In the third month of the Chu capital, a hundred flowers bloomed in splendid competition, intoxicating visitors with spring’s beauty.

At Beauty Lake on the outskirts of the capital, noble young ladies strolled in small groups along the emerald grass-covered shores, some admiring flowers, others sharing jokes. Their presence added vibrant charm to Beauty Lake, which had been quiet all winter.

Three swift horses galloped from afar. Leading them was a black stallion without a single misplaced hair – a rare thousand-li steed. Even more eye-catching was the youth riding it – white-robed with black hair, graceful and handsome. His beautiful features were filled with natural elegance and pride. Though the two people following him were also quite handsome, everyone’s gaze was unconsciously drawn to the white-robed youth. Young ladies couldn’t help covering their faces shyly while stealing glances. The young gentlemen needed only one look before feeling as if their eyes were burned by the youth’s overwhelming radiance.

“Yao, can’t you be less arrogant? Mo Jingli’s glares at you are practically throwing daggers,” said Feng Zhiyao in his bright red brocade clothes as he dismounted by the peach grove near the lake, giving Mo Xiuyao a sidelong glance. Though not yet thirteen, after years of practicing martial arts with Mo Xiuyao, his height had shot up rapidly. Once looking only seven or eight years old, he was now almost as tall as Mo Xiuyao.

The Second Young Master of Prince Ding’s mansion, Mo Xiuyao, had just returned victorious from the frontier at age thirteen – truly his moment of glory. The tempering of the battlefield had given him an extra sharp edge compared to other youths his age.

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows and said, “When has he ever not thrown daggers with his eyes at me?” Glancing at the person glaring at them with gritted teeth from not far away, Mo Xiuyao said carelessly, “Speaking of which, what’s it about this time?”

Feng Zhiyao rolled his eyes, “Second Young Master Mo, have you forgotten? The day before you left for battle, you accidentally kicked someone into the Golden Water River?”

“Eh? Did that happen?” Mo Xiuyao looked blank. “This young master was away at war for half a year, and he’s still holding a grudge over such a small matter? Too much free time?” Being kicked into the river wasn’t a big deal, everyone makes mistakes, the Third Young Master Feng thought silently. But what made it bad was that after kicking him in, Second Young Master Mo didn’t think to pull him out and apologize – instead, when the person had finally managed to splash his way up, Mo Xiuyao had skimmed across the lake surface and casually kicked him back in with one foot.

That day, everyone present shed tears for His Highness Prince Li. The water of Golden Water River didn’t taste very good, but Prince Li had gotten a good drink of it. It was said he was bedridden for half a month afterward. By the time he got up to complain to the emperor, that scoundrel Mo Xiuyao had already left with the army for battle.

“Well… he ambushed me first, okay?” The Second Young Master Mo had remembered what he’d done, and rubbed his nose saying, “Besides, big brother had sent someone to tell me to return to the mansion immediately, so…”

You were in a hurry so you stepped on someone’s head?

Feng Zhiyao glanced at the certain someone glaring at them from afar – getting involved with a plague god-like Mo Xiuyao, who knows which deity Mo Jingli had offended in his past life.

“Haha, the scenery of the Chu capital is quite nice indeed,” commented the white-robed youth who had been silently listening to their conversation.

Mo Xiuyao smiled and said, “Naturally. Though the capital can’t compare to the small bridges, flowing waters, and misty rains of Jiangnan, it has its unique charm. Han Mingyue, how about it? Planning to stay long in the capital?”

The white-robed youth shook his head and said, “A long stay won’t be possible – I’m worried about Mingxi still in Jiangnan. However, I should be visiting the capital frequently in the future.”

Feng Zhiyao looked at the white-robed youth and said happily, “That’s great! I’ve long heard that Young Master Mingyue’s talents and wisdom are exceptional – this fellow will be in your care from now on.” Feng Zhiyao’s words had a hint of grinding teeth to them. At their first meeting, Mo Xiuyao had called him stupid. But before meeting Mo Xiuyao, Feng Zhiyao had never thought himself stupid. If he were stupid, he wouldn’t have managed to keep up with children his age in studies despite his First Mother forbidding him from attending school. But after meeting Mo Xiuyao, Feng Zhiyao seriously considered whether he might be stupid. The same book would take him ten days to memorize, while Mo Xiuyao needed only one day and still had time to write his reflections. The same sword technique would take him three days to learn, while Mo Xiuyao needed only one look. Eventually, even their teachers felt sorry for the Third Young Master Feng who couldn’t keep up at all, and arranged extra tutoring sessions for him.

But Han Mingyue was different. Though he lived in Jiangnan, at just fourteen years old, Young Master Mingyue’s reputation already filled the region. He and Mo Xiuyao had become acquainted through fighting, ultimately becoming friends out of respect for each other’s abilities. With another genius freak around to keep things in check, Feng Zhiyao felt his days would be much easier.

Han Mingyue smiled and shook his head, “What genius am I? If you want to talk about genius, who can compare to the First Young Master of the Xu family?”

Xu family’s First Young Master Xu Qingchen was several years younger than them, but his name was already known throughout the world. Every great scholar who met him praised him endlessly, calling him an unparalleled talent.

Mo Xiuyao casually tied his horse to a tree and walked into the peach grove, saying, “Xu Qingchen studies literature – he’s not on our path.” Besides, Prince Ding’s mansion and the Xu family couldn’t get too close. It wouldn’t be good for anyone.

From within the peach grove came the clear sound of zither strings and the laughing voices of many young ladies. This was the season when talented young men and beautiful ladies went out to enjoy spring outings.

“Sister Hua.”

In an open grass area within the peach grove, a group of elegantly dressed young ladies sat on the ground, some playing zither, others chatting. The purple-robed young lady sitting in the center was Hua Yunxi, the daughter of the Hua Marquis mansion.

Seeing the three approaches, all the young ladies blushed and hurriedly rose to greet them. The Second Young Master of Prince Ding’s mansion was of noble status and handsome appearance, and more importantly, still unmarried – he was the dream prince of many maidens.

Hua Yunxi stood up and looked at Mo Xiuyao with a smile, “You’ve grown much taller after your campaign. I heard from grandfather about your victory – truly worthy of Prince Ding’s descendant.”

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows and smiled, “It was just a small skirmish.”

Hua Yunxi smiled faintly and said, “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Zhiyao too. What have you been busy with lately?”

Feng Zhiyao looked at Hua Yunxi and forced a smile, saying, “Nothing much, just being confined at home by the old man.” These years, the Third Young Master Feng had been partners in crime… no, more like dyed black by ink with the Second Young Master of Prince Ding’s mansion. At least half of Mo Xiuyao’s misdeeds had Feng Zhiyao’s hand in them. When Mo Xiuyao dealt with Prince Li and ran away, Feng Zhiyao was too young to escape. He was severely beaten by his father, Old Master Feng, and confined at home.

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows curiously and asked, “Did something happen in the capital while I was away?” After years of brotherhood, Mo Xiuyao knew Third Young Master Feng well enough – if they were just being beaten and confined by his father, Feng Zhiyao wouldn’t have reacted this way. To put it bluntly, Feng Zhiyao was used to being disciplined by his father. Since Third Young Master Feng’s martial prowess had overwhelmingly swept through the Feng household, his father was the only one left who could still discipline him.

Hua Yunxi smiled faintly and said, “Nothing major.”

A young lady beside Hua Yunxi covered her mouth and said with a blushing face, “His Majesty has decreed a marriage between Sister Hua and Prince Qi. The wedding will be next month. Then Sister Hua will be the honorable Princess Consort Qi.” Her words carried a hint of envy. Since the Regent’s death, the Emperor’s health had not been good. No one knew how long he could hold on. Most people knew that Prince Qi was one of the princes most likely to ascend to the throne. If that happened, Hua Yunxi would become the mother of the nation.

“Is that so?” Mo Xiuyao was somewhat surprised. He had just returned and immediately left the city with Han Mingyue, having no chance to learn what had happened in the capital over the past half year. He turned his head worriedly to look at Feng Zhiyao, and sure enough, saw him lower his head with a darkened expression.

Actually, from the beginning, Mo Xiuyao had never approved of Feng Zhiyao’s feelings for Hua Yunxi. Not only because of their status difference – Feng Zhiyao was too young, not yet thirteen. Even if his future became brilliant, the sixteen-year-old Hua Yunxi couldn’t wait unmarried for him to achieve success. More importantly, how could Hua Yunxi believe in the feelings of a child not yet thirteen?

And now, with the Emperor’s marriage decree, nothing more needed to be said. For the Hua family’s sake, Hua Yunxi couldn’t harbor any inappropriate thoughts.

Hua Yunxi smiled faintly and said, “It is His Majesty’s grace.” Her expression showed neither joy and anticipation nor rejection of this marriage. In this world, all women originally lived this way. Love and romance were things that only existed in storybooks.

Mo Xiuyao smiled and said, “Then Xiuyao congratulates Sister Hua.”

Hua Yunxi smiled gently and said, “You’re not young anymore either. I heard from grandfather that your brother has already chosen a good girl for you, and plans to arrange your engagement when you return.”

Mo Xiuyao smiled indifferently. He was truly young still. His thoughts were more occupied with battlefield glory and the freedom of the jianghu, not as concerned with beauty as other youths his age.

After bidding farewell to Hua Yunxi, the three walked out of the peach grove side by side. Han Mingyue thoughtfully looked at Feng Zhiyao, whose brilliant red clothes seemed dimmed, and sighed softly, saying, “Brother Feng, there are beautiful flowers everywhere under heaven.” Young Master Mingyue was exceptionally intelligent – how could he not see Feng Zhiyao’s feelings for Hua Yunxi? But he didn’t yet know that matters of the heart cannot be controlled. Nor would he know that shortly, he too would encounter his life’s demon, falling even more tragically than Feng Zhiyao.

Mo Xiuyao sighed and patted Feng Zhiyao’s shoulder, asking, “How about it? Want to fight?” As a brother, Mo Xiuyao knew that Feng Zhiyao didn’t need consolation.

Feng Zhiyao rolled his eyes, “Do you think I’m stupid?” Fighting him would just mean getting beaten up. He was already unlucky enough, no need to make it worse.

Three months ago when the Emperor first issued the marriage decree, Feng Zhiyao already knew. Or rather, he had known even earlier that he and Hua Yunxi were impossible. One was the legitimate daughter of a Marquis’s mansion, the other a merchant’s neglected son by a concubine – such a vast difference was practically an uncrossable chasm.

Feng Zhiyao wasn’t naive. On the contrary, his childhood experiences had made him more clear-headed and mature than other youths his age. He had never harbored any hope for these feelings. Moreover, he was more than three years younger than her – in her eyes, he was just a little brother like Mo Xiuyao.

Feng Zhiyao didn’t know when his feelings had changed. Perhaps from the first time he saw her, or when he lay half-dead from his First Mother and brothers’ scheme and she secretly sent people to deliver medicine and care for him, or perhaps just on some ordinary day when his heart unexpectedly stirred.

Mo Xiuyao once joked, “Love knows not its beginning, yet runs deep at first sight.” Feng Zhiyao couldn’t help but smile bitterly. The Second Young Master Mo was heaven-blessed – though they were peers, he had never been troubled by emotions, coming and going freely like the wind. One couldn’t help but envy him.

The night before Hua Yunxi and Mo Jingqi’s wedding, torrential rain poured down. Feng Zhiyao stood outside the Hua mansion’s wall, lost in thought, his clothes and hair soaked through by the rain. Feng Zhiyao silently raised his eyes to the pitch-black sky, bit his teeth, and with one leap, entered the Hua mansion’s grounds.

Feng Zhiyao had visited the Hua mansion twice with Mo Xiuyao before, so he easily found his way outside Hua Yunxi’s door. The night was deep, and Hua Yunxi’s room was quiet, but the light was still on.

Feng Zhiyao pressed against the door to listen, and after confirming there was no one inside besides Hua Yunxi, he knocked.

Hua Yunxi opened the door and was startled to see the soaked Feng Zhiyao, “Zhiyao, why have you come so late? And you’re completely wet! I…”

“Can you not marry Prince Qi?” The youth, completely unconcerned about his bedraggled state, stared steadily at Hua Yunxi.

Hua Yunxi froze, and after a long moment shook her head and said, “I cannot.”

Watching the youth bite his lip, his handsome face pale and cold whether from the night rain or something else, Hua Yunxi’s heart ached. She had no siblings and had always loved this youth like her own little brother. And compared to the spirited, carefree Second Young Master Mo, she cared more for this youth who wasn’t valued by his father, who always stubbornly pretended not to mind even when he was hurting. “Silly child, even after I’m married, I’ll still be your sister. In the future, you can come visit me at Prince Qi’s mansion with Xiuyao.”

Feng Zhiyao stared steadily at Hua Yunxi, and for a moment Hua Yunxi thought he would cry. After a long while, Feng Zhiyao took out a night pearl the size of a walnut from his chest. In the night, the pearl in Feng Zhiyao’s hand gave off a soft purple glow. One look would tell it was priceless.

“Zhiyao, what is this?”

Feng Zhiyao pushed the night pearl into Hua Yunxi’s hand, saying roughly, “A wedding gift. I won’t attend your wedding.” Without waiting for Hua Yunxi’s response, he turned and left.

Hua Yunxi held the night pearl, staring dazedly at the youth’s retreating figure.

Under the eaves not far from Hua Yunxi, the already grey-haired Marquis Hua stood watching a dark figure leap from the courtyard over the wall and sighed helplessly. Standing beside him was the white-robed Second Young Master of Prince Ding’s mansion, Mo Xiuyao.

“Old Marquis, thank you.”

Marquis Hua sighed, saying with some worry, “That child…”

Mo Xiuyao said, “He’ll be fine, as long as the Old Marquis doesn’t blame him.”

Marquis Hua smiled bitterly, “The Emperor’s command is difficult to defy… if not for this, I would rather Yunxi marry someone more ordinary.”

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly, bid farewell to Marquis Hua, and chased after the direction Feng Zhiyao had left.