The mountain night was clear and cold. In his dreams, he found himself by the Xiang River banks, as in ancient times, seeing the Goddess of Wu Mountain. At dawn, she was the morning clouds, at dusk the evening rain. The Wu Mountain Goddess wore clouds as clothing and water as shoes. She walked gracefully through the deep darkness of night, eyes downcast with tears, sparse clouds, and mist surrounding her. As the mist gradually dispersed, that woman turned around, the clouds concealing her form scattered. She revealed her incomparably beautiful face, eyes like clear water, with hints of tears glistening.

She showed a fragile, self-pitying smile. As the bright moon parted the clouds, her beautiful, pure body walked toward him step by step, embracing him.

Her face was so familiar it filled his heart with terror…

The next day, Lu Sanlang woke up the latest. Prince Chen and the others had already finished breakfast, and Luo Lingyu had regained her spirit to curry favor with Master Wang when Lu Sanlang finally arrived leisurely. Luo Lingyu secretly glanced over and saw that after just one night, Lu Sanlang looked as if his essence had been sucked out by a female spirit – his complexion was too pale, his eyes drooping, with dark circles beneath them.

Seeing this, Master Wang sighed: “It must be that my humble accommodations have neglected Lu Sanlang.”

Lu Yun remained silent.

He could hardly say that some unexpected events last night had left him tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

Thinking of this, he harbored secret hatred and annoyance, casting a cold glance at Luo Lingyu. However, Luo Lingyu had already withdrawn her gaze from him, her eyelashes trembling faintly as she kept stealing glances at Zhou Yangling. Zhou Yangling calmly endured Luo Lingyu’s repeated scrutiny. Though her patience was excellent, even Prince Chen Liu Shu noticed Luo Lingyu’s constant furtive glances.

Liu Shu looked at these people, noting that every time the Luo lady looked at Zhou Lang a few more times, Lu Yun’s face would darken a few degrees. Yet Lu Yun didn’t say anything, just staring at the Luo lady.

His Highness Prince Chen was slow to realize, feeling that after one night, he seemed to have missed many interesting stories.

Luo Lingyu was internally grumbling while feeling regretful. She secretly looked at Zhou Lang, unable to believe that someone so handsome could come from a humble background. Could a humble family produce someone with Zhou Lang’s composed bearing? It was such a pity… If Zhou Lang had also been from a noble family, she wouldn’t have to feel so stifled in front of Lu Yun. Zhou Lang’s temperament was so much better than her hot-and-cold third cousin… She even felt somewhat disgusted with her own “despising poverty and loving wealth,” feeling that she had failed to deserve Zhou Lang’s kindness toward her.

Luo Lingyu’s heart was also full of complaints about Lu Sanlang.

In Luo Lingyu’s eyes, Zhou Yangling was a young lord with an extremely good temperament. As Luo Lingyu kept stealing glances at her, when Master Wang wasn’t paying attention, Zhou Yangling raised her eyes and smiled at Luo Lingyu. Luo Lingyu immediately became flustered, lowering her eyes and secretly admonishing herself: Zhou Lang comes from a humble background and isn’t a suitable match, I mustn’t give Zhou Lang any misleading hints…

Thinking this way made her feel even more like a bad woman, failing Zhou Lang.

Lu Yun: “…”

She was flirting again. He felt he must be like a dead person in Luo Lingyu’s eyes.

But this wasn’t the end of it.

After having breakfast at Master Wang’s place that morning, the group planned to bid farewell, not wanting to impose on the master any longer. Lu Yun was after all familiar with Master Wang, so he stayed behind to chat with him for a while. When leaving, Master Wang was in high spirits and even gave Lu Yun a bamboo tube of qin fish. Master Wang stroked his beard with great pleasure as he explained to the curious Luo Lingyu: “Young lady comes from Nanyang, so you probably haven’t seen this kind of small fish. The qin fish was brought by several of my good friends from the Qingao River – in ancient times, there was one Qin Gao who rode a fish up to the azure sky. Though the qin fish is small, its taste has no fishiness at all and is extremely delicious.”

“This fish can be steeped in boiling water together with ‘Yongxi Huoqing’ tea. When brewing the tea, the fish falls into the tea, green mist swirls about, the blue-green fish swaying, quite lively indeed.”

Luo Lingyu widened her beautiful eyes in surprise, looking down with great interest at the bamboo tube the master had given them, clicking her tongue and smiling: “Drinking tea with fish floating in the water? Sounds scary, I wouldn’t dare.”

Master Wang laughed heartily, pointing at Lu Yun: “That’s because you haven’t tried it, young lady, and don’t know the elegance of this tea. Lu Xuehen is an expert at brewing ‘qin fish tea’ – let your cousin make some for you to drink, and you’ll understand what I mean.”

Lu Yun brewing tea?

Luo Lingyu glanced at Lu Sanlang, who remained expressionless, sitting on the couch with his sleeve hem resting on his knee, his fingers extending from his sleeve clean and slender. Lu Sanlang’s hands were as beautiful as the rest of him, but Luo Lingyu had never seen Lu Sanlang brew tea. Since she had known Lu Yun, everything around him had been done by maids and servants; she had never seen Lu Yun brew even a bit of tea leaves.

Naturally, a noble young lord wouldn’t be idle enough to brew tea for her to drink… Luo Lingyu envied the noble manner once again. If she could marry into a wealthy family like the Lu family, she too would never brew tea again. She too would be like her third cousin, excellent at brewing tea yet never seen doing it.

Lu Yun noticed her gaze and glanced back at her.

Luo Lingyu’s heart fluttered as she thought of last night’s events, and she lowered her head.

Because Master Wang wanted to discuss some political matters with the two young lords, Luo Lingyu was looked at and left with Zhou Yangling. When Lu Yun and Liu Shu came out of the room, they happened to see Zhou Yangling leaning against the fence, head lowered, placing a blue brocade fortune bag in Luo Lingyu’s hands. Luo Lingyu refused to accept it, so Zhou Yangling said softly: “Sister, don’t be afraid. I disturbed you last night and feel very guilty. After thinking all night, about apologizing to sister, I want to give you this protective charm that my mother once obtained for me, to bless sister Luo with lifelong peace.”

“Sister, please don’t blame me for disturbing you last night.”

Luo Lingyu’s eyes immediately reddened: “Young lord, I, I…”

She mumbled: “You’re so good to me…”

Zhou Yangling: “This is what I should do. Sister was frightened last night; remember to bolt your door from the inside at night in the future…”

Luo Lingyu clutched the protective charm in her hand, listening to Zhou Lang’s gentle instructions with a red face. Her face was flushed with embarrassment, but her heart was greatly shocked. How could there be such a magnanimous young lord in the world? She remembered that she hadn’t been particularly nice to Zhou Lang, she had merely seen Zhou Lang as a potential target, yet Zhou Lang took such good care of her. Unlike Lu Yun who always made her blush, Zhou Lang’s care was like a spring breeze, without any aggression, yet moving her deeply…

Luo Lingyu raised her eyes, gazing at Zhou Lang’s handsome face with attachment – Zhou Lang was so good-looking and had such a good temperament, how could he be from a humble background?

Was it true that good things never come in pairs?

Liu Shu and Lu Yun, standing in a corner not far away watching the two of them, both had very strange expressions. Liu Shu narrowed his eyes, feeling slightly uncomfortable, secretly thinking that Lu Yun’s cousin was truly a menace, like a bewitching consort who brought disaster to the country in the previous dynasty. Every young lord who met her had to lose their senses and show her affection. First, there was his friend Lu Yun, and now Zhou Lang Zhou Zibo who had only known her for a short time.

As for Lu Yun, he felt very strange in his heart: Zhou Yangling was a woman, so it shouldn’t matter. Luo Lingyu loved power and status, so that shouldn’t matter either. But why did it feel so jarring to see the two ladies expressing sentiment so reluctantly?

Making him feel uneasy?

…

This time, Luo Lingyu had truly taken Zhou Lang to heart. Zhou Yangling spoke to her too gently, and was too good to her, making her feel ashamed. After returning to the Lu residence down the mountain, she immediately sent people to return the chimes to Zhou Yangling. The returning maid mentioned that Zhou Lang had given them some novel little items in return as gifts for Miss Luo to play with. A row of twelve brightly colored ceramic figurines was arranged on the small table, and Luo Lingyu couldn’t stop playing with them fondly.

Then she covered her sleeve in melancholy, full of resentment: “How could he be from a humble background…”

Marrying him would not elevate her status, which Luo Lingyu was extremely unwilling to accept. But she still felt very hesitant…

Over the next few days, Lu Yun made time to take Luo Lingyu to visit several other notable scholars. The competition for “Flower Goddess” among the ladies of Jianye was fierce – one moment Chen Xiu was ranked first, and the next moment Princess Pingning Liu Tang jumped to first place. The ladies of various families used all their methods, competing not only in on-stage talents but also in behind-the-scenes tactics and influence. While Chen Xiu and Liu Tang were fighting for first place, Luo Lingyu benefited like a fisherman in troubled waters, quietly breaking through. More and more young lords and ladies, exhausted by the power struggles between Chen Xiu and Liu Tang and unsure who to give their “top vote” to, finally simply gave it to Luo Lingyu –

The “Flight to the Moon” that the Luo lady had composed that night not only made Lian Qinian become the most popular dancer in Jianye’s dance houses recently but also helped her stunning performance impress countless young lords.

The young lords had agreed to go to the dance house to watch Lian Qinian perform it again, but after she danced, they felt the novelty had worn off and it wasn’t as interesting, not as moving as that night. Thinking this way, they naturally felt that Miss Luo must have arranged everything perfectly that night to make the dance stunning to them. This kind of capability deserved the “top vote.”

After the voting by various young lords and ladies, the five notable scholars also gave their answers. Both expected and unexpected, this year’s Flower Goddess saw Chen Xiu’s defeat, and Princess Pingning, participating for the first time using her princess status, didn’t get first place either. The one who got first place was the Lu family’s newly arrived cousin, Luo Lingyu.

“Miss Luo is this year’s Flower Goddess?”

The young lords thought of that lady’s grace and were naturally delighted. After their disappointment, the ladies thought of Luo Lingyu’s beauty and quietly accepted it, admitting they couldn’t compare. Such a flower-like countenance was countless times more suitable as “Flower Goddess” than the talented lady Chen Xiu of previous years. Miss Chen had been “Flower Goddess” for three consecutive years, and everyone said it was because of the scholars’ favoritism. This year’s “Flower Goddess” was chosen to be a great beauty, and everyone was quite satisfied.

After learning this result, Princess Pingning felt disappointed for a moment before becoming genuinely happy for Luo Lingyu. In contrast, her brother Prince Chen Liu Shu had someone remind her: “When you initially entered the ‘Flower Goddess’ competition, you were just used by Luo Lingyu as a stepping stone to target Chen Xiu. This woman had intentions of using you… You should be careful when dealing with her in the future.”

Liu Tang was stunned: … But Sister Luo had never harmed her, only encouraged her to enter the “Flower Goddess” competition. Should this kind of utilization be held against her?

While Liu Tang felt slightly uncomfortable, Chen Xiu’s side was experiencing great discomfort. Miss Chen went home and had a long cry, feeling particularly unwilling to accept the result. The Great Scholar Chen was distraught by his daughter’s crying. The Chen family was already packing to leave Jianye, and with his daughter’s outburst, Scholar Chen simply decided to leave earlier, taking his daughter with him. This made Chen Xiu even more upset – Jianye was the southern capital, full of refinement and culture; she was unwilling to leave here to go study with her father in some rural area.

While others were in turmoil, the Lu family was most delighted. They had never imagined that their young cousin could win the title of “Flower Goddess.” Previously, the Lu family’s direct eldest daughter Lu Qingyi had entered the “Flower Goddess Selection” many times before marriage but had never become “Flower Goddess.” The Flower Goddess would be painted into scholars’ portraits of noble ladies, her beautiful name spreading throughout the realm… The Old Madam Lu personally met with Luo Lingyu and rewarded her generously; Lu Ying, who usually spent his days touring mountains and lakes, was amazed by his niece’s capability and rewarded her as well; even Madam Lu was very pleased – Luo Lingyu was their family’s young cousin, and the reputation she gained belonged to the Lu family as well. The Lu family hadn’t had a girl make such a splash for many years… Rewards!

Madam Lu looked at Luo Lingyu and her own family’s third son, feeling they were truly a talented scholar and beautiful lady, a match made in heaven. If only her son would stop interfering.

With the glory of “Flower Goddess,” Luo Lingyu almost floated when she walked.

During the spring season, on the Day of Flowers, Luo Lingyu led the noble ladies of Jianye to worship the Flower Goddess and appreciate the red blossoms. That day, everyone played in the Hualin Garden, and whether it was worshiping deities or burning incense, everything was led by Luo Lingyu. All the ladies wore long dresses with wide sleeves, with Luo Lingyu at the front. The young lords watched from across the water, seeing the ladies like celestial maidens, beautiful in countless ways, all staring in amazement.

Especially this year’s “Flower Goddess,” with her beautiful glancing eyes, charming smile, and graceful figure. Whether sitting or standing, the young lady attracted everyone’s gaze-

“Sister Luo looks truly like the Flower Goddess descended to earth.”

“They chose the right person this year.”

“I must speak more with Sister Luo later!”

Qi Sanlang Qi An stood motionless in the crowd as if his pressure points had been struck. Qi Sanlang was already entranced, his breathing irregular as he stared fixedly at the lady with floating garments at the front of the group across the shore! The day she first arrived in Jianye, she had stood at the dock like a celestial consort, already extremely beautiful. Today in her full regalia, she made his blood freeze even more, every part of his body crying out: Sister Luo, Sister Luo… Sister Luo!

The young lords across the stream commented on the group of ladies worshiping the Flower Goddess at the altar. Several scholars had already sat down, spread out their paper, and begun painting. They would create portraits of noble ladies, recording each year’s Flower Goddess. The scholars’ portraits of noble ladies would spread throughout the realm and be passed down through the ages. With this beautiful name to be transmitted for generations when the ladies saw the scholar’s painting, their hearts tightened, and looking at the Luo lady’s beautiful face, they all felt somewhat lost.

Lu Sanlang had also come to paint.

When he was painting, many young lords and ladies gathered around him. With whispered discussions, before Lu Sanlang’s painting was finished, many meanings had already been interpreted from it. Seeing Lu Sanlang’s handsome and cold profile, noble and aloof, the young lords and ladies also became eager to try their hand, having people spread paper for painting. Across the water, Luo Lingyu sat in the pavilion watching the young lords on the other side, and she immediately spotted the young lord sitting before the table holding a brush. Luo Lingyu curved her lips-

Lu Sanlang, hmph! You look down on me in your heart, yet you still have to paint my portrait?

The Day of Flowers was very lively, with not only ladies coming to hang red decorations but also young lords coming to curry favor with the ladies. On such a festive day, several young masters also came to join in. Lu Erlang had originally stood behind his brother, watching with an approving smile as his third brother painted their cousin Luo. Unexpectedly, when Lu Xian raised his head, he saw the young Prince of Hengyang outside the crowd, also staring at Luo Lingyu with deep, dark eyes.

Lu Xian was startled and hurriedly left his third brother’s side.

Liu Mu played with the jade pendant at his waist, watching with interest the lady in the pavilion across the shore. Usually, it was fine, but today with all the ladies in their finest attire, it particularly highlighted Luo Lingyu’s beauty. Miss Luo was already beautiful normally, but what suited her best was formal dress, because her eyes and brows were bright and gorgeous, her beauty overwhelming, beautiful with a hint of aggression. Usually, she concealed her beauty, but today she fully released it… Liu Mu picked up his brush and made a stroke on the paper.

He had barely made one stroke when someone appeared beside him, their elbow bumping his brush-holding hand. The ink from Liu Mu’s brush made a heavy stroke on the snow-white paper; with his very first stroke, this sheet was ruined.

Liu Mu: “…”

His eyes blazing, he glared at this suddenly appearing Lu Erlang: “Are you ill?! Couldn’t you see I was painting?”

Lu Xian thought it was precisely because he saw that he couldn’t let you paint. In the dream, cousin Luo wasn’t the “Flower Goddess” this time; you specially painted for cousin Luo to console her; you even went to find my third brother to paint for cousin Luo to please her. I can see your heart’s desire to please cousin Luo, but why did you go find my third brother to paint for her… Lu Xian said: “Actually, everyone paints figures, there’s nothing special about it. Your Highness’s temperament is different from common people’s, what’s so good about beautiful women? Better to paint landscapes instead.”

Liu Mu’s face was expressionless, his hand holding the brush handle trembling: “…”

Lu Xian pretended not to see the Prince of Hengyang’s pressuring cold gaze, insisting on standing beside him and pointing out the scenery to Liu Mu: “Look, no one is painting these landscapes today, the mountains and waters have spirit, how pitiful…”

No one was painting landscapes because everyone was painting portraits of noble ladies today! Liu Mu truly couldn’t understand – previously this Lu Xian had promoted his cousin Luo to him, and now that he finally had some interest, Lu Xian came to destroy his mood, buzzing in his ear like a fly making him sick. How could the young lords of the Lu family be so annoying, yet completely unaware?

While Lu Erlang was busy making Liu Mu’s face turn black as a pot, forcing him to start painting landscapes as suggested, Qi Sanlang’s voice came from beside them. Qi Sanlang was very embarrassed: “Erlang, about what I asked you to help inquire about last time, did you find out?”

Lu Erlang was confused: “What matter?”

Qi Sanlang became slightly anxious and reminded him: “About me wanting to make Sister Luo a concubine!”

Lu Erlang paused slightly: … He had already forgotten about this. How did Qi Sanlang still remember?

Liu Mu beside them had an unpredictable look in his eyes as he said meaningfully: “Lu Erlang, how many people have you recommended your cousin to? Are you that afraid she won’t be able to marry?”

Lu Erlang looked at Qi Sanlang who was staring at him expectantly, then at the displeased Liu Mu, and his lips moved but no words came out: this was a big misunderstanding… Lu Erlang couldn’t help turning his head to look toward Lu Sanlang in the crowd. But when he looked, Lu Sanlang was already gone. Lu Erlang quickly inquired and learned that when a maid was pouring wine, she had stained Lu Sanlang’s sleeve, so he had gone to change clothes.

The young lords answered this way, their faces bearing that knowing, ambiguous smile of men.

Lu Erlang: … Understood. Third Brother had been entangled by a woman using such methods again.

Lu Xian felt bitter in his heart: Why could Third Brother and Cousin Luo each attract a crowd of the opposite sex? When he was working hard, who knew his troubles?

Lu Xian could only first make up an excuse to send Qi Sanlang to find someone for him, while he, feeling uneasy, hurriedly crossed the shore to find Luo Lingyu, wanting to warn her to not be foolish enough to get entangled with Qi Sanlang. Luo Lingyu sat in the pavilion folding flowers, the corners of her lips holding a self-satisfied and leisurely smile. Suddenly hearing footsteps behind her, she peered out halfway from behind the flowers and saw Lu Xian hurrying onto the corridor.

Lu Xian first looked around to see if anyone was paying attention to this area, then asked Luo Lingyu in a low voice: “Has anyone mentioned becoming a concubine to you?”

Luo Lingyu was stunned, looking up: “…Concubine? Make me a concubine?”

She asked in confusion: “Who mentioned… Third Cousin?”

Lu Xian: “…Third Brother has already told you?!”

He naturally thought that since he often saw Lu Yun and Luo Lingyu together, Lu Yun must have already mentioned this to her.

While Luo Lingyu clearly understood it as something else, she suddenly stood up, her beautiful eyes hiding anger: “He wants to take me as a concubine?! On what grounds?! After what happened between us, he would insult me like this? Second Cousin, where is Lu Xuehen?! I must demand an explanation from him!”

Lu Xian: “…What do you mean by ‘after what happened between us, he would insult you like this’?”

He felt something was very strange as if his cousin had misunderstood something.