As the saying goes, “Retribution may be slow, but it will come.” When the time comes, lives are lost.

“Ah! Your Majesty, spare my life!”

Outside the Qingqiong Hall, screams echoed continuously. Inside the dim hall, silence prevailed. Like the other officials, I held my tablet, kneeling on the ground, and looked up to see only the empty seats in front of me. The once arrogant “leader of the brawl” Wei Lao Tou was now outside, enjoying a lavish “beating feast” alone.

“Since ascending the throne, it has been twenty-three years and four months. On the day of Bingyin in the Ugly month of the twenty-third year of Tianzhong, meteors fell like arrows, and heaven’s wrath destroyed the shade of noble families.”

The chief eunuch sang out the proclamation, and all around was filled with sobs. I looked up to see Yunzhi bowing there, just like everyone else, wearing a sorrowful expression. If I hadn’t known the truth, I would have been deceived by him too. This person was becoming increasingly unpredictable, hard to fathom. Last night, when I returned from Yunshang Pavilion, I saw him sitting in my room with a dark expression.

...

“Finally decided to return? Hmm~” In the dim night, his narrow peach blossom eyes half-opened and closed, flashing a cold light akin to moonlight reflecting off a secluded pond.

I stood at the door, quietly watching him, feeling an inexplicable sense of familiarity that was both eerie and indescribable.

Staring silently at each other for a while, I finally couldn't bear it any longer and spoke: “What are you doing here?”

Yunzhi sat by the window, the brilliant meteors leaving streaks of afterimages on the pale curtains, intermittently lighting up his enchanting black eyes like two points of starlight.

I slowly walked into the inner room, immersing my hands in the warm water basin, gradually warming up my body.

“Dinghou~” His voice suddenly rang out from the darkness, startling my heart. A soft rustling sound came from behind me. Without bothering to dry my hands, I quickly turned around.

He approached with an imposing presence, his handsome face always shrouded in a mysterious shadow. As he drew closer, I could see a faint smile hanging at the corner of his lips, slight and somewhat chilling. This time, he didn't press close as usual but stopped five steps away.

“Dinghou has arrived, hasn't he?” His voice carried a laugh, light as air yet heavy as a boulder, pressing down on me, making it hard to breathe.

“How do you know?” What I really wanted to ask was: Is there anything you don't know?

“Hmph.” His beautiful lips instantly drooped, and he leisurely stepped out of the shadows, his loosely tied long hair swaying, cutting out a deep abyss color. “Because just now, you smiled very ugly.”

Huh? I retreated to the basin stand, lowering my head to examine closely. The calm water surface reflected the face I hadn't seen in a long time. Apart from slightly swollen lips, everything else was as before. My fingertips lightly brushed over my lips, still carrying a faint medicinal fragrance, making me unconsciously lift the corners of my lips. The rippling water surface revealed a familiar smile; objectively speaking, it should be quite pleasing to the eye.

“Very ugly.” The basin reflected Yunzhi's resentful eyes.

I frowned slightly and was about to speak when I heard a tense inquiry from behind: “Qingqing, are you smitten?”

Our gazes met and reflected in the water surface. I softly yet heavily responded: “Yes.”

His eyes seemed to churn with ink waves, and the breathing behind me gradually quieted. I turned around to see two invisible killing glares. “Sigh, Yunzhi,” I sighed softly, “Why do you have to be like this...”

“Your Highness.” A slim figure appeared under the window.

He didn’t respond, his face gradually turning blue.

“Your Highness?”

The voice outside the window still carried a hint of doubt, but he remained silent.

“Yunzhi.” I looked at him deeply, speaking calmly, “I won't hide from you or deceive you. You should understand what this means. Actually...”

Before I could continue, my lips were touched. Astonished, I looked up to see a faint smile engraved on his lips, charming yet tinged with sadness.

This won't do... I raised my hand to push away his long fingers, but instead, he gripped my hand tightly.

“Your Highness?” The third call was clearly anxious.

“Mm.” Yunzhi lazily pushed open the window and lowered his gaze in response, “Speak.”

“The matter is settled.” The visitor was Lin Chengbi. His complexion was slightly dark, and the cold wind brought a trace of fire smell.

Indeed, what heavenly fire? It was clearly a man-made disaster. I stealthily glanced to the right, secretly trying to break free from his grip, but he squeezed even tighter, causing pain in my hand bones.

“What about Deputy Chief Chen?” Yunzhi asked nonchalantly, a flash of murderous intent passing beneath his eyelashes.

“He has already passed away naturally.”

Upon hearing this, I hastily stared at him, only to hear a seemingly laughing whisper beside my ear.

“Chen Shousheng, the deputy chief of the Astronomical Bureau, had spent half his life immersed in star charts. More than a month ago, he calculated today's meteor shower.” Yunzhi held my hand, smiling deeply, “Qingqing, being so clever, you should understand.”

Yes, I understood. I stared blankly at him, originally thinking he would calculate with his fingers, but little did I know he meticulously planned and laid out every step, resulting in tonight’s lengthy ordeal.

“What I want, I never lose.” His narrow peach blossom eyes swept away their usual haze, bursting with radiant brilliance, “Do you know why? Hmm“

At that moment, a chill like a snake's tongue coiled around my entire body...

The chill lingered, and the echoing chants jolted me from my deep thoughts.

“...Heaven punishes above, yet I remain oblivious. People resent below, yet I am unaware. I burden my ancestors above and betray my people below. I can only punish myself to enlighten the world, shaving my head to symbolize my guilt. One person’s sin doesn’t implicate ten thousand, but ten thousand sins rest on one person. Let not one person’s disrespect cause the gods to harm the people’s lives. Ling Zhun weeps and bows!”

Such profound reflection, such moving prose, such earnest words, such broad-mindedness... Countless “many” condensed into one sentence in my mind: How cunning a king.

Shaving his head to symbolize guilt? Even their majesties punished themselves—how dare anyone plead for Wei Jiyan?

One person’s sin? Looking around, which official involved in the brawl wasn’t trembling with fear?

Gods harming the people? The verdict declared it a natural disaster, who dared to come forward to hold someone accountable?

In summary, just one sentence: The burning of the noble family genealogies is done; if you hate, hate yourself; if you blame, blame heaven!

When the last word of the “Edict of Self-Blame” sounded, no voice was heard from the imperial seat, nor did anyone dare to steal a glance around. Outside the hall, only the sound of beating remained, and no longer the groans of Minister Wei.

After a long while, the long-awaited low voice finally emerged, just one word: “Read.”

“Divine protection over Qingkong, eternal prosperity...” The thin, bright voice of the chief eunuch resonated once again.

With each clear word and phrase, the silent hall finally stirred. The Minister of Works in front of me clenched his fists tightly, his body stiff. Actually, being transferred to the Ministry of Revenue isn't bad either, plenty of perks. But what about Yu Ning? Promotion? Or demotion?

“...Yu Ning transferred to the Ministry of Personnel as Minister...”

The appointment caused an uproar in the Bo Xiu Academy, with several pairs of eyes piercing towards Yuan Zhong.

Among the two academies and four ministries, the Ministry of Personnel was paramount. The Minister of Personnel was traditionally called the Heavenly Official or the Great Chancellor, responsible for the appointment, evaluation, promotion, demotion, and transfer of officials. An old saying goes well, “Follow the Organization Department, and promotions come swiftly.” Thus, this was a plum post, a crucial position.

“Hmph!” Occasionally, cold snorts came from my side, even the previously indignant former Minister of Works sneered. The Left Chancellor’s camp had long envied the Right Chancellor’s control over the Ministry of Personnel. Now that the plum post changed hands, their delight was understandable.

“...Former Minister of Personnel Tan Qisong transferred to the Ministry of Works as Minister...”

“Bombs” kept falling one after another. Just as one side relaxed, the other began to panic. Chaos, pure chaos. Not only were ministers shuffled within the halls, but also vice ministers, secretaries, and clerks...

“What does this mean?”

“Hiss~”

“No punishment for us, just relocation?”

“Do you understand?”

“I don't...”

I lowered my eyes, filtering through the murmurs, my mind racing. The answer felt almost within reach, almost tangible. But until court ended and I was summoned to the study to await orders, I still hadn't figured it out.

The bluestone ground outside the hall appeared somewhat pale. For the first time, being summoned to the side hall wasn’t because I was valued but because my unfortunate superior was knocked unconscious and unable to follow orders. Yes, Wei Jiyan wasn’t dismissed or transferred but unexpectedly remained in his original post. Wei Lao Tou, beaten to a pulp, wasn’t enough; they had to squeeze out his last drop of oil, even if he died, it must be in the Ministry of Rites. Black-hearted, truly black-hearted.

Silently mourning for him, I inadvertently glanced at the Left and Right Chancellors walking out of the study, their eyes locked in battle, cold smiles on their lips.

Seeing this scene, I suddenly understood. When neither chancellor’s seat was filled with loyal troops, when the two factions infiltrated each other, when you’re in me and I’m in you, what will these crafty officials do?

It’s simple: mutual sabotage.

Within the four ministries, how much dirty laundry is there? How many skeletons in the closet? The cunning king has prepared shovels and picks for everyone, just waiting for the two factions to dig vigorously. The result of the digging is what the king wants: to sideline both chancellors and weaken the noble families. A brilliant strategy of watching from the sidelines, a masterful use of borrowed knives. Even if Rong and Dong know this, they find it hard to ally, because there’s only one imperial throne.

The heart of an emperor is unfathomable.

“Feng Daren.” A little eunuch whispered softly beside me, “His Majesty summons you to enter.”

Entering the side hall, the fragrance of dragon's saliva incense mingled with warm air greeted me, adding a touch of laziness. I lowered my eyes and entered, bowing deeply: “Your servant Feng Yunqing pays respects to Your Majesty.”

The wide sleeves softly pooled on the ground, spreading into two quiet purple blossoms on the red carpet. Meeting with the King always made me uneasy, due to that experience of being bestowed calligraphy.

The bright yellow footwear appeared again, and I clearly felt the overwhelming majesty like a mountain pressing down.

The silver-purple of a vice-minister could not compare with the bright yellow of the king, appearing somewhat pale.

“Shaochu.” He did not let me rise, maintaining his superior position.

I refused to show weakness, steadying my voice and softly responding: “Your servant is here.”

“Last night, Feng Aiqing was really drunk?” An extremely calm tone.

I suddenly held my breath, staring at the ground, clenching my teeth tightly. My pretense of drunkenness at the Yunshang Pavilion had not escaped his notice; the banquet at Yunshang Pavilion was entirely under his control. The king wanted to tell me—or perhaps inform Yunzhi behind me—that he was omnipresent.

Despite the burning red charcoal in the warm stove, the warm air floating within the hall could not dispel the chill in my heart.

The beautifully embroidered royal robe before me slowly descended, gradually covering those yellow shoes, the sense of pressure approaching. The king was leaning down, and my hands unconsciously tightened.

“Wei Shangshu might be absent for several months.” His voice was flat yet slightly rising, making it hard to discern its meaning. “In that case, Feng Aiqing might have to take on two roles.”

Ding! Warning bells rang loudly in my mind. This time, the king deliberately provoked internal strife among the noble families but actually had a backup plan to promote commoners. However, I am the only commoner in the halls. In terms of seniority, having been in office for just over a month, no matter who, it would not be my turn to be promoted to the second rank. Only acting as a minister can allow me to legitimately take over the Ministry of Rites. Could this be the reason why the king left Wei Lao Tou?

Collecting myself, I softly said: “Being able to share Your Majesty's worries is a blessing for Yunqing.”

“Mm, you seem to have a bit of an official air now.”

I felt a large hand gently patting my head, though unlike the imposing gesture when bestowing calligraphy, this time it gave me a sense of tenderness.

“Feng Aiqing, recently the Ministry of Rites has a lot of official duties.” He retracted his hand and began pacing around me. “The grand wedding on Laba, the grand court meeting on New Year's Day, the Yiya banquet during the Spring Festival, and...” He suddenly stopped, his voice very gentle, “and the triennial spring examination.”

This last sentence must be the key point, I closed my eyes briefly and cautiously said: “The grand weddings of the two princes have long been arranged by the Minister. The grand court meeting on New Year's Day should not pose any problems following the ancestral system. The Yiya banquet during the Spring Festival will entertain the Liang Kingdom's Liu family coming for marriage, and the Empress inside the palace should arrange it. Only the spring examination is troublesome.”

“Oh? How troublesome?” The king's tone was pleasant, filled with satisfaction.

I closed my eyes and spoke evenly without catching my breath: “The spring examination is a major event for talent selection. Previously, our dynasty conducted separate examinations for noble and common families. But now, with the destruction of the noble genealogies, the old system cannot be followed next spring.”

“It really is troublesome.” The king pounded his hands lightly, sighing deeply. “What should we do now?”

Play, do you want to play to the end? I gritted my teeth and tried to speak calmly: “Only by adapting to the times and reforming can we maximize the compensation for losses.” I paused, awaiting the king's response.

He threw out three words: “Go on.”

“In the past, noble families emphasized poetry and prose exams, while common families focused on Confucian classics. This was because noble children loved elegance, while common children excelled in diligent study. Moreover, noble families often held high positions, while commoners were only lower officials.” I paused and continued, “With the destruction of the genealogies, if the two groups are examined separately, there will be chaos with forged genealogies and fake noble identities. Rather than that, it would be better to conduct a combined exam.”

“A combined exam?” The king sat back at the desk, his tone slightly doubtful. “Do you know how big a wave this will stir up?”

“No.” I briefly responded.

“No?” He couldn't hide his intense interest and asked cheerfully, “How so?”

“The destruction of Changyin Court was the will of heaven, which cannot be defied. That’s why it won’t cause trouble.” The king’s will is the will of heaven, suppressing any opposition from noble families. The key lies in your decision, Your Majesty. Today, you’ve shown just one move, diverting the blame eastward. This small matter shouldn’t be difficult, right? I lifted my head and looked straight at him.

The king's eyebrows twitched slightly, waving his hand casually: “Continue.”

“This heavenly fire should make the scholar-gentry aware that following the old system is no longer possible. Therefore, as long as the new system favors them, the opposition from noble families should decrease.”

The king crossed his hands, leaning against the chair back, lazily gazing, his eyes flashing with interest: “So, what are your plans for the new system, Feng Aiqing?”

I lowered my eyes to the ground, pretending uneasily to scratch my head, and after a while, answered dejectedly: “Your humble servant is incompetent and can't think of specifics for the moment.”

When accompanying the king, retain three parts, and act a bit foolish in front of him.

If I were to say my plans now, wouldn’t that mean telling him: I’ve already figured out your thoughts in advance, everything you’ll do is within my expectations, and I’m just waiting for you to ask. Which king would like to be seen as transparent? Which king could accept a minister who sees through his thoughts?

None, never. Therefore, when grappling with a king, one must show weakness. Remember this well.

“Well, this can't be rushed.” He slowly said, seeming to carry a trace of understanding and a hint of ease. “I'll give you five days. After five days, submit a detailed proposal.”

“Yes, your servant obeys.” As if crossing the threshold of death, I finally sighed in relief.

“Rise, my beloved minister.”

I stood up shakily, and before I could straighten up, the king's affable and soft voice had already floated over: “Do you know that Dinghou entered the city last night?”

I was about to instinctively say yes when I suddenly caught sight of the double fish knot on my left chest, its glaring red awakening my dazed rationality. I raised my head in astonishment and incredulously replied: “Dinghou entered the city?”

If I said yes, my death would be near. Communicating secretly with an external marquis is a grave offense. A soft blow when relaxing is precisely lethal. Cold sweat broke out on my body, but I still pretended to be surprised. Conversing with the king requires utmost caution.

I humbly bowed down: “Your servant has failed in his duty. Please punish me, Your Majesty.”

Thump, thump, thump, thump... I silently counted my heartbeat, swallowing continuously.

After a moment, a low laugh sounded: “Even Wei Jiyan didn’t know, so what crime have you committed? Rise.”

This laugh sent tingles down my scalp, and I trembled as I thanked him, pretending to hurriedly get up. Thinking, how exhausting. Confronting the king requires not only observing his expressions but also guessing his intentions, making it the most exhausting of all.

“Dinghou is different from others. You must treat him well and serve him with utmost respect.”

“Yes.” Hmm, no need to tell me, I will wholeheartedly.

“Dinghou says he came to spend the winter and doesn’t want to make a fuss. These few days, accompany him around. Remember, you must watch him carefully.”

I raised my head to see him looking at me meaningfully. Instantly clear, the meaning of “watching carefully” must run deeper.

“Your servant obeys.”

Watch carefully, of course, I will...

...

This, who exactly is watching whom?

Here it comes again. This time, I must not escape. Feng Yunqing, don’t be such a coward. Look back bravely!

I took a deep breath and resolutely raised my head. Come on! Xiu…

But what met my eyes was a pair of spring ponds, clear and tranquil.

That gaze, from clouds to mist to dew, finally converged into a babbling brook. No matter how biting the northern wind, it couldn’t ruffle the affection in his eyes.

No, I’m going to drown. My eyelids fluttered, and I instinctively avoided his gaze.

Sigh, I admit I am indeed a coward.

After last night, something subtle seemed to be quietly changing between us. Very, very subtle changes, subtle to the point of being intangible and indescribable.

“Useless!” A dark rebuke came from the horse's side.

I squinted and looked back, meeting Alü’s disdainful eyes. “Hmph!” I weakly retorted, “What do you know?”

“Dinghou is truly handsome!”

“Ah! He's looking this way, he's really looking over here!”

From time to time, chattering voices drifted to my ears. I glanced around only to be met with countless piercing gazes that burned my eyes. When did South Stream Street turn into a women’s street? Countless pairs of beautiful eyes blinked and fluttered their lashes so much it whipped up a gale-force northern wind.

“Ah! Miss, Lord Ding is looking at you!”

Whose maid had such a shrill voice—it was making me very, very irritated.

I rolled my eyes and looked over to see two young ladies gracefully gliding after the horse. Their delicate movements were like willow branches swaying in the breeze, yet they followed persistently; their intricate hairstyles were like coiled snakes, but remained unruffled by the wind. Clearly, these two had reached professional standards—”one minute on stage requires ten years of practice off stage.” These were no ordinary women! As I was silently marveling, I saw the maid in the blue coat give a forceful push to the beauty behind her. The young lady coyly half-covered her face, her almond-shaped eyes occasionally darting toward my back.

Hmm? Lord Ding is looking over?

I snorted coldly, feeling the bottle of sour vinegar I drank last night start to churn in my chest. Well, great. Very great. A trembling smile formed on my lips as I held my breath and suddenly turned my head.

Bang! Right on target!

Once again, I nearly drowned and once again, I cowardly escaped.

What the heck! I avoided those flirtatious phoenix eyes and glared fiercely at the maid. Are you cross-eyed or do you have astigmatism? You somehow turned a straight line into a zigzag, causing me to choke on another mouthful of “spring water.”

I rolled my eyes and suddenly noticed the young lady shyly twisting her body, accurately throwing an unidentified object. I blankly turned my head and looked up just in time to see it block the distant, tiny winter sun. Squinting, I realized it was a sachet embroidered with two colorful... ducks.

Hmm, with the sharp eyes honed by ten years of practice, I can confirm they are indeed ducks. Real ducks.

As expected, the item still couldn't break through Xiuyuan’s protective aura. Watching the sachet fly past, the sourness in my chest burst like bubbles in a pond, popping before reaching the surface.

Today’s weather was clear and windy, truly refreshing. Ah, so refreshing.

I leisurely grinned, casually turning my eyes and giving Xiuyuan a faint smile. Somehow, his clear eyes reflected a hint of confusion, then quickly tightened as he sharply scanned the surroundings.

Huh? Following his gaze, I was startled to see Alü hugging Ta Yong, bumping heads continuously.

“Demon, a demon who bewitches both men and women.” Even amidst the bustling crowd, his low muttering reached my ears clearly. Only then did I realize that the surroundings had fallen eerily silent.

Frozen, everyone froze, giving me goosebumps.

“Who... who is he?” The young lady pointed at me, her voice trembling, her dazzling eyes temporarily blinding me.

“I... I don’t know.”

I seemed to hear gulping sounds, and my ears began to ring.

“@！@￥**％&”

“@！％&×”

Before my eyes, myriad golden rays flashed, and my ears were filled with the sound of roaring waves.

Suddenly, a gentle breeze brushed against my left cheek. Though temporarily blind and deaf, trying to ambush me in the chaos was still overestimating oneself! I decisively extended my fingers to catch the flying projectile. Hmm? Why was it so soft, and it even smelled nice when I sniffed it closely.

“Master! Don’t!”

Alü’s wail made me instantly lucid—the projectile was a sachet! Who? Who dared to harm a court official on the street?

“He must be Master Feng!”

“The one who received the calligraphy?”

“Yes! One smile clears the moonlight—it can only be him!”

“The Vice Minister of Rites...”

“Not yet twenty, already at the third rank, and unmarried without concubines.”

Each voice carried an astonishing tone.

“He accepted it!” An excited scream came from a small building by the street.

I blankly raised my head and waved the sachet at the girl in the window: “Is this yours?”

Two rosy clouds floated onto her cheeks, the girl lowered her beautiful eyes modestly and nodded slightly.

“Here, take it back, be careful next time...” Before I could throw the sachet back, a rain of sachets descended from above, various embroidered handkerchiefs, tassels, and sleeves flying everywhere...

Huh? Sleeves? I frantically blocked the flying objects, stealing a glance to see the grocery store aunt tearing off another sleeve.

What the heck! I wailed, waving my arms, blocking, blocking, blocking.

Desperately floundering in the waves of the masses, struggling in confusion. Seeing a large, long object flying towards me, I gritted my teeth, closed my eyes, and swung my right fist, determined!

There was no anticipated pain in my hand. I quickly opened my eyes to see Xiuyuan’s flowing sleeves fluttering in front of me, a winter melon lying lifeless under the horse.

Win...ter melon...

Grandma selling vegetables, don’t look at me with such creepy eyes. Just now, you wanted to smash me to death, huh?

“Master, be careful!” Alü’s cry rang out again.

This time from behind, I quickly turned my head and focused. No way, a flying kitchen knife!

Bracing myself, I caught it!

The scene before my eyes suddenly changed. Feeling a tug on my waist, I fell forward, narrowly avoiding the flying knife.

“Ha!” I patted my chest in relief, smiling as I looked up, “Thank goodness for you, Xiuyuan...”

Before my words could reach far, he intercepted them with his lips. Gazing at his elegantly handsome face, I felt a feathery light brush on my lips, as if my heart had stopped beating.

His phoenix eyes half-closed, his smile ethereal, surrounding me gently with warm spring water.

“Lo...ng...Yang!”

The “rainstorm” overhead suddenly ceased, and I finally saw the light of day again.

“Our master was forced!”

“Forced!”

“Forced!”

One, two, three cries—Alü’s heart-wrenching wails echoed through the street corner...

I still remember the idiom “Kan Sha Wei Jie” (literally, “killed by being watched”). The Book of Jin , in the biography of Wei Jie, says: “People in the capital heard of his handsome appearance, and the crowd of onlookers formed a wall. Jie became increasingly fatigued and ill, and passed away in the sixth year of Yongjia at the age of twenty-seven. People said Jie was 'killed by being watched.'“

Sixteen years ago, I would never have believed someone could be killed by being watched. Now, having personally experienced it, I understand that being watched to death is minor compared to being smashed to death. If my skills were any less, my fate might have been the same as Alü's. Thinking about this, I couldn’t help but look back.

“Look! What are you looking at!” Alü viciously shot me a glare, continuing to fight off objects raining down on his head.

I looked at his hair adorned with gold pins and jade hairpins, silently admiring the precision and generosity of the women of Yundu.

“The pastries at Tianbao Pavilion are really good,” Song Baoyan sitting beside me smacked his lips in praise. “They’re not inferior to the craftsmanship of Xishanlou in our Water Moon Capital.”

“Hmph, of course!” Alü pulled out the last pearl hairpin, calmly arranging his hair. “Yundu is full of talented people. Without extraordinary skills, how could one possibly stand a chance here?”

“Yes, yes.” Song Baoyan readily agreed, smiling meaningfully and revealing a few white teeth. “The streets were so crowded earlier, and it was indeed difficult to find footing.”

“You!” Alü suddenly stood up, grinding his teeth after a moment and smiling, “It doesn’t matter if a lowly person embarrasses himself, but my master is in big trouble!” He glared at Xiuyuan beside me. “Doesn’t Lord Ding consider my master’s status? To kiss so casually is deliberately causing trouble for my master!”

Thinking of the feather-light kiss from earlier, I secretly touched my chest. Not at all troubled, just warm and cozy. I cautiously glanced at Xiuyuan, who was quietly peeling chestnuts, his expression serene.

“Truly unappreciative of good intentions.” Song Baoyan flicked away the crumbs from his fingertips, stood up, and bowed deeply to me. “Miss, please don’t listen to slander and misunderstand my young master’s painstaking efforts.”

Huh? Hardship? I blinked and looked at Xiuyuan. Today, he was dressed in a long apricot-colored robe, his cool face always tinged with a faint smile—it was brimming with springtime passion.

Unconsciously captivated, my entire being condensed into a heartbeat like a drum.

“If Lord Ning couldn't protect the young miss, why would my young master ruin his reputation, put on a street performance, pretend to be Longyang, bear insults, just to bring the young miss under his wing?”

“How can you say our lord can’t protect the young miss?!”

“If he truly could protect her, how did last night’s incident happen?”

“... “ Alü fell silent for a moment before speaking again, “Lord Ding can protect her for a while but not forever. When you leave after winter, the young miss's death warrant will be signed!”

Yes, after winter, it will be time to leave... My chest felt empty, my gaze slowly lowering, my thoughts gradually cooling.

“Yunqing.” A gentle sigh came from beside me, like a clear, transparent mountain stream. His warm fingertips brushed over my cold earlobe, gently tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “If we’re leaving, let’s leave together.” Those few words, both tender and firm, instantly warmed me.

“Alright.” I looked at him, who was like spring itself, and smiled as I spoke my heart.

“So you're planning to stay.” Alü's sarcastic muttering drifted from behind me. I turned to glare fiercely, only to see him sorting through the “spoils” from earlier.

“Alü.” I glanced at him.

“Hmm?”

I pointed to his arms: “Later, return these things.”

“No.” He replied decisively, “These things can still fetch some money when sold.”

Cold sweat trickled down. Trying to keep my patience, I said, “We don’t lack silver at home.”

Before my words faded, he raised an eyebrow and sneered, “Heh, we don’t lack silver?”

What a terrifying expression. Unconsciously, I leaned toward Xiuyuan: “I have my official salary; supporting the family should be more than enough.”

“More than enough? Alright, today let's calculate your accounts and see how much surplus your official position has?” Alü revealed his ghastly white teeth, pulling over a square stool and plopping down, “In our dynasty, a third-rank official receives twenty-five taels per month and forty hu of grain.”

Hmm, forty hu—enough to support a large family. I smugly looked at Xiuyuan. The line of his lips slightly lifted, his slender fingers elegantly turning pages. A moment later, he placed a whole chestnut into the small dish by my side.

“Additionally, there is a winter solstice bonus of one hundred taels, twenty bolts of silk, two hundred catties of beef, one hundred fifty hu of polished rice, and three carts of firewood.”

I hadn’t expected being an official to be so rewarding, covering everything needed. I thought happily.

“Converted to silver, the total assets of the Vice Minister of Rites amount to five hundred sixteen taels and three coins.”

Let’s just round that off to an even number.

“Hmm!” Alü cleared his throat, casting a sidelong glance at me, then solemnly began, “Since returning to the capital, the master has hosted three banquets totaling one hundred four taels and five strings of coins.”

So much! Official events are unavoidable. Hosting just three times cost a fifth of my capital—it’s too extravagant. In the future, I’ll avoid hosting unless necessary, saving where I can.

“For the marriage of General Shangguan Sima’s daughter, a princess-level wedding, the master spent one hundred fifty taels on gifts. For the birth of a noble son to the former Minister of Personnel Tan, the master gave thirty-nine taels...”

“Wait!” I exclaimed urgently, “One hundred fifty taels? What gift?”

Alü sinisterly drew closer, his voice low, “That statue of Guanyin Giving Sons—didn’t the master personally choose it?”

Wasn’t I being kind? Marquis Yi has been longing for a son in his old age. Is that Guanyin statue made of gold? How could it be so expensive?

“White jade, top-quality white jade.” Alü seemed to read minds and preemptively answered.

Speechless, I shakily picked up a chestnut and hastily nibbled on it.

“For the eightieth birthday of Madam Xiao Taiwei of Wusuo, the contribution was eighty-eight taels and eight coins...”

Eight coins are still money. I chewed absentmindedly.

“... Fifty-nine taels... sixty-six taels... seventeen taels and three strings...”

Each sound cut like a knife, making my flesh ache.

“This month, two lords are getting married, and the minimum gift money should be this amount.” Alü gestured with his fingers and cruelly added, “One hundred taels each.”

“Cough, cough!”

I choked, needing water...

A sip of warm tea went down. Feeling the gentle caress on my back, I leaned into Xiuyuan’s arms and weakly asked, “Tell me, how much is left in the account?”

Alü counted on his fingers, calculating with rolled eyes. Before he could speak, Song Baoyan sighed and rubbed his forehead: “Five strings and three coins.”

My hands and feet went cold, and I lost all strength.

“Not correct!” Alü, seemingly unsatisfied with this blow, added, “Yesterday, the young miss had me send some trauma medicine to several officials at the Script Hall. You haven’t repaid me yet—totaling five taels and one coin.” He waved his sleeves gracefully, “Never mind, I won’t count that one coin against you.”

My temples throbbed incessantly. Clenching my teeth, I said, “I'll add it to your payment next month.”

“My dear young miss!” Alü clasped his hands and bowed to me, “All the servants and attendants in the Vice Minister’s residence belong to the Ning Marquis’ household. I’ve never received your monthly allowance.”

Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale—now, only this air is something I can afford to breathe.

“But I’m kind-hearted and won’t press for repayment right now. By the end of the month, before the official salary is issued, as long as you save on food, you won’t starve. Additionally, that five-courtyard mansion was secretly purchased for you by the general. Your name is on the deed, so the young miss needn’t worry about being evicted.”

Brother, you're so good to me. Covering my face, I almost shed two streams of hot tears.

“But once the New Year arrives, spending will flow like water. What should we do?”

Should I ask my sister-in-law for a loan? No, too embarrassing.

“It’s not that there’s no solution...”

I abruptly looked up to see Alü cunningly smiling: “As long as the young miss goes out and smiles, gold and silver will naturally...”

A hard shell flew past, cutting off the remaining half of his sentence in his gaping mouth. Alü's exaggerated face froze instantly.

“Xiuyuan.” In the blink of an eye, a round chestnut was shoved into my mouth. Silently, I gazed at him, my tongue touching his warm fingertips. A fire blazed from my chest to my neck, then spread to my forehead. I began to suspect I was emitting steam.

With a soft sound, the door to the private room was gently closed. Someone carried off a certain stone statue without a trace.

I uneasily shifted my gaze, retreating slightly. That slender finger slid out of my mouth but stopped at the corner of my lips.

“That, when will Senior Brother and the others come?” I stared at the hem of his apricot robe, weakly smiling, “This time, thanks to Xiuyuan, I got to eat here once. Otherwise, with my pitiful assets, I wouldn’t be able to afford a meal at Tianbao Pavilion.”

Even without looking up, I could guess his expression because that long finger was sensually tracing my lip line. This delicate touch made me unheroically break out in a sweat.

“That, I heard from colleagues that Tianbao Pavilion is famous for its eight signature dishes, like 'Slim Green Wrap' and 'Red Fruit Cluster.' Just hearing the names makes them sound delicious.” My gaze wandered, my voice growing fainter.

“Mmm, very delicious.” His voice was warmly inviting, like soft, fluffy candy.

Finally getting a response, I exhaled deeply and raised my eyes with a smile: “When Senior Brother and the others arrive, let’s order them all and try.”

His pupils were like spring water, overflowing with affection instantly.

“I want to taste first.” He chuckled deeply, drawing me into his arms. His approaching lips lightly curved upward, his silky, steady voice brushing against my lips: “Yunqing, you can’t escape anymore.”

My heartbeat stuttered, instinctively wanting to retreat. But this time, luck wasn’t on my side. He pressed against the back of my head, entangling our lips and tongues. Tricked, deceived—what I thought was tender spring water was actually blazing summer fire. Although I cowardly wanted to escape, I couldn’t withstand his intense burning. This flame burned me until I collapsed, melted, dissolved, and still didn’t relent, determined to leave no ash behind.

Wildfire cannot be completely extinguished; it revives with the spring breeze.

Reviving again and again, again and again, until I completely surrendered, it continued to spread.

In my heroic moment, a terrifying thought flashed through my brain, like hot porridge: Could this be the real Xiuyuan?

…

The door was gently pushed open, and a cold breeze wafted into the private room.

“Asleep?”

Ah, it's Senior Brother. I steadied my breathing and continued to pretend to sleep.

“Sigh? Has Yunqing become lazy even before spring?”

Senior Sister, I was more diligent than you even when I was feeling spring fatigue.

“Yan'er, lower your voice. Yunqing looks very tired; let her sleep for a while.”

Big Sister is truly gentle. But even though I'm exhausted, I can't fall asleep because Xiuyuan keeps deliberately bothering me. Why does he always manage to sigh out an embarrassing phrase in the most sincere tone just as I'm about to drift off?

“Tired already? What will you do in the future?”

Here it comes again, his tone not only excruciatingly serious but also soft enough for only me to hear. A wave of heat swept over my body again, and I began to worry if the thin mask could conceal the flush on my face.

“Could it be that we just let her sleep like this? If we wait any longer, the dishes will get cold!” Senior Sister's light footsteps approached, and the next moment, my nose was pinched by her cool fingers.

“Yan'er!” Big Sister called out urgently.

Strangely, Xiuyuan, who was holding me, did not stop her.

If I held my breath any longer, my pretense of sleeping would be exposed. I cooperatively opened my mouth, and a piece of cold, glutinous cake slid in smoothly.

“Hmm?” I clutched my cheeks and instantly jumped up. So sour, so sour—it even hurt my face.

“Hehe, Yunqing's weakness is her fear of sourness!” Senior Sister twirled her beautiful eyes mischievously while holding a piece of sour jujube cake.

“You! You!” I pointed at Senior Sister indignantly, unable to form coherent words. Woe is me, the sourness almost brought tears to my eyes. Concerned about my image, I forced myself to swallow the cake, which made my stomach ache with sourness.

“Despicable!” I retaliated, flipping my hand and wrapping around Senior Sister’s slender arm like a snake.

“Senior Brother, save me!” Senior Sister tried to act spoiled, but I stepped forward and pressed down on her heels, moving my fingers precisely to tickle her sensitive spot.

“Female knight, female knight.” She pleaded flatteringly, curling herself into a shrimp ball. “Hahaha... I was wrong, spare me, female knight! Spare me, unparalleled beauty!”

“Alright, you want me to be unparalleled! No offspring, right?” I went all out, scratching fiercely to vent my anger.

“Dear younger sister... hahaha...” Senior Sister laughed wildly, yet no one came to separate us. “Caught in the act... on the bed... Offspring shouldn’t be far away, hahaha!”

That last laugh wasn’t from my tickling—because the moment I heard that teasing remark, I froze. Boom! Fireworks exploded in my brain, and dazzling lights flashed before my eyes.

“Little Bird, sit down!” Senior Brother spoke authoritatively, and reluctantly, Senior Sister fell silent.

I looked at the ground, dazed, and was pulled to the table and gently pressed down.

“Alright, today is a rare gathering, so let’s not have sisters fighting.” Senior Brother smiled warmly. “Come, let’s eat.”

Senior Sister pointed at Alü sitting close to Senior Brother and scolded sweetly: “You, move over!”

“Hmph, first come, first served. Don’t you understand?” Alü raised his orchid finger, threw a flirtatious glance at Senior Brother, and suddenly changed his voice to a coquettish female tone, “Feng Gege, do you still remember me?” He pouted, making my goosebumps stand on end.

“You! You, you!” Senior Sister trembled with shock, “Why does your voice sound so much like Lin Keyan's!”

A flash of mockery appeared in Alü’s eyes. He suddenly stood up, thrusting his hips and twisting his waist, flirtatiously flicking his tied-up hair. “It’s hard for Feng Sister to remember such a bold little girl!” He emphasized each word, unable to suppress his resentment. Senior Sister had once said those words about Alü in female disguise, clearly showing deep-seated grudges, explaining why Alü was tormenting her.

I blinked and saw a small mountain piled up in my bowl. Following the busy chopsticks upward, I saw Xiuyuan's fine phoenix eyes holding moonlight, rippling with tiny fragments of clear light.

“Eat more,” he whispered low and steady, “I’ve tasted it; the flavor is indeed good.”

“Yunqing, why are you so red?” Big Sister, sitting to my left, reached out and touched my earlobe, “So hot.”

I silently, accusingly looked at the culprit. He slowly lifted his beautiful eyes, his black pupils reflecting only two words: upright.

Turns out I was overthinking. I cursed myself inwardly, apologizing to this gentleman.

“Are you male or female!” Senior Sister's eyebrows twitched slightly, her expression quite distraught. “You, you, you, don't touch my Senior Brother!”

“If it weren't to protect the young miss, where would I need to disguise myself as a man!” Alü suddenly thrust out his chest, nearly choking me. No wonder he’s a master of disguise, learning everything perfectly.

“You!” Senior Sister’s delicate face turned slightly red, the grinding of her teeth clearly audible. “Clinging shamelessly to my Senior Brother, do you know shame?”

Alü sneered, abruptly sitting down. He hugged Senior Brother’s arm and responded crisply: “Just because you're allowed to cling doesn't mean I can't! Hmph! I like Feng Gege and am not afraid of shame.”

Senior Brother didn't push away Alü, who clung like an octopus. On the contrary, he smiled very softly, peculiarly soft. “Little Bird, just sit beside Miss Lin.”

“Senior Brother!” Senior Sister said angrily, “Make her move!”

“Move?” Senior Brother gazed deeply at Senior Sister, a strange gleam passing through his pale eyes. “Why should Little Bird ask the girl who likes me to move?”

My eyes widened with excitement, action taken—the alpha wolf has struck! After enduring for over a decade, Senior Brother finally couldn't hold back!

The table fell silent, even Alü, who started the trouble, was stunned.

“Because... because...” Senior Sister blushed, weakly opening her mouth, “Because Little Bird doesn’t like it.”

“Oh?” Senior Brother casually picked up a piece of kidney and, under Senior Sister’s eager gaze, gently placed it into Alü’s bowl. “But, I like it.”

Senior Sister’s bright eyes dimmed instantly. She sat down blankly, staring at the empty bowl before her, looking like a puppy abandoned by its master.

“Yan'er.” Big Sister glared fiercely at Alü, “Actually, he...”

“Meng'er.” Senior Brother interrupted, “Eat your food.”

“Cousin, won't you explain? Yan'er is still young; she doesn't understand.”

“People must grow up.” Senior Brother glanced indifferently at Big Sister. “She can't stay naive forever; it's unfair to those who are clear-headed.”

Big Sister hesitated, struggling for a moment before deciding not to speak. Actually, Senior Brother was right. Senior Sister is a child who refuses to grow up, taking Senior Brother's love for granted, yet time and again running away. It was time for her to face reality.

I tried hard to ignore Senior Sister’s trembling shoulders, eating the food in my bowl without taste.

Sniffles, murmurs, swallows.

Each sound pricked my heart with sadness, but I couldn’t bear to be cruel. I took a deep breath, about to speak, when a fat radish flew into my bowl, meeting my eyes with Senior Brother’s bitter gaze.

Sigh, how could I be cruel to Senior Brother?

With a silent sigh, I lowered my gaze, sorrowfully looking at the bowl. Radish—I hate radishes, but this time I had to eat it, had to show loyalty to Senior Brother. Threats, this was undoubtedly the alpha wolf's naked threat.

Pinching my nose, I took a small bite, hmm... so disgusting. I took a deep breath, preparing to face my fate, when I felt my wrist tightly grasped. The chopsticks turned, and the fat radish fell into Xiuyuan’s mouth. He naturally tasted that “second-bite radish,” as if savoring something delicious.

Before the wildfire could ignite again, I saw Senior Sister wipe her eyes and slam the door as she ran out.

“Senior Sister!” I chased after her out of the private room, hearing a faint sigh behind me.

“Did I give too much of the medicine…”

The sky darkened, and the lights in the restaurant lit up. Senior Sister hurried along, covering her face; the lanterns under the corridor couldn’t bear the sorrow in her shadow.

“Sigh!” “Who is that?” “Where did that girl come from?!” Everywhere she went, people and horses toppled, complaints filling the air.

“Senior Sister.” I finally caught up with her at the corner.

She turned her head, her disheveled long hair covering half of her face.

“You’re crying.” I reached out to wipe the tears from the corner of her eye, but she quickly dodged.

“No, I’m not crying.” Senior Sister’s voice was hoarse, obviously pretending to be strong. “It’s just a few drops of water.” She roughly wiped the corner of her eye but couldn’t stop the overflowing tears. “Damn it, damn it, stop flowing! Stop, stop!”

“Senior Sister.” I held her tightly in my arms. She struggled at first, then gradually softened.

“Mmm…” Suppressed sobs sounded in my ear, and I felt her trembling sobs on my shoulder. I gently stroked her hair.

“Senior Sister, why are you crying?”

“Uh…” She hiccupped, irritably saying, “Don’t act like you don’t know!”

I grabbed a strand of her beautiful hair and slowly opened my mouth: “If you don't know, how would I know?”

Senior Sister suddenly pushed me away, pouting: “Who says I don’t know!”

The slanted sun cast a cold light, with faint glow hanging on her brows. I leaned on the railing, quietly watching her. Even as she grew shy, annoyed, and agitated, I didn’t withdraw my gaze.

Habitually, Senior Sister bit her index finger, her eyes darting around: “You’re dressed as a man now; how can you look at a girl like that? Look, the waiter downstairs is peeking at us!” She waved her hand and shouted, trying to shift the focus.

A corner of clothing flashed downstairs, “He can’t hear us.” I calmly adjusted my headdress. “I noticed someone from the beginning; it seems Senior Sister’s hearing has deteriorated.” I stared intently at her, pressing on, “Do you know why?”

Although she met my gaze, her eyeballs trembled incessantly: “This bird has just recovered from a serious injury; it’s understandable.”

“Speaking of which, Senior Sister’s recovery is largely due to Senior Brother’s efforts. He ventured into dangerous places for your sake, risking exposure to find medicine. Ever since we were kids, Senior Brother has always doted on you.”

“Hmph! How could he care for me?” Senior Sister’s eyes reddened again. “If he cared, how could he protect that Lin girl?”

The sourness had become so thick, yet this foolish goose still didn’t realize it. No wonder Senior Brother took drastic measures—if he let her continue like this, he’d remain a bachelor forever.

Facing the setting sun, I sighed deeply: “Alas, this must be what they call favoring love over siblings.”

“Huh?” She looked at me blankly, an innocent expression on her face. “Favoring love over siblings?”

“Mm.” I nodded heavily. “Just like Brother Liu—after finding a confidante, he cast us aside. Didn’t you once say he was unprincipled, favoring love over friendship?”

“Just like Little Crane?” Her curved eyebrows quivered, her delicate brows drawing closer. “Not allowed!” she scolded angrily.

“Not allowed?” I teased her. “Why can Brother Liu do it, but not Senior Brother?” I slowed my tone, patiently guiding her.

“Because...” She gasped, a faint blush on her cheeks. “...because...” Her voice was as soft as a mosquito's, dissipating in the chilly northern wind.

“Master!” A hurried call came from downstairs, startling the sparrows perched on the branches.

I watched the black dot flying further away, waiting silently for Senior Sister’s realization.

“Master!” The voice accompanied by hurried footsteps grew closer. “Does the master truly not remember our young miss?”

So it’s not a tavern girl, I thought lazily.

“This young lady, you’ve mistaken someone.”

I straightened up abruptly. This was...

“Yu Ning, styled Yuanzhong, originally from Fuling, Jiangdong, twenty-five years old this year. His original spouse passed away early, leaving behind a son and a daughter.” Another female voice sounded, clear and familiar. “The newly appointed Minister of Personnel, have I said anything incorrect?”

The word “slave” sounded particularly grating coming from her mouth. Who was this person?

Curious, I leaned forward to look, but the swaying lantern blocked my view. Three elongated shadows intertwined on the ground, vaguely revealing one man and two women.

“It’s me, no mistake.” Yuanzhong sighed. “However, I’ve only been in the capital for a few months and haven’t met any young ladies.”

“The young miss and master didn’t meet in Yundu.” The shadow on the right wavered slightly, her voice carrying a hint of flattery. “Eight years ago in Fuling, ah! It was April, and it was drizzling.”

Silence followed, and Senior Sister also leaned over to sneak a peek.

“I’m sorry, I...”

Before Yuanzhong could finish, the clear female voice trembled and interrupted: “By Lake Luoqing, in the Pavilion Cangxin.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t remember...”

“At that time!” Interrupting again, the female voice suddenly turned sharp. “At that time, I...” She paused, her tone quite urgent. “At that time, our young miss was only nine years old, and you gave her a handkerchief.”

“A handkerchief?” Yuanzhong responded heavily.

The twilight spread like ink washed in water, creating deep and shallow hues. The shadows on the ground became clearer, and the woman on the right raised her delicate wrist, carefully handing over an object.

“This is indeed my personal belonging.”

“Does the master remember? Do you remember our young miss?” The other person excitedly asked.

“No memory.” Yuanzhong answered decisively. “I have absolutely no impression.”

“How could that be?” The previous person whispered incredulously, but the clear female voice didn’t sound again.

“Please convey to your young miss that Yu Ning is very sorry.” The shadow on the ground slightly bowed. “I still have a banquet to attend, so I’ll take my leave first.” With that, he turned and walked away.

“Yu Ning of Jiangdong, unmatched scholar. The king desperately sought talent, inviting him to serve in the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first years of Tianzhong, all of which were refused. Why?”

A clear and bright voice reverberated, causing Yuanzhong, who was walking away, to stop in his tracks.

“As pure as water, how could he flow with muddy water?” The passionate and stirring tone echoed in the night. “Entering the court was never his wish, was it not?”

Yuanzhong did not respond, merely turning slightly. Standing at the corridor below, half of his face was visible, with an inadvertent smile on his lips.

That woman seemed encouraged, earnestly continuing: “All of these... my young miss told her servant. She read your poetry collection, studied your books. No one in the world understands you better than she does, more...” She softly sighed, hoarsely. “More... fond of you.”

“There is one person who may not have read my poetry collection or seen my books.” Yuanzhong took slow steps toward the two women. “But she knows my true intentions, and with one sentence unraveled the knot in my heart. That person is not your young miss.”

“Is she male or female?” The female voice lost its clarity, tinged with anger.

Yuanzhong’s laughter carried a tinge of sorrow: “I don’t know.”

“And you?”

“I fell in love with her at first sight.”

This sentence pierced through the tranquil night, striking my heart.

Yuanzhong, what you want, I cannot give...

“This handkerchief.”

“This handkerchief is mine!” A broken voice, mournful and piercing. “It’s mine.”

“Then, I’ll take my leave.” He flicked his sleeve and left, leaving behind a cruel silhouette.

Under the corridor, the wind lanterns fluttered like withered leaves, blown up by gusts of northern wind.

“Young miss.” A sigh, but no response.

“Young miss.” Called again, still silence.

“Sigh, perhaps it’s better to forget. Only by forgetting can you marry peacefully.”

My eyelids trembled slightly, holding my breath.

“Love at first sight...”

“Young miss?”

“Love at first sight...” Under the swaying light, the shadow on the right blurred slightly. “Without knowing if it’s male or female...”

“Young miss?”

“Hehe...” A desolate laugh. “Turns out only I fell for the emotions by Lake Luoqing, while he hid his heart in the Pavilion Cangxin.”

The slender figure moved slowly, slowly forward.

“Love at first sight...” Laughter mingled with sobbing. “Yet it’s not mutual affection.”

“Young miss...”

The biting wind whistled, swirling and knocking down the precariously hanging wind lantern, finally revealing that elegant figure.

On the eighth day of the twelfth month, Hui Niang was married.

“Luo Yi.”

“Young miss.”

“The sky has darkened.”

“Yes, if we don't return soon, we might be discovered.”

“Mm.” Her smile was faint and light. “Let's go back.”

The lantern lights gradually dimmed, leaving only a dim figure wandering in the gravel.

“Do you like it?” Senior Sister's pensive whisper came from beside me. “Qingqing, what is liking?”

I leaned against the pillar, turning my head to look at the night sky: “It’s an unshareable state of mind, the most selfish emotion.” Even if it hurts others, it’s hard to let go.

“Unshareable...”

Leaning on the railing, gazing at the moon, my heart also experienced its phases of waxing and waning.

A crescent new moon like a silver hook, the waning moon resembling an eyebrow ascended the western pavilion.

A full moon fifteen nights wide illuminates ten thousand miles, the night’s heart first broken—shy as the moon.

“Qingqing, I understand.”

Clearing her confusion, Senior Sister’s voice rang out brightly.

“Even if Senior Brother favors love over sisterhood, that ‘love’ can only be me!”

The heartless water chases the sentimental willow; a bamboo horse plays with plum blossoms—a good match for a fine lady.

One love, like a meteor, streaks across the horizon.

Another, like the moon, slowly rises.

××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××× Behind the Scenes: We Are All Mortals

“Have they returned?”

Suddenly, a voice drifted through the empty room, startling Liuyao into alertness. He wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth and mumbled unclearly: “To answer Your Highness, not yet.”

It wasn’t that he was too clever to understand His Highness’s seemingly random question; rather, he had heard this question too many times tonight.

That woman… Ling Yiran couldn’t help but tighten his grip on the brush pen—it wasn’t about official business but using public resources for private gain.

“Snap.”

The wolf-hair brush snapped, and Liuyao rubbed his eyes, trembling uncontrollably. He had never seen such a direct expression on His Highness’s face, one so straightforward it terrified him. Amitabha Buddha, gods and fairies, please make His Highness normal again soon. Since that young miss returned, the mysterious veil over His Highness’s face occasionally lifted, revealing expressions so simple even a fool could understand. Liuyao was too timid to understand or dare to comprehend. Those who understood died early—that was an unchanging truth passed down by the inner attendants.

“Why are you shaking?” Ling Yiran picked up another wolf-hair brush from the rack, glancing at the trembling Liuyao. He absentmindedly held the brush, dipping it in ink, his black pupils half-lowered, seemingly focused on the letter on the desk.

Liuyao peeked very carefully, very cautiously, only to see a blank expanse on the slightly yellow xuan paper.

Master, Master isn’t daydreaming, is he...

“Liuyao.”

“Master.” Liuyao guiltily lowered his head, avoiding the ink-black pupils of the Ninth Prince. Whenever His Highness looked at him so indifferently, he always felt the terrifying illusion of being seen through and comprehended.

“How long does it take to eat a meal?”

Huh? Liuyao raised his head in surprise.

“The sky has already darkened.” A sigh heavy with sourness, intensely pungent.

Had he not been by the prince’s side all evening, he would have suspected the person before him was an imposter. How could the master, who played with the world and looked down upon worldly matters, show such common, mundane expressions? So vulgar, like a cuckolded husband watching his wife climb over the wall.

Tsk tsk tsk, what nonsense was he thinking.

“Master need not worry.” Liuyao smiled comfortingly.

Comfort, what a grand word—he had never imagined comforting His Highness one day.

Thinking of this, he gathered his spirits and softly continued: “This time, with Lord Vermilion Bird accompanying her, even if the young miss returns late, she will surely be fine.”

“Hmph.” Ling Yiran sneered discontentedly.

Fine? With Vermilion Bird’s flashy moves, not only could he not defeat the petty thief surnamed Ye, but even against Qingqing, he would definitely lose. Last night, when she returned late, her face was radiant with a bright, dazzling smile. That smile tightened his heart instantly, clearing his mind—this girl had fallen in love.

Snap, another brush met its demise.

Damn it, if only his plans were more meticulous back then, if only heaven favored him more, how could she have been separated for ten years, how could she have met other men, how could she have trained in martial arts making her untouchable, tormenting his heart over and over again. Who knew that just to get close enough to smell her scent, he always had to scheme and seize opportunities, and then worry about being knocked down and losing face. Every time he thought of this, he regretted it so much he almost vomited blood.

Sigh, he missed the best time to refine his martial arts skills.

Ling Yiran sighed inwardly, closing his handsome eyes to prevent his pent-up anger from spilling out.

“Actually, Master need not worry. The young miss is cautious and won’t act recklessly.”

“Oh?” Ling Yiran responded indifferently.

Liuyao stole a glance at His Highness’s expression, rotating his lively big eyes: “This humble servant has never seen such a special daughter of an official family.”

“Daughter of an official family?” A trace of a smile appeared at the corners of Ling Yiran’s lips, tinged with affection. “She is indeed special~”

Feeling better, Liuyao praised himself internally, continuing bravely: “Though the young miss’s appearance doesn’t match the heavenly beauty described in books,” he noticed His Highness’s slightly furrowed brows and hastily changed course, “her serene beauty is heart-stirring. After seeing the young miss, this humble servant finally understands what ‘a smile that topples a city’ means.”

Finished, finished, His Highness’s expression grew increasingly unpleasant. This flattery hit the wrong mark. But did he say anything wrong?

Liuyao stealthily wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, steeling himself to continue: “Actually, what makes the young miss most special is her mind.”

Ling Yiran arched his elegantly shaped distant mountain brows, intrigued. “Mind?”

“No, no, wisdom.” Liuyao gauged his words carefully, speaking meticulously. “Whether on the battlefield or in the court, the young miss handles everything well—truly proving that women are no less capable than men, truly a wise and intelligent beauty.”

A gentle, shallow smile rippled out like ripples on water, spreading slowly. Ling Yiran opened his peach blossom eyes, his handsome face carrying a hidden soft beauty: “Foolish.”

“Huh?” Liuyao was confused, referring to whom?

Ling Yiran once again wore a foggy expression, gently stroking the slightly curled letter paper, writing swiftly in a very good mood.

His Qingqing was a foolish girl. Ten years ago, she innocently wanted to befriend a stranger. Ten years later, she naively believed she could protect her family. Like a melon farmer living in a grass hut, tirelessly trying to protect every single melon. But even if he could fend off human thieves, he couldn’t stop pestilence. If a melon rots or gets sick from within, what could she do? What would she do? Even if he knew, he would never tell her—telling her would lead to only one outcome. This foolish girl would rather sacrifice her own life than allow the pestilence to continue.

Cannot say, must not say—let that melon rot slowly. He just wanted to keep that foolish girl.

But how to keep her?

The tip of the brush paused, leaving an abrupt ink blot on the paper.

Last night, he was too hasty, actually threatening her verbally. If she wouldn’t yield to force, he could only resort to gentleness, taking advantage of her foolishness.

A trace of irritation that even he barely noticed flashed across Ling Yiran’s handsome face. Impatiently, he crumpled the paper into a ball and dipped the brush again.

Sigh, compared to Lei Lifeng wreaking havoc at sea, Qingqing was much harder to deal with. That pirate could be subdued with just one letter, but this foolish girl made him reluctant to strike, unwilling to hurt her. In this light, the most foolish wasn’t her, but…

He mocked himself with a smile, continuing to write that crucial letter to defeat the enemy.

After a while, the melodious voice sounded again: “Liuyao.”

“Master.”

With Ling Yiran’s intelligence, multitasking was more than manageable. While wielding his brush to write the deceptive strategy, he lazily chatted: “It’s lively next door to the Vice Minister’s residence.”

“Yes.” Liuyao softly responded, obediently grinding the inkstone. “The Duke of Lechuan residing west of the young miss moved today.”

“Moved?”

“Yes, it’s said that someone offered an exorbitant price for the residence. The Duke of Lechuan was dazzled by the gold and, fearing the fool might change his mind, eagerly began moving house.”

“Snap!” A third wolf-hair brush met its end, ink splattering on Liuyao's face, highlighting his stunned expression.

“Mas... Master...”

“Go.” The tone was chillingly cold; Ling Yiran's cheeks flushed blue, his lips trembling slightly. “Go and raise the western wall of the Vice Minister's residence.”

“Huh?” Liuyao scratched his face in confusion, smearing the ink blot larger. “How high should it be?”

“The higher, the better.”

Preferably towering into the clouds!

...

“Dear Young Master, greetings upon receiving this letter.

Oh, how could I not be delighted? Old Song has never seen the Young Master so jubilant leaving Shuiyue Capital before. You smiled so warmly when you left—it truly felt like spring had come early. At that moment, a waiter hit the nail on the head: this year is a warm winter.

This saying holds true—at least my old, cold legs haven't ached much. Of course, this is all thanks to the Young Master! The herbal medicine you prescribed for me, I can’t bear to use it because it contains your deep care for old Song—so touching, truly touching.”

These few lines were blurred with ink, as if tear stains were present. However, the reader seemed accustomed to the excessive emotions of the writer, maintaining a calm demeanor despite his usually cool features.

“Alas, I don’t know since when I noticed people around me always looking at me strangely. Walking on the street, I feel like being spied on. My earlobes inexplicably grow hot, clearly indicating that people are talking behind my back. Later, those medicines kept appearing on my desk—oh, Young Master, you understand, right? Those used when men have issues. At first, I thought they were delivered to the wrong place, but later those medicines piled up, enough to open a pharmacy.

What kind of people are these! Don’t they think if old Song really had issues, how could I have two sons?! This is definitely a conspiracy to tarnish my image. Now, I wake up before dawn to wait outside the office, ready to catch the culprit. When I do, hehe, I’ll…”

Ye Jinglan skimmed through the pages ten lines at a time, his long fingers flipping lightly, extracting six densely written pages, directly…

“... Not to criticize, Young Master, but sometimes you can't indulge women too much.”

His eyebrows raised slightly, Ye Jinglan narrowed his phoenix eyes, seemingly displeased.

“These words are just between us men. Please don’t tell the young miss. Old Song has always been precise in judging people. Like the concubine of Lao Liu—I could immediately see she was a fiery one. Do you know Lao Liu? He’s…”

Flip another page.

“... Although the young miss has roamed the jianghu, she comes from a noble family, inherently possessing the bashfulness of a well-bred lady. Such a wonderful lady surely has more suitors than bees! Let me say something blunt: no man is a gentleman, of course, except for the Young Master. No, no, the Young Master is a man. What I mean is the Young Master is both a gentleman and a man…”

Flip another page.

“One must not be too honest. Young Master, you are too proper. If it were others, their child would already be running around…”

Ye Jinglan sneered disdainfully.

Six months, and the child can already run? Seems like Song Uncle still hasn’t read “The Women’s Classic” thoroughly.

“I’ve thought this over repeatedly. Alas, it's all my fault; old Song didn’t consider carefully. When the young miss came to Shuiyue Capital, I should have deceived her… no, consoled her to finalize the marriage. It’s only fitting to honor my sacrificed orchids and peonies.”

Water marks reappeared, making Ye Jinglan slightly displeased. Console? Deceive?

“Long nights bring many dreams; only what you have in your mouth can be trusted—this is an eternal truth!”

His long fingers gently caressed the paper, gradually dispersing the displeasure hanging on his brow.

“You and the young miss are alike—both respectful, reserved, and proud. But matters between men and women shouldn’t be about saving face or pride. Procrastinate further, and old Song fears we’ll still be moonlit lovers even after I’m gone. Young Master, while moonlit evenings are beautiful, nothing compares to rolling red waves.

Oh, don’t blame old Song for being vulgar. As someone who’s been there, I deeply understand. Truly, I’m not lying to you.

Hmm, why not give it a try? Once you try, you’ll know these words are absolutely correct.”

These few lines were slightly slanted; upon closer inspection, the strokes were somewhat unsteady.

“Young Master, the word 'endure' has a blade on top—hurting both the heart and body. When it’s time not to endure, please don’t.”

Ye Jinglan quietly gazed at the words on the paper, his eyes reflecting fragments of moonlight.

That day on the street, she smiled sweetly, resembling soft cotton candy, making him salivate. Only then did he realize his fondness for sweetness, liking it to the point of wanting to lick it.

At this thought, Ye Jinglan’s thin lips curved into a graceful arc.

“Of course, unable to resist doesn’t mean you should rush recklessly. Hmm, what I mean is, pushing over is also an art. For this, old Song shamelessly consulted several playboys, specially drafting a few brilliant strategies for the Young Master...”

His clear eyes swiftly skimmed the remaining pages, seemingly uninterested.

“Knock knock knock.” A knock on the door.

“Young Master, it’s me.” Saying this, he pushed the door open.

Song Xiao’er looked at the Young Master sitting upright like a pine tree before the desk, then at the thick stack of letters on the desk, sighing inwardly, “Indeed, a family letter—a family letter.”

Ye Jinglan gave a brief glance, rose, and entered the bedroom.

“Ah, Young Master, the house matter is settled.” He chuckled; indeed, under silver, who wouldn’t bow their heads. The fortress before the battle was secured for the Young Master.

Ye Jinglan lightly nodded: “Prepare a carriage.”

“A carriage?” Song Xiao’er exclaimed in surprise; the Young Master never used carriages.

“Not too big.” Ye Jinglan loosened his tied hair, and as he turned, his lips curved slightly upward. “Enough for two people.”

“Oh.” Xiao’er sighed deeply. “I’ll handle it tomorrow. Young Master, rest early.”

He slowly moved, pondering carefully. Suddenly, he slapped his forehead and chuckled lowly. The Young Master must be jealous; today the young miss laughed so “heart-stoppingly,” the Young Master surely wants to hide her using the carriage. Tsk tsk, never expected, never expected—the Young Master is so domineering.

No matter how the Young Master remains calm, he can’t escape the keen eyes of Song Xiao’er!

Just as Song Baoyan closed the door, a sheet of paper fluttered down from the thick family letter.

“Third strategy, skillfully use the carriage; behind the curtains, no need to endure anymore...”

...

A few days later, in the kitchen of Tianbao Pavilion.

“Have you heard? The Marquis of Mianzhou and Vice Minister Feng kissed in public?”

“What do you mean ‘heard’? I saw it with my own eyes!”

“Huh? Aunt Meng, you saw it?”

“Of course. That day, I went to sharpen knives at the street corner. On my way back, I saw Vice Minister Feng turn and smile.” The stout woman wiped her hands with her apron. “Oh my goodness, that smile made me go dumbstruck, and the knife in my hand flew out unconsciously.”

“Flew out? Killed anyone?” The maid helping out screamed.

“Stupid girl, if I killed someone, could I be here talking to you?” Aunt Meng tapped the girl’s forehead. “Then the Marquis pulled Vice Minister Feng over and...”

The waiter had just walked into the kitchen when the women burst into screams.

“Ah! Really!”

“Two men, huh!”

“And both handsome gentlemen, alas...”

Amidst the lamentations, one woman firmly stated, “So what if it’s Longyang? They must be like in the operas, deeply in love!”

“Pfft!” The waiter spat. “Deeply in love? Erniu, are you stupid?”

“You’re the stupid one!”

“Let me tell you, Vice Minister Feng was forced.” The waiter raised his chin confidently. “Absolutely forced.”

“Blow it out your ass, blow it out fully.”

“Blow?!” The waiter raised his eyebrows, leaping onto the table. “I saw it with my own eyes!”

“Saw it with your own eyes?” The gossip woman perked up, looking up expectantly.

“Yes, that night I went to deliver dishes to Room Zi. I saw Vice Minister Feng hugging a girl. That girl cried so sadly, and Vice Minister Feng gently touched her, whispering softly in her ear—it was obviously a pair of young lovers.”

“But with the Marquis...”

“He was forced, wasn’t he?”

“Beating separated mandarin ducks.”

“Poor Vice Minister Feng.”

Three become a tiger; within a few days, the biggest “tiger” in Yundu emerged. The common people unanimously interpreted the street Longyang:

The Marquis of Mianzhou coveted Vice Minister Feng’s beauty, resorting to forceful means, beating separated mandarin ducks, intending to impose immoral acts on Vice Minister Feng. Later, the Green King aided the wicked, coercing Vice Minister Feng to sell his body in exchange for peace between the two regions.

Alas, alas.