Hearing those words suddenly, Lanyin’s reaction was half a beat slow.
Little Yue?
She stared blankly and lifted her head.
Before her was an elderly woman with a head full of silver hair, wearing a forehead band and a richly colored cross-collared long robe. She was seated upright on a Luohan bed, and at this moment, she was also looking at Lanyin with a mix of astonishment and scrutiny, as if trying to determine whether she was truly the “Little Yue” she had called out to.
Lanyin herself was unsure if the old woman was calling her.
Indeed, she had once had such a childhood name, but it had been so many years since anyone had called her that—even she felt a bit unfamiliar with it.
She only thought that this elderly woman before her looked somewhat familiar and even… inexplicably kind.
Seeing the two of them staring at each other in silence, Nanny Wei, who had finished paying her respects to Lanyin, spoke up beside her, “Lady Heir, do you still remember meeting an old madam with the surname Qi in Jinling?”
At Nanny Wei’s reminder, fragmented memories from the past resurfaced at this moment. Lanyin’s gaze became vacant as she looked at the elderly woman not far away. It took her a long while before she hesitantly called out an address buried in her old memories, “Grandmother Qi?”
Lanyin had attended countless banquets over the years, excelling in social grace and always knowing how to navigate the room. Never before had she lost her composure like this.
But now—
She was truly stunned.
She had never imagined that the Qi Family’s Grandmother, whom she had only met a few times in childhood, would turn out to be Qi Yubai’s grandmother.
She remembered that the first time she had met Qi Family’s Grandmother was in her maternal grandmother’s room. At the time, she was still very young and had just been brought to her grandmother’s side. Though she was not unfamiliar with the Wang family, she had still been too timid to leave her grandmother’s side, fearing that others would abandon her just like her mother had.
So she had clung tightly to her grandmother, not daring to step away even an inch.
She had met Qi Family’s Grandmother on an afternoon. That day, she had just woken up from a nap. Rubbing her eyes as she walked out of the green gauze cabinet, she had suddenly heard the sound of someone sobbing, a restrained, muffled weeping. She had thought it was her grandmother crying and, in her panic, hadn’t even bothered to put on her shoes. With her small face pale, she had rushed out in a hurry, only to see her grandmother embracing an elderly woman of similar age, who was wiping her tears with a handkerchief.
She had never seen this old madam before and didn’t know who she was. She had frozen in place, and the words that had almost escaped her lips—”Grandmother, what’s wrong?”—got stuck in her throat.
“Is this your granddaughter?”
She remembered that on that day, the elderly woman before her had asked her grandmother this question.
Her grandmother had instructed someone to pick her up while also ordering someone else to fetch her shoes and socks. After personally putting them on for her, she had placed her on her lap and smiled at the elderly woman, saying, “She is my granddaughter.”
“Little Yue, this is your Grandmother Qi. Call her Grandmother Qi.”
Her small hands had clung tightly to her grandmother’s arm, her head lowered, not daring to look up at the unfamiliar elder. But she had obediently called out, “Grandmother Qi.”
“Aye.”
At that time, the elderly woman’s eyes had still been red and streaked with tears, but the hand she had placed on Lanyin’s head had been warm.
She had seen Qi Family’s Grandmother a few more times afterward. Aside from that first meeting, when the old madam had tears on her face, she had always been smiling in all their later encounters.
It was only much later that Lanyin learned that Qi Family’s Grandmother’s husband had offended the Emperor, and in his wrath, the Emperor had punished the entire Qi family. Only she and her direct grandson had survived.
They had traveled all the way from Bianjing to Jinling, hoping to take refuge with Qi Family’s Grandmother’s maternal family in Jinling. However, her maternal family’s brothers, fearing they would be implicated, had not explicitly driven them away but had constantly grumbled in private. Qi Family’s Grandmother had been a proud woman; she had only stayed with her maternal family for a few days before taking her grandson and moving out.
Lanyin had always had a good impression of Qi Family’s Grandmother.
She remembered that every time she saw her, Qi Family’s Grandmother would always embrace her, fondly stroke her head, and give her a large red envelope every New Year while smiling and saying, “Little Yue must grow up safe and sound.”
At that time, apart from her maternal grandmother, she liked this Grandmother Qi the most.
However, the Wang family was large and prosperous, and even though her maternal grandmother had good intentions, she couldn’t manage everyone. Lanyin overheard people saying that Grandmother Qi had come to the Wang family to seek favors. She wasn’t sure if Grandmother Qi had ever heard such remarks, but for a long time, Lanyin only saw her during festive occasions.
Lanyin was young at the time and, being dependent on others, didn’t have the standing to speak up for Grandmother Qi even if she wanted to.
However, Lanyin heard that Grandmother Qi’s grandson got along quite well with a few of her cousins. Her eldest cousin had even mentioned a few times that he was very talented and would surely achieve great success in the future.
But Lanyin wasn’t in the habit of inquiring about others. Besides, she was already betrothed at the time, so when her cousins occasionally mentioned that young Master Qi, she didn’t pay much attention. It wasn’t until after her marriage that she received a letter from her maternal grandmother, which mentioned that Grandmother Qi, whom she had met as a child, had returned to Bianjing. The letter also said that her grandson was now an official in the court and that if Lanyin ever faced any difficulties, she could seek their help. However, she had just married into the Xiao family at the time and was overwhelmed with responsibilities, so the matter was delayed. And once delayed, she never sought them out.
A warm breeze gently tapped against the carved elmwood window.
Outside, the cheerful chirping of birds could be heard, but Lanyin was still in a state of utter shock, unable to react.
She was indeed stunned.
Grandmother Qi, whom she had met as a child, turned out to be Qi Yubai’s grandmother. If she hadn’t seen it with her own eyes, she would never have connected the two in her lifetime.
So, was this the reason Qi Yubai had helped her back then? If so, it would make sense.
At least it wasn’t without reason.
“Madam Shizi?” Nanny Wei called her again.
Ting Yun also gently tugged at her sleeve.
Only then did Lanyin snap out of her daze. Her still somewhat bewildered eyes met Grandmother Qi’s gentle, smiling gaze, and she finally called out in a hoarse voice, “Grandmother Qi.”
She no longer seemed as incredulous as before.
Hearing this old form of address, Grandmother Qi’s smile deepened. She beckoned to Lanyin, using the same old term of endearment, “Little Yue, come here, come to Grandmother Qi’s side.”
Lanyin walked over.
As soon as she approached, Grandmother Qi affectionately took her by the wrist and seated her beside her.
“I didn’t expect it to be you,” Grandmother Qi said, not hiding her surprise. Then, with a hint of curiosity, she added, “Didn’t your maternal grandmother say you married into the Chengbo Manor? How did you…”
Recalling what Nanny Wei had said earlier about the rumors in the city, the old woman frowned.
She usually wore a smile and looked very kind and amiable, but when her expression turned serious, the commanding presence she had cultivated over years of managing a household became unmistakable. She held Lanyin’s hand.
The warmth of the old woman’s hand contrasted with the sternness in her voice as she asked, “Has that boy from the Xiao family mistreated you?”
Lanyin felt the old woman’s concern.
Her heart warmed, and she did not hide it from her. “I have divorced him.”
Nanny Wei had just taken a tea cup from Yanhuan’s hands when she heard these words. Her hand trembled slightly, though thankfully, the tea did not spill. She carefully placed the cup in front of Lanyin, her gaze instinctively drifting toward her. Yet, the woman who had spoken remained as composed and serene as ever, as if she did not think she had uttered anything shocking. She even lifted her elegant, gentle face and smiled at her, offering a soft thanks. “Thank you, Mama.”
She was, after all, an elder who had weathered many storms.
Although Nanny Wei was shocked, she did not let it show. Smiling, she replied that it was nothing, then considerately led Yanhuan and the others outside.
The weather had not yet turned completely hot, so the room was still adorned with cloth curtains. A bright red Xiang embroidery curtain, featuring golden lions and ruyi patterns, blocked the view inside. With all the servants retreating, only Lanyin and the Qi Family’s Old Madam remained in the room.
Whether it was her past fondness for Lanyin or for the sake of her old friend, the Qi Family’s Old Madam could not simply ignore this matter now that she knew about it. She grasped Lanyin’s hand, furrowing her brows as she questioned her, “What happened?”
“Was it truly because of that younger sister of yours?”
Lanyin had not expected the matter to have spread so widely, but she was not concerned. After some thought, she answered truthfully, “In a way, but not entirely.” She smiled. “I just feel that this man neither loves nor respects me. People may not necessarily live perfect lives, but I found myself growing weary. I didn’t want to waste my time with them any longer.”
She had not expected such an answer.
The Qi Family’s Old Madam was somewhat surprised. In her memory, the little girl she had met was introverted, shy, silent, and even somewhat timid. But—
“Fengzhi, my granddaughter has suffered so much.”
“You see how she now spends her days holding books, not saying a word, and no one thinks it’s strange. But she used to be the most mischievous one—the most unruly among all the girls in the Wang family combined.”
“She was forced to become like this.”
Recalling her late elder sister’s words, the Qi Family’s Old Madam felt a pang of sorrow in her heart. She understood better than anyone the hardships of living under someone else’s roof. So after her initial surprise, she was actually pleased—relieved, even. She firmly grasped Lanyin’s hand.
“Good! It’s good that you left him!”
“If your grandmother were still here, she would have fully supported your decision.”
She told Lanyin, “We women do not live in this world just to be someone’s wife or someone’s mother. We live, first and foremost, for ourselves. If life is unbearable, then don’t endure it! Without a man, do you think we wouldn’t survive?”
After saying this, she noticed Lanyin staring at her in a daze. Raising her eyebrows, she chuckled. “What? Did I scare you?”
Lanyin shook her head, though the surprise on her face had yet to completely fade. She gently held the old madam’s hand, a hint of dependence in her voice. “I just regret not coming to visit you earlier when I first received my grandmother’s letter.”
If she had met this Qi Family’s Grandmother in her past life, perhaps she would not have wasted so many years trapped in the inner courtyard.
Hearing these words, the Qi Family’s Old Madam lovingly stroked her head, sighing with emotion. “If your grandmother knew how much you’ve suffered, her heart would ache terribly.”
But Lanyin lifted her head and smiled. “Grandmother should be happy for me.”
The Qi Family’s Old Madam was momentarily startled before laughing as well. “Yes, you’re right. She should be happy for you. That fool from the Xiao family must be blind—he will regret this in the future!”
The latter half of the old woman’s sentence carried a heavier tone.
However, Lanyin didn’t want to bring up Xiao Ye. On such a joyous occasion of reunion after so long, why waste time and words on someone so unnecessary? She smiled and changed the subject, “When did you return, Grandmother Qi?”
Grandmother Qi, noticing her reluctance, didn’t press the matter further and instead followed Lanyin’s lead. “I returned in the ninth year of Jingde. That year, Yubai passed the imperial examination as the top scholar and had to stay in Bianjing for his official post. I was worried about him being alone in the capital with no one to take care of him, so I brought all the old servants back with me.”
“By the way, you haven’t met Yubai yet, have you? He’s a year older than you. If you don’t mind, you can call him ‘elder brother.’ Now that you’ve moved out on your own, there must be inconveniences. If there’s anything you need, just ask your elder brother to help.”
“Don’t be polite with him. When we stayed with the Wang family back then, we caused your maternal grandmother quite a bit of trouble. Besides, if your grandmother found out that we were living next door and left you to fend for yourself, she’d surely be angry with me.”
These words.
Lanyin wasn’t hearing them for the first time.
Whether it was Qi Yubai’s instructions or Grandmother Qi’s prearranged message, Lanyin hadn’t taken them seriously.
But now, seeing the earnest look in the old woman’s eyes, Lanyin found it hard to voice her usual polite refusals. She nodded and said, “If I need anything, I’ll definitely let you and… elder brother know.”
Under the old woman’s kind and gentle gaze, Lanyin found it difficult to utter the familiar “Lord Qi” she was used to.
Just as the words left her mouth, a voice came from outside—
“The young master has returned.”
Lanyin hadn’t expected Qi Yubai to return at this moment. Her heart skipped a beat, and her usual composure vanished. She instinctively turned her head, her hands unconsciously gripping her knees, her fingertips pressing so hard that her nails turned red.
The room was quiet.
Lanyin heard a faint, light “Hmm” from outside.
It seemed he was about to lift the curtain and enter. Lanyin even caught a glimpse of his long, strong hand bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun. For some reason, the thought of seeing Qi Yubai imminently made her nervous, and her heart began to race inexplicably.
But before Lanyin could see him, Nanny Wei spoke up, “There’s a female guest at home.”
That strong, beaded hand paused slightly before withdrawing.
She heard him say, “Then I’ll come back later.”
Lanyin breathed a sigh of relief, and the hands gripping her knees loosened slightly. When she opened them, she realized her palms were slightly damp. She felt both dazed and amused. So this was what it felt like to owe someone? Even without seeing him, just hearing his voice made her heart race, like a guilty thief, restless and uneasy.
“Where are you going? Come in!” Grandmother Qi, however, refused to let him leave.
The footsteps outside hadn’t gone far before Grandmother Qi called him to a halt. After speaking, she paid no further attention to Qi Yubai and instead held Lanyin’s hand, saying, “We’re all family here, and there are no outsiders. I won’t bother with all those tedious rules. You should meet your elder brother now, so you’ll recognize him later. If there’s anything you need, just ask him to do it.”
The old woman’s kindness was evident, and Lanyin naturally couldn’t refuse.
She responded softly, then heard the curtain being lifted. Footsteps approached from a distance and stopped not far behind her.
“Grandmother.”
Compared to the cold and detached voice from her past life, the voice behind her this time was noticeably gentler. Yet, at that moment, Lanyin still tensed up instinctively.
The Qi Family’s Old Madam did not notice.
But Qi Yubai immediately sensed the change. Her body, taut like a drawn bowstring, seemed as though it would snap with just a little more tension. His long fingers froze on the prayer beads, but his gaze did not linger on her. It merely brushed past like a dragonfly skimming the water before shifting away.
“This is your Wang Family Grandmother’s granddaughter, surname Gu. She’s living right next door now. Keep an eye on her, and don’t let those unruly people disturb your sister’s peace.”
After giving her instructions, the Qi Family’s Old Madam turned to look at Lanyin. This time, she did not call her by her childhood nickname but instead affectionately called her Yin Yin.
“My grandson may look quiet and difficult to approach, but he’s actually very warm-hearted. If you need anything, just ask him.” As she spoke, she held Lanyin’s hand lovingly and patted it gently, adding with a smile, “You mustn’t be polite with us. If you act distant, Grandmother will be hurt.”
Lanyin could not refuse any further. She still had her back to them, and the thought that Qi Yubai was standing just behind her made her press her red lips together. She clenched her fingers tightly before standing up and bowing to Qi Yubai in greeting. “From now on, I shall trouble…” With the Qi Family’s Old Madam still present, she lowered her head, bit her lip lightly, and spoke in a very soft voice. “Elder Brother.”
“No need.”
Qi Yubai’s voice remained as cold and indifferent as usual. He did not change his tone just because of their past acquaintance. The Qi Family’s Old Madam frowned slightly at his attitude, displeased, but Lanyin, on the other hand, secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
The better Qi Yubai treated her, the heavier the guilt and unease in her heart would be.
This was better.
The Qi Family’s Old Madam gave Qi Yubai a sharp glare but refrained from scolding him at this moment. Instead, she turned to Lanyin and said, “You’ve just arrived. Why not stay for dinner tonight?”
At the thought of sitting at the same table with Qi Yubai, Lanyin’s heartbeat quickened again.
Suppressing the erratic pounding in her chest, she lowered her gaze and maintained a composed expression as she replied, “I still have many matters to settle after moving in.” Seeing the slight disappointment in the old madam’s face, Lanyin suddenly felt a bit softhearted. After a brief pause, she softened her tone and said, “Once I’m done settling in, may I come to visit Grandmother then?”
Naturally, the Qi Family’s Old Madam would not refuse.
She smiled warmly. “You’re welcome to come every day. That would make me happiest.” Knowing that Lanyin was managing everything alone and must be busy, she did not insist on making her stay. Instead, she turned to Qi Yubai and instructed, “Send your Gu Family sister out.”
Hearing this, Lanyin’s heart gave another hard thump. Without waiting for Qi Yubai to respond, she quickly interjected, “Elder Brother must be busy with official duties. I can leave on my own.”
Qi Yubai glanced at her, then closed his mouth, swallowing the words he had initially intended to say.
“Then let Nanny Wei escort you out.”
The Qi Family’s Old Madam called for Nanny Wei.
This time, Lanyin did not refuse. After bidding farewell to the old madam, her gaze swept past Qi Yubai, but she only looked at his crimson official robe embroidered with cloud geese and did not dare meet his eyes. With a hurried farewell, she followed Nanny Wei and left.
After she was gone—
The Qi Family’s Old Madam sighed. “Your Gu Family sister is a pitiful one. She was neglected by her birth mother as a child, and now she has ended up with such an unreasonable husband.” She sighed heavily again. Seeing Qi Yubai sit down where Lanyin had previously been, she gave his arm a light slap and chided, “Look at you, always wearing that cold, stern face like a funeral tablet. You scared your Gu Family sister. I’m telling you, you need to help her more in the future. She has a gentle nature and won’t ask for help outright, so you should pay attention instead of waiting for someone to prod you like a wooden block before you react.”
Qi Yubai, who had just been compared to a wooden block, briefly paused in his movement of turning his prayer beads, then gave a soft hum in acknowledgment.
The Qi Family’s Old Madam knew his temperament well.
She did not lecture him further but instead sighed again about Lanyin’s situation. “That man from the Xiao family is truly worthless. If your Wang Family Grandmother knew that the granddaughter she loved so dearly had suffered like this, she would probably be so enraged that she’d cough up blood.”
Just thinking about how this also involved her other granddaughter, Grandmother Qi momentarily found herself at a loss for words. She shook her head and continued to advise, “I see that the matter of Yin Yin’s divorce hasn’t been made public yet. It seems the Xiao family is reluctant to let her go. When you’re not at home, make sure Tianqing and Zhusheng keep an eye out. Don’t let the Xiao family come knocking and bully Yin Yin.”
“They won’t.”
“Huh?”
Grandmother Qi was momentarily stunned by these two words. “What do you mean, they won’t?”
Qi Yubai, holding the prayer beads in his hand, lowered his eyelashes and said in a calm tone, “She won’t be bullied again.”
…
Lanyin, accompanied by Ting Yun, was escorted out of the mansion by Nanny Wei. After bidding farewell to Nanny Wei and watching her turn to leave, Lanyin finally let out a long sigh of relief. She turned to look back, her expression no longer as composed and detached as before, as if she hadn’t fully regained her composure.
Ting Yun was the same.
However, without the memories of Lanyin’s past life or knowledge of the history between her and Qi Yubai, Ting Yun was surprised but not shocked. “Mistress,” she called out to Lanyin.
When the scattered light in Lanyin’s eyes refocused, Ting Yun whispered, “Let’s go back.”
“…Alright.”
Lanyin nodded and finally left.
Qi Yubai accompanied Grandmother Qi for dinner and chatted with her for a while before being sent back.
As he left, Qi Yubai glanced at the plate of pastries on the table, which had only been touched a few times. He didn’t say anything, but that night, as Grandmother Qi was preparing to wash up and go to bed early, Yanhuan came in with a message.
“Zhusheng is here.”
“He said the young master didn’t eat much at dinner and is feeling a bit hungry now. The kitchen staff have already gone to rest, so if you have any extra pastries, could you send some over?”
Grandmother Qi quickly replied, “There are still plenty of pastries that Yin Yin brought today. Tell Zhusheng to take them over.” After Yanhuan acknowledged and left, she frowned. “This child is busy with official duties outside and still has work to do when he comes home. How can there be so much to do?”
Nanny Wei smiled and said, “The Dali Temple has always been swamped with work, and the young master is highly regarded by His Majesty. It’s inevitable that he has to take on more responsibilities.”
How could Grandmother Qi not know this?
But she was worried about Qi Yubai’s health. She sighed and said, “I wonder when he’ll finally bring the person he loves home. With someone to take care of him, this old woman can worry a little less.” As she spoke, she thought of Lanyin. “If Yubai didn’t already have someone in his heart, I’d consider pairing him with Yin Yin.”
“Well…”
Nanny Wei frowned. “Miss Gu has been married before.”
Grandmother Qi, however, said, “So what if she’s been married before? It’s not her fault. It’s others who were blind.”
Knowing that her mistress had always been grateful for the Wang Family’s Old Madam’s help in the past, Nanny Wei quickly said, “Miss Gu is naturally a good person. This old servant is only worried about the young master…”
“You don’t understand Yubai.” The Qi Family’s Old Madam chuckled. “If he likes someone, he wouldn’t care whether that woman had been married before or even had children.”
“But there’s no point in saying so much. He has always had his own mind. Since he told me to wait, I’ll wait.”
…
Zhusheng carried a food box, beaming as he bounced back to Qi Yubai’s quarters. “Master, I brought it.”
“Mm.”
Qi Yubai remained seated at his desk, holding a brush as he reviewed official documents. The warm orange candlelight cast a soft glow on his face, making him appear far gentler than he did during the day. Clad in a gray long robe, he did not lift his head. “Go rest.”
“Yes.”
Zhusheng did not linger, placing the pastries on the table before quietly retreating.
Night deepened.
Qi Yubai worked by the solitary glow of a single lamp until the beginning of the midnight hour before stopping.
He washed his brush clean and hung it on the brush rack, then gathered the reviewed documents. Pressing his fingers against his weary brow, he stood up. His gaze drifted to the side, landing on the pastries. The corner of his lips lifted slightly, and his expression softened.
Opening the food box, he picked a peach blossom-shaped pastry and took a bite while walking toward the window. Originally, he only intended to get a breath of fresh air, but as his gaze swept across the courtyard, he noticed a light still glowing in the neighboring residence.
His expression softened even further at the thought of the person living there.
The night breeze gently stirred his sleeves.
Yet, he continued gazing into the distance, never looking away.
He knew her worries, her panic, her unease, and her guilt. So no matter how much he longed to get closer, he kept himself restrained, never stepping out of bounds. He was not in a hurry—he had thought of her for decades. He had long since outgrown the recklessness of a young boy.
He would slowly ease her defenses, earn her trust, and become someone she could rely on.
He wanted… his moon (Yue) to come to him of her own will.