The courtyard was filled with delicate greenery, windows half-closed, and inside a woman was applying makeup before her mirror. Though no longer young, her face carried the expectant smile of a girl in the throes of first love. That smile spread along the lines at the corners of her eyes, painting her originally pale cheeks with a rosy blush like spring clouds, making her look even more captivating than if she had applied rouge. Her lips curved slightly, her eyes flowing with brilliant light as she picked and chose from her sandalwood makeup box, finally selecting a golden filigree hairpin with twin phoenixes. Raising her wrist high, she asked the person behind her, “Would wearing this make me look old?”

Nanny Yu behind her inserted the hairpin into her hair bun while smiling, “How could Madam be old? You haven’t even grown a single white hair yet. Your complexion is excellent today – you’d look beautiful wearing anything.”

Madam Zhao glanced at her coquettishly, “You’re just sweet-talking me. What time is it now? Will the Master be coming over?”

Nanny Yu glanced at the water clock, “Don’t worry, Madam, it’s just past the first quarter of the hour of the Monkey. Didn’t the Master say he would come around dinner time?”

Madam Zhao restlessly stroked the jade bracelet on her hand, suddenly blushing as she lowered her head and said softly, “Do you think… will the Master stay here tonight?”

Nanny Yu tidied the loose hair at her temples, smiling, “Since the Master took the initiative to suggest having dinner with Madam, he’s naturally prepared to stay the night.” She bent down and whispered in Madam Zhao’s ear, “Don’t worry, Madam. Today’s incense was specially chosen – ylang-ylang fragrance. Add some wine later to enhance the mood, and we needn’t fear he won’t stay.”

Madam Zhao’s face flushed red in the bronze mirror, as if she had returned to her youthful days when she sat anxiously in the bridal chamber, waiting for that person she had thought of thousands of times to arrive. If there was still a chance, could everything start over again?

Just as she harbored countless thoughts and waited anxiously, someone was spurring their horse, galloping at full speed. Xiao Zhixuan lifted the carriage curtain, looking at the gradually setting red sun on the horizon, and couldn’t help but turn to complain, “Big brother, it’s all your fault. We clearly agreed yesterday, yet today you made us so late. If it gets completely dark, we probably won’t be able to see the dragon boat races.”

Xiao Du’s eyes glanced at the green rice dumpling in Yuanxi’s hands, answering absent-mindedly, “All you think about is playing. After yesterday’s commotion in the Buddhist hall, Father and I spent the whole day settling those clan relatives and sealing the mouths of those monks. Do you think everyone is as leisurely as you?”

Thinking of yesterday’s Buddhist hall incident, Xiao Zhixuan’s eyes dimmed, “Actually, Madam Zhao is quite pitiful…” Before she could finish, Xiao Du glared at her, and she immediately realized she had said something inappropriate, quickly shrinking her neck guiltily. She heard Xiao Du say, “Remember! You can be mischievous in daily life, but don’t casually discuss the affairs of your elders.”

At this time, Yuanxi had finally slowly peeled off all the bamboo leaves, smiling as she offered the white and glutinous fragrant rice dumpling to Xiao Zhixuan’s mouth, “Nanny Li told me there’s osmanthus inside. Quickly taste how it is.” Xiao Zhixuan had just been scolded, but now smelling the fragrance, she beamed with joy again. Just as she took the rice dumpling in her hands, she felt a resentful gaze shooting over from the side. Xiao Zhixuan’s eyes rolled as she smugly raised her head, stuffing the dumpling into her mouth, “Sister-in-law’s peeled rice dumplings are the most delicious.”

Xiao Du glared at her fiercely, darkening his face as he turned his head toward the window. Yuanxi was stunned for a long time before understanding what had happened, and quickly peeled another rice dumpling to offer to Xiao Du. But Xiao Du didn’t even glance at it, only saying coldly, “Eat it yourself. I don’t like sweet, sticky things.” Yuanxi thought about it and assumed he truly didn’t like them, so she said “oh” and put it in her own mouth. But before she could even swallow the dumpling, she was fixed by his angry gaze. Yuanxi blinked – this dumpling was hard to swallow now, but she really didn’t understand how she had provoked him.

The galloping horses outside the window knew nothing of the subtle emotions inside the carriage, continuing without pause until they reached the banks of the capital’s most famous Jade Spring Lake. Before the group had even alighted, they could hear thunderous drums and cheering from the lake surface. More than ten painted dragon boats moved with the rhythm of the drumbeats, cutting white waves through the lake water.

Colorful boats competed on the lake surface while both shores were packed with boiling crowds of common people, excitedly shouting and waving their hands to cheer for the rowers on the boats. But the area closest to the lakeshore had been left as a large empty space, with many pavilions erected and thick curtains hung, for the young masters and misses of wealthy families to rest and watch.

Xiao Zhixuan was immediately infected by this atmosphere, pulling Yuanxi’s hand as she jumped down from the carriage, hurrying toward the pavilion marked with a small “Xiao” flag. Looking back, she found Xiao Du following behind with a stern face at a leisurely pace.

She then pursed her lips in a secret smile, skipping back to Xiao Du’s side and whispering in his ear, “I know sister-in-law made several colorful silk cords yesterday. When I went to find her earlier, I specially noticed she brought them out – they must be waiting to give to you. Come on, you should be happy now.”

Xiao Du snorted lightly, “A few broken ropes – what’s there to be happy about?” But his expression unconsciously softened and his pace quickened somewhat. Xiao Zhixuan secretly made a face and took his arm, walking happily toward Yuanxi.

The group entered the pavilion, where tea and fruits had already been prepared. The dragon boat race before them was at its most intense moment. The drummers at the prows were energetically beating gongs and drums, the shouts around them rising wave after wave. The rowers with red cloth tied around their heads were rowing with such enthusiasm that they stripped off their outer garments, revealing their sturdy, dark upper bodies. Sweat dripped from their muscles, and against the constantly splashing white waves beside them, they looked particularly striking.

The young ladies from noble families on the shore had never seen such a scene, all crying out in surprise. Some hurriedly covered their faces and turned away, while the bolder ones, though lowering their heads shyly, couldn’t help but widen their eyes, wanting to get their fill of the excitement.

Xiao Du and his group were positioned closest to the boats, so they could see even more clearly. Upon seeing this scene, he immediately turned to look at Yuanxi beside him, and indeed saw her staring intently and quite openly at those men. His heart grew increasingly uncomfortable as he slammed his teacup on the table, “Going out for some fresh air!”

Yuanxi was watching with fascination when Xiao Zhixuan suddenly tugged at her sleeve. Turning around, she saw her husband glaring at her fiercely. Not understanding what was wrong, she only heard Xiao Du say again, “What’s so interesting to look at? Come walk with me.”

Though Yuanxi was extremely reluctant to miss this rare lively scene, seeing Xiao Du’s poor complexion, she could only resignedly follow him out. But just as they left the pavilion, they saw several people in moon-white silk robes and gauze caps outside another pavilion not far away, composing poetry while watching the dragon boat races. One of them turned around, seeming somewhat surprised to see them, then smiled and bowed from afar, “Marquis, Madam, I didn’t expect that after parting at the estate, we would have the fortune to meet again today.”

Xiao Du couldn’t smile now. He frowned and shouted inside, “Who chose this location!”

A servant, not knowing what had happened, approached proudly, “This servant came early to claim this spot. This is the clearest view of the dragon boat races – how does the Marquis find it?” Xiao Du glanced back at him coldly, “When we return, go receive twenty rod strokes yourself!”

The servant’s smile immediately froze on his face, his open mouth unable to close, forming a strange expression uglier than crying. As he worried about what he had done wrong to offend the Marquis, back at Marquis Xuanyuan’s residence, Xiao Yunjing was pushing open a door and walking inside. Hearing the sound, Madam Zhao quickly stood up and nervously smoothed her clothes, walking to the door to welcome him in.

Xiao Yunjing lifted his robes and sat beside the table, “Your health isn’t good – you needn’t come specially to greet me.” Madam Zhao smiled, “The food and wine have been prepared long ago, just waiting for the Master to begin the meal.” After speaking, she instructed the maids in the room to enter. As soon as the food and wine were arranged, Nanny Yu led the maids out of the room and thoughtfully closed the door.

Under the candlelight in the room, only two figures remained facing each other silently. They hadn’t been alone like this for a long time, and both felt somewhat awkward and at a loss. Madam Zhao gently rose and poured wine for both of them, lifting her cup, “Today is the Dragon Boat Festival – it’s perfect to drink a cup of calamus wine for the occasion.”

Xiao Yunjing gently pressed her wrist, “You can’t drink alcohol.” But Madam Zhao smiled and shook her head, “I’m happy today – a few small cups won’t matter.” Xiao Yunjing looked at her deeply and finally didn’t stop her. The two drank several cups together and exchanged some casual conversation, and the atmosphere gradually became harmonious. After a while, Madam Zhao supported her forehead, her beautiful eyes gazing at Xiao Yunjing, “I’m somewhat overcome by the wine. Could the Master help me rest on the bed?”

Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes misty, this charming drunken state reflected in the candlelight inexplicably stirred something in Xiao Yunjing’s heart. He stood up and helped her rise. Madam Zhao gently rested her head against his chest, her disheveled hair lightly brushing his neck, the incense from her body continuously entering his nostrils, finally making Xiao Yunjing feel somewhat moved and unable to resist holding her body tighter.

Madam Zhao raised her head, looking at his somewhat intoxicated eyes, feeling even more delighted inside, and said softly, “Master, do you still remember when we first met?”

But as soon as the words fell, she felt his body suddenly stiffen. Xiao Yunjing’s gaze slowly grew cold, the brief tenderness from moments ago had already dissipated. He placed her on the bed and said, “If Madam is drunk, rest early.” After speaking, he walked outside without looking back.

“Wait!” Madam Zhao supported herself against the bed curtains to sit up, no longer able to control the tears in her eyes. Trembling, she called out unwillingly, “After all these years, tell me – what exactly did I do wrong!”

Xiao Yunjing paused, turned around and stared at her for a long time, finally saying slowly, “Do you truly not know what you did wrong?”

Madam Zhao’s eyes filled with anger, but under his gaze, finally turned to shock and fear. Her body slowly slid down until she sat softly on the bed, unable to make any sound.