Yining was forced to turn back and watch the scene unfold. Amid cheers from those around, Luo Shen Yuan finally accepted the wine offered by Lianxi and took a sip.
Noticing his youthful handsomeness and extraordinary composure, Lianxi felt her heart stir. She sat down on a round stool beside him and, seeing the untouched chess game in front of him, smiled and said, “I have some skill in chess. Would Lord Luo care to play a game with me?”
Her delicate white hand picked up a black piece.
Luo Shen Yuan’s smile remained unchanged, but his fingers toyed with the wine cup without speaking.
Someone nearby said, “Shen Yuan, you’re being too unromantic. When has Lianxi ever played chess with anyone? If you hadn’t come along this time, she probably wouldn’t have agreed to play even a single tune for us. Don’t disappoint the lady.”
After a long moment, Luo Shen Yuan set down his wine cup and took a white piece from the container. “In that case, please make the first move, Miss.”
Lianxi lightly tugged at her sleeve and slowly placed a piece on the jade board.
Yining’s tightly clenched hand gradually relaxed. She couldn’t see the details of the game clearly, but she noticed a hint of impatience cross Luo Shen Yuan’s face. His expression was subtle, but she knew that Lianxi’s chess skills must be poor. Her third brother disliked playing against unskilled opponents, considering it a waste of time. It seemed that those with exceptional talent were often like this.
His chess skills were unparalleled, yet he rarely played because he had no worthy opponents.
He would reluctantly play with Yining when teaching her, but normally he wouldn’t even glance at others playing.
After several moves, Lianxi’s expression grew increasingly serious. She held a piece, resting it against her chin as she pondered.
Cheng Lang watched silently, thinking to himself. How could she try to attract Luo Shen Yuan’s attention by playing chess? She was used to dealing with wealthy merchants full of flattery, not knowing her limits. She would need to be retrained.
Before long, Lianxi realized her mistake. This Lord Luo didn’t even need to think – she would spend ages contemplating a move, and he would immediately respond, then wait for her next move. Step by step, he cornered her, leaving her no chance to counterattack. She forced a smile and put the piece back, saying, “The grapes in the courtyard have ripened. I just sent someone to pick some. Please, gentlemen, enjoy some fresh grapes.”
Luo Shen Yuan tossed the remaining pieces back and picked up his wine cup again.
Hearing this, Cheng Lang seemed to remember something. He turned to Yining and asked, “Would you like some grapes? The ones here are a variety imported from the Western Regions. They couldn’t grow at first, but after great effort from the craftsmen, they finally bore fruit. They’re very sweet.”
Before Yining could reply, a plate of freshly washed grapes was brought up.
Lu Jiaxue glanced at him, knowing Cheng Lang wouldn’t be so kind to others without reason. It seemed his proposal to Yining had some sincerity behind it, which explained his embarrassment when Lu Jiaxue brought her in earlier.
His nephew, who usually flitted from flower to flower, actually had sincere feelings for once.
The grapes were quickly served in the adjacent room as well.
Lianxi washed her hands in a copper basin brought by a maid, then dried them with a perfumed silk handkerchief. She selected a grape from the plate of purple-red fruit, peeled it herself, and held it between her slender white fingers, offering it to Luo Shen Yuan’s lips.
Luo Shen Yuan looked up at her and smiled slightly.
Lianxi’s face suddenly flushed red. Someone nearby teased, “Miss Lianxi, don’t be like that. You should feed him mouth-to-mouth. He might not eat it otherwise.”
Hearing this, Lianxi became even more embarrassed. She was a famous performer, not a common prostitute from a brothel. She couldn’t bring herself to act so wantonly. But seeing Lord Luo’s expression, it seemed he wasn’t willing to eat even when she had peeled it for him.
Just as she placed the grape between her red lips, another round of cheers erupted, encouraging her further. As she was about to lean in, she suddenly heard Lord Luo’s extremely soft yet cold voice: “I advise you to stop here. If you go any further, I won’t be so polite.”
His voice was so close it seemed to be right in her ear, yet others hadn’t heard it at all.
Lianxi immediately sobered up. Looking into his eyes, she saw they were utterly devoid of emotion, despite his smiling face. She swallowed the grape and forced a smile, saying, “Gentlemen, please stop joking. This is going too far.”
Yining only vaguely saw him reject the woman.
Having seen enough, it was clear that Luo Shen Yuan found it difficult to be moved by these women. An ordinary man, faced with such a beauty offering to feed him, would likely have succumbed to temptation long ago. Cheng Lang gently closed the window. The clamor from the other side, muffled by the ivy, wasn’t loud enough for anyone to notice.
“Cousin, you mentioned earlier that this famous Lianxi has some connection to you?” Yining asked him.
Cheng Lang’s life had once been chaotic, with countless women sharing his bed – so many that he could hardly remember them all. He explained, “She wasn’t originally called this. She was only thirteen when she was sold as a courtesan-in-training. The tavern bought her freedom, and when I saw her, I gave her some guidance and renamed her. She’s clever and has made quite a name for herself.”
Girls from poor families couldn’t compare to ladies from noble houses like Yining. As courtesans-in-training, they were bought and sold from a young age, expected to excel in the four arts while also learning to please men. Becoming a concubine was the best outcome; otherwise, once their beauty faded, they faced a dead end.
Courtesans-in-training had it better, as they were at least trained to noble standards and entertained high-ranking officials and nobles. Those of average looks who were sold to brothels or underground brothels faced truly miserable fates.
“You’re fortunate not to have married your cousin,” Lu Jiaxue remarked casually, thinking of Cheng Lang’s romantic history. He couldn’t be bothered to manage such things, letting Cheng Lang do as he pleased – there would always be women lining up for him anyway.
He had merely brought Yining out of idle curiosity, to show her how Luo Shen Yuan typically conducted himself in social situations. It turned out he truly was untouchable, which was quite rare indeed.
Lu Jiaxue sipped his tea and asked with a low chuckle, “Did you find it entertaining?”
Very entertaining, indeed. Lu Jiaxue simply couldn’t bear to see her content. If Luo Shen Yuan had done something improper, her seemingly perfect marriage would have crumbled in an instant in his eyes.
Luo Yining smiled slowly and said, “Didn’t you say you were taking me home, Godfather?”
Lu Jiaxue stood up and beckoned, saying, “Take some of those grapes for your cousin to bring home.”
Watching Lu Jiaxue’s retreating figure, Cheng Lang suddenly had a strange thought about his words and actions toward Luo Yining. If one day Lu Jiaxue were to discover who Yining was, the scene would undoubtedly be spectacular – earth-shattering, even.
Yining returned home quite late that evening, and Lin Hairu had already sent someone to inquire about her.
Lu Jiaxue didn’t have the patience to escort her back himself, having lost interest and returned home. It was Cheng Lang who personally saw her at the Luo family gate. As Yining’s cousin, this was not inappropriate.
“Did he bring you there today because he’s discovered something?” Cheng Lang asked her.
Yining coldly replied, “He’s just insane.”
Of course, she couldn’t accept the grapes he offered. The flavor of these grapes was unique, found only at Cheng Lang’s establishment in the entire capital. Luo Shen Yuan would immediately know where she had been if he saw them. So she didn’t mention them at all, instead saying, “I didn’t know before that you owned such a large tavern.”
“It’s nothing special,” Cheng Lang smiled, then fell silent for a moment.
Remembering that she had seen Xie Yun earlier, Yining asked, “Have you and Xie Yun set a date for your wedding?”
“Yes, it’s set for the fifteenth of next month,” Cheng Lang seemed reluctant to say more, just looking at her with a clear, stubborn gaze.
Yining wanted to ask about Lian Fu’s child, but after hesitating, she decided not to. As she was about to step down from the carriage, Cheng Lang suddenly grabbed her hand.
Yining turned back, questioning, “Ah Lang?”
“Does he treat you well…” Cheng Lang closed his eyes briefly. In the dim light, only her jade-like profile was visible. He asked in a low voice, “If he doesn’t treat you well, you can come to me. I can still marry you, as long as you don’t mind.”
Yining felt a sharp pain in her heart.
Why did he have to be so humble? He was also a favored son of heaven.
Thinking of his future, Yining didn’t know what to say. She cared for him, but only as one would care for a younger relative. “He’s my third brother, of course, he treats me well. Ah Lang, you don’t need to say such things. You don’t.”
His deep affection only added to Yining’s pressure and guilt. She shouldn’t feel guilty, but she had a very soft spot for this child.
“After you marry Xie Yun, please treat her well,” Yining said. Although she didn’t like Xie Yun, she would be happy to see them in a harmonious marriage.
Cheng Lang remained silent for a long time, then turned his head away. “I understand. You should go now.”
Now, as she reclined on the chaise lounge, she felt utterly drained.
Yining’s study had been set up just a few days ago, with curio shelves and a pot of orchids on the high table by the window. She waited for Luo Shen Yuan for a while, but seeing that he hadn’t returned, she washed up and went to bed first.
When Luo Shen Yuan returned, it was already late at night. Candles were lit in the room. She was curled up in bed, sleeping soundly. He bent down to look at her features, the red birthmark at the tail of her eyebrow. He placed his hand on her cheek, feeling her warm, moist breath on his palm, tickling and tingling.
Yining caught the scent of alcohol. The hand resting on her cheek felt slightly rough, causing her to stir awake instinctively. “Third Brother, you’re back…”
“Mm, go back to sleep. It’s nothing,” Luo Shen Yuan said, seeing he had woken her. He lowered the bed curtains.
Yining’s consciousness gradually faded again.
The next day, Luo Shen Yuan had a day off from his official duties. When Yining returned from paying her respects in the main hall, she saw him reading under the eaves.
The autumn wind had risen, and the rooms were now furnished with velvet rugs and padded cushions, giving a warm and cozy appearance. Outside, fallen leaves covered the ground faster than the young maids responsible for sweeping could keep up. The sun shone on the leaves and eaves, casting everything in a golden hue. A plate of washed grapes sat beside him, untouched.
“Was Nan’er well-behaved today?” Luo Shen Yuan looked up and asked as she returned from paying respects.
He turned a page in his book.
“He ate two pieces of hawthorn cake, and then Yi Xiu took him to play in the main house,” Yining said, sitting down beside him.
Seeing the grapes, she was inexplicably reminded of the performer named Lianxi.
She reached out and plucked a grape from the plate. Staring at it for a moment, she thought how childish this was, like a pouting child. But Yining still peeled the grape and held it to his lips. With a slight smile, she said, “Third Brother, have a grape.”
Luo Shen Yuan looked up at her, wondering what game this little girl was playing today.
Her slender, milk-white fingers held the freshly peeled grape, which looked transparent and very sweet.
He leaned in slightly and took the grape from her fingers. Then he continued reading, “Mm, it’s quite sweet. Keep peeling.”
Yining didn’t want to peel anymore. She had only wanted to try it once. It was indeed a bit childish, and if he knew her thoughts, he would surely laugh at her. She shouldn’t have done this.
But she had to admit, seeing her Third Brother eat the grape she had fed him gave her an unusual sense of satisfaction.
There was still one more thing she hadn’t tried… Yining looked at the freshly peeled grape in her hand, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it.
Yining ate the peeled grape herself. Luo Shen Yuan looked up at her again: “Where’s the grape you peeled for me?”
He had a ‘why did you eat it yourself?’ expression.
Yining looked at his face – the thick, long eyebrows under the autumn sunlight, the straight nose bridge above beautifully curved lips.
Suddenly, she leaned in. Embracing his neck, she met his gaze and lightly touched his lips with her own. Her heart pounded furiously in that instant. She could feel the warmth of his breath, the heat of his clothes beneath her hands. His lips had a sweet grape fragrance.
Luo Shen Yuan didn’t push her away. Instead, the hand holding his book suddenly tightened, as if he were stunned.
Yining released him and tried to move away, but Luo Shen Yuan held her hand firmly. With a slight force, she fell into his arms. His book naturally dropped.
Luo Shen Yuan restrained her hands and said softly, “Yining, don’t tease me. You’re still young, understand?”
“I’m sorry. Do you want some grapes?”
Sitting in his lap, she hurriedly lifted the grape plate and smiled, “Shall I peel them for you?”
Luo Shen Yuan released her, letting her sit properly. He picked up the book that had fallen earlier and, to punish her, gestured, “Continue peeling the grapes.”
He resumed reading, though he couldn’t focus on a single word. His fingers traced the pages, his mind filled with the image of her leaning over him moments ago, unable to calm his thoughts.
Before they knew it, the Beginning of Winter had passed, and the trees outside were completely bare. Yining was helping Lin Hairu with the accounts. New winter clothes and cured meats had been distributed to each household, and some New Year goods had arrived early from the manor farms.
The days passed leisurely, and Yining had gained a few pounds and grown slightly taller. But not by much – it seemed her height would at most reach Luo Shen Yuan’s shoulder, with little room for further growth. This worried Yining, and she often asked the kitchen to prepare bone broth. She also consumed a fair amount of sheep’s milk and the like.
While her height hadn’t increased much, she had become more curvaceous.
Lin Hairu held Yining’s wrist, examining it closely, and told her, “Your frame is naturally small. Don’t fuss over it anymore. Be careful not to become the little chubby girl you once were.”
Yining had indeed grown tired of these foods and was looking to change her diet.
While calculating the monthly allowance for Concubine Guo’s household, the accounts didn’t quite match up. Upon closer inspection, Yining noticed extra expenses for Luo Xuan Yuan’s quarters – Luo Cheng Zhang had added two more maids for him.
“Your father is most generous to Xuan’er,” Lin Hairu said dismissively upon hearing Yining’s observation. “If it weren’t for your Third Brother, your father would surely focus all his efforts on nurturing him.”
Shortly after, Luo Xuan Yuan came from the outer courtyard to pay his respects. He now studied at the Cheng family’s clan school and rarely came to pay respects.
Lin Hairu directly asked him about the maids.
Luo Xuan Yuan’s face, strikingly similar to the Third Brother’s in his youth, showed a slight smile: “Mother need not worry. I’ve already sent those two young maids to serve the Concubine. I don’t need them. If Third Brother asks, please explain this to him on my behalf.”
Yining felt a sense of disorientation looking at him. Fortunately, compared to Luo Shen Yuan, Luo Xuan Yuan was slightly more delicate in appearance, otherwise, the resemblance would be even more striking.
“It doesn’t matter how many maids you use, as long as you study hard,” Lin Hairu could only offer these few sincere words to Luo Xuan Yuan before dismissing him.
Luo Xuan Yuan respectfully acknowledged and took his leave, his tall, slender figure quickly disappearing.
Watching his retreating figure, Yining thoughtfully remarked, “Concubine Guo has taught him well. I find him more sensible and sharp-minded.”
“With your Third Brother around, it’s not like he could turn the world upside down. If he dares to cause any trouble, your Third Brother would finish him off… Don’t be fooled by his young age; he’s quite clever,” Lin Hairu might lack education, but she wasn’t truly foolish.
“Anyway, let’s not talk about this. In a few days, you’ll be coming with me to attend a wedding,” Lin Hairu said with a grin. “It’s the Cheng family’s Fourth Young Master, your cousin Cheng Lang marrying Xie Yun. This marriage has stirred up half the capital. The Empress personally bestowed a dowry, and the Emperor even sent people to present Xie Yun with a complete set of phoenix crowns and embroidered robes. The crown is studded with countless pearls and jewels – it dazzled my eyes. The spectacle is almost comparable to a princess’s wedding. The Cheng family members are walking with their heads held high now.”
Yining remembered that Xie Yun’s wedding procession was indeed grand, with a ten-mile-long parade of dowry gifts.
It was less than five days away. She hadn’t expected it to come so soon.
In the end, Cheng Lang was still marrying Xie Yun.