Lanyin’s pause did not cause the sound of the se to disappear. It still lingered in the world, making it impossible for Lanyin to ignore. When Lanyin resumed playing the qin, it seemed as if all other sounds in the world had vanished, leaving only the distant and lingering harmony of the qin and se.
This was merely a casual improvisation by Lanyin, without any musical score. Unexpectedly, the person playing the se was able to follow along seamlessly.
Gradually.
Not only were Ting Yun and the others immersed in the music, but even Lanyin lost track of time, unaware of whether it was day or night.
By the time the piece ended, Ting Yun and the others had yet to regain their composure. Lanyin also sat in her chair, staring blankly at the qin table in silence. This was not her first time performing a duet. In her youth, at her maternal grandmother’s home in Jinling, she had often played together with her cousins. However, this was the first time she had encountered someone so perfectly in sync.
No words were needed.
It was as if he knew exactly what she needed with just the slightest hint of a melody.
Before Lanyin was married, she had once imagined her future life as a wife. At that time, Gu Qing had not yet entered the picture, and she had filled her heart with visions of a future with Xiao Ye. She had hoped to play the qin and se with Xiao Ye in their leisure time, to accompany him with music while he practiced his swordplay. She had wanted… to share a harmonious life with her husband, growing old together in musical companionship.
When she had brought this ancient qin with her to marry Xiao Ye, had there not been even a sliver of hope for such scenes to unfold?
But Xiao Ye had never given her the opportunity to express this desire.
So she had tucked away these thoughts, and in the years following her marriage, she had rarely even played the qin for herself.
“I never expected that this Lord Qi is not only well-read but also so skilled at playing the qin,” Ting Yun remarked in admiration after regaining her senses.
Lanyin remained silent, but in her heart, she agreed.
It was more than just skill. It was as if he could see the knots of sorrow in her heart through the music. At one point, he had even used the melody to guide her out of her confusion and melancholy.
“Did he inquire about my identity?”
Lanyin suddenly asked the maid who had earlier delivered pastries to Qi Yubai.
As Shi Yu had not yet returned, it was Hong Xing, who had accompanied her earlier, who answered. “No.” Thinking of the lord’s demeanor, she couldn’t help but add, “That lord remained with his back to us the entire time and only spoke three words.”
“What three words?” Ting Yun asked her.
Lu Fu, standing beside Hong Xing, pursed her lips and smiled. “You may leave.”
After saying this, she couldn’t help but laugh. “The rumors outside are indeed true. This Lord Qi is truly like a person from an icy valley. Getting too close feels like being frozen.”
“Exactly.”
Hong Xing chimed in, “That glance from the lord earlier nearly scared me to death. But…” She blushed. “This Lord Qi is truly handsome, even more so than the heir.”
Having seen few men within the inner household, the only one she could compare him to was the heir. It wasn’t until the words left her mouth that she realized her mistake. Noticing the atmosphere in the room grow tense and Ting Yun frowning at her, her face paled. “Mistress, this servant…”
Just as she was about to plead for forgiveness, the woman sitting at the qin table spoke, “He is indeed handsome.”
Everyone was momentarily stunned, seemingly not expecting her to say such a thing. However, they didn’t dwell on it, assuming she was merely helping Hong Xing out of an awkward situation. Hong Xing, in turn, felt deeply grateful.
Fearing that mentioning the heir might upset her, the maids quickly changed the subject.
But Lanyin’s thoughts lingered on Qi Yubai.
Her earlier words were not merely to rescue Hong Xing from embarrassment—they were her sincere feelings. Qi Yubai was indeed the most handsome man she had ever seen. That year, when he had achieved the top rank in the imperial examinations, he had appeared on the imperial street, dressed in a deep red robe with round collar and wide sleeves, riding a white horse and surrounded by a crowd. He had also appeared in her eyes.
The procession of the top scholar was a joyous occasion, but she hadn’t been there to see him.
She had been dragged out by Xiao Ye’s younger sister, her sister-in-law, Xiao Siyu.
Siyu’s current husband, Tu Yici, who was her fiancé at the time, had also been among the top three that year, holding the title of Tanhua (the third-place scholar).
That day had been truly lively. The entire imperial street was packed with people, and even the suspended Zhou Bridge was crowded. The taverns and inns on both sides were filled to capacity. Fortunately, the place where she and Siyu had been was one of her properties; otherwise, they might not have found a peaceful spot.
She had stood by the window, looking down.
She had watched as countless flowers, silk handkerchiefs, and sachets were thrown at the top scholar as if they cost nothing. Unlike the other women, who had hoped for a glance or a gesture from him to acknowledge their affections, Lanyin had thought that if such occasions were more frequent, her shop should stock more of such items—it would surely bring in a hefty profit.
But alas, it was just a thought.
“However, at his age, Lord Qi has yet to marry. Could it be that he truly has some ailment, or…” Lü Fu lowered her voice, “is it as the rumors say—that he prefers men?”
Lanyin had just pulled herself out of her memories when she heard this. It wasn’t the first time she had heard such talk. When attending banquets in the past, she had often overheard the ladies discussing this. Back then, she had listened without much reaction, but now she couldn’t help but frown.
“Enough of this nonsense,” she chided softly. “Lord Qi is in the prime of his life. How could he have any ailment? As for preferring men…” She paused briefly. “Even if he does, that is his choice. What does it have to do with us?”
“Lord Qi serves the country and its people. He is a rare and good official. From now on, such talk is forbidden.” She rarely spoke so sternly, and the maids dared not say more, quickly agreeing.
After they left.
Ting Yun couldn’t help but look at Lanyin and say, “You treat Lord Qi somewhat differently.”
Among the maids, Ting Yun had always been the most perceptive. How could Lanyin not know that her unusual regard for Qi Yubai would be noticed by her? But she owed him a debt of guilt—how could she treat him like anyone else?
She gazed out the window at the drizzling rain and repeated the same words she had said earlier.
“He is a good man.”
She wondered, after her death, how had he fared? Had Grand Preceptor Qin managed to protect him? And had he… ever regretted it?
…
At the Chengbo Manor.
After Lady Xu left, Xiao Ye did not go out either.
He spent the entire day in his study reading military strategy books, but the books that had once captivated him now failed to hold his attention. As the sky grew darker, Xiao Ye couldn’t help but frown. The mountain path in the eastern suburbs was treacherous, and with the rain pouring down, could something have happened on their way back?
At this thought.
Xiao Ye’s expression changed. He could no longer care about his ongoing quarrel with Lanyin and immediately ordered Zhou An outside, “Have someone prepare a horse for me!” With that, he tossed aside the military book in his hand, grabbed the cloak hanging by the desk, fastened it casually, and rushed out into the rain.
Zhou An had just finished relaying the order when he turned around and saw Xiao Ye walking through the rain. He hurriedly grabbed an umbrella to shield him, but Xiao Ye’s strides were swift, and he soon passed him and left the courtyard. Not daring to delay, Zhou An picked up the umbrella and followed.
Fortunately, he didn’t have to chase far.
“Young Master!”
It was Yunfu, holding an umbrella as she approached.
Seeing her, Xiao Ye’s anxiously hanging heart finally settled. Suppressing his joy, he stopped in his tracks, his long fingers brushing the raindrops off his cloak. Pretending nonchalance, he casually asked, “Where is she?”
“…In your room.”
Xiao Ye didn’t notice the oddness in Yunfu’s tone. Hearing this, he assumed Lanyin was in his room. His brows lifted slightly, the corners of his lips curling into a faint smile, his eyes brimming with obvious delight. Yet, he snorted and muttered, “So she knows how to come back.” Despite his words, he didn’t wait for Yunfu to say more. He took the umbrella from Zhou An and strode briskly toward his own courtyard.
“Young Master!”
Yunfu clearly hadn’t expected him to be in such a hurry. Her face paled, and she tried to chase after him. But as a frail woman, how could she keep up with Xiao Ye? She stood there, frantic with worry, until Zhou An asked, puzzled, “What’s going on?”
“Only Lady Xu has returned. Madam Lanyin… she didn’t come back!” Yunfu was on the verge of tears.
“What?!”
Zhou An’s expression also changed at this news.
By the time they realized this, Xiao Ye was already far ahead. As an outsider, Zhou An couldn’t enter the inner courtyard. The two exchanged glances, despair evident in their eyes.
If the Young Master were to find out that Madam hadn’t returned, the consequences would be…
Xiao Ye, however, remained unaware that Lanyin had not returned.
He walked alone under the umbrella, even the spring rain he usually disliked now seemed less bothersome. Along the way, he thought about what to say when he saw Lanyin. As the familiar courtyard drew nearer, the tangled thoughts in his mind dissipated. It didn’t matter anymore—she had come back, and that was enough.
This was what he thought in his heart.
Old Master Xu was right—between husband and wife, someone had to take the first step to reconcile. Since Lanyin was willing to come back this time, why should he continue to be angry with her? She was his wife, the one he had formally married and brought home with great ceremony. Even though they had argued earlier because of Lady Xu, Lanyin’s kindness toward him was genuine, and he truly wanted to cherish her and live a good life together.
Thinking this.
Xiao Ye no longer suppressed the corners of his mouth, which he had deliberately kept downturned.
With a slight smile on his lips, he walked inside. Perhaps he was too eager to see Lanyin, but he didn’t notice the stunned expressions of the maids and servants outside as they saw his smiling face. He casually handed the umbrella to someone, unfastened his cloak, and stepped into the room.
“You’re back?”
He spoke as he walked, “I’ve asked the kitchen to prepare…”
But his voice and smile froze the moment he saw the person in the room. He glanced around, but there was no one else—only Lady Xu. The warmth and joy he had felt on his way here faded in an instant. Standing in the dimly lit room, his face turned pale, and his hand gripping the cloak tightened with force. Even though he already knew the answer in his heart, he stubbornly asked Lady Xu, “Where is she?”
Lady Xu had stood up when he entered.
Beside her was a cloisonné vase with a few branches of peach blossoms swaying gently. These were flowers Lanyin had picked for Xiao Ye in the past. Lanyin never knew when her husband would return, but she would replace the flowers in his room every few days, ensuring that he would always see the best when he came back.
Just like this manor, which she had poured her heart into maintaining.
Xiao Ye would never know these things, nor would he ever ask. He had grown accustomed to Lanyin’s efforts, and even if he knew, he would likely take them for granted.
Seeing the change in Xiao Ye’s expression, Lady Xu lowered her eyes and said, “Madam hasn’t returned.”
“…Why?”
Xiao Ye didn’t understand. He had already given her a way out, so why was she still holding a grudge? Did she really want him to send Qing’er away before she would come back?
Hearing this, Lady Xu couldn’t help but feel a cold sneer rise in her heart.
She had never denied Xiao Ye’s capabilities. If he weren’t capable, he wouldn’t have single-handedly preserved the prosperity of the Earl Manor when it was on the verge of collapse. In less than a year, he had risen from an ordinary imperial guard to the position of Commander of the Palace Command. But he was far from being a good husband.
Whether to her or to Gu Lanyin, he had never been a good husband.
Fortunately, she no longer yearned for his love. In this manor, she only wanted to protect her son and ensure he grew up safely.
Still keeping her eyes downcast, she avoided looking at the confusion in his eyes. “This concubine doesn’t know either. Madam only said that she is doing well now and doesn’t wish to return.” These weren’t the words she had originally intended to say. She had planned to shift the blame onto Gu Qing. If Lanyin truly refused to return, Gu Qing absolutely could not become the mistress of the Earl Manor. If she were to become the Young Master’s wife, neither she nor her son would ever have peace again.
But mentioning Gu Qing would inevitably drag Lanyin into the matter.
Lady Xu had always known she wasn’t a good person. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have insisted on marrying Xiao Ye back then. But as she looked at the pair of tiger-head shoes and thought of Lanyin’s care over the years, she didn’t want to involve her anymore.
Since Lanyin had already chosen the life she wanted to live, why trouble her with these matters?
Speaking the truth.
She had also anticipated that Xiao Ye would be furious.
Sure enough—
As soon as she finished speaking, she heard Xiao Ye murmur hoarsely, “Doing well? Doesn’t wish to return?”
As he spoke, he suddenly swept his hand across the nearby table, sending the pastries crashing to the floor. Amid the sound of shattering porcelain and the servants’ pleas of “Young Master, please calm your anger,” Lady Xu lowered her eyes and knelt. She listened to Xiao Ye’s heavy breathing, unable to hide his fury, and watched as he braced his hands on the edge of the table, roaring, “Does she think I can’t live without her?!”
No one answered.
When Yunfu arrived, this was the scene she witnessed. Though anxious, she didn’t dare speak up, hoping that Lady Xu might offer some comfort to the Young Master. But Lady Xu simply knelt there softly, her head bowed, refusing to look up.
At that moment, the kitchen staff arrived with the evening meal, perfectly timed. Startled by the scene before them, they froze.
Yunfu quickly signaled for them to leave, but before they could move, Xiao Ye noticed. Suppressing his anger, he asked, “Who’s there?”
Yunfu dared not lie. “…It’s the kitchen staff. They’ve come to deliver the evening meal.”
Xiao Ye fell silent.
The people outside didn’t dare speak either. Just as they thought Xiao Ye wouldn’t say anything more, they heard him say, “Bring it in.”
“…Yes.”
Yunfu stood up, took the food box, and carried it inside.
“Open it.”
She heard Xiao Ye’s command.
His voice was eerily calm, devoid of any emotion.
Yunfu felt a sudden fear but didn’t dare disobey. She opened the food box, and the aroma wafted out. Yet, when Xiao Ye saw the duck blood and vermicelli soup placed on top, he let out a cold laugh.
“…Gu Lanyin!”
He gritted his teeth as he uttered the name.
After Lady Xu left, he had specifically instructed the kitchen to prepare a table of Jinling dishes that evening. He knew she had grown up in Jinling and missed it dearly. He had even thought about taking her back to Jinling someday when he had the time.
But what had his hopes, his expectations, and his efforts brought him?
They had brought him her refusal, her declaration that she was “doing well now”—
He raised his hand.
The food box crashed to the ground. Lady Xu’s long lashes trembled, and Yunfu couldn’t suppress a scream. Realizing her mistake, she quickly knelt, her face pale, trembling as she begged for forgiveness. Xiao Ye ignored her. He simply stared fixedly at the mess on the diamond-patterned carpet. After a moment, he spoke in a low voice, “From now on, no one is to mention the name Gu Lanyin. If I find out anyone has gone behind my back to look for her… they will no longer be allowed to stay in the Earl Manor!”
With that, he turned on his heel and strode out, his face cold, not even bothering to take an umbrella as he walked into the rain.
“Young Master!”
Yunfu wanted to chase after him, but she couldn’t match his pace. Instead, she heard movement behind her. Lady Xu, who had been silent all this time, stood up. She gently brushed the dust off her clothes with a handkerchief and walked over with light, graceful steps.
“Lady Xu!”
“Hmm?” Hearing Yunfu call her, Lady Xu stopped and turned to her with a smile. “What is it, Miss Yunfu?”
Yunfu frowned at her. “Are you just leaving like this?”
Lady Xu looked surprised. “What else should I do?”
Yunfu couldn’t help but lower her voice. “We don’t even know where the Young Master is going now. As his woman, how can you just let him go like this without caring?”
Lady Xu lowered her eyes demurely. “What a strange thing to say, Miss. You’re the one by the Young Master’s side. If even you don’t know where he’s gone, how could I possibly know?” After saying this, she didn’t bother to see what expression Yunfu was making. She simply nodded slightly to her and called for her personal maid, preparing to leave. As she stood under the umbrella, about to walk out, Yunfu’s voice came from behind her.
“You’ve changed.”
Lady Xu paused in her steps.
But she didn’t turn around, nor did she respond.
Of course, she had changed. If she hadn’t, she wouldn’t have said what she did earlier, and she would have braved the rain to go after him now. But so what if she had changed? She now had her own support to rely on, so why should she bother pleasing someone who no longer mattered?
People are like that.
They won’t give up until all their expectations are exhausted, because giving up means denying their past selves. But once they truly let go, the other person’s joys and sorrows no longer have anything to do with them.
This point.
Both she and Lanyin had come to understand. It was laughable that some people still thought they were retreating to advance. Lady Xu smiled faintly and, amidst the soft patter of the spring rain, walked toward her own courtyard.
“Sister Yunfu, what should we do now?” A young maid asked Yunfu under the eaves.
Yunfu stared at Lady Xu’s retreating figure, biting her red lip. She didn’t speak at first, but when someone suggested, “Should we call the Old Madam back?” she finally shook her head. “The Young Master is still furious right now. If he finds out we’ve disturbed the Old Madam, he’ll only get angrier.”
After saying this, she fell silent again. Finally, she sighed and looked toward the west. “I’ll go fetch Madam Fang.”
Perhaps only she could calm the Young Master now.
…
Lanyin didn’t know what had happened at the Earl Manor, nor did she want to know.
Because of Qi Yubai’s arrival, she had been distracted all afternoon. Now, as she watched the sky outside grow darker and the rain intensify instead of easing, she worried about the difficulty of traveling the mountain road at night. After a moment of contemplation, she finally said to Ting Yun, “Go and inform Lord Qi that the night road is treacherous in the dark. If he doesn’t mind, he can stay in the guest quarters tonight.”
Ting Yun didn’t understand why her mistress treated this Lord Qi with such special regard, but she knew better than to ask. Seeing that her mistress had made up her mind and wouldn’t change it, Ting Yun didn’t argue and left to carry out the order. Lanyin sat in her chair for a while longer, then suddenly closed her book and stood up.
Shi Yu, unsure where she was going, stood up as well and asked, “Mistress, where are you going?”
“The kitchen,” Lanyin said. “You don’t need to follow.”
Shi Yu nodded, not thinking much of it. But a moment later, her eyes widened in shock. She rushed to the door and watched her mistress heading toward the kitchen, utterly stunned. Could it be that her mistress was planning to cook herself?