As soon as the Marquis of Zhenguo and Lin Chengyou left, the main hall became lively again. The guests busied themselves with drinks, trying to cover up the awkwardness between hosts and guests.

The drums thundered like sudden rain as the Hu people performed their whirling dance on the steps. Their dance moves were alluring and magnificent, gradually spinning like flying petals. Yet neither hosts nor guests had the heart to appreciate the beautiful scene before them.

Everyone’s hearts were filled with mixed emotions. The Duan family’s evening was beyond salvaging. Young General Duan had gone too far – while betrothed, he had been secretly intimate with Second Lady Dong, and even willingly drew the poisonous insects to himself to spare her suffering. If word of this got out, not just Minister Teng but even ordinary families would consider it a great shame and humiliation.

In the women’s section, many looked sympathetically at Teng Yu’yi. Her face was pale as she silently put down her wine cup and rested her head in her hand.

Du Tinglan asked with concern, “Yu’er, are you feeling unwell?”

Teng Yu’yi replied weakly, “I’m dizzy from the wine.”

Madam Du’s face darkened as she rose to support Teng Yu’yi. “Come, child, let’s go.”

The Elder Madam Duan and Duan Wenyin suddenly came to their senses. Once Madam Du and Teng Yu’yi left, there would be no turning back between the families. After tonight’s banquet ended, the Duan family would face criticism and condemnation throughout Chang’an.

Elder Madam Duan raised a trembling hand and said to the Duan family women nearby, “Quickly- quickly stop Madam Du and Yu’er.”

The Duan family women forced themselves to be cheerful, surrounding them with comforting words: “Madam, please don’t rush to leave. Yu’er is drunk, and going out now she might catch a chill. Why not rest in a side room until she’s sober?”

Madam Du gave a cold laugh. “No need. Yu’er came happily to wish the Elder Madam a happy birthday, only to be repeatedly humiliated. She’s a kind child who won’t speak of her grievances. She’s been enduring for the sake of both families’ dignity, but some people are simply too outrageous!”

Restraining her anger, she gave a formal bow to those at the banquet and declared firmly, “Let everyone here bear witness to tonight’s events. When Yu’er’s father returns tomorrow, there will be a proper judgment.”

The guests all understood clearly in their hearts. Even if they couldn’t openly agree, they nodded secretly. After what Young General Duan had done, no one could smooth things over for the Duan family.

Unable to stop them, the Duan family women watched dejectedly as Madam Du left her seat.

Madam Du led Teng Yu’yi and Du Tinglan to Elder Madam Duan’s table and respectfully said, “Elder Madam, please take care. Yu’er is unwell, and I am not yet fully recovered. We’ve imposed on you all evening, so I shall now take the children and bid farewell.”

Elder Madam Duan pushed away her maid and personally grabbed Madam Du’s hand, trembling.

“Madam, please be patient. We elders all know Dalang’s character. Tonight’s events are tangled like silk and hemp – there may be misunderstandings. Why not wait for Dalang to recover from the poison and let him explain to Yu’er himself? If he truly was foolish, I won’t be lenient – I’ll beat the scoundrel to death myself!”

Her eyes glistening with tears, her voice quavering, she continued: “I’ve been suffering from illness, long hoping for these two children to marry. For tonight to end like this, both families will face gossip. It’s not that I’m trying to protect my own – but a match made in heaven, where else could we find its equal? A broken engagement would benefit neither family.”

Madam Du secretly spat in disgust – even at this point, they still hoped Yu’er would compromise.

“Elder Madam, forgive me, but I don’t understand your meaning,” she said with a smile. “What do you mean by ‘benefit neither family’? Young General Duan is the one who erred – what does that have to do with the Teng family and Yu’er? We came joyfully tonight to wish you a happy birthday, only to face repeated public humiliation. We had been clinging to hope that there was some misunderstanding. But now the truth is clear – what more is there to say? Truthfully, both the Teng and Du families are honest people, never ones to deceive ourselves or others. Tonight we’ve already done all we could. Elder Madam, it’s not wrong to favor your children and grandchildren, but your own child’s mistakes must be borne by your own family. Outsiders don’t wish to bear them, nor can they. The wind is strong outside – Elder Madam, please stay here.”

Elder Madam Duan and Duan Wenyin were struck speechless by these words, watching helplessly as Madam Du led the two children away.

Just as Madam Du reached the door, someone else rose from the men’s section. Standing in the lamplight by the steps were Du Yuzhiqin father and son.

The guests’ expressions grew solemn. Though Du Yuzhiqin had an eccentric temperament, he was known for his integrity and frank criticism. Even those who disliked his difficult personality had to admit he was upright and outspoken.

Du Yuzhiqin led his son over to address Elder Madam Duan: “Elder Madam, I should stay for the banquet, but I must now take my leave with my wife and children. I have one thing to say, which I ask the Elder Madam to convey to Young General Duan. A gentleman walking in this world should be able to face both heaven and earth without shame. Making mistakes is not to be feared, as long as one corrects them and returns to virtue. What’s most despicable is lacking responsibility and only trying to cover up wrongs!”

Having said this, Du Yuzhiqin clasped his hands in farewell: “I’ve said my piece. Elder Madam, take care.”

Du Shaotang expressionlessly kowtowed to the Elder Madam, then rose to follow his father out.

Elder Madam Duan stared open-mouthed at the departing Du family members, suddenly clutched her chest, and collapsed backward.

The women cried out in alarm, rushing forward in panic: “Elder Madam!”

Duan Wenyin called out urgently: “Grandmother has a heart condition – she’s having an attack! What are you all standing there for? Quickly go to the Imperial Dispensary to fetch Imperial Physician Yu. Come, quickly help the Elder Madam to her inner chambers.”

The main hall instantly descended into chaos. Du Shaotang and Madam Du had been leaving resolutely, but who would have thought the Elder Madam would fall ill so suddenly?

Madam Du secretly cursed – she never imagined Elder Madam Duan would resort to such tactics to smooth things over, planning to use this method to detain them and then use soft words to persuade Yu’er to change her mind. She likely figured Yu’er was young and sensitive, easy to manipulate. If Yu’er forgave Duan Ningyuan, outsiders naturally wouldn’t interfere further.

Though she saw through this, she couldn’t simply leave. It was the Elder Madam’s birthday celebration, and with her sudden illness, leaving now would be too thoughtless and discourteous.

Just as she was unsure what to do, Teng Yu’yi released Madam Du’s arm and made to check on Elder Madam Duan. But before she reached the steps, she stumbled and fainted.

“Yu’er!” Du Tinglan rushed forward.

Madam Du hurried to support her: “Yu’er!”

Seeing Teng Yu’yi’s deathly pale face, Madam Du’s heart clenched in fear: “My poor child. Her qi and blood have reversed, causing her to faint – it’s very dangerous. Quickly prepare the carriage to return home.”

Du Yuzhiqin father and son were so anxious they stamped their feet, and in the chaos found a sedan chair.

The women were suddenly overwhelmed, trying to attend to both situations at once. Compared to Elder Madam Duan’s rosy complexion, Teng Yu’yi truly looked ill. Everyone scrambled to help move Teng Yu’yi to the sedan chair, leaving Elder Madam Duan largely unattended.

Elder Madam Duan lay on the couch moaning, but the women’s attention had all shifted to Teng Yu’yi. Apart from the Duan family’s own younger generation, hardly anyone paid attention to the Elder Madam.

Duan Wenyin insisted on stopping Teng Yu’yi’s sedan chair: “The night wind is fierce – Yu’er’s condition might worsen on the journey home. We’ve already sent for the Imperial Physician – why not let him examine Yu’er before leaving?”

“Thank you for your kind intentions, Madam, but there’s no need,” Du Tinglan said coldly, continuing to urge the servants to lift the sedan chair. “Yu’er already has medicine prepared these past few days – it wouldn’t be good to suddenly change prescriptions. She fainted from anger and shock just now and urgently needs to return home to take her medicine. You’ve seen Yu’er’s complexion, Madam – any further delay could make things worse.”

Duan Wenyin wanted to stop them again but suddenly noticed the complex gazes around her. She could only force a smile and say, “That’s true – quickly send Yu’er out of the manor.”

Once in the carriage, Madam Du was sick with worry, tucking in Teng Yu’yi’s blankets while carefully checking her complexion. But as soon as the carriage started moving, Teng Yu’yi suddenly sat up: “Aunt, Sister.”

Madam Du stared in shock as Du Tinglan burst out laughing: “Mother, Yu’er was pretending.”

It took Madam Du a moment to react, dubiously rubbing Teng Yu’yi’s cheeks: “Pretending?”

Teng Yu’yi grinned: “You can’t rub it off – it needs special powder to wash away.”

Madam Du’s anger turned to joy: “You child, you scared your aunt to death! What medicine is this? Where did you get it?”

“I had Uncle Cheng get it. I applied it to my face while drinking when no one was watching – how else could I fake being ill?”

“You acted so convincingly, even fooling your aunt.”

Teng Yu’yi waved her hand: “Oh, I’m nothing compared to Elder Madam Duan – she can faint at will, who wouldn’t believe it was real?”

Du Tinglan tried not to laugh: “I suppose she couldn’t bear Young General Duan’s reputation being tarnished, so she used every trick she had. You should have seen the faces of those Duan family women – they all looked like they’d been working in a dye house.”

Madam Du spat: “The Duan family has generations of merit, looking respectable on the outside – who knew they were so disgraceful inside? If Yu’er hadn’t prepared so thoroughly, they would have pushed all the blame for breaking the engagement onto her. With so many people invited today, both commoners and nobles, this scene was quite spectacular – I’d like to see how the Duan family handles this!”

***

Having finally accomplished her biggest task after days of planning, Teng Yu’yi returned to the Teng manor and slept extremely soundly that night.

When she woke, the sun was already high. She lay in bed unwilling to rise, though her mouth wasn’t idle: “Chunrong, Bilo, what time is it?”

Chunrong and Bilo entered cheerfully: “Past noon already.”

Teng Yu’yi’s eyes flew open: “Why didn’t you wake me? Has Father returned to Chang’an?”

Chunrong smiled: “The Master has been traveling with the army for days. He returned to the manor before dawn and told us not to disturb Miss. After breakfast, he went to the Marquis of Zhenguo’s manor to break off the engagement.”

Teng Yu’yi was stunned for a moment, then hurriedly threw off her covers: “Please invite Uncle Cheng to the main hall – I have questions for him.”

After washing up, she headed to the main hall. Uncle Cheng was wearing a new crimson short robe with floral patterns, his face showing traces of joy.

Walking while observing Uncle Cheng, Teng Yu’yi noted that though he wasn’t as perpetually expressionless as Duanfu, he was usually steady and experienced. His sudden happiness must be because Father had returned to Chang’an.

“Miss is up,” Uncle Cheng approached with a beaming face. “The Master returned to the manor this morning – Miss probably knows already.”

Teng Yu’yi feigned surprise: “Uncle Cheng, you surely didn’t put on new clothes just to welcome Father?”

Uncle Cheng looked down at himself and said with a smile: “Madam Du sent it over this morning, saying Miss had asked them to make clothes for this old servant and Duanfu. Since they weren’t sure of our sizes, they sent one set first for this old servant to try. It fits well, and hearing it was Miss’s idea, I wore it to show Miss.”

Teng Yu’yi nodded with a smile, thinking how Uncle Cheng handled matters so thoroughly and considerately.

With the new clothes worn, she as the master was happy, the gift-givers were happy, and when Father saw the manor’s servants looking spirited, he would naturally be happy too.

“Very good, very good,” she smiled broadly. “Bright colors suit my Uncle Cheng better.”

Uncle Cheng knew Teng Yu’yi was pleased and shook his head with a smile: “Miss, stop teasing this old servant.”

Teng Yu’yi sat by the stone table and asked with a smile: “Any news from the Duan family?”

Uncle Cheng straightened his expression: “Last night’s events have caused quite a stir throughout the city. Everyone in the streets and alleys is discussing Young General Duan and Second Lady Dong’s affair. Today when this old servant went out to inquire, even theatrical plays had been written about it.”

“Oh?” Teng Yu’yi grew more interested. “What did they write?”

“Just some flowery romance – I fear it would offend Miss’s ears to speak of it.”

Teng Yu’yi clicked her tongue and shook her head. Chang’an had many failed scholars who, to maintain a living, often wrote romantic tales and strange stories to sell. These people were probably just looking for ready-made material about talented scholars and beautiful ladies, and now Duan Ningyuan and Second Lady Dong had appeared as a pair of star-crossed lovers.

Perhaps before long, these writers would create eight or ten plays based on Duan and Dong’s story. By then, in every street and alley, over tea and after meals, people everywhere would be recounting this romantic tale.

She asked eagerly: “Continue.”

“This morning the Capital Prefecture officially began trying Second Lady Dong’s case. Unfortunately, the jailers found some items on the Dong family’s housekeeper – upon investigation, they were all things Young General Duan had bought earlier. Combined with last night’s events, their affair is as good as proven. This morning when the Marquis of Zhenguo went to court, he was originally going to request Young General Duan’s appointment as heir apparent, but because of this incident, the Marquis felt he had lost all face and didn’t dare bring it up. This morning when Master went to break off the engagement, the Marquis tied up Young General Duan in front of Master and beat him severely – they say bones were broken. No matter how the Elder Madam and Madam wailed and screamed, he wouldn’t allow physicians to examine him.”

Teng Yu’yi asked: “What did Father say?”

“Master didn’t say a word, watching from the hall as the Marquis finished beating Young General Duan before speaking. He broke off the engagement and demanded the return of the betrothal gifts. In the end, he left without even drinking a cup of tea. The Marquis said he had no face-to-face Master and escorted him outside the manor, saying what a good match it had been, only to be ruined by his unfilial son.”

Teng Yu’yi thought for a moment and asked again: “I’ve heard Magistrate Dong isn’t exactly a virtuous person either. With his daughter’s reputation now ruined, surely the Dong family hasn’t remained quiet?”

“How could they? This morning, Magistrate Dong led people to make a scene at the Marquis of Zhenguo’s manor. The Dong family’s Elder Madam was among them. Magistrate Dong just stood there weeping without a word, but the Elder Madam caused an uproar on the spot. She claimed her Second Lady had always been proper and well-mannered, that Young General Duan must have pursued the Second Lady and sullied her reputation. She even declared that if the Marquis’s household didn’t give them a proper explanation, she would hang herself in front of their gates.”

Teng Yu’yi almost laughed out loud. Second Lady Dong was still in prison, and after being beaten with the rod, her legs would surely be permanently damaged. Now that her affair with Duan Ningyuan was known throughout Chang’an, once she was released from prison, she naturally couldn’t aspire to any desirable marriage. The Dong family had worked so hard to raise a daughter of both talent and beauty – how could they accept years of effort going to waste? They would surely hound the Marquis’s household to death.

Even if the Marquis’s household wanted to rely on their power and influence, Magistrate Dong still held an official position. Moreover, since everyone knew about this matter, if the Marquis’s household didn’t want Duan Ningyuan to bear the additional bad name of being a heartless seducer, they couldn’t handle this matter carelessly.

The lawsuit between the two families would drag on.

Teng Yu’yi’s mood improved further: “When will Father return to the manor? Have someone prepare some wine and food – I want to welcome him home.”

Uncle Cheng was extremely surprised. Since returning from Yangzhou, he had noticed that Miss’s attitude toward the Master had subtly changed. Though she still rarely mentioned him, when she did, at least she wasn’t as cold and rigid as before. Now Miss wanted to take the initiative to welcome the Master home – it was beyond his wildest expectations.

He quickly hid the joy in his eyes: “The Emperor summoned the Master to the palace. The Master sent word earlier saying he didn’t know when he would return tonight, and told Miss to retire early.”

Teng Yu’yi was somewhat disappointed: “Very well, then have them prepare the carriage. After lunch, I’ll go to the Du manor.”

“Oh yes, this was sent over by Princess Jingde this morning.” Uncle Cheng took out a gold-flecked invitation. “The Princess is hosting a poetry gathering at Prince Cheng’s manor and invites Miss and Miss Du to grace it with their presence.”

“Princess Jingde?” Teng Yu’yi found it strange. In this life, Azhi hadn’t exchanged a single word with her – why suddenly invite her now?

Uncle Cheng explained: “Princess Jingde’s servant said that yesterday the Princess wanted to get to know you, but because of the sudden chaos at the Marquis of Zhenguo’s manor, the Princess didn’t get a chance to extend the invitation.”

Teng Yu’yi took the invitation. The calligraphy was probably Azhi’s own – elegant though it was, it still lacked strength.

Whether it was the paper or the ink that contained fragrance, as soon as the invitation was opened, a cool, strange perfume wafted up.

Though Teng Yu’yi had some knowledge of fragrances, she couldn’t immediately identify this one’s origin.

Uncle Cheng said: “I hear Princess Jingde despised poetry and literature as a child. These gatherings are arranged by Prince Cheng’s wife on the Princess’s behalf. They’ve invited elderly professors from the Imperial Academy to attend. They hold one almost every fortnight, attended by young ladies and gentlemen skilled in poetry and literature – refined and interesting, worth attending. Miss, you’ve just returned to Chang’an, and you’ll inevitably need to socialize with various households. Since Princess Jingde has invited you, it wouldn’t be appropriate to decline.”

Teng Yu’yi made a sound of agreement: “When will this poetry gathering end?”

What if Father returned to the manor early and she wasn’t there…

She thought for a moment and said: “Don’t reply to the invitation yet. Go to the palace and ask for news, see roughly when Father might leave the palace. Also, help me inquire about who else is attending this poetry society – try to get a detailed list as soon as possible.”

Uncle Cheng agreed and went to make arrangements.

Teng Yu’yi returned to the inner garden by herself, sat at the table, and unrolled a scroll. She had Chunrong grind some ink, then picked up the brush to write and draw.

When Uncle Cheng came back with news, Teng Yu’yi had just finished a drawing.

“Reporting to Miss, quite a few people have been invited to this poetry gathering. Besides young ladies from various families who enjoy poetry and calligraphy, there are also many renowned literary talents.” As Uncle Cheng spoke, he had Chunrong hand Teng Yu’yi a register of names.

Teng Yu’yi took it and immediately spotted three characters near the top: Lu Zhao’an.

She hadn’t expected Azhi’s poetry gathering to invite this scoundrel.

“Did you send someone to retrieve Sister’s letters from Lu Zhao’an?”

Uncle Cheng quickly replied: “This servant had people following Lu Zhao’an for several days and was about to make a move, but just last night, suddenly another group also began watching Lu Zhao’an. The servants haven’t yet figured out their background, so they decided to wait a day or two.”

Teng Yu’yi asked suspiciously: “Could they be sent by Lin Chengyou? Uncle only told Lin Chengyou yesterday about Sister meeting Lu Zhao’an in the forest.”

“This old servant dares not be certain yet.”

Teng Yu’yi pondered – could Princess Jingde’s sudden invitation to Lu Zhao’an be related to this matter?

“Very well, I’ll attend this poetry gathering. Today I’ll meet this Lu Zhao’an first. Prepare the carriage – we’ll pick up Cousin at the Du manor. Since Duanfu’s bone injury hasn’t healed, let Huoqiu come along.”

“Miss won’t wait for news from the palace?”

“I can welcome Father home tomorrow just as well.”

As Teng Yu’yi spoke, she considered that since the gathering was being held at Prince Cheng’s manor, she should make more preparations to prevent Lin Chengyou from causing trouble.

“By the way, Prince Cheng’s manor won’t allow outsiders to bring guards inside. Huoqiu is too tall and strong – choose two slender-boned guards from among the others and have them disguise themselves as my maids to enter the manor.”

Uncle Cheng was startled: “The manor does have such guards, but even if they’re slender, they still have a rough appearance. Anyone paying attention would see through it at a glance.”

“There’s no time to choose carefully today. Just have them make do for now – tell them not to speak, and that should suffice.”

Though Uncle Cheng found it puzzling, he agreed: “This old servant will pass on the instructions.”

Teng Yu’yi looked down at the drawing she had just made and handed it to Uncle Cheng: “Uncle Cheng, have you ever seen the person in this drawing?”

Uncle Cheng took the scroll and saw a person wearing a black cloak. Strange that though the face wasn’t shown, the figure somehow emanated a cold, terrifying aura.

He examined it carefully for a long while, then shook his head: “Never seen them. Does this person only have this cloak, or are there other identifying features?”

“No,” Teng Yu’yi sighed.

“What about the material of the cloak – is it fur or felt?”

Teng Yu’yi thought silently. Logically, fur would have a sheen, and that night the moonlight had been bright as day, yet the person’s cloak had been dull gray.

“Probably not fur. It looked like felt, though it might have had fur lining inside.”

“Did Miss see this person’s footwear?”

“No.” Teng Yu’yi stood up and paced. “But this person probably isn’t very old, because their movements were very nimble. As for height, probably half a head taller than Duanfu. This person is extremely dangerous. From today onwards, have people search day and night for news of the person in the drawing. As soon as anyone spots any trace of this person, report back to me immediately.”

Uncle Cheng didn’t ask further questions, but rolled up the scroll and tucked it into his robe: “This old servant will have people see to it right away.”

Teng Yu’yi said seriously: “Uncle Cheng, you must handle this personally. Be careful not to alert them.”

Uncle Cheng paused, looked up at Teng Yu’yi’s grave expression, and slowly nodded: “This old servant understands.”

***

In the afternoon, when Teng Yu’yi was ready to leave, two guards were indeed waiting outside the door, dressed in pomegranate-colored jackets and skirts to look like maids.

Teng Yu’yi walked around the two guards once, barely satisfied, then had them follow in another carriage behind hers.

After picking up Du Tinglan at the Du manor, the two sisters chatted idly in the carriage.

“I heard from Uncle Cheng that Lu Zhao’an is now quite famous in Chang’an. Everyone praises his elegant writing. Minister Zheng has always loved talent, and he particularly favors Lu Zhao’an – he intends to betroth his second daughter to him, just waiting for the Ministry of Personnel’s examination to end. This scoundrel Lu Zhao’an has been busy lately paying visits to various noble households in the capital, making who knows how many powerful connections. Everyone says this young man has extraordinary character and will surely become a great minister in the future.”

Du Tinglan listened silently.

“Sister, are you upset?”

Du Tinglan shook her head: “I’m just wondering why I was ever attracted to Lu Zhao’an. These past few days when I occasionally think of him, I’m not sad anymore – I just wonder how I could have been so confused then.”

Teng Yu’yi thought to herself: Was it because of his good looks? His sweet talk?

She coughed and opened the list Uncle Cheng had prepared to show Du Tinglan: “Look, Sister, this list includes young gentlemen and ladies skilled in poetry and prose. Among them are many with both talent and virtue. If you’re willing, you could pay attention to them at the poetry gathering.”

Du Tinglan blushed: “So that’s why you insisted on bringing me to this poetry gathering – you had this in mind.”

Teng Yu’yi humphed: “I know Sister has loved poetry and calligraphy since childhood. Your attraction to Lu Zhao’an probably had something to do with his habit of spouting romantic verses. Uncle Cheng told me that in previous years, Prince Cheng’s wife personally supervised these gatherings. Regardless of their poetic talent, most attendees were upright. It’s only because the Prince and his wife aren’t in Chang’an lately that trash like Lu Zhao’an could slip in. Later, Sister, don’t pay any attention to Lu Zhao’an – I’ll deal with him. You just look at the other young gentlemen. If you find any you like, just tell me.”

Du Tinglan burst out laughing: “Listen to you talk – like a little adult.”

“Anyway, the weather is nice today. Sister, just treat it as an outing to clear your mind.” Teng Yu’yi lifted the carriage curtain to look outside. “Oh, is that Lu Zhao’an out there?”

They had unknowingly arrived at Prince Cheng’s manor gates. A young man in scholar’s robes and headcloth was dismounting at the steps. Teng Yu’yi had seen Lu Zhao’an once in her previous life, though she wasn’t entirely certain. This person had an elegant bearing and extremely handsome features. As soon as he reached the gate, he was welcomed into Prince Cheng’s manor, apparently receiving quite courteous treatment.

Du Tinglan’s expression was complex: “That’s him.”

Teng Yu’yi nodded and helped Du Tinglan down from the carriage. The two fake maids jumped down behind them and followed silently.

A servant came over with a smile: “You must be Miss Teng and Miss Du. Please follow me.”

This old servant smiled before speaking and had a dignified manner. Teng Yu’yi and Du Tinglan followed him inside, observing Prince Cheng’s manor as they walked. There was no noise of clamor along the way, and whenever maids approached gracefully, they would immediately step aside respectfully.

As they passed through a peach grove, a black shadow suddenly darted out from among the trees. Teng Yu’yi and Du Tinglan were caught off guard and stepped back in alarm.

The fake maids rushed forward to protect their mistress, but Teng Yu’yi saw clearly what the black shadow was and quickly coughed loudly.

Though the guards were puzzled, they held back and didn’t move further.

The black shadow growled “aowu aowu” and crouched down, blocking Teng Yu’yi’s path.

Du Tinglan recognized it as Lin Chengyou’s little black panther and instantly turned pale, hurriedly shielding Teng Yu’yi behind her.

Lin Chengyou emerged from the grove with a smile. The old servant, not understanding why the young master would stop these two, quickly stepped forward: “Young Master, these are honored guests invited by the Princess.”

“I know.” Lin Chengyou stared directly at Teng Yu’yi. “I’m stopping Miss Teng specifically. All of you go away – I have questions for her.”

Du Tinglan was uncertain and afraid but forced a smile: “What questions does Young Master have? If you want to inquire about something, you can ask in front of us just as well.”

Lin Chengyou didn’t look at Du Tinglan, just smiled and said: “Miss Teng, I don’t mind asking you a few questions in public. But you should think carefully – would you rather I ask here, or in front of everyone at the poetry gathering?”

Teng Yu’yi’s eye twitched. She had already thought about how to deal with Lin Chengyou but hadn’t expected it to come so soon. After an internal struggle, she whispered something in Du Tinglan’s ear, making her start in surprise.

Teng Yu’yi then looked at the two fake maids behind her. They nodded and withdrew warily to one side.

Lin Chengyou said to the old servant: “Take them to one side.”

The old servant complied, leading Du Tinglan and the guards far away to the other end of the grove, ensuring they could see Lin Chengyou and Teng Yu’yi’s figures but couldn’t hear their conversation.