◎Lan Shanjun smiled and said: “I’d like to ask Nanny to help arrange a match for me.”◎
February sixteenth, the Song residence’s flower-viewing banquet.
Early that morning, Zhu Shi’s brow was tightly furrowed, adopting an attitude of resigned acceptance as she sighed repeatedly.
Seeing this, Huihui turned her head away to avoid looking. Growing annoyed at the sounds, she simply covered her ears with her hands in front of her mother. Zhu Shi became furious and deliberately sighed even louder.
This was the first quarrel between mother and daughter. Two days had passed, and they were still at odds.
Lan Shanjun lowered her eyes and kept silent. The Fourth Madam and Third Young Madam weren’t attending the Song residence today, so they both watched the two with concern, fearing they might quarrel on the road.
The Third Young Madam persuaded Huihui, “No matter how wrong Mother may be, she does it for your benefit. Today half of Luoyang’s elite will attend the Song residence. Just yield a little—don’t upset Mother.”
The Fourth Madam persuaded Zhu Shi, “Huihui has been sensible since childhood. Can you bear to see her sad? This should be a joyful banquet. Go coax her a bit—don’t let you both lose face. How old is she anyway?”
With such mediation, in less than a quarter hour, the two indeed reconciled and happily boarded the carriage together.
To maintain the Duke’s residence’s prestige, even though only three people were going out today, there were still two carriages. Huihui had intended to sit with her, but having just reconciled with Mother and having much to say, she looked apologetically at Lan Shanjun. Lan Shanjun smiled and patted her head, “It’s fine.”
She actually preferred being alone—it was more relaxing.
Throughout the journey, her thoughts were chaotic. Sometimes thinking of Song Zhiwei, her brow furrowing with disgust; sometimes thinking of the Imperial Grand Prince, staring blankly in a daze.
In her previous life, she had never met the Imperial Grand Prince, only the Grand Princess Consort. That was after she had become the Song family’s eldest young madam. At a banquet, the Grand Princess Consort had held her hand, smiling: “Your name is Shanjun? This name is excellent—it shows the person who named you loved you dearly.”
But that was all—no other words.
After that, she never saw the Grand Princess Consort again. But at banquets she often heard the Imperial Grand Prince couple’s names mentioned—not for any other reason, but because over all these years, the Imperial Grand Prince had only the Grand Princess Consort, and their son and daughter were both born to her. He had no other concubines or offspring. Their marital devotion was quite enviable.
Everyone said the Imperial Grand Prince was deeply devoted.
Later when the Grand Princess Consort passed away, he didn’t remarry. Even when she was sent to Huailing, she hadn’t heard of any consort entering the Eastern Palace.
Moreover, thinking carefully now—if Song Zhiwei married her because of the Imperial Grand Prince and killed her because of Prince Qi, then ultimately the Imperial Grand Prince must have lost.
This lifetime, he couldn’t lose again. She and the Imperial Grand Prince were now in the same boat. Her eyes shifted slightly, and when she came back to her senses, they had already arrived at the Song residence.
The three descended from the carriage. Zhu Shi inevitably had to give a few more instructions: “You both behave yourselves and don’t cause trouble.”
Both Lan Shanjun and Lan Hui agreed. Only then did Zhu Shi feel at ease, leading them gracefully inside. As soon as they entered, Lan Shanjun’s hands involuntarily clenched together.
She was familiar with every blade of grass and tree here. She had spent eight years in this residence.
When she married in, it was grand and glorious, and she had been proud. Later she discovered that even the most glorious days contained countless pitfalls.
Her mother-in-law’s disdain, difficult sisters-in-law, restless concubines.
Fortunately, she wasn’t afraid. She had never feared anything—soldiers come, generals block; water comes, earth dams. As long as she wasn’t starving or freezing, everything could be managed. So while others at banquets envied the Imperial Grand Prince couple’s inseparability, only she observed in all directions and listened from all sides, wanting to find someone who could control the old Song matriarch.
Everyone in life has enemies, right? If she couldn’t deal with the old matriarch, surely someone else could.
Later she saw this tactic in military texts—it had a name: using force against force.
Eight years later, when her mother-in-law died, she maneuvered to divide the household with her sisters-in-law, then sent several concubines to the estate. The remaining ones became well-behaved.
Deploying troops and generals—even in the inner quarters, there were countless calculations.
She stumbled along, applying what she learned, and ultimately won.
So everything was fine, and she was preparing to live well.
Which shows that the word “fate” is truly difficult to predict. Lan Shanjun sighed, using her handkerchief to hide the nail marks she had dug into her palm, saying: “There are indeed many people today.”
Yuanniang hadn’t come today—her family couldn’t receive invitations yet. Yuanniang had written to her: “I don’t like crowded places. This is actually good—I can stay home and read more books. If anything interesting happens at the banquet, you can tell me about it next time we meet.”
So at the banquet, Lan Shanjun had no one to talk to. She hadn’t come today to chat anyway. She sat at her place, upright and proper, her back straight, unwilling to bring shame to the old monk.
She felt the Imperial Grand Prince should come.
Today was a flower-viewing banquet. But all three Song sons hadn’t yet arranged marriages. Though called a flower-viewing banquet, it was more about observing marriage prospects. Simply saying it was to find matches for their three young masters would be improper, so they sent invitations widely, inviting half of Luoyang’s elite.
To avoid impropriety, today men and women sat separately, but the two sides weren’t far apart, separated by lush flowers and trees creating shadowy screens—very elegant.
Duke Zhenguo’s residence wasn’t prominent at this gathering now. Today every family was busy networking, so no one came to their table. Zhu Shi felt displeased. After thinking, she still felt she should take Huihui to speak with Duke Songguo’s wife.
She said quietly to Huihui: “Look, so many people are going over. If I take you, it won’t be conspicuous.”
Lan Hui turned her head away. Zhu Shi, helpless, looked at Lan Shanjun: “Would you like to come look around with me?”
Lan Shanjun shook her head, “Mother, I’ll just sit here and drink some fruit wine.”
Zhu Shi felt disappointed in her and could only give up, continuing to drink sullenly. Then she looked enviously toward Duke Songguo’s wife.
It was crowded with people there—completely different from the desolation here.
After watching for a while, she suddenly frowned, looking at Lan Shanjun and saying quietly: “Duke Yuguo’s youngest daughter moves and speaks very much like you.”
Lan Shanjun had been waiting for the Imperial Grand Prince. Hearing this, she was startled and looked toward the crowd. Indeed, she saw Yu Yu.
At this time, she hadn’t yet become the Song family’s second young madam, hadn’t yet competed with her in schemes. Now she appeared joyful, speaking with Duke Songguo’s wife, her manner crisp and generous—very likable.
Lan Shanjun’s gentle manner was learned from her mother; her capable manner was learned from Yu Yu.
Though the two didn’t get along, Lan Shanjun really liked her personality.
So she learned from her. But didn’t learn the essence.
She averted her gaze and smiled: “Perhaps similar temperaments.”
Zhu Shi found it curious, “This is really… If one didn’t know, they’d think you two were sisters.”
Lan Hui was unhappy, “Sixth Sister and I are the real sisters.”
Zhu Shi laughed, “No one said you weren’t.”
Not far away, the Imperial Grand Prince arrived at the Song residence with Prince Qi’s heir and Prince Wei’s heir.
He had been “dragged” along.
Prince Qi’s heir had his eye on Song Zhiwei; Prince Wei’s heir favored Song’s Third Young Master. Both were willing to give face to the Song family. But coming alone would be too obvious, so they both used him as an excuse, having him come along.
The Imperial Grand Prince had smilingly agreed. With their status, and being married men, it wasn’t appropriate to go below. So Duke Songguo respectfully led the Imperial Grand Prince and Prince Qi’s heir upstairs to rest—Prince Wei’s heir, being unmarried, dragged Song San downstairs to join the festivities.
This small building was subtly positioned behind the banquet area, not conspicuous, but opening the windows allowed a clear view of every detail below.
After Duke Songguo left, Prince Qi’s heir Qi Bai said quietly to the Imperial Grand Prince: “Elder Brother, I heard you’re recruiting Yu Qingwu? What are you thinking? Yu Qingwu… probably won’t be valued by Imperial Grandfather.”
The meaning was quite obvious. Yu Qingwu was Wu Qingchuan’s disciple. After Wu Qingchuan said he had inherited all his aspirations, this person was no longer clean in His Majesty’s eyes.
The Imperial Grand Prince smiled. Sometimes he didn’t quite understand how Abai thought. Clearly he and Uncle Qi were in a fight to the death, yet Abai sometimes implicitly sided with him, as if they were family. But to say he contested nothing and truly stood on his side—he was courting court officials everywhere without hesitation.
The Imperial Grand Prince said: “I’ve read his policy essays. Even if not the finest talent, he’s certainly no mediocrity. He works diligently and handles matters flexibly. I think he’s quite good.”
He added: “Moreover…”
He also adopted a heart-to-heart manner: “After all, he’s Wu Qingchuan’s disciple. For me… Wu Qingchuan isn’t close to me, but helping his disciple where I can is still worthwhile.”
Prince Qi’s heir fell silent. He had heard from his father about past events and knew the Late Crown Prince had been devoted to reform, ultimately earning His Majesty’s displeasure.
Father had also said: “Being a perfectly good Crown Prince—I don’t understand what he was thinking. Reform—what reform? The realm was already peaceful, already prosperous. He insisted it wasn’t good enough and caused so much trouble. How could your Imperial Grandfather be pleased?”
Wu Qingchuan had betrayed his former self to return to Luoyang. What about Yu Qingwu?
As Wu Qingchuan’s direct disciple, had he betrayed his own aspirations?
Prince Qi’s heir was deeply concerned: “Don’t let him deceive you.”
The Imperial Grand Prince couldn’t help laughing, patting his shoulder: “Abai, ah Abai—who could deceive me?”
Prince Qi’s heir sighed.
“People like him are merely ants trying to shake a tree. But people like him, once they get close, might reveal some advantages.”
Wasn’t the Late Crown Prince born opposing Imperial Grandfather? He too was gradually influenced by those around him. Imperial Grandfather sat high above, looking down on how someone like Yu Qingwu could influence a grandson who had studied the classics for over twenty years, but Prince Qi’s heir lived in Luoyang and had seen too many precedents.
He said, “Elder Brother, don’t dirty your shoes over a mere ant.”
The Imperial Grand Prince: “I understand.”
Prince Qi’s heir also recalled that Yu Qingwu and Lin Ji didn’t get along.
Would Elder Brother target Lin Ji because of Yu Qingwu?
But he didn’t dare ask this question.
When young, he had tried to remain balanced between Father and Elder Brother. After growing up and developing his own ambitions, he wanted to find a balance point among the three.
He sighed: “It’s not as carefree as childhood anymore.”
Hearing this, the Imperial Grand Prince only smiled slightly and said nothing.
His childhood hadn’t been carefree at all.
He had never forged another blade since then.
But…
The last blade he forged had returned to Luoyang.
In the bustling wealthy flower-filled gathering, he sat in the high tower, using a viewing tube to look through the lush foliage toward the young lady sitting in the crowd.
Her back was perfectly straight, her expression calm, carrying an innate heroic spirit as she slowly observed her surroundings. Her face showed no inferiority from humble origins but rather an air of natural composure. The crowd ahead was lively, yet she seemed to have no intention of joining in, just sitting quietly there, like… like an elder.
This wasn’t like Great-Uncle. At forty-plus, Great-Uncle’s temperament wasn’t exactly steady. Father used to say Great-Uncle was open-minded, content with what he had.
Though separated by distance, even the meticulous Imperial Grand Prince couldn’t see clearly, but her overall bearing didn’t shame Great-Uncle’s family. Then with some favoritism, he felt she truly resembled a mountain tiger—coiled and ready, her expression neither high nor low, only carrying a vital force pressing forward.
This was like Great-Uncle.
Watching Lan Shanjun, the Imperial Grand Prince found everything about her good. It was like seeing his own daughter grown into adulthood, graceful and upright, in the bloom of youth.
Next time visiting Imperial Grandmother, he could tell her about this. This young lady, worthy of being raised by Great-Uncle, was a child of the Duan family.
Just as he was about to put down the viewing tube, he saw her seemingly discover something, suddenly looking in this direction. The Imperial Grand Prince froze. Looking again, he saw her suddenly raised head lower again, as if she had merely looked up at birds flying in the sky.
He was momentarily stunned. Prince Qi’s heir asked curiously: “Elder Brother, what are you looking at?”
The Imperial Grand Prince smiled: “Watching Ayang. He’s still young, we brought him out, and with so many people today, better nothing happens.”
Prince Qi’s heir: “What could happen to him with Song San in the Song residence?”
He asked again: “What are they doing there?”
The Imperial Grand Prince: “Talking with Aji.”
Hearing the name Aji, Prince Qi’s heir felt displeased. He complained: “Father always says I don’t have his fierce spirit.”
But what did he need that fierce spirit for? He wasn’t an executioner!
The Imperial Grand Prince offered him the viewing tube: “See for yourself.”
Prince Qi’s heir wasn’t interested. He had no interest in these people. He had come today for Song Zhiwei: “I wonder what kind of family Duke Songguo will find for him.”
He sighed: “Someone like Song Zhiwei—those young ladies below must be competing fiercely for him?”
The Imperial Grand Prince didn’t care for that cold aloofness Song Zhiwei carried: “Probably will marry someone from an ordinary family. Duke Songguo is clear-headed.”
With such overwhelming power, how could he bear another connection to powerful nobility?
Prince Qi’s heir: “That would truly be unworthy of him. He appears scholarly on the surface but is scholarly to the bone. I heard he only has one servant attending him, never heard of any concubines. For women, this is the best situation—just like you and Elder Sister-in-law.”
Yet he worried: “But he’s really difficult to approach. I’ve been so courteous, yet he hasn’t warmed to me much. Look at his third brother though—as soon as Ayang arrives, he rushes to ingratiate himself, wishing he could move into Ayang’s residence as an advisor that very day.”
The Imperial Grand Prince: “If Song Zhiwei were like that, you wouldn’t spend effort on him. Just endure it.”
He said meaningfully: “Capable people naturally have some pride.”
Prince Qi’s heir said: “No matter how capable, why be proud before us?”
The Imperial Grand Prince smiled: “You’re still the same. Since you want to win him over, do it properly. Why harbor resentment?”
Then he refused to say more, affecting a weary manner: “When can we leave?”
Prince Qi’s heir: “Wait a bit longer…”
He still wanted to say a few words to Song Zhiwei. But Song Zhiwei never came upstairs. Should he go down?
That would make him too cheap.
Prince Qi’s heir felt awkward in front of the Imperial Grand Prince: “Wait… wait for Ayang to come up. He hasn’t arranged marriage yet—maybe he’ll actually find a wife today.”
The Imperial Grand Prince nodded with a smile: “Alright then, let’s wait a bit more.”
…
At the banquet, Lan Shanjun held a cup of tea, her mind made up.
She had thought the Imperial Grand Prince would speak at the opposite gathering, and with his status, they would have to pay respects. That way they would meet. If they could encounter each other in a secluded spot, she also wanted to say a few words, testing his attitude.
People in the same boat—if he sank, she died. If they could help each other somewhat, it meant one more path to survival. Though she lacked talent, she had lived ten extra years. Perhaps there were things she could be useful for.
To say nothing else, just regarding the Grand Princess Consort.
The Grand Princess Consort was a niece from the old monk’s wife’s maternal family. She heard the old monk had been very fond of her as a child.
Though Lan Shanjun didn’t know specifically how she died, she knew it was from sudden illness. But in palace affairs, whether illness or “sudden” illness—who could say for certain?
She knew the approximate time of the Grand Princess Consort’s death. If they became acquainted, perhaps she could mitigate some danger.
But the Imperial Grand Prince, like in the previous life, didn’t appear.
That meant he was unwilling to meet her and wanted to remain hidden in the shadows.
Lan Shanjun couldn’t help sighing.
She pondered deeply, glancing again at the small pavilion not far away, helplessly picking up a pastry to eat when she noticed a commotion across the way.
Lan Hui said curiously: “Sixth Sister, it seems Prince Wei’s heir is quarreling with someone.”
Hearing this, Lan Shanjun looked over, just in time to see Prince Wei’s heir slap a young man. That side began pushing and shoving. Instantly several tables fell to the ground. Prince Wei’s heir pressed the person down and beat him. That person didn’t dare fight back, only protected his face with his hands.
Lan Hui frowned: “How can he beat someone like that?”
At least this was a banquet. Even without giving face to the victim, they should give face to the hosts.
Lan Shanjun thought for a moment and stood up, taking Huihui’s hand to follow several young ladies closer to watch. Zhu Shi had been lost in thought. Suddenly noticing everyone had run off, she became frantic and could only follow: “Come back and sit properly.”
Lan Shanjun smiled: “Mother, don’t panic. Look, they’ve all come too.”
Everyone loved spectacle.
Luoyang’s women especially so. Though there was a curfew, with residences close by, surely people could still go out?
Ladies and misses from various families loved to gather after curfew with wine jars, drinking and gossiping together.
Lan Shanjun had drunk several times with Lady Anle across the street—even the old Song matriarch had to suffer defeat against Lady Anle. When together, they would exchange veiled barbs back and forth.
Seeing everyone had indeed come, Zhu Shi felt reassured and asked quietly: “What happened?”
In her youth, she too loved watching excitement.
Lan Hui: “Seems Fifth Young Master from Minister Wang’s family said something to offend Prince Wei’s heir… But even so, he shouldn’t beat someone publicly.”
Zhu Shi sighed: “That’s just his bad luck. Anyone who crosses Prince Wei’s heir has bad luck.”
Lan Shanjun agreed with this. Prince Wei’s heir had such problems—he was boastful, loved seizing things, killed indiscriminately, yielded to no one when conflicts arose. He’d even been impeached by the Censorate—for beating Lin Ji.
The Grand Prince, Prince Qi, and Prince Wei’s three families appeared harmonious on the surface, but privately, none held back. Especially Prince Qi—even His Majesty had reportedly scolded him for ruthless conduct.
Prince Wei found Prince Qi troublesome, but after Prince Wei’s heir was born, Prince Wei’s residence had begun competing for imperial favor. The Emperor favored his youngest son somewhat, which extended to doting on his young grandson. Thus Prince Wei’s heir feared no one, especially not the notoriously arrogant Lin Ji.
She remembered the two had seemed to fight over something in the Jixian Hall. Lin Ji had said something harsh, and Prince Wei’s heir struck. But that was far from all.
The two had long had a grudge, having kept women in Yangliu Lane.
The same woman. First kept by Prince Wei’s heir, later stolen by Lin Ji.
As if cuckolding Prince Wei’s heir meant winning.
Lan Shanjun knew this because after Prince Wei’s heir beat Lin Ji that year, Duke Songguo had used family punishment on Song’s Third Young Master.
Song San was already Prince Wei’s heir’s man then and naturally had been present. He shouted: “I had no choice! His woman was bedded for so many years. Now he wants to beat someone—could I not follow? I did try to stop him!”
Duke Songguo laughed in fury, personally tied him up and threw him at Marquis Boyuan’s gate before leaving. Marquis Boyuan didn’t dare do anything to him.
At that time, Song family’s Third Young Madam Zhe Dai had said cheerfully at home: “Hey, isn’t this called bearing the thorns to apologize?”
Zhe Dai was from Yunzhou, didn’t love reading, and used idioms poorly. Song San considered himself debonair and elegant, got along poorly with her, and they quarreled frequently.
The old Song matriarch was crying. Hearing this, she scolded: “What nonsense are you talking? Put away that unseemly expression!”
Zhe Dai wasn’t bothered at all: “Mother, rest assured. He deserved that beating. It was good for him. If Father didn’t beat him, I would have.”
Lan Shanjun really liked her attitude of not taking things to heart—but she couldn’t learn it.
She had developed a habit of overthinking.
The farce ahead had subsided. Everyone walked back. Duke Songguo’s wife smiled: “Young men—they fight on impulse, then reconcile in a few days.”
A madam chimed in: “Yes, didn’t we pull each other’s hair ornaments when we were young?”
Everyone laughed. Zhu Shi lagged behind a few steps, keeping distance from those ahead, appearing unwilling to curry favor—since Huihui absolutely refused to go over, having lost substance, she still had to maintain appearances.
Lan Hui was still indignant: “Is it just glossed over like that?”
She clenched her fists, looking at Lan Shanjun, seeking validation. But she saw her staring blankly.
Lan Hui shook her hand: “Sixth Sister?”
Lan Shanjun came to her senses and shook her head: “It’s nothing.”
She had only, upon seeing the old Song matriarch, suddenly had a thought: using force against force.
She had done it to the old Song matriarch. Why couldn’t she do it to Lin Ji?
All principles in the world should connect. All military stratagems should connect too.
That year, Prince Wei’s heir had only beaten Lin Ji once, reportedly breaking a rib. What about breaking his skull?
Some things—one couldn’t start thinking about them.
Just like her butchering pigs.
At first she didn’t dare kill, but wanting pork, having the thought in mind, she couldn’t control it.
Others could kill pigs—why couldn’t she?
In summer, rain fell outside. The old monk sat beside her fanning her and swatting mosquitoes, encouraging: “If you want to kill, just kill. Why hesitate? Shanjun, some things seem difficult before doing them, but after doing them you realize they’re simple. Don’t be afraid. You have a blade—how could you fear failing to kill a pig? Even if you start poorly, it’s just inexperienced technique.”
Lan Shanjun’s heart grew fervent, yet she didn’t dare be rash.
The matter of Lin Ji and Prince Wei’s heir competing over a woman—knowing about it now was useless, she couldn’t exert influence. But she could tell Yu Qingwu. If Lin Ji already had a habit of cuckolding people, it could certainly be exploited.
Lan Shanjun took a deep breath and exhaled, realizing these ten years hadn’t been lived in vain.
Lan Hui looked curiously: “Sixth Sister, what are you doing?”
Lan Shanjun smiled: “The flowers are fragrant.”
“Luoyang’s flowers are like brocade—the reputation is well deserved.”
—
At Old Madam Shou’s residence, Nanny Qian glanced at Yu Qingwu helping dig the ground, snorted softly, and said sarcastically: “So many people at the Song residence today, nearly all the talented young men went. Wonder if Shanjun found anyone she fancied.”
Yu Qingwu’s hand holding the hoe paused. He changed direction and continued digging, his back to Nanny Qian.
Nanny Qian brought over a bucket of water to pour, standing opposite him: “Oh my, Young Master Yu, dig slower—don’t dig too deep—why so forceful! No one’s stealing your soil!”
Yu Qingwu smiled helplessly and bitterly: “Alright.”
Seeing this, Nanny Qian felt pity. She carried the water away and sat before Old Madam Shou to complain: “It’s all Wu Qingchuan’s fault. Teaching nothing good, teaching people to become monks instead! This is a lifetime matter.”
Old Madam Shou teased: “Aren’t you just a servant? How dare you speak Minister Wu’s full name?”
Nanny Qian glared at her: “I’m anxious inside—stop with the sarcastic remarks!”
She said: “Both children suffer, yet they can talk to each other. If they could live together, they’d likely be happier.”
The old woman’s wisdom accumulated over decades: “For Shanjun, marrying into high nobility would be good, but with her personality, after marrying in she’d be too exhausted, bustling about her whole life. In the end she might not even know what she’s been busy with.”
“If she liked wealth and glory, I’d say nothing. But she’s good-hearted. When Young Master Su died, she could have avoided coming, yet came sincerely anyway. I see she has good judgment and doesn’t blindly love that wealth.”
Being so, Yu Qingwu would actually be a good husband.
But both had to agree.
Old Madam Shou was more relaxed: “Young people’s affairs—better for old folks not to interfere too much.”
Just as she spoke, a young maid came over smiling: “Miss Lan Six has arrived.”
Oh my! Nanny Qian immediately stood up and called loudly: “Shanjun is here! I’ll go greet her!”
After she left, Old Madam Shou smiled at the sweat-covered Yu Qingwu: “Nanny Qian just loves worrying about you two. Don’t blame her.”
Yu Qingwu shook his head: “Since childhood without father or mother, only receiving Teacher’s kindness could I…”
Now Teacher wasn’t close either. Having someone care about him made him happy inside.
He too felt troubled and said with difficulty: “It’s just that some things, once started, can’t be stopped—harming others and oneself.”
Old Madam Shou didn’t console him, only saying: “Life has choices we make ourselves. Having a clear conscience is enough. If you insist, then insist, as long as you don’t regret it.”
Yu Qingwu was about to say he didn’t regret it when he saw Lan Shanjun approaching with Nanny Qian. She seemed happier today, her eyes carrying a smile. Looking closer, perhaps because she’d hurried over, fine beads of sweat appeared on her face, making her look rosy and fresh.
Those three words wouldn’t come out. Seeing Lan Shanjun bow to Old Madam Shou then walk toward him, his heart suddenly lifted, his breath catching.
He even looked around wildly—checking if mud had gotten on his shoes, if his face was stained with dust from digging, if the uneven ground he’d dug earlier while stepping deep and shallow looked messy. Finally, when Lan Shanjun reached him, he barely had time to check if the sweat covering him stank.
Men’s sweat stinks—of course he knew.
Yu Qingwu felt chagrined, stepping back slightly, pulling at his clothes for ventilation.
Love arises from unknown origins, deepening unto death.
Though not yet deeply in love, having desire made him constrained and awkward.
People always hoped they could be better.
He lowered his head: “Miss Shanjun.”
Lan Shanjun smiled: “Minister Yu.”
Nanny Qian looked at this one, looked at that one, her thoughts turning again, smiling: “Miss Shanjun, didn’t you go to the Song residence to view flowers?”
Lan Shanjun: “I did view flowers, but there were many people. I didn’t really see much.”
She said softly: “But I did see some excitement.”
Nanny Qian: “What excitement?”
Lan Shanjun: “Prince Wei’s heir beat someone.”
Old Madam Shou frowned: “Who is he bullying now?”
Lan Shanjun: “Don’t know—didn’t recognize him, but should be a minor official’s son.”
Old Madam Shou sighed: “That Ayang…”
Lan Shanjun didn’t continue. She said: “I haven’t come for several days. Passing by from the Song residence with the carriage available, I told Mother I’d come see you.”
Old Madam Shou: “Very good. Stay for dinner and I’ll have someone take you home.”
Nanny Qian said happily at the side: “I’ll cook personally.”
Lan Shanjun stood up: “I can’t just eat without working. I’ll help dig?”
Oh my! A young lady digging—what for? But looking at Yu Qingwu standing there like a dumb melon, Nanny Qian nodded: “Don’t tire yourself!”
Lan Shanjun: “I won’t. In Huailing, the temple grounds were all planted too.”
Nanny Qian: “Growing your own means no worries about food. Saves buying whatever you want to eat—who knows what’s in those vegetable leaves? I love growing my own to eat.”
Lan Shanjun: “Exactly so.”
She went to dig.
Yu Qingwu didn’t dare hand over the hoe.
Lan Shanjun: “My strength might be greater than yours.”
Yu Qingwu firmly refused to give the hoe. He said: “You water?”
Lan Shanjun had words for him anyway—what she did didn’t matter. She said: “Alright.”
Yu Qingwu went to fetch water for her, washing the ladle clean before giving it to her.
But doing this, when digging he inevitably had concerns, fearing soil would splash on her shoes, fearing dust would stain her face, fearing she’d sweat too much.
Of course, women’s sweat is fragrant.
He just feared tiring her.
His thoughts turned a hundred times; Lan Shanjun didn’t notice. After walking some distance, farther from Old Madam Shou, she finally spoke quietly: “Minister Yu.”
Yu Qingwu hummed sullenly.
Lan Shanjun: “Today at the Song residence, I saw something.”
Yu Qingwu thought she meant Prince Wei’s heir beating someone. He said: “I just heard.”
Lan Shanjun shook her head: “I saw Lin Ji.”
Yu Qingwu suddenly looked up.
He looked at her: “Lin Ji?”
Lan Shanjun: “Yes.”
She said quietly: “I saw him seem to have some conflict with Prince Wei’s heir.”
Yu Qingwu was so intelligent—he understood her meaning almost instantly, his heart skipping a beat. His hand gently pressed on the ladle she held: “You didn’t do anything, did you?”
Lan Shanjun shook her head: “No.”
“I only paid special attention to Lin Ji because of Master Su’s matter. Seeing him clash with Prince Wei’s heir, I watched a few more times. But Prince Wei’s heir caused such a big scene today, many people looked over. I was mixed among them—nothing happened.”
Yu Qingwu somehow felt his heart rolling and burning. His hands trembling on the ladle, he said: “Miss Shanjun, whatever matters there are, I should bear them. You’re unrelated to this—you shouldn’t be dragged in.”
She’d been about to live well, but because he’d frantically sought her out that day, her impending life of wealth gained another burden of grief.
This foolish girl.
He thought he could never repay her kindness.
But because of these words, knowing someone else wanted Lin Ji to pay with his life, constantly watching, constantly helping, letting him know he wasn’t alone—his heart couldn’t help but lighten somewhat.
Lan Shanjun understood his current heart. She looked at him the same way.
She said: “I heard a saying before.”
Yu Qingwu’s voice was almost tender enough to drip water: “What saying?”
Lan Shanjun: “For something to succeed completely, it doesn’t depend on how capable you are, but on what mistakes the opponent makes.”
“That mistake must be fatal.”
She said: “Lin Ji is arrogant, Prince Wei’s heir is arrogant. Two people at swords drawn—one must get hurt.”
As she watered while speaking these words, Yu Qingwu couldn’t help but pause. He thought—this wasn’t her first time wanting Lin Ji’s life.
She must have pondered many thoughts, deliberating daily, to have such calm in saying these words now.
But he didn’t dare let her intervene. He walked over, saying softly: “I know what to do, I have methods—”
But he must have failed.
Because many years later she still saw Lin Ji.
Lan Shanjun smiled: “I meant nothing else. I just knew about this and had to tell you.”
She said: “Someone like Lin Ji—no matter how discordant normally, surely he’d pretend. Why didn’t he pretend this time?”
Lan Shanjun’s eyes widened.
She said: “There might be things we don’t know about in this.”
Yu Qingwu’s grip grew tighter and tighter. He held his breath: “I’ll definitely investigate thoroughly.”
For nothing else but her sincere heart.
This person was most genuine and lovable.
The two interacted back and forth, one hoeing and one watering. Watching Nanny Qian bring over dishes, her heart bloomed with joy. She patted Old Madam Shou’s shoulder: “Look, look—how well-matched they are!”
The old woman’s heart was truly more excited than theirs.
But even more exciting things followed.
After eating, Lan Shanjun deliberately stayed behind, saying: “Nanny Qian, I’ll help you carry the bowls to wash.”
Nanny Qian was about to refuse when she saw her expression indicating she had something to say.
She said: “Good!”
They’d just walked a short distance when she couldn’t help it: “Miss Shanjun, what is it?”
Lan Shanjun smiled: “I’d like to ask Nanny to help arrange a match for me.”
Nanny Qian’s steps halted, her heart bitter: Could she have met someone at the Song residence today?
She looked downcast: “Who?”
Lan Shanjun: “Minister Yu.”
Nanny Qian dropped the bowl in her hands, her face blooming: “Yu Qingwu?”
Lan Shanjun: “Yes, Yu Qingwu.”
She said softly: “I admire his character and developed feelings.”
She smiled bashfully: “Shuzhou women aren’t so particular about these things. Don’t think it strange, Nanny.”
One corner of Nanny Qian’s mouth stretched to the Western Buddha, the other to the Eastern Dao Ancestor. Floating on both sides wanting to become immortal, neither would let her mouth close.
She had to cover her mouth with her hand, teeth opening and closing: “I think you’re well-matched too!”
Lan Shanjun couldn’t help but smile along with her.
This really seemed like a joyful matter.
It had been so long since anything good happened.