As soon as dismissal time arrived today, Xiao Ye immediately left the palace.
He found his jade-green steed beside the stables outside Xuande Gate, mounted the horse in one swift motion, and without looking back, rushed toward the eastern outskirts.
There was a prohibition in the city against reckless horseback riding, so Xiao Ye adhered to the rules, though he was far from slow. Within the speed limit, he hastened toward the city gate as much as possible. Holding the reins tightly, his expression was tense. The dark robe he wore, embroidered with gold at the edges, only accentuated his imposing presence. Once he left the main official road, he whipped his horse and galloped toward the city gate, leaving a trail of dust behind.
At this time, it was precisely when several major government offices were dismissing their officials. Qi Yubai, too, had not lingered long at the Court of Judicial Review today and planned to return home early. Sitting inside his carriage, opposite him was Tu Yici, who claimed that his family’s carriage had broken down—though in reality, he simply wanted to inquire about Lu Boting.
Hearing the sound of galloping hooves outside, Tu Yici casually glanced through the half-drawn curtain. It was meant to be just a fleeting glance, yet he unexpectedly caught sight of Xiao Ye heading toward Nanxun Gate. He stared for a moment in surprise. “He’s…?”
After a brief moment of thought, he immediately understood—ten li beyond Nanxun Gate lay the eastern outskirts, and his sister-in-law’s estate was precisely there.
“No way… My dear brother-in-law still doesn’t know that my sister-in-law has moved into the city?” Tu Yici considered this possibility, and for a moment, he didn’t know whether his expression should be one of shock or speechlessness.
He looked again at Xiao Ye, who rode away without a second glance, as though chasing after the moon and stars. Then, he turned to the person sitting opposite him—Qi Yubai—who remained steady, reading his book with a calm, unfazed demeanor, as if even a raging storm before him could not disturb his tranquility.
Truly, his senior brother was the superior one.
On the surface, he appeared as serene as an ancient well, resembling an enlightened monk. Yet, in truth, he had long since sealed off every exit for his dear brother-in-law. Meanwhile, that brother-in-law still naively believed he could coax his wife back, completely oblivious that his love rival had already settled her right next door to himself.
Tsk.
So many tricks up his sleeve.
Tu Yici had originally intended to ask about Lu Boting, but now, he felt there was no need. No wonder Qi Yubai had told him not to interfere—he had clearly planned everything out in advance. He couldn’t help but wonder whether it was a good or bad thing for his poor sister-in-law to have caught the eye of this cunning scoundrel, Qi Yubai.
Tu Yici even felt a little sorry for his sister-in-law, who, to this day, still knew nothing about it.
“Hey, Qi Yubai.” He rested his chin on his hand and studied him. The same official robe, when worn by Qi Yubai, made him appear ascetic and upright; when worn by himself, however, it exuded a playful and roguish charm.
“Have you figured out how to court my sister-in-law yet?” he asked Qi Yubai, his tone proud and smug. “If you don’t know how, you might as well curry favor with me. If I’m in a good mood, I might even teach you a few tricks.”
There were few things he could boast about, but when it came to pursuing women, his senior brother was absolutely no match for him.
Qi Yubai glanced at him and, without saying a word, lowered his gaze and continued reading his book. His voice was indifferent as he said, “If you’re that bored, there are still plenty of official documents at my office. I could send them over to the Ministry of Justice for you.”
Tu Yici’s handsome face immediately changed. Forgetting all about teasing Qi Yubai, he quickly pleaded for mercy. After a few more casual exchanges, the carriage arrived first at the Duke of Lu’s residence. Tu Yici grabbed his official hat, jumped down from the carriage, and leaned on the side, asking Qi Yubai, “Not coming in?”
“No. Give my regards to Uncle for me. I’ll…” Qi Yubai looked at him, seemingly speaking casually, yet his words carried a deliberate note as his long fingers tapped the cover of his book. “…come by in a few days.”
Tu Yici was momentarily stunned.
Then, he belatedly realized what was happening. Unable to hold back a muffled chuckle, he quickly suppressed his laughter to avoid provoking Qi Yubai. “Alright, I’ll tell you when the time comes.” With that, he stepped aside. After watching the carriage leave, he turned and walked into the residence.
…
By the time Xiao Ye arrived at the eastern outskirts, the sky had completely darkened.
There were no shops in the countryside, and naturally, no streetlights either. Fortunately, the weather was clear tonight, and the moon and stars overhead illuminated his path. He navigated the dim surroundings by moonlight, making his way toward the estate. The closer he got, the more turbulent his emotions became.
Compared to the resentment and indignation he had felt in previous days, today, he came with hope and remorse. He wanted to tell Lanyin about his thoughts over the past days—he wanted to tell her that he could not live without her.
He wanted to make amends.
Xiao Ye knew that this time, she was truly angry. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have so decisively sent the divorce letter to the Ministry of Revenue. But he also believed that their many years of love wouldn’t simply vanish just like that. If he spoke to her properly, she would understand him.
She had always been generous and easy to talk to.
Carrying such hopes in his heart, he finally arrived at the estate.
But looking at the pitch-dark estate, Xiao Ye furrowed his brows. At this hour, it should be time for the evening meal—why was there not a single lamp lit?
He pulled on the reins with a soft hiss, just about to dismount when he heard the sound of footsteps approaching from not far away. Soon after, the dim light of a lantern illuminated his figure, and a man’s voice rang out, “Who’s there?”
Xiao Ye had keen ears and sharp eyes. Observing for a moment under the candlelight, he quickly recognized the person.
“Chen Fu,” he called.
“Shizi?”
Upon suddenly seeing Xiao Ye’s figure, Chen Fu was also momentarily stunned. He had instinctively wanted to greet him with a bow, just as he had done in the past, but when he thought of his mistress’s suffering and Xiao Ye’s actions that day, the expression on the old man’s face cooled. With an indifferent demeanor, he merely gave a shallow bow and greeted in an emotionless tone, “Shizi.”
Xiao Ye frowned at his unusual attitude.
But he had come today to make amends, not to cause trouble. Besides, he would not take offense over the attitude of a mere servant. He dismounted and asked Chen Fu, “What’s going on with the estate? There’s not a single light. Where is the Madam? Has she retired for the night?”
Hearing these words, Chen Fu disregarded status altogether and looked directly at Xiao Ye. His expression was complicated, his gaze even more unreadable.
“What is it?”
He had stared for too long, and Xiao Ye couldn’t help but frown again.
Seeing this, Chen Fu couldn’t even summon the energy to be angry with him. He simply lowered his eyes and said indifferently, “The mistress left the estate long ago.”
“What?”
Xiao Ye was stunned, not understanding his meaning. “Left the estate? Then where did she go?”
Chen Fu had yet to speak, but at that moment, the hope and anticipation in Xiao Ye’s heart were instantly replaced by panic.
For the first time since separating from Lanyin, Xiao Ye felt fear. Before this, no matter how angry, unwilling, frustrated, or aggrieved he had been, he had always known that Lanyin was at the estate. If he wanted to find her, he could at any time. But now… Lanyin was gone.
“Explain yourself clearly—where exactly did Lanyin go?” His voice sank completely, carrying an overwhelming, oppressive force.
Chen Fu was shaken by his presence, his face paling slightly. He clenched his teeth against the formidable aura, but instead of answering, he deliberately provoked him, “Has Shizi forgotten that you and our mistress have already separated? Where my mistress goes, what does it have to do with you?”
His tone was laced with sarcasm. The deliberate use of ‘you’ and ‘our mistress’ clearly drew a firm line between Lanyin and Xiao Ye.
Xiao Ye’s face turned slightly pale, and his ink-black eyes darkened completely. He stared at Chen Fu, and seeing that the old steward was gritting his teeth, his knees already somewhat weak, he was about to speak when a commotion of hurried footsteps sounded from nearby, as if many people were approaching.
Xiao Ye looked up—it was the estate’s servants.
They raised their lanterns high, first spotting Chen Fu.
“Steward Chen?” They walked over, and as they neared, they saw Xiao Ye’s figure.
In the three years since Xiao Ye and Lanyin had married, he had never set foot in this place. But among the estate’s staff, there were still some who recognized him. Several “Shizi” greetings were spoken, but upon seeing Chen Fu’s state, the protective servants’ faces darkened. A few stepped forward to support the trembling steward, their expressions cold as they turned to Xiao Ye and said,
“This is our mistress’s private residence. No matter how noble and powerful Shizi may be, there is no justification for trespassing on private property.”
“If Shizi refuses to leave, we will have no choice but to report this to the authorities.”
“We do not welcome Shizi here. Please leave at once!”
…
Xiao Ye had never thought that one day, Lanyin’s people would receive him with such words and such an attitude.
He knew that many of the people at this estate had been sent by Lanyin’s maternal grandmother. In Bianjing, Lanyin had no close relatives to rely on. Apart from a few maids and older female servants in her residence, the ones closest to her were precisely these old retainers at the estate.
Back then, Lanyin had mentioned wanting to stay here for a few days with him. But he was always either too busy or unwilling to make the trip. Over time, she stopped bringing it up, and he had never once visited.
Occasionally, when Lanyin passed by while worshiping Buddha, he would come to pick her up but only waited at the gate, never entering even once.
Yet, whether it was during these passings or when they delivered fruits from the estate to the Earl residence, their attitude towards him was always respectful, even humble.
He had never been treated so coldly by them before.
Even—
It could be considered as aversion.
“It’s all your fault!”
Suddenly, a pebble hit him, thrown by a child who held a handful of small stones, angrily throwing them at Xiao Ye while puffing up his cheeks and saying, “You bullied our master, you bad man, I’ll beat you to death!”
“Xiao Tao!”
The crowd was startled by the child’s actions and quickly pulled him behind them, feeling a wave of fear. It was one thing to vent verbally, but if someone actually got hurt, they would be the ones to suffer.
Chen Fu also changed his expression, frowning as he looked at his grandson. He was about to say something to Xiao Ye when he saw him turn around, looking lost. Under the dim light, the man walked away in the opposite direction, his back turned to them. Chen Fu couldn’t see his expression, only noticing how he stumbled forward, his once towering figure now seemingly bent, even his spine appeared curved.
He saw the man trying to mount his horse.
But for some reason, as he swung onto the horse, his body swayed slightly, as if he was about to fall. Chen Fu frowned, intending to step forward, but the man gritted his teeth and managed to mount the horse. As the horse neighed, the man and the horse gradually moved further away from them.
Watching the figure recede into the distance on the mountain path.
Chen Fu stopped, his gaze still fixed on the direction Xiao Ye had left. When someone beside him asked, “What should we do?” he replied, “Tomorrow I will go into the city to see the master and tell her about this.”
Lanyin was unaware of the events at the estate and that Xiao Ye had come looking for her. Having just moved to a new residence, she had too much to do, busy from morning till night. Even with the help of Ting Yun and Shi Yu, she had only just finished her tasks… After a busy day, she had little appetite. Now living alone, she didn’t need to be too particular about meals, not necessarily preparing several dishes and a soup. She had someone deliver a message, planning to simply eat some chicken wontons at night to fill her stomach.
As she sat on the chair wiping her hands with a handkerchief, Ting Yun said beside her, “The embroiderer you were looking for, Shopkeeper Sun has already arranged it. The letter to Lady Xu has also been sent, informing her of your current residence. There’s no reply yet.”
Lanyin sat in a chair with her eyes closed, taking a short rest. Upon hearing the servant’s report, she waited for the person to finish speaking before asking again, “Is there anything else?”
Ting Yun was about to say “no” when she suddenly remembered something and added, “Today, the Old Madam of the Qi family sent Mama Wei to deliver several potted plants as a congratulatory gift for your housewarming. This servant saw that the plants were quite auspicious-looking, and one of them even bore kumquats. So I took the liberty of placing it in your study.”
Hearing that the grandmother of the Qi family had sent her potted plants, Lanyin’s somewhat weary brows and eyes relaxed slightly, showing a soft expression.
She thought for a moment. “I recall that when the Qi family sent pastries over this morning, I mentioned that yesterday’s pastries were quite good. Have someone send some over in return later.” She originally considered simply sending over the recipe, but that seemed too perfunctory, so she instructed, “In the future, whenever the household makes pastries suitable for the elderly, you don’t need to ask for my opinion—just have them send half over.”
With the Old Madam of the Qi family as a connection, Ting Yun naturally no longer avoided interacting with the Qi family.
Besides, now that the mistress was living alone outside, if she could receive the protection of the Old Madam and that Qi official, life would be somewhat easier.
She went outside to relay the instructions.
Lanyin remained seated inside, continuing to prop her forehead up with her hand, resting with her eyes closed. Perhaps because the Qi family was mentioned, she couldn’t help but think of Qi Yubai again. So in her past life, did Qi Yubai save her because of this connection?
But even if it was because of this, she still felt she owed him a great deal.
She didn’t know how to make it up to him.
…
When Lanyin sent someone to deliver the pastries, the Qi family’s grandmother and grandson had just finished their evening meal.
Upon hearing that the pastries were from Lanyin, the Old Madam of the Qi family beamed with joy and quickly had them brought in. When she saw that it was Ting Yun, she smiled and asked, “Where is your mistress?”
“The mistress has only just finished her meal after a busy day. She remembered that you enjoy pastries, so she specifically instructed the kitchen to make some and send them over,” Ting Yun replied in a respectful and gentle tone, with her head slightly lowered.
Upon hearing this, the Old Madam’s face showed a hint of distress. “Why is she only eating dinner at this hour?”
She had thought her own household’s mealtime was already late.
“Your mistress is living alone now. In the future, if she’s at home, tell her to come here for meals. Go back and let her know—tell her that this old woman gets lonely at home, and she should visit me more often to keep me company.”
Noticing that Ting Yun’s gaze had shifted to the young man beside her, the Old Madam immediately understood her confusion and had no reservations about teasing her own grandson. “Don’t mind him—he’s just a block of wood. I’ve seen enough of him to the point of boredom. I can only hope for someone pleasant to come and keep me entertained.”
The room erupted in laughter, and Qi Yubai’s face showed a helpless expression.
Ting Yun barely managed to hold back her laughter, unlike the others, but her eyes were warm, clearly influenced by the Qi family’s lively atmosphere. She smiled and responded with an “Alright” before excusing herself to return and relay the message to her mistress.
Just as she stepped outside, she overheard the Old Madam inside asking that Qi official, “Do you still want pastries today?”
“If Grandmother can’t finish them, I’ll take some with me.”
“I certainly can’t finish them. But as I recall, you never used to like these things.”
“I like them now.”
…
Ting Yun pondered upon hearing this. So, the pastries that her mistress sent yesterday ended up in the stomach of this Qi official?
She carried this thought back with her and relayed the Old Madam’s words to her mistress, along with her observations of the Qi family’s interactions.
“People outside always say that this Qi official is difficult to approach. But from this servant’s quiet observation, he treats his family very well. Compared to those who put on a proper appearance in public but throw tantrums at home, he is much better.”
Only then did Lanyin come to realize that Qi Yubai behaved like this at home.
However, she wasn’t entirely surprised. If he hadn’t been cold on the outside but warm-hearted, why would he have saved her when she was in trouble back then?
“There’s one more thing.”
“Hmm?” Lanyin looked up. “What is it?”
Ting Yun said, “When we left earlier, I overheard something. Most of the pastries we sent over yesterday were eaten by Lord Qi.”
Lanyin thought back to last night when she was about to rest. She had glanced out the window and noticed that the lights were still on next door. Although she wasn’t sure if the room next to her wall was Qi Yubai’s, she figured he must have stayed up late. The pastries were likely eaten by him as a midnight snack.
“Those pastries are fine as snacks in small amounts, but eating them at night to fill one’s stomach might be a bit too rich.”
After a moment of contemplation, she had already formed a plan. It would be a way to repay Qi Yubai for his past kindness. However, suddenly sending him a midnight snack seemed a bit odd. Recalling what Ting Yun had mentioned earlier about Qi Yubai’s grandmother, Lanyin had initially been reluctant to go. Since childhood, she had never liked troubling others, and the thought of dining with Qi Yubai made her feel somewhat uneasy.
But now—
Well, it couldn’t be helped.
She would do what she could to make amends. As for the unease, she figured he wasn’t much of a talker anyway. She would just focus on speaking with his grandmother.