It had been nearly an hour since Eunuch Liu left, yet Lin Chengyou remained alone by the fish pond, fishing.
Azhi and Changyi had originally wanted Lin Chengyou to play with them, but after making a brief fuss, they were ultimately coaxed and tricked by Daoist Master Qingxu into returning to the hall.
Even Daoist Master Qingxu himself didn’t stay.
The Crown Prince, too, tactfully withdrew.
In an instant, the vast courtyard garden was left with only Lin Chengyou. As the night wind howled, an ineffable desolation filled the air.
The Empress had sent people to check on him several times, but both palace maids and eunuchs moved with utmost caution. They were so careful, as if terrified of drawing Lin Chengyou’s attention, that they would merely peek from afar before quietly retreating to report the situation by the pond to the Empress.
After fishing for quite some time, Lin Chengyou heard not a single human voice, nor did he see a single figure moving about.
This suited him perfectly, as he desperately needed some quiet. Even this wasn’t enough – he wished everyone in the palace gardens would simply vanish.
Yet no matter how quiet his surroundings were, his mind couldn’t find a moment’s peace. What’s worse, despite fishing for nearly an hour, his fishing rod hadn’t moved once.
The fish in the pond seemed to have sensed something and collectively hidden away.
Lin Chengyou casually scattered some fish feed, but it was useless.
Not only did the fish refuse to take the bait, but they kept blowing bubbles at him from beneath the water. Those bubbles reminded him of the string of bubbles Teng Yu’yi had released before losing consciousness underwater.
Lin Chengyou closed his eyes briefly. Great, even the fish were mocking him.
There was no point in continuing to fish. He set down his rod and made to stand up. Since he couldn’t figure things out on his own, he decided to find Teng Yu’yi and ask her directly.
While some things could be conveyed through others, some matters had to be discussed face to face. He needed to hear directly from her what she truly thought.
Just as he was about to rise, someone approached the fish pond.
The hem of that person’s brocade robe was embroidered with a pattern of paired fish connected by pearls. When the breeze brushed past, the silver scales in the pattern seemed to shimmer. After standing briefly, the person sat down beside Lin Chengyou.
Prince Chun’an picked up the fishing rod Lin Chengyou had just set down and gazed at the water’s surface as he spoke softly: “While drinking in the hall tonight, what suddenly made you decide to propose marriage for yourself?”
Lin Chengyou also gazed at the pond and smiled at the question: “It was merely coincidental. Tonight everyone was discussing marriage matters for the imperial clan members, and since your nephew happened to have someone in mind, I simply brought it up.”
Prince Chun’an sighed and took something from his robes, holding it out to Lin Chengyou.
Lin Chengyou turned to look – it was that Dancing Immortal wine cup.
“Since you publicly proposed to marry Miss Teng tonight, there’s something your uncle can now discuss with you openly.” Prince Chun’an pointed at the wine cup. “This belongs to the Teng household. About five days ago, someone sent it to my residence as a gift.”
Lin Chengyou’s expression remained calm as he took the cup and slowly traced its surface.
“I had people look into it. This Dancing Immortal cup was carved by the palace craftsman Wen Xianzhi. Only two sets exist in the world – one kept in the palace, and the other was bestowed by the Emperor to General Teng after his great victory over the Tufan. Because these are so rare, it took only a few days to trace it back to General Teng.”
After a pause, he continued: “Besides this replica cup set, my residence received several other gifts from the Teng household – hand-made pastries, hand-made shoes and socks, and hand-made pouches. The lacquer box for the pastries was identical to those the Teng household usually uses for gifts, and the silk wrapping the shoes and socks was the distinctive flower-patterned brocade unique to the Teng household. The gift-giver deliberately left various traces in the packaging, as if afraid we wouldn’t guess these items were sent by Miss Teng. Because it was so obvious, our household manager informed me of this matter as soon as we received the first gift.”
Lin Chengyou examined the cup in his hands, his eyes full of mockery: “This is someone trying to secretly damage Miss Teng’s reputation. Making shoes, socks, and pouches takes considerable patience – Miss Teng doesn’t have such patience. She was busy seeking refuge recently, and now spends all day studying at the academy. How could she possibly have so much spare time?”
Prince Chun’an smiled slightly: “You’ve always been quick to understand. This matter was handled quite cleverly – your uncle almost believed it. Initially, I couldn’t understand why someone would do this, because as long as the Prince’s residence didn’t spread it around, Miss Teng’s reputation wouldn’t be harmed at all. Using this to frame Miss Teng would be pointless. It wasn’t until recently, when rumors spread both inside and outside the palace about you having someone in your heart, that I began to roughly understand what that person intended. I had wanted to confirm this with you in person, but you were busy investigating cases and rarely available. Coincidentally, as soon as these rumors emerged, that person began sending gifts more aggressively – pastries were sent several times, and almost every item could be traced back to the Teng household. It was so obvious that it only lacked Miss Teng’s love letter. Given the timing, your uncle began to suspect that this person’s target might not be me, but you. They not only wanted me to misunderstand that Miss Teng was the gift sender but also wanted you to think Miss Teng’s affections were directed at me.”
Lin Chengyou nodded sarcastically: “Sending such conspicuous items yet deliberately remaining anonymous – this way, Uncle couldn’t directly question Miss Teng, and the misunderstanding would persist. If uncle happened to also take a liking to Miss Teng, encouraged by this situation, he would eventually propose marriage himself. Even if uncle hadn’t set his sights on Miss Teng, I frequently visit the Prince’s residence, and sooner or later, I would have witnessed ‘Miss Teng’ delivering gifts to uncle. Perhaps that person thought if I misunderstood that Miss Teng’s heart belonged to uncle, I would abandon any thoughts of her.
Last time with that box of pear blossom cakes, that person nearly succeeded.
However, that person calculated everything except for one flaw – my habit of preferring to ask for clarity in person.”
Realizing this, Lin Chengyou said with understanding: “Uncle, did you already see through my feelings for Miss Teng? The gift-giving incident made you suspicious, but you neither wanted to harm Miss Teng’s reputation nor let me misunderstand her. Was tonight’s proposal before the Emperor meant to provoke me?”
Prince Chun’an looked back at Lin Chengyou: “Ever since you gave Miss Teng that Blazing Flame horse at Ledao Mountain Manor, I knew your feelings for her. Not only that, I suspected you had seen the gifts ‘Miss Teng’ sent to my residence. When that box of pear blossom cakes arrived at my residence last time, I grew suspicious and wanted Liu Fu to investigate thoroughly, but unexpectedly, the lacquer box disappeared. Only you and Aqi were at my residence then – did you take the box?”
Lin Chengyou smiled brilliantly, effectively admitting it.
“Oh, you.” Prince Chun’an lazily pulled up the fishing rod. “This gift-sender is quite skillful, laying trap after trap, almost manipulating everyone perfectly. But your uncle doesn’t like being used as a target. After much thought, breaking this scheme still required your action. When I noticed your feelings for Miss Teng recently, I thought with your personality you would propose soon. Unexpectedly, you showed no movement. Tonight, I falsely claimed to have someone in mind to provoke you, and that person’s calculations completely failed. With your proposal, all of Chang’an knows you love Miss Teng. Uncle and nephew could never compete for the same woman, so from now on, that person’s attempts to use me in these schemes would be superfluous.”
Lin Chengyou sighed inwardly. If he had fallen for any other girl, he might have proposed earlier, but Teng Yu’yi was different. Before she was even born, someone had placed a wrong death curse on her. To survive past sixteen, borrowing a life was her only option.
Having successfully borrowed a life, her special constitution then attracted endless evil spirits.
Thinking of Teng Yu’yi’s experiences these past months, staying alive had truly been no easy feat.
After guessing the truth, he felt nothing but heartache for her. Knowing her strong defenses, he had delayed expressing his feelings to help her accumulate more merit.
At this thought, something occurred to him. Come to think of it, after Wu Ji’s case was solved, Teng Yu’yi seemed less guarded than before. In the past, she insisted on traveling with dozens of guards, but recently she only brought Duan Fu when going out.
Last time, when Wu Ji confessed her crimes publicly, Teng Yu’yi’s expression was as if she had seen a mortal enemy. Later, when confronting Wu Ji in prison, Teng Yu’yi’s loss of composure was even more obvious.
This puzzle had lingered in his mind.
Suddenly he heard his royal uncle say: “There’s another suspicious point in this matter. Because I suspected someone was deliberately copying items from the Teng household, I had people make discrete inquiries at all the workshops in Chang’an capable of making replicas. None had received such orders in the past half year. Moreover, upon examination, both the ‘Teng household’ lacquer box and the Dancing Immortal cup showed signs of age – if someone intended to make replicas, they would have had to start several years ago. This matter is quite strange. Since it involves you and Miss Teng, why don’t you investigate it thoroughly?”
Lin Chengyou picked up the Dancing Immortal cup from beside his robe with interest: “Is that so? What vicious thoughts.”
Prince Chun’an: “Whether that person targeted Miss Teng or you, this scheme began to be arranged several years ago. When you discover the truth, be sure to tell your uncle who it was. I also want to know what this is all about.”
Lin Chengyou sneered: “Alright, just for daring to scheme against even you, uncle, I’ll make sure they pay dearly.”
Prince Chun’an glanced at Lin Chengyou and teased: “Are you planning to fish all night?”
“I’m done fishing.”
After this conversation with his uncle, Lin Chengyou’s brow had relaxed considerably. He patted his hands and stood up, saying: “Uncle, are you returning to your residence? Let’s go together.”
***
After the palace people left, Teng Yu’yi tossed and turned in bed for a long while before falling asleep.
Fortunately, there were no classes at the academy tomorrow, so she could sleep in without guilt.
After the Wu sisters’ incident, Vice Principal Liu was deeply affected, saying that as principal he had failed to notice his students’ unusual behavior. In his distress, he suffered a chest pain attack and hadn’t improved despite resting for many days. With academy affairs being busy, the Empress, considering Vice Principal Liu’s condition, simply decreed a ten-day holiday.
Classes would resume the day after tomorrow.
While sleeping soundly, she suddenly felt her nose tickle, and someone laughed softly by her ear: “Little sleepyhead, time to get up.”
Teng Yu’yi frowned and burrowed her head under the covers: “Sister, don’t disturb me.”
“Several classmates have come – do you plan to keep them waiting outside?”
Teng Yu’yi’s sleepiness instantly vanished: “Classmates?”
“Don’t you remember? On Minister Deng’s birthday night, everyone agreed to hold an early summer poetry meeting at Ci’en Temple. You set the date yourself. Deng Weili, Zheng Shuangyin, Liu Siniang, they’ve all arrived.”
While doing her makeup, Teng Yu’yi could occasionally feel her sister’s affectionate gaze.
Teng Yu’yi naturally knew why her sister was like this. The news of Lin Chengyou’s proposal before the Emperor last night had probably spread throughout Chang’an.
She wanted to act as if nothing had happened, but couldn’t bear her sister’s constant staring: “Sister?”
Du Tinglan patiently waited for her sister to finish her makeup, and only then asked softly: “Why did Lin Chengyou suddenly propose?”
Teng Yu’yi’s cheeks immediately reddened, though she spoke casually: “How- how would I know?”
“You really won’t marry Lin Chengyou?”
Teng Yu’yi’s eyes widened: “Why should I marry him?”
“You don’t like him at all?”
Teng Yu’yi’s ears burned, but her tone was decisive: “Of course not.”
She walked toward the window with her head held high.
Du Tinglan smiled: “If you don’t like him, why are you in such a hurry?”
Teng Yu’yi’s steps faltered slightly. Her sister’s words somehow seemed to be teasing her, but she knew clearly in her heart that not liking Lin Chengyou right now was a fact. See, she hadn’t hesitated at all when refusing the marriage last night. To her, a benefactor was a benefactor, a friend was a friend. If she had to lay down her life for Lin Chengyou, she would do so without a second word, but she refused to marry him.
Few men in this world were truly faithful. Lin Chengyou might like her today, but tomorrow he might like someone else.
Besides, he had never told her directly that he liked her.
So she didn’t regret refusing the marriage, not one bit.
Noticing her sister was still watching her, Teng Yu’yi raised an elegant eyebrow, intending to emphasize her feelings further, when a maid in the corridor said: “More young ladies have arrived outside. Miss, please go attend to your guests.”
The sisters had no choice but to end their conversation.
About a dozen classmates had gathered in the main hall, led by the three ladies – Deng, Zheng, and Liu – along with Chen Siniang, Li Huaigu, and others.
The room sparkled with jewels and ornaments. Deng Weili wore newly made summer clothes, maintaining her usual welcoming smile. Zheng Shuangyin wore a goose-yellow silk dress with silver threads, looking as fresh and alluring as a frost chrysanthemum. Liu Siniang and others chatted continuously, appearing happier than usual. Among all the classmates, only Li Huaigu maintained a cool expression, though she had dressed up, wearing a light lotus-colored dress embroidered with white butterflies that made her look like she had stepped out of a painting.
“You’ve finally come out,” Deng Weili happily greeted Teng Yu’yi as soon as she saw her. “It’s only early morning – wouldn’t you like to sleep a bit longer?”
Teng Yu’yi ordered servants to quickly serve tea, responding respectfully: “When even our most sleep-loving classmate has personally come out, how dare I still stay cooped up inside?”
Liu Siniang and Zheng Shuangyin laughingly separated the two: “Don’t you two start fighting again. Let’s go, let’s go. The weather is nice today – we can have a proper day of fun.”
Perhaps knowing it would embarrass Teng Yu’yi, no one actively mentioned Lin Chengyou’s proposal.
When they reached Ci’en Temple by Qujiang Pool, another group of classmates was already waiting.
The girls entered together, first admiring flowers and competing in poetry within the temple, then having a vegetarian lunch there, and in the afternoon, they went outside to watch performances and enjoy the river scenery.
Today Teng Yu’yi was hosting, and to ensure her classmates enjoyed themselves thoroughly, she had Duan Fu and Changgeng rent several painted boats. When the boats docked by Qujiang’s shore, many girls went aboard in pairs to fish and compose poetry. For those who didn’t like boats, there were other options – servants had already set up curtained areas with cushions on the shore where girls could play games with grass if they grew tired from walking.
After arranging all this, Teng Yu’yi went with Duan Fu to buy more snacks. Because they had walked so far, the master and servant had to return via a secluded path along the river.
Passing by one of the curtained areas, they heard several classmates talking inside: “Why haven’t we seen the Peng sisters today?”
“Don’t mention it. Last time, Peng Er’niang was nearly framed by that scoundrel Lu Zhao’an. She was so upset then, and I heard she fell ill after returning home. Since then, no matter which classmate invites her, she hasn’t come out to play.”
“What about Peng Da’niang? Didn’t she agree to come out with us the other day?”
“Ah? You don’t know yet?”
Teng Yu’yi’s ears perked up.
“Last night before the Emperor, Old General Peng intended to arrange a match between his granddaughter and the Crown Prince of Cheng. Unexpectedly, not only did the Crown Prince immediately refuse, but he also proposed to Miss Teng in front of everyone, completely humiliating the Peng family. I guess Peng Da’niang feels too ashamed because of this and refuses to go out today.”
Teng Yu’yi had also heard about this last night and felt something was odd about it.
Peng Sishun had been sharp and capable all his life – had he become senile in his old age?
As a high official of the court, it wasn’t strange to seek advantageous marriages for one’s descendants, but given Peng Sishun’s calculating nature, why hadn’t he first tested the waters with the Prince of Cheng’s household before requesting the Emperor? Coming out with this so abruptly not only embarrassed the entire Peng family but also shamed his granddaughter.
This wasn’t right.
The Peng family’s current status came not only from their battlefield prowess but also from their extraordinary acumen and steadiness in court affairs.
Could Peng Sishun be ill and confused? She wondered if Peng Zhen had been present – if he had been, he certainly wouldn’t have let his elderly father make such a foolish move.
As she pondered this, a chill ran down Teng Yu’yi’s neck.
Could it be… the Peng family did this deliberately?
The last time when Lu Zhao’an and Wu Ji tried to frame Peng Er’niang, although Lin Chengyou exposed it immediately, the Peng family, already harboring rebellious thoughts, would certainly have reflected deeply afterward.
There were so many people at the banquet that night, yet Lu Zhao’an’s true master chose to frame the Peng family’s child rather than anyone else. After careful consideration, the Peng family might have suspected they had revealed their hand and feared the court would take preemptive action, leading to their subsequent series of moves.
After that, Peng Er’niang claimed illness and stopped attending the academy.
And with last night’s events, even Peng Da’niang had a reason to “stay behind closed doors.”
But whether this was truly “staying home due to illness” or secretly leaving the capital was unknown.
Only by doing this could they discreetly send the Peng family’s women back to Huaixi Circuit without leaving traces.
Unease grew in Teng Yu’yi’s heart. If this was the case, the Peng family might rebel ahead of schedule. Lin Chengyou was also at court last night, and with his sharp instincts, he would certainly be suspicious of the Peng family’s behavior. But she had guessed the Peng family’s intentions so quickly because she already knew they planned to rebel – did Lin Chengyou know about the Peng family’s treasonous intentions?
This wouldn’t do – she needed to quickly tell Father and Lin Chengyou about this. Since brush and paper were readily available, she would write an urgent letter later and have Duan Fu personally deliver it to Father. As for Lin Chengyou-
Those people spoke again: “Oh, speaking of this, do you know that Teng Yu’yi refused the Crown Prince of Cheng last night?”
“I know,” another person said. “There were over a hundred court officials at the palace last night – this news has already spread. This morning my mother said so many people in Chang’an want to form marriage ties with the Prince of Cheng’s household, and the Crown Prince is such a fine talent – why didn’t Teng Yu’yi agree?”
The group in the tent, probably assuming no one would come to this secluded corner, spoke without restraint.
“I don’t know about that, but after this incident, the Crown Prince certainly won’t propose to Miss Teng again.”
Suddenly another person said with a smile: “Oh? Why do you say that?”
It was Li Huaigu.
“Third Lady, you’ve just come to Chang’an, so it’s no wonder you don’t know the Crown Prince’s temperament. The Crown Prince has been willful and mischievous since childhood, and even when he grew up, he remained unrestrained and romantic. They say among the royal children, he received the most beatings, but while being the most irritating, he’s also the most lovable – Daoist Master Qingxu and His Majesty dote on him tremendously. He’s always had everything go his way, growing up surrounded by gold, jade, and fine silks – how could someone like that handle this? Unless he loves Miss Teng desperately.”
The group giggled, clearly thinking this was impossible.
“Indeed, Chang’an has countless noble ladies, and the Crown Prince has only met Miss Teng a few times. It was probably just a passing whim – there definitely won’t be any follow-up.”
Li Huaigu seemed quite pleased, laughing: “Oh my, let’s not talk about this anymore. Look at the poem Miss Zheng wrote – it’s truly elegant and refined. No wonder she’s so renowned.”
Teng Yu’yi snorted inwardly, clasping her hands behind her back and walking forward with her head held high.
Soon after, a tall stage was set up in front of Yue Deng Pavilion, where several hawk-nosed Hu people performers leaped to high places performing magic tricks. Their dazzling performances drew constant amazement from the crowd, and girls emerged from their tents to watch the excitement.
Teng Yu’yi was about to go forward with her sister and Deng Weili to watch when someone behind her called out: “Miss Teng.”
Teng Yu’yi turned around happily – it was Juesheng and Qizhi.
“Young Daoists, why are you here?”
Juesheng and Qizhi’s round faces were covered in sweat, but they were also happy to see Teng Yu’yi. Wiping away their sweat, they said: “We’ve finally found Miss Teng. We went to the Teng residence looking for you, and Butler Cheng said you had come to the Ci’en Temple area. We didn’t expect so many people by Qu Pool today – we almost couldn’t find you.”
Teng Yu’yi pulled them aside: “Did you need something from me?”
All around were Teng Yu’yi’s classmates.
Everyone was a bit surprised to see the young Qingyun Temple Daoists looking for Teng Yu’yi.
Juesheng and Qizhi said seriously: “It’s urgent. Miss Teng, please come with us.”
Teng Yu’yi had no choice but to tell Du Tinglan: “I’ll be right back.”
She followed Juesheng and Qizhi to another area. Duan Fu quietly followed.
Qizhi walked on Teng Yu’yi’s left, Juesheng on her right.
After walking a few steps, Qizhi happened to look back and saw a young lady in the crowd staring in their direction with an unpleasant expression and cold gaze.
Qizhi recognized her as Li Sanniang, but Li Sanniang’s strange expression only lasted for a moment before she gave Qizhi a serene smile.
Juesheng and Qizhi led Teng Yu’yi and her servant to the shore, instructed the boatman to sail, crossed to the docks on the other side, then went ashore and walked through many twists and turns for who knows how long until they reached a quiet flower wall. There, Juesheng and Qizhi said: “Senior Brother, Miss Teng is here.”
Teng Yu’yi’s heart inexplicably began to race, and in the next moment, she saw Lin Chengyou come around from behind the wall. He looked her up and down once, then pulled her backward: “I have some questions for you.”
Juesheng and Qizhi’s faces reddened as they stuck out their tongues, leading Duan Fu to step far away.
Teng Yu’yi allowed Lin Chengyou to drag her along but said: “If Your Highness wants to question me about last night’s events, I want to ask you something first – why did you suddenly propose before the Emperor without any warning?”
Lin Chengyou’s steps faltered, and he turned to look at her: “Why do you think?”
Teng Yu’yi huffed, turning her head to the side: “If it’s because of yesterday’s incident in the water, Your Highness needn’t do this. I know you were trying to save me then – I won’t take it to heart.”
Lin Chengyou’s face heated up, though amusement flickered in his eyes. He stared at Teng Yu’yi for a long while before suddenly saying: “You think I suddenly proposed to you because of that?”
“What else could it be?” Teng Yu’yi insisted emphatically.
Lin Chengyou raised his eyebrows: “What if I said it wasn’t?”