The Double Seventh Festival was the most beloved holiday among young ladies in Bianjing. On this day, they would gather with their close friends, set out wine and fruits to worship the Weaving Maid, build colorful towers to pray for skill and marriage prospects, and spend the entire day in celebration.
All festivals were also favorites of merchants.
Ming Shu also loved the Double Seventh Festival, not only because of her girlish heart but also because she was a goldsmith shop owner. Before the festival, Mantang Hui had launched seasonal accessories, including the most popular Mohe Luo figurines. Made of clay with gold lacquer and adorned with golden beads, these were particularly favored by the ladies of noble households and had sold out early.
In the days leading up to the festival, Ming Shu personally delivered the Mohe Luo figurines to various noble households with her staff. Additionally, she had ordered a batch of exquisite festival sweets to be delivered alongside the figurines—a gesture of goodwill with auspicious meaning.
“Business people think differently!” Wen An praised her. “Look how you’ve delighted all these ladies. I could never manage that.”
Mantang Hui’s business had found its stride, and its reputation had grown thanks to Ming Shu’s endless creative ideas and her way with words. Many noble ladies preferred to order their jewelry through Ming Shu.
“It’s called speaking differently to different…”
Before Shu Jun could finish her teasing remark, Ming Shu silenced her with a cup of wine.
The three close friends hadn’t met in a long while. Thanks to the festival, Ming Shu and Shu Jun were invited to the Prince’s mansion to celebrate with Wen An.
“That’s nothing compared to speaking well. The daughter that the Lu family just welcomed home—now that’s someone who knows how to talk,” Wen An said, glancing sideways at the two.
Shu Jun’s interest was piqued, and she immediately agreed: “You mean Third Miss Lu? I’ve been saying the same thing. She’s been quite prominent lately, ten times more impressive than before. Even Minister Lu praised her. My mother told me to learn from her. How could a girl raised in the marketplace have such bearing?”
“What bearing? She just loves the spotlight,” Wen An said dismissively.
“Have you met her?” Ming Shu set down her wine cup, curious about Liu Wan’er.
“Weren’t you the one who found her for the Lu family? Don’t you know?” Shu Jun leaned closer to ask.
Ming Shu shook her head. After the matter was settled, the Lu family had sent her some silver as compensation, but Liu Wan’er had never sought her out again. In Ming Shu’s memory, Liu Wan’er was a delicate and refined young lady who didn’t fit descriptions like “attention-seeking,” nor did she show any other notable traits.
“Third Miss Lu has become like a spirit fox. Who knows what tricks she’s using, but in just a few days she’s won over everyone in the household and gained the favor of the Marquis of Rongxin. There might even be a marriage alliance between the two families. You know the Lu family’s situation—they’ve always hoped their daughters would marry into prominent families to strengthen their position. What the fake Third Miss couldn’t achieve, this Third Miss has accomplished. How could Minister Lu not be pleased?” Shu Jun continued, “And there’s more…”
Growing more excited, she pulled her two friends closer and continued: “At the beginning of this year, the Imperial Observatory noticed unusual stellar movements. This happens to be the seventh year of the seven-year cycle, so the court plans to hold a grand Buddhist ceremony during the Ghost Festival. Third Miss Lu suggested to Minister Lu that they set up porridge stalls near the ceremony to feed the poor, and she wanted to rally the noble ladies of the capital to donate clothes and goods… Think about it—Minister Lu loves to build his reputation, how could he pass up such an opportunity? If done well, it could be a worthy deed recorded in history. Of course, he’d support it. The news has even reached the imperial palace.”
“This matter now…” Ming Shu found it increasingly incredible and gripped Shu Jun’s arm to ask more.
But Wen An let out a cold laugh and answered for Shu Jun: “She’s certainly ambitious, but why should we play along? Help her gain face? Just wait and see how many families in the capital are willing to participate in this charade. Let them perform their solo act.”
Shu Jun explained further: “The Lu family sent invitations to both my family and Wen An’s. Third Miss Lu even personally visited the heir apparent’s wife at the Duke’s mansion to persuade her to join, but everyone’s enthusiasm is low… few have agreed.”
Rallying the noble ladies of Bianjing was far beyond Third Miss Lu’s status and position.
Even though it wasn’t successful, this Third Miss Lu had certainly made quite a name for herself in the capital. While the controversy of the Lu family’s child-switching case hadn’t yet subsided, in just over ten days, she had stirred up another round of discussion among the noble ladies. Her name had become a topic of conversation in various households, and she had swiftly gained prominence in the capital at an unprecedented speed.
These were not achievements possible for an isolated orphan girl raised in the marketplace.
“Ming Shu?” Wen An pushed her. “What are you thinking about?”
Ming Shu came back to herself, realizing she had been lost in thought.
After lunch at Wen An’s mansion, the three friends agreed to go sightseeing near the Bian River.
“Hurry, the pleasure boat is here,” Wen An excitedly pointed ahead.
Ming Shu looked up to see a spacious double-decked pleasure boat moored by the riverbank. The boat featured carved pillars with vermillion lacquer, with colored silk ribbons fluttering in the wind. Boatmen wearing bamboo hats stood at bow and stern with poles, guards lined both sides of the deck, and on the second floor, finely dressed young nobles could be glimpsed in the boat pavilion.
“This is…” Ming Shu’s steps faltered.
“Today we’re just accompanying guests. The person who arranged this wanted to meet Shu Jun,” Wen An whispered in Ming Shu’s ear, holding up three fingers.
“Three…” Ming Shu immediately pressed her lips together.
“They’re discussing marriage, and it’s almost settled, but they can’t meet until the wedding. Today’s festival is a chance to ease their lovesickness. After this meeting, they probably won’t see each other for a long time. Rather pitiful, isn’t it?” Wen An teased.
Shu Jun’s cheeks had already turned red, and she made to strike at Wen An, who said, “He’s watching you from above—don’t make a scene!” Shu Jun immediately composed herself, while Ming Shu doubled over with laughter, saying, “You talk as if they used to meet often.”
While Shu Jun’s personality might not suit the imperial family, the Third Prince was reliable. One steady, one lively—they could complement each other. As for later… Ming Shu couldn’t judge by ordinary standards. After all, few marriages were perfect, and worldly matters rarely satisfied both sides. The days of girlhood would pass, innocence wouldn’t last forever, people would grow, and times would change to different scenes and different skies.
“Ming Shu! Watch your step!”
Lost in thought, she suddenly heard someone call her name. Looking up, she saw Song Qingzhao standing at the bow, reaching out to her.
This was the first time she had seen Song Qingzhao since the night Lu Chang was shot with an arrow, and she couldn’t help but be surprised. Today, Song Qingzhao had departed from his usual style, wearing a moon-white crossed-collar robe with sky-blue wide sleeves, looking less like the austere young master of the Duke’s mansion and more like a romantic young gentleman.
“He came with His Highness,” Wen An explained timely as she boarded the boat.
The boat swayed slightly, unstable, and Song Qingzhao held Ming Shu’s hand, steadying her as she came aboard before letting go.
“It’s been a while. How have you been?” Song Qingzhao hadn’t seen her in some time and thought she seemed thinner.
“Thanks to your concern, I’m well,” Ming Shu answered with a smile, watching as the attendants filed onto the boat behind her.
For this outing, all three of them had brought quite a few attendants, but fortunately, the pleasure boat was large enough to accommodate everyone. Though the Third Prince had arranged to meet Shu Jun, they weren’t meeting alone—there were many maids, servants, and guards in attendance, presumably with their families’ tacit approval. The two of them conversed on the upper deck while Ming Shu and Wen An remained below, with Song Qingzhao keeping them company.
The boat was already laid out with fruits, snacks, and fragrant drinks that young ladies enjoyed. Ming Shu chose a fragrant drink and held it while slowly sipping, wanting to go to the rail to enjoy the scenery on both shores. Wen An complained about the sun and refused to go out, so Ming Shu went by herself.
As the pleasure boat drifted along, the scenery on both banks unfolded like a painting, with human affairs and worldly matters hidden within the riverside homes, captivating Ming Shu. This was a rare moment of peace for her lately.
“Aren’t you afraid of the sun?” Song Qingzhao’s voice rang out, as gently as the breeze flowing between the rivers.
“I am, but it’s fine to try it occasionally,” Ming Shu replied, her cheeks already slightly reddened from the sun.
Song Qingzhao stepped forward halfway, perfectly blocking most of the sunlight for her: “Ming Shu, Lu Chang…”
“My brother’s arrow wound is no longer serious. Thank you for coming to our aid. Without you, my brother would have been in danger. I haven’t had the chance to properly thank you for this kindness.” Ming Shu looked up earnestly.
“Ming Shu, I helped Lu Chang—you don’t need to thank me on his behalf. That night… Lu Chang said you heard everything.”
Not being siblings or family, why should she thank him on Lu Chang’s behalf? The distance between them was so clear it pained his heart.
After a moment of surprise, Ming Shu nodded silently.
“Then you must know my feelings by now. I actually wanted to tell you at my mother’s flower banquet, but when I heard about your memory loss, and you mentioned your dream, so…” His gaze was as intense as the sun, yet like the sparkling waves today, rippling into one’s heart.
Ming Shu’s face turned crimson as she suddenly remembered the confusing dream she had mentioned, feeling extremely embarrassed. She never expected Song Qingzhao to choose this moment to bear his heart, speaking so directly that she didn’t know how to react.
Seeing her silence, Song Qingzhao continued: “I had an agreement with Lu Chang, but since you overheard our conversation that night, you must know both our hearts. The premise of our agreement no longer exists.”
The so-called fairness was based on Ming Shu still viewing Lu Chang as her brother, but she had accidentally discovered this identity. They were now simply a man and woman living under the same roof. If he didn’t do something, he feared he would lose her to another.
He couldn’t accept that.
After waiting so many years, finally finding a woman who moved his heart, he didn’t want to miss this chance.
Song Qingzhao no longer wished to abide by any gentlemen’s agreement. Love was a competition, and Lu Chang already had too much of a head start. How could that be fair? It was now every man for himself.
“What virtue or ability does Ming Shu possess to earn Young Master Song’s attention? I’m grateful for your misplaced affection, it’s my fortune, but…”
“Ming Shu, could you call me by my name? Even just once.” Song Qingzhao interrupted her.
Ming Shu hesitated for a moment before speaking: “Very well, Qingzhao.”
She hadn’t dreamed of the green-robed youth for a long time now, whether the man in her dreams was Song Qingzhao or Lu Chang. Yet the flutter in her heart when she first met Song Qingzhao, though only momentary, had been real. Although it was because of a confusing dream, the feelings had genuinely been projected onto Song Qingzhao. She had more than once traced his features in her mind at night, using naive feelings to outline the shape of love, imagining what her future husband might be like.
But she also understood that all of this was just midnight’s hazy imaginings. The closer she got, the more clear-headed she became.
Clear-headed enough to know that when it came to liking someone, there was no room for ambiguity.
This might be cruel to Song Qingzhao, but she couldn’t give him false hope.
“I’m sorry, I…”
“Ming Shu.” Though impolite, Song Qingzhao interrupted her again, “Do you like Lu Chang?”
Ming Shu was startled, confusion flashing in her eyes before finally saying: “With my memories not yet returned, I dare not speak carelessly of feelings.”
Who could guarantee she hadn’t loved someone in her past years? Who could tell her if she had already shared mutual feelings with someone? If there was such a person, any promise she made now would end up betraying both parties.
Whether it was Lu Chang, Song Qingzhao, or anyone else, she couldn’t give an answer at this time.
“I’ll wait. Wait until you remember, then give me your answer.” Song Qingzhao said. He knew what she wanted to say, so he spoke first.
Ming Shu grew anxious: “Song Qingzhao, that’s not what I meant!”
“I know, but this is what I mean. I want to tell you that anything Lu Chang can do for you, I can do just as well!” Song Qingzhao stood before her, declaring earnestly.
Ming Shu’s head ached terribly. She had never thought Song Qingzhao was stubborn.
“If you feel you can’t respond to others’ feelings because your memory hasn’t returned, why reject only mine? Lu Chang and I both care for you, what’s the difference?” Song Qingzhao wasn’t usually forceful, but now he wanted to press her.
Not for an outcome, just for a chance.
“Because…” Ming Shu looked into his eyes, clenching her hands, “You two are not the same.”
She couldn’t respond to Lu Chang because her memories hadn’t returned, but she rejected Song Qingzhao simply because… she didn’t love him.
So simple, yet so cruel.
As dusk fell, a cool breeze swept by, bringing comfort while dispersing the awkward silence between them.
Although she had expressed herself very clearly, Song Qingzhao still insisted on escorting Ming Shu home.
The carriage stopped in front of Wei Manor, and Ming Shu had just jumped down, about to bid farewell to Song Qingzhao. He seemed to have regained his composure, his expression collected, his manner polite, though speaking less.
“Ming Shu?” Lu Chang’s voice suddenly rang out.
Ming Shu and Song Qingzhao turned their heads simultaneously to see Lu Chang approaching from the other side with an unfriendly expression. By his appearance, he seemed to have just finished his duties, but today was different from usual—he lacked his usual calm composure, his knitted brows shadowing eyes that flashed with severity, fixing on the two of them like a hawk.
Before Ming Shu and Song Qingzhao could speak, Lu Chang had already pulled Ming Shu to his side, demanding harshly without asking for an explanation: “Didn’t I tell you not to go out these days? Why did you secretly leave the mansion without bringing anyone with you?”
Ming Shu’s face darkened as she yanked her hand away angrily: “I’m not a criminal in your Kaifeng Prefecture, why should I be followed by your people like one? You won’t let me leave the mansion but won’t tell me why. What right do you have to order me around? I’ll go out if I want to!”
“What right? The right of being your brother!” Lu Chang’s expression worsened.
“There’s no brother in the world like you! You’re so annoying, controlling everything!” Ming Shu retorted stubbornly.
“Lu! Ming! Shu!” Lu Chang bit out each syllable of her full name, gripping her wrist like iron tongs and pulling her toward the mansion without discussion. “Come back with me! Since people can’t keep an eye on you, I’ll add a lock to your door!”
“Lu Chang!” Ming Shu was so angry she called out his full name, but she was already being dragged forcefully toward the mansion. “Let go, I don’t want to go back with you!”
“Lu Chang! Don’t be like this!” Song Qingzhao could no longer bear watching the siblings argue like this and stepped forward to speak for Ming Shu. “She was just gathering with Wen An and Shu Jun today, and afternoon she was with me and the Third Prince. There was no danger.”
“What do you understand?” Lu Chang sneered, his tone full of mockery, seeming like a different person. “My business with her doesn’t require Your Lordship’s concern.”
“Let her go first!” Song Qingzhao placed his hand on Lu Chang’s shoulder, stopping his movement.
“Remove your hand!” Lu Chang shrugged, but couldn’t shake off Song Qingzhao’s grip.
“I’ll remove it if you let go of Ming Shu first.” Song Qingzhao refused to back down.
Lu Chang let out another cold laugh, the ferocity in his eyes deepening, and said to Ming Shu: “So you know how to gang up against me?”
Ming Shu was extremely anxious, but before she could speak, Lu Chang turned to Song Qingzhao: “What if I don’t let go? She’s my sister, how I discipline her is my family matter. What business is it of yours?”
“Lu Chang, don’t push too far.” Song Qingzhao’s grip tightened.
“I told you to let go!” Lu Chang’s eyes narrowed slightly as he dropped his shoulder to break free from Song Qingzhao’s grip, immediately swinging a punch.
The punch grazed Song Qingzhao’s cheek, but Lu Chang didn’t stop there. He pushed Ming Shu behind him and advanced on Song Qingzhao.
As he got close to Song Qingzhao, he whispered something in his ear, then with lightning speed knocked Song Qingzhao to the ground.
“Stay away from my sister!” Lu Chang warned, looking down at him.
Having taken his punch, Song Qingzhao hung his head slightly, gently wiping the corner of his mouth as he slowly stood up. He clenched his fists and suddenly struck out, also aiming a punch at Lu Chang’s face.
This punch, Lu Chang didn’t dodge this, taking it directly.
When he came to his senses, his eyes showed slight surprise, but seeing Song Qingzhao’s punches coming one after another, he had to defend himself.
His strikes were feigned, but Song Qingzhao’s were real.
“If fake can’t fool people, let’s have a real fight,” Song Qingzhao’s whisper reached Lu Chang’s ears.
He had long wanted to fight Lu Chang.
Ming Shu stood to the side, watching helplessly as the two men grappled with each other.
What happened to just pretending?
This play-acting had turned real, and it wasn’t fun at all!
She was going crazy.