shall I ask Master Wang to excuse you from class this afternoon…?”
Before he could finish, Shen Xiling abruptly stood, her voice tinged with urgency. “Has Second Brother really left? When did he go?”
Qi Le was startled. The usually gentle and reserved Miss Wenwen now seemed unusually agitated. Seeing Qi Ning remain silent, he answered, “We’re not certain, but I saw Qingzhu during lunch. If they moved quickly, he should already be gone. If not, then…”
Before he could finish, the normally composed Miss Wenwen turned and dashed out of the study, nearly colliding with Zhao Yao, who had just entered. Muttering a quick apology, she bolted like the wind, with Water Pei calling after her and chasing behind.
Qi Le was bewildered, shouting toward her retreating figure, “Miss Wenwen! Are you attending class or not this afternoon?”
Shen Xiling paid no heed, disappearing from sight. Qi Le, utterly confused, glanced around. He saw Zhao Yao fuming and his third brother looking displeased. Scratching his head, he muttered, “Could Third Brother be right? Am I really this clueless? Why can’t I understand any of this?”
________________________________________
Shen Xiling, followed by Water Pei, raced toward the main gate of the Qi estate.
Since entering the household, she had lived quietly, avoiding trouble and drawing little attention. Her quiet demeanor meant some of the less-informed servants hadn’t even heard of Miss Fang.
Now, though anxious, she remained mindful of not drawing undue notice. Whenever the coast was clear, she lifted her skirts and ran; when others appeared, she walked calmly and deliberately. This way, she finally reached the gate.
By the time they arrived, sweat had formed on her brow. Scanning the area, she saw no sign of carriages. Water Pei inquired with the gatekeeper, who replied that he had just taken over his shift and hadn’t seen Second Young Master. It was likely that he had already departed.
A wave of indescribable disappointment washed over Shen Xiling.
Seeing her crestfallen expression, Water Pei felt pity and tried to console her. “Miss, it’s not such a big deal. Young Master is always busy. Think of it as when you lived in Fenghe Garden—you rarely saw him then either. Besides, he won’t be gone for long. You’ll see him again soon.”
Water Pei’s words were logical, but Shen Xiling still felt a deep pang of sadness.
It was hard to explain the feeling. She hadn’t expected to care so much about whether Qi Yin was in the estate. Even when he was around, their encounters were fleeting—mere greetings. And yet, hearing that he was leaving Jiankang cast a shadow over her heart.
She had thought she was settling into a peaceful and happy life, but the mere mention of Qi Yin’s departure shattered the fragile joy she had built. She felt both panicked and bereft.
As Water Pei trailed behind, she noticed Shen Xiling’s downcast eyes and hidden sorrow, wanting to comfort her further. Suddenly, she spotted Qingzhu hurrying past in the distance. Calling out loudly, “Qingzhu!” her voice carried across the space, catching his attention. Surprised to see Shen Xiling and Water Pei, he approached with a puzzled expression.
Seeing Qingzhu, Shen Xiling’s eyes lit up. As the young attendant who served closely by Qi Yin’s side, his presence suggested that Qi Yin might not have left yet.
While Shen Xiling pondered this, Qingzhu arrived, scrutinizing her coolly. Turning to Water Pei, he asked, “What are you doing here? Why did you call me earlier?”
Qingzhu had never liked Shen Xiling, and his tone was curt. Yet Shen Xiling, observing closely, noticed the sweat on his forehead, more pronounced than her own. Recalling how lost he had been during the Lantern Festival, she suspected he was disoriented again.
Carefully choosing her words, she asked, “Where are you headed, Qingzhu? If we’re going the same way, perhaps we can accompany each other?”
Qingzhu, indeed lost, had been wandering the estate for nearly half an hour, growing increasingly flustered. Too proud to ask for directions, he seized the lifeline Shen Xiling offered. Coughing lightly, he grumbled, “Fine. I’m heading to the west gate to find Young Master. If Miss Fang wishes to join, let’s go.”
Hearing that Qi Yin was still there, Shen Xiling felt a wave of relief and finally managed a small smile. Nodding to Qingzhu, she said, “Thank you for guiding us.”
At the west gate, Shen Xiling saw Qi Yin.
He stood by the carriage, hands clasped behind his back, speaking intently with Bai Song. Glancing up, he noticed her standing inside the gate and raised an eyebrow.
After exchanging a few more words with Bai Song, he walked toward her. Qingzhu started to approach but was yanked back by Water Pei, who dragged him away. Grateful for Shen Xiling’s assistance, Qingzhu didn’t resist and retreated with Water Pei.
Stepping through the gate, Qi Yin frowned slightly and asked, “Why are you here? Don’t you have class this afternoon?”
Shen Xiling hadn’t seen him for some time, and under normal circumstances, his questioning would have made her nervous. But strangely, she felt no fear or intimidation. Instead, she boldly ignored his query and asked, “Are you leaving, Young Master?”
Qi Yin was momentarily taken aback.
The girl before him had slightly disheveled hair, was slightly out of breath, and bore traces of grievance in her eyes. She gazed at him expectantly, her expression unfamiliar yet endearing.
It took him a moment to realize what was happening—she was sulking.
This was a novel experience.
The Shen Xiling he knew was always gentle, cautious, mature beyond her years, and obedient. Never had she displayed such emotions—anger, grievance, and a hint of panic—all at once.
He wasn’t typically patient with others’ tantrums, but seeing Shen Xiling like this stirred no irritation in him. Instead, he felt oddly amused.
His features softened, and with a sigh and a faint smile, he said, “Ah, so you’re not afraid of me anymore.”
Pausing briefly, he added, “And skipping school, no less?”
When Qi Yin smiled, his handsome features became even more striking, and his voice carried a unique charm.
Shen Xiling’s heart fluttered wildly. Perhaps it was from running too fast, but she hadn’t fully recovered. Collecting herself, she murmured, “I didn’t skip school… I just heard that you’re leaving Jiankang today.”
She stopped, lifting her head to look at him.
From her subtle gaze, Qi Yin sensed her attachment to him. His heart softened, realizing his oversight.
Indeed, he should have informed her earlier about his departure. She was still young, shy, and new to the household. Though settled in the Qi estate, the only person truly aware of her background and protective of her was him. Hearing of his departure must have frightened her.
Feeling remorseful, he said, “I neglected to consider this. I should have told you earlier.”
Shen Xiling didn’t need his apology. What she wanted to know was when he’d return. Shaking her head, she asked, “When will you come back, Young Master?”
Qi Yin hesitated, not answering immediately.
His trip to Nanling Commandery was crucial. Even if everything went smoothly, it would take over half a month. If complications arose, it might stretch into several months. Glancing at her anxious expression, he feared telling her might make her cry. After a moment’s thought, he replied, “I’ll hurry and try to return in time for your birthday.”
At this, Shen Xiling’s eyes brightened.
Her birthday was on the 24th, and it was already the 7th of February. Half a month wasn’t too long, and the fact that he remembered her birthday delighted her.
Seeing her radiant eyes and uplifted corners of her mouth, Qi Yin felt a surge of pleasure. Gently smoothing her slightly disheveled hair, he instructed, “Be good while I’m away. If anything happens, go to Mother.”
The warmth of his fingers and the gentleness of his voice reassured Shen Xiling, calming her heart.
Looking up, she nodded obediently.
Her sweet demeanor was irresistibly endearing. Smiling, Qi Yin added, “Eat well. You’re too thin.”
Shen Xiling blinked, surprised by his unexpected paternal tone, which filled her with warmth. Nodding again, she smiled.
Retracting his hand from her hair, Qi Yin glanced at the sky and asked, “Is Master Wang not coming for class this afternoon?”
Only then did Shen Xiling remember the afternoon lessons at the private school. Her face flushed red, and she stammered, “He… he is coming…”
Qi Yin’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “So you’re brave enough to be late for Master Wang’s class?”
Seeing him smile, Shen Xiling felt emboldened and teased back, “Even if I’m late, it’s not a big deal. I’ve been doing so well lately that Master Wang will probably just scold me lightly. He won’t punish me too harshly.”
Her playful tone and endearing expression brought an involuntary smile to Qi Yin’s lips. Though amused, his gaze remained approving. “Mm, I’ve heard about it. You’ve been studying very diligently.”
Shen Xiling’s eyes lit up again.
She had assumed Qi Yin paid no attention to what happened at the private school, but his words suggested he was well aware of her recent efforts. Could it be… that during this time, he hadn’t completely ignored her after all?
She wanted to ask him but hesitated, unsure how to phrase her question. Before she could speak, Qi Yin said, “You should head back soon. If you’re too late, I’m afraid Master Wang might really punish you.”
At that moment, the horse outside the west gate snorted, as if urging Qi Yin to leave. Shen Xiling glanced at him, reluctant to go. Qi Yin hesitated for a moment before giving in. Reaching out, he gently pinched her cheek and said, “Go on now.”
Knowing she really had to leave, Shen Xiling nodded obediently and turned to walk away. But she couldn’t help glancing back repeatedly, stealing looks at him until the tiled roof and whitewashed walls finally blocked her view.
Water Pei followed her all the way, giggling behind her hand. Once they turned the corner, she teased, “Miss, why don’t you just skip school altogether and ask Young Master to take you with him? It’ll save you from waiting half a month—it’s so tormenting!”
Shen Xiling playfully swatted at Water Pei before lifting her skirts and running back toward the private school. As she ran, she thought to herself: Half a month… it really is tormenting.
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