What a hot and scorching sunny day! The sunlight shone universally under blue skies and white clouds. The pond by the field ridge was crowded with children all loudly playing and swimming in the water – truly the innocent children’s fun of a blazing summer day.

In the distance, a large government office could be seen with an empty space in front of its gate where a long queue was arranged. Hundreds of men sweating profusely stood in line, each with tense expressions and fearful hearts, looking ahead like cattle and sheep awaiting slaughter, in stark contrast to the leisurely scenes around them.

What could be so formidable as to make these hundreds of men so afraid? At the front was arranged a long table with an official in court robes, his expression stern and his sharp gaze sweeping fiercely over the crowd, frightening everyone to their cores.

Today was the great national examination – countless men with xiucai backgrounds had come to this examination hall to participate in the triennial Shandong metropolitan examination.

The examiner opened the registry, glanced at it, then looked up at a man and barked: “You are Zhou Yang?”

A thin, weak man nodded repeatedly and said tremblingly: “This humble person is indeed Zhou Yang.”

The examiner snorted: “Who else is in your family?”

Zhou Yang panicked: “This humble person is an only son. My parents are over eighty, and I have a wife at home.”

The examiner glanced at him sideways and said coldly: “Which examination is this for you?”

Zhou Yang’s face showed embarrassment as he lowered his head and said quietly: “The seventh time.”

The examiner said expressionlessly: “According to the new regulations issued from above, all candidates taking the examination for the third time or more must pay thirty taels of silver as processing fees to avoid wasting the examination readers’ time.”

Zhou Yang was stunned: “But… but there was no such rule three years ago?”

The examiner frowned: “Do you have money or not?”

Zhou Yang said tremblingly: “This humble person… doesn’t… doesn’t…” The word “have” just wouldn’t come out.

The examiner lowered his head, too lazy to pay more attention, and said directly: “Next.”

Zhou Yang burst into tears, crying: “I’ve used up all my travel money and really have no money! Sir, please let me enter the examination!”

The examiner burped and called loudly: “Next!”

Zhou Yang rolled on the ground crying: “You can’t send me back! How can I face my parents and wife?”

Two bailiffs walked over, each taking him under an arm and carrying Zhou Yang aside to avoid delaying others from entering. Zhou Yang knelt on the ground crying bitterly, not knowing where to go.

A fat, large man walked over: “Sir, I’m called Jiang Daqing.”

The examiner snorted: “What ‘I’ this and ‘I’ that – you don’t even know to use the words ‘this humble person.’ What examination are you taking? What imperial degree are you seeking?”

Hearing this, Jiang Daqing became angry: “What did you say? Say it again!”

The examiner spat and sneered: “You reckless fellow don’t even understand basic etiquette, yet you dare take examinations – wouldn’t that make people laugh their teeth out?”

Suddenly there was a “thud” on the table as Jiang Daqing removed a gold medallion from his waist and slammed it on the table. The examiner sneered: “What do you want to do?”

Jiang Daqing pointed at the medallion: “Look clearly at the characters on it.”

The examiner laughed heartily: “This medallion has characters? Are they your birth date and time?” He looked down and saw a large character “Jiang” written on the gold medallion.

The examiner was frightened out of his wits and said tremblingly: “This… this is… Grand Tutor Jiang’s medallion?”

Jiang Daqing sneered: “Who do you think current Grand Tutor Jiang Chong is to me? He’s my uncle!”

The examiner swallowed and his face became ashen. Jiang Daqing sneered: “You’re just a minor outer curtain official, yet you dare act like a fox borrowing the tiger’s might, saying I’m unfit for examination. Stand up!”

The examiner was so frightened he became silent as winter cicadas and quickly lowered his head to stand. Immediately Jiang Daqing heavily slapped his face. Being tall and fat, this slap was quite forceful, and the examiner immediately fell to one side.

Jiang Daqing sneered: “Let you learn a lesson today.” Then he strode directly inside.

Seeing this Jiang Daqing neither pay money nor be questioned about examination attempts and just walk in freely, Zhou Yang felt indignant and immediately jumped up, shouting: “He… he didn’t pay the thirty taels processing fee! How can you let him in?”

The examiner was full of grievances and already angry and frustrated. Hearing Zhou Yang still shouting, he immediately cursed: “If you dare say another word, I’ll give you a slap!”

Zhou Yang said angrily: “If he can go in, why can’t I?”

The examiner rushed forward and shouted: “If you have no money, stay home and farm – what examination are you taking?” He was about to slap Zhou Yang.

Suddenly someone grabbed the examiner’s palm and said sternly: “Those without money cannot take examinations? Whose principle is this?”

The examiner turned around sharply and saw this person had bright, spirited eyes looking at him. Apparently this person had seen the world, so the examiner dared not be presumptuous and asked: “Who are you, sir?”

The person released the examiner’s palm: “I am Lu Yun.”

The examiner rushed back to the table and checked carefully: “Hmm, you are Scholar Lu Yun, who took the examination once three years ago, correct?”

Lu Yun snorted: “How much money do you want? Speak quickly!”

The examiner, seeing his straightforward manner, smiled: “You’ve only taken it once – you need only ten taels of silver.”

Lu Yun took out the gold ingot that Liu Angtian had rewarded him that day and threw it to the examiner. The examiner happily caught it, but seeing the gold ingot weighed a full ten taels, couldn’t help but smile: “Master Lu, I want silver, not gold! You’re not trying to bribe me, are you?”

Lu Yun’s face darkened as he pointed at Zhou Yang: “Who’s trying to bribe anyone? This brother can’t afford the processing fee – I’m paying for him!”

The examiner was stunned: “Thirty taels of silver for this worthless fellow? That’s no different from feeding dogs!”

Lu Yun said coldly: “Don’t be wordy. This is my silver – I’ll use it however I please.”

Zhou Yang was crying his heart out when he heard their conversation – he had truly met a living Buddha! He immediately hugged Lu Yun’s leg and cried: “Thank you, Master! Thank you, Master!”

Lu Yun helped him up and said warmly: “We help each other in hardship, brother – why need you thank me? Take the exam well and don’t disappoint your parents’ hopes.”

Zhou Yang got up and shouted loudly: “Thank you so much!” Then he rushed at the examiner, grabbing him and shouting: “Where are my candles and ink? Quickly bring them to me!”

The examiner snorted and sneered: “You poor scholar! You’ve met a benefactor!” He handed over paper, ink, and candles, instructing: “Write your three generations of ancestors’ names on the exam paper, also write your native place and age, and avoid imperial names and temple names in your writing. Remember?”

Zhou Yang ran inside without looking back: “I’ve taken this seven times! I know these rules better than you!”

The examiner, seeing Zhou Yang enter, turned to Lu Yun with a smile: “Kind-hearted living Buddha, now it’s your turn to go in!” He brought over the necessary items with quite courteous manner.

Lu Yun reached out to receive them, his heart calm and tranquil. He sighed lightly and looked back at the clear sky, thinking: “If I still can’t pass this time, I’ll return home to teach!”

The sunlight fell on his handsome face, showing no trace of nervousness or expectation, his calm expression seeming as if he had already seen through the mortal world and transcended worldly joys and sorrows.

Now, Xue Nu’er had been arrested by Jiang Chong and others and had been imprisoned in jail these past days. Qin Zhonghai reported this to Liu Angtian and others. Liu Angtian shook his head and sighed: “I think the Eastern Depot has taken quite a fall this time. Even before the Ministry of Justice case concludes, Liu Jing will be demoted.”

Yang Suguan had wanted to bring up the old matter again and discuss cooperation with Jiang Chong, but seeing everyone dejected and mostly cursing Jiang Chong, he couldn’t say much.

Liu Angtian knew the situation had been severe these past days and again instructed Qin Zhonghai: “These days the palace will surely be full of alarms and fears. Be extremely careful not to let people catch any weaknesses, or you might suffer greatly.”

Qin Zhonghai acknowledged and returned to the palace.

Since Xue Nu’er had been imprisoned, the palace had actually become extremely dirty and chaotic, with palace maids and eunuchs becoming slack and undisciplined. Qin Zhonghai patrolled around and saw people openly gambling and feasting lavishly – the corruption was beyond description. It seemed that though Xue Nu’er was naturally violent, he was the top person for managing palace miscellaneous affairs. Though Qin Zhonghai was at odds with him, these past days without someone to quarrel with were also somewhat boring.

This day while patrolling the Imperial Garden, he suddenly saw people carrying a stretcher approaching. Leading them was a tall eunuch nearly nine feet in height – it was Da Bao. Qin Zhonghai saw their group looked gloomy and quite sad, so he walked forward and asked quietly: “What are you doing? Why such long faces?”

Da Bao glanced at the stretcher with an expression ready to cry. Qin Zhonghai turned to look at the stretcher and saw it was covered with white cloth, with bloodstains visible underneath – obviously hiding someone.

Qin Zhonghai’s heart jumped: “Who’s in the stretcher?”

Da Bao sighed: “Don’t ask – we need to go!”

Qin Zhonghai, seeing his sorrowful expression and making a slight calculation, already knew the person lying in the stretcher must undoubtedly be Xue Nu’er. From this appearance, Xue Nu’er probably couldn’t endure the prison suffering and had already died inside.

Qin Zhonghai felt pity and sighed: “Is your godfather… already…”

Da Bao cried: “Don’t ask! We need to go!”

Qin Zhonghai sighed, thinking of the fellowship from when he and Xue Nu’er had protected the marriage alliance together: “Let me pay my respects to his remains.” He reached out to grab the white cloth to lift it.

Da Bao quickly stopped him, shrieking: “What do you want to do?”

Qin Zhonghai shook his head and sighed: “Don’t think that because I often quarreled with your godfather, we actually had some friendship in private. Let me see him one last time!”

Da Bao hated this person most and immediately shouted: “You have ill intentions! Get away!”

Qin Zhonghai also became angry and cursed: “I just want to see your godfather – why don’t you recognize good intentions? No breeding at all!” He pushed Da Bao with his hand.

Da Bao was wildly furious and suddenly swung his fist forward. Qin Zhonghai sneered: “Boy needs beating. Today I’ll teach you some principles for your godfather.” He slapped out and kicked, causing Da Bao’s cheeks to swell and his body to fly high, landing far away in the flower garden.

Qin Zhonghai looked at the bloody stretcher and sighed: “Deputy General Manager Xue, you were arrogant all your life, but you have this day too.”

He lifted the white cloth and immediately saw a bare, bloody buttocks exposed underneath. Qin Zhonghai was shocked and cried loudly: “This is a buttocks!”

A stretcher-carrying eunuch looked at him and sighed: “The General is correct – this is indeed buttocks.”

Qin Zhonghai saw the buttocks was full of cane wounds and couldn’t help but sigh: “Whose buttocks is this? Why is it all bloody?”

The eunuch’s eyes contained tears as he said emotionally: “If heaven had feelings, heaven would also grow old. These buttocks once sat on the throne and used palace toilets, but now lie here bloody… sigh… the vicissitudes of human life can be seen even from a buttocks.”

Qin Zhonghai, hearing his nonsense, immediately became furious and knocked his head: “What rubbish are you talking? I’m asking you something!” The eunuch cried “Ah” and immediately lowered his head, not daring to say more.

Several other eunuchs cried: “Deputy General Manager Xue is so pitiful! He was beaten a full hundred strokes and became like this.”

Qin Zhonghai sighed: “Xue Nu’er died from caning – truly too tragic!” He was about to cover the white cloth.

Just then, suddenly there was a “puff” sound followed by a terrible stench – the buttocks actually let out a fart! Qin Zhonghai was greatly shocked: “A dead person farting!”

Xue Nu’er’s voice came fiercely: “Bastard surnamed Qin, don’t gloat over my misfortune. When I recover from my injuries, I’ll definitely cut off one of your hands to vent my anger!” His face was turned down so his voice was muffled and unclear.

Qin Zhonghai, seeing he wasn’t dead, was quite happy in his heart but still wasn’t merciful with his mouth. He giggled and put his palms together: “Deputy General Manager Xue, if you’re dead, stay dead – don’t come back to haunt us!”

Xue Nu’er angrily said: “Get lost!”

Qin Zhonghai looked at Xue Nu’er’s buttocks and laughed: “I never thought Deputy General Manager Xue, usually so dignified, would have so many black moles on his buttocks… Tomorrow I should find a fortune teller to analyze them and maybe write a ‘Buttocks Classic’ or something…” He turned to leave, talking to himself: “The left buttock has three large black moles, the right buttock has grown black hair…”

As he spoke, suddenly Xue Nu’er flew out from the stretcher and shouted: “How dare you! You actually peeked at my buttocks! You… you deserve death!” But he was truly severely injured and immediately fell to the ground, groaning in pain.

Qin Zhonghai picked him up and put him back on the stretcher, patting his cheek and smiling: “Alright, alright, seeing how scared you are, Deputy General Manager, recover well! I absolutely won’t mention to anyone the secret of the black moles on your buttocks.”

Xue Nu’er angrily said: “Come here and let me chop you up!” But Qin Zhonghai ignored him, just laughed heartily and walked away.

Afterward, Qin Zhonghai had people inquire and learned that Liu Jing had used several layers of connections, relying on the Empress Dowager and numerous consorts’ intercessions to spare Xue Nu’er’s life. Though Jiang Chong had strongly testified that this Xue Nu’er had intentionally committed crimes against his superior and was unforgivable, first, Jiang Chong couldn’t produce real evidence, and second, the situation was indeed extremely dangerous at the time. If they insisted Xue Nu’er’s Heaven’s Edge Golden Wheel endangered His Majesty, then Jiang Chong’s gunshot at the tiger and Qin Zhonghai’s arrow shot could also be blamed. In any case, the Emperor was completely unharmed now, and with numerous consorts in the palace pleading for him, the matter was let pass.

However, though Xue Nu’er could avoid the death penalty, he couldn’t escape corporal punishment. Following Jiang Chong’s suggestion, Xue Nu’er’s buttocks still received a severe hundred strokes. If not for his deep internal power, this caning would have already taken his life. Seeing the matter concluded, but remembering Xue Nu’er’s manner when using the “Heaven’s Edge Golden Wheel” that day, Qin Zhonghai’s heart still harbored difficult-to-resolve suspicions. With Xue Nu’er’s skill, he absolutely couldn’t have made such a reckless move – he didn’t know what intentions he really harbored.

Another month passed. This night at midnight, Qin Zhonghai was leading his subordinates gambling with the Golden Wu Guard near Qianqing Gate. This night his luck was terrible and he lost a hundred taels of silver at once. Qin Zhonghai felt extremely unlucky and slipped behind the gate to relieve himself, hoping to dispel some bad luck.

Just as he was comfortable, he suddenly saw a consort walking gracefully forward. Qin Zhonghai was startled and quickly put on his pants and hid in the grass.

North of Qianqing Gate was the rear palace. Qianqing Palace, Jiaotai Hall, and Kunning Palace were collectively called the “Three Rear Palaces.” Except for personal imperial summons, no one could enter without permission. Among them, Kunning Palace was the Empress’s main palace, while Qianqing Palace was the Emperor’s bedchamber where summoned consorts were also favored. To prevent palace scandals, the imperial guards’ patrol area was bounded by this gate – south of the gate was defended by imperial guards, while north was handled by rear palace inner attendants. To prevent rear palace unrest, Jiang Chong and Liu Jing each recommended half the inner attendant candidates to mutually monitor and supervise each other. Though Qin Zhonghai was extremely bold, he knew that relieving himself here and being seen by some unknowing consort would inevitably bring fatal disaster, so he immediately hid his form quickly.

Qin Zhonghai saw that consort walk out of Qianqing Gate carrying a bamboo basket with no eunuchs or palace maids following her. Qin Zhonghai was slightly curious and, by moonlight, saw this woman had clear, beautiful features, about forty-some years old – she was exactly the consort he had caught having an affair that day! Qin Zhonghai chuckled coldly, thinking: “Good adulteress! Looking at her manner, she’s probably going to deliver soup and food to someone again. Let me, Old Qin, investigate this.”

He hid behind the consort and followed her winding path, indeed seeing her head toward Renzhi Hall again. Qin Zhonghai saw her quickening pace and secretly laughed: “This woman is passionate about adultery – so urgent!”

Soon the consort sneakily hid in front of the hall, looked around left and right, then rushed into the hall.

After the consort entered the hall, Qin Zhonghai also flew inside. He lightened his footsteps and walked along the beam, taking in all the consort’s movements. The two, one above and one below, entered the hall and saw a eunuch already waiting inside. Qin Zhonghai was greatly shocked and quickly stopped, fearing his footsteps were too loud and might be detected.

Looking down at the eunuch’s face, he didn’t recognize him – presumably also from the Eastern Depot.

The consort, not seeing Xue Nu’er, frowned: “Where is Deputy General Manager Xue?”

The eunuch bowed: “Reporting to Consort Qiong, Deputy General Manager Xue’s injuries haven’t healed – today I’m substituting for guard duty.”

Qin Zhonghai, hearing the three words “Consort Qiong,” couldn’t help but gasp, thinking of Qiong Wuchuan: “So this woman is Consort Qiong! Great! So the Emperor’s sister-in-law is having an affair.”

This Consort Qiong was National Uncle Qiong Wuchuan’s daughter. This woman came from a famous family and should be a refined lady, yet she would do such dirty things.

Qin Zhonghai thought: “This woman must be relying on her father’s power – if caught, she still has that iron scroll and red letter to exchange for her life. Truly damn bold!” Thinking this was his first time using “bold” to describe a woman, he also found it absurd.

Consort Qiong acknowledged and opened the secret passage to enter. The eunuch looked inside for a while, seeming quite curious. Consort Qiong, seeing his curious manner, immediately angrily said: “You fox-headed, rat-eyed fellow, poking your head around – what do you want to do?”

The eunuch was startled and knelt down: “Your Ladyship, calm your anger! This slave was just… just a bit curious…”

Consort Qiong snorted: “Inside is where I keep my private money – nothing else. Don’t think wild thoughts.”

The eunuch repeatedly said: “Yes, yes, this slave understands.” Then he kowtowed repeatedly as Consort Qiong ignored him and went inside by herself.

The eunuch, seeing her enter the secret passage, immediately put his ear to the wall as if wanting to discover who else was inside.

Qin Zhonghai, crouching on the beam, thought: “No wonder when Jiang Chong mentioned Consort Qiong that day, His Majesty immediately imprisoned Xue Nu’er. Consort Qiong’s adultery must have somewhat leaked out.” Then he thought: “This Emperor really isn’t decent – seeing it’s not himself being cuckolded, he turns a blind eye and spares Xue Nu’er’s life. If the Late Emperor Wu Ying knew about this underground, he’d surely be furious.”

Qin Zhonghai waited on the beam. Soon the secret door opened again and Consort Qiong had emerged. Presumably with Xue Nu’er not there, she didn’t dare be too reckless.

The eunuch, seeing the consort come out, quickly went to help her. Consort Qiong shrank her body and waved her hand: “You have no business here – quickly go back and report to Deputy General Manager Xue!”

The eunuch hurriedly said: “Yes, this slave will go immediately.” He bowed and left.

Qin Zhonghai saw the eunuch seemed distracted, apparently frightened by the strange events before him, and secretly sneered: “Xue Nu’er is truly useless. To find someone to substitute guard duty, he actually found such a worthless person. Really don’t know what he keeps so many subordinates for.”

Seeing the two people go far, he leaped down from the beam. Watching Consort Qiong walk toward the rear palace, Qin Zhonghai turned to follow the eunuch, wanting to clarify this person’s background.

He saw the eunuch turn left and right, heading straight for the palace wall. Qin Zhonghai followed far behind and saw the eunuch’s steps were steady – apparently also a martial artist. Otherwise Xue Nu’er wouldn’t have asked him to guard.

After walking for a while, the eunuch came beside the palace wall and stopped, then pursed his lips to whistle. Immediately a low whistle responded from outside – someone was indeed waiting outside the wall for contact! Qin Zhonghai was shocked: “This person is wrong!”

The eunuch, seeing someone waiting outside, bit his finger and wrote a few characters on a handkerchief, then wrapped it around a stone and threw it over the wall. Qin Zhonghai had no more doubts – he already knew this person was a spy. It seemed Consort Qiong’s activities in Renzhi Hall would be exposed.

Thinking of how Liu Jing usually strictly controlled his subordinates, who knew Xue Nu’er was careless in his work and his subordinates still produced spies – probably trained by Jiang Chong. Qin Zhonghai secretly sighed, not knowing whether he should inform Liu Jing of this matter.

Just as he was pondering, the eunuch had already turned back toward the palace. Looking at his direction, he was heading toward Xue Nu’er’s residence. Qin Zhonghai waited for him to go far before following at a distance. The palace had many buildings with flower gardens and trees everywhere – following along this way, it wasn’t difficult to hide his tracks, and the eunuch was completely unaware.

The eunuch walked onto the corridor, apparently full of worries and walking quickly with lowered head, when suddenly a little eunuch ran over and called to him: “Godfather! Didn’t you say you were going home to eat? I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”

Qin Zhonghai stole a glance – this little eunuch was none other than the child who had led him into the palace. The eunuch was first stunned, then smiled slightly and said warmly: “Daddy has some business and will come home later. Little Liu, go home first.” He touched the little eunuch’s head, his face showing loving expression.

Qin Zhonghai thought: “Xue Nu’er has Da Bao as a son, and this eunuch also raised one. Actually, these eunuchs are alone in the capital and must feel lonely in their hearts.”

Just as he was thinking, Little Liu smiled: “Good! I’ll brew tea for Daddy first – come back quickly to drink it.”

The eunuch, seeing his adopted son’s attachment to him, immediately laughed heartily. He lowered his head to let Little Liu kiss his face before slowly walking away.

Qin Zhonghai suddenly seeing father-son affection, abruptly thought of his own master and couldn’t help but sigh lightly. But immediately thinking of old friends like Liu Angtian, Lu Yun, Wei Zizhuang, and Wu Dingyuan, the corner of his mouth moved, his face suddenly showed a smile, and the loneliness in his heart immediately disappeared without trace.

Soon the eunuch had reached Xue Nu’er’s room and knocked on the door: “Deputy General Manager, I’m Little Zhongzi.”

As soon as he finished speaking, a sharp voice came from inside: “So it’s Hu Zhong! Why so slow? Quickly come in!” The eunuch acknowledged and immediately entered the room.

Qin Zhonghai thought: “So this eunuch is Hu Zhong from the Eastern Six Palaces. Hehe, Jiang Chong’s claws reach quickly – even this person has been bribed. Let’s see who else in the world can’t be bought.” He knew Xue Nu’er’s martial arts were formidable and didn’t dare get too close for now, so he hid in the flower garden outside the room, concentrating on listening to their conversation.

He heard Xue Nu’er’s voice: “How was it? Is everything well at Renzhi Hall? Did you encounter anything unusual?”

Hu Zhong coughed and replied: “Thanks to Your Excellency’s protection, everything went smoothly today.”

Qin Zhonghai heard Hu Zhong’s voice was steady without revealing any guilty conscience, and secretly praised: “This fellow surnamed Hu is truly formidable. Just finished doing something underhanded and immediately acts like nothing happened – truly spy material.”

After their exchange, they were quiet for a while, then Hu Zhong said: “If Deputy General Manager has no other business, this humble one will take leave.” Apparently feeling guilty and not daring to stay long, he definitely wanted to escape quickly. Qin Zhonghai crouched in the grass and saw Hu Zhong’s shadow on the window frame turning around to open the door and leave.

Suddenly Xue Nu’er said coldly: “Don’t rush to leave. When you left Renzhi Hall just now, did you encounter Little Liu?”

Hearing this question, Hu Zhong’s shadow on the window frame suddenly trembled slightly – apparently quite surprised and not knowing why Xue Nu’er asked this.

Qin Zhonghai, always shrewd, was also startled: “This Xue Nu’er is testing him.” It seemed if Hu Zhong made one careless response, his life would be in danger.

Under the candlelight, Hu Zhong’s shadow turned around. He coughed: “Replying to Your Excellency, I didn’t encounter him.”

Xue Nu’er made a sound: “Is that so? Good, you can go back now.”

Hearing this, Hu Zhong seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and quickly turned to open the door. Looking at his shadow trembling slightly, he was apparently extremely frightened.

Suddenly Qin Zhonghai saw Xue Nu’er’s shadow move, followed by a circular black shadow appearing. Qin Zhonghai was shocked – he knew this was Xue Nu’er’s unique weapon, the “Heaven’s Edge Golden Wheel,” and thought: “Good Xue Nu’er! So quickly wanting to kill someone!”

Qin Zhonghai was familiar with Xue Nu’er and knew his “Heaven’s Edge Golden Wheel” had tremendous power – even Khanate National Teacher Luo Moshi couldn’t take one move. To ambush Hu Zhong would definitely be easy. Suddenly Qin Zhonghai’s heart stirred as he thought of Little Liu: “Poor child, he’ll never see his godfather again.” Though he had no friendship with Hu Zhong, he still felt pity.

This thought had just flashed when suddenly there was a “crack” sound – Hu Zhong had actually crashed through the window frame and escaped urgently! Qin Zhonghai raised his eyebrows and secretly praised: “Good Hu Zhong, so clever!”

When Xue Nu’er had just taken out the golden wheel, Hu Zhong had calmly detected it but didn’t expose it, and indeed found an opportunity to escape.

Watching Hu Zhong urgently fleeing forward, suddenly golden light flashed as the “Heaven’s Edge Golden Wheel” flew out from the window. With a light sound, the golden wheel scraped Hu Zhong’s back but didn’t hit vital points. Qin Zhonghai thought: “Xue Nu’er is severely injured, so his power isn’t pure. Otherwise, even with ten lives, Hu Zhong wouldn’t be enough for one cut.”

Hu Zhong, covered in blood, half-rolling and half-crawling, still gritted his teeth and ran. Qin Zhonghai saw he was about to escape the scene when suddenly over ten figures shuttled past with palm winds striking – someone was attacking Hu Zhong with great force! Qin Zhonghai was greatly shocked, only then knowing there were masters ambushed nearby. He stole a glance and saw Hu Zhong was no match within one move, his body immediately flying up and falling not far from where he was hiding. Qin Zhonghai knew Eastern Depot elites were nearby and held his breath even more, not daring to move slightly.

Just as he was worried, someone slowly walked over and squatted beside Hu Zhong, smiling: “Little Zhongzi, why walking so fast? Did you do something guilty?” This person was beardless, over seventy years old, with a calm expression – it was Liu Jing.

Qin Zhonghai, seeing the big shot arrive, was startled: “Even this old thing has come out – Hu Zhong is definitely finished this time.”

Hu Zhong spat blood and panted: “Director General, I… I’ve been loyal and devoted. Why do you want to harm me…”

Liu Jing, hearing him still being stubborn, immediately laughed heartily and took out a handkerchief from his bosom, waving it before Hu Zhong: “Little Zhongzi, is this your thing?”

This handkerchief was exactly what Hu Zhong had thrown over the wall earlier. Hu Zhong, seeing his plot exposed, couldn’t help but smile bitterly, knowing all his actions were under Liu Jing’s control. He no longer struggled and simply slowly closed his eyes, quietly awaiting death.

Xue Nu’er walked out from the room and sneered: “Dead thing! You think Director General Liu doesn’t know about your dirty deeds? You’ve been in league with that bastard surnamed Jiang for three years – we’ve known all along! If not for deliberately testing you, why would we send you to Renzhi Hall tonight?”

Hearing this, Qin Zhonghai was both shocked and impressed: “This Liu is truly formidable! Nothing big or small in the palace escapes his eyes!”

Xue Nu’er took out his golden wheel and said coldly: “Little Zhongzi, will you end yourself or shall I do it? Choose quickly!”

Hu Zhong’s heart ached as he thought of his adopted son Little Liu, and tears immediately fell like rain.

Xue Nu’er smiled grimly: “Still dare to cry! Our Eastern Depot has no use for worthless things like you!” Golden light flashed as he was about to finish him off.

Suddenly Liu Jing raised his hand to stop Xue Nu’er and smiled: “Don’t kill him like that.” He helped Hu Zhong to his feet.

Hu Zhong saw Liu Jing’s face full of smiles, only looking down at himself intently. Not knowing what terrible tricks this Director General had to deal with him, he felt even more afraid.

Seeing Liu Jing slowly raise his hand toward his back, Hu Zhong knew this Director General appeared kind like an ordinary old man but was actually cruel and vicious, a hundred times more terrifying than Xue Nu’er. His heart trembled, regretting he hadn’t died under Xue Nu’er’s hand earlier, and said tremblingly: “Director General, please… please give me a quick death…”

Liu Jing laughed heartily and lowered his hand: “What quick or slow death? Where are your thoughts going?” He was seen reaching out to press acupoints on Hu Zhong’s back wound, then tearing his own clothes to bandage the wound.

Hu Zhong was startled: “Director… Director General, you… what exactly do you want to do to me…”

Liu Jing smiled slightly: “We’ve known each other so many years – what’s this talk of dealing with or not dealing with? Isn’t that too formal?”

He hummed a little tune while personally bandaging Hu Zhong’s wound properly, then smiled: “In this world, people either covet wealth or lust after beauty. We palace people can’t have women even if we wanted them. Tell me, how much are we few old and young in the Eastern Depot worth?”

Hu Zhong’s face was ashen as he lowered his head and said quietly: “Lord Jiang personally promised that when I return home, he’ll give me a thousand mu of good farmland and also give my brothers back home a large sum of money.”

Xue Nu’er cursed angrily: “Shameless villain! A few acres of farmland bought our lives! Dog bastard!” He shrieked and was about to kill again.

Liu Jing reached out to stop him, looking at Hu Zhong and nodding with a smile: “Little Zhongzi, I don’t blame you for thinking of your brothers back home, nor do I want to kill you. But considering the lives of everyone in the palace, things are somewhat difficult to handle.”

Hu Zhong’s face was deathly pale as he said miserably: “I betrayed everyone and never expected a good end. If Your Excellency wants to execute me, this slave has no complaints.”

Liu Jing shook his head and sighed: “Our Eastern Depot has so few people – can we kill our own? Hu Zhong, I’m giving you a way out now. As long as you obediently listen, you can still get land and money from Jiang Chong in the future, but keep your head to eat with. How does this idea sound?”

Hu Zhong was shocked: “There’s… there’s such a good thing? Director General, please don’t tease me…”

Liu Jing smiled slightly: “Why would I tease you for no reason?” He gently stroked Hu Zhong’s cheek: “I’ve waited decades and finally got a double agent. Think about it – how much false information will need to rely on you to pass to that Jiang in the future. Little Zhongzi, your life is so precious – how could I bear to kill you?” He actually burst into hearty laughter.

Hearing this, Qin Zhonghai was also horrified. Jiang Chong had spent tremendous effort to finally buy off a key figure in the Eastern Depot, only to have Liu Jing turn him into a double agent in a few moves. Seeing these two great treacherous ministers so ruthless, the Liu faction would need to work extra hard to establish a foothold in court.

Hu Zhong was shocked, delighted, ashamed, and afraid all at once. Just as he was about to thank him for the hope of survival, he heard Liu Jing smile: “Hu Zhong, how is your Little Liu lately? Is his health good? Does he still cough at night?”

Hu Zhong, hearing him mention his adopted son, immediately broke out in cold sweat and laughed dryly: “Thanks to the Director General’s concern, the child is quite well.”

Liu Jing laughed heartily: “Yes, that child is truly well-behaved. I just went to see him earlier – the child is very filial and has already brewed hot tea waiting for you to return. Little Zhongzi, you’re truly fortunate!”

Hu Zhong, hearing these words, knew his adopted son was already under this inner palace Director General’s control. If he rebelled even slightly, Little Liu would face great disaster. His heart ached and he couldn’t help but let tears flow, immediately choking up.

Qin Zhonghai, watching this, also sighed in his heart. Suddenly seeing Xue Nu’er looking around the courtyard, he was secretly alarmed – he mustn’t be discovered. Given today’s dangerous situation, if his identity was exposed, it would definitely end in bloodshed. He held his breath and dared not move a muscle.

Just then, a childish voice suddenly called: “Director General, Deputy General Manager, why are you all here? Where’s my godfather?” It was Little Liu coming to look for his godfather. Seeing Hu Zhong crouching on the ground, he quickly ran over calling: “Godfather!”

Hu Zhong, seeing him arrive suddenly, was frightened and didn’t know what to do.

Little Liu rushed over and suddenly saw the bandaging on Hu Zhong’s back. Shocked, he immediately started screaming. Liu Jing walked forward and gently stroked Little Liu’s head, smiling: “Your godfather just carelessly got scratched by an iron nail on his back, but it’s been bandaged and treated!”

Little Liu held Hu Zhong tightly and cried: “Godfather! If something happens to you, what will Little Liu do in the future?” His words were full of genuine feeling. Hu Zhong held him close, and father and son actually cried together.

Qin Zhonghai, seeing this situation, thought: “If I don’t leave now, when will I?” Taking advantage of everyone’s momentary distraction, he immediately slipped away quietly.

Qin Zhonghai, seeing the situation was too chaotic, didn’t dare linger in the palace and hurried back to his residence. Along the way he kept thinking: “These scoundrels are fighting like dogs, making my territory a complete mess. Hehe, Consort Qiong could have her affair anywhere else, but she had to bring trouble to my domain. I absolutely can’t let this matter rest.” Seeing Jiang Chong and Liu Jing each displaying their abilities and trying to catch each other’s weaknesses, Qin Zhonghai, both from duty and curiosity, intended to investigate the inside story thoroughly.

He rested at his residence for a while to conserve energy, and only returned to the West Corner Tower in the dead of night. He took out a large quantity of burglary tools and found ten capable subordinates, instructing: “You’ll follow me later – we have important business.” He immediately led everyone toward Renzhi Hall.

His subordinates, seeing his grave expression, asked along the way: “Boss, with all these tools, what exactly are we going to do?”

Qin Zhonghai knew the case was serious and absolutely couldn’t leak out, so he sneered: “Don’t ask so many questions. Remember, your heads are for eating, not for chopping.” Hearing him say this, everyone was inexplicably alarmed and became silent as winter cicadas.

Reaching Renzhi Hall, Qin Zhonghai instructed everyone that if anyone approached within a hundred feet, they should immediately clap as a signal so he could be alert. Everyone was Tiger Forest Army brothers already subdued by him, so though they saw his strange behavior, they still dared not say much.

Qin Zhonghai walked deep into the hall and came to that painting, thinking: “Damn it, today I must investigate this matter thoroughly.” He chuckled coldly, removed the painting, then felt for the keyhole and took out various tools to pry at the lock.

After working for a long time until he was covered in sweat, the lock hadn’t budged at all. Apparently this lock was extraordinary and must have been made by master craftsmen.

Qin Zhonghai thought: “Next time I should bring Commander Wu in – he’s from a constable background and must be experienced in such burglary.”

He panted for a while and then pried fiercely several more times, but the lock was extremely sturdy and there was still no way. Qin Zhonghai became increasingly frustrated and thought: “Never mind, if delicate work won’t do it, I’ll use brute force.”

He calmed himself and listened carefully to the surrounding sounds, feeling it was completely quiet – presumably there should be no one nearby in the deep night. He drew his steel knife and channeled the eighth level of “Fire Greedy Single Blade” power, about to use one move “Three-in-One Fire Greedy” to chop at the wall.

Suddenly he heard a sigh beside his ear: “General Qin, doors are meant to be opened, not chopped.”

Qin Zhonghai jumped up suddenly. This shock was truly extraordinary – with his martial arts, there were very few in the world who could approach him unnoticed. He knew his vital points behind him were already controlled by someone, and if he turned around he would definitely be ambushed. So he kept his back turned and said sternly: “Who comes here?”

The person only sighed and didn’t speak. Though Qin Zhonghai appeared rough on the surface, he was actually quite shrewd. He immediately thought: “If this fellow wanted to hurt me, he would have killed me immediately upon arriving. This person must know me.” After a brief pondering, he had already deduced this person’s identity and sneered: “Eunuch Liu, if you have something to say, just say it – why be so mysterious?”

Indeed, the person behind him made a sound of surprise: “Good boy, you actually recognized me.”

Qin Zhonghai turned around and indeed saw an old man standing before him – it was Liu Jing. The two stood face to face, both motionless.

Qin Zhonghai, thinking of his subordinates, asked: “Eunuch, what have you done to my brothers?” He knew none of his subordinates were masters and definitely couldn’t withstand Liu Jing’s single strike. With no one giving warning signals, he worried for their safety and asked.

Liu Jing smiled: “This eunuch just let them have a good sleep – completely without malice. You should know that a person needs to eat and sleep well for a long life!”

Qin Zhonghai felt relieved. Understanding Liu Jing was threatening him, he sneered: “Eat and sleep well for a long life? What kind of logic is this?”

Liu Jing said: “Sleep more and you’ll naturally see less; eat more and you’ll naturally speak less. This is the most basic principle in the palace – do you understand?”

Qin Zhonghai laughed coldly: “I don’t understand.”

Liu Jing said: “See little, speak little, and your life will be worry-free; eat much, sleep much, and enjoy happiness to the end. If the General wants to live a hundred years, remember this well.”

Qin Zhonghai thought: “This old man is trying to scare me.” He put on an air of complete indifference: “I haven’t stolen any men or women, nor instigated or arranged affairs – how would my life be short? I’d like to ask the Director General about this.”

Liu Jing’s face flashed with cunning as he shook his head: “General Qin, stealing people is better than killing people, don’t you think?”

Qin Zhonghai saw his clothes fluttering slightly – with no wind blowing, this must be Liu Jing secretly channeling his energy. Qin Zhonghai wasn’t afraid either and immediately pressed his hand on his sword hilt, sneering: “Catching adulterers is like catching thieves – if this matter falls on my, Qin Zhonghai’s, head, I’m not afraid of trouble either.” His inner strength reached the sword, and a rigid force penetrated the blade. The seam between the blade and scabbard immediately emitted a faint red glow.

Liu Jing, seeing both sides’ words becoming increasingly stiff and about to fight, smiled slightly and suddenly said: “General Qin, how is Marquis Liu lately?” As he spoke, his clothes had slowly settled down as usual.

Qin Zhonghai, hearing him suddenly mention Liu Angtian, was startled and remembered Liu Jing had sent a letter apparently intending to cooperate with Liu Angtian. Not wanting to be too rude, he released his sword hilt and replied: “The Marquis is well, thank you for the Director General’s concern.”

Liu Jing squinted and smiled: “Lord Jiang also seems quite well lately, doesn’t he?”

Qin Zhonghai chuckled dryly: “Lord Jiang is fine, the Marquis is well, plus you Director General Liu are also in good health – so the world is at peace.”

Liu Jing pointed at the secret room and smiled slightly: “If the world wanted great chaos, that wouldn’t be difficult either – just break down this door. If General Qin acts so rashly, Lord Jiang will surely reward you with a big red envelope – that would be a great windfall.”

How clever was Qin Zhonghai? Hearing this, he immediately understood: “From his words, he wants me to turn a blind eye. Should I agree to him?”

At this time, the Jiang and Liu factions were fighting irreconcilably. If he rashly exposed Consort Qiong’s affair, it would inevitably benefit Jiang Chong. He pondered for a moment, considering the stakes, and was inclined to compromise. He coughed twice and said: “As the saying goes, advise against gambling but not against adultery. Though stealing people is better than killing, you still have to see who’s being stolen from and who’s being killed. I hope the eunuch will advise your friend to steal skillfully and cleanly, not messily and dirtily, making the sweeper annoyed.”

Liu Jing, hearing him speak this way, knew the matter had eased. He smiled slightly: “When it’s time to give you a dustpan to clean up, I definitely won’t give you a big knife to wave around – rest assured about that.” His meaning was naturally that he would clean up everything and absolutely not let Qin Zhonghai get into trouble.

Qin Zhonghai looked at him and said indifferently: “Fine, seeing we’re both sweepers, I’ll go back and sleep for a while.”

Liu Jing laughed heartily and cupped his hands: “It’s rare that General Qin is so understanding – Liu owes you a favor.”

After this, though Qin Zhonghai wanted to discover the secrets of Renzhi Hall, considering that the Liu and Liu factions still needed to support each other, he had to suppress his curiosity and vaguely let them pass.

—

The bustling streets were again filled with the good times of the Mid-Autumn Festival. This day, romantic scholars and refined ladies from prominent families would gather at the capital’s Banished Immortal Tower, where talented men and beautiful women would guess riddles, solve couplets, compose prose, and recite poetry – extremely lively.

It happened that this Mid-Autumn Day was also when Lady Gu would celebrate her fiftieth birthday. The Gu residence was naturally decorated with lanterns and bustling with activity – the number of invitation cards sent out alone reached a thousand.

With still half a month until the fifteenth of August, Gu Qianxi had been preparing birthday gifts these past days. Being naturally clever and intelligent, she didn’t want to give something commonplace. Lady Gu, seeing her searching everywhere for treasures, only smiled: “Child! Mother lacks nothing except a good son-in-law. As long as you marry quickly and give birth to a fat, white grandson, Mother won’t worry about anything.”

Hearing Lady Gu speak this way, Gu Qianxi only smiled faintly, but no one could guess her thoughts.

This day Gu Qianxi brought Little Hong, master and servant going out together to buy birthday gifts. Thinking of her mother’s hard work raising her, she had now taken out all her private savings, hoping to give Lady Gu a surprise.

Seeing Gu Qianxi chatting and laughing with a rare display of joy, Little Hong was secretly happy for her. These two years living in the capital, though Gu Qianxi smiled outwardly, she often wet her pillow with tears at night, alone and heartbroken. Little Hong, seeing this, felt infinite pity. Thinking of that fugitive scoundrel who had harmed her so badly, she felt extreme hatred.

Heaven took pity – fortunately, half a year ago Scholar Yang came to court her. Thanks to this man’s complete talents in literature and martial arts, plus his usual wit and good conversation, Gu Qianxi gradually recovered her spirits. Thinking of this, Little Hong secretly prayed, only asking Heaven to bless the young lady with a good home and not to be deceived by bad people again.

The two walked to the bustling main street and saw people coming and going everywhere – truly extremely prosperous and lively. Little Hong saw a jade shop nearby and was delighted, pointing at the golden signboard: “Miss! This is the capital’s largest ‘Knowing Antiquity Studio’ – why don’t we pick some things here? Maybe we can find some rare treasures!”

Gu Qianxi knew her mother loved jade like life and immediately said happily: “Good! They say the capital is at the Son of Heaven’s feet – perhaps we can find some incredible treasures!” She immediately moved her jade feet and strolled into the shop.

Gu Qianxi entered the shop and looked around. Having been born into a wealthy family since childhood, she had seen many precious antiques. After looking left and right for a while, she only saw ordinary items with nothing truly rare and precious. She shook her head and thought: “It seems though the capital is large, it still can’t compare to our Yangzhou’s charm.”

She sighed and was about to call Little Hong to leave when she suddenly heard someone say: “Boss! This is a family heirloom. My ancestor was a high official in the Song Dynasty, which is why we have such fine things left behind. If not for my family’s urgent need for money, I wouldn’t bear to sell it, but you… you only offer this much silver. This… how can this work?”

Gu Qianxi was curious and turned to see a middle-aged man selling jade here. She saw the man holding a jade deer that appeared to have extraordinary color and quite precious appearance – it should be a Song Dynasty inner palace treasure. She was secretly delighted and thought: “Mother loves jade most – if she saw this jade deer, she’d surely be extremely happy. I didn’t expect such good luck today to see this ‘white jade with yellow-brown patina.'” Then she thought: “But I only brought three hundred taels in bank notes today – I wonder if it’s enough?”

Just as she was thinking, she heard the boss say: “Sir! Our business emphasizes fair dealing with old and young alike, never deceiving connoisseurs. For this jade deer, I can only offer thirty taels of silver. If you don’t want to sell, please leave!” He squinted with an indifferent air.

Gu Qianxi was secretly angry and thought: “This boss only offers thirty taels – he’s definitely bullying people or doesn’t recognize this jade deer’s value.”

At this time, imitation ancient jades were really too numerous, and no one dared buy items of unknown origin. That man probably urgently needed money or was at his wit’s end. He was heard sighing deeply: “Fine! It’s my bad luck to meet such a dishonest merchant. Sigh! Everything is fate!” He reached out: “Thirty taels is thirty taels – let’s exchange money for goods with one hand each. Quickly bring out the silver!”

Gu Qianxi frowned and thought: “This man is also truly foolish. This jade deer is worth at least five hundred taels of silver. How can he bear to sell it when the boss only offers thirty taels?”

Who knew this boss was truly a complete swindler. Seeing this jade-selling man was indeed short of money, greed arose greatly and he wanted more profit. He said coldly: “What dishonest or honest merchant? Your words just now were too unpleasant and have damaged my business reputation. Now if you want to sell, I can only offer twenty taels of silver.”

The man was furious, his face flushed red, and shouted: “You… you’re bullying people!”

The boss said arrogantly: “You still dare to speak? Say one more word and I’ll deduct another tael of silver.”

The man was both anxious and angry, not knowing whether to turn around and leave. The boss said leisurely and sneered: “If you want to sell, hurry up – I don’t have time to argue with you.”

The man lowered his head and sighed, shaking his head: “Fine! Twenty taels is twenty taels – give me the money.”

The boss, seeing his scheme succeed, immediately smiled slightly and was about to take out the silver.

Gu Qianxi couldn’t bear to see the man suffer a loss and was about to step forward to stop them when she suddenly heard a voice from the shop entrance laughing: “Sir, your jade deer is quite unusual – may I borrow it for a look?”

The jade-selling man was curious and turned around to see a scholar standing before him with a smile. Gu Qianxi was also delighted and thought: “Someone has come to help fight injustice.”

She turned her head and saw the scholar with his back to her, unable to see his appearance, but hearing his elegant speech and authentic official pronunciation, he must also be a well-read scholar. Gu Qianxi secretly smiled, wanting to see how he would deal with that boss.

The jade-selling man said curiously: “This is Knowing Antiquity Studio with many fine jade items. If you want to see jade, why not go into the shop to choose?”

The scholar smiled: “I only fancy your jade deer – may I borrow it for a look?”

The jade-selling man nodded and was about to hand over the jade deer when the boss started shouting angrily: “Listen well! As long as you let a second person see this jade deer, I won’t buy it!”

Gu Qianxi frowned and thought: “This boss is so cunning – offering only twenty taels himself but not allowing others to look. Truly rotten.”

The man looked troubled. Seeing the boss had already taken out silver and not wanting complications, he sighed: “Fine! You’re ruthless!” He bowed apologetically to the scholar: “I’m truly sorry, but this deer has already been sold to someone else. If you want to see it, please come here another day!”

At this time, customers in the shop, seeing there was excitement to watch, had quite a few people gathering around.

The scholar laughed heartily: “Sir, why fear this boss? If he weren’t guilty of something, calling a deer a horse and trying to swindle you, why would he fear me looking? Don’t mind him – let me examine it for you, guaranteed to do good and no harm.”

Everyone heard the scholar’s reasoning and all called to the jade-selling man: “Yes! This boss is definitely swindling you – don’t be fooled by him.”

Gu Qianxi covered her mouth and smiled lightly, knowing the scholar had gained the upper hand and that boss would have no choice but to yield.

Indeed, the boss, hearing everyone’s words, faced the embarrassing situation of ruining his reputation. Breaking into cold sweat, he immediately walked out from behind the counter and pointed at the scholar, cursing: “You sharp-tongued boy, don’t spout blood here! What do you know about this jade deer’s origins and value, you milk-smelling brat!” He snorted twice and said sideways: “From my perspective, you’re definitely someone’s helper, here to drive up the selling price!”

With these words, the watching crowd also felt it made sense. In these troubled times, there were many swindlers in the market who could sometimes hype up scrap iron as gold. Everyone had heard such rumors and nodded in agreement. Gu Qianxi, seeing the boss sow discord, couldn’t help but secretly worry for the scholar.

The scholar laughed heartily: “Boss! If I don’t understand this jade deer’s precious qualities, do you understand them?”

The boss also laughed heartily: “I’ve been in this trade for forty or fifty years and can be considered Beijing’s top jade appraisal expert. What jade in the world don’t I understand?”

The scholar made a sound of understanding and smiled: “Hearing you boast so much, if you’re really so capable, how could you miss the mark on this treasure?”

The boss spat: “Such fake goods can also be called treasures? Stop talking nonsense, boy! Be careful I throw you out!”

The scholar smiled: “Looking at your sour appearance, you must not know this deer’s good qualities. When I explain it later, you’ll probably be holding several hundred taels of silver in both hands, kneeling and begging someone to sell to you!”

Gu Qianxi nodded secretly – apparently this boss didn’t know this jade deer’s origins either. Otherwise, with his greedy nature, if he knew this jade deer was extremely valuable, how could he make things so difficult and push away this windfall?

This boss had operated a jade building here for generations and was a renowned expert in the capital. Now being lectured by this scholar, how could he lose face like this? Instead of getting angry, he smiled: “What an arrogant boy! In my ‘Knowing Antiquity Studio,’ there are few who dare speak like this! If you don’t explain clearly to me today, I absolutely won’t let you leave!” He waved his hand and several shop assistants rushed out, staring at the scholar and sneering.

Little Hong exclaimed quietly and quickly came over, whispering: “This boss wants to hit someone – should we report to the authorities?”

Gu Qianxi smiled and shook her head: “Don’t be afraid – with me here, I’m not afraid of this person causing trouble.” Her words were full of the knowledge and bearing of an official’s daughter.

As master and servant were talking, the scholar just smiled and seemed completely unconcerned about the shop assistants’ threats. He picked up the jade deer himself and lightly bit it with his teeth. The jade-selling man was alarmed: “You can’t bite it!”

The scholar smiled: “It’s fine.” He examined the jade deer carefully and nodded: “Not simple – truly a Song Dynasty treasure.”

The jade-selling man was both shocked and delighted: “Sir, you recognize this deer?”

The scholar nodded slightly: “This jade deer was carved in the Song Dynasty, and with such warm and lustrous jade quality, it’s worth at least several hundred taels of silver.”

Gu Qianxi, seeing his jade-examining methods were quite correct, knew this person was a connoisseur and felt relieved. It seemed that though the boss was fierce and domineering, he couldn’t make things difficult for him.

The boss laughed heartily: “Nonsense! What several hundred taels of silver – completely talking through your hat!”

The scholar didn’t get angry and only smiled: “Since you don’t believe it, according to your eye, what dynasty and period is this jade deer from?”

The boss chuckled and snatched the jade deer: “Though this deer is skillfully made, it can’t fool my eyes. Look at the patina color on it – it was made by Suzhou craftsmen, an imitation antique from over ten years ago.”

Gu Qianxi hadn’t examined the jade deer closely and didn’t know who was right, so she stood on tiptoe to look from afar.

The scholar smiled slightly: “This jade item is from Suzhou? Boss, what do you base this on?”

The boss sneered: “If you can say this is a Song Dynasty antique, can’t I say it’s made by current Suzhou craftsmen? If you think my words are wrong, why not clearly point out the errors?”

The watching crowd, hearing this, immediately loudly agreed, all wanting the scholar to give his reasoning.

Little Hong, seeing the scene becoming increasingly chaotic and fearing trouble, pulled at Gu Qianxi: “Miss, let’s go quickly – there’s nothing good to see here.”

Gu Qianxi shook her head: “No hurry, let’s watch a bit more.” She also wanted to know the scholar’s reasoning and listened attentively.

The scholar was heard saying: “If you want to hear, then I won’t be polite. Boss, having sold jade for many years, you should know that current ladies and celebrities mostly favor jade pots and jade bottles. If this jade item were made by Suzhou craftsmen in recent years, why not carve it into fashionable shapes for easy selling? Why carve it into a jade deer only to have it swindled down to twenty taels?”

Everyone heard his mockery and all laughed heartily. The boss spat and shouted: “Who knows what the carving master was thinking? You ask me, but who should I ask?”

The scholar smiled: “So the boss also has things he doesn’t know!”

Everyone laughed even more, all mocking the boss.

The boss, hearing the people around him laughing endlessly, immediately angrily said: “Boy, don’t be arrogant! Let’s not talk about these unprovable nonsense – let’s test it right now to see what material this jade deer is actually made from. Do you dare?”

This boss was quite knowledgeable about jade quality and had always been confident. Now he challenged with words – even if the scholar had some tricks, since there were no connoisseurs among the observers, he could talk nonsense and would surely regain some ground.

The scholar smiled: “That’s fine too – let everyone learn from each other.”

The boss, wanting to regain face, immediately had people bring paper and brush for both to write down the jade’s origins, then compare simultaneously.

Gu Qianxi secretly smiled and thought: “Hearing this gentleman’s speech, he should be a great expert – that boss is going to be embarrassed again.”

Both finished writing. Soon the boss uncovered the white paper in his hand, showing: “Cold white jade.”

The scholar smiled: “Only this much?”

The boss’s anger rose and he said furiously: “What are you sneering at? Quickly reveal your writing!”

The scholar laughed heartily and uncovered a corner of the white paper, showing only two characters: “White jade.”

The boss said arrogantly: “What are you so proud of? Your paper only has two characters while mine has three – you lost.”

The ignorant watching crowd, seeing the scholar’s writing was one character short, all agreed and shouted loudly: “Two characters against three characters – you lost!” They actually judged victory by the length of the writing – utterly absurd.

The jade-selling man also shook his head. He had thought he met an expert but didn’t expect this scholar was just pretentious with no real ability. Among the crowd, only Gu Qianxi smiled broadly, seeming to know the scholar was deeply learned and would surely surprise everyone.

The boss was about to mock him when he heard the scholar laugh long: “Look clearly – it’s not finished yet!” He completely uncovered the white paper, revealing the entire text. A busybody walked over and read aloud: “White jade with yellow-brown patina, cold jade type, should be produced in water regions, commonly called ‘son jade.'”

Gu Qianxi’s heart was secretly startled – this jade deer was indeed made of “white jade with yellow-brown patina.” If she could buy it for three hundred taels of silver, that would be an enormous bargain.

The boss was shocked: “How do you know so much?”

The scholar said: “I just bit it once – this jade deer’s texture is hard, undoubtedly cold jade. Though I haven’t personally seen the raw jade, judging by this jade’s coloration, the outer skin should be yellow-brown colored, which is the finest quality of water-produced jade.”

Everyone heard and marveled, all competing to admire the jade deer’s elegance.

The scholar said: “Song Dynasty ancient jade was mostly plain and subtle in style, with carving techniques largely inherited from the Tang Dynasty. Please observe.” He held up the jade deer and pointed at the antler area: “Here the deer antler is carved at an angle to make it more lifelike. This knife technique is called ‘slanted knife,’ completely different from today’s popular ‘flower under flower’ style. The difference between them can be said to be like clouds and mud. Only those who don’t recognize quality would mistake it.”

Everyone heard his detailed explanation and couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.

The scholar smiled slightly at the watching crowd: “This jade deer has extraordinary craftsmanship, crystal clear coloration, and is an ancient artifact from a previous dynasty, yet this boss wants to buy it for twenty taels. Do you all think he’s being fair?”

The crowd clamored: “Unfair!” Some even shouted: “This man is a dishonest merchant!” For a moment, public sentiment was stirred.

The boss was both angry and furious, shouting: “You’re talking such nonsense – who knows what’s true or false!” He turned to his assistants: “Throw him out!”

The assistants acknowledged and were about to move forward.

Gu Qianxi, seeing the boss was too unreasonable, immediately stepped forward and called out sweetly: “You can’t argue reasonably so you want to beat people up – where in the world is there such logic?”

The boss quickly turned to look and saw a beautiful young lady making a scene, immediately shouting: “Where did this shrew come from? Throw her out too!”

Little Hong quickly stepped forward and shouted loudly: “You dare! My young lady is the daughter of the current War Minister – if you dare touch her, we’ll tear down your Knowing Antiquity Studio!”

Hearing this, the boss couldn’t help but change color and said tremblingly: “So it’s an official’s daughter!” The watching crowd, hearing that a high minister’s daughter had arrived, couldn’t help but discuss among themselves.

The scholar, suddenly hearing the four words “War Minister,” was immediately thunderstruck and trembled all over.

Gu Qianxi smiled at the jade-selling man: “Sir, this boss is deliberately trying to swindle you – don’t pay attention to him. Now I want to buy your jade deer – could you name a price?”

Everyone knew this young lady was also a connoisseur and suddenly crowded forward again.

The jade-selling man, seeing an official’s daughter step forward to buy, was immediately overjoyed: “Yes! Yes!” He glared angrily at the boss, looking quite indignant.

Gu Qianxi smiled: “Please name your price, sir!”

The man frowned, not knowing what to do for a moment. He already knew this item was extraordinary and definitely not worth just twenty taels, but if he priced it too high now, he feared it would become unmarketable, yet if he priced it too low, he’d appear to be an ignorant fool devaluing himself. In his hesitation, he suddenly saw the scholar with his back to everyone, and as if seeing a savior, immediately hurried to the scholar’s side and asked quietly: “Sir, what price should I set for my jade deer? Do you have any advice?”

Gu Qianxi, seeing the two discussing, didn’t want to rush or disturb them. She examined the jade deer carefully and praised: “The deer represents prosperity. If carved together with bats, it means ‘fortune and prosperity together’; if placed with horses, it’s called ‘prosperity and horses dwelling together’ – most auspicious.”

Everyone heard her extraordinary knowledge and thought: “Indeed the young lady from the Minister’s residence – her eye is different.”

The scholar had been showing off proudly earlier, but now only kept his back to everyone, head lowered and trembling, not knowing what he was doing. The jade-selling man frowned and urged quietly: “Brother! Be a good person to the end – help me set a price.”

The scholar, hearing the question, only shrank his body and dared not speak even more.

Gu Qianxi, seeing the two still whispering endlessly and thinking they wanted to set an astronomical price, walked over and smiled, shaking her head: “Stop discussing – I didn’t bring enough silver today. At most I can offer three hundred taels of silver. Could you sell it for that?” She took out three hundred-tael bank notes and handed them to the jade-selling man.

The watching crowd, seeing such a high price, couldn’t help but exclaim. The jade-selling man gasped – he never imagined this jade deer was worth so much money. He no longer questioned the scholar and suddenly grabbed the bank notes, laughing: “Good! Good! Three hundred taels of silver it is – let’s settle it like this!” He quickly hid the bank notes in his bosom, fearing someone might covet them.

The boss held his forehead and screamed: “My three hundred taels!” If he hadn’t been greedy earlier and tried to extort that extra ten taels of profit, these gleaming three hundred taels of silver would now be in his pocket. For a moment he was both regretful and angry, jumping around.

Gu Qianxi curtsied to the jade-selling man and smiled: “Uncle is quite straightforward – shall we settle it then?”

The man cupped his hands and smiled: “Of course! With silver and goods exchanged, young lady may take the jade deer!”

Gu Qianxi smiled slightly. Seeing the scholar still had his back to her and thinking this person was knowledgeable and had a righteous heart, she couldn’t help but meet him face to face. She gently walked to the scholar’s side: “This young master is extraordinarily knowledgeable – this humble woman admires you greatly.”

The scholar, seeing her approach, quickly turned around with his back to her and said nothing.

Gu Qianxi was curious and thought: “What’s wrong with this person? Why is he so strange?” She immediately walked in front of the scholar and looked up. Suddenly her whole body shook greatly and she said tremblingly: “It’s… it’s you…”

Before her stood a man of elegant bearing with sword-like eyebrows – it was Lu Yun.

Gu Qianxi, in her shock, couldn’t help but step back.

Lu Yun sighed lightly and said quietly: “What a coincidence that we meet again.”

Years ago the two had parted hastily in Yangzhou, and after many years they were finally speaking again.

Gu Qianxi stared at Lu Yun, her heart pounding. She had felt this scholar’s voice was familiar but never expected this person to be Lu Yun. She said softly: “Where have you been these years? That day at the Yang residence, why did you leave in such a hurry?”

Lu Yun’s face was iron-blue as he slowly lowered his head, unable to say a single word.

The jade-selling man was happy but seeing the young lady’s surprised expression and the gentleman trembling all over, the situation was quite strange. The jade-selling man was shocked: “Do you know each other?” Seeing their expressions, he feared they were a pair of swindlers and hurriedly checked the bank notes, relieved to see the Ministry of Revenue’s official seal – absolutely reliable. He rushed to Little Hong and called: “I’ve already taken your young lady’s money – you can take the item and leave!” Fearing further complications, he immediately rushed out of the shop.

The customers, seeing one protagonist leave, all said: “Satisfying! Satisfying! We’ve watched a good show today!” and also dispersed.

In the large jade shop, only a few people remained. Gu Qianxi and Lu Yun were motionless, still gazing at each other.

Little Hong hadn’t yet noticed the strange situation. Seeing the transaction complete, she picked up the jade deer and walked to the young lady’s side: “Miss, let’s go!” Suddenly seeing Gu Qianxi’s tearful eyes, Little Hong was startled and quickly looked at Lu Yun. Seeing his face, she couldn’t help but scream: “It’s you! It’s you again, you swindler!” Her hands trembled and the jade deer immediately fell.

Lu Yun suddenly awakened, reached out and caught the jade deer urgently. He sighed lightly, stuffed the item into Little Hong’s hands, then turned to leave.

Gu Qianxi chased after him, saying tremblingly: “Lu Yun! Why won’t you acknowledge me? Don’t you recognize me anymore?”

Lu Yun stopped and sighed quietly: “What difference does it make whether I recognize you or not?” He left the shop directly.

Gu Qianxi screamed: “Don’t go!” and immediately chased out. Little Hong, holding the jade deer, called: “Miss, don’t run around!” and also chased out.

Gu Qianxi ran to the street calling: “Lu Yun! Lu Yun!” but only saw crowds of people – where could she still see Lu Yun’s tall figure? She ran urgently and suddenly stumbled, about to fall forward when someone reached out and caught her in his arms. Gu Qianxi quickly looked up and saw that person’s face bore an expression of unbearable sympathy, gazing at her – it was Lu Yun.

Gu Qianxi wept: “Why did you run? Since you won’t acknowledge me anymore, why did you come to help me?”

Lu Yun said quietly: “Miss, please don’t say such things.” He sighed, seeing Gu Qianxi’s beautiful face covered with tears, and couldn’t help but want to reach out with his sleeve to wipe away the tears on her face.

But at this moment a thought arose in his mind: “Lu Yun, what are you doing? Haven’t you harmed her enough already? Finally Scholar Yang has come to court her – if you truly want to treat her well, you should stay far away from her. Do you want to harm both her and yourself again?” His body shook and he drew his sleeve back.

Just as he was in difficulty, he saw Gu Qianxi had already wiped away her tears and slowly stood up. She pointed to a tea shop by the street: “Master Lu, shall we go have some tea?”

Lu Yun heard her voice trembling slightly and knew she was emotionally agitated at this moment, not knowing whether he should agree.

Gu Qianxi, seeing Lu Yun hesitating, immediately grabbed Lu Yun’s sleeve and forcibly pulled him forward. Lu Yun sighed, flicked his robe sleeve to shake off her hand, and said gently: “Miss, it’s been several years – we’ve all become strangers. Why must you do this?”

Gu Qianxi looked at him and shook her head: “I don’t care whether you’re a fugitive or bandit – I just want to talk with you for a while, just like… just like before. If you want to leave afterward, I naturally won’t stop you.”

Lu Yun saw her large eyes contained a pool of tears, her gentle expression still carrying a trace of bashfulness and melancholy, as if she had countless words to say to him.

Lu Yun was troubled and wanted to turn and leave, fearing Gu Qianxi would be sad and hurt. But if he stayed, she already had Yang Suguan, such a talented man in both literature and martial arts, courting her – he really shouldn’t have any more connection with her. His heart full of suffering, his expression immediately showed extreme distress.

Gu Qianxi, seeing he was reluctant to agree, pleaded: “Master Lu, consider this the last time we meet. From now on, if you don’t acknowledge me anymore, I won’t blame you.” As she spoke, her voice carried crying tones, already pleading.

Lu Yun, hearing these words, also felt his heart cut like a knife and thought: “It seems this is truly the last time we’ll meet… that’s good… if we speak clearly, this lovesickness will finally have a conclusion.” He nodded and said quietly: “Since this is the last time we meet, I respectfully accept rather than decline.”

Lu Yun looked back and saw Little Hong holding the jade deer, watching them from afar with an extremely complex expression, seeming both sad and worried. Lu Yun recalled the past and didn’t know what to say, only feeling infinitely depressed.

In the autumn colors of the capital, withered leaves fell everywhere. The two walked toward the tea shop one after another. The deep autumn sunlight fell from the street corner, warmly reflecting on their bodies. Lu Yun looked at his shadow falling on Gu Qianxi’s slender back, as if he were tightly embracing her. Thinking of years of lovesickness, he couldn’t help but have tears in his eyes.

Suddenly Gu Qianxi turned around. Lu Yun quickly raised his sleeve to cover his face and wipe away the tears. He heard Gu Qianxi say gently: “Master Lu, that day at the Yang residence, why did you leave as soon as you saw me?”

Lu Yun held back his tears and shook his head: “That day I felt somewhat unwell and had to leave first – please don’t blame me.”

Gu Qianxi looked at him and said quietly: “You’re lying to me.”

Lu Yun thought: “That’s right, I am lying to you, but do you want me to watch you with another man with my eyes wide open? I… I’m also made of flesh and blood…” He looked at the autumn floating clouds, tears again filling his eyes.

The two reached the tea shop and took a table to sit down.

The tea master walked over to serve them. Gu Qianxi softly ordered: “Shopkeeper, please bring a pot of Dragon Well tea.” The tea master acknowledged and went off.

Seeing Gu Qianxi sitting right in front of him, Lu Yun tried hard to control himself, constantly warning himself: “No! You should leave. She has nothing to do with you anymore… for her good, you absolutely shouldn’t sit with her anymore.” Though he should leave, his legs seemed to strongly resist his mind’s intention and just wouldn’t move. A thought in his mind said: “She’s no longer mine… that doesn’t matter. As long as I can sit a while longer and talk with her, I’ll have no regrets in this life…” Then he thought again: “Lu Yun, clearly you two can never have a future together – why can’t you let go like this? You’ve read so many sage books, yet why are you so shameless…”

In his troubled state, suddenly a slender white hand reached before his eyes. On the long jade fingers was a tea bowl – Gu Qianxi was offering him tea. He heard her soft voice: “It’s gotten a bit cold – drink it while it’s hot!”

Lu Yun, seeing Gu Qianxi treat him with the same warmth as before, was immediately moved and thought: “She… she hasn’t forgotten me!” In an instant, countless past events flew into his mind and tears nearly fell. He quickly raised the tea bowl and turned his head away, fearing he would lose composure.

In the distance, sunlight shone through tree branches, making the inn sparkle like a dream. Gu Qianxi rested her chin on both hands, staring at him blankly and said quietly: “Time passes so quickly – it’s been two years.”

Lu Yun turned to look at the setting sun, squinting and sighing: “Yes, time flies like an arrow. Now I’m over thirty, and you… are no longer the little girl of those days.”

Gu Qianxi, hearing his melancholy words, shook her head and said indifferently: “Not seeing each other for years, we’ve all grown up, haven’t we?”

Lu Yun looked at her sparkling eyes, feeling her expression was charming and even more beautiful than when they parted years ago. He couldn’t help but sigh: “At my age, what growing up can I do? On the contrary, you’ve become even more beautiful.”

Gu Qianxi, hearing his praise, suddenly showed joyful eyes, her worried expression completely fading: “Knowing you for so long, this is the first time you’ve said I’m beautiful.” She brushed her hair and smiled softly at Lu Yun, her eyes full of infinite tenderness.

Lu Yun, seeing her absolutely gorgeous expression, was greatly shocked and the tea in his bowl suddenly splashed out.

Gu Qianxi, seeing his loss of composure, just smiled slightly. She picked up the teapot to pour tea for Lu Yun. Lu Yun coughed and quickly said: “I’ll do it myself!” He reached out, but Gu Qianxi raised her hand to block him and pushed Lu Yun’s hand back: “No hurry, let me help you!”

When their hands touched, Lu Yun felt Gu Qianxi’s hand was smooth and tender. His heart was agitated and for a moment he was reluctant to withdraw his hand. Gu Qianxi’s phoenix eyes only stared at the tea bowl on the table as if unaware that Lu Yun was caressing the back of her hand. Her pretty face was lowered with a faint blush on her face.

After a very long time, Lu Yun sighed lightly and finally slowly withdrew his hand.

Gu Qianxi looked down with beautiful eyes, pouring tea for him while asking: “Master Lu, where have you been these years?”

Lu Yun coughed lightly and thought: “What should I say? Tell her everything truthfully?”

Gu Qianxi raised her head to look at him and said softly: “If you don’t want to say, that’s fine too.”

Lu Yun thought: “Looking at her expression, she probably still thinks I’m a fugitive… how should I explain?” Just as he was thinking, he saw Gu Qianxi had already finished pouring tea and slowly brought the tea bowl before him.

Lu Yun said haltingly: “I… after leaving your house that year, I became a noodle vendor, selling noodles in the Jiangnan area to make a living.” He felt his throat was dry and had great difficulty squeezing out these few sentences. After years of being looked down upon by the world, he secretly feared Gu Qianxi would look down on him.

Gu Qianxi, hearing this, didn’t mind at all and just smiled at him: “I wouldn’t have thought the great scholar Lu could also cook noodles – I thought you only knew how to write poetry and paint.”

Lu Yun, seeing she didn’t mock him, felt relieved and said quietly: “I sold noodles in Jiangnan for several months and felt this wasn’t a solution, so I decided to come to the capital to try my luck. Later I finally settled down and have been selling noodles outside Wang Residence Lane.”

Gu Qianxi exclaimed: “So you were selling noodles outside Wang Residence Lane? I often pass by there…”

Lu Yun smiled bitterly: “Unexpected, right? That noodle vendor was me.”

Gu Qianxi made a playful expression: “Every time I passed Wang Residence Lane, I thought the noodles there smelled so good, but I never went to have a bowl.” Suddenly their eyes met and both smiled together.

Lu Yun felt warmth in his heart and thought: “If I could cook a bowl of noodles for her every day and chat with her like this, this life would be fulfilled.”

The two looked at each other. Lu Yun suddenly thought of Master Gu. He sighed and asked quietly: “Your father? How has he been these years?”

Gu Qianxi, hearing this question, immediately lowered her head with tears flashing in her eyes: “Why do you ask about him? Do you really still think of him?”

Lu Yun, seeing her expression, quickly said: “I… that day I left without saying goodbye and felt very sorry…”

Gu Qianxi turned her head away, holding the tea bowl with both hands and said quietly: “Lu Yun, you only know you’re the most wronged and pitiful person in the world. You come when you want to come and leave when you want to leave, never caring about others’ suffering. You… you’re so selfish…” As she spoke, tears flashed and two clear streams of tears fell.

Lu Yun’s heart stirred and he thought: “That’s right, I… I’m truly selfish. I’ve never considered others’ feelings. When I left the Gu residence that day, it was like this. When I left Dingyuan, it was also like this. I… I never thought about them…” Thinking of this, he couldn’t help but tremble all over.

Gu Qianxi, seeing him trembling all over and fearing her words had hurt him again, quickly looked at him intently and said softly: “Are you angry?”

Lu Yun, seeing her look at him with overflowing love and care, thought: “She’s afraid her words were too harsh and hurt me, so she’s gently comforting me… Lu Yun, do you deserve this? Do you deserve to receive her feelings?”

Gu Qianxi, seeing him lower his head without speaking, said softly: “It’s been two years, and it’s rare we have the chance to meet again. Please don’t be angry over one thing I said, alright?”

Lu Yun, hearing these words, felt both love and pain in his heart. He looked up at the sky and sighed, thinking: “What should I do in the end? To forget her, can I… can I bear to? But to be with her, do I deserve it?” In his heart full of suffering, he supported his forehead with one hand and used his sleeve to block his tears.

Lu Yun understood clearly that what lay between them wasn’t this thin wooden table but the suffocating gap in their social status. If not for that thread of melancholy lovesickness, today they wouldn’t even be able to meet.

Lu Yun looked at the passersby outside the shop, his heart sad, and smiled bitterly: “Do you know? I… I’m truly a useless person…”

Gu Qianxi stared at him and suddenly said: “Master Lu, whether you’re a prime minister or a beggar, it’s all the same to me. You’ll always be that unyielding Master Lu.” She slowly reached out and gently pressed on the back of Lu Yun’s hand.

Lu Yun, being held by her like this, immediately had red eyes and said tremblingly: “Qianxi! I… I…”

Gu Qianxi, seeing his genuine emotion, also felt heartache and choked up: “Lu Lang… Lu Lang… since you left, every day and night I’ve been worried, just wanting to know if you’re doing well… if anyone is bullying you… I… I miss you so much…” She could no longer hold back and tears fell, actually crying aloud before Lu Yun.

Lu Yun was greatly pained in his heart. He tightly grasped Gu Qianxi’s small hand and said tremblingly: “Qianxi, I… I’m sorry to you… sorry to your father…”

Gu Qianxi sighed quietly. She wiped away her tears and said melancholically: “That day at the Yang house when I saw you vomiting blood, my heart ached so much. I don’t want you to be like that…”

Lu Yun, hearing these words, suddenly thought of Yang Suguan. His body shook and he slowly released her hand.

Gu Qianxi, seeing his expression, had a dim look on her face. She shook her head and said quietly: “You’re looking down on yourself again, aren’t you? You… why are you always like this…”

Lu Yun lowered his head to stare at his tea bowl, bit his teeth, and thought: “Do I really look down on myself? Hehe, Lu Yun, even you probably can’t answer that…”

Lu Yun was someone who wouldn’t yield or accept his fate. Whether it was the torture in prison or Second Concubine’s vicious schemes, he always maintained his integrity and never bowed to fate. If he hadn’t firmly refused Second Concubine’s proposal years ago, he would still be a humble page boy beside Gu Siyuan.

But Lu Yun understood in his heart that his enduring the torture in prison was definitely not to become a humble page boy, continuing to live awkwardly in the crevices between concubines, young ladies, and the master. He endured the world’s mockery and curses because he wanted to be a great person who “establishes a heart for Heaven and Earth and establishes life for the people,” but the current him had failed so miserably and embarrassingly – how could he face his beloved?

For Lu Yun, as long as he could forget his humble origins and look at Gu Qianxi from afar, that would already be the greatest blessing of his life. The closer Gu Qianxi came to him, the deeper his heart’s pain became, to a degree he himself could hardly bear.

When they parted in Yangzhou, it was just helplessness, but the current situation was utterly realistic. After two years, he remained humble and poor as before – the only difference was that he had grown older.

After a while, Lu Yun saw the teapot was empty and immediately said: “I… I’ll go add some water and be right back.”

Gu Qianxi acknowledged: “Come back quickly.”

Lu Yun walked to the back kitchen and handed the teapot to a worker. For a moment, he felt countless complicated thoughts and truly felt at a loss. He sighed, and seeing the tea master had filled the teapot with water, he took the teapot and was about to return to his seat when suddenly he saw a young man enter the shop. The man, seeing Gu Qianxi, immediately showed great joy: “Ah! Qianxi! How are you here too?”

This person was very handsome and could truly be said to have extraordinary bearing. He wore a long sword at his waist and a sapphire blue long robe – clearly a noble young master.

Lu Yun was greatly shocked and thought: “He… he’s here too.”

This person was Yang Suguan, son of one of the Five Assistant Grand Secretaries and personal disciple of Shaolin’s Tianyin Daoist.

Lu Yun never expected to encounter Yang Suguan here. His heart was panicked, not knowing how to respond. He quickly turned his head away, still holding the teapot.

Yang Suguan said with great joy: “What a coincidence – I didn’t expect you to be here too.”

Gu Qianxi nodded: “Yes, it really is quite a coincidence.”

Yang Suguan pointed toward the door at several scholars: “Those are my friends – we just arrived too.”

Gu Qianxi smiled slightly and turned to look at the door where several young men nodded slightly at her and walked into the shop. These people behaved elegantly and appeared to be outstanding talents from the capital. Several of them had met Gu Qianxi at the Yang residence banquet.

Gu Qianxi’s eyes sparkled as she smiled charmingly: “Is Scholar Yang also here for tea?”

Yang Suguan smiled: “I had an appointment with some friends to gather here.”

Yang Suguan’s friends, seeing him talking with a beautiful woman, immediately smiled secretly, all thinking: “What a ‘romantic physician’ – capturing hearts again.” They looked at each other with smiles on their faces.

Yang Suguan, always worldly, immediately introduced everyone. These people were mostly well-read and polite, all smiling and nodding at Gu Qianxi. Gu Qianxi also smiled and returned their greetings.

Lu Yun stared blankly at this man and woman, seeing Yang Suguan’s fine clothes and Gu Qianxi’s pleasant conversation. The two matched perfectly in appearance and family background – truly a heaven-made pair. Lu Yun suddenly felt ashamed and thought: “Lu Yun, they say everyone has their fate. At this time and place, if you still won’t accept your fate, what more do you want?”

With tears filling his eyes, Lu Yun slowly lowered his hand, and the tea in the pot suddenly spilled out, splashing on his trouser legs.

The several scholars in the tea shop were all Yang Suguan’s close friends. Seeing Yang Suguan’s manner toward this young lady was quite different, and this lady was also gracious and refined, truly with the bearing of a distinguished family’s daughter, everyone felt this man and woman were talented and beautiful, all having thoughts of matchmaking. One person said: “Since we’ve met by chance, why don’t we sit at the same table so we can chat together? What do you think of this suggestion?” He glanced at Yang Suguan.

Yang Suguan smiled slightly and was about to speak when he saw Gu Qianxi’s expression showed some difficulty. Knowing she had another friend here, though he didn’t know who Gu Qianxi was meeting, observing her expressions, he absolutely shouldn’t disturb her at this time. He immediately smiled: “We uninvited guests shouldn’t disturb others’ peace – let’s sit over there!” He gestured for everyone to sit at an empty table nearby.

Seeing Yang Suguan and others go to sit at a side table while leaving Gu Qianxi sitting alone, Lu Yun felt countless emotions and thought: “What a fine pair of golden boy and jade girl – why should I separate them? If I go over later and sit with her, wouldn’t that make others look down on her? Lu Yun, didn’t you think clearly when you were in Shandong? How can you lose control again when facing her…” Though he thought this way, a voice in his heart shouted: “Don’t give up! She was once yours!”

Lu Yun’s tears fell, already soaking his sleeves with tears.

This thread of lovesickness was truly so piercing to the heart, causing him immense pain and difficulty.

Meeting after meeting brought pain after pain and melancholy. Though he had once ignited blazing flames of hope, at this moment they had been completely extinguished with Yang Suguan’s arrival. Through tear-blurred eyes, Lu Yun’s fingers had already crushed the teapot, the fragments cutting his skin and covering his hands with blood, yet he was completely unaware.

Gu Qianxi waited for Lu Yun for a long time but never saw him return. She couldn’t help but get up to look for him, but after searching inside and outside the shop, she couldn’t see his shadow. Just as she was anxious, she saw Little Hong hurry over. Gu Qianxi urgently asked: “Have you seen Master Lu?”

Little Hong said quietly: “He left.”

Gu Qianxi cried out and said tremblingly: “Again like this, leaving without saying goodbye. What… what is he thinking?”

Little Hong said: “He asked me to tell Miss that from now on, please don’t remember him anymore – just consider that you two never knew each other.”

Gu Qianxi trembled all over, her pretty face completely bloodless, and said tremblingly: “He really said this?”

Little Hong nodded: “After saying these two sentences, he hurriedly left.”

Gu Qianxi could no longer hold back and tears burst forth, immediately falling at the scene.

Yang Suguan had been paying attention to Gu Qianxi’s manner and, seeing her suddenly weep sadly, was immediately startled and quickly walked forward, saying warmly: “Qianxi, what’s wrong? Is there something the matter? Why are you crying like this?”

Gu Qianxi looked at Yang Suguan’s handsome face, hearing his gentle comforting words, and with tears in her eyes, truly didn’t know where to begin.