Shortly after Song Yue escorted the guests to the Tingyu Pavilion, someone arrived with pastries and tea.
The person who came was Shi Yu.
Such errands typically did not require her presence, but she had previously reprimanded Song Yue in front of so many people and couldn’t help feeling some regret. Lanyin, noticing her distracted state, had her come over.
As she reached the doorway, she happened to hear Song Yue saying, “Lord Qi, please rest here for a while. If there is anything you need…” He had to go outside to ensure his master’s safety and couldn’t stay long. Remembering the boy in the raincoat earlier, he paused briefly before adding, “I’ll call that boy over for you. If you have any requests or errands, just send him.”
Tianqing glanced at his master and, seeing his calm expression with no sign of objection, smiled and cupped his hands toward Song Yue. “Thank you, brother.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Song Yue didn’t dare delay any longer and was about to take his leave when someone outside the door said, “My master has prepared tea and pastries for the lord.” Initially thinking it was just a maid, he turned sharply upon hearing the familiar voice. When he saw the familiar face, his previously tense expression softened almost imperceptibly. Without saying much, he clasped his hands toward Qi Yubai, who stood with his back to the window, and then retreated outside.
Shi Yu set down the tray of pastries and tea, intending to leave after a quick bow, but her peripheral gaze caught the profile of the man by the window.
Outside the half-open window, the spring rain had lightened.
A fine mist of drizzle drifted in with the wind, landing on the man’s figure.
From Shi Yu’s angle, the man stood silhouetted against the light, his features blurred and indistinct. Yet his cold, aloof demeanor, like jade covered in snow, made even his back unforgettable.
Suddenly, she recalled the rumors circulating in the city.
It was said that Lord Qi had the looks of Song Yu and the charm of Pan An, making him the ideal suitor in the hearts of many noble ladies in Bianjing.
Three years ago, when he achieved the top rank in the imperial examinations and rode through the streets on horseback, every inn and tavern along the Imperial Street was packed. Even the bridges were crowded with people. It was said that all the flowers in the city sold out that day, and even the silk flowers in the accessory shops were gone. Yet, despite the flowers thrown toward the new top scholar, none caught his attention. The most vibrant blooms fell to the ground, unnoticed.
The white horse trod upon the steps, shattering the hearts of countless young women.
Over the past three years, whenever she accompanied her mistress to social gatherings, she often heard the ladies and young misses speak of Lord Qi. In the beginning, the noble ladies spoke of him with fervent enthusiasm, each believing she could become Lady Qi. But as the years passed, those who once blushed at the mention of Lord Qi had now become wives to others, while Lord Qi remained alone.
Many speculated that he had a preference for male companionship, which was why he remained unmarried at this age.
As this thought crossed her mind, Shi Yu met a pair of deep, pool-like eyes. The gaze was icy, as if it could see through her very soul. For some reason, Shi Yu’s face suddenly paled. Usually bold and spirited, she now seemed startled. Only when the oppressive gaze withdrew did a cool, jade-like voice ring out in the room, “You may leave.”
Not daring to linger, she hurried out, followed by the other maids.
Walking out into the courtyard and seeing Song Yue, Shi Yu, who had been on edge the entire way, finally let out a sigh of relief.
She and Song Yue were already engaged, and the servants in the estate were all aware of it. Seeing him standing outside the courtyard wall holding an umbrella, a few maids exchanged knowing smiles and said to Shi Yu, “We’ll go back first to report to our mistress.”
With that, they left the area to the two of them and departed.
Song Yue stepped forward to hold the umbrella over her. Noticing her pale face, he couldn’t help but frown. “What’s wrong?”
“…Nothing.”
Shi Yu shook her head, but after a moment of thought, she couldn’t help but whisper, “Lord Qi’s presence is too overwhelming. I just made eye contact with him, and my heart started pounding.” In all these years, she had only ever seen such an aura on their Marquis, but the Marquis was a military man who had spent decades on the battlefield. How old was Lord Qi?
Hearing this, Song Yue chuckled.
He held the umbrella and walked alongside her, saying, “Lord Qi serves in the Dali Temple, handling cases involving court officials. He’s still young, so if he doesn’t appear strong, people might look down on him.”
But over the years, his decisive methods had earned him the Emperor’s favor. Who would dare underestimate him now?
Shi Yu had also heard of Lord Qi’s reputation, so she didn’t say much. However, seeing the usually reserved man speak so highly of Lord Qi today, she couldn’t help but glance at him sideways. “You seem to hold him in high regard.”
Song Yue said, “Back then, it was he who protected the people of Duanzhou and prevented the flood from destroying their lives.”
Shi Yu knew that Duanzhou was his hometown, which explained why he had been so impulsive earlier in delivering the message. Her heart softened, and she gently took his hand.
She didn’t say much, but Song Yue understood her silent comfort. He smiled and didn’t say anything either, simply holding her hand in return.
The two continued walking.
Amid the sound of falling rain, Shi Yu said to him, “But don’t be so reckless in the future. After all, Lord Qi is an outsider…” Then, as if remembering something, she asked, “By the way, did he ask about our mistress’s identity?” Seeing Song Yue shake his head, Shi Yu nodded. After a while, she added, “But I’m surprised our mistress agreed today. She’s always been so strict about propriety.”
Lord Qi didn’t know whether the host was male or female, but the mistress did. She had actually allowed Lord Qi to enter, which truly surprised Shi Yu. If outsiders found out, who knows what rumors would spread? Fortunately, everyone inside and outside the estate was trustworthy. “Later, go remind the people in the outer courtyard to keep their mouths shut and not spread any gossip.”
Hearing Song Yue agree, she didn’t say anything more.
Passing through the courtyard, she noticed a servant in a raincoat sweeping fallen leaves. She only glanced at him and didn’t stop, but Song Yue said to her, “Wait a moment.”
Then he called out, “You, come here.”
The tall, strong, but slightly hunched and ordinary-looking servant hurried over, smiling as he asked, “Brother Song Yue, what do you need?”
“You know my name?” Song Yue was surprised.
The servant scratched his head and grinned. “I heard Master Fu call your name earlier when I came with him.”
He seemed clever, no wonder Chen Fu dared to bring him here to serve the mistress. Song Yue nodded. “Take care of the lord inside. If he needs anything, do your best to assist. Just remember, the area beyond the festooned gate is where the mistress rests. Be careful not to let anyone wander into the wrong place.”
“Understood!”
The servant replied, “I’ll be careful.”
Song Yue didn’t say more and led Shi Yu away. As they walked further, the servant disguised as Zhusheng could still hear Shi Yu asking, “Where did this servant come from? I don’t remember seeing him before.”
“Chen Fu was worried we were short-handed, so he sent a few people over this morning.”
Shi Yu nodded, “This one seems clever. Let the mistress take a look later. If she finds him suitable, we can keep him.”
Hearing this, Zhusheng couldn’t help but grin. His previously hunched back had straightened the moment he saw them leave. If Song Yue had turned around at that moment, he would have realized this was no ordinary servant.
Watching them leave the courtyard, Zhusheng didn’t delay and immediately turned back toward the Tingyu Pavilion.
He truly hadn’t expected his master to come in person today!
Could it be that the master was finally planning to bring the mistress home?
Filled with anticipation, he quickened his pace toward the Tingyu Pavilion. As soon as he reached the door, he heard his elder brother addressing the man standing by the window respectfully, “Master, he’s here.”
“Master!”
Zhusheng stepped forward with a smile and bowed.
He had disguised himself specifically to serve in the estate, altering his appearance, which originally resembled Tianqing’s.
Years ago, when he and his brother were learning martial arts, their instructor, who had spent many years in the martial world, taught them more than just combat skills. His disguise technique, though not masterful, could conceal about seventy to eighty percent of his original appearance. Now, he spoke with this ordinary face.
Qi Yubai remained standing by the window, his back to them, and asked, “How did you get into the estate?”
Thinking it was praise, Zhusheng raised his eyebrows proudly and said, “I happened to save the steward’s son. He was grateful and asked what I wanted in return, so I asked for this job.”
“Master, you wouldn’t believe it, but earlier, the maid serving Miss… I mean, Miss Gu, even complimented me. She said she would have the mistress take a look, and if the mistress is satisfied, I can stay and serve.”
He spoke with great pride, but the atmosphere in the room didn’t lighten as he expected.
Finally sensing something was wrong, Zhusheng looked up. However, the man’s back was turned, and he couldn’t see his expression. He glanced at his elder brother instead, only to see a look of helplessness on his face. Zhusheng’s heart sank, and his voice unconsciously lowered, “Master, did I do something wrong?”
Qi Yubai remained silent.
Tianqing spoke up, “Have you considered what Miss Gu would think if she discovered your identity?”
Zhusheng frowned, “I was very careful. How could she…”
Tianqing looked at him and said gravely, “What if?”
Those two words froze Zhusheng’s proud and carefree expression. Remembering how cautious his master had been all these years, his face suddenly turned pale. “Master, I…” He dropped to one knee, his face filled with regret and fear.
If his recklessness had ruined his master’s plans, he would never be able to atone for it! Lowering his head, he hoarsely confessed, “I only thought being closer to Miss Gu would make things easier. I didn’t think it through… I know I was wrong. Please punish me!”
Tianqing also knelt and solemnly admitted, “I failed to discipline him properly. Please punish me as well.”
The room fell silent. The man with his back to them said nothing, only closing his eyes and turning the prayer beads in his hand. The faint sound of the beads clicking together was barely audible in the spring rain.
After a moment, the man spoke, “Get up.”
Tianqing stood up and glanced at his brother, who remained kneeling. Just as he was about to ask for further instructions, the man said, “Find an excuse to leave early. Don’t let her notice.”
Zhusheng quickly replied, “I will handle it properly. Miss Gu won’t notice.”
He finally stood up, but the usual vigor was gone. He didn’t dare ask about his master’s next steps and stood silently to the side. Tianqing then asked, “Should we still send someone to keep watch?”
Qi Yubai paused for a moment before saying, “After this incident, she will undoubtedly be more vigilant. Besides, the people around her are not incompetent.” His voice was low, but there was no disappointment in it. Instead, it carried a hint of admiration.
If he had opened his eyes at that moment, they would have been filled with warmth and praise.
Since childhood, he had known she was intelligent. When they were young, she could memorize books after just one read. The tutors at the Wang family’s private school had even praised her, saying that if she were a man, she would surely become an official in the court. Even Wang Chengze, the most renowned young master of the Wang family, often spoke highly of his cousin.
That Lantern Festival.
The Wang family had gone to Jinling to climb the high tower and admire the lanterns. He was also on the guest list.
That day, Chengze had a rival who brought a riddle bought with a fortune, intending to humiliate him. Just as he was about to step in to help, a soft voice came from behind the curtain. Even without turning around, he knew it was her.
Yet, despite earning so much applause and fame, she never sought to claim any of it for herself.
Everyone assumed it was one of the Wang daughters who had answered.
During that time, the Wang family’s reputation soared, and their daughters became highly sought after. Yet, she remained secluded in her chambers, indifferent to it all.
She was wise.
She knew what to do while living under someone else’s roof.
In a large household like the Wang family, even with her loving grandmother, there were many who harbored ulterior motives. If she had always stood out and been assertive, she would have long been ostracized by the Wang family.
Moreover, if she hadn’t been so intelligent, how could she have traced clues to Yelu Yange back then?
At the thought of that name, the smile on Qi Yubai’s face vanished, replaced by a stormy expression. His fingers tightened around the prayer beads. Tianqing and Zhusheng, unaware of what had happened, only felt the air in the room grow heavy. Just as they were about to ask, a melody from a qin drifted through the courtyard and into their room. The tense atmosphere in the room instantly softened.
Qi Yubai’s long lashes fluttered. He opened his eyes amidst the qin’s melody, gazing into the distance through the misty spring rain.
He guessed who was playing.
The tension in his brows and eyes suddenly eased.
A moment later.
In the room where Lanyin was, Ting Yun, who had been entranced by the qin music, suddenly exclaimed, “What is that sound?”
The penetrating sound of the Se1The se (瑟) is an ancient Chinese plucked string instrument, similar to the qin (琴) but typically larger and with more strings. Traditionally, the se has 25 to 50 strings, though historical variations exist. It is played by plucking the strings with the fingers, and its sound is often described as rich, resonant, and ethereal. brought with it a misty, rain-like ambiance. It was more ethereal and prolonged than Lanyin’s deep and distant qin melody. It didn’t overpower her music but instead complemented it, creating a harmonious synergy. Yet, it made Lanyin gaze into the distance, lost in thought.
“…It’s the se,” she said after a while.
“The se?”
Ting Yun was stunned. “Is there someone in our estate who can play the se? Could it be…” Thinking of the person in the Tingyu Pavilion, she was momentarily speechless.
Lanyin had guessed who it was the moment the Se’s sound appeared. Her delicate fingers lingered on the qin strings. She should have stopped, but the continuous notes of the se, like clouds parting to reveal the sun, lightened her heart. She found herself reluctant to stop.