After another half month, the steward saw Lu Yun’s injuries had healed and wanted him to return to work in the study.

At this time the master wasn’t in the study, leaving it empty, so Lu Yun was pleased to research martial arts daily. However, he no longer wished to suffer contempt and mistreatment from others and had resolved to leave the Gu residence. But every time he thought about Gu Siyuan’s return being the moment he would bid farewell, he couldn’t help feeling sad.

This day was when the master would return home. Lu Yun had finished practicing and packed his belongings into a bundle, knowing today was his last day in the Gu household. Standing at the Gu family’s main gate, he saw snow beginning to fall from the sky. The season had entered the twelfth lunar month, and the Gu residence was already beginning to clean and decorate in preparation for the New Year.

Lu Yun smiled bitterly – it seemed this New Year’s Eve he would again be alone and drifting outside, which made him somewhat dejected.

Just as he was thinking, he suddenly heard servants calling: “The master has returned!” A crowd of servants surged toward the entrance to welcome him. Lu Yun saw Second Concubine also walking over with a smile. Not wanting to see this woman, he slowly retreated into the courtyard to avoid her.

Lu Yun stood alone in the courtyard and saw two sedan chairs stop at the entrance. From the first sedan stepped a thin man who appeared somewhat aged – it was Gu Siyuan. From the other sedan emerged a young woman. From the distance he couldn’t see her features clearly, but her appearance seemed quite beautiful – she must be the Gu family’s daughter. Everyone welcomed them with great joy and celebration.

Lu Yun stared blankly, suddenly feeling lonely and desolate. He looked up at the sky, silently watching the snowflakes drift down.

After about half an hour, Lu Yun walked back to his bedroom and picked up his bundle. Thinking that soon he would have to bid farewell to Gu Siyuan, he didn’t know how to begin and felt only troubled and heartbroken.

Just as he was feeling melancholy, A’Fu suddenly ran in calling: “Ah Yun, the master is looking everywhere for you!”

Lu Yun nodded: “I’ll come right away.” He sighed and firmly grasped his bundle, knowing he couldn’t avoid this and would have to steel himself for a face-to-face farewell.

Entering the study, he saw Gu Siyuan laughing heartily: “Yun’er, where did you go? I had people looking everywhere for you!”

Lu Yun grunted: “I saw the auspicious snow falling and couldn’t help but watch it for a while. I didn’t know Uncle Gu was looking for me – I’m truly sorry.”

Gu Siyuan smiled: “If you wanted to appreciate the snow, why didn’t you tell me? We could have warmed a pot of wine together and watched the white snow fall while discussing great affairs under heaven – wouldn’t that have been wonderful!”

Seeing Gu Siyuan still treating him with such kindness, Lu Yun didn’t know how to bid him farewell and felt pained.

Gu Siyuan smiled: “On this trip to Suzhou I found several things for you. Take a look – are they suitable?” He produced several precious items: a “finest gold-inlaid purple wolf-hair brush” and a “dragon-pattern ancient carved square inkstone” – both rare treasures.

Lu Yun quickly waved his hands: “Uncle Gu, I come from humble origins and cannot use such precious things.”

Gu Siyuan said: “Yun’er, you’re already my staff advisor – how can you not have your own brush and inkstone? When I return to the capital, you’ll still need to serve as counselor in my War Ministry!”

Lu Yun was shocked: “I… I come from humble origins and have no official titles – how could I serve as counselor in such an important position?”

Gu Siyuan smiled: “With your literary talent, what difficulty would there be in passing the juren and jinshi examinations? You can work in my office first, then take the examinations during the next testing period. Uncle Gu dares say you’ll definitely have your name on the golden list!”

Lu Yun shook his head: “Uncle Gu treats me so well – I truly don’t know how to repay you. But you cannot break institutional regulations for me alone – that ultimately won’t work.”

Gu Siyuan exclaimed and scolded: “You… you child! Currently in the court, who doesn’t promote their own disciples? Even more extreme – during examination grading, they can recognize their disciples’ handwriting to promote their own people. You’re really too naive!”

Lu Yun smiled bitterly: “Uncle Gu, Lu Yun has always been three parts stubborn as a mule – you know this well.” As he spoke, he suddenly gritted his teeth and bowed before Gu Siyuan.

Gu Siyuan was startled: “What are you doing? I’m not angry with you. You’re upright and don’t want to take the back door to office – that’s also good. Get up and talk!”

Lu Yun knelt on the ground and choked up: “Uncle Gu, receiving your deep kindness, Lu Yun will never forget it for life. It’s just that this nephew has been away from home for so long and wants to return to visit. Today I specially bid farewell to Uncle Gu.”

Gu Siyuan was shocked and said in a trembling voice: “For no good reason, why… why do you want to leave?”

Lu Yun didn’t answer, kowtowed three times, and slowly stood up: “This nephew wishes Uncle Gu success in all endeavors when taking office in the capital.”

Gu Siyuan was extremely anxious but couldn’t think of anything to persuade him. His mind raced, thinking that several household members were quite unfriendly toward Lu Yun, so he immediately shouted: “Did Second Concubine give you some grievance? Tell me! Uncle Gu will seek justice for you!”

Lu Yun shook his head: “Second Concubine treats me very well – Uncle Gu shouldn’t wrongly blame her.”

He didn’t want to put Gu Siyuan in a difficult position. Second Concubine was his beloved concubine, and Pei Shengqing was his future son-in-law. Even if he told about Pei Shengqing attacking and injuring him that day, what could Gu Siyuan do? Speaking of it would only create difficulties for others and be of no help. Moreover, having learned martial arts, even if he went to wander the jianghu, he had means of survival – why must he depend on others’ protection?

Lu Yun sighed lightly: “Farewell, Uncle Gu.” He turned to leave.

Gu Siyuan was both anxious and panicked. If this child rashly left this place, he would likely fall into the jianghu again and bury his talents – how could he bear to let that happen? This made him cry out desperately, and though nearly sixty years old, he acted like a small child.

Seeing Lu Yun about to leave, Gu Siyuan stepped forward to block him: “Yun’er! If you truly miss your hometown, when we go north to the capital, you can take the opportunity to return to Shandong to visit. Why must you leave? Who exactly is making things difficult for you? Just tell me! Uncle Gu cannot let you suffer such grievances!” Knowing Lu Yun’s departure must have hidden reasons, he was determined to get to the bottom of it.

Lu Yun smiled bitterly: “Uncle Gu, please don’t act like this. I want to leave on my own – it has nothing to do with others.”

Gu Siyuan shouted: “Don’t hide it from me – just tell me!”

A’Fu suddenly said: “Master, you don’t know how miserably Ah Yun was treated by those people during the days you were away!”

Gu Siyuan was shocked: “What!”

A’Fu looked at Lu Yun: “Master, if I speak out, you must protect my life!”

Lu Yun slowly shook his head: “Don’t meddle!”

But Gu Siyuan shouted: “A’Fu! Just speak – don’t fear anything!”

Seeing someone backing him up, A’Fu told everything in detail about how Pei Shengqing had beaten Lu Yun and how Second Concubine had threatened him.

After hearing this, Gu Siyuan was so angry his face turned blue and red with rage: “Good! What a Young Master Pei! Daring to come to my residence to beat my staff advisor, and Xiao Lan still had the gall to protect him – such detestable behavior exists in this world!” After panting for a while, he continued: “Yun’er, don’t rush to leave – I’ll definitely seek justice for you!”

Just as Lu Yun was about to offer consolation, they suddenly heard a woman say: “Master, what are you all talking about? Why such shouting and commotion?”

Everyone looked – it was Second Concubine who had arrived.

Seeing her come, Gu Siyuan became even angrier and shouted: “Xiao Lan, is this how you show favoritism? When Pei Shengqing beat someone, you not only didn’t care but actually threatened Yun’er not to tell me! What… what kind of behavior is this?”

Second Concubine’s face went pale. She walked to Gu Siyuan’s side, tears flowing as she cried: “Master, over such a small matter you’re criticizing me in front of the servants?”

Gu Siyuan shouted: “Beating someone into serious injury and you still call it a small matter?”

Second Concubine wept like rain: “Master, I… I didn’t completely ignore it. I already had the steward give this child money and had someone take over his work so he could recover properly. What more do you want from me, master? Must I kneel and apologize to him?”

Hearing her speak so pitifully, Gu Siyuan’s anger subsided somewhat. He sighed: “You should have made Shengqing apologize to Yun’er – that would have been right.”

Second Concubine cried: “Master, I’m just a concubine in your Gu household – how can I make the Pei family’s eldest young master admit fault and kneel? Master, I’m only thinking of your good. You know what kind of relationship you have with Master Pei – how could I damage your friendship?”

Gu Siyuan thought about it – what Second Concubine said wasn’t entirely unreasonable, so he could only sigh deeply: “That child Shengqing – alas! I had such high expectations for him, yet he does such things.” His tone had already softened considerably.

Seeing the master had relented, Second Concubine was delighted and said: “Let’s think of a way to have Shengqing come apologize, then compensate Yun’er well afterward – what do you say?”

Gu Siyuan nodded: “That would be best. Xiao Lan, you persuade Yun’er not to let him leave.”

Second Concubine asked in surprise: “He really wants to leave?”

Gu Siyuan sighed deeply and nodded.

Second Concubine said “Oh” and walked to Lu Yun’s side, asking: “Why do you want to leave? Do you hate how I’ve treated you?”

Lu Yun shook his head: “Lu Yun wouldn’t dare.”

Second Concubine lowered her voice: “Surname Lu, be honest with me and stay obediently. After New Year when the master goes to Beijing, if you want to get lost then get lost – I can’t be bothered whether you live or die.”

Lu Yun snorted and also lowered his voice: “If Lu wants to leave, he leaves – I’m not one for false theatrics!” Having resolved to leave, he was unwilling to waste words with such a woman and would no longer tolerate this.

Second Concubine leaned close to his ear and whispered with a cold laugh: “Surname Lu, don’t think you can fight with me. Let me tell you – if you dare step one foot outside the Gu residence today, I guarantee you won’t be able to survive even one day in Yangzhou. I just need to go to the yamen and randomly accuse you of theft or fraud – can you handle the consequences?”

Lu Yun was stunned and said quietly: “How vicious of you!”

Second Concubine said coldly: “Stay obediently until after New Year. After that, whether you stay or go, no one will care.”

Lu Yun chuckled and remained silent.

Seeing Lu Yun submit, Second Concubine said sweetly to Gu Siyuan: “Master, Yun’er is willing to stay – how wonderful!”

Gu Siyuan was overjoyed: “Yun’er! Yun’er! You’re not leaving?”

Second Concubine smiled: “Why don’t you answer the master?”

Lu Yun said quietly: “Uncle Gu, please rest assured – I… I won’t leave.”

Gu Siyuan laughed heartily: “Good! Excellent!” But two lines of tears flowed down.

Both Second Concubine and Lu Yun were shocked. Lu Yun thought: “Uncle Gu truly cares for me deeply, treating me like his own son. If I leave casually, he’ll certainly be heartbroken. I cannot just walk away.”

Second Concubine thought secretly: “The master really likes this child – I must be careful. If I want to drive this boy away, I absolutely cannot leave any traces – I must make the master believe he left on his own.”

Gu Siyuan wiped away his tears: “Sigh! Really… it’s almost New Year and I’m acting like this. Xiao Lan, this New Year’s Eve let’s have Yun’er join us around the fire for the vigil!”

Second Concubine was startled – she most feared the master mentioning this matter. In her anxiety, she spoke without thinking: “Master! How can such a servant join the family table? Please don’t mention this anymore!”

Seeing the concubine speak rudely and say disparaging words in front of Lu Yun, Gu Siyuan became greatly agitated, his face flushing red as he shouted: “What servant? What are you saying?” He knew Lu Yun was a spirited child and feared he would be displeased hearing this and want to leave again.

Seeing the master angry, Second Concubine quickly lowered her head and remained speechless.

Lu Yun saw Gu Siyuan willing to argue and scold his family members for the sake of an outsider like himself, which made him feel very uncomfortable. He said: “Uncle Gu, this nephew has been unsophisticated since childhood and cannot join such occasions. Please don’t trouble yourself. Wouldn’t it be nice for me to spend New Year with A’Fu and the steward?”

Gu Siyuan tried repeatedly to persuade him, but Lu Yun was unwilling to have Gu Siyuan argue with his family on his account and consistently refused, so Gu Siyuan had to give up.

After all this commotion, there was still no decision on how to punish Pei Shengqing or compensate Lu Yun. Second Concubine secretly notified Pei Shengqing not to come for New Year greetings this year and to wait until after the master departed for Beijing. Having been outmaneuvered by Lu Yun this time – taking the silver then complaining to the master – she harbored deep resentment and was determined to seek revenge in the future.

When New Year’s Eve arrived, the entire Gu household was celebrating. The servants, having worked hard all year, rarely had leisure time – everyone was gambling and drinking. A’Fu invited Lu Yun to play, but Lu Yun claimed he felt unwell and sat alone in his room in quiet meditation. Reflecting on the past year’s events, he remembered that last year he was still in Shandong prison with life and death uncertain, being beaten nearly to death daily by those officers. This year having this stable meal was already heaven’s mercy – how could he have any wild fantasies? Thinking of this, Second Concubine’s various humiliations didn’t amount to much. He heard continuous firecracker sounds from the city and remembered past events, feeling endless emotion.

On the fifth day of the new year, Gu Siyuan was to depart for Beijing. Before leaving, he called Lu Yun for extensive instructions and countless admonitions, all telling Lu Yun to wait obediently for his return and absolutely forbidding him to suddenly leave.

Lu Yun, having seen Gu Siyuan shed tears for him that day, knew he truly cared for him. Remembering this kindness, he absolutely could not be willful. He thought: “As long as Second Concubine doesn’t humiliate me, why must I hurt Uncle Gu’s heart? When he returns and doesn’t see me, he’ll surely be sad.” So he said: “This nephew promises Uncle Gu that no matter what happens, I’ll definitely wait for Uncle Gu’s return before doing anything.”

Gu Siyuan also repeatedly cautioned Second Concubine never to provoke Lu Yun again.

Second Concubine smiled: “If he wants to leave on his own, how can I stop him?”

Gu Siyuan glared at her: “As long as you don’t trouble him, why would he need to leave?”

Second Concubine agreed verbally but thought: “This boy has offended me – I’ll always find ways to make him suffer.”

At the Lantern Festival, Yangzhou city was brilliantly lit with lanterns. On land and water was a sea of lights – truly one of the world’s most spectacular sights. On this day, following custom, people flocked to the city to admire lanterns and solve riddles. The crowds were surging – truly a scene of peaceful prosperity. The Gu family was a great household of Jiangnan, so naturally their home was extremely lively this day. Especially since news of Gu Siyuan’s appointment as War Minister had long spread – though he had already gone to the capital, friends and relatives coming to congratulate still came in endless streams, nearly breaking down the Gu family’s main gate.

Pei Shengqing was originally a distant relative of the Gu family, but because of the incident of beating Lu Yun, he had never dared visit. Finally, with Gu Siyuan gone to the capital, he hurried to pay New Year respects. Second Concubine, seeing him arrive, immediately beamed with joy and said to Gu Qianxi: “The city’s flower lanterns are particularly beautiful today. You young people shouldn’t just stay cooped up in the house – go out and walk around.” Second Concubine had one thought – to bring the young couple together.

But Gu Qianxi said: “Those flower lanterns are quite vulgar – what’s good about them? Isn’t it the same routine every year?”

Pei Shengqing smiled: “Qian’er, don’t be such a spoilsport! Today Prefect Li’s daughter and Scholar Zhao’s young lady are also going to admire the lanterns! How can such a beautiful and charming person like you not go? If you don’t go, missing Yangzhou’s number one beauty, wouldn’t this lantern festival be too boring?”

Gu Qianxi shook her head and smiled: “You can’t do any of the four arts – qin, chess, calligraphy, or painting – you just have a sweet tongue that pleases the girls.”

Pei Shengqing smiled: “It doesn’t matter if others like it – what’s important is that you love to hear it! If you like it, I’ll say it to you every day.”

Gu Qianxi smiled slightly: “You should study more books seriously instead of being idle every day.”

Seeing them banter again, Madam Gu shook her head: “Today is New Year – Qian’er, don’t speak so sharply. With so many guests at home today, if you don’t go out with Shengqing, then accompany several madams and ladies to chat and learn the demeanor of proper ladies. This girl only knows how to discuss poetry and painting all day – Mother fears you won’t be able to marry in the future!”

Pei Shengqing quickly said: “How could Qian’er not marry? I’m still here!”

Gu Qianxi glanced at him and sighed: “Just an embroidered pillow.”

Gu Qianxi most feared chatting with those officials’ wives – that was more painful than being tied up, so she agreed to go admire lanterns with Pei Shengqing.

Gu Qianxi brought her personal maid Xiao Hong as they strolled through the city. Pei Shengqing followed behind, constantly joking and fooling around – his sole focus was pleasing Gu Qianxi. Seeing Gu Qianxi’s sparkling eyes and peachy smile, so indescribably charming, he became even more persistent, following her everywhere.

Suddenly a group of young men and women approached, dressed luxuriously – all Pei Shengqing’s usual companions. These people came from extraordinary families, mostly sons and daughters of officials from the Jiangnan region. Pei Shengqing quickly greeted everyone. Gu Qianxi usually didn’t mix with them, so she knew none of them.

These people all came from excellent backgrounds. Several young men, seeing Gu Qianxi’s beauty, secretly admired her and had some intention of competing with Pei Shengqing. As everyone chatted, one man smiled: “Brother Pei, is your father still teaching? When will he return to court for an official position?”

Pei Shengqing’s face reddened – he most hated when others mentioned this point. These young men and women came from prominent backgrounds – whose family didn’t have important court officials, or at least local magistrates? Fearing their mockery, he stammered and forced a smile: “Father will probably return to Beijing in the next two years! By then he’ll definitely be appointed minister, or at least serve as prefect.”

The man smiled: “Still two years? That’s still far off! Brother Pei, don’t worry – your father will get an official position sooner or later.” His words were rather frivolous.

Hearing Pei Shengqing speak carelessly, Gu Qianxi was displeased and said coldly: “Teaching is better than being an official. Uncle Pei is different from those worldly people – he doesn’t want to be an official.”

The man looked at Gu Qianxi and smiled: “Which family’s young lady is this? Brother Pei, won’t you introduce me?”

Pei Shengqing looked proud – he had always been proud of this childhood friend and knew she would most likely be his future wife, so he said: “This is the daughter of former Assistant Minister of Works Master Gu – you can call her Miss Gu.” He then introduced the man to Gu Qianxi.

Hearing “former Assistant Minister of Works Master Gu,” the man just said “Oh,” thinking it was another idle, washed-up official at home.

The man’s father was also a court official with middling rank. Being spoiled and arrogant, his attitude became haughty as he said: “So it’s Master Gu’s daughter! Miss, feel free to visit my home often. If my father likes you, it could also benefit your father’s career.”

Pei Shengqing, hearing this, actually showed fear on his face. Knowing the man’s family background was excellent, he deeply feared Gu Qianxi might actually agree and was so anxious he didn’t know what to do.

But Gu Qianxi said indifferently: “This humble girl stays deep in the residence and rarely goes out. I appreciate the young master’s kind intention.”

The man smiled: “Only when you come to my house will you know what a truly wealthy family is! Don’t be afraid to meet my father – though he holds high office, he’s always very courteous to people.”

At this time, news of Gu Siyuan’s promotion to War Minister hadn’t been announced, so the man didn’t know and naturally spoke arrogantly.

Gu Qianxi smiled slightly, turned to look at the flower lanterns, and said no more, her manner quite cold.

The group of young men and women, seeing Gu Qianxi’s cold indifference, were rather displeased and all pulled Pei Shengqing to go watch opera.

Pei Shengqing quickly said: “Qian’er, these flower lanterns are just the same few patterns over and over – why don’t you come watch opera with us!”

Gu Qianxi said: “If you want to go, then go! I’m quite content here.”

Pei Shengqing found lantern-watching extremely boring and only wanted to watch opera and play with everyone, so he said: “Fine! I’ll go and come right back – don’t wander off alone.”

Gu Qianxi walked through the city and saw a flower lantern that was quite elegant, with flowers and plants painted on it in skillful technique. She stopped to look carefully and said to her maid Xiao Hong: “This design is quite unique. Xiao Hong, can you make it out?”

Xiao Hong smiled: “Miss, asking me is like asking for nothing – how would I know?”

Gu Qianxi made no comment, just feeling extremely bored with no one to talk to. She sighed softly and said quietly: “Last year on Lantern Festival night, the flower market was bright as day.”

What she recited was poetry by the Song dynasty literary master Ouyang Xiu, telling of a story between a man and woman on Lantern Festival night. Reciting it softly now naturally contained endless emotion.

Just as her heart felt lonely, she suddenly heard someone behind her continue: “Moon above the willow tips, people meeting after dusk.” These were the last two lines of that poem.

Gu Qianxi gasped softly and turned around to see a man with sword-like eyebrows and phoenix eyes, tall and jade-like, with a slight smile as he looked down at her. Gu Qianxi’s face reddened and her heart pounded as she quickly turned away. After a moment she turned back, but the man had already disappeared.

Gu Qianxi steadied herself and suddenly saw ahead a crowd of people solving lantern riddles. She shook her head, sighed lightly, and walked forward.

The master and servant stood in the distance watching. Xiao Hong smiled: “Miss, do you want to try solving riddles?” Gu Qianxi smiled faintly and shook her head, looking rather melancholy.

She watched from afar for a while and saw that some riddles were deliberately difficult while others were written with interesting wit, so she also stopped to watch, in no hurry to leave.

Suddenly she heard the old man announcing prizes laugh: “Young master, this old man has been revealing riddles here for decades and has never seen anyone solve ten in one breath! Why don’t you try?” She saw a young man holding a writing brush, thinking deeply before a board. The riddles written on the board had already been answered by him – seven of them. No wonder so many people had gathered to watch.

Gu Qianxi was curious and looked sideways, seeing the young gentleman was spirited and dashing – it was the same person who had stood behind her earlier. Gu Qianxi smiled slightly and thought: “This person seems quite learned but also doesn’t like being lonely – I wonder what his background is.” As she watched, the young man stepped forward and wrote down two more answers. The spectators all cheered, wanting to see him solve the tenth riddle.

When the man reached the tenth riddle, he suddenly pondered deeply. The riddle had eight characters: “Bird grasped in palm – name a famous general.” Gu Qianxi was quick-witted and knew the answer after a moment’s thought, but the man was still thinking. Several meddlesome spectators laughed: “Hurry up, lad! It’s almost dawn!”

Gu Qianxi couldn’t help but say softly: “‘Bird grasped in palm’ – quickly guess the name of a Three Kingdoms general!” Though her voice was soft, the man heard her. He suddenly understood and laughed: “‘Bird grasped in palm’ – of course! That’s Zhang Fei!”

The riddle-revealing old man smiled: “Remarkable, young master! Exactly – Zhang Fei!” The watching crowd applauded.

The man turned to look at Gu Qianxi, bowed respectfully, and smiled: “Thanks to the young lady’s guidance – I’m extremely fortunate.”

Gu Qianxi smiled and returned the courtesy: “Young master’s talent surpasses others – no need for excessive modesty.”

The two smiled at each other and together squeezed out of the crowd.

Gu Qianxi heard his speech had the rolled tongue accent of standard Mandarin, so she asked: “From young master’s accent, you don’t seem to be from Yangzhou?”

The man nodded: “Correct – I’m from the north and have been in Yangzhou for exactly one year.”

Gu Qianxi nodded. The two walked side by side as she asked: “Having been here for a year, how do you find Yangzhou compared to the north?”

The man smiled: “Yangzhou’s charm is renowned throughout the world, and talented scholars and gifted ladies abound. Previously I thought people were mostly exaggerating, but after seeing it with my own eyes…”

Gu Qianxi smiled and interrupted: “I’m afraid you were quite disappointed?”

The man laughed: “I can’t yet say about the talented scholars, but the reputation of gifted ladies is truly well-deserved.”

Gu Qianxi giggled, knowing he was referring to her: “If young master stays permanently in Yangzhou and becomes one of our Yangzhou people, then Yangzhou won’t lack for talented scholars.”

The man laughed heartily: “I’m penniless and destitute – what kind of talented scholar am I?”

Gu Qianxi smiled: “Young master jests.”

As they talked, they wandered about admiring lanterns. Xiao Hong didn’t dare disturb them, just smiled and walked away to keep watch from a distance.

The crowds were bustling and prosperous. The young man saw there were still many riddle-solving stalls on the street – these were set up by local academies and temples in the Yangzhou area to add to the festivities. He asked: “Miss, with your exceptional talent, why don’t you try solving riddles too?”

Gu Qianxi smiled charmingly: “If I can’t answer later, please rescue me too, young master.”

The young man scratched his head and smiled ruefully: “I’m afraid I’d need to go home and study books for a year or two before I could rescue you, miss.”

Gu Qianxi laughed: “Young master already answered ten lantern riddles – that’s unprecedented. Why be so modest?”

The young man smiled: “If you were to try, miss, I’d probably become history immediately.”

Both laughed together.

As they were walking, Pei Shengqing suddenly came running over. Gu Qianxi frowned: “It’s him again! Let’s hide.” But when she turned around, the young man had disappeared. Gu Qianxi stood on her tiptoes and looked around but couldn’t find him anywhere.

Her heart filled with melancholy as Pei Shengqing ran up beside her: “Qian’er, who was that person just now?”

Gu Qianxi said irritably: “Was your opera good?”

Pei Shengqing kept saying: “Excellent! Today they performed ‘Eight Immortals Cross the Sea’ – the actress playing He Xiangu was extraordinary…”

Gu Qianxi listened listlessly, her eyes searching everywhere for that man, but the young master seemed to have vanished and was nowhere to be seen.

When Gu Qianxi returned to the residence, Second Concubine pulled Pei Shengqing aside and asked: “Did you have a good time?”

Pei Shengqing said: “I went to watch opera later, while Qian’er looked at lanterns by herself.”

Second Concubine was so angry she nearly fainted, scolding: “Shengqing! You’re not a child anymore – do I need to teach you about romantic affairs? You only cared about your own entertainment and neglected the young lady – how can I help you?”

When they looked for Gu Qianxi again, she had already returned to her room to sleep.

Gu Qianxi changed clothes and sat staring blankly with her hand supporting her forehead.

Xiao Hong smiled: “Miss, what’s wrong with you?” Her face was full of smiles.

Gu Qianxi said displeasedly: “Xiao Hong, what are you laughing at?”

Xiao Hong smiled: “I see miss seems to be ill, and I can’t help but laugh.”

Gu Qianxi frowned: “You maid are getting more and more presumptuous – seeing me uncomfortable actually makes you happy.”

Xiao Hong covered her mouth and laughed: “Miss’s illness is rather strange.”

Gu Qianxi was getting angry: “Strange how?”

Xiao Hong smiled: “Nothing really. It’s just that ever since miss met that person tonight, you’ve been like this. This servant has attended miss for so many years and has never seen miss act this way.”

Gu Qianxi sighed and said wistfully: “What do you think that person’s background is tonight? Could he be some family’s young master?”

Xiao Hong shook her head: “Miss, that person probably isn’t any young master – he seems more like a down-and-out scholar.”

Gu Qianxi was startled: “You… how do you know?”

Xiao Hong said: “I saw his clothes had several patches, though they were all in inconspicuous places – but this servant saw them all.”

Gu Qianxi was stunned for a long while before saying: “I… how did I not see any of that?” Xiao Hong smiled slightly but didn’t respond.

Gu Qianxi continued: “Do you think I can see him again?”

Xiao Hong said quietly: “This servant doesn’t know, but miss is of noble birth – you should be careful in all things.”

Gu Qianxi sighed. Being naturally proud, she rarely met someone she could converse with easily, but didn’t know if she could see him again.

Gu Qianxi loved calligraphy and painting and had taken a remarkable woman as her teacher – her parents had both been displeased about this. But Gu Qianxi had been willful since childhood and highly talented – how could she endure spending days visiting households and gossiping about domestic affairs? After the Lantern Festival, she took up her brush again and daily brought Xiao Hong to her teacher’s residence to study painting.

This painting teacher had quite a mysterious background – no one knew her real name, only that she called herself “Wutong Hermit” and lived in the city, making it very convenient for Gu Qianxi to come and go.

On this day, Gu Qianxi was bringing Xiao Hong to her teacher’s “Wutong Residence” when Xiao Hong suddenly grabbed her. Gu Qianxi asked: “What’s wrong?”

Xiao Hong whispered: “Miss, look at that person.”

Gu Qianxi looked as directed and saw a tall figure carrying a hoe walking toward them – wasn’t it the same man she’d met at the lantern festival?

Gu Qianxi cried out in surprise, never expecting to encounter this person here. Her heart immediately began pounding. Seeing her shy and embarrassed expression, Xiao Hong laughed: “Miss, don’t panic – just go into teacher’s house and leave the rest to Xiao Hong!”

Gu Qianxi’s face reddened, but she made no comment, just hummed acknowledgment and walked into Wutong Residence.

The Wutong Hermit was a middle-aged beautiful woman. Seeing Gu Qianxi arrive early but seeming absent-minded with a flushed face, she guessed there was some matter on her mind and smiled: “Qian’er, what’s wrong with you today?”

Gu Qianxi’s face showed a blush as she quickly said: “Nothing.” She began studying painting with the Wutong Hermit, but after every few brushstrokes, Gu Qianxi would glance toward the door. After painting for a long time, everything was a chaotic mess.

The Wutong Hermit sensed something unusual and asked: “Where’s Xiao Hong? Why didn’t she come with you today?”

Gu Qianxi wasn’t good at lying and stammered without being able to explain clearly.

The Wutong Hermit became somewhat suspicious. Seeing Gu Qianxi alternately shy and dazed, she guessed most of the situation and said: “Let’s rest today – shall we drink tea and chat together?”

Gu Qianxi nodded but said nothing.

The Wutong Hermit smiled faintly, reached out to arrange the silky hair at her temples, and said gently: “Silly child.”

As the two were talking, they suddenly heard a man say: “Miss, I still have matters to attend to later and no time to chat idly with you. Who exactly is your master? Please speak clearly first!”

They heard Xiao Hong say: “It’s just meeting someone – what’s there for a big man like you to be afraid of? I can’t eat you, can I?”

The man said: “Miss, your words are greatly mistaken and full of logical errors. First, if you don’t eat people, does that mean you can’t harm them? Since you can harm people, how can I not be afraid? Furthermore, if you do eat people, though I’m a big man, wouldn’t I still be eaten just the same? So whether people get eaten doesn’t depend on gender – everyone should be afraid. It shouldn’t be that men need not fear.”

The man rambled on endlessly. The Wutong Hermit saw Gu Qianxi lowering her head and nervously clutching her clothes, so she thought with amusement: “The main character has arrived – let me see what kind of person this is.”

They heard Xiao Hong and the man arguing continuously as the two entered the door. They saw a man with piercing eyes who seemed quite extraordinary in bearing, though he carried a hoe, making his appearance rather strange. The Wutong Hermit frowned, unable to guess this person’s background.

When the man entered the room and saw the Wutong Hermit and Gu Qianxi sitting across from each other, he couldn’t help but be slightly stunned. He coughed lightly, cupped his hands, and asked: “Esteemed ladies, I don’t know whether it’s the miss or madam who summoned me – is there some important matter?”

The Wutong Hermit looked at Gu Qianxi and saw her face full of shy embarrassment, never lifting her pretty face. She smiled: “Please sit comfortably, young master. This humble woman wanted to meet you – nothing else. Please don’t worry.” Since it wasn’t convenient to reveal Gu Qianxi’s feelings, she naturally covered for her.

Gu Qianxi lowered her head and played with the teacup in her hands. Hearing her teacher’s words, she remained silent for a long time.

The man scratched his head, seemingly unable to understand why the Wutong Hermit wanted to see him. Just as he was becoming suspicious, he suddenly saw Gu Qianxi sitting nearby and immediately exclaimed “Ah!” saying: “Miss, you’re from that lantern festival…”

Seeing he recognized her, Gu Qianxi was delighted. She stood up and curtsied to the man: “We haven’t seen each other for several days – young master looks as healthy as ever.” She turned to the Wutong Hermit: “This young master and I met once some days ago. His literary talent is outstanding and his thinking agile – he’s a rare talent.”

Being from an official family, she was always generous and proper in social interactions. Now that her identity had been recognized, she immediately put away her shyness and resumed the bearing befitting an official’s daughter.

The Wutong Hermit smiled slightly and bowed: “Young master’s talent reaches the heavens – this humble woman has long admired you.”

The man knew she was just being polite and immediately laughed: “Where would I have any literary reputation? Madam speaks of ‘long admiring’ – but where does this come from?”

Fearing her teacher would look down on this person, Gu Qianxi quickly whispered: “Teacher, this young master is too modest – he truly isn’t an ordinary person.”

The Wutong Hermit nodded but smiled without speaking.

After a while, the man said: “Madam, is this the Wutong Residence? I saw it written on the plaque at the door.”

The Wutong Hermit said: “I wouldn’t dare. My humble name is indeed ‘Wutong Hermit’ – forgive me for offending your refined ears.”

The man was stunned and asked in surprise: “Madam, are you really the Wutong Hermit? I’ve heard that Yangzhou has a Wutong Hermit who excels at painting – landscapes, flowers, and birds, all masterfully done. Could it really be you, madam?”

At that time, society favored men over women, especially in scholarly circles. No matter how talented or famous a woman might be, it was difficult for her to distinguish herself. A remarkable woman like the Wutong Hermit was truly one in ten thousand.

Gu Qianxi smiled: “Could there be a second Wutong Hermit in Yangzhou? Actually, teacher doesn’t just excel at painting – her poetry also has lofty artistic conception.”

The man looked completely astonished, clearly not expecting the famous Wutong Hermit to be a beautiful woman. He immediately said: “Not knowing madam’s great name, I’ve been quite rude. My deepest apologies.” He kept bowing, appearing very humble.

Seeing his overly polite manner with its three parts stubbornness, Gu Qianxi couldn’t help but cover her mouth and laugh softly: “Ignorance is no crime – we can hardly beat and punish you for it, can we?”

The man quickly said: “Beating isn’t necessary, but scolding me once for being ignorant would be appropriate.” He bowed again and said: “Meeting such esteemed persons on the road is truly fate. I shall certainly seek instruction in the future.” He cupped his hands and turned to leave.

Seeing him about to go, Gu Qianxi suddenly became anxious, her small hands wringing together. Seeing the miss in a panic, Xiao Hong immediately blocked the doorway and said irritably: “We just want you to have some tea – what’s all the fuss about? Not a bit of courage.” She spread her arms wide, refusing to let him leave.

The man looked extremely embarrassed – if he wanted to leave, he could hardly kick Xiao Hong away, could he? He coughed, his face turning red, and had no choice but to turn back. He looked at the calligraphy and paintings on the wall by himself, murmuring: “I’ve long heard of the Wutong Hermit’s great name – truly extraordinary, truly extraordinary.”

Seeing him speak about everything except the matter at hand, Xiao Hong couldn’t help but giggle. The Wutong Hermit, seeing her beloved student’s shy face, also smiled faintly: “Since this young master has come to Wutong Residence, why not appreciate some calligraphy and paintings? Please sit comfortably a while longer before leaving.” She then ordered tea and refreshments brought to entertain the man.

Since the Wutong Hermit had also spoken thus, the man found it inappropriate to refuse. He cupped his hands: “In that case, I shall respectfully comply rather than decline.” He coughed and sat down.

Gu Qianxi’s pretty face flushed as she immediately brought out her own poetry and paintings for the man to critique. The man nodded and took them to look at. His eyes bright and focused, he examined each piece carefully. After reviewing each painting and calligraphy work, he pointed out exactly what could be called masterful and what was slightly lacking – this person clearly also excelled at calligraphy and painting and was a great expert in the field.

Seeing this person, though dressed humbly, had extremely refined knowledge, the Wutong Hermit was secretly amazed: “Young master’s insights are quite extraordinary – may I ask where you studied?”

The man smiled: “Madam flatters me too much. I’m just an ordinary person who likes to paint a few strokes in my leisure time – how dare I claim any particular school?”

The Wutong Hermit said: “Young master is too modest. But may I ask what you specialize in? Flowers, birds, and animals, or figures and landscapes?”

Seeing her teacher chatting with him, Gu Qianxi immediately smiled charmingly: “Why say so much? Just ask him to paint something – wouldn’t that be better?” She brought over paper and brush, wanting to invite the man to paint.

The man declined for a while, but Gu Qianxi simply wouldn’t allow it. The man sighed: “Very well! Since we have this fate, I’ll paint something!”

The Wutong Hermit nodded and smiled: “I’m eager to see young master’s fine brushwork.”

The man smiled ruefully: “I haven’t painted for a long time – I’m afraid I’ll make learned people laugh.” He took the brush and immediately began painting. With casual strokes from left to right, he outlined a winding black line.

Xiao Hong frowned: “What’s this? A caterpillar?”

The man smiled: “Miss’s words are somewhat similar but not quite right.” With several more strokes, everyone exclaimed “Ah!” – they could see he was painting a mighty river. The river water surged with magnificent momentum, and everyone praised it endlessly.

With just a few strokes he had captured the river’s grandeur completely. Gu Qianxi smiled: “So young master excels at landscapes – your brushwork is truly extraordinary!”

The man shook his head: “Not really – today I want to paint figures.”

Gu Qianxi said “Oh” and was about to ask when she saw the man sketching left and right with extremely fast strokes. In an instant he had painted a group of people. Gu Qianxi looked for a while and frowned: “What are these people doing with ropes? Why are they dragging a big boat?”

The man lowered his head and said nothing.

Only the Wutong Hermit sighed: “These people are trackers.”

Being from an official family, Gu Qianxi naturally didn’t know about such things. Curious, she asked: “Trackers? What are those?”

The Wutong Hermit said: “Trackers are people who pull boats. When large boats encounter upstream currents, they need people on shore to drag them – these people are the laborers who pull boats.”

Gu Qianxi nodded and looked carefully at the trackers’ faces, feeling these people seemed to be crying out to heaven with expressions of great suffering. She sighed softly: “These people are so pitiful – their lives must be very hard.”

Xiao Hong, who had been silent beside them, suddenly had tears welling up in her eyes upon hearing this.

Seeing her suddenly show sadness, Gu Qianxi couldn’t help but ask in surprise: “Xiao Hong, what’s wrong?”

Xiao Hong choked up: “Nothing… this servant just thought of father…”

Gu Qianxi had never known Xiao Hong’s background and asked: “What’s wrong? Does your father know these trackers?”

Xiao Hong could no longer hold back and suddenly burst into tears: “My… my father was also a tracker. He couldn’t endure the hardship and died in his thirties. Mother couldn’t support me, so she had to send me to the Gu family as a servant girl. Fortunately I met miss – otherwise how could Xiao Hong have today’s good life?” She wept bitterly.

Everyone was quite surprised to learn Xiao Hong’s background was so difficult.

After a while, Xiao Hong quickly wiped away her tears and said apologetically: “This servant became emotional and spoiled madam and miss’s mood for painting – please punish me severely.”

Gu Qianxi said gently: “Don’t say such things – I never knew your background. Sigh… you’ve really suffered.” She gently wiped away Xiao Hong’s tears, feeling very sorry for her.

The Wutong Hermit gazed at this “Great River Trackers” painting and was also quite moved, saying: “Seeing young master’s brushwork so vigorous, you must be a person of great integrity.”

The man said softly: “In troubled times, literature is worthless – why keep this integrity to torment oneself?” His words contained infinite bitterness.

The Wutong Hermit nodded. She studied the painting again and said: “Hearing you speak thus, you must be well-read in poetry and books – but I wonder why the faces of the figures in this painting are all indistinguishable and quite blurred?”

The man pointed to the figures in the painting: “Though these trackers are poor, each one faces hardship fearlessly, like winter plum blossoms standing alone in the cold. Therefore one need only paint their spirit, not their appearance. What their faces look like is secondary.”

Gu Qianxi said “Oh” and asked: “What does ‘painting their spirit’ mean? Could you explain more clearly?”

The man gently stroked the trackers he had painted, his face showing compassionate expression as he said quietly: “I believe painting should not seek physical resemblance but should seek the soul and bones, seek artistic conception – this is the difference between high and low.”

Hearing these words, the Wutong Hermit suddenly sighed deeply: “Young master’s views perfectly match my own.” She turned to Gu Qianxi: “Qian’er, remember these words well – they will be of great benefit to you in the future.”

Gu Qianxi agreed aloud, appearing noncommittal on the surface but actually wildly delighted inside – seeing this man make her teacher submit with just a few words, how could she not be happy?

After viewing the calligraphy and paintings, the Wutong Hermit had developed quite a favorable impression of the man and said: “We’ve talked so much, yet we still don’t know young master’s honored surname and great name, or where you currently work?”

A shadow crossed the man’s face and he suddenly fell silent.

The Wutong Hermit saw Gu Qianxi’s concentrated expression, clearly also wanting to know this person’s background. The three sat in silence for a moment, but no one spoke.

After another while, seeing the man wouldn’t answer and Gu Qianxi about to change the subject, the man suddenly laughed and revealed his background: “I won’t hide it from you two – I’m currently working as a farmhand for a household. As for that humble name, ha ha, there’s no need to mention it!”

The Wutong Hermit couldn’t help but exclaim “Oh!” Though she knew this person must be poor, she hadn’t expected he had fallen to being a servant. Gu Qianxi looked utterly astonished. She stared at the young man before her – seeing his distinguished bearing and extraordinary manner, she never would have imagined he was actually a lowly servant. For a moment she was stunned speechless.

Soon the man stood up, his face full of self-mockery: “Madam, miss – I’m just a servant boy, a mere farmhand, yet I sit here discussing literature and creating paintings. Wouldn’t that make people laugh their teeth out?” He turned away, sighed deeply, cupped his hands and said: “Let’s part here.” He then turned and left.

Gu Qianxi called out sweetly: “Young master, please wait!” But the man didn’t look back and had quickly walked out the main gate.

Gu Qianxi stood stunned for a long while before getting up to chase after him. Running to the doorway, she could no longer see any trace of the man. The Wutong Hermit came out and gently stroked Gu Qianxi’s hair, sighing: “Child, your father is a high court official. This person’s background is too different from yours – it ultimately won’t work.”

Gu Qianxi turned away and said quietly: “Teacher, what are you thinking? I… I just feel sorry for him seeing his disappointment, that’s all.”

The Wutong Hermit sighed softly and took her small hand: “It’s cold outside – let’s go in!”

Gu Qianxi looked back to see the empty alley and suddenly felt sad, not knowing when she might see him again.

“That boy from Second Concubine is really tenacious. I assigned him to manage the garden without even giving him a hoe, yet he actually bought one himself and stubbornly refuses to leave…”

When Gu Qianxi returned home, she heard the steward whispering with Second Concubine about something. Gu Qianxi had no interest in listening closely. Feeling dejected, she ate dinner, paid respects to her elders, and went to sleep.

For the next ten-plus days, she went daily to study painting but never encountered that young master again. Her maid Xiao Hong, seeing her constantly frowning with worry, didn’t know what to do.

One evening after finishing her painting lesson, Gu Qianxi felt restless and wandered through the residence’s courtyards to admire flowers and clear her mind. In poor spirits, she walked farther and farther until, in the Gu family’s vast estate, she reached the area where servants lived.

Xiao Hong said: “Miss, there’s nothing interesting here – let’s go!”

Gu Qianxi suddenly thought of that man who was also someone’s farmhand. She said slowly: “I’ve never known what servants’ lives are like. I want to take a look.” Xiao Hong couldn’t disobey and followed her down.

At this time the sun was setting in the west, evening clouds accompanied early spring’s floating clouds, and the garden’s flowers and plants were reddened by the sunset, like a painted scene. Gu Qianxi felt waves of melancholy and didn’t know how to find relief. Xiao Hong, looking at Gu Qianxi’s flushed cheeks, couldn’t help but sigh for her.

Hearing her sigh, Gu Qianxi said wistfully: “Xiao Hong, do you have troubles too?”

Xiao Hong said: “This servant has no troubles.”

Gu Qianxi said indifferently: “Then why do you sigh?”

Xiao Hong shook her head: “Miss, Xiao Hong feels sorry for you!”

Gu Qianxi smiled and said: “Silly girl, I’m neither sick nor in pain – why feel sorry for me?”

Xiao Hong said quietly: “Miss, I’ve heard people say that eight or nine out of ten things in this world don’t go as desired – please try to be more accepting.”

Gu Qianxi looked at the evening clouds and sighed softly.

Just as Xiao Hong was about to console her, they suddenly heard someone shouting loudly. A barefoot man carrying a hoe was ruthlessly destroying the garden’s flowers and plants, muttering words under his breath – quite spoiling the scenery.

Gu Qianxi was startled and said: “Xiao Hong, these flowers and plants weren’t easy to cultivate – what is that person doing?”

Xiao Hong called to the man: “Hey! What are you doing? You’re going to kill all these flowers and plants!”

The man, with his back to the master and servant, said irritably: “I’m going to destroy them all.”

Gu Qianxi frowned: “Who ordered you to do this?”

The man seemed not to hear and continued forcefully cutting and pulling.

Xiao Hong said: “How dare you be so rude? The young lady is asking you a question!”

The man didn’t turn around: “The steward ordered me to cut down all the flowers here and plant new ones.”

Gu Qianxi said in surprise: “Such a thing? I didn’t know about this. What’s your name? Let me ask the steward first – you can continue working after that.”

The man said: “I’m just a servant who plants flowers and grass. Even if I told you my name, miss wouldn’t remember it – better not to say.”

Xiao Hong said angrily: “The miss is asking you a question and you’re dragging your feet with nonsense!”

The man said: “Second Concubine ordered me not to speak with the young lady.”

Gu Qianxi was surprised again: “Such a thing? Who exactly are you?”

The man didn’t dare stop his hands: “I’m surnamed Flower, given name Grass Person. This name is very easy to remember – it’s specially for the young lady’s use. In the future when the miss sees me, just call out ‘Flower Grass Person’ and I’ll know!”

Though Gu Qianxi knew he was talking nonsense, she couldn’t help but find it amusing. Suddenly she saw the steward hurrying over, shouting: “Lu Yun! You dead boy! Not working and babbling about what?”

Hearing the steward call that person “Lu Yun,” Gu Qianxi thought: “Lu Yun, Lu Yun – such a familiar name. Ah! Isn’t Lu Yun father’s page boy? How did he get assigned to tend flowers?”

She remembered this person had answered a famously difficult couplet from Jiangnan, winning her father’s great favor and his intention to take him as a staff advisor. Gu Qianxi couldn’t help but be curious, wanting to see what this exceptionally talented young man looked like. She only saw the setting sun shining on Lu Yun’s broad back but couldn’t see his face.

The steward was shouting and jumping around Lu Yun, cursing continuously. Gu Qianxi said: “Steward Liu, did you order him to pull up the flowers and replant them?”

The steward smiled obsequiously: “Yes! Everyone’s tired of looking at these flowers – they have to be replanted.”

Lu Yun didn’t turn around as he vigorously pulled up peony plants one by one. Gu Qianxi shook her head: “Lu Yun, you’re at least an educated person – how can you treat flowers and plants so brutally!”

Lu Yun laughed heartily and turned around: “My crude behavior has startled the young lady.”

Gu Qianxi was stunned: “Why does this laughter sound so familiar?” She saw the setting sun shining on Lu Yun’s face, and he also looked completely astonished. Both exclaimed together: “So it’s you!”

The one called Lu Yun was none other than the man she had kept deep in her heart these past days. Only now did Gu Qianxi realize that the young master who had admired lanterns and solved riddles with her at the Lantern Festival, who had hurriedly left from Wutong Residence, was actually her family’s page boy.

The two stared at each other’s faces. Gu Qianxi saw Lu Yun’s expression slowly change from surprise to indifference, and finally he muttered and turned his head away.

The steward roared: “Dead boy! How dare you speak to the young lady! Have you thrown Second Concubine’s words aside?”

Lu Yun no longer spoke and bent down to pull weeds.

Gu Qianxi called: “Young master!”

But Lu Yun didn’t turn around, silently continuing his work.

The steward laughed: “Miss, why do you call him young master? This person’s status is extremely lowly – he’s just a servant. If you address him this way, how can he bear it?”

Gu Qianxi’s face darkened as she said to the steward: “Go away! This is none of your business.”

The steward didn’t know why the miss was angry and smiled apologetically: “Miss, what is this…”

Gu Qianxi put on a stern face and said coldly: “I told you to go away – didn’t you hear?”

Seeing the miss’s unfriendly expression, the steward had no choice but to bow and retreat.

Gu Qianxi suddenly said: “Wait! Tomorrow transfer him back to the study – don’t make him do rough work here anymore.”

The steward hesitated: “Miss, Second Concubine ordered me to have this boy work in the garden. If I transfer him back, Second Concubine might get angry!”

Gu Qianxi stamped her foot: “Do you only have Second Concubine in your eyes and not me, the young lady?”

The steward had never seen the miss lose such a big temper and was immediately stunned: “Since the miss says so, I’ll transfer him back to the study tomorrow.”

Gu Qianxi saw Lu Yun still working with his head down and said quietly: “You… you don’t need to do this work anymore, understand?”

Lu Yun acted as if he hadn’t heard and continued bending down to pull weeds.

Xiao Hong called: “Hey! The miss is transferring you back to the study – didn’t you hear?” She called twice, but Lu Yun neither turned around nor stopped working.

Xiao Hong snorted: “Miss, this person is crazy – let’s ignore him.”

Seeing Lu Yun’s behavior, Gu Qianxi sighed and said quietly: “Forget it, let’s go back!”

Actually, how could Lu Yun not hear the miss’s words? How could he not know the miss’s good intentions? But he just couldn’t say a word of thanks…

Lu Yun himself didn’t know why – he would rather continue doing rough work here than see the miss and receive her kindness…

Over this past month, Second Concubine had been plotting daily with those few bad ideas, wanting to take advantage of the master’s absence to drive Lu Yun out of the Gu residence. The steward, following Second Concubine’s orders, first transferred Lu Yun to the garden to grow vegetables. Seeing he did this competently, they transferred him to plant flowers, making him pull up the garden’s flowers daily then replant them – constantly going back and forth, determined to make him dizzy with frustration. But Lu Yun, remembering his agreement with Gu Siyuan, no matter how Second Concubine tormented him, always kept his promise and endured without leaving. He never expected this coincidental meeting with the young lady.

The next day, the steward indeed didn’t dare disobey the miss’s orders and commanded Lu Yun to begin managing the study. Lu Yun cleaned as usual, then began practicing internal energy. His internal power was now extraordinary – after practicing briefly he felt energetic and spirited, having reached the point where not practicing was uncomfortable.

While practicing, he suddenly heard someone knocking. Lu Yun was startled – with the master gone to Beijing, few people came to the study. Lu Yun quickly opened the door and saw a young lady standing before him with bright eyes and white teeth, skin like snow – wasn’t it Gu Qianxi? Lu Yun stood stunned for a while, not knowing what to say, while Gu Qianxi walked right in. Seeing Lu Yun lowering his head speechlessly, she also didn’t know what to do.

After a long pause, Gu Qianxi said: “Young Master Lu…”

Lu Yun’s heart trembled as he quickly said: “Miss, please don’t address me this way. Just call me Ah Yun!”

Seeing him distinguish between master and servant, noble and lowly, Gu Qianxi was displeased: “Young Master Lu, don’t act this way – I’ve never cared about servants and non-servants.”

Lu Yun said nothing, just stood aside with hands hanging down, even more respectful than when Gu Siyuan was present.

Gu Qianxi said gently: “Come sit down!”

Lu Yun stepped back and shook his head: “Miss, please don’t act this way – I’m just your page boy. How can I sit at the same table with you? This would disrupt proper order – absolutely not.”

Gu Qianxi shouted: “You… you clearly know I don’t care, so why put on such an ugly appearance?”

Lu Yun quickly bowed and made repeated salutes: “Miss, please don’t be angry. If Lu Yun’s behavior is improper, please punish me severely.”

Seeing his appearance, Gu Qianxi felt indescribably sad. She couldn’t help but feel her heart ache, and tears were about to fall. Lu Yun just stood with hands down, pretending not to see. After Gu Qianxi felt sad for a while, her young lady’s temper suddenly flared as she thought: “You want to act like a servant? I’ll let you act like one enough!”

She brazenly sat in the chair and said coldly: “Grind ink.”

Lu Yun didn’t know her intention but thought: “She’s the miss – whatever she wants to do, I’ll comply.” He quickly ground thick, dark ink.

Gu Qianxi looked stern, showing neither joy nor anger, only saying: “Paper and brush?”

Lu Yun quickly brought paper and brush. Gu Qianxi concentrated briefly and began painting on the paper. Lu Yun served at her side, seeing her paint a splashed-ink landscape with graceful brushwork and elegant artistic conception.

After finishing the painting, Gu Qianxi lowered her head without speaking. Lu Yun stood behind her serving, neither speaking nor commenting. Gu Qianxi’s body trembled as she suddenly tore up the painting. Lu Yun cried out in surprise – this landscape was truly masterful, and tearing it was extremely regrettable.

Lu Yun said quietly: “Miss, it was such a good painting – why did you tear it up?”

Gu Qianxi said coldly: “Does a mere servant dare lecture me?” She stood up, walked before Lu Yun, and stared into his eyes.

Lu Yun lowered his head to avoid her gaze.

Gu Qianxi sighed very softly and walked away.

Lu Yun watched her retreating figure and thought: “Official family misses are indeed willful.” He collected the torn painting fragments and began practicing internal energy again.

For several consecutive days, Gu Qianxi came to the study daily to paint or write poetry, but each time she tore up her work and left immediately. On this day, after tearing up a painting of green bamboo, Gu Qianxi suddenly lay on the desk and began crying softly. Lu Yun had spoken little with her these past days, acting just like a page boy. Seeing her cry now, he didn’t know whether to comfort her and couldn’t help but sigh.

Gu Qianxi raised her head and said reproachfully: “You… what are you sighing about?”

Lu Yun said quietly: “Seeing the miss sad and not knowing what to do, I can only sigh.”

Gu Qianxi slowly stood up and looked at Lu Yun. Her large eyes held pearl-like teardrops, and her small red lips trembled – utterly beautiful. Gu Qianxi suppressed her sadness and choked out: “Young Master Lu…”

Lu Yun quickly said: “I wouldn’t dare – miss, please call me Ah Yun!”

Gu Qianxi angrily said: “Stop it! Put away that servant’s face – I don’t want to see you like this!” Her voice caught and tears flowed again.

After a while she wiped away tears and said gently: “Forget it, I don’t blame you. Anyway, this is our last meeting.”

Lu Yun’s heart shook. He suddenly felt empty inside and wanted to say something but couldn’t, only turning his head away in silent speechlessness.

Gu Qianxi said softly: “Young Master Lu, I respect you as an ambitious scholar who, through misfortune, has fallen to being a servant. That’s why I condescended to befriend you. But… but you just can’t let go of your background. I’ve come to see you for several days, and every day you put on this servant’s face with me. Are you… are you really that principled, down-and-out scholar?”

She walked toward the door, looking back at Lu Yun with infinite tenderness in her eyes, but then lowered her head again.

Seeing her about to leave, Lu Yun said tremblingly: “Miss… miss…”

Hearing this, Gu Qianxi stopped and looked at Lu Yun.

Lu Yun said quietly: “You… wait a moment.” He walked into the pile of books, took out some things, and handed them to Gu Qianxi.

Looking at them, Gu Qianxi couldn’t help but cry out “Ah!” – what Lu Yun had given her were precisely the paintings and calligraphy she had torn up these past days. Though these works had become fragments, Lu Yun had painstakingly reassembled, glued, and pasted them back together – who knows how much effort this had cost him.

Lu Yun said quietly: “Miss, these paintings and calligraphy are truly fine works – tearing them up is too wasteful. Please take them back!”

Gu Qianxi received the paintings and calligraphy, tears falling drop by drop onto them, causing the ink to blur. She turned and ran out, calling: “Fool! You’re a big fool!”

Lu Yun saw her run from the study, this time not looking back – she probably wouldn’t come again.

Lu Yun looked at the empty doorway and thought: “Thank heaven and earth she won’t come anymore! That’s good – saves me from attending this wealthy young lady daily.”

He sat down to practice internal energy but somehow couldn’t calm his mind. He looked out the window, thinking of Gu Qianxi’s every movement and gesture. Remembering her words “anyway, this is our last meeting,” his heart suddenly ached as he collapsed on the ground, staring blankly at the ceiling as if some part of his body had inexplicably died and no longer belonged to him…

The next day Lu Yun went to the study to work. After cleaning, he suddenly felt listless and couldn’t muster energy. He didn’t read books or practice internal energy, just stared blankly out the window. The study had always been unvisited, so he sat there – but whenever there was any disturbance, he jumped up thinking Gu Qianxi had arrived. But throughout the entire day, Gu Qianxi never came.

From morning to night Lu Yun didn’t even eat. Originally a diligent and self-motivated young man, he suddenly seemed like a different person. He sat at the desk looking at the graceful flowers and trees outside, somehow beginning to smile bitterly.

In his extreme loneliness, a voice seemed to begin mocking him – what was all his studying for? With no hope for imperial examinations and having become a guilty man awaiting punishment, why continue reading? Stubbornly maintaining his pride and refusing to change his surname and allegiance, only to be insulted and mocked by people in the end – what was it all for? What use was his passion for saving the world? Just to torment himself. Look how happy A’Fu was – he truly was a fool, as Miss Gu had said.

For three consecutive days Lu Yun sat like this, neither drinking nor eating. On the fourth evening, A’Fu came looking for him and found him collapsed on the ground, burning with fever and unconscious. A’Fu was so frightened he shouted for people to come, and only then did they discover Lu Yun had contracted typhoid fever. Actually, with Lu Yun’s internal energy, he shouldn’t have fallen ill, but his mind was in chaos and he had stopped eating and drinking, which led to this serious illness. When the steward heard about this, he felt it was extremely unlucky. Second Concubine was overjoyed. Everyone held their noses and threw Lu Yun back to his woodshed.

This alarmed Madam Gu, who said she feared someone might die in the residence and had a doctor called to treat Lu Yun. After examining him, the doctor told everyone they absolutely must not go near him. Fearing infection with typhoid, only A’Fu daily brought him medicine, but he didn’t dare enter – just left things at the woodshed door hoping Lu Yun would come out to eat. But for two consecutive days, the medicine bowls placed at the door hadn’t even been touched. Everyone guessed he had already died inside, but no one dared go in to check.

On the third night, Lu Yun suddenly became lucid in his delirium. Seeing darkness all around, he knew he was about to die and reflected on his life of poverty and disappointment. Thinking of his deceased parents, tears flowed like rain. Suddenly a pair of soft, warm hands lifted Lu Yun up, wiped the tears from his face, and fed bitter, concentrated medicine into his mouth.

Lu Yun, in his confusion, looked up and saw an extraordinarily beautiful face looking at him with complete concern – it was the wealthy young lady Gu Qianxi. Lu Yun was both surprised and delighted, thinking he was still dreaming. He suddenly cried aloud and, not knowing where the courage came from, tightly embraced her soft, delicate body.

Seeing him awake, Gu Qianxi was immediately overjoyed and smiled: “You… you’re finally awake! The secret remedy Xiao Hong found really works.”

The corners of her eyes also moistened.

Lu Yun’s heart filled with great emotion as he cried: “Miss, I… I…”

Gu Qianxi let him rest his head on her legs, gently stroking his dirty, disheveled hair and saying tenderly: “Don’t talk – focus on recovering!”

Soon Lu Yun felt only peace and joy in his heart and fell deeply asleep in her embrace.

Early the next morning Lu Yun woke to find Gu Qianxi gone. His heart sighed once, thinking: “It seems I was thinking about her during the day, so last night I must have been dreaming.” Suddenly seeing several medicine bowls placed by his feet, Lu Yun cried out “Ah!” – only then did he realize Gu Qianxi had been coming every night to attend to his medicine, or with his condition he would have died long ago.

Lu Yun felt mixed sorrow and joy, extremely grateful in his heart. But what made him happiest wasn’t recovering his life but seeing Gu Qianxi again. He slowly circulated his energy and felt his internal power was still abundant – this serious illness apparently hadn’t defeated him. Lu Yun slowly stood and walked to the door, seeing food A’Fu had brought piled there. He smiled slightly and thought: “That boy A’Fu never forgot me.” His eyes suddenly moistened.

After eating, Lu Yun felt some strength return. He sat cross-legged and circulated internal energy. After a long time, his mind gradually cleared of distracting thoughts, reaching a state of clear reflection. Slowly, an internal energy surged within his body, rushing wildly through his four limbs and hundred bones. Unlike before, when he needed to be intentionless and thoughtless to practice, this internal energy was far more vigorous than the previous gentle power. This energy rushed through his meridians, consecutively breaking through major barriers he’d never passed before. After circulating through his body, it returned to his dantian.

Stimulated by this internal energy, Lu Yun couldn’t help but roar to the sky, his voice heard for miles. Though his body was weak, with his internal energy’s achievement, his illness seemed cured.

Suddenly people outside the woodshed called: “Is this boy dead, shouting like that?” Everyone gathered outside the woodshed. Seeing Lu Yun emerge with a pale face, they all discussed: “This boy lived!” “No! He became a zombie!” “Damn! Is there such a weak zombie?”

Lu Yun got up and supported himself on the door frame, smiling miserably: “This boy has caused everyone trouble.” A’Fu quickly embraced him and helped him out.

Once Lu Yun’s strength returned, having some medical knowledge, he gathered herbs to recuperate himself. Being young and strong with considerable internal energy, his body recovered extremely quickly. This illness nearly cost him his life, but unexpectedly his internal energy had broken through the mysterious barrier. He knew this “No Severance Mental Method” had achieved initial success – incomparable to when the old beggar had taught him. With time, there would surely be great progress.

After two more days, Lu Yun returned to work in the study. The study remained as before, as if it had been when he left. Lu Yun sighed foolishly and was about to clean when he heard someone knocking. He quickly went to greet them and saw a young lady standing gracefully at the door, her expression seeming to smile yet not smile – it was Gu Qianxi.

Seeing her suddenly, Lu Yun couldn’t help but feel his eyes grow hot. Through blurred tears, his heart exploded with joy. He quickly steadied himself and said hoarsely: “Miss… miss, are you here to paint and write today?”

Gu Qianxi smiled charmingly: “If I’m not here to paint and write, am I here to see you, you consumptive ghost?” She glanced at him sideways, but her gaze was full of concern and tenderness.

Thinking of her kindness these past days, tears immediately slid down Lu Yun’s cheeks. His recent illness was no small matter – it was typhoid fever. For Gu Qianxi to care for him like this could be said to be risking her life.

Seeing this, Gu Qianxi’s heart also stirred. She quickly turned her head away, not daring to meet his gaze, only calling loudly: “Grind ink!”

Lu Yun wiped away his tears and brought out paper and brush for her, feeling indescribably happy.