In a fit of anger, Lu Yun stepped forward and engaged in a brawl, leaving all the servants stunned – it was their first time seeing a contemporary scholar fight! This would surely become the latest trend in Jianye!

After all, whatever scholars did, the world would follow.

Luo Lingyu, however, had no interest in watching Lu Yun fight alongside the servants. Though it was also her first time seeing Lu Yun in action, she observed his movements flow like water, throwing punches without any hesitation. There were few fancy moves as Fan Qingchen was beaten back, only to counter-attack.

Luo Lingyu: “Stop fighting, both of you!”

But both men’s eyes were cold as frost, staring at each other like mortal enemies. As they fought and their tempers flared, their handsome faces showed signs of distress amidst the struggle. The servants on both sides stood dumbfounded for a moment before rushing forward to intervene. Lu Yun, his arms restrained and ears filled with persuasion, gradually calmed down, remembering his status – he shouldn’t be brawling with others like this, showing such a lack of dignity.

Fan Qingchen, however, burst into laughter.

Like a madman, his eyes blazing bright: “Third Young Master Lu, you’re nothing but a substitute!”

“How does it feel to be played like a fool by my sister Luo, bewitched by beauty?”

“Even if I can’t marry her, neither will you!”

He deliberately provoked Third Young Master Lu. In such circumstances, what man could endure? Especially since Lu Yun already had doubts about this relationship, constantly questioning what Luo Lingyu truly liked about him. Fan Qingchen stepped hard on his most painful uncertainty, voicing his greatest inner conflict… Lu Yun’s handsome face tensed as he prepared to throw another punch.

Luo Yunsha anxiously hopped around on the sidelines, but being too small and short, she couldn’t even break through the servants’ circle: “Sister! What should we do?”

Her sister Luo Lingyu could probably break through the circle, but she hesitated after assessing the situation. With so many servants and two men fighting indiscriminately, what if they injured her in their rage? She was certain Fan Qingchen wouldn’t hate her, but she felt Lu Yun would…

How could Third Young Master Lu, always proud and aloof, not hate her?

The tall and slender Miss Luo frowned with deep worry, saying ineffectively: “It’s all my fault, please don’t fight because of me. I’ll be sad if you get hurt…”

She had no influence, as the two men showed no signs of slowing their fight. However, the servants admiringly watched this delicate lady – such beauty that caused two young masters to fight over her – one being Fan who was betrothed to her, the other being the nationally renowned scholar.

Indeed, Miss Luo deserved to be this year’s “Flower Goddess” of Jianye.

Luo Yunsha beside her: “…”

Her sister was always putting on airs, always maintaining a perfect pose, as if deeply wronged and helpless. Luo Yunsha kept tugging at her sister’s sleeve, and Luo Lingyu felt her scalp about to explode. She originally didn’t want to speak, but she couldn’t truly watch these two fight endlessly. It was fine if Fan Qingchen got beaten black and blue, but if Lu Yun also ended up bruised… Old Madam Lu would surely come to have a heart-to-heart with her tomorrow.

With her sister’s constant urging and Lu Yun’s servants repeatedly signaling with their eyes, Luo Lingyu was forced to act. She had no choice but to shout: “You’re both wrong! I’m not a vulgar woman who loves money, power, and status. I only love Third Young Master Lu. Whether he has wealth or status or not, I love him regardless!”

As her words fell, the scene suddenly went quiet.

Lu Yun: “…”

Fan Qingchen: “…”

Both men stopped fighting and turned to look at her.

Luo Lingyu froze for a moment, surprised that her words had such an effect. Under everyone’s gaze, her cheeks gradually turned rosy with embarrassment. Especially under Lu Yun’s obsidian-bright eyes, which pressured her to lower her head, almost unable to look at him.

Then, Lu Yun smiled.

This young master, who always appeared proud and dignified, smiled like a spring breeze caressing mountain mist, his eyes like stars, even stunning his servants.

Lu Yun dusted off his hands as he stood up, curling his lips at the uncomfortable-looking Fan Qingchen, saying leisurely: “What’s wrong with being a substitute? What can you compare to me in? Even as a substitute, I’m perfectly content.”

Fan Qingchen felt like he’d been struck in the chest, his face momentarily distorting. He watched helplessly as Lu Yun gracefully stood up and walked past the lady whose eyes were darting around with flushed cheeks. Lu Yun reached out and grabbed her wrist, and Luo Lingyu obediently let him lead her out. The smaller Luo Yunsha’s eyes curved like crescents, extremely happy, following her sister and Third Cousin out the door. Before leaving, she politely yet triumphantly waved goodbye to Fan Qingchen.

Through the window, Fan Qingchen said darkly: “Third Young Master Lu, I won’t break off the engagement. Just you wait!”

Passing by outside, Lu Yun replied: “No matter. I can wait that long.”

He glanced through the window, casually: “To marry a beauty, what’s the hurry?”

Luo Lingyu’s wrist in his grip trembled slightly, but he only held it tighter. Her heart soared, floating in mid-air, unable to find ground. She dazedly thought about how Lu Yun had already said twice today that he wanted to marry her, but they had previously agreed to force Fan to break the engagement – Lu Yun would necessarily have to pretend to want to marry her. So she still didn’t know if he was sincere or just pretending…

And those words she had shouted earlier, how much was true, and how much was false?

…

In Second Young Master Lu’s dream, after being rescued and returned to her sister’s side, Young Lady Luo Yunsha told Luo Lingyu about Third Young Master Lu’s desire to marry her.

But Luo Lingyu lacked confidence.

In the dream, she and Third Young Master Lu argued often. She knew he liked her, she just didn’t know how much. Unable to be certain, yet not wanting to burden him.

Moreover, at that time, she had already boarded Prince Hengyang’s ship. Getting off was much harder than making Fan break the engagement.

She didn’t believe Lu Yun would marry her.

She was certain that if given another year if she had time to break through Lu Yun’s emotional defenses, he would marry her in the end. Even though he constantly expressed his dislike of women and argued with her. But she had no time. Prince Hengyang and Fan forced her into a corner, she had to make a choice.

To her, Lu Yun was like the moon’s reflection in water. Though she loved him deeply in her heart, she could see but not touch him.

…

Lu Yun’s chin was bruised from Fan Qingchen’s punch. He just casually wiped it with his hand, saw the injury wasn’t serious, and let it be. But Luo Lingyu was extremely worried – the scar by the young master’s eye hadn’t completely faded yet, and now his chin had another mark. When the noble ladies of Jianye saw this, they would surely drown her in their spit: she had caused their Third Young Master Lu to mar his looks time and again.

On the carriage, Luo Lingyu discovered they hadn’t brought any medicine, so she asked Lu Yun: “Shall we buy some medicine from the street to apply? Would that be alright?”

Lu Yun was in a good mood and readily agreed.

However, Lu Yun then pulled Luo Yunsha aside and whispered something to the young lady. The little lady looked up at him in surprise, then immediately agreed: “Alright! Then Third Cousin, you and Sister have fun, I won’t disturb you, I’ll head home first.”

Lu Yun patted her head: “Sha’er is so good.”

Before leaving, Luo Yunsha avoided her sister’s gaze and tugged at Lu Yun’s sleeve. She opened her eyes wide, expectant yet shy, and stammered as she asked Lu Yun: “Then… in the future… should I call you ‘Third Cousin’ or ‘Brother-in-law’?”

Lu Yun froze: “…”

At this moment, Luo Lingyu came down from the carriage, puzzled as she looked at her sister and Third Young Master Lu whispering together. Luo Lingyu felt a slight sourness in her heart, wondering how her sister could have so much to say to Lu Yun, and he didn’t even scold her. Unlike with herself – they couldn’t speak three sentences before starting to despise each other…

Lu Yun coughed once, solemnly: “Still call me ‘Third Cousin.'”

Luo Yunsha disappointed: “…Oh.”

Lu Yun hesitated again, his hand resting on the young lady’s shoulder: “You can call me ‘Brother-in-law’ when your sister isn’t around.”

Luo Yunsha: “…?!”

He didn’t want her sister to know.

The young lady seemed half-understanding but very happy as she agreed, running over to jump into the carriage. She eagerly waved goodbye to her sister and Third Cousin Lu, leaving Luo Lingyu full of questions, unable to guess what had transpired.

The servants all followed Young Lady Luo Yunsha back to the Lu residence, leaving only Lu Yun and Luo Lingyu standing one in front and one behind, watching the long-roofed carriage slowly leave the alley. It was fine while they were watching, but once Luo Yunsha disappeared from their sight, Luo Lingyu saw Lu Yun turn around and give her a meaningful look.

Luo Lingyu: “…”

Immediately embarrassed.

Seeing Lu Yun clasp his hands behind his back and walk toward the alley exit, Luo Lingyu thought for a moment, then thick-skinnedly followed. Her face burned hot as she kept thinking about what she had said earlier about loving him and such, Lu Yun must be feeling quite pleased with himself. Luo Lingyu secretly looked up at his pretty face, feeling quite indignant.

Luo Lingyu coughed dryly: “Don’t take what I said earlier to heart… it was just an escape plan, to deceive Fan.”

Lu Yun’s footsteps paused.

Then he turned to look at her, imitating her words: “Then Yu’er sister shouldn’t take my words seriously either. It was all just an escape plan, wasn’t it what we agreed upon before?”

Luo Lingyu: “…Yes.”

Feeling slightly stifled inside, she wished she hadn’t said anything extra.

Walking glumly for a while, approaching the alley entrance, Lu Yun stopped. Luo Lingyu bumped into him from behind, felt the young master’s body stiffen, and she quickly covered her nose and backed away, sensing Lu Yun turn around. Luo Lingyu was about to apologize when she saw his eyes move downward, casually glancing at her chest below her neck.

Luo Lingyu: “…?”

This Lu Yun, pretending to be noble but a lecher, was looking at her chest again!

Her heart felt an indescribable sensation, soft and tingling, she couldn’t tell if there was more joy, more shame, or more unwillingness.

While she stared blankly at Lu Yun, she realized why he had stopped. A pigeon came fluttering down from the sky in circles, and as Lu Yun stretched out his hand, the pigeon perched on his arm. Lu Yun took a note from the pigeon’s leg, a note from Prince Chen. Liu Shu told him that Second Young Master Lu had found someone and was unharmed, so he could rest assured.

At this moment, the heavy stone weighing on Lu Yun’s heart completely lifted. He was overjoyed, laughing three times: “…Wonderful!”

In his good mood, when he turned to look at the dazed lady behind him, he found everything about her endearing and lovable. Lu Yun beckoned: “Lingyu, come here.”

Whenever he called her “Lingyu,” Luo Lingyu always felt a sense of being cherished. She sank into the depths of his star-like eyes, walking over in a daze, seeing Lu Yun’s face still wearing a relaxed smile. Though she didn’t know what he was happy about, his smile made her unconsciously share in his joy.

Lu Yun asked with a smile: “Today’s coming-of-age ceremony, you couldn’t properly celebrate it. But we can make up for it in other ways. How would Yu’er sister like it if I took you sightseeing, to look at stars and set off fireworks?”

Luo Lingyu replied shyly: “That would be nice.”

Lu Yun’s eyes deepened with amusement: “Or I could take you shopping, buy you beautiful jewelry, newly arrived clothes, and fragrances from the Western Regions?”

Luo Lingyu: “…!”

With stars in her eyes, she looked up at Lu Yun, laughing out loud, nodding: “Yes, yes, yes!”

Three consecutive “yes” es, infinitely more genuine than her earlier polite “that would be nice.” She was very commonplace and authentic – a scholar’s refined pleasures were just external things; compared to ethereal matters, she preferred dressing up beautifully, wearing the prettiest clothes, using the finest fragrances…

Lu Yun continued: “And give you some money as a birthday gift, how about that?”

Luo Lingyu’s cheeks flushed red, expressing her true feelings: “Brother Xuehen, you’re such a good person!”

Lu Yun: “…”

Amused.

He reached out to pinch her cheek, giving it a hard squeeze in exasperation. She was like an inflated rubber doll – each time he pinched, she would cry out while widening her beautiful eyes to glare at him. Lu Yun sighed: “…Such a money-loving little spirit.”

He felt somewhat resigned – it seemed Luo Lingyu’s tastes would never change in this lifetime.

Vulgar, petty, pragmatic, selfish… he could easily list many of her flaws. However… he felt he couldn’t be without her. He couldn’t bear not seeing her.

Lu Yun hooked her shoulder: “Let’s go.”

…

He felt he couldn’t be without her.

Yet on June 19th, fate would separate Lu Yun and Luo Lingyu in the dream. From this day on, he would only meet her in private once more, and they would quarrel. For all the days after, he would only silently watch as she became engaged and married to that person. She left him and never looked back.

It wouldn’t be until much later that he could write “The paper is short but feelings are long, yet feelings do not last.”

…

On June 19th, after Prince Hengyang’s household members had left, tea was brewing in the inner chamber, and only Second Young Master Lu and Prince Hengyang sat across from each other.

Seeing the dejected figure of the young man opposite him, Lu Xian became slightly lost in thought, remembering that not long ago, he had met Liu Mu in this same place. At that time, they could still talk properly – who would have thought that shortly after, Liu Mu would try to kill him? Lu Xian lowered his head, sighing: “…Now you know, killing me won’t do you any good, right?”

Liu Mu kept a cold face, saying nothing.

Lu Xian: “Not to mention you’re only a prince now, even if you- even if you were already emperor now, killing me still wouldn’t bring you much benefit!”

The words “become emperor” provoked Liu Mu, as these two words were the root of his initial conflict with Second Young Master Lu. Liu Mu’s sharp gaze suddenly pierced over, but Lu Xian continued obliviously: “Noble families intermarry for mutual benefit. If you move against me, the Lu family won’t let you off. Nine out of ten officials at the court are from noble families, and they all have marriage ties with the Lu family to varying degrees. If you offend the officials, they won’t handle court affairs diligently – what benefit would you gain then? And then there would be conflict between both sides…”

Intermittently, he spoke of the things he had seen in his dream. Though it was a dream, it was very clear, and vivid before his eyes, keeping him tossing and turning, unable to forget.

Prince Hengyang deeply resented how the noble families held too much power, hindering government affairs. But in the current situation, commoners couldn’t rise, and the royal family still had to rely on noble families. The balance between royal power and noble families couldn’t be broken at this stage. Once broken, both sides would surely suffer.

Lu Xian said sorrowfully: “…You see, even as emperor you would end up in such a state. Now you’re just a prince, what good could you possibly gain?”

Liu Mu: “…”

Liu Mu thought this person was truly quite ill.

He said coldly but politely: “Second Young Master Lu, what are you grieving about? Could it be that I became emperor?”

Lu Xian: “…”

Felt like he was talking to a wall.

His chest wound ached faintly, and he wiped his face, speaking sincerely: “…I’m saying all this because I don’t care how you treat His Majesty, or how you want to obtain that position. I just think the timing isn’t right, I’m just worried you’ll trigger conflict between royal power and noble families. But I won’t report you… I know you must have your reasons for doing this, I’ll pretend I don’t know.”

“I just hope you can reconsider your view of today’s noble families.”

Liu Mu didn’t believe his words.

He repeated with an odd tone: “You… truly won’t report me?”

Lu Xian sighed: “What difference does it make to me who becomes emperor? I’m from the Lu family, just a scholar. From childhood I was taught about family interests – royal struggles, I don’t care about them.”

This, Prince Hengyang believed. Indeed, noble families had always only cared about their interests, their family members only sacrificed for the family’s benefit, and they didn’t care about other things. Even if the entire country fell, noble families would only think of themselves.

Liu Mu smiled mockingly.

In fact, at this point, he had also run out of options. Besides trusting Second Young Master Lu, with so many eyes watching, he could no longer try to kill Lu Xian again.

After a moment of silence, the young prince showed his flexibility: “Then I misunderstood you before, killing you was a mistake. I apologize to you, and hope Second Young Master Lu won’t hold it against me.”

Lu Xian looked up, giving him a surprised glance.

Liu Mu’s lips curled in a smile, his body leaning slightly forward: “In that case, Second Young Master Lu’s meaning seems to be that you’re on my side…”

Lu Xian protested weakly: “That’s not it…”

But Liu Mu completely ignored his feeble refusal, just staring at him with dark eyes: “Then will you clasp hands with me and swear not to reveal my secret? A gentleman’s word, once given, cannot be taken back by four horses.”

He extended his hand.

Second Young Master Lu Xian stared at the young Prince Hengyang’s outstretched hand for a long while. He was slightly confused, yet resigned in his heart. Though somewhat slow, Second Young Master Lu immediately noticed the young prince’s small scheme, still wanting to bind them to the same boat. They weren’t really in the same boat… However, if this could reassure Liu Mu, what harm was there in giving him trust?

Lu Xian slowly extended his hand, clasping his palms with Liu Mu.

They looked into each other’s eyes – “A gentleman’s word, once given, cannot be taken back by four horses.”

Lu Xian gave Prince Hengyang his promise, and the prince’s mood improved somewhat. People of this era still placed great importance on promises. If they couldn’t do something, they would rather refuse than make an oath. Since Second Young Master Lu had sworn to him, it meant that for now, he wouldn’t turn against him.

This was just giving himself some comfort… Liu Mu’s eyes narrowed slightly as he gazed absently at Second Young Master Lu. He currently trusted no one and didn’t know if he could trust Second Young Master Lu.

After clasping hands and swearing with Second Young Master Lu, Liu Mu sat back at ease, waiting for Lu Xian to leave. After all, wasn’t there a princess waiting outside? Who knew that while a great weight had been lifted from his heart, a great weight had also been lifted from Second Young Master Lu’s heart? After the tea was ready, Lu Xian didn’t leave, but sat there leisurely starting to drink tea, and even began chatting idly with him.

Liu Mu couldn’t wait any longer, impatient: “Why haven’t you left yet?!”

The matters had all been discussed, what was Second Young Master Lu still sitting here for?

Second Young Master Lu replied embarrassedly: “…Waiting for my cousin.”

Liu Mu: “…”

His tone was very slow and very dangerous: “I’ve told you many times, she won’t come here. I’m not familiar with her, why are you so convinced she will come?”

Second Young Master Lu saw he was about to get angry, and quickly tried to placate him: “I know, I know. I’m just waiting here like the man who watched a stump for rabbits… If she doesn’t come, I’ll leave.”

He was currently injured, so it wasn’t suitable for him to rush around looking for Cousin Luo to tell her not to seek help from Prince Hengyang. In Second Young Master Lu’s view, it seemed that without a third party interfering, the emotional issues between his cousin and third brother could be resolved through their quarrels. So Second Young Master Lu wasn’t in a hurry to advise either his cousin or third brother what to do, he just needed to guard Prince Hengyang’s place to ensure his cousin wouldn’t come.

Luo Lingyu naturally wouldn’t come.

Liu Mu’s face darkened, and in the end, he watched as that niece, Princess Ningping, was also called in by Second Young Master Lu. The two of them drank tea right in front of him, and in the evening he even had to provide them a meal. When night fell and Liu Mu was already very impatient, Second Young Master Lu finally chose to take his leave. Liu Tang followed Second Young Master Lu out with a red face, not daring to look at her young uncle’s gloomy expression.

Liu Mu: …This Second Young Master Lu, what thick skin he had!

…

Lu Yun and Luo Lingyu spent an entire day shopping outside, Luo Lingyu was full of joy, buying many things for herself with Lu Yun’s financial support. Since coming to Jianye, this was her first time spending money so freely. At first, she still watched Lu Yun’s expression, but after discovering this person didn’t care about money, Luo Lingyu became even more delighted: if he doesn’t love money, I do!

Jewelry, clothes, fragrances – she loved them all!

Lu Yun sneered: A young lady who usually had to catch her breath after walking a few steps was full of energy after shopping all day. Truly showing how she valued money as life itself.

By the time they returned to the residence, it was very late. Just as she was about to bid farewell to Lu Yun, he led her to the “Clear Courtyard.” Having accepted his generosity, Luo Lingyu couldn’t complain and followed Lu Yun. When they arrived, the courtyard gates were wide open, and lanterns lit up brilliantly inside, creating a lively atmosphere. A group of young gentlemen and ladies were all there, turning to look at the two of them.

Zhou Yangling was there.

Even Prince Chen was there!

Young Master Zhou bowed with a smile: “…Come to celebrate sister’s birthday.”

Luo Lingyu: “…”

Standing beside Lu Yun, her breathing became rapid.

Luo Lingyu’s voice was tense: “Brother Xue-Xuehen, is this your grand gift to me? This banquet… is it for me?”

Lu Yun: “No, I just arranged it casually for fun.”

Luo Lingyu: “…”

As he walked past her, she gave him a fierce glare, then followed him in, her heart sweet: It’s for me! It must be for me!

She loved how generous Lu Xuehen was!

Want to marry him?