“Lu Mingshu…” Mingshu murmured the name repeatedly, and just as Lu Chang’s cold sweat was about to drip, she finally said, “It sounds nice.”

Lu Chang didn’t know why he was nervous, but hearing this, he secretly let out a breath of relief, only to hear her ask again, “Who named me?”

“Your late father,” Lu Chang replied without changing expression.

Attributing it to the deceased was safest, and besides, this answer worked on two levels—her name was indeed given by her father.

“Father is gone?” Mingshu’s eyelids lowered slightly as she looked at Lu Chang, then at Madam Zeng.

Seeing her confused eyes full of questions, with the momentum of someone about to inquire about eighteen generations of ancestry, Lu Chang immediately said, “You’ve just woken up, don’t tire yourself with all these questions. The past is a long story, perhaps you’ll remember it on your own someday. If you truly can’t recall, I’ll find time to tell you everything slowly once you’re better. For now, you need proper rest.”

“Yes, you must be hungry after being unconscious for so long. I’ll go make you some porridge,” Madam Zeng said, not wanting to end up in the same situation as her son, decisively leaving Lu Chang behind.

Fortunately, Mingshu didn’t ask anything more. Her wounds still ached dully, and her whole body felt dizzy. After just a few sentences, her energy was depleted, and she had to lie back down, staring blankly at the canopy, not daring to think about anything.

Thinking made her head hurt.

She had become a person without a past.

Soon after, Madam Zeng brought the porridge—well-cooked until soft, with a plate of pickled sweet garlic they had brought from Jiangning in the carriage. The sweet garlic was pleasantly sweet and sour, without the raw garlic’s spiciness, very appetizing. It was Madam Zeng’s specialty, which she sent to the Simple family every year, and was also one of Mingshu’s favorite cold dishes.

Having been hungry for so long, Mingshu caught the scent of the sweet garlic like a mouse-smelling oil and sat up quickly from the bed. However, rising too quickly made her head sink heavily, bringing another wave of dizziness. She forced herself to sit straight. Lu Chang helped stir the porridge until it cooled before handing it to her. She began eating slowly, but after just two mouthfuls, the dizziness in her head intensified, accompanied by waves of chest heaviness and sudden nausea. Before she could react, she vomited with a “wa” sound all over Lu Chang, and the porridge bowl fell from the bed.

Lu Chang remained very calm. He quickly extended his hand to let her rest her head on his shoulder while comforting her, “The doctor said that patients with head injuries often experience dizziness and vomiting as aftereffects when they wake up. You must not move too quickly; these symptoms will ease after some time.” Meanwhile, he took the wet cloth Madam Zeng handed him, first wiping the remnants from her lips and clothes before cleaning the mess on himself.

Mingshu leaned against his shoulder, weakly looking sideways at him—he was skilled at caring for others, showing no disgust at the mess, even more adept than Madam Zeng, a woman.

Were these people her mother and brother?

Although Mingshu had just woken up and her head was still foggy, this didn’t prevent her from making some initial judgments about her current situation. Her mind was empty, unable to retrieve any memories about her name, family, or where she lived as if she had appeared in this world out of nowhere.

But precisely because of this, her identity, background, and entire past had become a story that could be molded and fabricated by others. They said she was a daughter of the Lu family, so she became a Lu family daughter, but the truth was, that she had no way to judge.

With this wariness and doubt, Mingshu lay back down in bed. Lu Chang went outside to change clothes and wash up, while Madam Zeng stood for a moment before the spilled porridge before starting to clean up the mess. Mingshu saw the slight regret in her eyes.

Someone who hadn’t experienced hardship from a poor family would never look at a bowl of porridge that way.

Mingshu’s hand secretly emerged from under the covers as she examined it carefully—this was a well-maintained hand, with skin as white and smooth as jade, fingertips like spring onions topped with transparent fingernails shaped like lily petals, beautifully manicured nail edges, not a single callus on the palm, and except for faint lines at the joints, not a single wrinkle on the back.

A girl from a poor family could hardly develop such hands, not to mention the thousand-gold bracelet worn on the wrist.

Lu Chang said they were siblings, and while she had her doubts, they had gone through great trouble to save her when she was half dead, spending money and effort to care for her—what were they after? Her person or her wealth?

She couldn’t figure out their motives, but if they weren’t family, how could she explain the inexplicable sense of familiarity she felt upon seeing Lu Chang and Madam Zeng? Though she had forgotten her past, she still retained an innate closeness to these two people. Especially Lu Chang—she felt an inexplicable trust in him, his warm palm able to soothe the various anxieties and confusions arising from her memory loss.

Moreover, watching Lu Chang and Madam Zeng care for her without complaint or fatigue, even when she vomited all over him, he didn’t furrow his brow at all. Such thorough care would be difficult for anyone except the closest of relatives, wouldn’t it? In this world, apart from parents and siblings, even spouses might not be able to do this.

Thinking this way revealed many contradictions, and she couldn’t figure it out. She became increasingly confused, wondering what had happened before she fell down the mountain. She felt as if she had forgotten something very, very important—but what was it?

She wracked her brains but couldn’t remember.

“I told you not to think about it. Why torture yourself?”

A voice suddenly sounded in her ear, interrupting her thoughts. She opened her eyes to see Lu Chang standing by the bed, bending down to look at her. He had changed clothes, wearing a half-worn outer robe that had faded from washing, much thinner than his previous one.

“I… can’t help it,” Mingshu turned to her side, frowning as she spoke.

Seeing her brow furrowed like a river and her whole face like a bitter gourd, Lu Chang knew she was overthinking again. He suddenly remembered the former Jian Mingshu, the one in his memory—every time they met, she was bright and bold. Though he knew she meant no harm, her every gesture carried the commanding air of someone born to wealth, making her seem aggressive. He hadn’t liked it, but now seeing her like this, even her speech carrying weakness and grievance, he suddenly wished she could return to being the former Jian Mingshu.

But Master Simple and the Simple family were gone, and she could barely protect herself. Even if she remembered everything, she could never return to how things were before.

Thinking this, Lu Chang unconsciously reached out, his fingertips pressing against her temple and massaging gently as he said, “Your head hurts again? Even if you can’t help it, you must try to resist. What you’re meant to remember, you’ll eventually recall. Your injuries haven’t healed—take it slowly.”

Mingshu closed one eye to look at him. His tone was somewhat stern, and though he wasn’t much older than her, he spoke like an elder lecturing a junior. She responded with an “Oh,” thinking to herself—this must be her brother.

After massaging for a while, Lu Chang asked her, “Feel better?”

“Mm, much better, thank you,” Mingshu thanked him.

“Can you get up? You threw up those two bites from earlier. If you can, eat a bit more.” After seeing her nod to his question, Lu Chang turned to help her sit up slowly, then placed thick blankets behind her back. Only after she was settled did he bring the porridge over.

Mingshu reached out to take it, but Lu Chang didn’t give it to her. Instead, he lowered his head to blow on a spoonful of porridge to cool it, then brought it to her lips. She stared at him blankly, only reacting when he raised an eyebrow. She turned her head away uncomfortably, saying, “Let me do it myself.”

“Don’t move, or you’ll throw up again, and I don’t have any more clothes to change into,” Lu Chang seriously blocked her protest.

She had no response and obediently opened her mouth to take the porridge.

Well, he had said he was her brother—feeding his seriously injured sister was only natural, right?

Such deep sibling affection!

Once she could eat normally, Mingshu’s strength recovered more quickly. Though she still spent more time sleeping than awake, her symptoms like dizziness had improved. After two more days of rest, Mingshu could get up and walk normally. The various wounds on her body had either scabbed over or reduced in swelling. Except for the wound on her temple that still needed daily bandage changes, the other injuries had mostly healed.

During these two days as Mingshu’s condition stabilized, Lu Chang went out again, without saying where he was going, leaving Madam Zeng to care for her at the clinic. Though Madam Zeng appeared delicate, she usually wore a smile when meeting people and wasn’t as strict as Lu Chang. She took care of Mingshu with constant attention to her comfort, and despite their financial constraints, she did her best with medical care, medicine, food, and daily needs, only being frugal with herself. Several times, this made Mingshu feel guilty.

Through their interactions, Mingshu grew familiar with Madam Zeng.

By the third day, Lu Chang still hadn’t returned. Mingshu felt restless in the clinic and wanted to go outside to see if she could remember anything. Still harboring doubts, she wanted to go to the teahouse or the government office to make inquiries. Taking advantage of Madam Zeng’s afternoon rest, she left the clinic.

Not far from the clinic was Xunyang Town’s largest teahouse, a hub for information flow. Normally, any major events in the prefecture would be discussed there, naturally including local gossip. If any family had lost a daughter or there were any missing person cases, one could usually learn some details there.

For some reason, the teahouse was particularly crowded today, packed with people three layers deep inside and out. At the innermost table stood a man in coarse cloth clothing, apparently a carriage driver who frequently traveled between towns and was well-informed about the news. He was now vividly describing something to the surrounding onlookers. Mingshu walked a few steps closer and vaguely heard phrases like “the Simple family case” and “burned completely to ashes.” Her heart inexplicably began to panic. Just as she was about to move closer to listen, from the corner of her eye she suddenly noticed two men standing up inside the teahouse—one with a hawk-like nose, the other with triangular eyes, both carrying wrapped long objects at their waists, looking at her sinisterly.

Mingshu felt uncomfortable under their gaze and tried to move aside, but discovered these two men had already locked onto her and were coming out of the teahouse. She sensed danger, and when she tried to escape back to the clinic, her path was already cut off. The two men were clearly after her, having split up to surround her from both sides to prevent her escape.

They meant harm.

Without time to think, she instinctively fled into the alley behind her. After just a few steps, she heard footsteps and the sound of metal behind her. She hurriedly looked back to see the two men had drawn short daggers from their waists.

The bright flash crossed her pupils, and Mingshu’s legs went weak with fear—they weren’t trying to capture her, but to kill her outright.

Her head began throbbing again, but she couldn’t care about that now, only wanting to save her life. But after just a few steps, she heard the sound of wind behind her. In desperation, she crouched down covering her head, barely avoiding the blade striking from behind, but she couldn’t escape the second strike. At this critical moment, a foot suddenly flew out from the narrow passage beside the alley, kicking the man hard in the chest.

Before Mingshu could react, someone grabbed her hand.

Still that warm palm, firmly gripping her slender wrist, pulling her into the narrow passage.

“Come with me.”

Lu Chang had descended from the heavens.

[Author’s Note: Mingshu, don’t think that just because I have amnesia, you can casually pretend to be my brother. Watch this lady’s discerning eye!

Mingshu: Oh no, this brother is quite nice.]

Despite Lu Chang’s typically composed nature, seeing Jian Mingshu in such a state made his mind go blank. Using the flickering torchlight, he extended his trembling hand beneath her nose. Only after detecting her thread-like breath did he finally regain his composure.

Though feeble, her warm breath against his fingertips brought Lu Chang back to his senses. He realized his palms were drenched in sweat, and his heart was pounding violently, nearly leaping out of his throat.

The person lying on the ground showed no movement except for weak breathing. He quickly raised the torch and looked up—above was a steep slope, its height beyond the torch’s illumination, clearly considerable. Having rolled down from such a height, who knew what injuries she had sustained? How should she be treated now?

Not yet twenty, Lu Chang was at a loss. He could only gently wipe the blood from her cheeks with his sleeve while softly calling, “Jian Mingshu? Mingshu?”

Jian Mingshu didn’t respond, her face was deathly pale, and the wound on her head still steadily bleeding.

Rip—

Lu Chang tore his robe, pulling off a strip of cloth to roughly bandage the wound at her temple. Stopping the bleeding was the priority. Just as he finished tying the bandage, a gust of wind caused the grass and trees to rustle, and hurried footsteps echoed from the slope. Lu Chang looked up, but in the darkness, he could only see numerous moving torches among the vegetation halfway up the slope, accompanied by rustling sounds. That must be the slope Jian Mingshu had rolled down—were those people with torches searching for her?

The Simple family?

No—

This didn’t seem right. If it were the Simple family, upon discovering Jian Mingshu missing or fallen down the cliff, they would be shouting and calling while searching, certainly not conducting such a secretive, silent search. Jian Mingshu’s accident was strange too. There was only Cloud Flower Temple up there, but the temple gates were quite far from the mountain path—how did she end up falling from here in the middle of the night?

Thinking this through, he found it increasingly suspicious. Looking more carefully, he caught glimpses of silvery flashes among the torchlight—the kind of reflection that only comes from sharp blades.

He’d heard that the area around Cloud Flower Mountain wasn’t peaceful, with bandits often robbing passing carriages and raiding nearby villages. Cloud Flower Temple’s worshippers included many female relatives of Jiangning County’s gentry and wealthy households, so being targeted wasn’t surprising.

Had Jian Mingshu been ambushed?

He glanced at the person on the ground and quickly made a decision, standing to stamp out the torch before swiftly removing his outer robe to cover Jian Mingshu, and then gently lifting her.

In his arms, she was light as a feather.

Madam Zeng had not slept well that night, waking at the slightest sound. Upon leaving the carriage and not seeing Lu Chang, she grew uneasy. Suddenly spotting a figure running through the darkness startled her. Just as she was about to cry out, she heard Lu Chang’s voice: “Mother, it’s me. Quickly, get in the carriage.”

Realizing it was her son returning, Madam Zeng relaxed, but before she could ask questions, she saw Lu Chang hurriedly climbing into the carriage carrying someone. This alarmed her again, and she quickly followed him inside.

When the copper lamp was lit and she saw whom Lu Chang had brought back, Madam Zeng was shocked awake: “Mingshu? Ah Chang, this…”

Lu Chang didn’t answer his mother, only pulling Madam Zeng’s blanket to wrap around Jian Mingshu, telling her without looking up, “Mother, don’t ask now. We can’t stay here long; we must leave quickly. I’ll explain when we’re safe. Please watch over her while I drive the carriage.”

The torches on the mountain were winding their way down—they were coming to search for Jian Mingshu.

After these brief instructions, Lu Chang rubbed Jian Mingshu’s cheeks with both hands and bent down to whisper in her ear, “Jian Mingshu, it’s me, Lu Chang. I’m taking you to town to find a doctor. You must hold on.”

With that, he rose and heavily lifted the carriage curtain, jumping down to gather their things from the ground and load them onto the carriage. After erasing their traces, he harnessed the horse and took the reins. With a crack of the whip, the carriage drove into the thick night, heading for the nearest town of Xunyang.

When the carriage reached the main road, Lu Chang finally noticed his whip hand was trembling. Having given his outer robe to Jian Mingshu, the cold wind cut through to his chest, freezing him to the bone, yet he felt his blood was about to boil. His mind kept replaying the image of Jian Mingshu’s blood-stained face, everything else forgotten.

At dawn, Lu Chang drove the carriage into Xunyang Town. After quickly asking a passerby for directions to the clinic, they arrived shortly after. Jian Mingshu still showed no signs of waking, the bandage on her head soaked through with blood, a horrifying sight that had left Madam Zeng’s eyes red with tears. The clinic’s door was finally opened to Lu Chang’s knocking, and before the tardily arriving doctor could complain, Lu Chang pulled him to the carriage.

Upon lifting the curtain and looking inside, the doctor didn’t dare delay. He hurriedly called for someone to carry her into the inner chamber and summoned a medical woman, with Madam Zeng assisting in the examination. After a long while, the doctor came out wiped his hands, and sat at his desk to write a prescription.

Through the half-closed door, Lu Chang could only see blood-stained clothes covering the floor. His heart skipped a beat as he turned to ask the doctor, “Sir, how are her injuries?”

The doctor wrote furiously, not looking up as he replied, “The young lady is fortunate. To fall from such a height without internal injury is a blessing amid misfortune. Her dislocated arm has been reset, her ankle is sprained, and she has several external wounds which the medical woman is treating now.”

“When will she wake up?” Lu Chang asked, slightly relieved.

“That depends on fate. Though she has no fatal injuries, the head wound is deep. We’ve stitched it with mulberry bark, but the human brain is the most complex thing under heaven. External head wounds are manageable, but what’s happening inside is harder to say. We’ll need to observe for several days. Here’s the prescription—start with these medicines and see how she responds. The external wounds need fresh dressing daily.” As the doctor spoke, he had filled a sheet of paper. He put down his brush and blew on the paper, waiting for the ink to partially dry before pushing the prescription toward Lu Chang.

Lu Chang’s heart sank again. Just as he reached for the prescription, the doctor suddenly withdrew it, giving him a scrutinizing sidelong glance. “What is this young lady to you? And how did she fall down the mountain?”

Seeing the doctor’s expression, Lu Chang knew that if he answered wrong, the doctor would report to the authorities. After some thought, he replied seriously, “I am Lu Chang, a graduate of Jiangning County. That is my mother inside, and the injured person… is my sister. I was taking my mother and sister to the capital for the imperial examinations when we encountered bandits. My sister was victimized and pushed down the slope during the struggle.”

“Lu Chang? Could you be this year’s top graduate from Jiangning Prefecture?” The doctor stood up excitedly.

Lu Chang quickly cupped his hands in greeting, “Indeed, I am. The recommendation letter from the prefectural school is in my carriage if you wish to see it?”

“No need, no need,” the doctor waved his hands and continued, “Your sister is severely injured. Do you have lodging in town? If not, you’re welcome to stay at the clinic. I can observe your sister’s condition, and if anything happens, we can treat her promptly.”

“The doctor is truly benevolent. Lu Chang thanks you first. We’ll trouble you then.” Lu Chang bowed deeply.

After expressing his gratitude, Lu Chang paid the consultation fee and got the medicine, handing it to the medicine boy for preparation. The medical woman had finished bandaging Jian Mingshu and was cleaning up the mess before leaving the room. Only then did Lu Chang lift the curtain to enter. Madam Zeng was standing by the basin washing clothes, while Jian Mingshu still lay unconscious, now dressed in Madam Zeng’s old clothes, her hair combed to the side of the pillow. The layers of bandages around her forehead made her face appear even more frail and pitiful.

Lu Chang silently looked for a moment, then grabbed his outer robe that had been covering her and hurriedly said, “Mother, I’m going out for a while. Please look after her first.” Without waiting for Madam Zeng’s questions, he quickly left.

Though not as prosperous as Jiangning County, Xunyang Town was still wealthy. By now it was broad daylight, shops on both sides of the street had opened, and the alleys were full of passing citizens. Lu Chang asked a random passerby for directions to the Simple family’s gold shop.

Logically, Jian Mingshu’s encounter should have been reported to the authorities, but Lu Chang felt something was amiss. He decided to find the Simple family first before reporting to officials, to avoid any complications. If he remembered correctly, the Simple family had a branch shop in Xunyang Town.

Indeed, the passerby pointed him in the right direction.

The gold shop wasn’t far; Lu Chang saw the Simple family’s golden signboard after walking just a short distance. This branch shop wasn’t large, with only one manager and two errand boys inside. Just as Lu Chang was about to approach, his peripheral vision caught something in the alley opposite the shop, and his steps unconsciously slowed.

Two men stood in the shadows of the alley entrance, wearing date-brown fitted clothes with cloth-wrapped long objects at their waists—clearly weapons. The two men stood leaning against the wall with folded arms, appearing to chat casually, but their eyes never left the shop’s door and the people passing by. Lu Chang changed his mind, walking past the gold shop’s entrance, and likewise encountered these men’s hawk-like gazes.

Last night’s pursuers hadn’t given up on Jian Mingshu, even following her here to lie in wait.

This wasn’t the behavior of ordinary bandits. Common thieves, though brutal, would typically disperse after obtaining money and goods, not relentlessly pursue an escaped woman. These people even knew about the Simple family’s branch shop in Xunyang Town, clearly targeting Jian Mingshu, or perhaps the Simple family, rather than being mere bandits.

Thinking this through, Lu Chang muttered, “Jian Mingshu, what kind of trouble have you gotten into?”

He immediately turned back, returning to the clinic.

The medicine boy had finished brewing the medicine and handed it to Lu Chang upon his return. When Lu Chang entered the room with the medicine, Madam Zeng was sitting at the foot of the bed, eyes closed in exhaustion. After a sleepless night of fear and worry, the already frail Madam Zeng couldn’t take much more strain. Lu Chang didn’t wake his mother, instead sitting at the bedside, stirring the black medicine and quietly watching Jian Mingshu.

After a while, he finally spoke, “I must truly have owed you something in a past life.” While speaking, he spread a cloth on Jian Mingshu’s collar and slowly brought a spoonful of medicine to her lips.

The first spoonful of medicine didn’t make it into Jian Mingshu’s mouth, instead flowing down the corner of her lips. He quickly wiped it clean with the cloth—such a cleanliness-loving girl probably wouldn’t like being covered in medicine stains.

“Mingshu, if you can hear my voice, will you be good and drink the medicine?” He bent down to her ear and spoke softly.

As he finished speaking, he caught his mother’s eyes open in his peripheral vision, looking at him with an indecipherable expression. His ears suddenly turned pink, and he quickly raised his head, missing Jian Mingshu’s slightly trembling eyelashes.

The next morning, Jian Mingshu still showed no signs of waking. Lu Chang made a decision to return to Jiangning County to inform Master Simple.

Due to Jian Mingshu’s injuries making it inadvisable to move her, and the clinic temporarily safe, Lu Chang left both Madam Zeng and Jian Mingshu there while he set out alone for Jiangning.

After seeing Lu Chang off, Madam Zeng remained anxious, staying in the room to watch over Jian Mingshu. Time passed slowly and painfully. Finally, night fell, and the clinic closed early. Madam Zeng ate a little and lay down to rest, but with worries weighing on her mind, how could she sleep? She dozed fitfully until midnight when she heard a door open outside. The curtain was blown up by the incoming cold wind, and she immediately sat up, alertly watching the outside.

The door curtain was pushed aside, and a tall, thin figure entered with the cold air from outside. In the dim light from the window, he saw Madam Zeng already out of bed and said, “Did I wake Mother?”

It was Lu Chang’s voice, carrying an indescribable weariness and desolation, like the quiet long alley outside, where wind swept the leaves and frost froze the vegetables, without a trace of warmth.

The candle was quickly lit, and Madam Zeng shielded the lamp’s flame, turning to ask him, “You’re back so soon?” She looked outside again, puzzled, “Just you?”

Lu Chang had abandoned the carriage and ridden horseback to Jiangning, and without other encumbrances, his speed was many times faster than the journey there, taking less than a day and night to return from Jiangning. Given Simple Jinhai’s doting nature toward his daughter, even if he couldn’t come personally to receive her, he would surely send people with carriages and bring along famous doctors from Jiangning. How was it that only Lu Chang had returned?

Lu Chang didn’t answer. He had set out early morning, not taking a drop of water or grain of rice all day in order to return as early as possible. Now his lips were cracked from dryness, his stomach cramping, his complexion terrible, and his hands numb from cold, yet standing at Jian Mingshu’s bedside, he felt all these hardships were nothing compared to the words trapped in his chest, too painful to utter.

“What exactly happened? Say something!” Seeing his silence, Madam Zeng grew anxious first, grabbing his sleeve to ask.

“No one will come for her.” Lu Chang took a long breath as if suffocating before speaking, “The Simple family compound in Jiangning was raided last night. After being completely plundered by bandits, it was set on fire. All thirty-eight members of the household, none survived. Master Simple… is gone.”

The devastating news struck like a bolt from the blue, leaving Madam Zeng standing like wood and stone, unable to react for a long time.

Author’s Note: The groundwork for the Simple family’s story is mostly laid out here. The main story comes later. The matter of revenge will be left for later, giving them both a process of growth.

Ten days passed swiftly as the weather grew colder. The thick snow in the Jian family courtyard had just been cleared when two sparrows landed on the offering platform filled with rice grains beneath the corridor. The birds were startled away by hurried footsteps. Young Maid Qingting led two maids carrying trays along the corridor, stopping outside a room draped with thick felt curtains.

“Young Lady, the master craftsmen at the shop have made some new items. Master asked us to bring them for your inspection. If you like them, you can keep them for your enjoyment,” Young Maid Qingting announced.

“Come in,” Jian Mingshu’s listless voice drifted out.

As the curtain lifted, Young Maid Qingting entered with the two maids in tow, immediately spotting Jian Mingshu lounging beside the Eight-Treasure flowing water tank, watching the fish. Since clearing things up with Lu Chang, Jian Mingshu hadn’t been crying or wailing, but she hadn’t left her room either. A few days ago, she had quarreled with Master Jian over the matter of choosing a son-in-law from among the imperial examination candidates. Master Jian had thrown a cup in anger, though fortunately, being made of gold, it hadn’t shattered.

After the father and daughter’s relationship became strained, they hadn’t spoken for several days. In the end, it was the father who relented first, sending treasures to Jian Mingshu.

The items included an engraved pure gold powder box, a filigree flint case, and pearl-studded earrings. Though not a complete set of jewelry, each piece was exquisitely crafted and gleaming with gold, rarely seen in the market. These were all new pieces from the Jian family’s gold shop.

The Jian family’s brand was inherited from their ancestors and had flourished under Master Jian’s management. Over twenty years, it has become a renowned establishment in Jiangning Prefecture. Besides the storefront, they had gathered a group of skilled craftsmen. Two years ago, during the Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration, even royal relatives had specifically commissioned the Jian family to create gold items as birthday gifts.

Speaking of Master Jian, he was an unabashed merchant dealing in gold items. Quite vulgar in his ways, with no shortage of silver, he had acquired a large mansion. For all items of daily use, anything that could be gilded was either gold-lacquered or gold-plated. He seemed eager to advertise his gold business to everyone – the scholars of Jiangning County looked down on his style, feeling that such displays of wealth were offensive to the eye. They had discussed this several times privately and some had even advised him, but Master Jian remained unchanged.

Though vulgar, Master Jian truly loved Jian Mingshu with all his heart. After Madam Jian’s early death, leaving him only this daughter, Master Jian hadn’t dared to take another wife. He raised his daughter like precious gold and jade, doting on her completely. Over the years, Jian Mingshu lived comfortably at home without having to mind others’ opinions, all thanks to her father.

No matter how mercenary and crude others found Master Jian, in Jian Mingshu’s heart, her father was the best man in heaven.

This quarrel between father and daughter was their first serious rift in many years.

“Alright, set those down,” Jian Mingshu said lazily, raising her head. “Go fetch the stewed mung bean and lotus seed pigeon soup from the kitchen, and accompany me to see my father.”

Young Maid Qingting, knowing this was a prelude to reconciliation, sweetly responded “Yes,” and had just turned to fetch the soup when the curtain was lifted again. A man wrapped in a thick fur coat entered, his belly protruding slightly, wearing a gold ring set with a pigeon egg-sized green jade that dazzled the eye.

“Master can rest assured now? Didn’t I say our Mingshu is a filial daughter who keeps you in her heart? Now you’ve heard it yourself, haven’t you?” Before the man could speak, a woman in peach-red clothing walked up behind him, smiling.

“Father, Concubine,” Jian Mingshu rose to bow – the arrivals were her father Jian Jinhai, and Concubine Zhou.

Since there was no mistress of the house to manage internal affairs, and as Jian Mingshu was growing up and couldn’t always follow her father around, Jian Jinhai had taken this concubine five years ago. He likely also hoped to have a son to inherit the family fortune, otherwise, the property would go to distant relatives and there would be no one to care for Jian Mingshu – all troublesome matters. Concubine Zhou had been in the household for five years and only gave birth to a son last year. She had hoped to gain status through the child, but unexpectedly, Jian Jinhai still showed no intention of promoting her to main wife status, instead registering the son under Jian Mingshu’s deceased mother’s name.

Concubine Zhou hadn’t said anything about this, maintaining her gentle demeanor and treating Jian Mingshu with courtesy.

“Hmph. You’ve become increasingly spoiled, even daring to be angry with me. Who am I doing all this for? It’s all for you!” Master Jian maintained his dignity as he complained while entering the room and sitting on the arhat couch. He continued, “Wasn’t there soup to be brought to me? Why hasn’t it been served yet?”

Jian Mingshu gestured for Young Maid Qingting to fetch the soup, then sat opposite her father and invited Concubine Zhou to sit at the secondary position. Only then did she say, “I know Father acts for my benefit, but those scholars are stubborn. This incident has made us the laughingstock of many! Why force an unwilling match? What’s the point?”

Choosing a son-in-law from examination candidates wasn’t so simple – it would be talked about for a lifetime.

“It’s not entirely for your sake. Our family business has reached its limit these years. If we want to advance further, we need connections in court. Who better to support than one’s son-in-law?” Master Jian tapped the table with his jade-ringed finger, sighing. He continued, “Besides, would you be satisfied with an ordinary man? If you would be, why pine for Lu Chang all these years? I see that Lu Chang is heartless. If one scholar doesn’t work out, we can find another! They’re all educated men, after all!”

“Ahem.” Concubine Zhou coughed twice in warning – Master Jian always spoke without restraint to his daughter, even leading her astray. What did he mean by “they’re all educated men”? Jian Mingshu wasn’t a man, after all.

“What are you coughing about? Did I say something wrong?” Master Jian saw nothing wrong with his words. “Well, never mind if it doesn’t work out. Don’t worry, daughter. I’ll find a way regarding your marriage. Worst case, we’ll increase your dowry. I refuse to believe we can’t find a suitable man to be my son-in-law!”

Throwing money at problems had always been Master Jian’s way – if money could solve it, it wasn’t a problem at all.

“Father-” Jian Mingshu drew out the word, “I have just one condition: whoever I marry must meet with my approval first.”

As she spoke, she glanced at Concubine Zhou, who sat calmly, smiling unchanged.

Jian Mingshu had to admire her composure – her father had already planned a generous dowry, and if it were to increase further, it would amount to half the Jian family fortune. Yet Concubine Zhou remained unmoved.

After serving her father soup and meal, Jian Mingshu coaxed Master Jian back to his room in high spirits, finally resolving their estrangement. It was past noon, and Jian Mingshu was about to take her afternoon rest when a voice called from outside – “Old Servant Ying has returned.”

Jian Mingshu quickly got up, put on her clothes, and sat on the bed, calling the person into her chamber before closing all doors and windows tightly.

Old Servant Ying had been her mother’s maid. After her mother’s death, Old Servant Ying stayed at the Jian household to care for Jian Mingshu, becoming her most trusted and capable servant.

“Pour Old Servant Ying some hot tea, add some coal to the brazier, and bring her a thick cushion.” After giving these instructions, Jian Mingshu said to Old Servant Ying, “You must be tired, Old Servant Ying.”

Old Servant Ying had just returned, her lips blue from cold. She replied gently, “This old servant is fine, thank you for your concern, Young Lady.” Without waiting for the warm items to arrive, she continued in a serious tone, “This old servant went to investigate near Yunhua Temple as you instructed, and indeed found some leads. The child born to Concubine Zhou, I’m afraid isn’t…” She shook her head, her expression grave.

Jian Mingshu wasn’t too surprised, having already suspected as much.

Concubine Zhou had been a concubine’s daughter from a wealthy family in the city, only becoming a concubine in the Jian household after her family’s decline. Though Jian Mingshu didn’t particularly like her, she wasn’t unkind either, treating her with courtesy and maintaining conversation. The Jian family provided her with the same quality of food and clothing as the main wife would receive, all of the finest quality. She seemed honest and managed household affairs well, often mediating between father and daughter, and speaking kind words to both sides. After five years, Jian Mingshu developed some affection for her. Who would have thought such an honest person would harbor ill intentions?

The child had been born just before Jian Mingshu’s engagement and marriage, as if timed precisely. How could Concubine Zhou, who had been childless for four years in the Jian household, conceive so conveniently at this crucial moment? If she remembered correctly, during that period, her father was often away inspecting the new shop, only home for a few days. Meanwhile, Concubine Zhou frequently went out to burn incense and pray at temples, her movements suspicious.

Jian Mingshu hadn’t paid attention to these circumstances initially, but after the child’s birth, she began to sense something amiss and secretly investigated Concubine Zhou. This Yunhua Temple was the one Concubine Zhou visited most frequently, going there two or three times each month to burn incense. Even when the newborn child had a fever from catching a cold, it didn’t stop her visits.

“Near Yunhua Temple, there’s a Water Fairy Nunnery that usually keeps its doors closed, only receiving familiar visitors. After dismissing our household servants at Yunhua Temple, Concubine Zhou would always go alone to the Water Fairy Nunnery. I’ve also quietly inquired about this nunnery – it’s not a proper Buddhist convent, but rather…” Old Servant Ying hesitated, unsure whether to speak of such unsavory matters to Jian Mingshu.

“I know,” Jian Mingshu said directly. Coming from a merchant family, with Master Jian as her father, she had heard something of official and commercial matters. This Water Fairy Nunnery, under the guise of religious practice, actually ran a flesh trade. Its visitors were mostly high officials and nobles, either seeking pleasure or meeting their lovers there.

Old Servant Ying didn’t continue, only sighing, “Four days from now is Concubine Zhou’s day to burn incense at Yunhua Temple.”

Jian Mingshu toyed with the powder box her father had just given her, remaining silent for a while before saying, “Yunhua Temple is near Xunyang Town. Make arrangements – say that I’m feeling down and want to go to Xunyang to clear my mind. We’ll leave in three days.”

She wanted to see exactly what ghosts Concubine Zhou was chasing.

Young Maid Qingting, who had been standing quietly, suddenly spoke up, “Young Lady, Young Master Lu… will be departing around the same time. Won’t you see him off?”

Jian Mingshu’s hand paused, then firmly closed the powder box lid, saying only, “What is there to see off? From now on, he takes his road to Yang Pass, and I cross my single-plank bridge.”

Better not to meet than to meet.

Let there be no more entanglement.

Author’s Note: Soon, everyone will see a male lead who dug a pit and buried himself in it.

In the second month after the autumn provincial examinations, during the harsh winter season, fine snow gently blanketed the streets and alleys. The gray stones, dark tiles, white walls, and vermillion pillars transformed into an ink-wash painting. Amidst the sounds of carriages and horses, the pristine snow was crushed into wheel tracks as a carriage slowly made its way through the quiet stone alley.

The carriage’s small window was covered with a thick, dense felt curtain. Unexpectedly, a woman’s hand emerged through a slight gap, casually resting on the windowsill. The hand was as white as tender lotus root, appearing like jade against the frozen landscape.

Her slender wrist bore two gold bracelets, each about the width of a small finger. Though they appeared lightweight at first glance, closer inspection revealed their hollow bodies were intricately woven with fine gold threads—a masterpiece of craftsmanship that only wealthy families could afford.

Each bracelet dangled with a bell the size of a fingernail, creating melodious chimes as they struck the window frame with the carriage’s movement. This drew the attention of passersby who, turning to look, could only catch a glimpse of a young lady’s blurred silhouette beneath the partially lifted curtain.

The women of Jiangnan were known for their beauty, their graceful and gentle demeanor inspiring poetic admiration.

“Today is when they post the autumn examination results. Young Miss, won’t you go to the county office to see the list?” a crisp voice inquired.

Two people sat in the carriage: the young mistress and her maid, who had just spoken.

“Since it’s the day they post results, that place will surely be crowded. I have no interest in joining such a commotion.” The owner of the hand spoke up, her delicate fingers tapping lightly on the windowsill. Though she spoke in the official dialect, her words carried the distinctive, lilting charm of the southern regions.

“Don’t you want to know if Young Lord Lu made the list?”

“With his scholarly abilities, even if he doesn’t secure the top position, he’ll certainly rank among the top three.” The hand’s owner declared with unwavering confidence.

“Young Miss has such faith in him? From what I know, several renowned scholars are taking the provincial examinations this year. Just in our county alone, there are three young prodigies, not to mention the entire Jiangning Prefecture. Though Young Lord Lu is undoubtedly learned and sure to pass, to rank among the top three… Young Miss thinks so highly of him?” The maid giggled with meaningful undertones.

“I trust my judgment,” she replied, her voice rising with overflowing confidence.

“It seems Master shares Young Miss’s good eye,” the maid teased.

“Stop!” She objected, “Don’t compare me to Father. He’s like a fisherman digging ponds to catch fish, selecting whichever grows the fattest. I’m different…” She paused, seemingly sitting up straighter, “I’ve had my eye on Lu Chang since childhood, and I’ve never looked at anyone else.”

Unlike her father, she genuinely liked Lu Chang.

“Young Miss, being so devoted to him, aren’t you worried that he… he…” The maid lowered her voice, hesitating with the air of someone who saw through the situation.

“Worried about what? That he looks down on me?” She responded without sharing her maid’s concerns.

Lu Chang’s disdain was written all over his face—she hardly needed others to point it out or advise her against it.

But what of it?

“One should always fight for what they want. I haven’t done anything shameful—I’m pursuing him openly and honestly. If Lu Chang truly doesn’t want me, could I force him? Man proposes Heaven disposes. Doing my best is enough.” She spoke with bright confidence, free from resentment or worry.

As they talked, the carriage slowly came to a stop—they had arrived at Changkang Lane.

Changkang Lane in Jiangning County was where the poor gathered. Densely packed rammed earth houses stood like blocks of tofu, with makeshift chicken coops and duck pens scattered about. The wooden fences used as barriers had long since rotted from wind and rain, but now lay covered in a thin layer of snow, masking their usual disorder and creating a scene of otherworldly tranquility reminiscent of Tao Yuanming’s poetry.

Lu Chang’s home sat at the end of Changkang Lane, beside an old locust tree.

The lane was too narrow for the carriage to enter, forcing them to stop at its entrance. The wind was strong, causing the two copper lanterns hanging from the carriage’s eaves to sway wildly, their gold-lacquered character “Jian” catching the eye. Without question, this was the carriage of the Jian family from Jiangning Prefecture, and its occupant was none other than the family’s daughter, Jian Mingshu.

The occupants had already descended from the carriage, their footsteps making crisp sounds in the thin snow, accompanied by the pleasant tinkling of bells.

For this outing, aside from the driver, Jian Mingshu brought only her maid Little Qingting. Both carried several boxes of tonics and delicacies, making their progress through the snow somewhat difficult. After just a few steps, beads of sweat appeared on Jian Mingshu’s forehead.

“Since Young Miss prepared such gifts, why not bring some servants along?” Little Qingting complained as they walked. The gifts were too heavy for her to carry alone, fortunately, Jian Mingshu didn’t stand at the ceremony and helped carry some herself.

“Aunt Zeng and Lu Chang both prefer peace, disliking commotion. Too many people wouldn’t be good.” “Aunt Zeng” in Jian Mingshu’s words referred to Lu Chang’s mother, Madam Zeng.

There was another reason as well. Lu Chang already disliked the Jian family’s typically ostentatious ways. If she brought too many people, it would seem overbearing. Thus, whenever she visited Lu Chang’s mother, she kept her retinue minimal.

“What kind of person is Lu Chang that Young Miss must humble herself so?” Little Qingting felt indignant on her mistress’s behalf.

“It’s just a few steps—what’s there to humble about?” Jian Mingshu wasn’t as proud as her maid imagined.

Little Qingting snorted but said nothing more as they approached the Lu residence. The Lu home appeared even more impoverished than its neighbors. The yard was enclosed by wooden fencing, housing several chickens and ducks, with two small vegetable plots. Inside stood a single-story building divided into three rooms: Lu Chang and his mother each occupied one, while the remaining room served as a kitchen, dining room, and reception area all in one.

The yard was empty now, though the snow had been cleared away. Having visited several times before, Jian Mingshu was familiar with the place. She opened the gate herself and led Little Qingting inside. Noticing the damp firewood by the wall, she thought about sending them some coal for warmth, having forgotten during her recent busy period. But remembering Lu Chang’s temperament, she realized he probably wouldn’t accept it, and could only shake her head.

“How curious! Instead of checking the examination results at the county office, the Jian family’s elder sister has come here?” A mocking laugh suddenly came from beneath the locust tree.

Jian Mingshu turned to look and saw a slender young woman emerge from behind the tree. Though beautiful, her eyes tilted upward sharply as she walked around the fence into the yard while speaking.

Jian Mingshu recognized her as Zhao Xian, the daughter of Teacher Zhao from Dongming Private School.

“Master Jian went to the county office to see the results, planning to catch a son-in-law from among the successful candidates, while his daughter keeps watch here. The Jian family has truly cast a net across heaven and earth, leaving no escape route.” Though Zhao Xian’s words were teasing, they dripped with mockery and sarcasm.

In the Great An Dynasty, which valued scholarly pursuits over commerce, scholars endured a decade of study hoping for success in the imperial examinations. Somehow, a vulgar custom had emerged where local gentry and wealthy merchants would try to “catch” successful examination candidates as sons-in-law on the day results were posted, using their wealth as leverage to join the ranks of the elite. Hence the term “catching” a son-in-law, and those who married through such means were called “purchased sons-in-law.”

The Jian family owned a well-known gold shop in Jiangning Prefecture, commanding considerable wealth. Master Jian, unwilling to remain a merchant all his life and having lost his wife early, with only one legitimate daughter Jian Mingshu, had set his mind on catching a son-in-law.

However, Master Jian’s scheme was more sophisticated—rather than “catching,” it might better be called “nurturing.” Each year, many impoverished students in Jiangning Prefecture struggle to continue their studies due to financial difficulties. Master Jian would select several promising poor scholars to support with gold and silver, planning to choose a son-in-law from among them once they achieved success in the provincial examinations. As for why he acted at the provincial level rather than waiting for the metropolitan examination—that was obvious. Once they reached the capital, he would lose his chance. Acting now, he could at least secure a Provincial Graduate as a son-in-law.

This autumn’s provincial examination marked his time to draw in the net.

And Lu Chang… happened to be one of the fish in his pond.

Jian Mingshu played with the bells hanging from her bracelet and smiled, “Who do we have here? It’s my younger sister Zhao. I recall your father is also a candidate in this examination. On such an important day, why aren’t you checking the results, but instead coming here?”

Zhao Xian’s father, already past forty, had only passed the county examination to become a Graduate. Though poor, he never gave up his dream of passing the higher examinations, yet after three attempts at the provincial examination, he still hadn’t succeeded.

“My father studies diligently not for fame or profit, but should maintain a peaceful mind about it.” As Zhao Xian spoke, she entered the small yard and glanced at the gifts in Jian Mingshu’s hands, covering her mouth to laugh. “Coming to give gifts to Aunt Zeng again? Since you can’t win over Brother Lu, you’re trying to get to his mother? Is such persistence worth it?”

Though Zhao Xian was poorer than Jian Mingshu, she took pride in being a scholar’s daughter and looked down on Jian Mingshu’s merchant background.

Jian Mingshu merely smiled, “So you’re here with a peaceful mind, while I’m being persistent? I thought we shared the same intentions. Oh, but you can’t afford gifts—planning to get something for nothing?”

Both were here for Lu Chang—who was more noble than the other?

Having her motives exposed, Zhao Xian’s face reddened. Just as she was about to retort, her peripheral vision caught the tree’s shadow, and she changed tactics. She stepped toward Jian Mingshu, trying to snatch the gifts from her hands. Little Qingting, standing nearby, instinctively stepped between them to protect her mistress.

With a loud clatter, the gifts in Little Qingting’s hands fell to the ground, while Zhao Xian, as if pushed, stumbled backward toward the gate.

A tall figure slowly approached. Just as he entered, he saw the delicate, fragile woman falling toward him, timing her fall to land in his arms.

Though he could have easily caught her in a romantic embrace, he suddenly stepped aside, leaving Zhao Xian to grasp at empty air. Her pretend fall became real as she stumbled forward several steps and crashed into the fence.

With two sharp cracks, the rotted fence broke under her impact, and Zhao Xian fell to the ground along with it, seeing stars from the pain.

Jian Mingshu’s gaze met his in mid-air, but before she could read his emotions, she heard his voice.

“What are you doing at my home?” —Lu Chang had returned.

Zhao Xian, still unwilling to give up, looked up with tears in her eyes and said, “Brother Lu, I came to visit Aunt Zeng and happened to meet Elder Sister Jian. Seeing her servants carrying so much, I wanted to help, but she ordered her maid to push me down.”

“Young Miss, I didn’t even touch a fingernail of hers!” Little Qingting exclaimed indignantly to Jian Mingshu.

Jian Mingshu nodded but didn’t rush to defend herself, only watching Lu Chang.

Lu Chang’s gaze met hers again.

The winter sunlight was cool, casting a desolate light on the long lane and humble dwellings. Only Jian Mingshu stood there in bright yellow, with heavy gold ornaments on her chest, her oval face rosy and beautiful, seeming to illuminate her surroundings. Compared to her, Zhao Xian, still on the ground, appeared delicate and pitiable, most deserving of sympathy.

Unfortunately, Lu Chang neither understood how to cherish fragile beauty nor had any intention of judging their dispute. He didn’t even offer to help Zhao Xian up, merely saying, “Your father passed the examination, but fainted from excitement in front of the results board. He’s already been carried home.”

These words instantly brought Zhao Xian to her feet, her face full of joy that she couldn’t suppress. No longer concerned with competing with Jian Mingshu for attention, she spoke of worrying about her father while hurriedly leaving.

“Wait!” Lu Chang called after her, “Remember to have your father send someone to fix the broken fence tomorrow!”

Zhao Xian’s expression soured. She shot a hateful glance at Jian Mingshu before running away.

Jian Mingshu burst out laughing—when it came to dealing with feminine wiles, Lu Chang had never disappointed her.

Lu Chang turned toward the sound of laughter, his clear eyes showing some emotion as his brows furrowed slightly. “Something for nothing? Who’s the wolf?”

“…” Jian Mingshu couldn’t laugh anymore.

How had he heard that?

Lu Chang stared at her—this father and daughter pair from the Jian family, one treating him like a fish, the other like a wolf, both trying to trap him, were truly detestable.

Each bracelet dangled with a bell the size of a fingernail, creating melodious chimes as they struck the window frame with the carriage’s motion. This drew the attention of passersby who, turning to look, could only catch a glimpse of a young lady’s blurred silhouette beneath the partially lifted curtain.

The women of Jiangnan were known for their beauty, their graceful and gentle demeanor inspiring poetic admiration.

“Today is when they post the autumn examination results. Young Miss, won’t you go to the county office to see the list?” a crisp voice inquired.

Two people sat in the carriage: the young mistress and her maid, who had just spoken.

“Since it’s the day they post results, that place will surely be crowded. I have no interest in joining such a commotion.” The owner of the hand spoke up, her scallion-like fingers tapping lightly on the windowsill. Though she spoke in the official dialect, her words carried the distinctive, lilting charm of the southern regions.

“Don’t you want to know if Young Lord Lu made the list?”

“With his scholarly abilities, even if he doesn’t secure the top position, he’ll certainly rank among the top three.” The hand’s owner declared with unwavering confidence.

“Young Miss has such faith in him? From what I know, several renowned scholars are taking the provincial examinations this year. Just in our county alone, there are three young prodigies, not to mention the entire Jiangning Prefecture. Though Young Lord Lu is undoubtedly learned and sure to pass, to rank among the top three… Young Miss thinks so highly of him?” The maid giggled with meaningful undertones.

“I trust my judgment,” she replied, her voice rising with overflowing confidence.

“It seems Master shares Young Miss’s good eye,” the maid teased.

“Stop!” She objected, “Don’t compare me to Father. He’s like a fisherman digging ponds to catch fish, selecting whichever grows the fattest. I’m different…” She paused, seemingly sitting up straighter, “I’ve had my eye on Lu Chang since childhood, and I’ve never looked at anyone else.”

Unlike her father, she genuinely liked Lu Chang.

“Young Miss, being so devoted to him, aren’t you worried that he… he…” The maid lowered her voice, hesitating with the air of someone who saw through the situation.

“Worried about what? That he looks down on me?” She responded without sharing her maid’s concerns.

Lu Chang’s disdain was written all over his face—she hardly needed others to point it out or advise her against it.

But what of it?

“One should always fight for what they want. I haven’t done anything shameful—I’m pursuing him openly and honestly. If Lu Chang truly doesn’t want me, could I force him? Man proposes Heaven disposes. Doing my best is enough.” She spoke with bright confidence, free from resentment or worry.

As they talked, the carriage slowly came to a stop—they had arrived at Changkang Lane.

Changkang Lane in Jiangning County was where the poor gathered. Densely packed rammed earth houses stood like blocks of tofu, with makeshift chicken coops and duck pens scattered about. The wooden fences used as barriers had long since rotted from wind and rain, but now lay covered in a thin layer of snow, masking their usual disorder and creating a scene of otherworldly tranquility reminiscent of Tao Yuanming’s poetry.

Lu Chang’s home sat at the end of Changkang Lane, beside an old locust tree.

The lane was too narrow for the carriage to enter, forcing them to stop at its entrance. The wind was strong, causing the two copper lanterns hanging from the carriage’s eaves to sway wildly, their gold-lacquered character “Jian” catching the eye. Without question, this was the carriage of the Jian family from Jiangning Prefecture, and its occupant was none other than the family’s daughter, Jian Mingshu.

The occupants had already descended from the carriage, their footsteps making crisp sounds in the thin snow, accompanied by the pleasant tinkling of bells.

For this outing, aside from the driver, Jian Mingshu brought only her maid Little Qingting. Both carried several boxes of tonics and delicacies, making their progress through the snow somewhat difficult. After just a few steps, beads of sweat appeared on Jian Mingshu’s forehead.

“Since Young Miss prepared such gifts, why not bring some servants along?” Little Qingting complained as they walked. The gifts were too heavy for her to carry alone, fortunately, Jian Mingshu didn’t stand at the ceremony and helped carry some herself.

“Aunt Zeng and Lu Chang both prefer peace, disliking commotion. Too many people wouldn’t be good.” “Aunt Zeng” in Jian Mingshu’s words referred to Lu Chang’s mother, Madam Zeng.

There was another reason as well. Lu Chang already disliked the Jian family’s typically ostentatious ways. If she brought too many people, it would seem overbearing. Thus, whenever she visited Lu Chang’s mother, she kept her retinue minimal.

“What kind of person is Lu Chang that Young Miss must humble herself so?” Little Qingting felt indignant on her mistress’s behalf.

“It’s just a few steps—what’s there to humble about?” Jian Mingshu wasn’t as proud as her maid imagined.

Little Qingting snorted but said nothing more as they approached the Lu residence. The Lu home appeared even more impoverished than its neighbors. The yard was enclosed by wooden fencing, housing several chickens and ducks, with two small vegetable plots. Inside stood a single-story building divided into three rooms: Lu Chang and his mother each occupied one, while the remaining room served as a kitchen, dining room, and reception area all in one.

The yard was empty now, though the snow had been cleared away. Having visited several times before, Jian Mingshu was familiar with the place. She opened the gate herself and led Little Qingting inside. Noticing the damp firewood by the wall, she thought about sending them some coal for warmth, having forgotten during her recent busy period. But remembering Lu Chang’s temperament, she realized he probably wouldn’t accept it, and could only shake her head.

“How curious! Instead of checking the examination results at the county office, the Jian family’s elder sister has come here?” A mocking laugh suddenly came from beneath the locust tree.

Jian Mingshu turned to look and saw a slender young woman emerge from behind the tree. Though beautiful, her eyes tilted upward sharply as she walked around the fence into the yard while speaking.

This person Jian Mingshu recognized—was Zhao Xian, the daughter of Teacher Zhao from the Dongming Private School.

“Master Jian went to the county office to see the results, planning to catch a son-in-law from among the successful candidates, while his daughter keeps watch here. The Jian family has truly cast a net across heaven and earth, leaving no escape route.” Though Zhao Xian’s words were teasing, they dripped with mockery and sarcasm.

In the Great An Dynasty, which valued scholarly pursuits over commerce, scholars endured a decade of study hoping for success in the imperial examinations. Somehow, a vulgar custom had emerged where local gentry and wealthy merchants would try to “catch” successful examination candidates as sons-in-law on the day results were posted, using their wealth as leverage to join the ranks of the elite. Hence the term “catching” a son-in-law, and those who married through such means were called “purchased sons-in-law.”

The Jian family owned a well-known gold shop in Jiangning Prefecture, commanding considerable wealth. Master Jian, unwilling to remain a merchant all his life and having lost his wife early, with only one legitimate daughter Jian Mingshu, had set his mind on catching a son-in-law.

However, Master Jian’s scheme was more sophisticated—rather than “catching,” it might better be called “nurturing.” Each year, many impoverished students in Jiangning Prefecture struggle to continue their studies due to financial difficulties. Master Jian would select several promising poor scholars to support with gold and silver, planning to choose a son-in-law from among them once they achieved success in the provincial examinations. As for why he acted at the provincial level rather than waiting for the metropolitan examination—that was obvious. Once they reached the capital, he would lose his chance. Acting now, he could at least secure a Provincial Graduate as a son-in-law.

This autumn’s provincial examination marked his time to draw in the net.

And Lu Chang… happened to be one of the fish in his pond.

Jian Mingshu played with the bells hanging from her bracelet and smiled, “Who do we have here? It’s my younger sister Zhao. I recall your father is also a candidate in this examination. On such an important day, why aren’t you checking the results, but instead coming here?”

Zhao Xian’s father was already past forty, having only passed the county examination to become a Graduate. Though poor, he never gave up his dream of passing the higher examinations, yet after three years of attempts at the provincial examination, he still hadn’t succeeded.

“My father studies diligently not for fame or profit, but should maintain a peaceful mind about it.” As Zhao Xian spoke, she entered the small yard and glanced at the gifts in Jian Mingshu’s hands, covering her mouth to laugh. “Coming to give gifts to Aunt Zeng again? Since you can’t win over Brother Lu, you’re trying to get to his mother? Is such persistence worth it?”

Though Zhao Xian was poorer than Jian Mingshu, she took pride in being a scholar’s daughter and looked down on Jian Mingshu’s merchant background.

Jian Mingshu merely smiled, “So you’re here with a peaceful mind, while I’m being persistent? I thought we shared the same intentions. Oh, but you can’t afford gifts—planning to get something for nothing?”

Both were here for Lu Chang—who was more noble than the other?

Having her motives exposed, Zhao Xian’s face reddened. Just as she was about to retort, her peripheral vision caught the tree’s shadow, and she changed tactics. She stepped toward Jian Mingshu, trying to snatch the gifts from her hands. Little Qingting, standing nearby, instinctively stepped between them to protect her mistress.

With a loud clatter, the gifts in Little Qingting’s hands fell to the ground, while Zhao Xian, as if pushed, stumbled backward toward the gate.

A tall figure slowly approached. Just as he entered, he saw the delicate, fragile woman falling toward him, timing her fall to land in his arms.

Though he could have easily caught her in a romantic embrace, he suddenly stepped aside, leaving Zhao Xian to grasp at empty air. Her pretend fall became real as she stumbled forward several steps and crashed into the fence.

With two sharp cracks, the rotted fence broke under her impact, and Zhao Xian fell to the ground along with it, seeing stars from the pain.

Jian Mingshu’s gaze met his in mid-air, but before she could read his emotions, she heard his voice.

“What are you doing at my home?” —Lu Chang had returned.

Zhao Xian, still unwilling to give up, looked up with tears in her eyes and said, “Brother Lu, I came to visit Aunt Zeng and happened to meet Elder Sister Jian. Seeing her servants carrying so much, I wanted to help, but she ordered her maid to push me down.”

“Young Miss, I didn’t even touch a fingernail of hers!” Little Qingting exclaimed indignantly to Jian Mingshu.

Jian Mingshu nodded but didn’t rush to defend herself, only watching Lu Chang.

Lu Chang’s gaze met hers again.

The winter sunlight was cool, casting a desolate light on the long lane and humble dwellings. Only Jian Mingshu stood there in bright yellow, with heavy gold ornaments on her chest, her oval face rosy and beautiful, seeming to illuminate her surroundings. Compared to her, Zhao Xian, still on the ground, appeared delicate and pitiable, most deserving of sympathy.

Unfortunately, Lu Chang neither understood how to cherish fragile beauty nor had any intention of judging their dispute. He didn’t even offer to help Zhao Xian up, merely saying, “Your father passed the examination, but fainted from excitement in front of the results board. He’s already been carried home.”

These words instantly brought Zhao Xian to her feet, her face full of joy that she couldn’t suppress. No longer concerned with competing with Jian Mingshu for attention, she spoke of worrying about her father while hurriedly leaving.

“Wait!” Lu Chang called after her, “Remember to have your father send someone to fix the broken fence tomorrow!”

Zhao Xian’s expression soured. She shot a hateful glance at Jian Mingshu before running away.

Jian Mingshu burst out laughing—when it came to dealing with feminine wiles, Lu Chang had never disappointed her.

Lu Chang turned toward the sound of laughter, his clear eyes showing some emotion as his brows furrowed slightly. “Something for nothing? Who’s the wolf?”

“…” Jian Mingshu couldn’t laugh anymore.

How had he heard that?

Lu Chang stared at her—this father and daughter pair from the Jian family, one treating him like a fish, the other like a wolf, both trying to trap him, were truly detestable.