The study fell silent for a moment. Luo Shenyuan asked, “What did you say?”
“It’s about that Lin Mao fellow,” Lin Hairu replied. “I mentioned him to Yining, but she didn’t say anything. I’m not sure what she’s thinking…”
Lin Hairu looked up and noticed Luo Shenyuan’s strange expression. It wasn’t exactly strange, but in the candlelight, the lines from his straight nose to his chin seemed tense.
He then reached for his teacup and said, “The Duke of Ying has long had plans for Yining’s marriage. You shouldn’t interfere in their family affairs. As for Lin Mao, I find his personality too carefree. He’s not a reliable man to entrust with Yining’s future. What if he suddenly decides to become an alchemist or a Taoist priest on a whim? What would Yining do then?”
Hearing this, Lin Hairu recalled how Lin Mao had once burned down half a street of shops in Yangzhou. She had to admit Luo Shenyuan had a point. Still, she couldn’t help but wonder, “The Duke of Ying’s family has a long and distinguished lineage. I’ve noticed Wei Ling seems to value Yining. Who has he chosen for her?”
Luo Shenyuan looked at his mother and said, “Weren’t you going to keep Nan’er company?”
Why was he being so secretive?
Lin Hairu felt a bit disappointed. If Yining’s elders had already made plans, Lin Mao’s efforts would be in vain.
After Lin Hairu left, Luo Shenyuan sat back in his chair, gazing silently at the night sky through the window.
The weather had turned hot since the start of summer. Outside, cicadas and crickets were chirping, making the Luming Hall seem even quieter in contrast. The sound of leaves rustling in the night breeze was audible. In the night, he suddenly remembered his childhood. An old nanny had taken care of him then. One night, when his room ran out of lamp oil, the old nanny had gone to fetch his dinner in the dark. She fell at the doorway, paralyzing half her body. She passed away a few days later.
As a child, he had no one to care for him. A maid carried him to Old Madam Luo’s room. He watched in the brightly lit room where his baby sister, a tiny pink bundle, sat in Old Madam Luo’s lap, being spoon-fed milk porridge. Old Madam Luo didn’t say whether she wanted to see him or not. He stood outside the latticed door, feeling increasingly lonely in the darkness.
The old nanny who had raised him was gone too. It felt as if no one wanted him.
Even now, though his father valued him and Xu Wei appreciated him, Luo Shenyuan knew all too well that no one truly liked him for who he was. Luo Chengzhang wanted a capable eldest son from a concubine to manage the household. The Qingliu faction was weak, and Xu Wei needed someone like him who was ruthless and unscrupulous. How else could they contend with people like Wang Yuan?
Yining surely didn’t know how happy it made him when she clung to him as a child. Although he appeared impatient with her affection, that feeling of loneliness gradually faded. That’s why he wanted to hold onto her tightly as if he had nothing else in the world but her.
If she were to marry, she would undoubtedly devote herself to her husband and children, with no room left in her heart for her brother.
Luo Shenyuan closed his eyes.
His hand gripped the teacup tightly, his expression momentarily betraying an unmistakable coldness.
Outside, several young maids were chattering. Yining frowned at the noise and called them in. They were still young girls with hair in twin buns, recently bought into the household and not yet trained in proper etiquette. Hearing that the young miss had summoned them, they entered with bowed heads, one after another.
Yining scolded them briefly before dismissing them. As she sipped her soup, she heard Pearl say with a laugh, “Miss, that Lin cousin seems quite carefree in his ways.”
Luo Yining replied, “He’s quite the nonconformist. There may not be any deeper meaning to his actions, but causing trouble for others is what he does best.”
She decided not to dwell on Lin Qingtian’s behavior, lest it frustrate her to no end.
Putting Lin Mao out of her mind, Luo Yining asked Songzhi to bring her paper and brush. She intended to write a letter to Wei Ling. She wondered how he was faring in Xuanfu. Military campaigns were grueling, with constant marching and makeshift camps. As the commander, Wei Ling bore even greater pressure.
All correspondence with the frontier had to pass through inspection at relay stations before being sent out. Yining didn’t write much about her personal affairs, only inquiring about his well-being. Hearing footsteps approach, she said, “Pearl, you’ve come at the right time. Please hand me the envelope on the table.”
A hand extended before her, the envelope resting in its palm.
Yining looked up in surprise to see Luo Shenyuan standing there. She took the envelope and began folding the letter, saying, “Third Brother, why didn’t you announce yourself when you came to see me?”
“I didn’t want to disturb you,” Luo Shenyuan replied, taking a few steps forward to sit across from her.
Yining looked up and noticed a cold glint in his eyes. His handsome features appeared even more defined in the night’s shadows. Even when silent, he exuded an imposing presence. Yining suddenly felt a touch of envy for her future sister-in-law; her third brother was indeed an exceptional man.
Luo Yining handed him the letter. “Since you’re here, please help me send this out.” She stepped out to ask a maid to bring tea for Luo Shenyuan. When she returned, she saw him holding the go bowls she had left on the side table. “It’s been a while since we played. Let’s have a couple of games and see if your skills have improved in the past two years.”
Though Luo Yining was already feeling drowsy, seeing his wide-awake demeanor, she took the black stones. As they began to play, she asked, “How is the case you’re working on? I heard the man you arrested has died.” Remembering the man’s gruesome fate and looking at her third brother’s slender hands gently placing stones on the board, Yining felt a moment of dissonance.
This man was not just her third brother, but Luo Shenyuan. Utterly cold and ruthless. It was then that she truly realized the depth of his nature. Knowing something in your heart and witnessing it firsthand were entirely different experiences.
Luo Shenyuan answered, “The case will be concluded in two days.”
Yining was puzzled. Hadn’t it been described as a difficult case? But before she could inquire further, he changed the subject, “I heard from Mother that Lin Mao sent you many flower pots today?”
Yining just smiled. “Cousin Mao’s actions are always unpredictable. Why bother trying to understand them?”
He looked up to see Yining leaning against a pillow, her smile appearing somewhat lazy in the dim candlelight. Her unbound long hair fell softly over her chest, making her look different from usual. Yining was growing increasingly drowsy, resting her chin on one hand while placing stones with the other. She said to him, “It’s not good for you to be alone… The household management is in disarray.”
Luo Shenyuan toyed with a stone in silence. When he looked up again, he realized the little girl had fallen asleep mid-sentence.
She must have been exhausted!
Usually so reluctant to move, only those close to her would know this side of her.
The stone in his hand fell quietly onto the board with a soft tap. It was a losing move, but no one was left to scrutinize the game.
Luo Shenyuan stood up and slowly walked to her side, bending down to look at her face. A few strands of hair clung to her cheeks. Asleep, she still had a hint of childlike innocence. Her rosy lips and soft breathing seemed to carry a mysterious sweet fragrance, though he couldn’t identify the scent.
Now that she was asleep, she was unaware of everything.
He reached out and gently held her chin, tilting her face up slightly and brushing away the strands of hair from her cheek.
She had grown even more beautiful, not just pretty, but with a touch of allure. Luo Shenyuan understood all too well what this meant for men. Without someone to protect her, it could invite trouble.
Usually, he dared not get too close to her, but now he slowly caressed her cheek with his hand, then lowered his head.
In her sleep, Yining felt a slight warmth on her brow.
The sensation was somewhat tingly.
Lin Hairu had finally put Nan’er to sleep and was planning to talk with Yining, hoping to learn more about the husband the Duke of Ying had chosen for her. A maid supported her as she stood in the corridor. Darkness surrounded them, with slanted candlelight streaming from the study. Lin Hairu peered through the side of the curtain and saw Luo Shenyuan holding Yining’s face. Yining seemed to be asleep, her face resting unguardedly in his palm.
They were extremely close.
As she thought this posture strange, wondering why they were alone so late, she saw Luo Shenyuan lower his head. Then the candle’s shadow flickered.
She widened her eyes in shock, unconsciously gripping Ruixiang’s wrist tightly. What was Luo Shenyuan doing?!
He was seven years older than Yining, and she was the sister he had watched grow up! Moreover, he was about to be engaged to the Sun family’s daughter. How could he harbor such feelings for Yining? No wonder he had been so evasive when she asked, and his attitude seemed so strange when she mentioned Lin Mao earlier.
Ruixiang, though in pain from the tight grip, dared not make a sound.
In the darkness of night, it seemed as if all barriers had fallen away, revealing hidden truths that left Lin Hairu breathless.
She turned quickly, with Ruixiang hurrying after her as they left the courtyard. The matron guarding the door was puzzled by her hasty departure. “Madam, what’s wrong? Why are you leaving in such a hurry?”
Lin Hairu said nothing. Once back in her room, Ruixiang immediately poured her some tea.
Nan’er still lay sleeping on the arhat bed, his tiny hands and feet sprawled out, his delicate face nestled against the brocade quilt. The child was in deep sleep.
Since giving birth to Nan’er, Lin Hairu has developed a sense of maternal strength. Seeing her sleeping son finally calmed her. After checking that the child’s back wasn’t sweaty, she sat dazed on the bed, then said through gritted teeth, “Go send a message. Tell the Third Young Master to come see me!”
As Luo Shenyuan left the courtyard, the matron told him that the Second Madam had come by earlier and sent a maid to request his presence.
He nodded expressionlessly and headed towards Lin Hairu’s quarters.
Lin Hairu waited for him in the main hall, having dismissed the servants. When he arrived, she approached him and coldly asked, “What exactly are you planning?”
“You saw what you saw. There’s nothing more to say,” Luo Shenyuan replied calmly. “It’s just as you witnessed.”
Lin Hairu felt she was making the boldest move of her life. Hearing this, her blood rushed to her head, and she uncontrollably raised her hand, slapping him hard across the face. The slap was loud, causing Luo Shenyuan’s head to turn sharply. After striking him, she trembled, either from fear or agitation. “You… What about the Sun family’s daughter? She’s waited for you for so many years! What about Yining? What are you thinking?!”
Luo Shenyuan slowly wiped the corner of his mouth. It had been a long time since anyone dared to hit him. But he wouldn’t retaliate against Lin Hairu. He looked up and said, “The Sun family will break off the engagement.”
Lin Hairu stared at him in shock.
Luo Shenyuan continued, “Once they learn of the things I’ve done, the Sun family will surely break off the engagement. I’ve accepted your slap. You may do as you please. There’s no need to mention the Sun family to me again.”
With that, he walked out of the main hall. His tall figure gradually disappeared into the night, leaving Lin Hairu with a new assessment of this eldest son registered under her name.
She collapsed into the armchair.
The next morning, Yining heard that Lin Hairu and her third brother had a conflict the previous night, but she didn’t know the reason. Pearl only told her, “…The conflict happened after he left your room. You were asleep last night, so you probably don’t know about it.”
She was puzzled. She knew Lin Hairu well enough to know she would never conflict with her third brother.
When Luo Yining finished washing up and went to see Lin Hairu, the wet nurse was feeding Nan’er, whose little cheeks puffed in and out as he nursed contentedly.
Lin Hairu hadn’t slept well and was yawning as she spoke to Yining, “Madam Sun will be visiting soon, along with some other ladies living nearby. They sent cards early to congratulate us on moving into our new home.” She didn’t mention the previous night’s events at all. Instead, she led Yining to her dressing table to show her some jewelry she had collected.
Women always had endless topics to discuss about such things. By the time the sun was high, Madam Sun’s carriage arrived. Lin Hairu had sent cards to all the neighbors when she moved in, and several other ladies came to visit as well.
This was Luo Yining’s first time meeting Madam Sun, who seemed more reserved than Sun Congwan. Only upon learning that Yining was from the Duke of Ying’s family did she give her a second look, hesitantly saying, “I’ve heard that you were originally fostered in the Luo family?”
These Qingliu faction families always valued scholarship and looked down on powerful noble houses. Madam Sun wasn’t familiar with the Duke of Ying’s family.
Lin Hairu smiled and said, “She was raised by our Old Madam.”
Madam Sun nodded, taking a piece of cake from a jade plate but not eating it. She smiled and said, “Congwan isn’t feeling well, so I didn’t let her come. The child has been practicing calligraphy at home lately, and I’ve noticed significant improvement. Her half-sisters have all taken her writing samples to practice.”
Faced with a topic she wasn’t skilled in, Lin Hairu could only smile stiffly or, as Yining had taught her, nod or ask a question to appear knowledgeable. As noon approached and the stage was set up, someone came with another visiting card: “…Madam Xie from the neighboring Jiuqu Hutong has sent a card to congratulate you on moving in.”
The other ladies seemed surprised. “Madam Xie from Grand Scholar Xie’s family?”
Lin Hairu was still unfamiliar with the people in the capital. One of the ladies informed her, “You don’t know Madam Xie? She’s an officially ranked second-grade lady, bestowed by the late emperor. Her younger sister is the current Empress, and her family is very prestigious. Her daughter, Xie Yun, is a renowned talented lady in the capital.”
While Lin Hairu didn’t know Madam Xie, Yining was well aware of Xie Yun’s background. Not only was she Grand Scholar Xie’s granddaughter, but her aunt was also the current Empress. Their family had been prominent for centuries, with deep roots. It was no wonder Cheng Lang eventually married Xie Yun. This Madam Xie had been quite famous in the capital in her earlier years.
Lin Hairu ordered someone to invite them in. From a distance, Yining saw a woman in a brocade jacket with gold filigree headdress step out of a sedan chair, followed by a young woman with beautiful phoenix eyes – none other than Xie Yun, the second miss of the Xie family. The two were escorted by servants as they approached.
Madam Xie, holding a high position, commanded respect without even trying. The other ladies were nervous speaking to her, but fortunately, Lin Hairu was too oblivious to feel intimidated.
Xie Yun frowned slightly upon seeing Luo Yining.
Xie Yun frowned slightly upon seeing Luo Yining. There was always a difference between legitimate and illegitimate children, especially since Yining was adopted. While others might see her as noble, to Xie Yun, she had an ordinary background. Nonetheless, considering their old acquaintance, Xie Yun gave her a faint smile and nodded. “Yining, it’s been a long time.”
Luo Yining, knowing Xie Yun’s usual arrogance, stood up, returned the greeting, and smiled without saying anything.
Lady Xie, having some connection with Old Lady Wei, inquired about her health. Yining replied that she was doing well. Lady Xie then chatted idly with Lin Hairu, saying, “… From now on, we’ll be neighbors, so there will be plenty of opportunities to talk. Let’s become friends today.”
She then had her servants bring out a gift. Lin Hairu, accustomed to such gestures, accepted the gift and changed the topic, “I see that the second Miss Xie has come of age. With her talents, it must be difficult to find a suitable match.”
Lady Xie glanced at her daughter and had her sit by her side. “Many families have proposed, but her grandfather has turned them all down. Recently, I took her to the palace to see the Empress, who also promised to keep an eye out… She is our precious daughter, and we cannot let her be wronged. But I wonder what kind of match she is looking for!”
Hearing her mother bring up marriage, Xie Yun blushed slightly and pursed her lips, “Mother, you’re teasing me again, just like you and Aunt.”
Yining, having nothing to contribute to the conversation, gestured for her maid to bring her some pastries. She felt it was always safer to eat more and talk less.