Everything is worth it!

The meaning contained in Li Shiyan’s words was simply that Ji Yunshu and Jingrong had already left this place—lovers finally united, which was a good thing. He could only offer his blessings.

Hearing him call her “Shu’er” over and over so intimately, Luo Yang realized his relationship with them was clearly far inferior.

His heart felt disappointed, reluctant, and even more hollow and empty.

But his mind was also full of confusion. He asked: “You say you’re Miss Ji’s friend and old acquaintance, then tell me—what is Miss Ji’s relationship with that person surnamed Su? Why did he take Miss Ji away?”

Actually, Li Shiyan couldn’t really explain it either. He only knew they had identical tassels. Su Ziluo had never mentioned the relationship between them, and Ji Yunshu had never brought it up either. But two points could be confirmed: first, they had already known each other before Su Ziluo went to Da Lin that year; second, they both cared very much about that tassel. As for their true relationship, there was no way to investigate since neither of them had ever spoken of it—both concealed it very deeply.

“I don’t know either, so I can’t tell you. In any case, Shu’er has already left and won’t return.”

Won’t return!

Luo Yang: “…”

Li Shiyan didn’t want to dwell on this question anymore to avoid making himself uncomfortable too. He tugged at Luo Yang and said: “Come on, I’ll take you somewhere so we can both find some relief.”

“Where to…”

Luo Yang was pulled onto the carriage.

“Where are you taking me?”

“You have nothing to do staying here anyway, so just come with me for some recreation.”

“Recreation doing what? I’m in no mood to eat right now.”

“Who said anything about eating? Two grown men together—of course we’re going drinking!”

“I don’t have money.”

“Being with this Young Master, how could I let you spend money?” Li Shiyan looked quite wealthy and imposing.

Luo Yang was still immersed in the news of Ji Yunshu’s departure. Although he suspected whether Li Shiyan was deceiving him, the other party had absolutely no reason to lie—it would benefit no one.

He sighed, his heart quite troubled!

Forget it, he’d just make this trip with the Young Master. Going to drink and drown his sorrows would be fine.

…

After a night of heavy rain, today’s weather was quite nice.

Sunlight poured down, and the air had become warm too!

After resting at home for several days, Zhu Yao’s health had gradually improved considerably. There was nothing seriously wrong anymore, and her mood was also quite good.

Cai’er had thought that after the marriage engagement was broken off, she would be melancholy and depressed. Unexpectedly, her young mistress hadn’t taken this matter to heart at all. Moreover, she hadn’t said a single word about it, as if matters concerning the engagement had never happened at all, as if that person called Li Shiyan had never appeared. She remained that innocent and pure young girl, still full of longing toward love.

Of course, since Zhu Yao didn’t mention it, Cai’er wouldn’t deliberately bring it up either. They’d just act as if nothing had happened.

However, Madam Zhu felt her daughter’s state was very abnormal, so she had people watch her carefully. She herself would also come check from time to time. But Zhu Yao was either reading in her room or playing the zither, looking to be in very good spirits—completely unlike someone with a troubled heart.

So Madam Zhu also felt somewhat more at ease!

Seeing the weather outside was very nice with a warm breeze, Zhu Yao put down the book in her hands, stood up and walked to the doorway. Her complexion was rosy, her eyebrows lightly drawn—a picture-perfect image.

She called over Cai’er and asked: “Yanjing City has been quite lively recently, hasn’t it?”

Cai’er replied: “Yes, in a few more days it will be the triennial Courtesan Selection. I heard from Wan Xia that many young ladies have come to Yanjing City—it’s very lively.”

“Then let’s also go out and see.”

“Ah?”

“What’s wrong?” Zhu Yao looked at her.

Cai’er was surprised that her young mistress was actually willing to leave the manor, but in the end she still swallowed her words and quickly agreed: “Yes, this servant will go prepare right away.”

She nodded slightly.

Cai’er hurried off to arrange for a sedan chair and also secretly went to report to Madam Zhu.

After learning of this, Madam Zhu hurried over. She saw her daughter had already finished dressing up, adorned very exquisitely and beautifully. She truly was a natural beauty. However, today’s makeup was different from the past—previously it had been more elegant, but today it was slightly more intense, carrying a somewhat alluring flavor, as if the girl next door had grown into a young woman.

“Yao’er, your health still isn’t good. Just rest at home.”

“Mother, I’m fine.”

“You child, you always like to force yourself.”

Zhu Yao grasped Madam Zhu’s hand: “I’m truly fine now. Don’t worry.”

“But…”

“Daughter has rested at home these past days and my health is much better. Taking advantage of today’s nice weather, I’ll go out for a walk and return before dark. Don’t worry.”

Madam Zhu touched her rosy cheek, her brows furrowing slightly as she said: “Alright, then just be careful.”

“Yes, daughter understands.”

Madam Zhu also arranged for several little maids to accompany Zhu Yao out.

Zhu Yao took a sedan chair out of the manor, heading toward the Elegant Pavilion in the city.

Along the road, many young ladies were strolling about on the streets in reds and greens.

All of Yanjing City was like a spring garden in full bloom—a dazzling spectacle.

Extremely lively!

Cai’er walked outside the sedan chair, watching the young ladies constantly passing by, full of envy. She said to the person in the sedan: “Miss, it’s truly lively outside.”

Hearing this, Zhu Yao lifted the carriage curtain and looked at the various shapes and colors outside—red flowers and green branches… exquisite young ladies!

Cai’er said: “Three years ago, Miss wasn’t old enough to participate, but this year you can participate. You would definitely outshine all the others.”

Zhu Yao said: “When did I say I was going to participate?”

“Miss doesn’t plan to participate?”

“Even if I went to participate, what would come of it? I know my own limits.”

“Miss shouldn’t say such things. This servant sees that although those young ladies are beautiful, none can compare to you.”

“You just know how to talk.”

“This servant’s words are not false.”

Zhu Yao smiled bitterly: “I don’t even measure up to half of Miss Ji—where would I get the ability to outshine all the others?”

Even if she appeared exceptionally refined and transcendent in others’ eyes, before Ji Yunshu, what did she amount to?

Hearing her speak this way, Cai’er said: “In this servant’s heart, Miss is the most beautiful and should go compete for courtesan.”

Zhu Yao told her: “Father is the Minister of Rites, and the Courtesan Selection is also organized by the Ministry of Rites. If I were to participate, inevitably there would be idle gossip. It would also cause trouble for Father. I also don’t like that kind of atmosphere—I really don’t want to go.”

As they say—avoiding suspicion!

Minister Zhu was equivalent to being the biggest “judge” of this selection. Even if his subordinates all believed a certain young lady could pass the initial selection, as long as Minister Zhu didn’t agree, it wouldn’t work no matter what—showing how great his official authority was. If Zhu Yao participated, even if she entered the initial selection based on her own beauty and talents, it would definitely attract others’ commentary. The fear was that criticism would escalate and point directly at Minister Zhu, ultimately resulting in more loss than gain. Therefore, Zhu Yao had no intention or plan to participate at all.

Thinking about it, Cai’er also saw this reasoning and closed her mouth without saying more.

Before long, they arrived at the largest Elegant Pavilion in the city.

They happened to run into Li Shiyan’s carriage head-on.

As soon as Zhu Yao descended from the sedan, Cai’er said: “Miss, that’s…” the Young Master.

She didn’t say the last two words!

Zhu Yao looked over and happened to see Li Shiyan and Luo Yang descending one after the other—they were also about to enter the Elegant Pavilion.

She hadn’t expected to run into them!

Zhu Yao’s expression remained normal without the slightest discomfort. She boldly met Li Shiyan’s gaze and walked over…

Li Shiyan had specially brought Luo Yang here to drink. He also hadn’t expected to encounter Zhu Yao here. It had only been two days since they’d seen each other, yet Zhu Yao’s complexion and spirit were much improved. Particularly today she had applied very exquisite makeup that made one’s eyes light up.

It was like she had become a different person!

Zhu Yao walked right up to him without any hesitation and smiled charmingly: “You came too.”

“Yes, the weather is quite nice today.”

“It’s indeed nice, so I also came out for a walk. I didn’t expect to run into you.” Zhu Yao said this.

Luo Yang, leaning against the carriage wall to the side, suddenly tossed out a remark: “It’s fate!”

Zhu Yao and Li Shiyan were momentarily: “…”

Speechless.

After reacting, Zhu Yao said: “Since we’re all here, let’s go in and sit together. Although the engagement between you and me has already been dissolved, didn’t we already agree? We’re still friends.”

Those were her words!

But Li Shiyan had originally come to drink. If Zhu Yao were present, drinking wouldn’t be very convenient.

His expression became conflicted!

Zhu Yao perhaps knew his thoughts, so she added: “I see you seem to have other matters, so I’ll just go in by myself.”