The mountain path was too treacherous – the spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak.
Though Luo Lingyu was full of fighting spirit, she couldn’t overcome her physical limitations. She had never enjoyed physical activity, and now, though desperately trying for Master Wang’s sake, she had walked less than half an hour before her legs ached and feet hurt, leaving her breathing delicately. Mount Xiaowei was different from Mount Zhong – Mount Zhong was a famous Jianye scenic spot, its paths repeatedly maintained for noble visitors’ convenience. No one came to Mount Xiaowei for leisure, and its paths could hardly be called paths at all. With sheer cliffs, rushing streams, and unstable footing, falls were frequent.
Luo Lingyu had already been helped by Lu Yun countless times during their short journey. Following Lu Yun to one section, seeing the path ahead blocked by fallen rocks, Luo Lingyu felt lost. She walked with sweat coating her cheeks, her spring garments clinging hot and uncomfortable. Meanwhile, her third cousin followed behind her carelessly, his robes flowing in the wind, elegant as jade; he looked dashing enough to enter a beauty contest right then.
Seeing his cousin look back at him, Lu Yun raised his chin, gesturing for her to look up. Luo Lingyu raised her head to see, under the blazing sun, a worn vine hanging down the cliff face. Upon seeing it, she nearly burst into tears: “Snow Chastity brother, do we have to ‘climb’ the mountain?”
She was just a woman, weak in limb and spirit – was she expected to climb vines to find Master Wang?
Lu Yun smiled: “We don’t have to.”
Luo Lingyu immediately listened intently to his wise suggestion.
Lu Yun: “We can just go back.”
Luo Lingyu pressed her lips together, glaring at her handsome cousin who passed through life with such ease. Lu Yun didn’t care at all about the “Flower God” selection – seeing or not seeing Master Wang made no difference to him. Though he encouraged her to return, Luo Lingyu wasn’t willing to give up. Other ladies had reached this point and refused to continue, but she was different from ordinary ladies.
Luo Lingyu steadied herself, looking up at the hanging vine, then down in thought. Then her beautiful eyes fixed on Lu Yun. Third Young Master remained aloof as Luo Lingyu called out sweetly: “Snow Chastity brother, you must have a way, right?”
Lu Yun smiled once.
He rarely smiled before others, but in private with her, he smiled again and again. The young master’s phoenix eyes sparkled like flowing water, every glance and expression full of charm. Lu Yun stepped forward to where Luo Lingyu rested against a rock. Luo Lingyu was truly beautiful – for easier walking, she had transformed her flowing robes into bound sleeves and skirts, tying up every sash possible. The beauty’s gaze rippled like autumn waves as she looked up at him with her powder-white face, expectantly – glance after glance, she was using her beauty to manipulate him again.
Lu Yun lowered his eyelids, gazing at her deeply: “I can carry you on my back.”
Luo Lingyu’s eyes widened slightly, about to thank him joyfully when she heard his next words: “But if I carry you, your chest will press against my back. Your… you understand, right?”
He spoke very softly, his eyelashes lowered, dark eyes fixed on the full, rounded flesh below her neck. Luo Lingyu hadn’t realized anything at first, but following his gaze downward, then seeing Lu Yun’s expression… Luo Lingyu’s mind exploded like thunder, and she immediately covered her chest. Lu Yun still kept his eyes lowered, a cool smile on his lips.
After a long moment, Luo Lingyu finally stammered: “I misjudged you! Lu Xuechen, you… you… you’re truly a complete hypocrite!”
Constantly claiming he “wasn’t lustful,” yet his eyes always lingered there. No wonder he always kept his eyes lowered around her, it was because… Luo Lingyu’s face alternated between pale and flushed as she backed away from Lu Yun. But she also looked at him with shocked eyes – why did he need to tell her his vulgar thoughts? If he hadn’t said anything, she would never have realized!
Lu Yun watched her cover her chest and sighed regretfully. The young master lifted his eyelids to look at her face – though her expression was troubled, her complexion was lovely. Lu Yun stared at her, speaking softly: “So do you want this hypocrite to carry you?”
Luo Lingyu: “…”
Under his meaningful gaze, Luo Lingyu felt utterly frustrated, then obediently reached out, smiling brightly: “Snow Chastity brother, what are you saying? I don’t mind at all. Cousin is pure and noble, has never carried me inappropriately – I admire how cousin speaks so honestly, completely different from those young masters in Jianye who clearly like looking at me but don’t dare to look too much.”
Before Lu Yun could speak, Luo Lingyu decisively cut him off: “Snow Chastity brother, carry me! I really can’t walk anymore.”
In one exchange, their eyes met, and both gained a deeper understanding of each other’s character.
Lying against the young master’s back, her breath touching his nape, she felt his back muscles tense. Luo Lingyu blushed, turning her head to curse his vulgarity… Lu Yun spoke as if he had eyes in the back of his head: “You dare curse at me?”
Luo Lingyu froze in fear: “No!”
Holding tight to his neck, Luo Lingyu spoke sweetly: “You’re carrying me – I can’t thank you enough. How could I curse at you?”
…
Soft fragrance and jade-like beauty – few young masters could resist. Especially a beauty like Luo Lingyu. Being nearly otherworldly in appearance wasn’t enough; she was also quick-witted and eloquent. If she wished, she could easily win anyone’s favor. Lu Yun thought countless times: Don’t trust her, she deceives without remorse.
But she lay against his back, legs wrapped around his waist, breath brushing his ear. Moreover, those two snow-white… pressing against his back as Lu Yun climbed the vines, and Luo Lingyu couldn’t lean back without increasing his burden. Almost every inch of the lady’s skin pressed against him… Lu Yun’s forehead slowly began to sweat.
The mountain path was difficult, and carrying beauty made every step more challenging. It was like being caught between fire and water – fortunately, Third Young Master’s self-control was good, and refusing to let Luo Lingyu laugh at him, he persisted stubbornly. The beauty on his back used her sleeve to wipe his sweat, showing consideration, but seeing the sun high overhead, Luo Lingyu complained again: “It’s almost noon… We won’t be unable to see Master Wang even by nightfall, will we? Snow Chastity brother, can’t you go faster?”
Knowing this cousin was heartless, but seeing her so urgent, Lu Yun’s face still grew cold. Third Young Master’s tone was strangely bitter: “Your mind is full of nothing but your ‘Master Wang’… Do you know I pushed aside other important matters to find you?”
Luo Lingyu paused, hearing the disgust in his tone. Third Young Master was like fine jade – he could only be treasured, never discarded… Luo Lingyu: “I…”
Lu Yun interrupted: “Sweet words won’t work on me.”
Luo Lingyu had countless sweet words ready for other young masters, but Lu Yun didn’t believe her honeyed words. Her mind tied in knots, and after a long while, truly unable to think of what to say, Luo Lingyu dryly comforted him: “…Actually, I also pushed aside other matters to wait for you.”
Lu Yun startled slightly, turning his face to glimpse the lady’s face resting on his shoulder. He spoke softly: “You truly pushed aside other matters to wait for me? You’re not lying?”
Luo Lingyu nodded solemnly.
Seeing Third Young Master’s face change from complete coldness one moment to much better the next, he wiped the sweat from his brow, his expression becoming peaceful again as if finding new motivation. He carried the lady onward, and she obediently lay on his back, not giving him any burden. Luo Lingyu was a woman who, though full of schemes, was also clever – she knew when to be willful and when to show restraint… For the rest of the journey, even though Lu Yun repeatedly claimed he didn’t like “sweet words” and “wasn’t lustful,” Luo Lingyu remained tender and affectionate, praising him until he was pleased, his expression excellent.
After all, he was a man, and a beauty’s charms were hard to resist.
…
The mountain path was rugged, with green shadows like waves, all part of the mortal realm.
Thus they continued, sometimes Lu Yun carrying her, sometimes when he was too tired, the two supporting each other as they walked. When they finally reached the thatched cottage in the forest, Lu Yun pointed it out to Luo Lingyu, who emotionally clutched the young master’s arm, nearly crying. She and the Third Young Master had such a difficult climb, stumbling around the mountain for three hours… Only a talented scholar and beautiful lady like them could, after such dishevelment, take a drink of water, briefly arrange their appearance, and be ready to meet others.
Master Wang’s thatched cottage was built deep in a bamboo grove. Two or three cottages hidden among bamboo, with a young servant quietly sweeping fallen leaves in the courtyard. The young master and lady stood at the bamboo grove’s entrance, their eyes already seeing the cottage just tens of yards away but walking over, they encountered a formation between them. Fortunately, the Third Young Master understood formations. Compared to their earlier mountain trials, Master Wang only blocking them with a formation outside his house was already quite friendly. Having reached this point, Third Young Master no longer hurried, leisurely straightening his robes; Luo Lingyu had already abandoned his arm, releasing him to walk toward the cottage.
Lu Yun snorted and followed.
Speaking kindly with the young servant, when Lu Yun approached, he saw Luo Lingyu with smiling cheeks and flowing glances – the beauty gazing at the young boy, whose face had turned bright red as he answered Luo Lingyu’s questions so obediently. Lu Yun’s expression remained cool as he glanced at the servant and Luo Lingyu, thinking she wouldn’t even spare a child under ten. Luo Lingyu had already turned her head, calling to him: “Cousin, Master Wang has guests, he’s having a scholarly discussion with them. The master invites us in to meet.”
In front of others, Luo Lingyu always properly addressed Lu Yun as “cousin.”
Lu Yun responded faintly, seeing the anxiety in Luo Lingyu’s expression. She exchanged glances with him, urging him to hurry in with her. Because hearing Master Wang had guests had greatly alarmed her, she feared other ladies had already arrived. After such an arduous climb, their efforts had to be worth it – if other ladies had already won Master Wang’s favor… Luo Lingyu felt sick with regret.
Luo Lingyu tugged his sleeve, urgently whispering: “Cousin, cousin, cousin…”
Since Lu Yun was familiar with Master Wang, they needed Third Young Master’s introduction for this sudden visit. Nodding to the servant, Lu Yun unhurriedly led Luo Lingyu inside. Indeed, guests had already arrived – when Lu Yun and Luo Lingyu entered through the door, Lu Yun’s expression remained cool while Luo Lingyu wore an appropriate smile. Together they looked over to see two people rising from the meditation cushions opposite Master Wang. Lu Yun and Luo Lingyu’s faces both froze for a moment.
Lu Yun spoke oddly: “…Why are you here?”
Luo Lingyu didn’t know whether to be happy: “Young Master Zhou, it’s been a long time!”
Those who had risen from the meditation cushions to greet the two visitors were Prince Chen Liu Shu and Luo Lingyu’s “Young Master Zhou” Zhou Yangling. These two were beautiful, standing in the room like pearls and jade, their radiance rippling – for a moment, Luo Lingyu didn’t even notice Master Wang himself. Master Wang, a middle-aged man of ordinary appearance, looked dull and dusty compared to Liu Shu and Zhou Yangling.
Zhou Yangling and Liu Shu both looked with surprise at the entering Third Young Master and Luo Lingyu. Zhou Yangling’s gaze met Lu Yun’s – Lu Yun’s expression changed slightly as he stared at her without speaking. Zhou Yangling felt nervous, having met Third Young Master before in Yicheng. Though her “woman disguised as a man” act seemed successful, still before Third Young Master, she… Seeing the Third Young Master’s expression change but saying nothing, Zhou Yangling felt slightly relieved, then looked at the bright and lovely lady beside Lu Yun.
Zhou Yangling smiled gently: “Sister Luo, when I invited you to continue our bell-composing affair, you said you had prior arrangements. Now I understand – so you were going out with… this young master.”
Luo Lingyu awkwardly: “…”
Indeed, after Young Master Zhou recovered, they had arranged to continue with the bells, but firstly, she felt indignant about Lu Yun’s previous critique of bell-composing, thinking how could she be inferior to Young Master Zhou, so she wanted to delay few days to study Young Master Zhou’s bell techniques; secondly, Third Young Master had just kissed her, and she felt he had feelings for her, fearing he might want to arrange to meet – she absolutely wouldn’t keep appointments with other young masters during this time. Finally, comparing background, temperament, and bearing, Young Master Zhou still wasn’t as suitable as Third Young Master… yet unexpectedly, Young Master Zhou had encountered them here.
Luo Lingyu lowered her head, too ashamed to speak.
Liu Shu also looked at Third Young Master: “You told me you had matters and couldn’t see me.”
Lu Yun calmly: “…Bringing my cousin to see Master Wang is also a matter. I wasn’t deceiving you.”
Liu Shu and Zhou Yangling looked at them together, their gazes suggesting the two had abandoned their responsibilities and conspired together. The scene was truly awkward – Lu Yun and Luo Lingyu had each told others they had important matters and couldn’t meet, never expecting the two disappointed parties would come together. Those two had come to discuss scholarly matters with Master Wang, only to encounter Lu Yun and Luo Lingyu together.
Luo Lingyu silently stood behind Lu Yun, letting him bear their disapproving gazes.
Master Wang looked left and right, laughing heartily: “How interesting! I knew Snow Chastity and the Prince were close friends, but didn’t know Young Master Zhou and this… lady was also acquainted. It seems we’re all our people here – quickly, sit, sit!”
Young Master Zhou?
Lu Yun casually glanced at Zhou Yangling, whose composed expression masked some panic as she cast pleading looks his way. Lu Yun paused, then looked toward Prince Chen Liu Shu beside Zhou Yangling. Liu Shu sat properly on the meditation cushion, listening to Master Wang’s insights. Because Lu Yun wouldn’t accompany him, he had thought of the similarly talented Young Master Zhou he’d met a few days ago, leading them to come together. Yet Liu Shu didn’t know the youth beside him was Zhou Yangling, daughter of Zhou Tan, whom he had been desperately seeking to arrange a marriage alliance with.
Moreover, Luo Lingyu anxiously and uneasily kept stealing glances at Zhou Yangling…
Lu Yun felt slightly strange, frowning, puzzled as to why Luo Lingyu’s glances at Zhou Yangling seemed so familiar… Before he could understand, Master Wang had finished speaking, smiling as he asked for “everyone’s esteemed opinions,” and Luo Lingyu shifted her gaze from Zhou Yangling to answer Master Wang.
The fashion of scholarly discussion, with questions and answers, debates and explanations, was the most popular way of exploring learning at the time.
Everyone joined the conversation, though Liu Shu and Lu Yun remained silent – the constant speakers were Luo Lingyu and Zhou Yangling.
The atmosphere among them was both harmonious and strange.
…
Luo Lingyu never lost to others in professional skills – while Young Master Zhou spoke steadily and gently, she maintained clever responses, pleasing Master Wang. Over the afternoon, Master Wang developed some fondness for both the previously unknown Young Master Zhou and Third Young Master’s cousin. As the sun set in the west and this topic of discussion concluded, Master Wang, still eager to continue, invited them to stay and rest in the mountains.
This had been Luo Lingyu’s goal all along, so she was naturally overjoyed.
Master Wang kindly looked at the lady: “My mountain dwelling is austere, with nothing to offer. Young lady, born to a scholarly family, accustomed to servants attending your every move – if you cannot adapt here, please speak freely.”
Luo Lingyu smiled: “Master jests. I most admire this kind of life, like an unbound cloud or crane, living contentedly in the mountains – how could I not like it? Though I was born to a scholarly family, my household suffered misfortune in my youth, and I’ve known hardship.”
Lu Yun brushed the dust from his sleeve beside her: “…”
Master Wang grew very interested, asking about Luo Lingyu’s experiences. Luo Lingyu then vividly recounted the story of Ruyang’s catastrophe in her childhood, how the entire Ruyang Luo clan perished, and how she, lonely and helpless, brought her younger sister to seek refuge with the Nanyang Luo clan. She described the hardships of her youth and the inferiority of depending on others… When her story finished, Zhou Yangling and Master Wang’s gazes were filled with sympathy and affection.
Zhou Yangling spoke softly: “Sister has suffered much. Fortunately, your bitter days are over – Third Young Master Lu is a renowned scholar of Jianye, and the Lu family is powerful, surely able to protect you from ever experiencing such hardships again.”
Luo Lingyu nodded with dimmed eyes, then turned to smile at Lu Yun: “Third Cousin has indeed been very good to me.”
Lu Yun: “…”
After leaving, Lu Yun quietly asked Luo Lingyu: “How much of that story was true and how much false?”
Luo Lingyu smiled radiantly, naturally unwilling to tell him the truth. As the two pushed and talked, Liu Shu and Zhou Yangling walking behind them pondered thoughtfully, both considering that these two’s relationship seemed unusual.
…
Luo Lingyu’s tale of tragic experiences was meant to gain sympathy, half-true and half-false. Nanyang was so far from Jianye, and Master Wang wouldn’t go to Nanyang to investigate her past life. Though Nanyang had declined, everything a noble lady should learn and have – Luo Lingyu, being someone who always fought for her interests, never lacked. In all her years, she had never done manual labor, never had to be self-reliant when servants weren’t present.
But having made such claims, Luo Lingyu dared not show Master Wang any aversion to hardship, fearing she would expose herself, so she had to first figure things out herself. Studying things like the well water, Luo Lingyu recalled how servants had cared for her, fumbling to fetch and heat water, wanting to bathe. Having climbed the mountain so long with Lu Yun during the day, covered in sweat, she had barely been able to stand it by afternoon.
Meanwhile, Lu Yun had taken tea with Master Wang, exchanging their evaluations of the Flower God candidates. Suspicious of the truth in Luo Lingyu’s words, he wanted to watch the entertainment of how Luo Lingyu would manage without servants. With only two or three thatched cottages, he reached Luo Lingyu’s door just as he was about to knock when a cough sounded behind him. Lu Yun turned to see Zhou Yangling disguised as a young man.
Zhou Yangling: “Third Young Master, I have something to tell you.”
Lu Yun walked several steps away from Luo Lingyu’s room, his back to the fence, eyes showing interest as he asked Zhou Yangling: “Where’s Liu Shu?”
Zhou Yangling: “I made an excuse, saying I was feeling cold, asking him to help heat some water. Since the Prince has seen me faint from weakness before, he believed it, giving me a chance to come find you.”
Lu Yun smiled ambiguously: “He’s been searching for you all this time… never expecting you were right before him.”
Zhou Yangling blushed slightly, bowing like a man: “This is what I wanted to discuss… I don’t ask the Third Young Master to cover for me, just please don’t reveal my identity to the Prince. The Prince and my father are wholly focused on the marriage alliance, but I feel there’s no need to rush. With my ordinary looks, I dare not ruin the Prince’s lifelong happiness…”
Lu Yun spoke coolly: “You’re afraid Liu Shu will ruin your plans, right… Why are you disguising yourself as a man?”
Zhou Yangling: “To do something for scholars from humble backgrounds. I came to find Master Wang today because I heard he came from a humble background – I want to convince him to establish a private school together. The Prince also supports this, which is why he was willing to bring me to find Master Wang… I just don’t want the Prince to know who I am. Please help me.”
Lu Yun spoke carelessly: “If your father knew you…”
Suddenly, he heard a woman’s scream from the thatched cottage not far ahead. Lu Yun’s heart tightened, recognizing Luo Lingyu’s voice, and immediately stepped forward to push open the door. Zhou Yangling followed, anxiously checking what had happened to Sister Luo.
Inside the room, pink and white clothes were scattered on the floor, a wooden tub of hot water bubbling before them. Luo Lingyu stood naked by the wooden tub, face pale, backing away white-eyed. Before she could react, her door was suddenly pushed open, and Third Young Master and Zhou Yangling entered together. They entered to see the lady completely naked, standing before them… her long hair falling to her waist, slender shoulders, slim waist, long legs, her breasts round as fresh snow. Standing there so delicately bare, touchingly beautiful, provoking imagination…
Lu Yun: “…”
Zhou Yangling: “…”
Luo Lingyu: “…”
Luo Lingyu screamed even louder, frantically crouching down, using her clothes from the floor to cover herself. She froze, utterly terrified, her eyes filled with shame and anger, glittering with tears as she glared at the two: “…Who said you could come in!”
She… she… she had been seen naked by two men at once?! How could she go on living?!
She wanted to crash her head against something and die.