Ling Wuye had an extremely busy social life. Each day he would receive invitations and head out — sometimes to socialize over wine, sometimes to exchange literary verses with companions. He would go with a crowd of wealthy, leisured men of romantic repute to pleasure houses, painted pleasure boats, or opera troupes, and would not return until well past midnight; not coming home for the entire night was nothing out of the ordinary.

Though they were father and daughter by blood, Ling Jingshu and Ling Wuye were not close. Going several days without seeing each other was perfectly common. And even when they did meet, they would not exchange more than a few words.

These past few days, on account of Old Madam Ling’s birthday banquet, Ling Wuye had, for once, stayed dutifully at the household for a few days. Each morning he would lead his wife and children in a grand procession to Yonghe Hall; at midday he would drink and chat leisurely with his elder brother and brother-in-law, who had rarely returned. Sometimes, when the mood struck him, he would even invite Lu An to his study to play chess.

Ling Wuye was skilled at chess, and Lu An was also a formidable player. The two were evenly matched opponents, and they got along quite well.

“I lose!” Ling Wuye held a black piece and hesitated for a long moment before conceding helplessly: “Brother-in-law’s chess skills are truly superb. I bow to your superior ability.”

Lu An smiled and idly swept the board into disarray: “Fifth Elder Brother was deliberately letting me win — that’s the only reason I managed to take this game.” Seeing that Ling Wuye still looked eager, he smiled again and said: “The hour is still early. Shall we play another?”

Ling Wuye nodded with delight: “Very well.”

Just as they were about to reset the board, a page boy walked in to report: “My lord, the young miss has come. She says there is an urgent matter and wishes to see you.”

Ling Wuye was somewhat surprised.

Ling Jingshu seldom took the initiative to seek him out. In his impression, this daughter of his had always been gentle, quiet, and obedient. Since she had come of her own accord today, there must truly be something important.

A young lady raised in the inner chambers would not generally meet with outsiders. However, Lu An was her paternal uncle by direct blood — there was no need to avoid appearances on his account.

Ling Wuye opened his mouth: “Let her in!”

The page boy acknowledged the command and quickly withdrew. A moment later, Ling Jingshu pushed open the door and entered the study.

Ling Jingshu had not expected Lu An to be there as well. Her brow furrowed, almost imperceptibly, for just an instant; she recovered herself swiftly, her expression composed as she stepped forward and curtsied: “I pay my respects to Father. I pay my respects to Uncle.”

“We are all family here — no need for so much formality,” Lu An said with a warm and genial smile.

Though Lu An was already past thirty, he was strikingly handsome and poised, his every gesture radiating the composure and magnetism of a mature man. Ling Wuye, famed throughout Dingzhou as the most distinguished man of letters and praised for his noble looks, somehow appeared just slightly less impressive when seated beside Lu An.

Ling Jingshu thanked him and rose, her expression entirely unaffected.

Ling Wuye was in good spirits today, and asked with a smile: “A’Shu, you have come to seek me out specifically and say you have urgent business — what is it, exactly?”

Ling Jingshu said nothing. A trace of hesitation and reluctance surfaced in a pair of bright eyes clear as autumn water.

Faced with such expressive eyes, Lu An, even if he had harbored some small displeasure, found it instantly dissipated. He smiled and rose to his feet: “I’ve suddenly remembered I have a few matters to attend to. I shall take my leave first.”

After Lu An departed, the smile on Ling Wuye’s face vanished entirely as well, and he said with a trace of displeasure: “What is it, that even your uncle cannot be allowed to hear?”

Toward this cold-natured biological father of hers, Ling Jingshu had long since ceased to harbor either expectations or any sense of closeness. Hearing words as chilling as these, she found them merely laughable.

Even so, she had come today on a matter of greater importance. She needed to obtain Ling Wuye’s approval and support — it was not convenient to snap back at him or show disdain.

Ling Jingshu replied calmly: “Yes. What your daughter is about to say is of the utmost importance and can only reach Father’s ears. Even if Mother were here, I would not say it.”

Ling Jingshu spoke with such gravity that Ling Wuye’s manner, too, grew considerably more serious: “In this study there are only the two of us, father and daughter. Without my instructions, no one would dare barge in. Speak freely — whatever you have to say.”

Ling Jingshu stepped forward and abruptly knelt: “Your daughter has an extremely important matter to request, and hopes that Father will grant his approval.”

Ling Wuye was taken aback, the puzzlement in his heart deepening: “What on earth is the matter? Rise and speak — there is no need to kneel.”

However indifferent he might be in ordinary times, she was after all his one and only biological daughter. Seeing her kneel on the cold, hard floor, a faint pang of tenderness crossed Ling Wuye’s heart.

Ling Jingshu had never intended to remain kneeling long; she rose at the opportunity and made her purpose clear: “Father, I have come today regarding A’Xiao’s illness.”

“When he was eight years old, he had an accidental fall and struck his head. He lost consciousness, and when he awoke, his eyes could no longer see. He had been intelligent and quick-witted from birth, with an exceptional gift for his studies; after he lost his sight, all of that was finished. He cannot continue his studies or sit for the imperial examinations. He cannot manage his daily life on his own. He refuses to venture out to visit anyone. Each day he simply passes like this, confined to the inner quarters…”

Without any deliberate attempt to play on emotions, Ling Jingshu found, as she spoke, that the rims of her eyes had grown wet.

Listening to these words, Ling Wuye too felt a sour feeling rise within him, and he sighed: “A’Shu, you and A’Xiao are twins — your bond is far closer than that of ordinary siblings. Of course your heart aches for him. Yet can it be that I, his own father, do not ache for him? All these years, I have invited so many renowned physicians, and none of them could restore his sight. This is his fate. We can only accept it.”

“No. I refuse to accept this fate.”

A glimmer of moisture flashed in Ling Jingshu’s eyes, her voice full of resolve: “All the physicians invited before were from within Dingzhou. Their medical skills may not have been particularly remarkable. The truly accomplished masters of medicine are mostly in the Imperial Physician Bureau in the capital. I heard from Cousin Yan that there is a physician at the Imperial Physician Bureau — Wei Taiyi — whose medical skills are exceptional, particularly renowned for treating difficult and rare conditions. It is possible he might be able to cure A’Xiao’s eyes. I wish to bring A’Xiao to the capital.”

Ling Wuye knitted his brow, his tone grave: “That will not do. Setting aside whether that physician Wei would agree to treat A’Xiao, and setting aside whether he could truly heal him — you are a young lady from the inner chambers who has never once traveled far from home. The capital is a great distance away. I cannot be at ease letting you take A’Xiao there.”

“Father’s concerns are well-founded. If it were just myself accompanying A’Xiao to the capital, it would indeed be inconvenient in many respects.”

Ling Jingshu had prepared for this, and immediately picked up the thread: “Fortunately, First Uncle’s entire family has returned home. They will be returning to the capital soon. A’Xiao and I could set off along with them. Once in the capital, we would lodge at First Uncle’s residence for a time, and then seek an opportunity to visit Huichun Hall and ask physician Wei to treat A’Xiao.”

“The capital is full of renowned physicians. If physician Wei cannot cure him, I will seek out other skilled doctors. In short, as long as there is even the smallest hope of curing A’Xiao, I will not give up.”

Ling Jingshu looked at Ling Wuye, her eyes filled with entreaty: “Father, I have not acted on impulse. I have thought this through very carefully. The worst that can happen from this journey to the capital is that A’Xiao’s eyes cannot be cured, and things remain as they are now. But should a renowned physician truly be able to restore A’Xiao’s sight, he would be able to resume his studies and sit for the imperial examinations to win an official position — carving out a good future for himself, and bringing glory to our Ling Family.”

“I beg Father to grant your daughter’s request.”

The furrows on Ling Wuye’s brow slowly smoothed: “It is rare for you to have considered matters so thoroughly and with such care, and to devote yourself so entirely to thinking of A’Xiao’s wellbeing. If I as your father were to refuse, that would be rather unfeeling.”

Ling Jingshu let out a quiet, inward sigh of relief, joy surfacing in her eyes: “Thank you, Father.”

“This matter still requires careful deliberation.” Ling Wuye pondered for a moment and said: “For this journey to the capital, you will be staying at least several months. Lodging at your First Uncle’s residence is of course safe and convenient. Still, there will inevitably be many ways in which you impose upon them. I must go and speak with them in person. Furthermore, while traveling, one must carry sufficient funds for protection. Since you will also be seeking medicine and treatment for A’Xiao, the expenses will be even greater. This matter must also receive your grandmother’s agreement.”

Ling Jingshu replied at once: “As for First Uncle’s side, I trouble Father to go personally. I will go to speak with Grandmother myself.”

She paused, then lowered her voice: “Father, there is another matter your daughter wishes to ask of you. Please do not tell anyone — for now — about A’Xiao and me going to the capital. Not even Mother or Elder Brother, for the time being.”

What could this mean?

Ling Wuye reflexively knitted his brow once more: “Why must this news be concealed?”

Ling Jingshu was silent for a moment before saying quietly: “Father, you cherish A’Xiao, and naturally welcome the hope that his eyes might be healed. But this household is full of people with varying thoughts in their hearts — not everyone necessarily wishes the same. If news of this were to spread, I fear other complications might arise.”

Ling Wuye’s expression shifted: “What do you mean by saying this? Are you casting suspicion on your mother and your elder brother?”

Faced with Ling Wuye’s pressing, accusatory anger, Ling Jingshu remained composed: “Please calm your anger, Father. I do not mean to cast suspicion on anyone. I simply do not wish for unnecessary complications, nor to risk even the slightest chance of interference.”

Before Ling Wuye could speak, she added mildly: “If Father does not believe my words, there is no harm in waiting — waiting until A’Xiao and I are just about to depart before making the announcement, and then observing how the people around us react. All will become clear of its own accord.”

Ling Wuye was left speechless, with nothing to say.

He thought of the understanding, gentle, and attentive Li Shi, and try as he might, he could not bring himself to believe she would do anything to harm Ling Xiao. Yet Ling Jingshu had said it with such certainty — it did not seem as though she was joking either…

Ling Wuye turned the matter over and over in his mind, and at last made up his mind: “Very well then. Before you depart, I will tell no one of this matter. That should put your mind at ease.”

Ling Jingshu had convinced Ling Wuye. She exhaled in relief and let the corners of her lips curve upward: “Thank you, Father.”

With this matter resolved, there was still a thornier one waiting for her.