—Can you love someone?

Several days had passed since the Flower Festival, yet Luo Lingyu still remembered Lu Yun’s words that had made her head rush as he pressed her against the door. That day, he didn’t just kiss her; afterward, he forced her to sullenly wipe the wine splashes from his face and neck with a handkerchief. Her mind was already in chaos, and when her snow-blue silk handkerchief touched his Adam’s apple, it rolled gently under her touch.

With that single movement, when she met his deep sea-like eyes again, she suddenly found it difficult to breathe, as if drowning in his gaze.

When Lu Xuezhen asked her in a low voice, his Adam’s apple moved under her palm: “Still wiping?”

Luo Lingyu’s voice trembled slightly, but she maintained composure: “Of course.”

Lu Yun’s pretense of aloofness wasn’t false; his eyes showed embarrassment, yet in such a state, he just sat quietly and steadily, lowering his eyes, not touching even a finger of hers. But his breath teased her nose and mouth, Luo Lingyu’s breath almost touching his face. Again and again.

The difference between men and women—he gave her the first clear attraction to the opposite sex. She stared at his Adam’s apple, her fingertips trembling for a moment as she gently scraped it.

Immediately after, she heard what seemed like a gasp from him.

Under her palm, like a jumping heartbeat, came that kind of suppressed, magnetic, sand-like friction against the heart’s tip—a hurried breath.

With the young master breathing by her ear, Luo Lingyu finally blushed scarlet, too aroused by him to continue, practically crawling out the door. After leaving, her limbs were weak, the sun seemed to spin above her head, and she patted her blood-red cheeks, unclear why she had lost such composure before Lu Yun.

The entire day was almost dizzy, yet joyful.

That day of the Flower Festival was the happiest day Luo Lingyu had experienced since her parents’ passing. In Nanyang, she had to please the elders to receive care from the already not-so-powerful Luo family; after coming to Jianye, she had to continue pleasing people, maneuvering among the outstanding young masters and ladies of Jianye. Though she had strong purposes, she was careful not to show weakness before them. They had everything, she had nothing. What they didn’t care about were things she especially wanted to obtain.

She had spent such great effort, even slightly using the princess… The Flower Goddess Day finally let her feel temporary satisfaction!

The ladies regarded her as their leader and respected figure, the young masters’ gazes fell on her all day, and the scholars’ paintings of her were collected. This included Qi San’s confession to her, Lu Yun’s loss of control… and finally, when she returned to the Lu family by carriage, she held in her arms the new painting by the Plum-Seeking Recluse, “Goddess of Wu Mountain.”

Because she had been absent for a period that day, the scholars, unable to see her, had used their imagination, and their final works were all full of creativity. For example, Master Wang’s “Mountain Spirit,” depicting the spirit holding osmanthus branches, wrapped in vines, painted with mysterious spiritual energy, was most pursued by scholars.

But what Luo Lingyu loved most was still Third Young Master Lu’s “Goddess of Wu Mountain.” He had painted her as the goddess, as a celestial maiden, moving through clouds and rain, hidden in misty depths. The beautiful celestial maiden looking back among the clouded peaks, that one deep gaze struck Luo Lingyu’s heart, making her tremble immensely.

When everyone let her choose one painting to take home, without hesitation, Luo Lingyu chose the Plum-Seeking Recluse’s “Goddess of Wu Mountain.” After shyly making her selection, she secretly glanced at Lu Yun, saying softly: “I don’t mean anything by it, I just purely like this painting.”

Standing beside her, Third Young Master Lu looked down, his gaze at her very strange. Seeming to smile, yet also… hiding secrets she didn’t know. He chuckled softly: “…I like her too.”

He had dreamed of her before.

Luo Lingyu’s hands holding the painting immediately tightened.

However, it seemed that everything she had wanted had suddenly taken a huge step forward, becoming within her grasp.

Luo Lingyu felt like she was floating as she walked—

The “Jade Young Master” whom no lady in Jianye could attract asked her if she could love, telling her that while others couldn’t move his heart, he hesitated for her. He possessed the power and wealth she liked; looking at him was like looking at shining mountains of gold and silver… How could she not like him?

Luo Lingyu had playfully and proudly answered him that day: “If you can love, then I can too.”

Lu Yun had only smiled then, without saying anything specific.

This ambiguous relationship with Lu Yun was like cat and mouse, each guessing at the other, each wanting the other to submit to their charm. Overall, Luo Lingyu rather enjoyed this kind of secret back-and-forth, unknown to others. This kind of self-satisfied enjoyment showed through in many ways during ordinary days.

As spring arrived, time suddenly passed much more quickly. The garden was full of spring colors and green grass, with various wine parties and flower parties continuing endlessly. Luo Lingyu actively participated in various gatherings of Jianye’s young masters and ladies, consistently showing her adaptability, talent, and beauty. For everyone, Luo Lingyu had no like or dislike, only distinctions between useful and unuseful. And those she could contact in Jianye were all useful resources in her eyes, so she naturally paid thousandfold attention. Through her persistent efforts, Luo Lingyu’s reputation for beauty finally spread through Jianye’s noble circles, and when speaking of outstanding ladies, whether men or women, all would think of her.

Miss Chen Xiu, having not obtained this year’s “Flower Goddess” title, was already disliked by the ladies, and after the appearance of the socially adept Luo Lingyu, Chen Xiu suddenly appeared dull in comparison.

But Chen Xiu was proud too. When her father wanted to lead the whole family south for summer recreation, she stubbornly refused to go. It was said she had even gone to find Third Young Master Lu, asking him if he had any feelings for her… This was just a rumor, and Luo Lingyu didn’t know how her third cousin had answered Miss Chen. In any case, after being sick for a while, Chen Xiu remained in Jianye.

With Scholar Chen’s entire family gone, the empty mansion was left with just one daughter.

Hearing this, the ladies spat: “She insists on staying, definitely still for Third Young Master Lu. Her face is thick… If Lu Yun wanted to marry her, he would have done so long ago. Why would he let her pine for so many years?”

But Luo Lingyu greatly admired Chen Xiu. To focus wholeheartedly on one thing, spending her entire youth on the same matter. Not caring about the ladies’ displeasure, nor minding their disgust. Chen Xiu remained proud, writing poetry and painting daily, mixing with the talented ladies, and gradually, people stopped talking about her.

Precisely because she admired Chen Xiu, Luo Lingyu specifically went to visit her during her illness. However, her arrival was mistaken by Chen Xiu as a provocation. Chen Xiu became even more ill from anger—”You’ve come to laugh at me! Just wait and see, when Third Young Master Lu knows your true face, he won’t like you either.”

Luo Lingyu: “…”

She felt so innocent.

However, Chen Xiu’s words did give Luo Lingyu some food for thought. That night, the sky was stuffy with low clouds, and the maids opened all the doors and windows of the quarters. In the warm breeze, the maids sat under the lamplight, listening to Luo Lingyu having her little sister recite from books while they made tassels and wove summer clothes from lotus-flower gauze. Summer was approaching, and lotus-flower gauze was an expensive but light crepe silk. The ladies of Jianye had recommended lotus-flower gauze to Luo Lingyu, and only after using it did she realize how expensive it was.

Her heart was bleeding.

Her sister was reciting with pouted lips, unhappily, her eyes darting around. She saw Luo Lingyu take out her collection of treasures again, hesitating repeatedly. Several items were spread on the floor tiles, among the more precious ones were the jade pendant Prince Hengyang had given Luo Lingyu at their first meeting, and various small gifts Lu Yun had exchanged with her. Most precious were the Plum-Seeking Recluse’s paintings.

She now had three paintings by the Plum-Seeking Recluse—the first was one she had obtained early on, and now she knew that Third Young Master Lu’s painting of the beauty on the boat under the moonlight was of her. This was from their first meeting, both a shameful stain on her reputation and the beginning of everything, and it was the Plum-Seeking Recluse’s painting. Luo Lingyu couldn’t bear to sell it.

The second was Lu Yun’s painting from his youth, given to her by Second Young Master Lu after Lu Yun’s identity was revealed.

The third was the “Goddess of Wu Mountain” which the Plum-Seeking Recluse had painted among the ladies’ portraits on Flower Festival day. After the scholars finished their paintings, she could choose one to keep. Luo Lingyu had chosen the Plum-Seeking Recluse’s “Goddess of Wu Mountain.” She loved this “Goddess of Wu Mountain” even more than Master Wang’s highly praised “Mountain Spirit.” She couldn’t bear to sell this one either.

Luo Lingyu picked through items, terribly troubled.

Her little sister Luo Yunwan stopped reciting and asked in a crisp voice: “Why do you need to sell again? Didn’t that string of glass bracelets sell for a lot of money? Sister, I don’t need new clothes. I don’t go out anyway, why do we need to keep up appearances? Sister, you should use it all for your clothes.”

Luo Lingyu glared at her: “You’re still a young lady of a scholar’s family, how can my sister not have what other ladies have?”

Luo Yunwan: “But I don’t go out…”

Luo Lingyu: “Noble bearing is cultivated, it has nothing to do with whether you go out or not. When you’re young, you should experience everything, so when you grow up, you won’t be easily deceived and will keep your heart steady. I have you study books and learn the zither, all to cultivate your spirit… Alright, don’t worry about it, I’ll think of something.”

After a moment’s surprise, Luo Yunwan’s eyes reddened, and she came to hug her worried sister.

Having been by the young lady’s side for several months, the maid Lingyu could now join their conversations. After Lingxi went to care for the younger Miss Luo, Lingyu became Luo Lingyu’s maid. As a personal maid, one would always know many things about the lady that others didn’t. Lingyu offered a suggestion: “Young Lady, these items are all extremely precious, please don’t sell them anymore… The money from selling the bracelet wasn’t little, if we’re frugal daily, we can manage for a couple more months. But if Young Lady is worried about money… why not ask Third Young Master for some funds?”

Luo Lingyu immediately raised her beautiful eyes, thoughtful.

Luo Yunwan’s face reddened: “B-b-borrow money?”

Luo Lingyu chided her: “What borrowing? Brother Xuezhen is so kind-hearted, he’ll surely help. Just a small amount from between his fingers would be enough for me… Brother Xuezhen and I have a deep friendship, there’s no question of borrowing.”

Luo Yunwan: Brother Xuezhen?! Her… her sister called Third Cousin “Brother Xuezhen”!

Considering Luo Lingyu’s character, her sister meant to borrow without intending to return… Luo Yunwan felt very uncomfortable, feeling her sister meant to take advantage of her Third Cousin. She felt this wasn’t right… but, but, she had seen many such behaviors from Luo Lingyu. The young lady sat down glumly to continue reading, but her mind had already wandered. She also wanted lots of money, so her sister wouldn’t always have to be like this…

…

Having formed the idea of asking Lu Yun for financial assistance, Luo Lingyu thick-skinned considered how to persuade him. However, she went to the “Clear Courtyard” several times without finding Lu Yun there, with only Jinyue sighing and chatting with her. Jinyue said the war situation at the border between the South and North countries was tense, Third Young Master Lu was busy with work all day and didn’t return, and the Clear Courtyard hadn’t prepared evening meals for the Third Young Master for a long time…

Jinyue worried: “The war has nothing to do with us, wouldn’t it be better if the young master just wrote poetry and painted like other young masters?”

Luo Lingyu’s eyes darkened slightly as she said: “Someone must care about the border’s suffering. I greatly admire Third Cousin for taking it to heart.”

Jinyue was startled—in several months, this was the first time Luo Lingyu had disagreed with her. Because Luo Lingyu habitually went along with others’ words, no one knew what she truly thought. When Luo Lingyu expressed her real views, it always surprised people… After Young Lady Luo had left, Jinyue pondered for a long while, and the next day asked other maids about the young lady’s background, finally realizing: “Ah, Ruyang!”

Young Lady Luo had come from Nanyang, but she had previously lived in Ruyang. Ruyang was at the border between the South and North countries, and in that year’s massacre of the Ruyang Luo family, it was the North’s invasion, and the Ruyang Luo family’s refusal to surrender that led to the entire family being slaughtered.

Even today, people remember the tragic scene of Lu Ying, the Lu family’s married daughter, arriving disheveled with her son to seek refuge with her maiden family…

Jinyue lowered her eyelids: Calculating the time, Young Lady Luo must have been around ten years old then… A young lady who experienced such things at ten, yet never mentioned it to anyone afterward… To be able to keep such a huge matter in her heart, Young Lady Luo was truly extraordinary.

…

Unable to see Lu Yun, Luo Lingyu first received an invitation to a tea-tasting party. This was unusual—the invitation came from Prince Chen, Liu Shu. Prince Chen’s meaning was that since she had a good relationship with Young Master Zhou and now had a good reputation in Jianye’s noble circles, he wanted her to help introduce Young Master Zhou into the circle. Though Zhou was of humble origins, after several months of interaction, this young master had established a private school and compiled books, and Prince Chen greatly admired him. Prince Chen could help Zhou enter court circles, but in the aristocratic circle, the prince himself didn’t speak much and wasn’t familiar with anyone, and Third Young Master Lu had long since stopped mixing in this circle, leaving no path forward. So Prince Chen thought of Third Young Master Lu’s capable cousin.

Luo Lingyu was quite happy to help introduce Young Master Zhou to various young masters and ladies.

She had always maintained good feelings toward Zhou Yangling because he was the gentlest young master she had ever met. Even though she didn’t want to marry Young Master Zhou, she still hoped to help him. Prince Chen was overthinking—how could someone like Zhou Yang need Luo Lingyu’s introduction? Young Master Zhou would surely make everyone happy.

But on the day of the tea-tasting party, Luo Lingyu understood why Prince Chen had asked her to introduce Zhou. The South was known for good tea, and the tea-tasting party used tea sampling and tea competitions as a pretext for young masters and ladies to socialize. Luo Lingyu had gotten along easily with these young ladies and gentlemen, and now as she introduced Zhou Yangling to them, at first everyone treated the handsome young master normally.

One young master said with an ambiguous smile: “Young Master Zhou… We’ve heard of you. Recently, scholars of humble birth have been coming to Jianye seeking official positions, and with Prince Chen’s many interventions, Young Master Zhou’s name has become quite well-known in Jianye these past months.”

The conversation had been flowing well, but as soon as this young master spoke, the atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

Luo Lingyu asked puzzled: “What’s wrong with that?”

Zhou Yangling tugged at her sleeve, indicating she needn’t say more. After Luo Lingyu’s question, that young master, intimidated by her beauty, blushed on the spot. Unable to say harsh words before a beauty, but seeing Zhou Yangling beside her, he gave Zhou Yangling a resentful glance, spat, and turned away: “Hmph, commoner!”

After Zhou Yangling pulled away the angry-faced Luo Lingyu and they sat down, he carefully explained to her: “The distinction between nobles and commoners—doesn’t Miss Luo know? Nobles looking down on those of humble birth is normal, sister needn’t be angry. Not everyone is like you, without prejudice about social status, willing to be friends with me.”

Luo Lingyu immediately blushed at his words: No… she did have status prejudice. If she didn’t, she would have found a way to marry Young Master Zhou long ago.

But in Zhou Yangling’s eyes, his Sister Luo was a young lady with a bit of temper but extremely lively and lovable. She would save a stranger like him at the first meeting, would cry when Sister Qi couldn’t dance and would climb mountains to have philosophical discussions with Master Wang. Luo Lingyu was an interesting person, at least in Zhou Yangling’s favor.

Luo Lingyu said shamefully: “No, no, no…”

She had reasons for doing all these things. She wasn’t as good a person as Young Master Zhou thought, but when Young Master Zhou’s gentle gaze looked at her with a smile… Luo Lingyu steadied herself and smiled brightly: “That’s right, I am exactly the sincere, kind, and beautiful-hearted lady that Young Master Zhou sees.”

Zhou Yangling laughed at her joke: It was the first time he’d seen someone so shamelessly praise themselves.

Luo Lingyu made up her mind: “Don’t worry, Young Master Zhou. Prince Chen has entrusted you to me, and I won’t fail his trust. Don’t mind these young masters and ladies looking down on humble origins—there are scholars from humble backgrounds too. Even Chen Xiu is the disciple of Scholar Zhou Tan, and everyone knows Zhou Tan came from a humble background. These people, as long as you have talent, you can stand out.”

Zhou Yangling wasn’t so concerned: “That was all Prince Chen’s idea, I don’t really…”

Luo Lingyu looked at him with tears welling up: “Don’t you trust me?”

Zhou Yangling: “Uh…”

Unable to bear seeing a beautiful lady cry, Zhou Yangling sighed and asked resignedly: “What do you want me to do?”

Luo Lingyu finally smiled, thinking for a moment before saying: “Let’s bring out your set of bell chimes and shock them. Hmph, they haven’t experienced what palace music is like for many years… I want them to know that the bell chimes in the ‘Flying to the Moon’ dance that day were your help to me.”

After thinking briefly, Zhou Yangling nodded, still speaking gently: “Sister only needs to say I was invited to assist, no need to say I readjusted the music. Sister’s title of ‘Flower Goddess’ is beyond question.”

Luo Lingyu stared at him, gazing at the young master before her for a long while. She hadn’t wanted people to know the most outstanding bell chimes in the dance weren’t hers, she hadn’t planned to tell everyone, she just wanted everyone to know Zhou Yangling. But Zhou Yangling took the initiative to do this, to help her like this… Luo Lingyu’s eyes reddened, and she reached out to grasp his sleeve, murmuring: “Young master, you’re so good to me, I…”

No way to repay, really wanting to offer herself in marriage!

When Prince Chen came to check if Zhou Zibo was being well cared for by Luo Lingyu after finishing his court duties, he stood behind flowers by the garden lake and heard the majestic sound of bell chimes. Standing on this side of the water, he saw the opposite shore full of young men and women, and in the middle were Luo Lingyu and the Zhou Zibo he had introduced. The lady and young master struck the bell chimes together, the grand music reverberating as they struck…

The crowd watched, all with surprised looks, staring at Luo Lingyu and Zhou Yangling striking the bells. Young Master Zhou was handsome, Miss Luo was graceful, their eyes meeting, naturally in harmony, how perfectly matched. Everyone praised them—

“Hearing the bell chimes again… this young master knows how to play them?”

“Isn’t this the music from Sister Luo’s ‘Flying to the Moon’ dance? So Sister Luo knew Young Master Zhou long ago.”

“Young Master Zhou, truly talented.”

Liu Shu stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze fixed on that young master. Sitting beside Luo Lingyu, he would occasionally help her naturally when she forgot the rhythm while secretly looking at him.

His gentle, water-like eyes constantly noticed the lady beside him.

The young master lowered his eyes, naturally elegant, shining like beautiful jade.

Liu Shu stared intently, seeing Luo Lingyu and Zhou Zibo’s glances meeting, his heart sinking heavily, feeling somewhat uncomfortable. He contained this feeling without showing it, but when Young Master Zhou occasionally looked up with a smile, the young master’s slight smile struck him like starlight. Young Master Zhou’s gentle features, composed demeanor, unperturbed manner… such an elegant young man caused the gazes of the surrounding ladies looking at him to increase and grow warmer.

Liu Shu’s blood began to race, his whole body tingling, feeling both powerless and as if plated in gold.

He stared at that young master, slowly growing pale.

A clear, lazy, and noble voice came from behind: “Been looking for you everywhere, what are you doing here?”

Liu Shu turned around to see his good friend Third Young Master Lu coming leisurely. Lu Yun had changed into court dress, specifically coming to discuss state affairs with Prince Chen. Lu Yun glanced casually across the lake, seeing the silhouette of a certain beauty. The young master’s previously indifferent face suddenly broke into a smile: “It’s her again… she has to stir things up everywhere, doesn’t she?”

His Sister Yu’er was truly multi-talented.

Liu Shu’s shoulders trembled slightly.

How perceptive Lu Yun was, he turned his head: “What’s wrong?”

Liu Shu raised his eyes, his face still very pale. After a long silence, Prince Chen said to his friend: “Xuezhen, I think… I, I…”

Lu Yun: “Hmm?”

Liu Shu’s forehead broke out in sweat, finding it difficult to speak but having to face it: “I fear… I have… a preference for the cut sleeve.”

Third Young Master Lu: “…!”

The Prince’s servants who had been chasing after Lu Yun, arriving out of breath, happened to hear this: “…!”

As if struck by lightning, all the servants’ eyes instantly turned to Third Young Master Lu’s handsome face. If Prince Chen had a preference for the cut sleeve, who could he love? Among those around Prince Chen, only Lu Yun was as steady as a rock. Everyone showed expressions of sudden realization: No wonder Prince Chen wouldn’t marry, and Lu Yun wouldn’t marry either. So Prince Chen had always felt this way about Lu Yun…

What everyone thought of was also what Lu Yun thought of. Lu Yun’s face turned from green to white as he moved many steps away from Prince Chen. His expression was very strange as he looked at this friend with extreme complexity. Among the men around Liu Shu, there was only Lu Yun. After thinking for a moment, Lu Yun still decided to stay away from Liu Shu…

Prince Chen Liu Shu: “…?”

The servants’ faces turned pale: It seemed Third Young Master Lu didn’t have feelings for their master. So it was unrequited love… They had heard their master’s words, would he kill them to silence them?!