A young woman in green attire, who was even younger and more delicate than Yan Min’er, overheard the conversation between Yan Min’er and Madam Yan. She asked, “I heard that Young Master Qiao’s wife is a famous talented lady from Huzhou. I wonder how beautiful she is?”

Yan Min’er gave an ambiguous smile and said, “Even if she’s a famous talented lady, she can’t compare to our Jiyang’s A-xiu.”

Ling Xiu was the beloved daughter of Ceremonial Officer Ling from the Bureau of Records. She could compose poetry at age five, and by seven, her name was renowned throughout Jiyang. She excelled in qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and possessed a delicate beauty. In Jiyang, where most women were known for their fierce beauty and bold personalities, she was truly unique. Upon hearing that another talented lady had arrived from Huzhou, she couldn’t help but feel competitive.

Another young lady nearby covered her mouth and sneered, “Why should A-xiu compare herself with a merchant’s wife? It would only lower her status. Who knows if this reputation as a talented lady is even real? It might just be a way to gild herself.”

Ling Xiu smiled and said, “If Young Master Qiao truly stays in Jiyang, he won’t remain a merchant for long.”

“A merchant is still a merchant,” Yan Min’er said contemptuously. “The stench of copper is in their bones; it can’t be covered up by simply changing clothes. They’ll never be truly refined.”

As the young ladies laughed together, someone announced, “Commander Cui has arrived!”

Everyone looked up to see a middle-aged man approaching from the lakeside pavilion. He was round and stout, with a kind face and an appearance reminiscent of Maitreya Buddha. Wearing black martial attire and looking energetic, he handed his spear to an attendant upon reaching the pavilion entrance and smiled, saying, “Everyone’s here.”

The crowd hurriedly rose to return Cui Yuezhi’s greeting.

In Jiyang, Cui Yuezhi was second only to one person, so everyone in and outside the prince’s mansion had to show him respect. Cui Yuezhi turned to ask Zhong Fu, “Has Huanqing and the others arrived?”

“We’ve sent someone to invite them,” Zhong Fu smiled. “They should be here soon.”

Yesterday, Cui Yuezhi had been discussing matters with the princess at the mansion and had drunk too much, so he stayed overnight. Early this morning, he had been arguing with those stubborn old men and still hadn’t seen his nephew. Stroking his chin, he said, “I wonder what my nephew looks like? Does he resemble my elder brother? How similar is he to me?”

Zhong Fu hesitated to speak. Truthfully, Young Master Qiao shared nothing in common with the Cui family except his gender.

“I heard the child was raised in a merchant family,” Cui Yuezhi continued with some concern. “Though I don’t mind such things, the nobles in the city place great importance on status. I just hope they won’t feel inferior.”

Before Zhong Fu could respond, a Cui family servant approached, announcing, “Young Master Qiao and Madam Qiao have arrived—”

Everyone instinctively looked up.

At the end of the long pavilion, by the lakeside, two figures walked side by side. One male, and one female, both very young. The man was tall and straight as jade, wearing a dark blue robe embroidered with black and gold dragons, quite elegant. His black hair was tied with a jade hairpin, his features delicate and brilliant, though appearing somewhat cold. The woman beside him was full of smiles, bright and lovely. Her dress was made of some peculiar material that appeared plain white at first glance, but as she moved, it shimmered with hints of blue, purple, gold, and pink, creating a dreamlike effect that was quite captivating.

Both possessed extraordinary appearances and bearings and complemented each other perfectly. Standing together, they made an exceptionally striking pair. Everyone in the pavilion was momentarily stunned.

Was this the copper-stained merchant they’d heard about?

Could a merchant possess such extraordinary grace?

Cui Yuezhi was also stunned. Was this truly his elder brother’s son?

His elder brother had looked seventy percent similar to himself, and could hardly be called handsome, let alone slender. This… this was perhaps too good-looking.

Yan Min’er froze, her face suddenly turning extremely unpleasant. She recognized these two people. The woman was the one who had humiliated her at the Xiuluo Workshop, and the man was the one who had mocked her dark complexion. After returning home, she had been unable to swallow this insult, never expecting that these two would turn out to be Cui Yuezhi’s long-lost nephew and his wife.

She was so angry she could almost spit blood.

Beside her, Ling Xiu’s gaze fell on Xiao Jue, becoming somewhat entranced as she murmured, “I never knew there could be such a handsome man in this world…”

Unlike Shuojing, Jiyang’s women were known for their fierce beauty and the men for their masculine valor. Perhaps because rarity creates value, just as talented ladies like Ling Xiu were highly pursued in Jiyang, men like Xiao Jue with their refined beauty and elegant nobility were truly as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. Immediately, all the unmarried ladies at the gathering fixed their gazes on him like wolves eyeing meat.

He Yan also noticed these predatory stares and secretly cursed. Xiao Jue’s face truly attracted attention wherever they went.

Behind the couple, Lin Shuanghe followed. At first, people thought he was Xiao Jue’s relative or friend, but when they learned he was the steward, they were shocked once again.

The requirements for being a steward in Huzhou were quite demanding.

Cui Yuezhi arranged for Xiao Jue and He Yan to be seated on the right side below his main seat.

“Huanqing,” Cui Yuezhi smiled while looking at him, “I didn’t expect you to be this handsome.”

This truly brought honor to the Cui family. In all of Jiyang City, there was no one more striking than the young man before him. In earlier years, Cui Yuezhi had been mockingly called “Round Ball” behind his back for being coarse and fat. Before Qiao Huanqing’s return, there had been rumors in Jiyang City expecting to see another “Little Fat Ball,” but who knew… this was truly face-saving!

The Cui family had finally redeemed itself. How wonderful!

Xiao Jue calmly nodded.

Cui Yuezhi’s gaze then fell on He Yan, smiling as he asked, “My niece-in-law looks quite young. How old are you this year?”

He Yan replied, “Almost seventeen.”

“Seventeen is good.” Cui Yuezhi was increasingly pleased with He Yan as well. Beautiful! Both his nephew and niece-in-law were good-looking; their future children would surely be even more attractive. The Cui bloodline would only get stronger with each generation. Thinking of this, he felt deeply moved and grateful, even wanting to go to the ancestral hall to offer incense to his elder brother. Heaven truly blessed them.

“Today’s lakeside banquet is specifically to welcome you both,” Cui Yuezhi said with a smile. “How do you find it?”

Xiao Jue replied, “Very nice, thank you, Uncle.”

This address of “Uncle” immediately pleased Cui Yuezhi; his face nearly split with joy as he announced to everyone, “Everyone, this is the only son of my deceased elder brother, my nephew!”

The guests immediately raised their cups, offering flattering words about “exceptional appearance and bearing” and “refined character,” while congratulating Cui Yuezhi on his family reunion.

Cui Yuezhi grew even more delighted and ordered the servants to serve the dishes, beginning the feast.

Jiyang didn’t have the custom of separating men and women at tables; the long tables were arranged by family. Cui Yuezhi continued to ask Xiao Jue many questions about his past years, and eventually, the conversation turned to He Yan.

“I heard my nephew and niece-in-law were only recently married?”

“We married last October in Huzhou,” Xiao Jue said plainly. “Less than half a year ago.”

Cui Yuezhi made a sound of understanding, saying somewhat regretfully, “It’s a pity I couldn’t see it with my own eyes.” He patted Xiao Jue’s shoulder: “If I could have witnessed your wedding, I would have no regrets in life.”

“What does my niece-in-law’s family do?” Cui Yuezhi asked. “Huzhou is too far from Jiyang, making it difficult to gather information.”

He Yan answered as previously instructed: “Yuyan comes from an ordinary family, fortunate to have received Young Master’s favor.”

“An ordinary family?” The seated guests showed various expressions. This meant she was from a commoner family. People generally believed that although Qiao Huanqing came from a merchant background, he was still incredibly wealthy. Money can make ghosts turn millstones, not to mention his exceptional appearance. If he had married a minor official’s daughter, it would have been more than adequate. Yet he chose to marry Wen Yuyan from such an ordinary family, with neither money nor power – why? If it was not for her beauty, he could have taken her as a concubine. Why make her the primary wife?

The young ladies’ gazes toward He Yan immediately carried hints of envy and jealousy.

Ling Xiu’s gaze subtly shifted to Xiao Jue’s face. The young man was already gracefully handsome, and now sitting lazily, his occasional coldness made him even more alluring, surpassing all the men in Jiyang city.

She looked back at He Yan – just a daughter from an ordinary family. In terms of appearance and status, how could she compare to herself? A trace of discontent rose in her heart. Wen Yuyan wasn’t worthy of Qiao Huanqing; only she should be standing by his side.

She stood up and spoke softly, “Today, Commander Cui has found his family member, which is truly worth celebrating. Though I’m not talented, I wish to play a piece for Commander Cui to express my congratulations.” As she finished speaking, her gaze swept across Xiao Jue’s face, revealing a shy smile.

The young men in the gathering immediately became elated, their eyes fixed intently on Ling Xiu.

The ladies of Jiyang City were typically bold and confident, and if they possessed exceptional talents, they weren’t ashamed to display them in public. However, Ling Xiu was different from others, never liking to show off voluntarily. Even at banquets, she would repeatedly decline until she finally agreed under great pressure.

To take the initiative like today was unprecedented, especially with her most accomplished skill – the qin. This made people quite expectant.

Cui Yuezhi was also very pleased, waving his hand, “Excellent! Let A-xiu broaden our horizons today. If you play exceptionally well, Uncle will give you a grand gift!”

Master Ling and Madam Ling wore smiles; such glorious moments had become commonplace for them, as everyone in Jiyang City knew that Ling Xiu was unmatched in both talent and beauty.

Servants quickly brought a qin.

The qin was also emerald in color, like spring vegetation, fresh and verdant. She wore light green gauze clothing, truly like a spirit of spring. Her delicate fingers purified with incense and water, gently plucked the strings.

She played “Late Spring.”

Spring wind carries noble youth on fine horses, warm sun shines on West Lake in the third month, pipes and strings touch the water in the oriole and flower market, those who don’t know music won’t come here, suitable for song, wine, and poetry. Mountains pass like furrowed brows of dark eyebrows, willows drag smoke piling up like silk hair…

The qin’s melody was pleasing to the ear, brushing past people’s ears, making their hearts intoxicated. He Yan felt the same, thinking this young lady’s hands were truly skillful. Comparing it to her own string-plucking technique, which could easily break the strings, let alone play a complete piece.

It was truly impressive.

She listened, entranced, but glanced over to see Xiao Jue unmoved, merely lowering his head to drink tea. She couldn’t help but nudge him, whispering, “Why aren’t you listening?”

Xiao Jue replied, “I am listening.”

“Then why don’t you show any sign that it’s beautiful?”

“What do you mean by ‘showing it’s beautiful’?”

He Yan nodded toward the others, “Like them over there.”

The young men present, and even some of the slightly older gentlemen, were all staring at Ling Xiu in a daze, as if drowning in the music, their eyes sparkling with admiration. Xiao Jue withdrew his gaze and said coldly, “Boring.”

“You’re hard to please,” He Yan mumbled softly. “I think it sounds lovely, and she’s beautiful too. If I could befriend such a lady, I’d be overjoyed.”

“Overjoyed?” Xiao Jue suddenly smiled, looking at her with interest. “I hope you’ll remain just as happy in what comes next.”

He Yan didn’t understand his meaning and simply said, “Of course, I’ll be happy.”

While they were talking, Ling Xiu had finished her piece and looked toward Xiao Jue, only to see him turned sideways to speak with He Yan, his lips curved in an amused smile. Seeing this, Ling Xiu’s heart sank, and she felt increasingly dissatisfied.

She stood up, and everyone around praised her performance. Cui Yuezhi also smiled and said, “A-xiu, your qin performance truly leaves lingering echoes in the rafters, not for three, but nine days!”

No one would deny her musical skill. Ling Xiu looked at Xiao Jue again but saw the young man lowering his head to drink tea, not even glancing in her direction. However, “Wen Yuyan” beside him was smiling at her, seemingly in mockery.

Ling Xiu’s smile became somewhat stiff, but she quickly recovered and humbly said, “How dare I show off my meager skills? I’ve heard that Madam Qiao from Huzhou is a famous talented lady with extraordinary qin skills. Since we have the fortune to meet today, could A-xiu witness your expertise?” Her expectant gaze fixed on He Yan. “Let everyone see how remarkable Madam’s qin skills truly are.”

He Yan, who had been enjoying herself, froze at these words. Why had the attention suddenly turned to her? Wen Yuyan’s qin skills were extraordinary. Really? How come she didn’t know about this?

He Yan looked pleadingly at Lin Shuanghe, her teacher, but Lin Shuanghe casually turned away, pretending to chat with someone nearby, showing no intention of helping her out of this situation.

“I think… that’s not necessary…” He Yan stammered. “Miss A-xiu’s qin skills are already excellent, there’s no need for me to make a display.”

“How can you call it unnecessary?” Ling Xiu looked at He Yan with great sincerity. “A-xiu truly wishes to have the honor of hearing Madam’s music.”

He Yan: “…”

Is her Qin playing? Her playing could ward off evil spirits and protect houses, it wasn’t meant for appreciation!

Seeing He Yan’s troubled expression, Ling Xiu felt secretly triumphant. The rumors of Wen Yuyan’s outstanding talents were probably just a facade. If she could make her lose face in front of everyone today, that would become the talk of Jiyang City.

Yan Min’er, who had always been at odds with Ling Xiu, couldn’t help but feel schadenfreude at this situation. Although it was Xiao Jue who had made the sarcastic remarks at the Xiuluo Workshop, Yan Min’er blamed He Yan. Generally, women beloved by such exceptional men always stood out particularly, especially when they appeared to have no special qualities, making them seem even more unworthy of their reputation.

He Yan looked at Xiao Jue beside her. He was unhurriedly drinking tea, his expression completely unperturbed.

No wonder he had said earlier, “Hope you’ll remain just as happy” – had he anticipated this scene? How did he know? How could he see through such strange situations? Did he have mind-reading abilities? He Yan pondered as she reached under the table to tug at his sleeve, whispering, “Help me, please.”

Xiao Jue said plainly, “Didn’t you learn?”

“Never mastered it,” He Yan said. “Lin Shuanghe taught me before, and he said I was quite good, but after hearing this lady play, I think what I play might not be quite right.”

This was an understatement – it wasn’t just “not quite right,” it was completely wrong.

“You can’t do qin, chess, calligraphy, or painting,” he said. “Besides cheating and swindling, what can you do?”

He Yan hesitated before answering, “Breaking stones with my chest?”

But she couldn’t exactly demonstrate stone-breaking right here!

Xiao Jue: “…”

“If I’m exposed, we’re all finished. Please help,” He Yan pleaded. “Commander, Young Master, Second Master Xiao, husband?”

That “husband” clearly disgusted Xiao Jue. He said, “Speak properly.”

He Yan: “Then I’ll take that as a yes.”

Their conversation was conducted in very low voices, but to others, it appeared as if He Yan was coquettishly pleading with Xiao Jue, who seemed very indulgent.

Cui Yuezhi smiled and asked, “What’s wrong? Does Yuyan not want to play?”

“To be honest with everyone, after our marriage, my wife and I agreed. Though my wife’s qin skills are exceptional, she only plays for me alone,” Xiao Jue said coolly. “So today, I’m afraid we cannot fulfill this young lady’s wish.”

Everyone was stunned, including He Yan, who was completely caught off guard by Xiao Jue’s excuse. But thinking about it, this excuse was brilliant. Other excuses might work once, but there would always be a next time. This excuse prevented future requests as well – after all, why would anyone want to break a promise for no reason?

Ling Xiu’s expression stiffened. Looking at the young woman sitting beside the young man, she couldn’t swallow this frustration and smiled, “But today is the reunion of Young Master and Commander Cui. With so many people here, surely breaking the rule once wouldn’t be too much?”

“The promise between my wife and me is unshakeable,” Xiao Jue gave her a cold glance. “If you must hear something, I can play instead.” By the end, his tone had become distinctly cold, showing his impatience.

Ling Xiu was startled by his frostiness and momentarily didn’t dare to speak. Cui Yuezhi broke the tension, smiling, “Huanqing, you can play the qin?”

“Just a little.”

“Then today I must hear Huanqing’s playing,” Cui Yuezhi clapped and laughed heartily. “The Cui family has practiced martial arts for generations, we’ve never had such a refined person! Zhong Fu, clean the qin again.”

“No need,” Xiao Jue said. “Steward Lin, bring the Wanxiang qin.”

Xiao Jue was always particular about his possessions, as He Yan well knew, but to others, especially Ling Xiu, it seemed as if Xiao Jue refused to use the same qin as her out of disdain. She bit her lip and reluctantly returned to her seat.

Lin Shuanghe quickly brought Xiao Jue’s Wanxiang qin.

He Yan remembered this qin. Before impersonating Cheng Lisu in Liangzhou, she had gotten drunk and damaged it, and Xiao Jue had taken it to be repaired in Liangzhou city. Just looking at it, one could tell it was extremely valuable. Fortunately, Xiao Jue hadn’t made her pay for it, or she couldn’t have afforded it even if she sold herself.

She vaguely remembered hearing Xiao Jue play before, but being half-drunk, the memory was fuzzy. Now seeing the qin, memories of that drunken night flooded back.

The young man sat before the qin, purifying his hands with incense. Unlike Ling Xiu’s deliberate movements, he appeared more relaxed and casual, somewhat nonchalant, yet everything flowed naturally. Only someone who had played for years could achieve such effortless grace.

For a moment, He Yan seemed to see that elegant young man from years ago, lying in pretend sleep on the loquat tree at Xianzhang House.

But he had grown up since then.

The qin strings were plucked.

His hands were long and well-defined, beautifully formed, and when they touched the strings, they produced enchanting sounds. This piece was different from Ling Xiu’s “Late Spring” – instead of its cheerfulness, this had a quiet melancholy within its serenity, like moonlit river waters flowing endlessly toward the distance.

He was playing “River Moon.”

This piece was difficult, truly testing one’s qin skills. He Yan had heard someone play it before – her master, Liu Buwang. However, when Liu Buwang played it, it was more about memories and loss. Xiao Jue’s interpretation felt different from Liu Buwang’s.

When a handsome man performs refined arts, it’s particularly captivating. Even Ling Xiu, who had just been frightened by Xiao Jue, or Yan Min’er, who had been mocked by him before, and indeed everyone else, couldn’t help but be immersed in his music.

He Yan was no exception.

When he played, his butterfly-wing eyelashes lowered, concealing the cold detachment in his eyes, leaving only gentleness. His features were excessively handsome, his thin lips slightly pressed together, appearing both restrained and moving.

He Yan thought that truly, it would be hard to find anyone more outstanding or more beautiful than him in this world.

As the piece ended, Xiao Jue withdrew his hands.

Everyone stared at him, momentarily silent.

Without his “River Moon,” Ling Xiu’s “Late Spring” would have been considered excellent. But in comparison, Ling Xiu’s qin skills now seemed ordinary, no longer so stunning.

Both men and women stared at Xiao Jue, with only one confusion in their minds: wasn’t Qiao Huanqing supposed to have been raised by a merchant family in Huzhou? Looking at him now, perhaps the intelligence was wrong – such a person couldn’t possibly have been raised in a merchant family.

Cui Yuezhi was even more proud now, looking at Xiao Jue with increasing satisfaction. He laughed heartily, “Huanqing, your playing has left us all stunned! Previously, Her Highness the Princess always said A-xiu’s qin skills were the best in Jiyang. Next time, I’ll bring you to the prince’s mansion. When Her Highness hears your playing, she’ll surely be full of praise!”

Hearing this, everyone had their thoughts. Since Cui Yuezhi mentioned the princess, it meant he intended to bring Qiao Huanqing into the prince’s mansion. In that case, he couldn’t be viewed as an ordinary merchant anymore…

Xiao Jue smiled slightly, his deep eyes glancing at He Yan, and said softly, “You’re too kind. In truth, my qin skills don’t even reach one-tenth of my wife’s.”

“Really?” Cui Yuezhi looked at He Yan in surprise. “Then how amazing must it be!”

He Yan’s face reddened.

How embarrassing.