In the courtyard, flower trees rustled softly, while inside the chamber, silver and jade adorned the curtains, filling the room with fragrance. Lian Qinian, the dancer from Chengyu House, trembled as she raised her head, vaguely seeing a lady sitting behind the curtains, tying silk ribbons at her chest with the help of maids. Her skirts trailed on the ground like crumpled flowers, and her figure was exquisitely shaped. Lian Qinian hazily heard people inside saying things like “too tight” “Miss’s chest seems to have grown larger” and “should make new clothes.”
The maid Lingyu, who had led Lian Qinian in, coughed once and announced the visitor’s arrival. After a moment of silence behind the curtain, the lady who emerged was naturally beautiful, her appearance like “a reflection in a pool, flowers falling onto robes,” so dazzling that one could hardly look directly at her.
This lady was none other than Miss Luo.
Luo Lingyu: “I was just applying rouge and didn’t hear that Lian Qinian had arrived…”
Lian Qinian bowed respectfully: Of course, I didn’t hear any discussion about “chest” or such things.
Unexpectedly, to prove her words, Luo Lingyu commanded her maid: “…bring my newly made rose cream.”
The maid Lingxi didn’t move, looking at her in confusion, until Luo Lingyu gave her a stern glare. At this point, Lingyu was more perceptive, directly expressing surprise: “…Miss spent all night making just one small bottle, and you’re giving it away already?” Even though Lian Qinian was Lingyu’s good friend, Lingyu still felt it was too precious…
This was exactly what Luo Lingyu wanted – to let others know of her thoughtfulness. She brushed back a strand of hair, seeing Lian Qinian’s nervous manner, her heart delighted while her voice chided: “Such a small thing for a lady’s use, what’s there to make such a fuss about… go quickly!”
Mixing rouge juice with a flower essence, calculating the proportions carefully and adjusting precisely, then steaming for some time created the “rose cream.” This cream was like water and milk combined – applying just a touch to cheeks and lips would make them appear fresh and bright while filling the air with fragrance.
After some back and forth, Lian Qinian anxiously accepted the precious “rose cream,” thinking this Miss Luo was truly kind-hearted. Since the lady was so kind, she must do her utmost to help the lady achieve her wishes!
Having posed enough and let people see how good she was, Luo Lingyu finally sat gracefully and quietly on the cushioned couch, resting her chin on her hand as she spoke softly: “…My dancing isn’t very good, but I did study before, and in Ruyang I participated in a dance society with other ladies. I’m ashamed that I grew lazy later, my skills grew rusty, and I haven’t practiced for many years. I’ve asked you here to help demonstrate my music and dance for the ‘Flower Goddess Selection.’ Both the music and dance must follow my vision. You’ll help me win the ‘Flower Goddess Selection,’ and at the same time, I’m confident my dance will help your skills stand out at Chengyu House. It’s beneficial for both parties – what do you think?”
Lian Qinian hurriedly agreed.
She knew that noble ladies like Luo Lingyu, although they studied dance and music, considered performing for others’ judgment beneath them when it came to competitions, preferring to collaborate with professional dancers instead. This wasn’t the first time, and Lian Qinian was quite familiar with the process.
Luo Lingyu spoke gently: “When I teach you the dance, I am very strict, with very high standards – don’t be frightened by me.”
Lian Qinian smiled, thinking how could someone as gentle as Miss Luo be very strict? She agreed readily.
Luo Lingyu said: “Then let’s begin. The dance will be called ‘Racing to the Moon,’ based on the legend of Chang’e flying to the moon. We have only half a month until the ‘Flower Goddess Selection,’ not much time, so you must practice diligently.”
Lian Qinian smiled easily: “Yes.”
Luo Lingyu smiled slightly.
Making her living by dancing, Lian Qinian’s appearance was only average, but her figure was extremely slim and graceful. Standing below and looking up at Luo Lingyu with charm, she was already a lovely sight.
The next moment, Luo Lingyu’s face turned cold, her voice like frost covering snow, ice shooting straight out: “So why are you still standing there stupidly? Is this room suitable for dance practice? Shouldn’t you demonstrate your current abilities so I can see your level? Shouldn’t you tell me your situation in detail so I can gauge whether you can meet my requirements? Don’t you need to ask what style I want? Or have you already decided I can’t challenge you…”
Lian Qinian stepped back in shock, staring at Luo Lingyu’s ice-cold face: …the lady’s two different faces were terrifying… Was it too late to say she couldn’t do it and leave?
After finishing her morning lessons, Luo Yunwan ran out of the room like a whirlwind, excitedly standing in the courtyard to watch her sister train the dancer. She had been hearing sounds from the courtyard all morning, occasionally catching melodious music, and the young lady’s heart had already taken flight. Moreover, seeing Luo Lingyu use the same frightening manner she used to train her to train others gave Luo Yunwan a sense of satisfaction…
She crouched on the ground, watching with great interest.
Luo Yunwan cupped her face: “Wow!” It was her first time seeing Luo Lingyu dance, having never witnessed it before – how rare! It was unusual to see Luo Lingyu take the stage herself, teaching a professional dancer how to dance with her stiff posture… Luo Lingyu’s limbs were uncoordinated, and her appearance as she stood in the courtyard frowning in thought, trying to make Lian Qinian understand her meaning, was quite interesting.
“Snow Tracing Courtyard” was lively, with maids standing in the yard watching their lady teach dance. Amid the noisy revelry, a female voice spoke with surprised amusement: “What is Miss so busy with?”
In the courtyard, the exhausted Luo Lingyu turned to see the beautiful maid Jinyue, dressed in blue-green servant’s clothes, standing at the courtyard entrance. Jinyue was the personal maid of Lu San Lang from the Lu family’s second branch “Clear Courtyard,” and since the second branch now had only one young master, people gave Jinyue some respect wherever she went in the Lu household.
Only Luo Lingyu paused: How to put it… she didn’t want to have any more involvement with Lu San Lang…
Jinyue seemed to anticipate her reaction and, without waiting for Luo Lingyu’s greeting, walked in and handed an invitation to Luo Lingyu’s maid Lingyu: “It’s a joyous occasion. Our Third Young Master has finally stopped being idle at home and has taken an official position, something called Investigation Commissioner – I don’t understand, but I hear it’s not an idle position, it’s one where he can do things. The Old Madam is especially happy and wants to hold a banquet tonight to celebrate our Third Young Master. I’ve come personally to deliver the invitation to Miss Luo.”
Jinyue sighed: “…It’s also been so long since I’ve seen Sister Lingyu, I’ve missed you.”
Lowering her eyes: “Why doesn’t Young Miss Wan come to play in our courtyard anymore?”
Previously, Luo Lingyu had been sending things to “Clear Courtyard” daily, sometimes flowers, sometimes pastries, not just for Lu San Lang but also for Jinyue. The maid Lingyu had much interaction with Jinyue, also inviting little sister Luo Yunwan to come play, and they had all become quite familiar. Who would have thought that after Luo Lingyu returned from Mount Zhong, she would stop sending things altogether… Jinyue had no choice but to come personally to see what was happening.
At Jinyue’s words, Luo Lingyu remained composed, but Luo Yunwan’s face turned bright red with embarrassment. Growing up beside her sister, the young lady naturally knew what kind of person her sister was – when there was no benefit to be gained, she would turn away immediately. Poor Sister Jinyue surely didn’t know that “Clear Courtyard” had been abandoned by Luo Lingyu.
Luo Yunwan’s face flushed as she stammered: “I- I- I…”
Luo Lingyu smiled gracefully: “Wan’er hasn’t been doing well in her studies lately, so I’m keeping her under strict supervision for a few days. As for tonight’s banquet, I won’t be attending… as you can see, I’m busy teaching dance, and with the ‘Flower Goddess Festival’ approaching, I don’t have time.”
Jinyue’s eyelids twitched, her beautiful eyes widening as she looked at her strangely.
After a long while, Jinyue sighed: “Miss, your response is exactly as Third Young Master predicted. He said not to waste effort, that you would certainly refuse like this.”
Luo Lingyu’s smile froze as she gritted her teeth: Lu San Lang…
As soon as Jinyue spoke, she could imagine Lu San Lang’s appearance. He must have been completely at ease, busy with his affairs while casually listening to his maid with one ear. That elegant noble young master would show a sneering expression, his peach blossom eyes lifting, his sarcastic lips opening and closing to speak words mocking her…
Luo Lingyu said with difficulty: “It’s not what you think…”
Jinyue stared at her steadily: “Miss, our young master asked me to tell you that if you attend tonight’s banquet, he will tell you some news; if you don’t come, you’ll regret it later.”
Luo Lingyu: …Pah!
She didn’t want to see Lu San Lang, didn’t want to face that awkwardness and frustration. Seeing him made her think of their first meeting, of what she had done in front of him, of how many times she had lost face… And as for Lu San Lang’s threatening words, she paid them no mind. They had no connection, and she didn’t believe he would have the idle time to interfere in her affairs. Luo Lingyu gracefully brushed the hair by her ear and said firmly: “I won’t go, I need to teach Lian Qinian to dance.”
Luo Yunwan pitifully: “Sister, I want to…”
Luo Lingyu: “Wan’er also wants to learn the zither.”
Luo Yunwan covered her face: “No, I don’t…”
But no one was listening to what she had to say anymore.
Someone must have been loose-tongued, as news of Luo Lingyu’s rejection of Lu San Lang’s banquet quickly spread throughout the Lu household. This was the first time Lu San Lang had invited a lady and been refused, and the young masters of the Lu family felt… quite pleased actually-
“First time seeing Third Brother stumble with a lady, too happy!”
“So Cousin Luo is truly noble and upright, unmoved by good looks!”
…
For nearly half a month, Luo Lingyu was busy composing music and choreographing dance, preparing for the “Flower Goddess Selection.” Since returning from the last banquet, Luo Lingyu hadn’t seen Lu San Lang. Jinyue’s relay of Lu San Lang’s “You’ll regret it” had worried her for two days, but after seeing that nothing happened, she let it go. Luo Lingyu focused on choreographing with Lian Qinian, and while her rusty dance skills improved greatly, Lian Qinian’s daily encounters with this lady changed from initial happiness to later fear-
“Graceful! Light! We value ethereal, floating movements, how can you be so heavy and expect people to watch?”
“Lift your leg higher!”
“Straighten your waist! When I say flexible, I don’t mean boneless like a snake!”
“Wrong again, do it over!”
Lian Qinian was constantly criticized by Luo Lingyu: Wah, this lady is too scary when she gets serious…
While Luo Lingyu was busy with her dance, Lu Yun was also overwhelmed with complicated political matters. Prince Chen Liu Shu had offended Prince Hengyang, who was using his favor with the Emperor to pressure Prince Chen in various ways, arbitrarily squeezing the people around Prince Chen. Prince Chen Liu Shu typically acted without speaking, and his confidants were suffering terribly from the attacks of Prince Hengyang’s faction, with the newly appointed Lu Yun suffering the worst. Lu Yun had just taken the position of Investigation Commissioner, and before he could understand anything, he was dragged into the struggle between the two factions – no, it should be called one-sided bullying.
Prince Chen, bullied by Prince Hengyang, had gone to catch bandits in the suburbs of Jianye.
It was a complete submission, as long as it made Prince Hengyang happy.
The other princes saw him in such a sorry state and felt indignant on his behalf: “Father Emperor truly spoils Prince Hengyang too much! We’ll go speak up for you!”
Prince Chen, knowing the inside story, shook his head: “No need.”
He was bearing Prince Hengyang’s pressure on behalf of his father the Emperor, to prevent Prince Hengyang from suspecting his father’s intentions. Whatever grievances he suffered, his father knew in his heart. Rather than go crying about it, better to let His Majesty feel guilty… After all, when the Son of Heaven feels guilty, he always compensates doubly…
However, this kind of non-stop busyness made Prince Chen Liu Shu forget about the day Zhou Yangling, daughter of the scholar Zhou Tan, was coming to Jianye. He spent the day busy catching bandits, and only when he returned to his mansion and was reminded by his retainer did he realize that Zhou Yangling had arrived in Jianye. But neither Prince Chen nor Lu San Lang had appeared at the dock.
By the time Prince Chen’s people remembered and rushed to the dock, they couldn’t find where Miss Zhou and her party had gone. Prince Chen’s people were also surprised: “Your Highness and Third Young Master both said Miss Zhou was a rare beauty, so we thought she would surely cause a stir like the Lu family’s cousin did when she entered Jianye that day…”
A beauty standing on the shore, as stunning as a startled swan.
That’s why Prince Chen’s people weren’t in such a hurry to receive her. Who would have thought that when they reached the dock, they would find no one waiting?
Having just returned to the mansion without even having a cup of tea, parched and exhausted, Liu Shu’s vision blurred as he nearly choked: “…”
He asked: “Did… Third Lang… also… forget… the date?”
Prince Chen’s people nodded gravely: “Third Lang seems to have been busy all day, completely forgetting about Miss Zhou’s matter.”
Liu Shu rubbed his temples: “Send people… to search.”
Jianye wasn’t that big, and Zhou Yangling came from a lesser branch of the family – she wouldn’t have old friends in Jianye to help her. Where could a lone, helpless lady have gone?
After sending people to search and having a cup of tea himself, changing his clothes, Prince Chen decided to visit the Lu mansion. After a busy day, Lu San Lang had also just returned to rest for a moment. Having just finished bathing, his black hair loose, his robes hanging loosely, his chest white as snow and jade. He was lying on his side on the couch with his eyes closed when Jinyue told him Prince Chen had arrived.
After the maids all left, ensuring no one would hear his stammering question, Prince Chen spoke urgently and haltingly about being unable to find Zhou Yangling. Lu San Lang was unconcerned, showing no worry: “Don’t worry, that lady is exceptionally intelligent. Even if it’s her first time in Jianye, she won’t get herself lost…”
Prince Chen: “I- I heard you say she’s- she’s often ill… Absurd! If she’s often ill, how could she wander around?”
Lu Yun raised an eyebrow: “Others say my cousin Luo is gentle and refined – do you think she’s that kind of person?”
Prince Chen’s pupils jumped: “…”
Lu San Lang’s words implied that the lady’s appearance and reality were different.
Prince Chen relaxed a little – as long as Zhou Yangling was safe and sound, that was good enough… Having calmed down, Prince Chen had time to listen to Lu Yun speak of other matters. Only when Liu Shu brought it up did Lu Yun remember something. Lu San Lang got up from the couch and went to get a wooden box from the shelf behind it. Sitting back down, meeting Liu Shu’s confused gaze, Lu Yun explained calmly: “Before the new year, I opened a glass workshop to research ‘liuli’ glass – you remember this, right?”
Prince Chen nodded.
“Liuli” came from the Western Regions, an imported item that was always expensive and priceless. Now with the South and North countries at odds, with the North blocking the way, trade between the South and the Western Regions had become much more difficult. Lu San Lang, though unschooled, simply found a master craftsman and opened a “Glass Workshop” to research and produce liuli glass himself. If they succeeded in developing it, not to mention Lu Yun’s wealth, the noble families of the South would surely compete to acquire it.
Liu Shu was shocked: “You succeeded in developing it?”
He didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “You- you’re so reckless… but really… got results?”
Lu Yun smiled mysteriously and opened the wooden box. On black velvet lay a string of glass bracelet beads. The beads were round and smooth, polished to a soft luster. Taking it in hand to admire, Liu Shu pondered: The color was still murky, the quality not as good as the Western Regions’ – it would need more time… but having achieved this much already, making it better and catching up to Western Region technology was just a matter of time.
Lu Yun: “If it gets a bit better, and our South has this technology, we can sell ‘liuli’ to the North. The noble families of the North would go crazy too…”
Liu Shu’s eyebrows jumped as he imagined the enormous potential benefits hidden within. Liu Shu slapped the table: “Excellent!”
Lu Yun pinched his brow: “I had originally planned to give this glass bracelet to Zhou Yangling to welcome her to Jianye, showing our regard for scholars from humble backgrounds… Now, I can only set these beads aside for now. Hopefully in a few days, when our craftsmanship is better, we can give her a higher-quality glass bracelet.”
Liu Shu nodded. This glass bracelet must be the first successful product from the “Glass Workshop,” of extraordinary significance. Although the quality was cloudy, not comparable to what noble ladies usually saw and used… Zhou Yangling was scholar Zhou Tan’s daughter – she would surely understand the meaning behind it.
Liu Shu’s face flushed red as he tried to hide his excitement, saying softly: “Xuehen, you- you put it away first.”
Lu Yun smiled and casually placed the glass bracelet in his robes. He had shown this item merely to reassure Prince Chen. The two discussed some other matters, including official business, until it was completely dark before Prince Chen took his leave. Lu Yun stood up, naturally seeing him out of the mansion. The two young lords walked one behind the other, moving gracefully. When they reached the stone bridge, they suddenly heard a lady’s voice coming from beside the lake. The lake water was clear, and the lady’s voice carried on the wind. Because the voice was so familiar, Lu Yun’s steps paused for a moment.
That female voice said harshly: “No stopping! I haven’t rested, so why are you tired? Who’s the dancer here anyway?”
Another woman stammered, not daring to speak.
Lu Yun’s lips curved slightly.
Prince Chen: “Who is… that?”
He turned his head, and in the darkness, saw Lu San Lang’s ambiguous smile. Prince Chen: “Oh, it’s Miss Luo.”
Prince Chen thought for a moment, recalling what he had seen at the banquet half a month ago, the lady’s tactics in dealing with Chen Xiu… Prince Chen had only met Luo Lingyu twice – the first time he thought the lady was delicate, the second time he felt the lady was somewhat… He said softly: “Let’s go take a look.”
Lu Yun was unwilling: “Let’s not… what’s there to see about her?”
Lu Yun said lazily: “Two eyes and a nose, looks the same as everyone else, nothing worth seeing. Let’s go.”
Liu Shu ignored him and went directly down the bridge. Lu Yun stood in place for a moment, seeing Liu Shu determinedly not looking back, and had no choice but to reluctantly follow. He didn’t need to go over – he knew what Luo Lingyu was doing. Luo Lingyu’s attitude toward him was so obvious – seeking him when useful, discarding him when not. Lu San Lang was annoyed – just because he had given her a way out once, did he have to do so every time?
Besides, why should he please her – a vain woman whose outside and inside didn’t match!
The two young lords went down the bridge and stone steps. The clear lake water reflected their faces as they saw the graceful figure of a lady with her back to them, and a strange woman with tears in her eyes. Luo Lingyu seemed to be practicing dance with a woman by the lake. Lanterns were thrown among the reeds, the maids had been sent away, and though it was so dark, the two women had not left.
Lian Qinian: *sob sob sob*
Her eyes spotted Prince Chen Liu Shu and Lu San Lang Lu Yun approaching, and they lit up as she opened her mouth to speak: “Miss…”
“Slap!” Her palm was struck by Luo Lingyu.
Luo Lingyu: “How can you be distracted again? Lian Qinian, if you continue to be this useless, I think we don’t need to compete – we might as well admit defeat right now…”
Lian Qinian: “My- my lady…”
Luo Lingyu: “Don’t interrupt me! My reputation rests on you, everything depends on that day. You now don’t…”
Lian Qinian: “But- but my lady, behind you…”
Luo Lingyu remained unmoved, continuing to berate Lian Qinian. She was merciless like a fierce asura, making Lian Qinian uncomfortable, especially with two handsome young lords watching. Luo Lingyu spoke for a long while until she saw Lian Qinian’s expression become truly strange, and she stopped. As she wondered inwardly, Luo Lingyu heard a male voice from behind: “Miss Luo.”
Luo Lingyu: “…”
This unfamiliar male voice!
Had she said anything inappropriate while having her back to this lord?!
Luo Lingyu was silent for a long while, adjusting her expression. She slowly turned around, smiling as she looked at Liu Shu behind her, pausing as she bowed to Prince Chen. Luo Lingyu’s eyes paused again as she saw Lu San Lang Lu Yun staring at her with deep eyes behind Prince Chen.
In front of Prince Chen, Luo Lingyu was consistently his good cousin.
She greeted Lu San Lang with radiant charm: “Third Cousin, it’s been a long time. Has Third Cousin been well?”
“Cousin has also been well,” Lu Yun said with an ambiguous smile, his eyes watching her as he spoke slowly, “Not seeing you for half a month, cousin seems to have grown more beautiful.”
Luo Lingyu: “…”
Lu Yun was complimenting her beauty?!
Though Luo Lingyu was delighted inside, she chided outwardly: “What are you saying, cousin!”
Lu Yun stared at her chest for a long while, saying with confusion: “It seems… you’ve also gained some weight?”
Weight?!
Luo Lingyu: “…”
Prince Chen Liu Shu quietly watched the two of them: though he had been the one who suggested coming to see Luo Lingyu, in the end, he couldn’t get a word in edgewise between the two of them.
How rude, how rude. His fault, his fault.