The iron rooster plucked its feathers!

Jiang Xuening nearly jumped three feet high with joy. Only because she was still in front of Xie Wei did she maintain some semblance of dignified composure, restraining herself from any outburst. However, the laughter and delight in her eyes were completely undisguised.

Her lavish praise flowed freely: “Sir is truly so understanding and considerate beyond measure!”

Xie Wei waved his hand, having Jianshu fetch the banknote for her, yet asked: “You’re making such a grand show of it, aren’t you afraid others will see and speak critically?”

Jiang Xuening’s eyes rolled about craftily: “Official Zhang saved my life, this is me repaying that debt!”

Re-paying the debt.

Xie Wei repeated these words heavily in his mind, leisurely casting her a glance as he said: “That’s certainly a good excuse. I thought you were planning to take this opportunity to confess your feelings to him.”

Jiang Xuening froze abruptly.

The four words “confess your feelings” were like several beads suddenly dropped onto her heart. She thought they would merely cause a momentary shock, but who knew they would suddenly scatter and roll about, clattering noisily, leaving her thoughts in complete disarray for that instant.

“How—how could that be possible?”

She instinctively refuted it, after all she truly had never had such a thought.

Seeing her expression flicker uncertainly, as if frightened by his remark, Xie Wei inwardly sneered: She has the thief’s heart but not the thief’s courage.

Just then, Jianshu had already retrieved the banknote.

Jiang Xuening hurriedly accepted it. After steadying herself somewhat, she bowed in farewell to Xie Wei. Only after walking out of the courtyard and breathing a sigh of relief did she realize she had been tense the entire time facing Xie Wei.

Having handed over the banknote, Jianshu stood to the side, not daring to speak.

Xie Wei leaned against the doorframe watching her figure disappear around the corner of the covered walkway, then released his hand and walked back inside to sit down. Yet he felt that from having opened the door earlier with the snow’s reflection outside, his eyes still seemed to be covered by a layer of light.

He slowly closed his eyes, letting them rest for a moment.

Then he said: “Summon Xiao Dingfei.”

*

The restaurant manager indeed sent someone over at dusk. With one thousand taels in banknotes now in hand, this was a rare bit of prosperity for Jiang Xuening these past days. Under Xiaobao’s extremely astonished gaze, she immediately settled the account.

The restaurant had dedicated staff to discuss the food and wine arrangements with her.

Zhang Zhe’s tastes leaned toward the lighter side; he had never been someone who craved delicacies and exotic fare, so there was no need for extravagance. It was enough that each dish be exquisitely prepared with creative touches. As for wine, this person had always had a low alcohol tolerance. The physician said that after several days of recuperation, drinking a little would be fine. On such a bitterly cold day, top-grade Shaoxing Huadiao wine would be most suitable—warmed over the stove before drinking, nothing could be more warming.

Back when she was in the palace serving the Empress, during the first two years she had shown off by managing such trivial banquet matters. In the later years, however, she had given up and couldn’t be bothered. Jiang Xuening never expected that she would pick up this skill again and apply it in such circumstances.

Having managed grand palace banquets before, a small table for a few was child’s play.

It took less than half a shichen to finalize everything.

The people from the restaurant probably discerned that her status was considerable and didn’t dare be careless. They first had the cook come inspect whether the kitchen at Shangqing Temple could be used, and even delivered in advance all the necessary utensils for tomorrow’s New Year’s Eve dinner, even sending over the wine.

Since Xiao Yuan and the others were already planning to reward the soldiers who had accompanied them but couldn’t return to the capital, with people coming and going constantly, few paid attention.

Jiang Xuening watched them carry things into the house from outside the kitchen, but as she watched, her mind began to wander.

“I thought you were planning to take this opportunity to confess your feelings to him…”

Xie Wei’s earlier words echoed in her mind like a ghost.

Her heart inexplicably beat faster. Though she knew she originally hadn’t had such thoughts and shouldn’t think in that direction, who told that man surnamed Xie to speak those words with such bewitching allure?

Jiang Xuening discovered she simply couldn’t shake off those words.

As the saying goes, when a man pursues a woman, it’s like crossing a mountain; when a woman pursues a man, it’s like crossing a layer of gauze.

She did like Zhang Zhe after all.

What was shameful or impossible about a person seeking what they wanted, about revealing their true feelings?

So, so tomorrow night…

“Miss Jiang! Miss Jiang!”

A hand suddenly clapped onto her shoulder. Jiang Xuening nearly jumped out of her skin, her whole body shuddering. The thoughts that had been in her head instantly vanished without a trace.

She turned around to see it was actually Xiao Dingfei.

This dissolute fellow had been shot through the shoulder by Xie Wei’s arrow a few days ago, and was miserably taken into custody as a traitor from the Heavenly Teachings, then placed under house arrest due to his special status.

Who told him to be called “Dingfei”?

After the court’s side conducted preliminary interrogations, everyone noticed his face bore some resemblance to Duke Dingguo Xiao Yuan. Combined with his name, all sorts of speculation immediately spread.

It was said that Duke Dingguo Xiao Yuan had gone to see him once.

He entered quite apprehensive, but emerged with an iron-dark expression.

Though he was a prisoner, not a single person in Shangqing Temple dared show him disrespect, so this person’s days were actually more carefree than when he was with the Heavenly Teachings.

With the injury in his shoulder, it didn’t prevent him from wandering about.

Yesterday he even took the two soldiers guarding him to visit a brothel, telling those courtesans and prostitutes: “This young master has made it big this time. Know who this young master is? The illegitimate son of Duke Dingguo from the capital, who wields such overwhelming power even the Emperor fears him three points!”

When word of this got back, Xiao Yuan was so angry his lungs nearly exploded.

However, since this was someone Xie Wei had captured, even if he wanted to do something to Xiao Dingfei, before returning to the capital he couldn’t touch him in the slightest, lest his actions leave traces and arouse Xie Wei’s suspicions. He could only swallow his rage.

Tsk tsk, talk about frustrating!

In contrast, Xiao Dingfei continued dressing in silks and satins, even holding a gold-dusted fan in the dead of winter to pose as refined. Who knew how long he had been standing behind her, staring at her with a strange look: “What are you thinking about so seriously?”

Jiang Xuening got a headache just seeing him.

She simply said: “Does Young Master Dingfei need something?”

Xiao Dingfei smiled cheerfully, glancing toward the kitchen, his face revealing a covetous expression as he said: “I heard the young lady hired cooks to prepare a New Year’s Eve dinner?”

Jiang Xuening’s whole body stiffened, becoming alert: “No such thing, who told you that?”

Xiao Dingfei said: “With such a commotion, that premium Shaoxing Huadiao—I could smell it from the wine jars passing by my door. Hehe, young lady, we’ve been through hardship together haven’t we? Share a meal?”

Share a meal?!

If Jiang Xuening were a cat, all her fur would probably be standing on end right now. She said coldly: “You’re dreaming!”

Knowing this person had a persistent, pestering nature, without another word she flicked her sleeves and walked away, afraid he would interfere and ruin her plans.

But Xiao Dingfei was naturally familiar with everyone.

With that appearance of craving the wine and food, being taller than Jiang Xuening meant one of his steps equaled two of hers. He effortlessly kept pace, persisting: “Don’t be like that, it’s New Year’s Eve, a reunion dinner—shouldn’t more people gather together for the liveliness? Young lady worked so hard preparing all this, how could you finish it alone? Or perhaps, the young lady has invited someone else?”

Jiang Xuening held back her breath, her face darkening as she continued forward.

Xiao Dingfei suddenly tapped his fan against his palm: “Oh, you’re not inviting that man surnamed Xie are you? I heard he’s your teacher…”

Jiang Xuening whirled around glaring: “What nonsense are you spouting!”

Xiao Dingfei spread his hands: “Then what’s the big deal about me sharing a meal? Hey, wait, you’re having this New Year’s Eve dinner without even inviting your teacher—does he know?”

Jiang Xuening desperately wanted to find a cloth to stuff that broken mouth of his: “My teacher isn’t coming!”

Xiao Dingfei said: “You invited him?”

Jiang Xuening had arranged this whole affair for Zhang Zhe’s sake—how could she possibly invite this jinx over to interfere? Besides, she had some thoughts she hadn’t fully puzzled out herself that didn’t need outsiders present. Eager to shake off this person, she said irritably: “Sir is going to reward soldiers with your cheap father, he won’t have time!”

Xiao Dingfei laughed in surprise: “Even the young lady knows about my background?”

Jiang Xuening had already reached her room’s entrance and sneered coldly.

Xiao Dingfei then deliberately struck a rakish pose, winking at her suggestively: “Once we return to the capital, this young master will be the Duke’s heir. Miss Jiang, won’t you consider—”

“BANG!”

His only response was the expressionless sound of Jiang Xuening slamming her door shut.

The unfinished words were all shut outside.

Xiao Dingfei immediately felt bored, shouting toward the door: “Are all the young ladies in the capital as cold and unfeeling as you? Don’t you put this young master in your eyes at all?”

Not a sound came from inside the door.

Xiao Dingfei stood there for a while, finally stamping his feet and leaving.

Jiang Xuening listened with perked ears as those footsteps faded away. Only then did she crack open a small gap in the door, seeing the courtyard was indeed empty before breathing a sigh of relief, thinking she had finally shaken off this sticky plaster.

*

The next day during daylight, Xiao Dingfei didn’t appear.

Jiang Xuening’s heart settled considerably.

By evening, the restaurant’s cook came early to prepare the entire feast, deliberately choosing a secluded Scripture Repository building behind Shangqing Temple to set out all the plates and bowls. Only then did she have Xiaobao go inform Zhang Zhe, before changing into that water-blue dress, donning her crane cloak and heading out, planning to stop by and fetch Zhang Zhe along the way.

But who would have thought, halfway there, a figure suddenly jumped out from the side, laughing: “Great! Finally caught up with you. I heard the feast is already laid out, heading there now?”

In that instant, Jiang Xuening’s face darkened completely.

She stopped and said through gritted teeth: “Young Master Dingfei, I said I’m not inviting you!”

Xiao Dingfei was as cunning as a fox, waving his hand: “Hey now, no problem, I already went on your behalf this afternoon to invite Official Zhang. Right now is perfect timing for everyone to go together, isn’t it?”

He went ahead this afternoon to invite Zhang Zhe?!!!

Jiang Xuening was so angry her nose went crooked, her pointing finger trembling: “What right do you have to invite people to my feast? No wait, how can your face be so thick!”

Xiao Dingfei shrugged with a helpless expression: “Official Zhang said he’d go together later. Sigh, if Miss Jiang truly objects, then I’ll have to apologize to Official Zhang and tell him the truth…”

Jiang Xuening choked: “You—”

In this world, the shameless always bully the dignified, the thick-skinned always bully the thin-skinned. On this point, Jiang Xuening was tens of thousands of miles behind Xiao Dingfei, truly no match. Swallowing this bitter pill nearly killed her with rage.

She bit her teeth, kept a stern face, stared at him, and finally slowly suppressed that surge of anger. Instead, she smiled beautifully, saying three times: “Good, good, good.”

Today it snowed heavily again.

Everywhere in Shangqing Temple that hadn’t been cleared seemed buried in snow, leaving footprints with each step. She stood in the snow holding an oiled-paper umbrella, her water-blue dress wrapped in white fox fur, her raised eyebrow and smile truly heart-stopping.

Xiao Dingfei felt half his body go numb.

He had no resistance to beautiful faces, almost saying “then I won’t go,” but fortunately managed to swallow the words just in time, grinning sheepishly: “I just have nowhere to eat! Forgive me, forgive me.”

That appearance really made one angry just looking at it.

Jiang Xuening walked forward two steps. Her temper rising, feeling truly unable to let it pass, she threw down her umbrella and bent down, simply scooping up a snowball from the ground with both hands and hurling it at Xiao Dingfei!

How could Xiao Dingfei have expected such unprovoked disaster?

He cried out: “Hey, what’s wrong with you? Can’t out-talk someone so you resort to violence—are you still a gentleman? These are clothes I just bought these past days, the young ladies at Xingchun Pavilion just complimented them yesterday! Don’t—hey, stop throwing!”

How could Jiang Xuening listen?

Without a word, she single-mindedly kept forming snowballs to pelt him for satisfaction.

Xiao Dingfei, precious about those clothes, couldn’t help but flee like a rat, running all the way toward Zhang Zhe’s residence, shouting as he ran: “Murder! Murder!”

Jiang Xuening followed unhurriedly behind him, confident he wouldn’t dare retaliate.

Within a few steps they reached Zhang Zhe’s place. Xiaobao happened to be standing under the eaves, and Zhang Zhe had just emerged from the door.

Seeing Zhang Zhe from afar, Jiang Xuening stopped her assault. As if nothing had happened, she passed by Xiao Dingfei whose outer robe was already covered in snow, standing under the eaves. Resuming a benevolent appearance, she greeted him familiarly: “Official Zhang’s complexion looks even better.”

Zhang Zhe also descended the steps, seeing the fine snow still falling outside, he couldn’t help but frown slightly.

He said: “Did Second Miss come out without an umbrella?”

She had naturally brought one.

Just earlier though…

Jiang Xuening had just opened her mouth to say she forgot, when unexpectedly, Xiao Dingfei standing behind her, eyes flashing, somehow found heaven-defying audacity, grabbed a handful of snow from the ground, squeezed it, and threw it at the back of her head!

Jiang Xuening couldn’t see what was happening behind her, naturally unable to detect it.

But Zhang Zhe faced her directly, seeing everything clearly.

Those already furrowed brows knitted even tighter. He simply pulled the still-speechless Jiang Xuening one step toward him, then raised his wide sleeve, blocking it behind her head.

With a “whoosh,” that handful of snow struck entirely against Zhang Zhe’s sleeve, scattering in a mess, sticking everywhere in disarray.

Jiang Xuening nearly collided with his chest. It wasn’t until his sleeve blocked for her, feeling her vision darken and hearing the sound behind her, that she realized what happened.

Looking up at this stern, taciturn face before her, she felt her heart leap like a startled deer.

She stood dazed for a moment before suddenly coming to her senses, turning from beneath Zhang Zhe’s protective sleeve to glare at the grinning Xiao Dingfei behind them: “Are you seeking death!”

Xiao Dingfei looked at her with a half-smile, then taking advantage of his long legs, took off running.

Jiang Xuening felt her face burning red. Because she had come today with some unspeakable thoughts, she didn’t quite dare look at Zhang Zhe’s expression now. Seeing Xiao Dingfei flee, she made a show of chasing him to pelt him with snowballs.

Xiao Dingfei didn’t dare retaliate this time, only saying: “You really show no mercy!”

Jiang Xuening scolded: “People usually eat from others and feel indebted. But you’re something else—mooching off this young lady’s feast and still daring to fight back!”

Zhang Zhe watched her somewhat fleeing figure, wordlessly lowered his gaze, gently raised his hand to brush away the snow clinging to his sleeve, then lifted his steps to follow.

His residence wasn’t far from where Xie Wei stayed—just a few steps.

To reach the Scripture Repository, they would pass right by.

Just around half a covered walkway.

Jiang Xuening landed another snowball on the back of Xiao Dingfei’s head, venting her anger. Then looking up, she saw that on this dark night, Jianshu was actually standing outside with his sword. The snow in the small courtyard behind him was swept nearly clean. At a glance it was pitch black, with not even half a lamp lit inside or out, as if no one lived there at all.

Jiang Xuening couldn’t help but pause: “You didn’t go with Sir together?”

Jianshu had seen them coming from afar, but asked strangely: “Go where?”

Jiang Xuening said: “To reward the soldiers on New Year’s Eve.”

Jianshu said coldly: “Sir didn’t go.”

Xie Wei didn’t go?

Jiang Xuening was slightly taken aback, instinctively glancing toward the pitch-black dwelling behind Jianshu. On New Year’s Eve, not going to reward the troops, and having heard his parents in Jinling had both passed away, nor had she heard of him having any other family…

She opened her mouth wanting to say something, but with a fleeting thought, held back.

Xie Wei wasn’t like Xiao Dingfei.

She slowly said “oh,” ignoring that faint strange feeling in her heart, smiling: “Then we won’t disturb you. We’ll go ahead.”

No one dared speak loudly here. Originally having chased each other in a snowball fight all the way here, both Jiang Xuening and Xiao Dingfei quieted down. The party of three plus Xiaobao walked along the covered path, treading on the thick snow that crunched loudly underfoot, entering the Scripture Repository building.

In the small courtyard ahead, Jianshu still stood without moving.

Every year at this time, they didn’t dare stray too far, so they all had to endure it together.

Recalling the scene just witnessed, Jianshu remained silent for a long while before saying: “Miss Ning is heartless.”

From the shadows by the courtyard wall behind, a voice actually refuted: “She has one.”

Jianshu turned to look.

Daoqin’s figure couldn’t be seen clearly in that mass of darkness, but spoke quite lucidly, adding a line: “Just not for Sir.”