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[Part 1·Night Still, Flowers Fall]
At the end of the flower-stained corridor lay the Gao family’s guest hall, named Trace Snow . It was the New Year season, and the hall was filled with relatives rarely seen on ordinary days. They sat sipping tea and nibbling on snacks under the watchful eye of Lady Gao.
When Gao Yunyue entered, she caught a whiff of roasted peanuts mingled with the fresh aroma of brewed tea.
Noticing her arrival, Lady Gao subtly signaled her, then resumed her gentle demeanor, chatting warmly with the guests as if nothing had happened.
Gao Yunyue responded with an understanding glance.
Gracefully, she curtsied: “Greetings to all my aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws. I’ve been feeling unwell lately and am late, so please forgive me.”
She wore a sky-blue embroidered silk blouse, revealing a pale yellow floral-patterned skirt beneath. Her steps were elegant, her movements fluid, and even her short earrings swayed gracefully as she bowed—flawless poise, not a hair out of place.
Third Aunt smiled approvingly: “Yunyue has always been the most well-mannered child since she was little. Look at her bearing—it’s all thanks to her mother’s teaching.”
The aunts on her mother’s side were familiar faces, but today, there were also distant relatives from her father’s lineage seated in the hall.
Gao Yunyue glanced over them briefly and recognized the women who only appeared during festivals. Intrigued, she straightened her posture even more.
If Qu You were here, she would surely comment that this scene felt eerily similar to being bombarded by nosy relatives during New Year gatherings—questions about age, marriage, salary, property, cars, and children inevitable.
True enough, one woman spoke up first: “Oh dear, our girls’ generation uses the character ‘Wan’ in their names. Earlier we were discussing—you should have been named Wan Yue. It sounds much prettier!”
Lady Gao chuckled helplessly: “This child has always had her own ideas. She decided to change it herself.”
The woman continued: “It’s not good for a girl to be too headstrong. Changing your name makes people think you’re not part of the family anymore… Speaking of which, Yunyue is already past the usual age for matchmaking. Why hasn’t anything been arranged yet? Let me tell you, once a girl turns fourteen and no discussions begin, it’s already too late. Good families won’t wait…”
Third Aunt shot the woman a sympathetic look. Sensing her cue, Gao Yunyue immediately stepped forward with a copper lotus-patterned teapot, pouring water enthusiastically: “If I’m not mistaken, you must be Second Sister of Fourth Aunt, whom Father often mentions. I should address you as Cousin Aunt, right? I heard that one of your concubine-born daughters caught the eye of Lord Xie last year. In just a year, she was elevated from an outside residence to become a legitimate concubine. Congratulations on such an auspicious match! The lord holds great power, and your daughter married older than I am now. I…”
“Second Sister of Fourth Aunt” twitched awkwardly, hastily picking up the scalding cup of water Yunyue had poured, wincing but saying nothing further: “Just idle talk… idle talk.”
Another woman across from her snickered, glancing downward before exclaiming: “Yunyue, why haven’t you bound your feet? Big Sister-in-law might not know, but foot-binding is popular these days. Without it, finding a good husband will be difficult. It’s getting late, but it’s still possible. I know a skilled doctor…”
Before Lady Gao could interject, Gao Yunyue swiftly moved to her side, grasping her hand earnestly: “Sixth Aunt is absolutely right. Speaking of doctors, I just remembered—a close friend recently found a renowned physician specializing in fertility treatments. This doctor isn’t always in the capital, but their skills are unparalleled. Unfortunately, they missed visiting when my cousins were here. Perhaps I can recommend them to Sixth Aunt…”
Sixth Aunt quickly interrupted, snatching the teapot from Yunyue’s hands and pouring herself a cup: “Big Sister-in-law has always cared deeply for us relatives, and her daughter is indeed polite and disciplined. Look at you, running around like this. Go back and sit down properly.”
Satisfied, Gao Yunyue returned to her seat.
The women opposite began chatting idly again, but one persisted, reopening the conversation: “Yunyue, last time my daughter Wansiang attended that… what was it called?”
Someone nearby supplied: “The Flower Planting Banquet hosted by Princess Jiafu.”
“Yes, yes, exactly! That banquet. I heard you got into an argument with another young lady, drawing attention from all the guests. I must say, you shouldn’t mingle too much with those types. Spend more time with your sisters—they’re closer to you than strangers. And arguing publicly? You’ll offend people eventually. Look at us—our Wansiang never argues with anyone…”
Gao Yunyue nodded agreeably: “You’re absolutely right, Cousin Aunt. It’s all Princess Jiafu’s fault. She insisted on composing linked verses, and by the end, even she ran out of words. Yet others clamored for more recitations. Sigh… These noblewomen of Bianjing truly don’t understand tranquility like Cousin Aunt and Wansiang. Isn’t it amusing? You love peace and quiet, yet your household is always bustling. Next time, I’ll host a banquet, and you can bring all your sisters. I envy you—your family alone could fill a grand feast…”
“Oh no, oh no,” the cousin aunt laughed awkwardly, feeling increasingly uncomfortable. Finally, she stood up: “It’s getting late. I suddenly remember I have an appointment to view fabric this afternoon. Please excuse me.”
Lady Gao was astonished. “We’ve only just sat down to drink tea and chat. Why are you leaving so soon?”
Gao Yunyue echoed with mock regret: “Yes, yes.”
As she stood up, the previously restless group of women immediately rose as well, politely excusing themselves.
“Headache and fatigue...”
“An appointment at Fanlou!”
Gao Yunyue held the teapot and tried to persuade them: “Aunties and sisters, won’t you stay a little longer? I wanted to invite you all to rest in the inner chambers and serve some tea.”
Lady Gao added: “This child’s tea-making skills are unparalleled. Won’t you taste it?”
“No, no.”
“Another time...”
In no time, the Mingxue Hall was emptied. Lady Gao sighed in relief, looked at her daughter sitting below, quite satisfied, but still chided lightly: “Do you even care about your reputation as a lady with such talk?”
Gao Yunyue picked up a preserved plum candy, her face contorting from its sourness: “There aren’t any outsiders here anyway. I spoke sincerely; there’s not a single fault in my words. Besides, didn’t everyone seem happy?”
Her attendant Qiuzhi quickly nodded: “Before leaving, Madam Aunt secretly pulled me aside and told me to remind Miss to recommend the esteemed physician…”
Gao Yunyue laughed: “No problem, no problem.”
By nap time, Lady Gao chuckled helplessly, saying nothing more, only reminding gently: “It’s the New Year season, your father has much to do. You and your brother should avoid running around too much.”
Gao Yunyue bowed: “Yes.”
•
Though she had agreed readily, on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month during the Lantern Festival, Gao Yunyue still managed to slip away from the main banquet while her parents were busy hosting.
Qiuzhi led Gao Yunyue through the corridor and whispered: “The Young Master said he would wait for Miss at the back of the house.”
Unable to resist, she asked: “Miss, what if we get caught?”
Gao Yunyue scolded her: “How could we get caught? As long as you keep the door closed and the curtains drawn today, there will definitely be no trouble… Don’t worry.”
Qiuzhi complained pitifully: “Miss isn’t taking me along. I’m only worried about Miss. She’s almost ready to marry, and the streets are so chaotic… Miss, why don’t you find a mask to wear? What if someone recognizes you? What then…?”
Annoyed by her nagging, Gao Yunyue hastily replied: “Alright, alright. If men’s clothing isn’t enough, I’ll find a mask to wear. I’ll make sure no one recognizes me!”
After carefully preparing herself, she quietly sneaked out of the back garden.
Gao Yunyang, waiting under the eaves, was startled when he saw her sneak over stealthily.
She had painted her eyebrows sharply and padded her shoulders, even drawing a convincingly fake Adam’s apple.
Gao Yunyang helped her into the carriage, clicking his tongue in admiration: “Not bad, now I can call you my younger brother…”
Gao Yunyue proudly said: “I learned this from a close friend. Don’t worry, I’ve prepared a mask for today. Let’s put it on… I heard that many commoners in the Lantern Festival market wear Nuo opera masks. It’s foolproof, absolutely no one will recognize us.”
While putting on the mask, Gao Yunyang joked: “Hopefully so… If it weren’t for you begging me for so long, I wouldn’t dare do something that would get me beaten if Father found out.”
Gao Yunyue shook his arm: “Good brother, after the New Year, I’ll definitely persuade Father to let you join the army.”
She leaned closer, her eyes bright: “Also, I’ve already inquired for you. After the New Year, Uncle Qu intends to take a son-in-law…”
Gao Yunyang glanced at her, his face suspiciously reddening: “That’s better.”
“Hiss—”
The carriage made its way from the Xianming Ward where the Gao residence was located towards Bianhe River. The two were chatting when suddenly the horse was startled and let out a long neigh.
The coachman strained hard to pull the reins and finally stopped the carriage.
Gao Yunyue nearly fell over. Just as she steadied herself, she heard a clear male voice outside the curtain.
“I wonder whose carriage this is. I have an urgent need; may I borrow it? Rest assured, I am also heading to Bianhe River and won’t delay your lantern viewing.”
Gao Yunyang lifted the curtain slightly to take a look.
Through the gap, Gao Yunyue saw a young man dressed in a deep blue robe.
The young man had neatly tied his hair early, exuding a scholarly air. He appeared poised and spoke calmly, wearing a half-face Nuo opera mask like them.
Stopping a carriage in the middle of the street seemed absurd, but this person looked so composed that it was hard to imagine him doing something like that.
Since they had snuck out without a sign on their carriage, it was probably a random encounter that he stopped them.
Thinking of this, Gao Yunyue gave Gao Yunyang a meaningful glance: “Go ahead, let the coachman step down, and let him drive. Stopping a carriage in the street is unseemly, but it seems he has an emergency.”
Gao Yunyang wasn’t opposed to helping others but hesitated because of her presence: “He’s an outsider…”
Gao Yunyue said: “I’m also an outsider now.”
Thus, Gao Yunyang got out of the carriage and negotiated modestly with the other party. The young man got into the carriage, didn’t lift the curtain, and immediately whipped the horses to run: “Go!”
The carriage sped a bit faster than usual.
Gao Yunyang was initially worried that Gao Yunyue might be scared and wanted to remind her, but he saw his sister looking excited and even asking him: “What do you think he’s going to?”
Whether or not he was heard, amidst the speeding carriage, Gao Yunyue suddenly heard a light laugh from outside the curtain.
The young man’s voice was low and pleasant, a bit lighter than when he stopped the carriage earlier: “So there are people inside the carriage. My apologies. I’m Ren. May I ask your surnames? Let’s be friends in Bianjing.”
Gao Yunyang shook his head at her, so Gao Yunyue lowered her voice to conceal her identity: “My brother and I are surnamed Yun, not from the capital. Brother Ren can call me Xiao Yun.”
Outside the layer of the carriage curtain, the young man hummed amidst the bumpy ride: “Oh, Young Master Xiao Yun.”
He didn’t continue talking. Gao Yunyue slightly lifted the curtain and only saw a straight-backed figure in a blue robe.
His hair was originally neatly pinned, but some strands had been blown loose by the night wind, adding a touch of elegance and charm.
Gao Yunyue wanted to look a bit more, but Gao Yunyang poked her from behind. She turned back with a glare and reluctantly dropped the curtain.
The carriage ran for about a quarter of an hour before the young man reined in the horses, jumped down hurriedly, and gave a quick bow. His voice returned inside the curtain: “Thank you, gentlemen. Another time, I’ll host a banquet at Fanlou, and you must grace the occasion.”
Gao Yunyang stuck his head out and responded. Gao Yunyue leaned over but was too late, only catching a glimpse of the young man’s retreating back.
He strode into a three-story building in front of the carriage.
Gao Yunyue looked up and saw four large characters on the plaque: Changming Gambling House.
This young master had stopped the carriage in the street and raced for a while, only to come gamble?
Gao Yunyue found it amusing. She watched for a while, then, struck by an idea, glanced at Gao Yunyang beside her.
Gao Yunyang was puzzled but soon realized and incredulously said: “You want to go to such a place? Dream on. I haven’t even been there, and I absolutely won’t take you in!”
•
Ren Shiming frowned as he walked through the first floor of the Changming Gambling House, heading straight for the window.
However, the anticipated tense scene did not appear. A similarly well-dressed young man was lazily sitting by the window. Seeing him arrive, he raised a hand to greet: “Cousin!”
“Oh, A Yang, this is what the servant told me, losing at the gambling table and about to get killed?” Ren Shiming was somewhat surprised. He whistled, picked up a nearby chair, sat down, and smirked, “Tricking me, huh?”
“How dare I!” Zhou Yang quickly replied, “Isn’t it because I feared Uncle and my elder brother would confine you to the ancestral hall, so I thought of a way to help you out.”
Ren Shiming snorted: “I knew it. How could you possibly lose at gambling?”
Zhou Yang proudly declared: “Of course… But you came too quickly. Did you ride a horse?”
“I climbed over the wall. There was no horse. I commandeered a proper carriage on the road… If my father finds out, both of us surely won’t survive tonight.” Ren Shiming glared at him, “I knew I shouldn’t have trusted your words. You’re good for nothing but making trouble. Now what do we do?”
“Alas,” Zhou Yang jumped down from the windowsill and exaggeratedly winked at him, “Who would have thought cousin cares so much about me? I’m deeply touched, deeply touched. How about we go to Fanlou and have a drink? I’ll apologize to you, how’s that?”
Ren Shiming reluctantly agreed.
Zhou Yang continued: “But didn’t you stop a respectable family’s carriage just now? Whose carriage was it? Aren’t you afraid of being accused of being a rogue if there was a young lady inside?”
Ren Shiming grabbed the dice cup on the table, shook it casually, and answered nonchalantly: “Do you think I’m as foolish as you? Women’s carriages always hang sachets as a sign. Naturally, I chose a man’s carriage and deliberately picked a simple one. The two inside weren’t from Bianjing, and I thought they were straightforward people, so it should be fine.”
Zhou Yang patted Ren Shiming’s shoulder and said: “Didn’t you thank them properly?”
Ren Shiming said: “Now that you mention it, I was too hasty earlier and forgot to ask those two Cloud Gentlemen where they were staying temporarily… But around Bianhe River, there’s only this area. We’ll meet again if fate allows.”
The two greeted the gambling house owner briefly and walked arm in arm toward the stables in the backyard. Zhou Yang flicked his high ponytail and said indifferently: “Anyway, this meal is unavoidable. Today, we’ll drink until we drop. If only we could lure my brother out too…”
Ren Shiming coolly said: “Don’t dream on.”
He paused, then asked: “Is my brother about to discuss marriage?”
Zhou Yang thought for a moment: “I overheard something last time, but it’s not certain. That… Gao family’s eldest daughter, have you met her?”
Ren Shiming clicked his tongue: “There are so many women in Bianjing, especially noble daughters. How could I have met them all?”
Zhou Yang said: “I haven’t met her either, but last year at the flower banquet hosted by Princess Jiafu, the eldest daughter of the Gao family exchanged verses with the daughter of a historian, totaling one hundred and eight lines. It became a beautiful tale of the capital! If she becomes my sister-in-law, it would be nice.”
Ren Shiming mounted his horse and leisurely recalled: “Now that you mention it, I vaguely remember, but I indeed haven’t seen her.”
“My brother must marry the best woman in the world,” Zhou Yang chased up and sighed on the side, “Next time we have the chance, let’s go see her together.”
Ren Shiming blinked and said slowly: “It depends on my mood.”
Zhou Yang flicked his whip at his horse: “To hell with you.”
Ren Shiming picked up a prepared Nuo opera mask and threw it to Zhou Yang: “Cover your face to avoid being recognized by my brother’s friends and reported.”
Zhou Yang caught it and made a face at him.
•
“...”
“Young Master Xiao Yun, what a coincidence?”
After wandering around Bianhe River for a while, Gao Yunyue and Gao Yunyang went to Fanlou. Not daring to go to their usual private room, they found a spot in the main hall and ordered some sweets.
Amidst the noise, Gao Yunyue suddenly heard a familiar voice.
The youth’s scent of herbs was calm and moving amidst the food, gradually approaching. She put down her chopsticks and slowly turned her head.
Unfortunately, wearing a mask, she couldn’t see his face clearly.
The young man wore a narrow-sleeved blue robe with silver shimmering patterns of orchids. Unlike his peers who love wearing veiled hats or tying high ponytails, he had neatly tied his hair with a short jade hairpin early on.
Perhaps he hadn’t had time to tidy up after the previous incident, and his temples were still somewhat disheveled.
Beneath his temples was a grotesque mask, revealing a sharp jawline, a straight nose, thin lips, and a naturally smiling expression.
What a pity, she was actually quite curious about what he looked like.
Zhou Yang glanced at Ren Shiming and asked: “Is this Young Master Xiao Yun? Nice to meet you, nice to meet you!”
Realizing, Ren Shiming quickly raised his hand in greeting: “We just mentioned thanking the two gentlemen, and here we meet. It’s quite fortuitous. Please join us upstairs to the fourth-floor private room.”
Gao Yunyang hesitated: “This...”
But Gao Yunyue quickly responded: “This is very kind of you, but since the two brothers invited us, we can’t refuse.”
Before Gao Yunyang could understand the situation, Gao Yunyue followed the two upstairs. He was quite helpless and could only follow with a sigh.
The waiter led these familiar guests to a private room named “Free and Easy Travel,” flipped the menu board, and brought a bamboo menu list.
Gao Yunyue casually pointed to several dishes, which made Zhou Yang exclaim with delight: “Young Master Xiao Yun, where are you from? Why do our tastes align so well? I’m from Lin’an!”
Honestly, all recommendations came from Qu You.
Gao Yunyang stared in disbelief as his usually aloof, haughty sister effortlessly fabricated lies without blinking: “What a coincidence, I’m also from Lin’an.”
Ren Shiming asked with interest: “Then why did Young Master Xiao Yun come to the capital?”
Gao Yunyue solemnly replied: “Naturally, for the imperial exams.”
“Just when my younger brother extended the invitation, I was worried Young Master Xiao Yun might not accept our banquet,” the server poured wine, and Ren Shiming filled a five-petal lotus-shaped wine cup, teasing, “I see Young Master Xiao Yun is still young, surely diligent in studies, rarely seeing dandies like us. For today’s offense, Yuechu shall first punish himself with a cup.”
He raised his hand and drank the wine, his gaze fixed on Gao Yunyue.
This Young Master Xiao Yun, though masked, could be seen as extremely delicate. Even in Bianjing, it would be rare to find such a noble young master—black hair, red lips, slender and fair, every move quite extraordinary.
Moreover... as a native of Bianjing, he could hear clearly. This person had no trace of a southern accent, yet claimed to be from Lin’an.
Interesting.
So his name was Yuechu.
Gao Yunyue thought this but didn’t inquire further, only took the wine pot and poured herself a cup: “You flatter me. It was a small favor.”
Ren Shiming watched her finish it in one gulp, slightly surprised: “Young Master Xiao Yun is quite bold.”
The wine was osmanthus aged brew, fragrant and rich. Gao Yunyue finished a cup, still wanting more: “Brother Yuechu exaggerates.”
Ren Shiming stared intently at her, even noticing her fingertips lingering on the wine pot, amused. He turned and ordered another pot of wine.
Gao Yunyang clutched his wine cup, utterly dumbfounded.
In less than fifteen minutes, his sister had mingled with the two, exchanging cups and toasts. Only after a while did she remember she had brought a brother along, so she turned and praised him enthusiastically, claiming he was in the capital to take the military exam, incredibly strong and unbeatable.
Zhou Yang was quite interested and pressed him into discussing martial arts.
... Who would have thought, his sister was quite adept at socializing.
Gradually, the sounds of string and wind instruments began to rise outside. They were in the eastern building of Fanlou, and it was the most jubilant festival night of the Lantern Festival. At specific times, musicians would perform on each floor.
After the music played for a while, a gentle female voice drifted faintly through the bead curtain:
“... Red notes in small characters, expressing all my feelings. Wild geese in the clouds, fish in the water, this sorrowful sentiment is hard to send. Leaning alone against the western pavilion in the slanting sun, distant mountains perfectly aligned with the curtain hooks. Faces unknown where they’ve gone, green waves still flowing eastward.”
Gao Yunyue ate and listened, engrossed, when suddenly someone respectfully pushed open the bamboo door of the private room.
The scent of powder wafted from behind the screen, and then Gao Yunyue saw a courtesan adorned with peonies and holding a moon lute.
She gracefully stepped around the screen at the door, curtsying elegantly.
Zhou Yang laughed upon seeing her: “Spring Maiden, long time no see!”
Gao Yunyue was startled and instinctively wanted to turn and leave but remembered she was dressed as a man and wearing a mask, so she calmed herself slightly.
Ren Shiming lounged casually by the table, glanced up, and casually picked up a grape, throwing it teasingly.
Ye Liuchun caught it and rolled her eyes at him helplessly: “Seeing you in this ‘Free and Easy Travel,’ I thought I’d come check. Where are your brothers?”
Zhou Yang chuckled without answering, and Ye Liuchun teased: “Oh, I see. On this Lantern Festival night, you two slipped out again during the ancestral worship… Next time, I must tell your brother to discipline you well.”
Ren Shiming raised an eyebrow and reached out to pluck Ye Liuchun’s moon lute: “Don’t. Since we’ve met today, it’s fate—Spring Maiden, your earlier ‘Peaceful Joy’ was excellent.”
Ye Liuchun strummed the strings following his gesture.
Gao Yunyue propped her chin, watching silently. She secretly pinched Gao Yunyang, who was gawking, under the table, but he couldn’t help letting out a soft “Ouch.”
Ren Shiming and Ye Liuchun both looked over. Gao Yunyue was quite embarrassed, but Ye Liuchun covered her mouth and chuckled softly, sizing her up and teasing without reserve: “These two gentlemen are unfamiliar faces. Are they new friends of yours? This one looks graceful and charming, not inferior to you and your brother.”
“These are the two Cloud Gentlemen from Lin’an, fellow townspeople of my elder brother,” Ren Shiming introduced and joked, “Spring Maiden’s words hurt. I think I still look better.”
Everyone in the room burst into laughter. Gao Yunyang blushed furiously, even to the tips of his ears. Gao Yunyue rolled her eyes at him, picked up a wine cup from the table, and said: “Madam flatters me. Meeting is fate. Let me offer you a toast.”
Zhou Yang slapped his thigh and egged on: “Alas, Little Yun Brother doesn’t know. Spring Maiden doesn’t drink just anyone’s wine…”
Before he finished, Ye Liuchun took her wine cup, tipped her neck back, and drank it all in one go, her beautiful eyes smiling: “A beauty’s wine must be drunk.”
She likened herself to a beauty. Had she figured out Gao Yunyue’s identity?
If her identity as a woman were to be exposed at Fanlou, the trouble would be immense.
Fortunately, Ye Liuchun simply smiled thoughtfully while sizing her up and didn’t say much, quickly withdrawing her gaze.
She adjusted the strings of her moon lute, sat properly in front of the screen, and played once more the “Peaceful Joy” that Gao Yunyue had not heard clearly before.
Even until their departure, Gao Yunyue still couldn’t stop praising this song and lute. She had loved music since childhood and attended many banquets, but due to unfortunate timing, although she had heard of Ye Liuchun’s performances, she had never listened to her play.
Now hearing it up close, she was simply astounded.
No wonder she was so famous; this moon lute performance could be considered top-notch.
Gao Yunyue found herself quite simpatico with Ye Liuchun and followed closely as she descended from the fourth floor.
On the staircase of Fanlou’s central courtyard were lacquered red railings at each level. As Ye Liuchun descended, guests continuously threw sachets from upstairs to cheer her on.
Someone tossed peach petals from the left, and lantern light shone down from the rooftop. Ye Liuchun, holding her moon lute, gracefully curtsied, displaying her utmost beauty, leaving Gao Yunyue marveling in admiration.
In her heart, Gao Yunyue lamented deeply: what a pity the timing wasn’t right. Otherwise, she really wanted Qu You to come and meet this Spring Maiden who was renowned throughout Bianjing—what a truly graceful figure.
The two walked to the entrance of Fanlou, preparing to part ways, when a drunken man descended from the steps on the left.
The man brought over ten attendants with him. Upon seeing Ye Liuchun, his eyes immediately lit up, and he called out loudly: “Spring Maiden!”
Gao Yunyue saw Ye Liuchun’s eyebrows slightly furrow as she stepped back.
Happening to be by Ye Liuchun’s side, without thinking, Gao Yunyue extended an arm to block the man: “Honorable sir, please show respect.”
Ren Shiming had just taken a step forward when he saw the seemingly delicate Young Master Xiao Yun swiftly position himself in front of Ye Liuchun, causing him to pause momentarily.
Zhou Yang shot him an approving glance.
One of the attendants beside the man immediately shouted: “How dare you! Do you know who our master is?”
“Eh, don’t... be rude!” The man sized up Gao Yunyue a few times and slurred with a laugh, “Whose young master are you? I’ve never seen you before. State your name, and later, Brother... Brother will protect you.”
Gao Yunyue smelled a mix of alcohol and powder, making her slightly nauseous.
The man turned and said: “Spring Maiden, I... I visited your Spring Rain Tower three times, spending lavishly, yet you refused to let me into the top floor as a guest? Today, you need to give me an explanation...”
Ye Liuchun calmly smiled: “What explanation does Lord Du want?”
“You, you and the young master beside you, drink a few cups with me today. If I’m happy, I won’t hold it against you, how about that?” Du Gaojun slurred teasingly, “Spring Maiden even brought her moon lute today, excellent!”
Ye Liuchun did not respond. She lightly plucked the strings of the moon lute, and two notes were drowned out amidst the lantern-lit Bian River.
“Lord Du, you should know the rules of my Spring Rain Tower. Spring Maiden entertains only those she finds congenial, drinking only for pleasure. Given your state today, I regretfully must decline.”
Du Gaojun staggered forward two steps, and attendants quickly came to support him.
Seemingly angered by Ye Liuchun’s previous words, he disregarded decorum and cursed rudely: “I call you to play the lute as a favor. Don’t think... just because you’re the Flower Champion of Bianjing you can give me attitude! I’ll tell you, with a snap of my fingers, I can make life unbearable for you here! Who was the guest you secretly met with last week in the tower? Is anyone of higher rank or power than me?”
As he spoke, he moved forward, seemingly intending to grab Ye Liuchun’s hem.
Gao Yunyue felt anger flare within her. Relying on her disguise, she slapped his hand away: “Can’t you understand plain language? My sister doesn’t wish to drink with you. Right here in central Bianjing, under Fanlou, do you dare to act violently? With no curfew tonight, officers of the Zhaosi Department patrol everywhere. If you persist in纠缠不休...”
Before she finished, Du Gaojun burst out laughing and interrupted: “Zhaosi Department?”
He glanced around and told his attendants: “Did you hear that? She says she’ll bring people from the Zhaosi Department to arrest me?”
One attendant arrogantly declared: “Even if we’re taken to the Capital Prefecture’s penal temple, our lord has nothing to fear!”
Noticing a flicker of confusion on Gao Yunyue’s face, Du Gaojun became more interested and reached out to lift her mask: “Oh, young master doesn’t seem to be from the capital, right? Since you’re new here, I won’t hold it against you...”
“Lord Du... don’t get so worked up.”
Du Gaojun, drunk and swaying, hadn’t noticed the three people behind Gao Yunyue and Ye Liuchun. Startled by the voice, he broke out in a cold sweat.
“Z-Zhou... Ren?”
Du Gaojun rubbed his eyes. Seeing Zhou Yang and Ren Shiming slowly emerge from the shadows of the corridor, he nearly bit his tongue: “Y-you... weren’t you... confined...?”
Half a month ago, he had caused a disturbance at the Spring Rain Tower and was tricked and caught by these two.
Although he filed a complaint, resulting in Ren Shiming and Zhou Yang being confined to their homes, he didn’t fare well either—he was beaten and severely scolded by his father.
Feeling depressed, drunk tonight, and seeing Ye Liuchun again, both old and new grievances welled up. He assumed the two were still confined and dared to approach and tease her, not expecting them to be right behind.
Ren Shiming tilted his head at him and leisurely stepped between him and Gao Yunyue: “It’s been half a month, and Lord Du is still so impulsive. Have you forgotten everything Brother taught you?”
Zhou Yang, standing behind Ren Shiming, smiled as he watched. Under their gaze, Du Gaojun’s legs went weak, but he refused to yield. Leaning on an attendant’s shoulder, he stammered defiantly: “W-what are you all standing around for? Can’t you see someone is troubling your master?”
Though masked, his attendants seemed to recognize these two and hesitated, none daring to step forward.
Ren Shiming looked pleased: “Want to fight again? This is Fanlou, not good, right?”
Du Gaojun repeated: “Yes... not good, y-you...”
Zhou Yang leaned over and patted his shoulder: “Here’s an idea. We have friends today, so give us face and let’s call it quits. Another time, we’ll treat you to drinks.”
Finding a way out, Du Gaojun quickly seized the opportunity: “Since Second Young Master has spoken, I... I have urgent matters and won’t say more. Farewell!”
With that, he immediately fled with his attendants. Zhou Yang patted Ren Shiming’s shoulder and clicked his tongue: “It’s understandable he fears me, given what happened last time. But you don’t practice martial arts—why is he so afraid of you? What did you say to him last time?”
Ren Shiming replied coyly: “Guess.”
Gao Yunyang observed the two with approval.
Having loved martial arts since childhood, simple and straightforward, he was more tolerant and honest compared to other noble youths. Tonight, he hadn’t spoken much, but Ren Shiming, sitting beside him, frequently poured him wine, unconsciously showing consideration, which made him quite fond of this person.
Initially thinking they were just typical dandies of Bianjing, he now saw them in a different light—with a touch of chivalry. Even frequenting gambling houses aside, they were still worth befriending.
Nevertheless, Gao Yunyang checked the time and said: “Young Masters, my younger brother and I have matters to attend to and must return home first.”
Instinctively, Gao Yunyue performed a customary female courtesy. Zhou Yang, carefree, didn’t notice, but Ren Shiming was slightly surprised, quickly pulling Zhou Yang back a step to return the courtesy, his gaze apologetic: “Forgive my rudeness earlier, Young Masters.”
After he spoke, Gao Yunyue realized her mistake. Annoyed, she turned and got into the carriage but couldn’t resist lifting the curtain for one last look.
Zhou Yang was saying something to Ren Shiming, completely unaware.
Ren Shiming merely stood there, watching them leave.
Seeing her lift the curtain, he paused, then immediately began removing his mask.
The young master took off his mask, but fatefully, a fire dragon dance troupe passed by Fanlou. A performer took a swig of strong liquor and sprayed a brilliant burst of flames between them.
The carriage departed, and by the time the flames dissipated, she could no longer see his face clearly.
Gao Yunyang chattered incessantly inside the carriage, very interested in Zhou Yang’s martial skills. Gao Yunyue ignored him, lost in thought about the fiery moment just moments ago.
...That fire might have burned not only before her eyes.
Seeing her absent-minded, Gao Yunyang thought she was regretful and quickly comforted her: “Ah Yue, don’t be sad. Another day, Brother will take you out again... But remember, you mustn’t sneak out alone, no matter how many servants you bring. It’s too dangerous for a young lady like you...”
“Also, these two Young Masters are quite interesting. I’ll inquire about their backgrounds another day. Within Bianjing, they seem to be of notable birth. There will surely be chances to meet again.”
Gao Yunyue responded softly, leaning against the carriage wall and closing her eyes.
At that time, she truly believed they would meet again soon.
...
As the Lantern Festival approached, Gu Ziyan vehemently remonstrated in court to halt the construction of the Burning Candle Tower. The emperor was furious, and thus the Burning Candle case commenced.
Bianjing was filled with tension, and the streets grew desolate.
Confined at home, Gao Yunyue found no opportunity to sneak out again.
After the marriage arrangement with the Crown Prince fell through, she was daily pressured by her father, meeting various promising young men from behind a screen.
Yet, the young master surnamed Ren never appeared.
Until New Year’s Eve, a year later.
Gao Yunyue sent a handkerchief via her maid to Zhou Tan’s drunken younger brother. He stumbled up, bowed respectfully, and she finally lowered her sleeve.
“What strange people, how does Lord Zhou have such peculiar relatives.”
“But, he’s quite handsome.”
She got into the carriage and threatened Qiuzhi: “Qiuzhi, you mustn’t breathe a word of today’s events. If Father and Mother find out I sneaked out...”
As she spoke, she idly lifted the curtain for one last look outside.
The young man she gave the handkerchief to hadn’t wandered far. Clutching her plain white handkerchief, he stood some distance away, lost in thought, looking utterly heartbroken.
Perhaps from drinking too much, a cold breeze blew, and he wobbled a few steps to the side, nearly collapsing to his knees.
Compelled by some mysterious force, Gao Yunyue got out of the carriage and walked a few steps toward him. Amidst the hazy night and lingering gunpowder smoke from firecrackers, she stared fixedly at his silhouette.
Some memories she thought she had forgotten resurfaced vividly.
—Perhaps even she dared not believe that their reunion would occur under such circumstances.
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